Frayed Jeans if you're over fifty?

Morning, hope you're weekend went smoothly.  Has the weather been acceptable?

I've had a busy weekend, so I'm looking forward to getting ready for a weekend away.
Pop by next Thursday to see what I'm planning on packing.  Let's hope I can throw some colours into the mix, unlike my previous experience, you can check out if you think I failed at my last attempt here

The answer most definitely it Yes!

Thought I'd share my DIY frayed jeans with you.
Having seen these everywhere and wanting a piece of the action, I quickly followed suit.
I bought these jeans in the Zara Sale a couple of seasons ago, I was happy with how they looked, but knew they'd look even better frayed.
With the help of youngest daughter I set to work, snipping, pulling and cutting to my hearts content, she did the same, but maybe we should have communicated a little more, because the finished result revealed I'd left mine very much frayed and stringy, where as she's cut hers neat and tidy - you realise I mean we both had a leg each and not separate jeans.  This was one mix and match that really didn't work - lol!

We managed to match them up by more fraying and cutting on the other leg!
It's not how you start but how you finish! Ha ha ha.



This is the finished effect. 
Enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful March day.  It's really starting to feel like Spring - with the sun shinning, birds chirping and the daffodils in full bloom, it was nice to be out in the fresh air.

Here's how my attempt (with daughter) turned out ... I think they look great, and probably even better when they've been washed!

Pairing my jeans with this beautiful half silk, half jersey blouse, featuring the beautiful Hydrangea bloom in shades of pale blue. I fell in love with the soft blue colours and figured this would look perfect with jeans, finishing off with a sale bargain from Florence and Fred last year, this stunning summer blue longer line cardigan is just the job for a spring outfit, and will brighten up your darkest day. 
I think it may have cost around £7 which proves it's always worth taking a peek in F & F when doing a food shop, you never know what little bargains might find their way into your trolley along with the sprouts!  ;-)

Got a couple of mins spare?  Pop over to see Nicole from High latitude Style I was lucky enough to be featured!
Linking up with Notdressedaslamb  and Elegantlydressedandstylish today.

So much appreciation for Esther Ruby for taking these photos for me, again they've turned out brilliantly.

Hope to see you on Thursday, but until then have fun, maybe in the sun? X

(Very proud to have managed to add a custom signature to my blog - that was a minefield, but hey I eventually succeeded!)

Co-host Thursday Fashion Files - Pretty scarf with frayed jeans.

Hi there - how's everyone in blogging land?

I'm so pleased to be co-hosting with Carrie and Jill on the Thursday Fashion Files.

After a busy weekend and being out on a 'school night' earlier on in the week, I'm looking forward to a chilled, relaxed, leisurely weekend (let's see how that pans out). 
On Tuesday evening we headed off to see my mum-in-law as it was her birthday, some 26 of us tucked into Indian and Chinese take-away!  This was the usual joyous, bustling, loud and busy affair - jostling for seats, plates and cutlery - well who has enough of these to accommodate 26 people?  Anyhow we all managed to sit, eat, drink and be very merry indeed!
Once toasted, we all sang the obvious 'Happy Birthday' and mum dutifully blew the candles out - this being repeated so as the little ones could all have a go!  Does this happen in your house?

Here's a quick glimpse of some Lemon Drizzle Cup Cakes  I made for the gathering, they were very sticky but very yummy, even if I say so myself :-)

Featuring this casual look today,

Started off by wearing this outfit with green jeans see them on my instagram, but the consensus was a big thumbs down from son, daughter and god-daughter, so I took the green jeans out of the equation and popped in my lovely frayed hem jeans - you can see when I first worn them here.  Much more suitable, making this outfit casual, appealing and almost patriotic.

How do you feel about the green jeans?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I really don't think you can go wrong with this colour combination, denim blue, red, white and a little bit of sassy pewter, pulled together with this scarf I bought in Primark a few weeks ago, check out what I also wore it with here. 

You can see just how pretty this scarf is with the dainty flowers arranged over it in colours ranging from faint coral to salmon pink, with woodland brown inbetween.

These jewel adorned pumps came from M & S a while ago really need to be down graded to the bin!

I've spotted a cute pair of silver/pewter mules in M & S that might have to find their way into my shoe collection sometime in the very near future!


Catch up with you on Monday - I hope you've enjoyed the link up, I certainly have!


Thanks for my super photos Esther Ruby. X

Bonmarche - another two garments to share.

Morning - hope it's a good one for you all.


Today I'm showing a casual look with these two special items from Bonmarche

Have you seen this fabric called plisse in the stores?
Material that's been treated to create a permanent puckered or crinkled effect.  I've got quite a Crush on this plisse-piece. Hands up to creases that are meant to be there!!
I spotted this while perusing the Bonmarche website, the Plisse top* struck me and I fell for it straight away.  I knew it would look super with jeans - both blue and white denim options, along with a more dressier choice of cropped trousers in any number of colours.  My most obvious would be black, however grey or red would equally be stunning.  The same can also be said about mixing with a skirt, it just so happens my daughter has just bought a red/orange beauty which I may have to .... err ... borrow!

Today my style is casual,  along the lines of let's pop-to-the-shop-feeling-relaxed look.  Wearing my DIY frayed Zara jeans today, you can find many similar choices that you can fray yourself here.

Let's get back to this plisse sleeveless top.  Liking the colours?  Who doesn't love ivory in the summer? Along with the refreshing orange flowers & graphite leaves making a great match.
And how about the roll neckline and tie detail at the back - simply stylish.
I challenged the idea of wearing a necklace, deciding to leave well alone - solely enjoying the design and style of this pretty little top.

My DIY frayed jeans make a welcome addition to my casual outfit.  Complimenting the colour of the leaves in the top, along with my grey wedge sandals, previously worn with my Pink lace Jacques Vert dress. 
These sandals were also comfortable enough to wear all day and night last year to family friend's wedding!

Keeping with the ivory theme, there's always room in your wardrobe for a elegant cover up*.
This lightweight jacket is the perfect accessory for summer nights, holidays and special occasions when a little 3/4 length sleeve, fasten free jacket will give you that bit extra in case it happens to be cool. This jacket will keep giving and giving making the £12 bargain thoroughly worth it.  Also available in orange - both will be perfect over the aforementioned plisse top.

In sizes 10 - 24 with free delivery in store, you'll be impressed to hear this dainty top has been reduced to just £15.

Top and Cover-up from Bonmarche
Jeans from Zara
Sandals from Faith at Debenhams.
Bag from Forever 21.


Esther Ruby kindly took the photos for me. X


Until Monday it's been great and I'm so happy you have joined me!  Hope you can pop back then as you'll find me embracing the next 5 Over 50 challenge.

Linking with Thursday Fashion Files.

Cheerio



Both these ** items have been gifted to me from Bonmarche, however these are 100% my own & honest opinions.

Peep toe booties.

Hi there, how are all the over fifty fashion bloggers (and everyone else) on this Monday morning?

Such fun evening on Saturday night, I had my prince and princess for the night!  All went well and considering they don't stay very often they were both brilliant.  I managed to watch my favourite Strictly Come Dancing, with a take away and one Gin & Tonic - yes only One wasn't I good?  Sorry to say the same can't be said about the curry, it seems new owners taken over our local restaurant without any notice, I hasten to add it was awful!
Number one priority for next week - find a new one!!
Sunday was another busy day with a few of the children, plus my cuties, for a Sunday Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings - finally settling down to a little nap and the results of #SCD - bliss. X

Do you remember me going on and on about peep toe boots?  Well you might have seen that I did find a pair from JD Williams so since then have been wearing them on and off whenever the weather has been amicable.
I figured they'd look super with any number of outfits, so today I thought I share the jeans and jumper option.

Bonmarche Skirt, Blouse & 'must have Jacket'.

Morning ladies,  how's it going?
Things are going well for me.
I had a wonderful night out on Saturday, we stayed in Tenterden, which is about an hour away from where I live.  Our evening plans were to ride on the Kent and East Sussex Railway which included a five course meal.  Pop back on Thursday for the full post plus the #chicandstylish #linkup

Recently I was very kindly asked to pick a few pieces from the new Bonmarche Spring collection and this jacket was top of my list.  Laurie from Vanity and Me Style also has the same jacket - great minds eh?  I have to say it's definitely the 'must have jacket'* of the season, and if you want a new jacket and only buy one I suggest you pick this one!  Season appropriate because it's going to compliment more-or-less any outfit.  You can dress it up with a flattering skirt or dress it down with jeans.  Have you guessed I love my new PU addition? PU-abulous!! Lol

Finally getting new phone arranged!

Hiya, hope all is good with you.

Feeling fine today, very positive because I had a very precise idea of what I wanted to wear today.

Seeing a blog yesterday, only the mule sandals and frayed jeans, so I thought I'd do my take on this look and make up the top half.

So donned faded mom jeans rolled up, showing my lovely white M and S mules similar Here.  The block heel makes for a safe step on all terrain especially grass, although I did change into my white pumps whilst playing with my granddaughter.  I'd promote these block heel sandals for
everyone, because they look so modern and in fashion.
Here's a shot of my new Florence and Fred white frilly top, that looked great paired with faded jeans and white sandals.  Pleased how this summery top fitted in with my blog-inspired-look.
What inspiration have you got from other blogs recently?  I'd love to hear from you.

New phone has been arranged, and I'm pleased and proud of the deal I've snagged with my provider, which proves when push comes to shove and you finally say I'm leaving you!  the provider comes up trumps with a smashing deal for me!  So much so I'm going to be the owner of a new IPhone 6 tomorrow (smug face appears).


Lunch with mum, eldest daughter and princess today, which was lovely sitting outside in the sun,  albeit slightly hot in the long jeans, I did miscalculate the weather, it was a scorcher today!
Home made pizza followed by jam doughnuts, see the diets going well lol.  Some more gymnastics in the garden today by way of forward rolls and balancing princess with extended arms, much more and America's Simone Biles may have to move over!!!

Bye for now everyone, off to cook dinner. X

                             Jacqui B.

"Out of Office" Tee shirt with DIY frayed Jeans.

Hi there my lovelies.

As the title says I'm 'Out of Office' today and for the next few days because I'm on holiday in Ibiza with hubby, my eldest, her hubby and my two grandchildren.  Rather a different holiday to my usual carefree weekends away, but I'm going to enjoy this one just as much if not more!
We're on an all inclusive hotel, which caters for families, so although that's the case, because it's still in term time, there won't be too many older kids around.  There's a fun swimming pool, with lots of water features and play areas, so I'm sure the kids will be having plenty of fun in the sun.  I'm hoping to visit the beach as the hotel is just next door, but princess keeps saying she doesn't like the sand in her toes (who does) & my prince will probably be eating it!!!

Today as I'm out of the office (house really 😂) I thought I better show you my recent purchase that came back with me from my recent trip to L'Escala.

LBT, Black Jeans & Shirt Dress with Cerise Pink.

Morning all.
Hope you're all okay.
I've had a quiet weekend.  Due to go out with friends but feeling slightly under par I didn't go. Hopefully it can be postponed - afternoon tea would have been right up my street, but fingers crossed I can go another day.
I was going through my jewellery box a few weeks when I was delighted to find the watch hubby bought me quite a few years ago - I'd spotted it in a shop window and recalled in detail just what the striking Dolce and Gabbana timepiece looked like - imagine my surprise when he presented it to me for our anniversary - it's quite noticeable and very unusual.  It needed a battery which I'd neglected and then forgotten to get, it's nice to be wearing it again - let me know if it's one you'd wear.
Later today I'm out with Esther taking photos, and I've got some great footwear to share with you along with an interesting pair of hand warmers too!  Do look out for them.

What to wear with a Boucle Coat.

Hi there everyone.

Hope all is good for you, are you ready for next weekend?

I'm finally there, just have to collect a couple of pieces I ordered online and get them wrapped then I'm done!

It'll be nice to enjoy the run up to the special day this year, as I think it's one of the first I'm not running around like a headless chicken at this stage of the game .. lol!

David had a couple of bits to do on the new build over the weekend.  Two big steels had to be fixed to the footings and he managed to get it done albeit in the cold and damp weather.  The bricks have now been delivered too, we had to get them passed by the council because we live in a conservation area.  They are ready and waiting to be laid which will most probably be in January ... I hope! 

So the jeans are a dark wash, which I prefer to wear in the Winter.

So today's outfit is one I've been wearing before we had snow.  The boots are suede so I didn't want to ruin them and the coat is a tad short and quite thin to wear in the extreme temps we've had recently, so I've been wearing my padded maxi at every opportunity, which has kept me dry and toasty warm.

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.

Loafers from Lotus + Jeans, Tee Shirt & Duster.

Hello my lovely friends.

How you all doing?

Not much went on over the weekend, just been watching Euro 2020, but I'm not even going to mention the England - Scotland match, that's better left un-said! (Nil - Nil) in case you didn't know!!! 

If you follow me on IG you may have seen I was lucky enough to go to the local Nicholson's Pub* on Thursday.  I was gifted an experience with them to watch the footy at The Buttermarket, so hubby and I had a lovely evening enjoying some drinks and a nice meal watching it.  Denmark were playing Belgium & the score of 1 all proved exciting to watch, such a shame that the next day our team couldn't emulate that thrilling game!

With changeable weather again, I've been between outfits, the cooler dresses have been replaced with jeans, tee shirts and cardi's,  I even wore a jacket last Friday when it was tipping it down!  I managed to cut both front and back lawns before the rain set in, so that may be kept at bay for a bit.  I'm sure as soon as the sun's out, it'll need doing again! 

This week I'll be getting prepared for Friday.  It's race day for my son when two years of preparation finally comes to fruition.  You can read about his first attempt here and also my older son's race day here too.

This year we are team white, not the best colour to be wearing with the grand-kids around - I'll try and take photos earlier rather than later. Ha ha.

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.

White Jeans & Yellow Blouse - Style Steal

Hi there.  Hope you're all doing well.
In case you didn't know I'm on holiday with hubby, eldest daughter and her family.  Last minute glitches with my net meant I was sent into panic mode having no internet to finish off my scheduled posts.  I managed to gain a 'hotspot' from my phone - yes I was impressed to do this too - so with fingers crossed you should be reading this on Monday!


The third Monday of June means it's Style Steal time.  Each month I try to emulate another persons style.  Sometimes I copy an actual outfit, other times I wear the same colours and have also been know to copy a style or even a title!
Today's steal was linked on the #chicandstylish party.  I liked it the moment I set eyes on it, and knew I would just HAVE to use it.  Having got all the pieces already in my wardrobe it wasn't a hard one at all!

Black & White Stripes with Ecru Jeans -Chic & Stylish #LINKUP

Hi there everyone. 

Is your week going well?

Just normal stuff for me with Max’s birthday yesterday which was the highlight!  He’s 2 and I can’t believe how quickly the past two years have gone. He’s living with me, along with his mum and dad as their house is still being extended. Therefore, yes it was a mad house with all the family and a few friends calling in on the afternoon. We had easy to prepare hotdogs, chips and onion rings washed down with beers (for the boys) and Prosecco … for me and my daughters. We had a chocolate and kinder cake which was so tasty and made by my daughter … Little Berry Bakes … you’ve seen her cakes but in case you haven’t here’s a link to her IG account. 

I’ve started to think about Christmas now and am seriously considering putting the decorations up this weekend - too early? Nah not for me I love to see them covering the house and making everything festive. I also want to do some table scaping - is that a word? I think so. I understand it’s making the dinning table all pretty and Christmassy, any pointers or ideas greatly appreciated. When do you put your decs up? 

Are you a fan of stripes?

I rather enjoy adding them to an outfit and feel a Parisian vibe whenever I don them. I was excited to receive this striking knitted jumper the other week and could not wait to style it because stripes always look fashionable eh? Do let me know your thoughts on my banded beauty. 

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own comments. 

M & S Blouse three ways or more!

Hi there lovelies, how you all doing?
I have to say I've had a wonderful weekend, you might be thinking I been out shopping, out for a interesting evening or spending the night with great company, eating gourmet food and drinking delicious wine, but you'd be wrong.  Actually I've been gardening with hubby and then sitting on the sofa watching TV with a takeaway!  I've had a brilliant weekend.  The weather was delightful, warm and sunny with a real Spring feel which is about bloody time really!  Better weather always gives me a spring in my step along with renewed energy that evades me over the winter period.  We managed to cut the grass, trim the hedge and generally tidy up some of our over-grown garden.  So happy with the results, but there's still a lot to do.

Do you remember the pretty lilac blouse I purchased from good old M & S?  Turns out my former 5Over50 colleague Gail had bought the very same one!

Still Wearing Summer Dresses - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and thanks for joining me today.

Hope you're week is going well, stay focused it's nearly the weekend!

Well this is what September looks like. I'm almost looking forward to the next season are you?

I can't wait to see what new colours and styles will have us swooning over, have you bought anything for the new season yet?

Having just got back from Sicily on Monday I've not had a chance to get into town to see what's around.  You know I hate shopping online, but maybe I'll have to bite the bullet and get looking on there.

It's still hot here, well I think it is.  So I'm still eking out my Summer dresses and this one had to be worn again - with new sandals of course. 😏

I have to admit tying them up took a few attempts and I have to pull them really tight to make sure they don't slip down.  I like everything about them from the little frayed edge to the wedge platform they have.

Style not Age - Dotty for Polka Dots.

Hello my over fifty and over forty friends & everyone else too. 😍

How are you all?
I can't believe how quickly this months challenge has come round!
Yes it's the Style not Age monthly post and I'm in the driving seat.
My brain has been working overload to find an interesting and topical prompt.
..... and so it appeared after running through a few web pages.

Dotty for Polka Dots.

Polka dots are spreading like measles spots, so why not join the party and invest in an item or two. I bought two tops for this challenge, but as soon as I put this outfit together I knew this was the one.

5Over 50 - These boots were made for walking.

Hi there - so pleased you could stop by.
Today is the November 5Over50 style challenge.

I hope you've been watching the previous months, but if not here's a link to check Last months here.
Today's task was set by Anna - see her blog right here. I had the pleasure of meeting up with
Anna & Gail from the 5Over50 Group, you can see our meeting on the London Eye.

These boots were made for walking!

For me this should have been a walk in the park - sorry just had to do that!
I've got endless ankle boots that would fit the purpose beautifully, but alas not many knee high boots!  The reason being my rather large calves!  I struggle to find boots that will fit my ample legs, so with plenty of searching both on line and in the stores I'm sad to say I came up with big fat zero!
After telling you all on my Lotus blog post that my ankle boot collection was complete - I've bought another pair, opps!   These will look charming in the challenge, so by the time I got to the till, my outfit was chosen in my head!  No more strolling round the shops or ambling up and down the high street - my quest for boots was over.

Marvellous Metallics - 5 OVER 50!

Morning, how's Monday going?

I can't believe how quickly June has arrived.
Have you remembered what's happening today?
Yes it's 5 OVER 50 challenge again.






Our objective today has been prompted by Anna from Anna's Island Style, she's set us the task of styling Marvellous Metallics!
Up until my birthday I hadn't got the foggiest idea what to do for this challenge, but hey presto I got the perfect gift from a great friend and the outfit fell into place!  Why does that happen? 

Starting with this Zara bag (my birthday gift), I worked my way around styling an outfit from garments that were already in my wardrobe: Black peg trousers, years old from TK Maxx, a silky go-to black top from Matalan making a frame to build upon.  Adding on silver boots & infinity scarf to complete the look.
There's a story behind the boots, my god-daughter arrived with a present for me - these metallic cuties, she'd picked them up in the Primark sale for.... wait for it £1  !!! I mean how can that not be bargain of the year?  They suitably fitted the criteria along with this pretty metallic foil print
scarf which was the only piece I bought and came from F & F.

This pale blue scarf from F & F was £6.  With pretty silver foil stars upon it, it's a heavenly addition to my marvellous metallic combination.

How stunning is this silver metallic bag, the solid silver chain a sturdy link that can be changed from a long length to a shorter handle.  I know I'll use this time and time again in the coming months, it's a perfect accessory for summer, but will be equally as useful come the winter months.

Esther Ruby and I had a fun filled couple of hours down at the beach resulting in these amusing shots, can't remember what was so funny in the last photo, but must be something along the lines of me sitting in a weird way and her saying "no - don't do that" lol.

Lets catch up with the other four ladies, to see what they've exacted from the challenge:

Meet Anna...

Her love of mixing patterns in just the right way makes way for some interesting and stunning outfits, I'm learning a thing or two from this lovely lady, and she's inspiring me to amalgamate my patterns.

  You can view more of Anna's fashionable style here on her IG page.

Ashley from Lazy Daisy Jones.

Delve into Ashley's blog to encounter fabulous creative ideas for you home and your fashion, from crochet to styling frayed jeans - there's so much to muse over.

Catch Ashley on IG here.

Gail from Is This Mutton?

Seeing Gail's blog I instantly liked her style, so many similarities to mine, and plenty of styles for me to 'copy'!

You can find Gail on IG Here.

Laurie from Vanity and Me

Sophisticated and very stylish, Laurie has a perfect style that I love, looking effortlessly chic in all her more neutral outfits, we too have similar styles and have often mused over or bought the same item!

You can find Laurie on IG at Vanity and Me.


Pop over to visit these blogs, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find, and if like me you're an lady over fifty they'll be something in all the blogs you'll love!


I hope you're enjoyed the second instalment of  5 Over 50 - I've certainly had fun participating in it.

So I'll be back on Thursday with an up-date of my weekend in Cornwall and mid-week break in Spain.



Bye for today. X