Spring at Hambleton Hall

When I recently wrote about our lovely afternoon at Hambleton Hall, I did mention a follow-up outfit post. Hambleton hall is a special place so I was going to make a little more effort than I normally do for Saturday afternoon shenanigans. Sadly, I felt like my efforts didn't quite live up to the illustrious surroundings and its temporary inhabitants. However (and hence), this is more than just an outfit post.  Pardon the cliche but spring had sprung and the gardens at Hambleton were beautiful and photo-worthy. In contrast to the spring blooms but sympathetic to the majestic stone architecture, I strayed from my signature bright colours to a much more muted look.

The highlight of my ensemble was my beloved Emma Cook printed silk skirt. I'd stalked the skirt for nearly two years until I found it recently via eBay at a tiny fraction of the original price. I believe that when you choose truly special items, they continue to bring joy even if a few seasons old. I've teamed by skirt with a classic black panel top from the Cos sale (highly recommended for classic minimalistic and quality items). And, do you remember my £4.50 charity shop black leather boots? The £600ish outfit ( top, skirt and shoes) was bought for less than a tenth of the retail price and was worn with pride and joy.

Have you found a great bargain recently? Or perhaps assembled an ethically fashioned outfit? I'd love to know. Ann x

Top: Cos, Skirt: Emma Cook, Boots: Clarks: Bag: Michael Kors

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Photography by Edward Chandler

Mixing it up a little

I subscribe to a style that is both whimsical and eclectic; be it in the form of  giant candy shaped bags or hot pink skirts that have made friends with a bit too much plastic. I believe that the clothes you wear, and more importantly, the way you wear them play a big role in your sense of cheerfulness.
The English weather has been rather hit and miss of late and I needed to inject a big dose of cheer into my day. So for our little Saturday morning trip into town to see friends, I chose to mix it up a bit. I paired a nice classic cashmere with a playful skirt from Monki , a pair of converse trainers with a lovely silk scarf, and topped it all of it with sweet shaped bag! I looked at the mirror and smiled :) My husband insisted that I looked completely bonkers but that didn't really put me off. Here is a little secret; I like dressing bonkers just to make people laugh. After all, life's too short to dress like you are in mourning!

In case you were wondering why I'm stood in front of an Indianesque sculpture, this photo was taken at The Banyan Tree, a local Indian restaurant. We rarely visit Indian restaurants as we cook Indian food at home and the westernised offerings we get at restaurants rarely measures up.The food at The Banyan Tree was nice enough but I particularly liked their choice of beverages which included mint tea. Personally, I think its more Moroccan than Indian but it works well in cooling your tummy after a hot curry.

What do you make of my outfit? Would wear Converse with silk and cashmere ( and giant candy bags) ? Have you been up to any quirky styling of late? Ann x

Wearing: Lands's End Cashmere Jumper, Moschino silk scarf, Monki Tamary Skirt, vintage Converse, Margiela Candy Clutch

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