Monday 27 November 2017

Window on the world

The office I spend my working days in is on the fifth floor, with huge windows opening up to a view of Antwerp's impressive cathedral (built between 1352 and 1521), across a jumble of rooftops.

After twenty two years, the excitement of having this unique view has somewhat paled, but it still prompts me often enough to get out my camera.



The weather as well as the changing seasons offer an inexhaustible variety of snapshots which never fail to delight my photographic eye.



The view is flanked by a looming monstrosity of a concrete office building dating from the 1960s on one side, and Europe's first skyscraper completed in 1931 on the other.

When the weather is stormy, the howling wind is amplified by the loftiness of the skyscraper, in whose perimeter there are currents of wind on even the calmest of days.



The rain lashing against the windows makes me look up from what I'm doing and, standing in front of the windows I look out on the soggy streets where tiny people are carrying umbrellas, their heads bent, their bodies struggling against the wind.

Looking westward, away from the cathedral and to the left of the skyscraper, I am regaled by glorious pink and orange sunsets after crisp and sunny Winter days, with a blinding fiery orange sun disappearing below the rooftops and the eternal cranes dominating the horizon.



One of the perks of working in the city centre is that I can make a quick dash to the shops during lunch breaks, although it can be quite busy, especially during school holidays and, of course, in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Another perk is that all three of the Think Twice shops are within walking distance, especially when, as in the week before last, they are having one of their sales.

These were this month's € 4 finds:



I love the print on this blouse, which features stylish vintage-clad ladies. The A-line Tweed skirt was another Think Twice find from a couple of years ago. It's currently in quarantaine, as I find it has become a tiny bit too snug. Not on Angelica though: she's much better at staying off the munchies than I am.



There was another pussy bow dress, which I have a weakness for. This one is  handmade and has a funky pattern in shades of brown.



How could I resist this magnificent wool coat trimmed with faux fur?

Its "luxury loomed" warmth will come in handy as cold weather has been forecasted for this week.



Further finds were a skirt and blouse, both featuring in my outfit of the weekend before last.

When I showed my finds to Jos, it struck me that they would actually make a fine pair, so I built Saturday's outfit around them.



A sparkly turquoise material with a black geometric print made up this gorgeous midi skirt.

The label of the black floral print blouse is so pristine that I suspect it was never worn. To keep the flowers company, I chose the butterfly (or moth!) brooch from my last flea market bounty.



I added a wide black belt with a round buckle, which must be one of the oldest belts in my collection, in terms of ownership ...

The black velvet choker was an impulse buy from a village high street shop and complimented my outfit perfectly.



For contrast, I added an orange cardie, to which I pinned the sparkly ladybird brooch from the same flea market bounty as the butterfly.

I can't remember where I got the butterfly ring, the colours of which compliment my outfit.



You've already seen my trusted Tweed jacket many times before, but as it is the perfect jacket for this time of year, it's getting a lot of mileage. This time I added a gold tone brooch with a green stone encircled by tiny pearls, bought from the Brooch Lady back in April.

While browsing at another budget high street shop in our village, I stumbled upon this snuggly "faux sheep" gilet, which happened to find its way into my basket.



We were off to do some charity shopping, but pickings were not what we'd hoped.


The floral bag is another one by Kitsch Kitchen. While they retail for € 25 or more depending on the size, I paid just € 3 for mine. For some reason, I keep coming across these bags in the charity shops. They are waterproof and so perfect for travelling.

I am always on the lookout for belts with unusual buckles, so these two were no brainers!


Boots are another weakness, but as they are worn on a daily basis in the Winter months, variety is a necessity. These are in perfect condition and only cost € 6.

Meanwhile, the postman brought a parcel from a blogging friend, which I will tell you all about in my next post!

I am linking again to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style!

38 comments:

  1. The skirt, fluffy gilet and boots are wonderful, loving the figurative print blouse, too.
    Can I believe I sold a dress identical to your pussy bow number at the Classic Car Boot in London. the lady was thrilled to bits with it.
    What a gorgeous view you have from the office window. Twenty-two years in the same place? That's a rarity these days! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was sure the pussy bow dress was handmade, but if you sold an identical one, it must have lost its label! I started working at the office two weeks after Jos and I got married, which will be 23 years in February. xxx

      Delete
  2. Oh that view from your window! It's thrilling. Love your new acquisitions too, esp that fine wool coat. Thanks for linking, xo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Patti! I must say that the view never tires. xxx

      Delete
  3. What stunning views from your office window, not so much the rainy one though. Fantastic TT bargains! A wool coat for €4 is insane, I love the geometric print skirt and vintage figures blouse and I'm so envious of those boots. Now getting notified of your posts...yay!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Fiona! I'm glad it worked ;-) Forgot to tell you there's a T2 shop in Bruges, but you probably wouldn't have had the time to visit it. xxx

      Delete
  4. I love your skirt, it's just the sort of thing I would wear.
    The view from your office window in vhanging weather is brilliant. What a great view. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sally! The cathedral photos were all taken recently, it looks totally different in Spring and Summer, obviously. But at this time of year, it's at its most picturesque! xxx

      Delete
  5. Aren't you lucky to have such a wonderful view of the cathedral!

    I loved your finds. The vintage clad ladies blouse is particularly pretty and I loved your green midi skirt and floral top. All those lovely brooches! Your fur gilet is fab and they are so useful...

    We are in for very cold weather too; so stay warm!
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica! It's been quite cold here too, but I prefer it to the full on rainy days we had last week. Those were just horrible! xxx

      Delete
  6. 22 years with that view? Wow. You don't hear of that happening anymore.

    You and I have almost the exact same tastes. I'm in love with all the pieces you picked up. That novelty print blouse with the Art Deco women is gorgeous! I'm a big sucker for pussy bow blouses or dresses. And boots...Ha! don't get me started on my boot obsession. You picked everything up for a steal and they all look great.

    Suzanne


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's going on 23 years actually. The good thing about my job is that I'm more or less my own boss (big boss is in Miami) and I can wear what I want. I would be very unhappy otherwise ... xxx

      Delete
  7. Such great scores on your finds - I love the things you pick out. I have a high intersection of your taste.

    I also work in my city's downtown, but it's not as interesting as yours! Wow, what amazing views.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once I'm there, I love being in the centre of Antwerp, but I could do without the commute, especially this time of year ... Oh, and a large Essentiel shop will be opening in January. Have to think of you every time I drive past! xxx

      Delete
  8. such a wonderful view from your office, so much better than mine!. I miss the time where I worked in the city centre, but I hope I'll be back soon!
    And so amazing purchases, I love that blouse with the 'vintage ladies', the pussy bow dress and the coat which looks really cozy!. And also lovely ensemble, lovely mixed prints and the contrasting cardi looks perfect!, and all those brooches are fabulous!
    Lovely cute bags too!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica! Will you be changing jobs then? Working in the city centre does have its advantages, doesn't it? xxx

      Delete
  9. You have fab views from your office - it's amazing how different the buildings look in different light. I have a lovely view of a car park from mine, but at least the canal runs beside it...

    You've got some good finds there. Do your charity shops have less in the run-up to Christmas? Ours seem to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do realize the view is quite special, and there's a car park too ;-) Our charity shops are a bit up and down lately. I wouldn't say they have less, but it's very Christmas orientated. We even went to one which had a Christmas market today, complete with mulled wine and hot chocolate! Oh dear ... xxx

      Delete
  10. Fabulous views from your office window! Isn't it great how the weather and light changes all the time? I love that coat! And I really love your ensemble with the turquoise skirt and tweed jacket.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda. Blogging about that view makes me look at it with fresh eyes, but it is never ever boring ... xxx

      Delete
  11. there was an impressionist who painted a french cathedral many times in different lights...... ???
    very chic blouse and bow dress - this styles are gorgeous on you! and look! now you mix the patterns like a pro! this is a stunning ensemble - i love it even more with the fluffy waistcoat. and of cause this is a butterfly with its gamin body - moths are more on the plus-size side ;-D
    the english coat is fab and looks very warm and will suit you very well. and those boots!!! wow!
    hugest hugs! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Beate! As I've said before, I learned to mix patterns from the best! I'm glad you cleared up the butterfly/moth dilemma too. Have been wearing the coat all week! xxx

      Delete
  12. I couldn't agree with you more! Variety is important when it comes to winter boots! Rotating boots you wear will ensure theyblast longer. I love your outfit! Isn't it wonderful when thrifting gods bestow you with insta-outfits!

    Happy thrifting ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love the insta-outfit moments. Doesn't happen often enough, though. I'm glad you agree on the variety of boots. Bought another pair today ... xxx

      Delete
  13. What beautiful views you have from work! I just look out on to other office buildings and the odd tree.
    And gosh that fur trimmed coat is gorgeous!! It looks so snuggly and warm. Please don't tell me that was €4 as well!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cate! Blogging about it makes me realize how beautiful it is. And yes, the coat was € 4 too. That's crazy, isn't it? xxx

      Delete
  14. Oh the butterfly brooch is just perfect on that pattern! Some great finds, I'm rather jealous of those boots!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Hazel. Those boots are lovely, aren't they? I've been quite lucky in the boots department lately. xxx

      Delete
  15. Gorgeous office views! I loved some of mine, we used to get the starlings flying around the city centre at dusk, and sweeping over the building! Love the sheepskin gilet and boots, and the blouse with the 1920's ladies on is fab!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those starlings at dusk must have been a sight to behold! I happened to be looking out of our cottage's skylight in Wales, when a murmuration of them came sweeping over, which was just fantastic! xxx

      Delete
  16. Wow that coat is beautiful-what a lucky find. Thank you for sharing the view from your office window-I'd have a hard time focusing onwork with a view like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Goody, I've already been making good use of that coat. I have to admit that I often pause to look outside those windows ... xxx

      Delete
  17. What an amazing post! The first half is poetic in so many ways! I love the impressionistic photo - through the rainy window. You have one of the best views perhaps in the world, Ann!

    Well, it's hard to compete with Angelica's willpower :))) - but you look smashing in your outfits always! I love the new finds, that vintage ladies print blouse and red-brown handmade dress are my favorites! And the coat!!!

    Can't wait to learn what you received from your friend!
    Lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Natalia. That photo was a lucky shot with my phone's camera! I'm not even going to try competing with Angelica, not as long as there's Belgian chocolate! xxx

      Delete
  18. The fur trimmed coat is spectacular! You will be a winter Princess in it! I like the shots of your view from where you work, maybe I should do the same? I work also near a city centre, and also have a fairly ugly building close near by, as well as some rather beautiful ones.

    Great boots too - you can never have enough when you live in a cold and wet climate!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been wearing the coat all week, it's such a joy to wear, warm but not too heavy. Would love to see your office views. Cardiff, isn't it? xxx

      Delete
  19. Oooh, those photos are aaaaaaaaaamazing, particularly the 4 views for the first one! I loved the fur trimmed coat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you love those photos, Kezzie. I must have taken dozens of photos of the cathedral since I've had my new phone which has a rather decent camera. xxx

      Delete