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!