Sunday 13 January 2019

Pleats please!

As the year was creeping steadily towards its end, we spent our days happily doing nothing much at all.

We slept late, which in our case meant getting up past 8 am, and made plans for the day while enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Then, it was time for me to play with my wardrobe. Oh happy days!

On this day at the tail end of December, I had a craving for pleats! The fit and flare frock, with its pleated skirt, was a Think Twice find back in 2017, which I customized by adding a new set of buttons (see here). I love the sprinkling of pink flowers on a cobalt blue background.


Clouds had gathered, chasing away any lingering sunshine, but as there was no sign of rain just yet, we cleared our fuzzy heads with a walk in the park, halting at the new playground for outfit photos.

Gymnastics, particularly of the climbing variety, have never been my forte, so there was no way I was going to climb this rope ladder, especially as there would be much protesting from my bad knee if I did.



Nature seems to be in a state of confusion. She certainly has her seasons mixed up, thinking it is one long Autumn rather than Winter, displaying a profusion of fungi among the mushy carpet of leaves.

Elsewhere, there were early signs of Spring, as some of the bare pussy willow branches were already sporting the first of their furry catkins.


Meanwhile, back at the playground, I was still doing my acrobat impersonation. Rather unsuccessfully, I hasten to add. 

But at least it allowed me to show you a close up of my dress's print, my lilac opaques, blue boots and a bit of my vintage slip.

On top, I added my faithful fake fur, a red scarf, a cobalt blue beret and a pair of golden gloves.

Only the gloves and opaques were bought news. They were both bargains picked up at last Winter's sales. 


Jos is still happily wearing my Dad's coat, this time accompanied by a new-to-him green hat, a € 5 find at December's flea market.

Winter allows the park's bare bones to shine through, with the skeleton trees in a starring role. 

Well away from the beaten path, this heron had found a quiet place for a spot of fishing. But then I came along with my big bad camera. I tried to tiptoe closer but then it took wing.


Mid afternoon, and it was already getting dark. This really is the bleak midwinter, even though we were spared the frosty wind, nor was there any sign of snow.


Actually, it was unseasonably warm and mild enough to wear my coat open and show you my dress, with my snakeskin belt at my waist. The wooden disc necklace was bought from Accessorize, who used to have a shop here in Antwerp many years ago, while the vintage brooch pinned to my cardigan, a grey plastic dog wearing a sugar pink collar, was a flea market find.


We nipped into the nearby charity shop before returning home. My loot that day were a handful of necklaces, a small green evening bag and a blue glass bracelet.

I immediately recognized it as the little sister of the red one I already had and which I bought brand new at the time. I certainly paid a lot more for it than the € 0,50 I paid for its little sister. Their pretty glass beads remind me of one of those Millefiori paperweights!



Another day, another pleated dress! I wore this one a couple of days later. It is very similar in style and shape as the one I wore the other day. Its print has lots of tiny squares in blue, pink, red, lilac and turquoise, and its bodice closes with a row of small red buttons.


I wore turquoise tights and added a wide turquoise belt and a teal and pink cardigan with the cutest buttons ever, both of which were charity shop finds.

Accessories were a funky white metal necklace, which I've had for such a long time that I can't for the life of me remember where it came from, and a fish brooch bought as a holiday souvenir in Ypres.


My outerwear consisted of a vintage new wool jacket in a gorgeous shade of teal, with a strokable grey furry collar. I've bought it at Think Twice a while ago, but I seem to have forgotten to mention it on the blog. My fluffy turquoise scarf and raspberry beret completed my outfit, which I wore to run some errands in our village. I really don't need any reason to dress up!


And then it was New Year's Eve, which we hosted this year. 

I initially planned to wear something completely different, but when push came to shove I felt more comfortable and confident in this vintage maxi dress.

It was a very impromptu outfit, which came together without any forward planning. I just threw my yellow, cropped, short-sleeved cardigan on top, and added the lime green beaded necklace I'd found at the charity shop earlier that week. I was also wearing these holographic floral velvet booties, but they weren't caught on camera.


Jos wore jeans and a red striped shirt with a waistcoat on top. The Ascot he is proudly wearing was a gift from Vix and Jon when we met them back in June.

We had our friends Inez, Ingrid and Maurice over. Ingrid provided the appetizers and the starter, a tasty smoked salmon cocktail.

The main course was ours: chicken fillets on bacon, topped with onions, mushrooms and herby butter, baked in foil in the oven, and accompanied by fried potatoes and a salad. But I'd forgotten to take photographs by then, so you'll have to use your imagination!


Inez came bearing marzipan petit fours for dessert, while Jos donned his cook's apron and was having a barista moment.

And of course, the girls had to pose for a photograph like we did last year!

So, that was 2018, done and dusted.

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style when the link is up!


38 comments:

  1. It doesn't surprise me that you chose the maxi for New Year's Eve. They are one of the most comfy and easy pieces to wear and the blue is gorgeous on you.

    Don't those petit fours look lovely?

    I was thinking it looked quite balmy there for January. We are back below freezing here but luckily have escaped the snow this year. Life is so much easier when you're not trying to navigate massive snow banks and slush.

    I've been wanting to ask you what your job is. I can't remember if you said before or not. I started to think it must be translator since your English is so advanced.

    Happy New Year!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. We've just had our first batch of snow today ... Anyway, to answer your question about my job. I am not a translator, I just work in trading, where the main language is English. But I've inherited a love of the English language from my Dad, have been visiting the UK for as long as I can remember, and have been reading almost exclusively in English since I was sixteen. I never realized I could write before I started blogging. And I'm learning so much from blogging at the same time. Thank you for your kind words and interest, Suzanne <3 <3 <3

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  2. I absolutely love that first outfit, Ann! That dress is gorgeous and I love the colours and print. The opaques and boots are fabulous too, as are all of your accessories! How funny to see "our" bracelet in blue!;) It's so pretty and what a great deal! Hope you have a great week ahead, Ann! XXX

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    1. Thank you Sasha. You know, I instantly thought of you when I saw that bracelet! xxx

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  3. Seasons are mixed up here, too. Love the blue boots!

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  4. That sounds like a perfect way to ring in the new year with friends, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. I love those pleats but it is your blue maxi that has me spellbound-what a beauty of a dress.

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    1. Thank you Goody, it was indeed the perfect New Year's Eve. I'm no longer a party animal :-) so a relaxing evening with friends - ending in a game of Trivial Pursuit - is all I need. xxx

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  5. It does seem that the seasons are a little blurred, we have catkins galore, and Spring bulbs coming up fast! I had a craving for pleats some months ago, and bought a dress that I am yet to wear. Yours are lovely, especially the bright pink on blue. And you can never have too many jackets when you live in our climate, so the blue one will get lots of wear I'm sure. X

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    1. We've got some Spring bulbs coming up too. They'll be in for a shock now that it has started freezing. Poor things! Oh, and I agree you can't have too many jackets or coats. Can't wear the same old thing all the time, can we? xxx

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  6. Love all the blue! Certainly brightens up dull days.

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    1. Thank you Liz. Nothing like a bit of colour on a dull day! xxx

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  7. How pleasant is a day off, isn't it? Getting up late, a slow breakfast and then a walk in the open air!
    Here is a bit less cold today and I feel some Spring around...
    Happy New Year, darling !!

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    1. Thank you Dan. The holidays do seem like a distant memory right now ... xxx

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  8. Sounds like a lovely new year's eve party Anne! My favourite is the blue jacket with the furry collar! XXX

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    1. Thank you Linda! I almost didn't buy that jacket, but now I'm glad I did. xxx

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  9. this kind of blue & pink hues remember me of some looks i wore in the early 80s - very flattering and happy colors :-D
    i toss my hat to your climbing gymnastics! this makes for great outfit shots! and jos looks very dapper in his coat and hat - wow! love the pic of phoebe with the wine glass......
    your sylvester celebration sound yummy and cozy <3
    hugsies! xxxxx

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    1. Thank you darling! I never thought I'd revisit the looks of the 80s, but here I am. I did remember having a fabulous pleated skirt back then. Bought second hand and all ;-) xxx

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  10. I loved all the outfits in this post Anne. They are perfectly put together and all suit you beautifully.
    I love the photos of your cosy home, the warm colours look very inviting. xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally! I'm glad you love Dove Cottage's decor. The sitting room especially has always been a real Winter room in my mind. xxx

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  11. I love all your shades of blue styles and these blue boots! So cute are these brooches! A wonderful way to begin the new year :)
    A very huge hug Tina

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  12. A maxi dress always always looks special I think and its just perfect for New Year's Eve. What lovely outfits you've been wearing; all so beautifully accessorised with beads, brooches, scarves, berets and gloves. The boots are beautiful - you must feature them on the blog soon!

    What great jewellery finds and the bag is ace. Do you think the jewellery is improving in your charity shops lately? It certainly looks like it!

    The New Year's Eve menu has made me hungry so I'm just off to make something to eat...

    Have a great week.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Veronica! I do think the jewellery is improving, as I've found quite a few great necklaces lately. I'm making the most of it, as it might turn around again one of these days! xxx

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  13. I laughed at Phoebe's grumpy face: "Where's my seafood cocktail!?" Your dresses are all fabulous, and I too had a last-minute change at NYE to something more comfy and "me". Jos' hat is fabulous, very dapper.

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    1. Phoebe always demands her share! And she is the original grumpy cat, too ;-) xxx

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  14. woww, totally love your dresses (all of them, actually!). The cobalt dress with the pink flowers is stunning and looks fab with the blue boots and lilac tights, and the accessories (love that necklace!). Love the tiny squares dress with matchy accessories and cardigan! love the fish brooch and the stunning jacket!. Such a fantastic ensemble!
    And you look gorgeous in your maxi dress and Joss looks really elegant (as usual!). Lovely to see you having a fab party time!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica. You really are too kind! And Jos was really chuffed when he read your comment ;-) xxx

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  15. So many beautiful shades of blue! And combining with pink is so cheerful. The pleated dresses are adorable. But that print on the maxi is over the top fabulous. Great NYE outfit. Looks like you had a fun time!

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    1. Thank you Theresa! I really loved wearing that maxi. It was a € 4 find from last year! xxx

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  16. Pleats certainly are pleasing. Tho your New Year's Eve maxi is my favourite - I adore those mod-deco patterns.

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    1. Thank you Mim! The post title was after the Issey Miyake perfume of the same name, by the way .. xxx

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  17. That is a beautiful pleated dress. I love the colors as it is very cheerful and upbeat . The combination with the teal bag and the fur coat is really beautiful.
    Yes indeed, it is so fun to play with our wardrobe!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    1. Thank you Elle! Playing with my wardrobe is the perfect way to relaxation and happiness for me! xxx

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  18. Your New Year dress is phenomenal! The color and print reminds me of that famous Japanese art, can't remember the name of it now. Jos looks awesome as a chef! Your homey party sounds like a great success, so cozy and yummy! I wish I was there! ;) Happy New Year, my dear friend! <3

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    1. Thank you Natalia! I never thought of that print as Japanese, but now that you've mentioned it ... xxx

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  19. Absolutely love the first two dresses, so you! We are finally getting some cold crisp weather so much better than the grey damp we have been having.

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    1. Thanks Gisela! Cold weather arriving here too, together with our first batch of snow today! xxx

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