Thursday 9 January 2020

Taking it easy

How I love those quiet in-between days bridging the excitements of Christmas and New Year's Eve and offering a welcome pause for body and soul.

This is the only holiday longer than the odd extended weekend when we are not swanning off elsewhere, and having a handful of empty diary pages is pure bliss to me.

Sleeping just that little bit longer, enjoying leisurely breakfasts, spending a couple of hours happily pottering around the house or reading during the daytime: they are all little nuggets of luxury for me. Those little things that make me the happiest.


Having the time to go through my wardrobe and endlessly try out outfits is another such luxury I cannot afford myself during my busy working weeks.

Originally, I had this blue velvet skirt earmarked for our Boxing Day walk, but it didn't look right at all with the psychedelic print blouse I'd picked out, so I ended up wearing it with another skirt.

On Friday - the final one of the year - I gave it another shot, digging out this vintage Karelia blouse to accompany it instead. Both the skirt, which is handmade and mercifully lined, and the blouse were Think Twice finds, but with a quite a few years between them, the skirt found only a couple of months back.


The burgundy leather belt with its massive buckle, and the partially textured necklace (some of the beads seem to be wearing woolly jumpers!) were charity shopped, while the brooch, a blue bird in flight with a sparkly head and wings, was a flea market find. 

Speaking of charity shops, these in-between days are just perfect for a spot of shopping too, as at this time of year they are considerably less crowded than usual.

We decided to stay local that day, visiting a small shop in a neighbouring village and then the larger one in our own.



Our rummage in the first shop yielded a white vintage Pyrex jug with a cheerful border of flowers near its bottom and a red plastic lid. 

It has already been roped in as a water jug, as we have recently stopped buying bottled water, using tap water to which we add a so-called EM ceramic chip, which is treated with effective microorganisms, to purify it and improve its taste.

We also found two glass vintage canisters. As they are printed with the name Kraft, we suppose they must have originally contained foodstuffs, especially since the plastic lids have ordinary metal screw-on ones inside. The red one is for storing coffee while the the green one is meant to hold flour. Being bilingual Belgium, the contents are displayed in both languages, Flemish and French.



While rummaging in our hometown's shop, we came across a set of coasters in an owl holder, still in its original carton, as well as a set of owl decorated placemats. We bought these as a present for our friends Ingrid and Maurice, who were hosting New Year's Eve this year. As Ingrid loves owls and has a quite a collection of owl related ornaments, we couldn't have picked a better present.


Saturday saw some improvement in the weather, with a couple of welcome sunny spells at last. 

The perfect weather, in fact, to combine another charity shopping trip with a stroll in the park. The somewhat chillier temperatures prompted me to wear a vintage Viyella dress I bought from the lovely Diane at Ashmans Antiques & Old Lace in Welshpool last June.

I was completely bowled over by its spectacular print and amazing collar, but now that it was finally getting its first outing, I discovered its drawbacks. First of all, the dress's waist is awkwardly low, sitting just above my hips and making them seem even curvier than they already are. This meant that I couldn't use the self-fabric belt it came with, replacing it with a wide purple woven leather belt instead.

On top of that, the dress is unlined, and the fabric kept bunching up, even if I was wearing a full slip underneath.



I then had the brainwave to belt my cardigan over the dress, which considerably improved the proportions. The dress is still on the naughty bench until I decide its fate. Quite a few people chuckled when I mentioned this on Instagram, but that's what happens with misbehaving items of clothing!

I'd almost forgotten about these blue boots, which were a charity shop find about two years ago. They're no longer in the best of shapes, but good enough for what we had in mind.

The burnt orange opaques were a gift from Kezzie, who sent them to me last year together with several other pairs she was no longer wearing.



We hadn't been to this park near the big charity shop in Duffel since November, and most of the trees were quite bare by now, with just the odd leaf still foolhardy enough not to give in to its inevitable fate, audacious hangers-on to seasons past.

It was only mid-afternoon, but the light was fading already, painting the horizon with pastel shades against which the trees' silhouettes provided a stark contrast.



My outerwear consisted of my 1960s swing coat, a lucky find in Oxfam, my sage green beret and my moss green furry supermarket scarf. Oh, and I'd picked out a blue vintage handbag to go with the boots.


We made our way past the sun-dipped, moorhen filled pond and briefly walked along the river's towpath adjacent to the park. 

This poor little toy rabbit was quite dirty faced and must have gone feral having to fend for itself. 

Then we noticed this strange red cigar-shaped vehicle racing across the towpath at the opposite side of the river. The wonders of this park never cease to amaze us!


Nor do the wonderful things we keep unearthing in the charity shops, like the small wicker sewing basket on the right. I photographed it next to a regular sized one so that its diminutive size can be fully grasped. I already have several sewing baskets (all but one being used for other purposes), but this one was far too cute to be left behind.


I struck gold in the jewellery department as well, with no less than four necklaces.

There's always space for another cardigan or three, isn't there? The furry one on the left has no label, but has already been worn twice. The middle one is from a Belgian high street brand, while the pink and purple houndstooth one is by McGregor.


Finally, this delightful jacket caught my eye. It's from the Spanish Kling brand and it looks as if it was hardly worn at all. It's still slightly crumpled but Angelica insisted on wearing it anyway.

Oh, and I found the vintage tartan hat, which is actually a cross between a cap and a hat and has a distinct 1960s feel to it, in the same shop. Aren't they a brilliant match?


I'm ending this post by showing you what I wore on Sunday. 

It promised to be a crisp but sunny day, so we were off for a good long walk, which I will tell you all about in my next post.

I dressed weather appropriately in warm woollies, starting with a rust brown plaid midi skirt and topped by a floral wool-blend H&M cardigan, both charity shopped.



My accessories of choice were a red plastic cat brooch and one of the necklaces I'd scored on Saturday. 

My feet were happy in my wool-lined chocolate brown boots and my ears were kept toasty by my woolly beret, another Think Twice treasure.

Now, off we go! Hope you'll join me on my walk next time.


42 comments:

  1. Yay I’m first to comment! I’m always behind on blog reading so this is exciting for me.

    Leisurely breakfasts and reading during the day are nuggets of luxury to me too. I have been recently inspired to prioritise reading and I’m loving it.

    The owl presents are so sweet and thoughtful.

    Your dress being on the naughty bench gave me a good chuckle too.

    The embroidered wicker sewing basket looks gorgeous- I’d totally wear it as a bag. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always love being the first to comment. Keeping up with blog reading can be quite exhausting, but I like to return the favour, so I'm trying to keep on top somehow. I was tempted to use the sewing basket as a bag too, but it's really very, very small. xxx

      Delete
  2. it's a shame that dress was so tricky to wear as it's really cute and it was the outfit I liked most - I do always think that how we feel in something is more important than how it looks though! You got some great finds shopping as well!

    Hope that you are having a great week :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mica! I love that dress, but it simply doesn't feel comfortable, and I think it looks odd on me, except with the cardie belted over it ... xxx

      Delete
  3. Hello Ann, have missed your last few blogs but am glad to be back reading them. After all the shenanigans of Xmas I too am looking forward to some quiet time reading and pottering around the house.

    In this post I'm loving your beautiful velvet skirt and of course that gorgeous jacket modelled on Angelica. Reminds me of a jacket I had years ago and should've kept!

    Am also enamoured by your boot collection. An emerald green in my size eludes me.

    Your new finds are all lovely, especially your water jug and cannisters. Vintage kitchenware is very nostalgic for me and takes me right back to my childhood. Whenever I am at an op-shop/flea market it's usually the first section that I browse through.

    Have a lovely week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Suzy! Vintage kitchenalia is another one of my collection. I've blogged about it before, but maybe another post is due? xxx

      Delete
  4. I'm curious about your water treatment-never heard of it, but will read up on it. Our water is safe, but tastes terrible.

    The blue bird brooch is a beauty, as are your blue boots and bag. The canisters look cute-I'm sure they will be at home in Dove Cottage.

    I've barely been shopping, so am enjoying seeing all of your finds. Such an adorable little sewing basket.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Goody! Our water is perfectly safe too, but I don't like the taste, and these ceramic chips totally improves it. And it's got health benefits as well. Or so my brother, who is a real health nut, claims! xxx

      Delete
  5. You find such lovely things in charity shops! I particularly like the blue vintage bag - fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I do agree about those days between Christmas and NYE, they are such a welcome rest. One needs a rest from the holidays in a way, that is why there are usually a few extra days in them (apart from the official ones). I do like the blue velvet skirt with the vintage Karelia blouse. Both are lovely pieces and what a coincidence they are both Think Twice finds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ivana! I'm only back at work for two weeks and already need another holiday ;-) It isn't such a coincidence that they're both Think Twice finds, though, as about 90% of my wardrobe is from Think Twice! xxx

      Delete
  7. The blue bird brooch you wore with the first outfit is so beautiful, such a great find. I also like the floral brooch you wore with a printed dress and I like the purple belt you paired with it. I'm not a fan of lower waist on dresses either, I usually belt them if that is the case. I just feel that natural waist (and that is high waist in my mind) is the best option with any clothing item.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that one's natural waist is the best option, but the dress has a marked waist which is hard to remedy. Oh well, I'll see how I get on with the dress! xxx

      Delete
  8. very pretty necklaces you showed. I also really like the third outfit with the red and purple colour scheme. The cat brooch is so very chic.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I had to work beetween christmas and NYE. But I am looking forward to holiday in February.
    I like this wonderful tartan hat and this jacket. Both are amazing :)
    You look gorgeous in your dresses and skirts.
    Have a good time, enjoy your weekend. With a very huge hug Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tina! I'm sure you're looking forward to your Thailand holiday in February! I'll let you in on a little secret, we're also going away for a couple of days in February, even if it is just about 1 hour up the road ;-) xxx

      Delete
  10. It was really hard to get back to "real life" this year after the holidays. Having time to spare is such a luxury nowadays isn't it?

    Love that new blazer and funky hat. Can't wait to see you wearing them.

    I love the colour of those boots.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I certainly agree about time to spare being a luxury nowadays. I've been thinking of reducing my working hours, but due to current circumstances it won't be for a while yet! xxx

      Delete
  11. I'm glad you thoroughly enjoyed your Festive season downtime. It must be hard getting back into the swing of things after a lovely long break.
    What a shame that dress is tricky to wear, it looks lovely but waistbands that sit in the wrong place are so uncomfortable, aren't they (and not an easy fix either).
    Angelica's jacket is a groovy little number and you got a cracking haul of beads and woollens, too.
    I had no idea you couldn't drink your tap water, holidaying in the UK and being able to drink straight from the tap must feel like a real luxury! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you darling! Belgium's tap water is totally drinkable, but depending on the area you're in, the taste isn't always pleasant. These ceramic chips were recommended by my brother, who is a total health nut, and they are supposed to be beneficial for one's health. They do improve the taste anyway! xxx

      Delete
  12. So many fabulous things to comment on, Ann! First, I love that blue velvet skirt. It's gorgeous! Those cardigans are a great find: I especially love the pink and purple houndstooth one. So groovy! ;) Your necklace haul was also impressive. I also love that red cat brooch and that skirt! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Ann! See you on your next walk! ;) XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sasha! I can't resist a colourful cardie, they always come in handy in our moderate climate! xxx

      Delete
  13. An important part of my downsizing strategy has been to focus on vintage accessories, rather than complete ensembles, so that tartan hat ticks all the boxes -- handsome and versatile! (The red cat pin also appeals to me. Instead of cats, I'm now collecting cat pins...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment, Beth! Vintage accessories are a lovely way to update any outfit. I do have a couple of cat pins - two of them gifts from the wonderful Goody - but dog pins seem to be much easier to find! xxx

      Delete
  14. Fabulous outfits, all of them. I'd put the naughty dress in the giveaway bin - no rucking up allowed! I also tend to pass on small patterns like that as they don't photograph well, but that's just me.

    Favourite things:
    - the blue velvet skirt! So awesome (and glad it's lined)
    - gorgeous park pictures (hi, Jos!)
    - blue boots and purse - so delightfully matchy!
    - that blazer and hat, and that houndstooth cardi - love!

    Your lounging about activities are right up my alley. I hope you get to enjoy some of them this weekend, Ann. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be selling that naughty dress on, I think. It's a pity as I love the print, but it will never work, I guess. But surely the blue velvet skirt more than makes up for it! xxx

      Delete
  15. Lovely finds. I really love the wicker basket. Lucky you. Have a nice evening and hopefully start refreshed on Monday morning. Regula

    ReplyDelete
  16. The sixties swing coat and green beret are so cosy and stylish.
    Your naughty bench made me chuckle, if clothes aren't comfortable I cant bear them and they rarely get a second chance, I just cant stand feeling uncomfortable in what I'm wearing.
    The blue skirt looks perfect.
    And finally, the poor feral toy rabbit, what can I say?! ;) xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sally! I'm very bad at letting things go, so I'm usually giving things a second chance, in particular since the dress was bought in Wales! The poor rabbit, I know! xxx

      Delete
  17. Great post dear! Hope we can follow each other, if yes let me know by leaving a comment on my last post --> http://beautyshapes3.blogspot.com/2019/12/adventure.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh all these fantastic accessories! Love that purple necklace and your coat! And the new jacket! And the owl presents! Haha.I have two weeks now with nothing(almost nothing, a pedicure and working out) in my diary! What a richness. And I don't even work! Have a great week Ann!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nancy! Two weeks with nothing in one's diary sounds like pure bliss! xxx

      Delete
  19. Those baskets are so cute.. what a great find.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fabulous outfits as always! The prints are just so pretty on everything you wear. It's a shame about the Welshpool dress (fantastic print) but I think the belted cardigan looks great with it and unless you told us we would never know it rides up...what about a full body slip? Would that make a difference?

    Wonderful finds. I love the cute little sewing basket; I'm the same about miniature cardboard suitcases. Can't resist them and use them for my crochet accoutrements. Loved the necklaces and the new jacket and hat are magnificent. Great finds!

    Hope your week is going well.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the suggestion, Vronni. I did actually wear a full slip under the dress, but it didn't really work out. It's just the wrongly placed waist (for me, that is) which made it feel uncomfortable. I'll probably give it another try, though. xxx

      Delete
  21. Firstly I totally agree that those quiet days are really lovely, having breakfast whereas reading a magazine, or taking some time to try new outfits!.
    And I love your blue velvet skirt (isn't it fab to find a handmade item which is lined!?) and the delightful bird brooch. Also love your printed dress in such beautiful colors, sorry that it's so uncomfortable!. But it looks fab with the orange cardi and the belt, and love your coat and the cute blue bag. Lovely to know that you send some clothes to the naughty bench, as I do it too! (I call them my 'questionables')
    I'm admiring your purchases, so many fab pieces!. Those necklaces, the cute cardigans and the amazing jacket!.
    And you look fab in those rusty warm shades, love your skirt and the floral cardi with the cute brooch and beret!
    Really lovely!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica! I'm so glad to hear you have a kind of naughty bench for your questionable clothes too. I find it so hard to let go of things I've chosen because I fell in love with them ... xxx

      Delete