Denim and Leopard Print + Style With a Smile Link Up

What a fun day I’ve had! One of the best things about blogging is the friends I’ve made over the years. While they mostly remain online friendships due to distance, occasionally I get the opportunity to meet up with blogger pals. Well, today was one of those days…and I finally met Anna from Anna’s Island Life! As some of you may know, we are both part of the Style Not Age group, along with Jacqui and Hilda. I met Jacqui several years ago, with Gail (who used to be a member of the group) at an event in London. Now we just need to fix a meet up with Hilda!

After checking the weather forecast the day before, I thought it might rain, so I took my outfit photos in advance. ( I switched bags and the shoes for gold trainers.) As it happens, we were lucky and it stayed dry. We asked some passers-by to take photos, which I’ve included at the bottom of the post. We both wore leopard print and blue sunglasses…I promise there was no conferring beforehand!

Denim and leopard print is an unremarkable combination, until you add in accessories which can really elevate it

I’ve been wanting to wear this fun clip on tie for ages, and I finally got around to styling it. I bought it on Etsy from a seller in Kyiv, Ukraine. The seller was lovely, and we chatted about her situation with the war and how she frequently has power cuts. Despite this, the shipping was really fast. In fact, initially there was a mix up with orders and I received the wrong item. I offered to return it, but she told me to keep it and sent the replacement tie immediately. The tie is attached to an adjustable strap that clips together at the back, a bit like a necklace. This is perfect for anyone who wants to wear a tie but doesn’t know how to do a knot. (That’s me!)

I put the top half of this outfit together with no idea of what to wear on the bottom half. After piling clothes high on the bed I suddenly thought of these trousers. The wide leg style balances out the nipped in fit of the waistcoat and the pattern clash with the tie adds a fun twist. Denim and leopard print is an unremarkable combination, until you add in accessories which can really elevate it. This is one of those outfits that I felt really good in – both because I liked the overall look of it, but also because it’s really comfortable. The trousers have a wide elasticated waist and the shirt is beautifully made. The fabric is soft against the skin and hot flush proof! I have several shirts from Salamander Shirts and they are the chef’s kiss! I’ve previously worn this shirt with an orange trouser suit and chunky necklace. I’ll be looking to add to my tie collection…I’ve had no joy in charity shops yet. I may treat myself to another one like this from MokushArt,

Brutus vintage denim waistcoat | MokushArt tie (Etsy) | Salamander Shirts cotton shirt (previous PR product) | Asos trousers (old) | shoes from TK Maxx | Zara bag | Zara fedora (old) | Yaa Yaa London ring

Double leopard print!

We chatted for hours before walking over to the Lowry where we enjoyed the immersive experience of L.S. Lowry’s ‘Going to the Match’. After that we perused the paintings and drawings of the artist…something of a busman’s holiday for Anna who manages Tresco’s art gallery!

This is where I link up

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This week’s featured bloggers are…

Alison of Midlife and Beyond, Rena of Fine Whatever and Laura of I Do deClaire!