You may remember me previously mentioning my favourite shop in Funchal, Madeira, where I buy several pieces each time I visit. Well, one of the brands they stock is Elsa. M by May. Over the last few years I’ve bought quite a few tops by this label, including the pink frill sleeve top, the black version (yes I do wear black sometimes!), and a similar one in green. I thought it must be a brand that’s only available abroad, but when it started popping up on my Vinted feed I realised I could save myself some money!
Every single top I’ve bought by this brand fits me so well and is great quality. They stretch and ping back into shape without wrinkling, making them perfect for travelling. (Oh, did I tell you – we’ve booked flights to Madeira for next month? I can’t wait!) I think I paid around 20-25 euros for my other tops, but I bought this blue one for £3.50…and it was new! I’ve paired it with the trousers from one of my favourite Monki suits, switching my usual trainers for mules with a small heel. I’m making the most of it while my toenails are painted and before the dreaded bunion op in August! The powder blue and green creates a soft, soothing colour palette that has a calming effect (I really do believe in the power of colours to influence mood).
I may well be wearing calming hues for the next couple of weeks as the completion date on mum’s house looms closer. Dealing with removals, storage, house clearance, solicitors and estate agents is leaving me frazzled! Well, they do say that selling a house is one of the most stressful things you can do…I can see why!
Despite life being hectic, or rather because of it, I am making a real effort to workout several times a week. Since I haven’t been able to run for a while, I started doing HIIT workouts combined with heavier weight training. I can honestly say that it’s been keeping me sane (just!). Resistance training is so important in midlife to combat muscle loss. I workout at home with weights, kettlebells and by using my body weight. I now rarely have lower backache, whereas when I was running I was plagued by it. Some years ago while on a break from journalism I trained to be an exercise instructor. However, I didn’t do it for long because I was offered a staff job which I really needed, so my career in fitness was short-lived! To be honest, I didn’t fancy being sweaty in tight lycra all day anyway!
SHOP THE LOOK
Monki trousers | Elsa. M by May top (Vinted) | Zara bag | Big Metal London earrings (TK Maxx) | Yaa Yaa London ring
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Marsha of Marsha in the Middle, Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Cheryl of Cheryl Shops!
I need to check out this brand because I love the fit and style of this top! The color palette is wonderful as well. Thanks for the link up Emma!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Emma,
Your sense of fashion is pure art. You do an amazing job.
Wendy
http://www.TheInspiredEater.com
I really like this pastel palette on you, Emma! Those pants are pretty fabulous! Good luck with wrapping up everything on your mom’s home. And, also good luck on the bunion surgery. I had mine done six years ago. Thanks so much for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Love this soft shade of blue on you! Good luck with the sale of your mum’s home—that definitely sounds like a lot to manage. And thank you so much for the feature!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
That is a very pretty top. Love those sleeves and the buttons. I heard AC/DC last week on the radio and wondered if you already been to the concert?
How great that you discovered this brand via Vinted. Love the top and cute sleeves. Good luck with the completion. Always a stressful time. You’ll deserve that holiday in Funchal x
Such a pretty outfit!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Love the style of this top, especially the sleeve detail, looks great quality too, very flattering. Hope the sale goes smoothly, then a lovely holiday at the finish line.
Alison x
https://midlifeandbeyond.co.uk/
Great look Emma! Love this soft color palette on you and the puffed sleeve top is amazing. Equally amazing are your accessories and eyewear! We recently went through the same process with my mother and stepfather’s house-it was a huge job. Your vacation is well deserved! Hope you have a calmer week coming up, and thanks for sharing and the link up.
That’s a fab little top Emma, I’d love that. Thanks for hosting the linkup. Jacqui xx
I love the pretty watercolor print of those pants! Gorgeous outfit!
This is such a pretty look! I love your pants! Good luck with the house sale and wrapping everything up!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you for the feature! I really love this soft color palette and the textured sleeves. It is always great to find things at a deal. I have been shopping mostly Ebay and Posh lately. I really love this head to toe, the blue is so calming! Have a wonderful time on your trip. My hubby and I have been looking up airfare and realize London is a straight shot and a hub. We will next year fly to London and then go from there!
Have a great day!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
The sleeves on this top are just TOO fun! Loving the color palette, too!
-Ashley
https://lestylorouge.com/
What a pretty top and it looks brilliant with your trousers Emma. Thanks for hosting Jacqui xx
Thanks Jacqui
I really like the color scheme of this outfit! The fact that your purse and ring match is a nice extra touch, too.
I feel your pain about fitting in time to workout. It seems that it gets trickier the older I get due to other obligations. It’s definitely important to do our best though, haha.
xoxo,
Sydney
http://www.thelotuslist.com
Thank you! It really does get harder to fit workouts in, I often do mine at night but then end up staying up later than I should!