Winter Style

I've found it harder than expected to retain an individual style since starting back at the BBC. Working in the 'real world' I was expected to wear the office uniform; suits, nice shoes, shirts and a tidy appearance. Television doesn't work like that. I've mentioned before; you can (and I have) turn up for work in your pyjamas. Hell, I've worn a beautiful emerald green cocktail dress from Shabby Apple and no one batted an eyelid.

Interestingly, people have noticed I have a soft spot for the fashions of the past. Usually based, strangely enough, on my choice of shoes. Mmmmm, shoes. I think I've made it clear how much I love shoes, but just in case here's a reminder. And another one. But my shoe choices are a whole other post.

I want to talk about winter wear because I'm trying to get it straight in my head just what it is that I'm after. As ever, Pinterest is one of my major sources of inspiration. Below are some of the pictures I've posted  on my outerwear and style boards that are relevant to this topic. I don't think it's too much of a long shot to assume that I'd like things similar in style, fabric and/or colour for my own wardrobe.

{ Source: The Fashionist }

{ Source: Tumblr }

Obviously, I have a thing for fur collars. They add a touch of old time glamour. And are warm. Of course, it helps that both women are made-up, wearing red lipstick and have great hair. It's important to remember that I don't (you'd be surprised how often I forget that).

{ Source: Fancy Fine }

{ Source: Weardrobe }

I also appear to have a thing for blue (big surprise there). Or more specifically, blue and red.

And then there's the things to wear under the furry blue coat with red bits.

{ Source: Bright Young Twins }
(Look, the wolf's even photo-bombing other bloggers now!)

Harriet's outfit is divine. I love her shoes. Big fan of tweed (if slightly allergic). But it has it's problems, which I'll delve in to shortly.

{ Source: Pinterest }

 Nice. Practical. Same problem.

And then there's my obsession love of shorts. Sigh.

{ Source: Tumblr }

{ Source: Chictopia }

{ Source: Pinterest }

{ Source: The Morning Tea on Etsy }

Not practical in the slightest. And actually has the same problems as the other two pictures in a way. That being coverage. Whilst I clearly love the styles, there's just a huge issue that's sort of insurmountable.

I don't know how familiar you are with Wales and its weather. But it's rainy. And windy. And bloody cold. I live on the side of a mountain, facing a valley bowl, it gets quite chilly around the old extremities and then some. Now, don't get me wrong, we're not on the Canadian or Russian scale of cold here, but it does require slightly more clothing than a pair of wool shorts I'm allergic to. 

It also brings me back to my profession. Luckily, most days I spend in the office where the central heating is set to Caribbean with no hope of a cool breeze. But then there are the days like the three in a row I had last week. They involved early starts, long car journeys, mountains, caves and coal mines (sometimes all in the same day). You try dressing stylishly whilst wearing SWAT boots and the warmest coat you have (and thermals, and woolly hat, and crazy hair). I defy anyone to wear make-up whilst standing at the back of the Brecon Beacons in pouring rain and driving wind in a jacket made for a twelve year old (read: slightly too short in the arms and with a hood that doesn't quite cover your large adult head). The below is probably closest to my outfit during those days. Just swap the shirt for several jumpers and the lovely jacket for a fleece and a waterproof coat. 

{ Source: Pinterest }

Now, don't get me wrong. I like this outfit. I pinned it afterall. But it's just so practical. Whilst I realise I can't get away with wonderfully stylish outfits like those above (and most of the things I pin), partially because I get cold so easily and mostly because - whilst the television industry wouldn't bat an eyelid - I'm uncomfortable wearing those kinds of things (read: shorts) to work as a soon-to-be 36 year old professional. Which is why it's been so hard maintaining a unique style at work. Something that allows freedom of movement for those days when I'm asked to run all over the building collecting or delivering things. Or those 12 hour days in the studio (or, gods forbid, the car). Something that'll keep me warm and relatively dry perhaps. Something to ponder further I think. 

How do you keep warm in the winter? What's your secret?

Thanks for stopping by,

For The Love Of Vintage

Loved, loved, loved the vintage fashion fair on Sunday. It was like 40 charity shops all in the same place. There was some real crap and most of it seemed to date from the 60's and 70's (not my eras at all) but then you'd come across some absolutely stunning pieces and all would be right in the world.

My friend Joanne and I had pre-booked tickets. I'd hoped to get to City Hall in time for the midday draw but the first train into town from our village was at 11.41 so there was no way we were going to make it, particularly as Joanne is 8 months pregnant and in the year I've known her has never been on time for anything. We're lucky we made the train at all, and with a two hour wait til the next one I was hustling us as fast as she could go.

Bizarrely, the best stalls in the place were the three or four in the entrance foyer. Joanne's friend, Judith, made several purchases there including a red and orange cape very similar to mine except half the price (!). I found a beautiful blue 1950's style dress that I hid on the rack and planned to come back to if nothing else took my fancy. As I was on a strict budget I didn't want to spend it all on the first stall!

Felt stuff galore! I love felt stuff. There were posies and brooches:

And hats! Oh my, the hats!

I bought a bright red, 50's style cardi cut to sit at my (very high) waist and with three-quarter length sleeves (I'll post a pic tomorrow). I was very happy to find the blue 50's dress was still there when we headed home and grabbed it to try it on. Unfortunately, it was waaaay too small for me, my shape being nothing like an hourglass (all straight lines me) and although it looked great it just wouldn't do up. I resigned myself to not having it and tried to take it off. And tried. And tried. Finally, I asked two young girls in the bathroom with me to help me take it off and they had to lift it off me like I was a three year old getting ready for bed!

In deference to Joanne's inability to walk fast I wore my Hush Puppy T-Bar shoes in blue so that I couldn't walk too fast either. As gale's had been forecast I forgoe wearing my denim pencil skirt and wore my jeans slightly rolled up with a short-sleeved blouse in white and olive and a brown cardi cut to sit on my waist with three-quarter length sleeves. And my cape. Me and my vintage cape on a vintage day out.

Cape: Vintage
Jeans: River Island
Shoe: Hush Puppy
Bag: Don't remember!

Oh, and Happy St David's Day! Dydd Gwŷl Dewi Sant Hapus!

Thanks for stopping by,