The odd few warmer days are giving rise to the last few autumn outfits before the full blown Michelin-man style of layering up begins. This dress is one I bought on a whim; it was in a charity shop window being worn by a mannequin and took me by surprise. It's virtually unheard of for me to buy something on display as such... the only other time I can recall was a pretty Monsoon dress which I gave back to charity without ever wearing as it really didn't suit my skin tone. That was rather amusing (I was egged on by Hazel) as the shop assistant tried to wrestle the dress off the mannequin for quite a while before realising that undoing the zip would make the world of difference.

Although this red number is a couple of sizes too big, it's technically the best fit as I enjoyed it a little roomy and just gathered the waist in with a leather belt to add a little more shaping to the silhouette. While I rather love the almost military feeling lace sleeve caps, I can't say the same for the asymmetric stitching to the body. Anything asymmetric gives me an uncomfortable feeling which I can't concisely explain but usually I try to avoid anything on the wonk. (or as we say on Norfolk, 'on the huh').

As I'm getting older I'm feeling so much more relaxed about wearing less make up. I haven't put on anything on my skin for months now, instead just opting for eyeliner, mascara and something balmy for my lips. I still feel like me; the rustic version but I consider that to be my style.

Neat idea wearing white tights in the countryside, Sophie. They won't get mud splatters up the calves...

Do you feel like you're growing in to your own style?

Sophie