When was the last time you saw me in stripes? It's not often, that's for sure. This cute little cropped jumper is a recent buy from a shopping trip with Kezzie and Hazel. I'm not always fond of cropped lengths but on reviewing these pictures I feel like I made a good choice this time.





Take care of yourself
Sophie

A new dress, new to me anyway. It was the perfect frock to wear on Sunday as we took a drive out to have a wander around the most delightful garden as part of the National Garden Scheme. The concept hadn't reached me before a few weeks ago but when the opportunity arose, we answered. What is nicer than wearing a pretty and elegant dress to promenade around an English country garden? Of course I got snap happy amongst the flowers but it would have been rude to take outfit shots on private property so I opted for the safety and solitude of the buttercups.
And I just want to say that monstrous spot or not, I don't meddle with pictures of myself as a matter of principal. I wear eyeliner, mascara and lip balm for which there is no apology but feel no urge to cover up blemishes. That's just who I am at the moment.
The white collars and cuffs set this dress apart from virtually everything else I own. A strong collar is a statement in itself but teamed with the mid arm sleeve cuffs it's a winning combination. Fortunately the sleeves are just the right fit; not too tight and not baggy to the extent of flapping. In fact the whole of the neckline meets my satisfaction, a high neckline is one of my favourite features of attire.
It's almost as though a photograph of a rose has been used for the print as its so life-like. I need more roses in my life, one of my favourite scents is rose. So unmistakable and simple.

I pinned a couple of roses in my hair for good measure, which reminds me that I do want to expand my collection of hair accessories as flowers are very much 'me'.

This dress definitely makes me think of when ladies went to church and wore their Sunday best, turned out all smart and elegant.

Take care,
Sophie

Bare arms! How refreshing it is to shun a jumper once again. My wardrobe is in flux; with my excitement to delve back into forgotten favourites of summer yet adamant refusal to part with thermal tights any time soon. It's dipping back into frosty nights this week - I'd be unwise to ditch the vests and cosy knits just yet.

However, wildflowers are out in the countryside so its a-ok to wear flowers in my hair. Is there anything more cheerful? I doubt it. Maybe one day I'll try real ones although my concern is that my barnet will become the main (or mane) attraction for the local population of insects to aim for.
My tee collection is minimal but those which have made it in to the higher echelon of wearability get worn a fair amount, though don't often make it on to the blog. My bad!
In most posts I don't make special mention of where items of my outfits come from as the vast majority are second hand, from charity shops or ebay and so are generally no longer available at all. Anything new or gifted is mentioned and linked so you can source it yourself should you wish. Everything is old today. Favourites for the win.
Things I want to do this summer include being happier, wearing clothes to make me happy, growing lots of flowers to make me (and maybe others too with any luck) happy. No saving clothes for a 'special occasion' which never materialises. Every day is special.
Sophie

Last night I took a look at my wardrobe, sighed deeply and started the rather elongated process of swapping round my summer for winter clothes. Oh, how I loathe the job.
When I have to find space for all the things I take out (which I just know will end up all screwed up and crumpled no matter how carefully I fold things up and delicately place in bags) and realise what I have to fit back in.... Now my maths isn't top notch but I can tell when things just do't add up. Two bin liners have been filled with the tight, the old and the ugly. Parting with anything is always a little difficult; I swear that once things have been whisked off to charity at some point I'll forget it's gone and be searching high and low to find it.
Over the summer it turns out I bought quite a few new things for the winter (and promptly forgot all about them) so I'm looking forward to putting together some new looks as well as indulging in plenty of trusted favourites.

This outfit was one from a couple of weeks ago when the sun shone and the wind blew warm. A lightweight lacy skirt, by the way, is a poor choice if there is anything upward from the merest breath of a breeze. I'm thrilled that the blue and white top co-ordinates so well with the chambray skirt with the theme through the outfit. Simple, but pleasing. A last summery outfit as summer wound up and autumn started to unveil itself.
 A lacy hem, pure whimsy. I simply cannot resist. A rose in my hair for the last time this year...


Will you return, my sweet summer sun? Will you turn up one day and hold me in your arms to dance through the countryside once more? I'll keep our treasured memories safe in a box, sealed with a kiss, to be unpacked again one fine day.
Sophie

I ought to pass comment about these new hair accessories. An impulse purchase from Tesco the other week. Much as I adore the bold simplicity of these flat flowers, I omitted to take into account that they would dwarf my head with their mighty size! Thank goodness my hair is so long else people may think that a flower has grown legs and contravened all modern understanding of genetic evolution.
 That lace though.... It may be Primark (charity shopped at that) but by gum, it's pretty.
 Yes to smiling in the sunshine. Yes to closer inspection of summer flowering heathers.


Yes.
Take care,
Sophie

So what's changed in three years? My hair is longer. I wear less make up. Sharing what and when and how I fancy is my priority. No, it's not conducive to becoming popular or ticking SEO boxes or making [faux] friendships with other bloggers, but then I realised a long time ago that my creative control and sanity rested on just going with the flow and not trying to conform.
My heart is buried deeper in the countryside; the place I can wander in freely and drown in it's infinite beauty and wonder.  

Good things are for keeps.
Sophie

An excellently written book of countryside lore I have been reading has been refreshing my memory on a few things and teaching me new (old) ideas too. I've heard the phrase 'ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out' before, from my grandmother but her definition was different to that printed; the rule being don't take your vest off until the end of May. Rather wishing I had heeded such valuable wisdom. BRRRRRR! It was colder than it looked and although the sun was out and shining merrily, the breeze was right chilly as was the shade.
This dress is a long-standing resident in my wardrobe. A curious gem pattern which perhaps had never been the at the height of fashion and thus cannot feel too too out off trend. I like the way it has long sheer sleeves and requires a black under-layer dress to keep it modest. The fit is an easy elasticated waist

I'm on the look out for more flowers for my hair as this is something that I really to do; adding a definite bit of light-heartedness to life. How many stern people do you see wearing cheerful accessories?
Remember, keep that vest on for the rest of the month!
Sophie

It's been a winter full of oversized jumpers and thermal black tights but I'm not about to pack them away just yet; staying warm is a priority so I'll be clinging on to them for a while yet.
 Muddy, faithful Magnum boots as ever and my beloved Joules bag from Country Attire.
Have you been tempted to dress up for a sensational spring day?
Sophie