Summer lasted for most of 2018. On Saturday I noted the temperature peaking at 24.5 degrees centigrade according to the car's dashboard. I wore a dress and almost complained about the sun making my back break a thin film of perspiration despite the buffeting hurricane tail. Maybe I'm premature in packing up memories of summer in delicate tissue paper. The hard-earned days of sunshine, flowers, long hours of light, dining al fresco and opportunities to wander in the places I love the most, all paid for in those terrible weeks of pitch-black, snow, ice, storms and captivity.
Nothing takes my mind off the winter on the horizon for long, though I usually persist in trying.
In fact this October we've done incredibly well to get this far unscathed.


That rambled on a little longer than expected. What I wanted to say, in a tone of sincerity, was that summer was amazing. I'm so grateful for the time we shared. The warmth and the freedom it afforded us. How I was able to wear so many fun summer outfits without being bogged down in a rustling waterproof on top. The most memorable day of rain was the one we spent at Bressingham and the deluge prevented me from fully exploring the extensive gardens. We giggled and got pretty much soaked through, raindrops dripping off our face. It didn't detract from the day.
So here's presumably my last summery look. Here's to the summer that was.
Take care,
Sophie

If a blog were a comic book then this would be an ideal outfit in which to comically undertake petty crime. Why do illustrated burglars wear stripes? It's a puzzle. Surely either all black or a camouflage print would be much more appropriate.
When you read style blogs it is quite hard not to pinch little ideas or whole ideas from other people. Since getting somewhat disillusioned with fast fashion and the way it really doesn't cater for my personal style, outdoor lifestyle and generally POCKET I steer clear of the 'latest looks' but it is great to read posts from friends of what they've worn. I'm sure some of their good influence has rubbed off on me but I'd hate to think I'd subconsciously nicked a whole concept.It must happen though as virtually no 'idea' is a new thought, only recycled existing content in your mind.
What's this, a new tunic dress? Yes. I found this a week ago and liked the easy fit and half length sleeves. As I hoped, it looks fine with and without tights as well as belted or loose. Tights already! Yes, but they're thin-ish. The sun popping in out out from behind the clouds, sudden downpours and a nippy breeze are not conducive to venturing out bare-legged.
The back detail is shown in typical Sophie style (neat bows looking untidy, sorry), but it's a point of interest nevertheless.
 I haven't worn this necklace in a while but it's one of my 'grown up' pieces, it just feels quite subtle and understated as opposed to bling. Pleasant to add a little colour to an outfit. In fact the whole look is more on the smart side than I often go for. Tidy and sensible, presentable. I must remember to pop this on again when I need to feel presentable at short notice.

Now where did I put my swag bag?
Sophie

Embroidered sleeves, collar and hems. A simply cut black tunic wouldn't be something I would automatically see myself wearing but the detailing sold it to me. I love the retro feel of the dress. Something which may have been a favourite from many decades ago now becoming a favourite all over again. The three quarter length flared sleeves and matching turned up side seams to the hem give it all the character. A high neckline and cheeky mid thigh mini skirt juxtapose magnificently.

Let down your hair and walk freely, with the breeze blowing cobwebs from your mind. Dance to your own tune, the sweet music only you can hear.
We'll share our hopes and secrets then let the wind scatter them like grass seeds over the land to grow into whatever they can. 
I cannot resist the call of the fields.
Sophie

Red. It's a colour I like to dabble with once in a while. We flirt, we hang out, we find ourselves together more and more often. Then red suddenly takes a disliking to me, it doesn't want to be seen with me in public and shuns me for a while. How sad it is that red just wont settle down as my trusty companion for good.

I found this wonderful tunic dress; it looks really red and bold up close but according to these pictures the colours are all merge into something resembling a slightly ruddier shade of nude from a distance. I guess it pays to stay at close proximity. The pattern is small, busy and really rather wonderful and ought to be admired. Now, I can't decide what my favourite thing about this tunic is, there are a number of delightful features.

The banding to the top of the sleeves to match the banding under the bust is such a cool feature which adds a whole lot of character. I love it. Do I have anything else in my wardrobe like it.... no, I don't think so. Plus the sleeves billow out a little towards the cuffs and they add a pinch of drama; they warrant a good amount of arm swishing to make best use of the generous fabric.

My preference for conservative dressing (which to be fair does seem to be limited to covering my chest) was challenged with this low-swept neckline but it does sit comfortably so I'll live with it and enjoy the change. Impressively, the fabric is so stretchy it's most amusing. It will ping right back which makes it a particularly serviceable material for a clumsy clot like me.

Knee socks and leather boots. Outfit complete.

Sophie

These pictures were from late September, you can tell that Autumn hadn't really set in by the leafy green trees!

I often refer to clothes as being a hobby, much to the confusion of others. One of my favourite things is finding a new look that I can wear and feel is 'mine'. Now, THIS is a look I can embrace, it feels reassuringly comfortable, seventies-ish (I count wearing my hair down as seventies-ish so by that ruling I can call anything I like a bit seventies-y).

When I found these knee boots in a charity shop a few weeks ago I was gleeful and bought them regardless of the fact they are a little loose. Contrary to expectations I made it to and from the pub in them (walking in the dark) unscathed so they're not that impractical.

I am in love with this orange jumper from tunic from Eles clothing which I'm wearing as a tunic with the aid of a top underneath and a thick pair of leggings. It is such a bold, bright colour which is a joy to wear and something I will reach for in spring, although I think it's pretty darn awesome with dark leggings, tall boots and stacks of jewellery. Last but not least, it's a welcome return for my tapestry bag, an old favourite that I had completely forgotten about until lately!

Have you discovered a whole new look that you instantly feel at home in?

Thanks to Eles clothing for sending me the jumper to review!

Sophie

It’s that time when the days vary from warm and summery to cool and blustery which poses the question about what to wear? Tunics are a great versatile solution to the ever changing weather; you can wear them as a dress with bare legs if the sun shines, or layer up with tights, leggings or even skinny jeans. I think brogues look rather good with socks, for a cute look (one I think I'll be trying out myself!). Joules have got it going on this season with some lovely tunic dresses! I adore the green damask tunic and would wear it with my long brown riding boots, statement necklace and a brown satchel along with a knitted hat. It's buzzing around my head now!

The wellies, jacket and scarf would be perfect in the chillier, wet weather. I do like wearing boots and dresses together, there is something fun about the femininity of a dress contrasted with practical footwear. A cream knitted jumper and a long woollen scarf with ankle boots may well be my absolute favourite though. Ah! Are you a fan of tunics? How do you wear yours?

 Sophie

A sponsored post in collaboration with Joules for which I was compensated. All content and opinions entirely my own.

Smock dress – eBay (originally H &M), old leggings, boots – Jeffery Campbell Erikson fur

Is it a good time to join the smock revolution? They seem to be everywhere at the moment. Perhaps it’s because this smock has a strange fit, gathered under the bust and generally just short, but it gives the impression it's just designed to be an age 8 dress. Much as I do like the print, it tends to get forgotten in my wardrobe as I favour longer dresses. I figured wearing it with leggings should take away that 'fear' that I'm going to flash next week's washing to all and sundry round town on a breezy afternoon. Leggings and I just haven't been working together on a regular basis for some time now, tights mostly tend to feel more appropriate or bare legs if at all possible. These furry boots have been patiently waiting on the shoe rack for their chance to be worn again and I have to say I'm delighted we've been reunited. A practical ankle boot is pretty much a staple for my winter season.

What old favourites are you welcoming back into every day wear?

Sophie