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Wednesday, 30 November 2022
Pretty Daytime Make-Up with Look Fabulous Forever
Monday, 28 November 2022
Stripes and Dots: Style Not Age Challenge
Wednesday, 23 November 2022
Blue Cashmere Jumper 2 Ways
& WowOnWednesday
Friday, 18 November 2022
Never Too Young to Start Reading - and #WOYBS
Dear friends. You're never too young to get started with reading! Our granddaughter Olive, above, has already got her library card and enjoys hearing stories (above, with Jane, one of her grannies). But an alarming report this week said that in the UK, 1 in 5 adults are still functionally illiterate. That's over 7 million people.
Wednesday, 16 November 2022
Three Winter Outfit Dilemmas Resolved with Cotton Traders
& WowOnWednesday
Dear friends. With costs spiraling for everything, one of the things I'm keen to do is economise when I buy clothes or cosmetics. But I don't want to buy clothes on the cheap, and perpetuate "fast fashion," with all the unethical and unsustainable methods that implies.
I do rummage in charity shops, but I'm also mindful of the need to sustain the high street and all the jobs in retail and fashion, so you have to balance the two.
I'm looking for pieces that will last, and from retailers with published sustainable policies.
When Cotton Traders got in touch for a potential collaboration, I was initially dubious. I'd always associated them with sweatshirts and raincoats that were a bit too practical.
I was pleasantly surprised when I browsed their site. Lots of colourful designs, particularly in knitwear and coats.
When they offered four items of my choice, I decided to find gaps in my wardrobe and find garments that solved a particular clothing dilemma.
DILEMMA 1: DO I REALLY NEED ANOTHER COAT?
When I did my winter clothes inventory recently, I realised I had too many coats and jackets for my needs, so I sent a few to charity shops. But what I didn't have was anything in faux fur.
Now arguably, I don't need a faux fur coat, but I do love them. So I chose this Sofia coat in Champagne. It's very warm and very soft. While I've dressed it up here, with a skirt, rose gold boots and layered pearl necklaces, it would be just as good dressed down with jeans or leggings.
DILEMMA 2: IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A SUBTLE CHRISTMAS JUMPER?
Now this is a dilemma for many of you, because I know not everyone loves a Christmas jumper (sweater). I classify them in 3 tiers:
- Very naff. Wording that says "Ho ho ho" or equivalent; Father Christmas; flashing lights.
- Christmassy, but tasteful. No wording. A suitable colour and good quality. It might have sequins.
- Not really Christmassy but stylish and Nordic looking in Fair Isle or Arran. This is a great alternative for those who have different celebrations. Or just want a great jumper!
It's such a comfortable outfit: the trousers are a great fit, flattering and the right length.I'm 5'4 but my legs are long relative to my short torso. Even Molly (age 18) approves. My slippers (below) are from River Island. I like to crack open a new pair for Christmas so they will be going back in the cupboard!
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterWednesday, 9 November 2022
Skirt Styling Fun
& WowOnWednesday
Thursday, 3 November 2022
October in Review: What a Great Month!
Dear friends. October was a very busy month. Four Meet Ups, John's birthday celebration, two Kettlewell Colour Club outings, a visit to Battersea Power Station, a sky dive and more. Let's "dive" in.
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Permacrisis? Let's Have a Laugh Instead
& #WowOnWednesday
Dear friends. We learnt this week that the Collins Dictionary word of the year is "Permacrisis," defined as an extended period of instability and insecurity”.
Certainly in the UK we seem to veer from one crisis to another. This week it's the shameful conditions of a refugee camp and the nation's water companies cheerfully releasing sewage into the sea, as voted for by their coastal MPs. Not to mention the new prime minister planning not to attend the COP environmental talks. And the clocks going back.
Here at Mutton Towers, we're fed up with the permacrisis. This post focuses on a different set of Very British Problems, and lots of colour.