Spring, in Scotland, is unpredictable weather-wise.
One minute legs are bare, and the sun shines.
The next, the rain is back with a vengeance.
{You can see the rain falling in these photographs, and this was a dry moment!}
This wet weather keeps the grass green, and us on our style-toes!
Layers and warmth were what I needed.
A palette of rich tones may not be very spring-like (or fashion forward) but they were perfect for such a dull (and wet) day.
This dress was a charity shop find.
The colours caught my eye, at first.
Then I was delighted to find that the dress was silk, with a deep V back.
Pretty (and sexy) when worn alone.
Perfect for a party or evening event.
Unfortunately, parties and evening events are pretty thin on the ground for me!
So, if I want to get more practical use out of a dress like this, I need to be inventive.
When a dress is as comfortable as this one, it is surprisingly easy to make it daytime appropriate.
Today, I popped on a thermal base layer and a cashmere cardigan.
Warm opaque tights, and my chunky brogues, helped keep my legs warm and my feet dry.
Adding a studded belt held all of my layers together, and helped me feel even cosier.
A chunky necklace, and a large bag finished things of nicely.
{See my bag, here, with some tailored shorts}
Cosy, comfortable and colourful.
The tones of this outfit have an autumnal in feel to them, but the weather was so dull that I think I got away with it!
What do you do when the weather lets you down?
Do you dress for spring, and suck it up?
Or do you give in, and pile on those layers again?
Please let me know in the comments.
Or tweet me @samantha4blair
Dress: Warehouse (found in a charity shop)....similar
Cardigan: Boden Cashmere (old)..this seasons.
Tights: Charnos (similar)
Bag: Chaps (similar)
Necklace: H&M (this one is nice and 2/3 off!)
Belt: Tkmaxx (similar)
Shoes: Clarks (these are nice)
Lipstick: MAC
Blusher: Bobbi Brown (I used tawny)
Girl---you are the bomb!!
ReplyDeleteYou know I love color, so, of course, I'm drawn to this. And especially the purplish tights---black has gotten quite common--so you're really being fabulously unique.
On a personal note---how do you store your tights? You must have over 25-50 pair?
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie, you are very kind! My tights have their own drawer. Large but shallow, so each pair is on display. I have them in order of colour, like a rainbow (I like to know what I have got). Oddly, I only have 1 plain black pair but about 10(ish) different versions of grey! Hahaha. There is always room for another pair :oD XXX
DeleteLove how colourful you are sam! Bravo for braving the weather for these lovely photos
ReplyDeleteLaurie x
Thank you Laurie. My middle girls was shivering and trying to protect the camera from a soaking! XXX
DeleteWell, perfect timing to ask me that since it was snowing here this morning. No joke. I *wish* I were joking!
ReplyDeleteI wore exactly what I wore on my blog today with my leopard faux fur car coat and some gloves and was fine. It isn't what we normally expect in April around here though.
These colours are gorgeous. I'm always jealous when I see your long lean legs.
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne! Your patterned dress with a leopard coat sounds devine....although a fur coat would have been dripping here. It was a waterproof for me! XXX
DeleteSuch a beautiful outfit! Yep, unpredictable weather, that can be challenging. I share my time between Kent and Finland, and weather more or less rules my outfit choices. I find Brits are better at sucking it up, freezing in summer clothes in bad weather, though. As a Finn, I'm pragmatic: if it rains it's a raincoat and wellies, save the dress for later.,,
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiina. I think some people are determined to wear summer clothes even when it is freezing. I just can't! I have to be warm. As for wellies...yes!! I will be very pragmatic too. Although I often wear a dress and change my shoes at my destination. My excuse is tights dry quicker than trousers or jeans so they are actually quite practical really! :oD XXX
DeleteThank you Tiina. I think some people are determined to wear summer clothes even when it is freezing. I just can't! I have to be warm. As for wellies...yes!! I will be very pragmatic too. Although I often wear a dress and change my shoes at my destination. My excuse is tights dry quicker than trousers or jeans so they are actually quite practical really! :oD XXX
DeleteOMG this is so amazing. these colors are so perfect for you. Love the belt with it. I didn't realize you live in Scotland ..lucky you. I am always telling my students about that beautiful country of yours! Spring I love but once sun is out which makes me totally go summer. Find adapting not easy...haha...xoxo Sabina
ReplyDeleteHahaha...thank you Sabina. XXX
DeleteAnother fabulous spirit-lifting ensemble! Can I have your legs please. x
ReplyDeleteHahaha...thank you Sarah! XXX
DeleteDear Samantha, your legs are perfect for a mini at any age. Good of you to dare.
ReplyDeleteBesos from Málaga
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Thank you dear Sacramento! XXX
DeleteAnother beautifully crafted, spirit lifting ensemble Samantha. You choice of colors is both transitional and comforting in less than ideal spring weather. Those tights are fantastic! They're fun, sexy toasty and so HAPPY!! Just what the doctor ordered on a rainy day!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Judy! I was trying for a splash of colour without having to worry about the splashes of rain :oD XXX
DeleteAnother beautifully crafted, spirit lifting ensemble Samantha. You choice of colors is both transitional and comforting in less than ideal spring weather. Those tights are fantastic! They're fun, sexy toasty and so HAPPY!! Just what the doctor ordered on a rainy day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy! XXX
DeleteThanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Cute look! I love the dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole! X
DeleteSuch a pretty pattern on that dress and I love the berry shade of tights! Fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you Dawn, it is my pleasure to link up! XXX
DeleteThese colours are just so gorgeous on you Samantha. No wonder the colours caught your eye - another great charity shop find! And I love the contrasting textures and colours of the bag and belt. The perfect outfit for those Spring days then the whether is having one of its funny turns!
ReplyDeletehttp://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
These "Funny Turns" seem to be happening too often! I am deprived of sunlight (and vitamin D). Please send some dry and warm weather from down south....if you have any spare :oP. XXX
DeleteThis is such a cute dress, I can understand why you need to air it as often as you can. I love the vibrant colours against your skin tone. Lovely workday ensemble thanks to clever styling x
ReplyDeleteAnna
www.annasislandstyle.com
Thank you Anna! I might actually get to wear it as it was intended...one day. :oD XXX
DeleteStunning outfit, and look at those gams! Love it all.
ReplyDeleteFor spring, I'd rather be too warm than too cold, which I find hard to shake off. I've packed my winter duds, so all bets are off.
I would always rather be warm....well, that is not strictly true! When I was younger we used to go out without jackets/coats. When I say out, I mean clubbing. I have been known to be in the street, waiting for a taxi, in a micromesh body, wonderbra and hotpants....in the snow! Hahahaha. Not now though. I would be in my thermals and a down filled coat ;oP XXX
DeleteSamantha, you are as cute as ever! Those colors look great with your hair. Thanks for adding your fashion flair to the My Refined Style Linkup.
ReplyDeleteShellie
www.thefabjourney.com
Thank you so much Shellie...it is my pleasure to link up! XXX
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