Hello friends . We have finally had a taste of Summer here over the last few days with temperatures over 30C. Time to finally wear this over size black Crochetta hat that I purchased last year from local recycle store , Return to Splendour. The hat is made in Italy from the finest quality straw and so light and airy to wear. In the past I have shied away from extra large hats on me , feeling as a short woman I look a bit like a mushroom wearing them . Do you agree , would appreciate your thoughts.
A few shots of some of the blooms in the garden at present. It has been a cooler and wetter season this year and my David Austin roses have rewarded me with a second flush of blooms much earlier than they usually do. The white flower , a Romeya or California Poppy , reminds me of a fried egg but when the blooms flutter in the breeze they look like white butterflies.
I have been trying to spend as much time as possible in the garden but do find I can’t work outside when its warm for as long as I once did. Is this an age thing or am I just more sensible these days.
Last Thursday I drove myself down to Hobart ( a five hour round trip) , no big deal really and something we often do but when we are together John always drives , so this was a challenge to myself just because I could. I thoroughly enjoyed myself , driving on the open road with my choice of music playing as I drove along. I may have indulged in a little retail therapy in Hobart and enjoyed a late lunch in a favourite cafe.
I am a great believer in continuing to challenge ourselves to leave the comfort zones around us, be it physically , learning new skills or playing with new makeup colours or clothing .
Speaking of a change of clothing, in this case different colours for me, I wore these cinnamon cotton pants and the pale ink and saffron shirt to work last Monday. It is a bit more casual than my usual work attire but it was a very warm day and we are re-organising after the Christmas rush.
The bushes with the mauve and white flowers that I am watering are Summer Orchids ( not sure if that really is the true name). I was given the seeds for these many years ago by late neighbour, Margaret, one of the most elegant ladies I have ever met .
Admiring the view over the Tamar River on our drive last weekend , wearing a cream Viktoria and Woods blouse and Maude Dainty pants.
On another note , I wore heels the first time in ages ,these suede sling backs have been lurking in my closet for way too long . I am determined this year to shop my closet first and play with old favourites in new ways. The other accessories for the day were a long multi-strand pearl necklace , daisy ear rings, bangles and cream Fendi sunnies.
Stay safe and well my friends.
Joining Mica for Weekday Wear, Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Gail for Wow on Wednesday, Jacqui for Chic and Stylish and Nancy for Fancy Friday.
I never noticed you are a short woman. And I also love to drive, don’t do it that often. But if I drive 5 hours, I am two countries further! Enjoy your summer!
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That’s the thing isn’t it about your part of Europe , the countries are so close. A drive would be a lot of fun. Yes I am only 160cm. tall. Many thanks Nancy , hope your week is going well.
I appreciate your beautiful flower pictures. It’s a benefit to follow gardeners in the Southern Hemisphere when we are entering the very cold days here in the North. Don’t you love having flowers that remind you of someone special? The smile it brings is a gift from them. 🙂
Here’s how I challenge my “comfort” zones these days: I have made a resolution to spend 1 hour each day OUTSIDE, no matter the temps. Most of the year, this would not be difficult. But, some days now, I have to get creative with the bundling up. 😉
Thanks for the cheery post today! <3
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Thank you so much Mary, I am so pleased you enjoyed my flowers. I agree it is lovely to see gardens in the opposite seasons , I often get planting ideas this way. I am the same and so value plants with memories attached.
I am not sure where you are Mary but good on you braving the elements in the depth of Winter. I so appreciate you visiting.
I love your hat! I have been wearing one most of the time when outdoors in the summer and probably need to pick a new one this year so I can have some variety. I have been enjoying shopping my closet lately, it is nice to find new ways to wear things. I wish I had a green thumb and would enjoy watering plants but I tend to let everything die so I have to just admire others! Your flowers are beautiful!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
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Thank you Mirielle , hats are always a good idea for protection in the Summer. You are very good at shopping your closet , its fun rediscovering our things in different combinations. Gardening can be a pleasure but it does have its share of dissapointments too.
The hat is lovely, & you wear it well.
Thanks for the flower photos.
Even living in Florida, I enjoy seeing flowers from other places.
Best,
Jean
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Many thanks Jean , I am pleased with the hat , it will hopefully have a few more outings over the Summer. Glad you enjoyed seeing my flowers. Hope all is well with you in Florida.
I think the oversized hat suits you very well indeed, and I’m sure it’s a delight to wear in plus 30°C. The weather forecast tells us we are in for freezing temperatures in the next days, so Summer weather is almost unimaginable for me. As is having a garden for of gorgeous Summer flowers.
Well done on driving yourself to Hobart, and your cinnamon pants and pale pink/saffron shirt combination is absolutely delightful. Your Summer Orchids do look a bit like Himalayan balsam, which although they are considered an invasive species in various parts of the world, I think they are gorgeous! xxx
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Thank you Ann for filling me in on the Summer orchids , I had always wondered what they really were. I can see why they are regarded as invasive in some parts as their seeds certainly spread easily.
I am pleased with the hat and plan to wear it on out hot days. Hope you are coping well with your freezing days, no doubt beautifully attired.xx
I love the hat!!! You do not look like a mushroom…..
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Many thanks Carole , so glad I don’t remind you of a mushroom.
You look so glam! Love, love your look and your skirt is so beautiful.
Life is a Shoe
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Thank you so much Celyn . It is actually pants with a frill on the side .
THE HAT LOOKS WONDERFUL ON YOU!
YOUR GARDEN IS IN FULL GLORY!
I CAnNOT GET THOSE FRIED EGG POPPIES TO GROW HERE IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!
MY COLORS ARE WHITE AND YELLOW AND ITS SO MADDENING TO ME!
GOOD ON YOU FOR DOING THE DRIVE!!!
IT’s getting harder and harder for me to do long distance!!
XXX
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Thank you so much Elizabeth, I do love the hat and its interesting shape. It has been a cooler and wetter Summer here so far and my roses are enjoying it with an earlier repeat flowering. What a shame you being in California can’t get the poppies to grow in your garden , they would fit right in. Take care my friend.
That hat is wonderful – go for it as it suits you so well. Also love the skirt, of course! But the colourful pants and blouse are a nice surprise and the colours go well with your hair. I agree with the above comment – you do look glam. Have a lovely weekend x
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Many thanks Penny. The colourful pants and shirt were a change for me but I am happy with them , hey are a fine cotton and so cool to wear. Hope all is well Penny.
I really like the yellow outfit on you but there is something so classically stylish about the black and white! I’m not a hat person, I just wear them for sun coverage and can’t seem to make them work any other way, but I think that the black hat looks great on you! 🙂
Hope that you are having a nice weekend 🙂 Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup!
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Many thanks Mica , I must agree black and white is so much more me. I do love my hats and wear them as much as possible , you would certainly need them in the hot Brisbane sun. Always my pleasure to join your link up.