After posting about things I love but can't wear I decided it was time to persevere a little.

If you've read my blog for a long time you'll know that I like the odd style challenge, and I figured that nailing some of these looks, that I'd previously ruled out, would further expand my capsule wardrobe possibilities.

And anyway, what's the worst that could happen?

First up, I'm trying a neck scarf. Why couldn't / wouldn't I wear them? Because I thought I looked like an air hostess.

This one jumped out at me on a recent charity shop jaunt, and at £1.99 it would hardly be the end of the world if I didn't like how it looked.

But I do. Teamed with sleek, I've-just-been-to-the-hairdressers-hair, and a classic boat neck top I think it looks nice. And I'll be experimenting further after a good trawl through Pinterest for tips and inspiration.

It's good to step out of your comfort zone once in a while, even if it's just a tiny step sideways.

I got me a new bag. Why? Because I'm hopping on a plane again soon eeeeeeeeeep!

When I flew out to Zurich for our honeymoon I found I was lacking in the hand luggage dept. I opted for a tote bag, which I then used as a day bag while we were away, but I could've done with something a little bigger.

I have a fear of my baggage going missing en route, so I always pack an emergency pair of pants, deodorant, and a toothbrush in my hand luggage. This along with the normal flying paraphernalia - passport, magazine, hand cream, boiled sweets, pen and puzzle book, phone, camera etc, etc - means I need a good size bag.

I knew I didn't want one of those drag along wheelie case thing-a-me-bobs (lost count of the amount of times I had to stop in my tracks to avoid being run over by one of those pesky things, the owner oblivious. And don't even get me started on those people who pull along two at the same time).

I digress.

As soon as the idea for the trip first started to form, I got all excited and ahead of myself and bought myself a new bag suitable for hand luggage.

I wanted to be sure that it would fit in the overhead lockers, I didn't want to get to the check-in desk only to be told my hand luggage was too big and have it taken away and put into 'The Hold', so I checked the luggage allowance.

Fun fact: some airlines have different size and weight restrictions, just to make it nice and easy for us passengers.


After some umming and ahing, and checking of dimensions, I opted for this Aztec print bag. It's cute and well made (especially considering the price) and has a handy pocket on the back for easy access to passport, boarding pass etc.

I guess I should tell you where I'm going? For my birthday Andy has treated me to a trip into the Sahara. It's something I've wanted to do since I visited Morocco over a decade ago. I can't believe I'm actually going, I'm going to sleep under the stars of the Sahara for three nights in October. I. Can. Not. Wait!!

With the trip booked my thoughts immediately turned to what to travel in. I love planning a capsule wardrobe to take away with me and what I wear to travel in is always one that gets a lot of thought.

I tend to go cabin casual. I'd love to turn up looking polished and uber stylish but, let's face it, I'm no A-list celeb. I'm not turning left when I get on a plane.

I look for things that won't wrinkle, won't get uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time, and that make a reasonably presentable outfit. All the time I keep in mind an article I once read about surviving a plane crash (honestly, I'm not a nervous flyer, I just think it pays to be prepared). It said, wear trousers, don't take your shoes off, remain sober and sit near an emergency exit.

So this puts pay to a cute dress and wedges combo.


I'll fly wearing a classic t-shirt and skinny jeans combo with a scarf worn as a shawl, it will suffice for warmth in the airport and doubles as a handy blanket on the plane. Wearing a scarf like this always makes me feel like a seasoned traveler, I have no idea why but it gets me in the holiday mood.

My feet will be slipped into something casual, flat and comfortable. I always forget how much walking is required from car park to plane and there is nothing worst than a badly timed blister.

And a hat. Wearing it, so it doesn't get squashed en route.

What do you wear to fly in?

I have been compensated by Purple Parking for writing this post, but this is a genuine post, all excitement of generous birthday gifts, hatred of pull along bags and fears of lost luggage are entirely my own.

I love those serendipitous moments in life, and this one is no exception. I was browsing the ASOS sale, for no particular reason (as you do), when I happened across these... half price at £25.00 :OD

I admired them back in February but quickly forgot all about them. Then the Shoe Gods smiled upon me, guiding me gently back to the website with their mystical powers to furnish me with gorgeous new boots. They've got me thinking about jeans and jumpers, scarves and woolly hats!

I'm sure we've all had those moments when something previously purchased pops up at half price in the sale, causing you to curse loudly. I certainly have. I see this as payback.


You like? What have you found in the sales?

Love

I popped to my local high street this week and found these in a lovely emporium near the station. Crammed to the rafters with all sorts of bits and pieces I often spend time wandering around gazing at all there is. This time I spent ages flicking through their vast array of old postcards.

They had some particularly lovely specimens, so nice that I couldn't leave them behind. They're all written and posted in the early 1900s.


Look at the handwriting. I wonder if Miss M Goldsmith was pleased to receive such a thing? Kezzie, do you get such postcards from loving pupils?

I've driven up and down Spring Road thousands of times, but next time I do I'll be sure to look for no.19.

This next one made me chuckle - what a strange baby with an adult face! But once again, it was the back that delighted me...


This is next one is my absolute favourite.


'Come and see me tomorrow don't forget. Yours Truly Polly' with no less than eight kisses. I wonder who Mr W Moss was to our dear, sweet Polly? Was this the start of an exciting young love affair? I do hope it was...

Love

To celebrate the arrival of the sun I decided to treat myself to a few new maxi dresses. I wanted something loose fitting but having had no luck in my local charity shops, I went online and found two maxi shirt dresses.

This is the first of them, worn on a hot, hot day hanging out with Tink in the garden. Boohoo's Stylefix magazine has this pegged as 'the must-have festival dress' which made me laugh - the closest this will get to a festival is being worn while watching the Glastonbury coverage this weekend.


I'm going to be wearing this dress a lot. Talk about easy to wear, it's literally a case of add shoes and go, and it's so comfy! It's also just long enough with flats so I won't keep tripping over it.

The photo doesn't capture the pattern on the dress very well, here's a close up from the website. I love the acid brights with the monochrome grey and black.


What have you added to your wardrobe for the summer?

Love