A is for Anthea

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Dress: Anthea Crawford textured jacquard

Wedges: Soft Soul @ Myer

Bag: Leona Edmiston

Hinged Bangle: Adorne

Bangle: Lillee Fashion, Yamanto

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Another day, another post involving a gorgeous Anthea Crawford dress. This time, the look was for an appointment in the city where a smart-casual ensemble was required. Smart casual is often the hardest dress code to "get right" as it means different things to different people... unlike black tie, for example, which clearly means white dress shirts, black suits & a black silk bow tie for men & a mid-to-full length dress, evening shoes & a wrap for women... 

I always feel that I can't go wrong with Anthea as the cut is always sophisticated, the colours vivid (even the pastels are a sight to behold) & the fabrics sumptuous, particularly the textured jacquards, which have just enough weight & stretch to truly mould to the body for the most flattering silhouette. 

What I love most about this gorgeous tangello option is the arresting portrait neckline, which shows off a tasteful amount of decolletage. Ordinarily I would use it as the perfect frame for a statement necklace of some kind, but I decided to leave it bare for a little something different. 

In fact, that whole outfit has been stripped down to the bare essentials for a youthful, "unfussy" vibe - a pair of patent black & rope wedges & black one-strap handbag & minimal jewellery in the form of a chunky gold hinged bangle on one wrist & tangello resin & gold bangle on the other. Easy, simple, chic Queensland summer style.

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On the third day of Christmas

My true love sent to me:

Three French hens

Two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

These three Royal Albert designs may have come from different sources, but together they create a pleasing tableau on the bottom left hand side of the Christmas Tree - the shiny white ceramic forms covered in the instantly recognisable "Old Country Roses" print & hung up with the opulent gold-printed pink silk ribbon. 

#1 Angel Baby

A gift for my mother from a dear long-time friend. 

In many ways, old friends are the best friends as they have seen you through the good times & the bad & know you almost as well as you know yourself. 

#2 Scenes of Yesteryear

A gift for my mother from her cousin. 

They have a special bond. 

#3 Polar Express

A gift from the young son of my dear friends. 

He is absolutely CRAZY about trains & though that it would be a wonderful way for me to "remember him" at Christmas time... as if I could forget you, Jeremy! 

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