GEMS FROM THE BACK OF THE CLOSET

We have been promising ourselves a good rummage through our wardrobes to see what is lurking in the far corners.  Mostly to clear some things out and pass onto charity, but once you start this weighty task it is amazing what you find and then start wondering what it looks like on now having not worn it for years  It proved to be quite an interesting task and here are some of the more favoured items that are now back on hangers and ready to be worn again.

Anne C's deep red chiffon blouse is probably ten years old, so she can't remember where she bought it - but she last wore it to a reception at the British Amabassador's residence in Brussels in 2008 with a delegation of British business women (in another life!)  - see picture below and check out the glossy hairstyle too!

For the latest picture she has teamed with her usual black crepe trousers - she hasn't kept any old ones - and accessorised with red earrings and matching necklace which were a gift last Christmas from her daughter, bought in H&M. The retro boots are pull on glittery stretch fabric and were a recent purchase from Primark, although her original 60s/70s pull on boots were black vinyl.

Anne H's first outfit is a real oldie.   The cardigan is an LK Bennett design that was purchased probably 15 years ago.  Not something that she has been trying on for a while as it really didn't fit, but since losing weight on Weight Watchers she thought it was worth a try. Not a bad fit either and would definitely work with a camisole underneath and unbuttoned.  It is a silk mix material with a lovely satin trim so is a really nice piece to dress up an outfit with.

The skirt is from a brand called OSKA and is actually a little big for her now, but the tulip shape is really flattering and teamed with some old boots pull on from M & S this makes a smart outfit which would be office ready - not that she needs to be office ready any more!  OSKA do some lovely structural design pieces that suit all shapes and sizes so always worth a look see.

Anne has fallen back in love with this two-piece camisole and bolero combination in a bronze silk fabric.  It was originally a three-piece suit bought from a boutique in Harrogate, but the skirt no longer fitted, so she got rid of it, which is a big mistake as she has since lost weight and it would have been perfect.  She even wore this to her husband's Christmas party, so it's definitely back in the wardrobe again.

Her fabulous bronze and black statement necklace is from Bizermani which she bought in Santorini last year, and is a good match to the tops. The faithful black trousers make another appearance with the sparkly boots.

This fabulous black trouser suit is from the designer Amanda Wakeley and was purchased in a sale 20 years ago.  With power shoulders now coming back into fashion it has proved a good one to hold onto.  Even the wide leg trousers don't look too old fashioned now.  It is beautifully made as you would expect from a designer of this calibre and has a fabulous gold silk lining in the jacket which adds that extra element of glamour.

She has teamed with a striking black necklace from Uterque - only 2- 3 years old, so not a back of the closet item.  But the pewter toned silk top has been lurking about for at least 5 years.  It is from The White Company and is the flattering length that Anne favours. However as it is a satin finish the light catches it and she feels it can make her look a bit too busty.  Nice problem to have, I know.  The gold bangle she is wearing is from the fair trade designers Raven & Lily and was a Christmas present just last year.

Anne C's final outfit may not make the wardrobe edit, even though it is a suit which she loves and has worn over and over as it is so versatile - but it is now two sizes too big, and it's a wonder the trousers didn't fall down during our shoot. The jacket too now hangs off her shoulders, so unless she can find a talented seamstress who can take it in without losing its shape, then it may well end up on eBay or the charity shop.

This is a three-piece crepe suite by Chesca, with a camisole, trousers and beautiful jacket edged with satin detail in taupe. It has served Anne well through many a charity event, corporate dinner and nights at the theatre.

She has a few items from Chesca which are always generously cut and are in sizes from UK 14-32. However, because she is short, the sleeves and trouser legs are often too long - it would be great if they did a "petite" range in slightly bigger sizes which didn't just inflate every measurement.

Staying with the Amanda Wakeley wool crepe trousers,  Anne has added a black velvet tunic top from Madeleine Hamilton with a statement pendant necklace.  Velvet is such a glorious material for colour (even black) as it gives such depth of colour and a luxurious texture. A really elegant look and one she will definitely be showcasing again.

Incidentally, since the Sound Leisure juke box created a conversation on Instagram this week  - it was a gift from Anne C to her husband for his 40th birthday - exactly 27 years ago this week! It plays real old 45 singles and contain's mostly her selection from the 50s, 60s and 70s - she was a great record collector! The juke box is a copy of a Wurlitzer and still takes old 10p and £1 coins for 3 or 5 selections!