A Splash of Colour

 I have not done any sewing, knitting or crafting for about two weeks.  I just haven't had the time or inclination and the dress on the left was purchased at The White Stuff at Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth yesterday.  We drove down the Portsmouth to celebrate a friend's birthday.  It was a cheerful visit and just what we needed to mark the beginning of March.
She lives right next to Gunwharf, a retail outlet centre.  It is a ritual that when we go to see her, she and I hit the shops while Hubby sits in her flat and enjoys the view of the ferries coming and going and has a crafty smoke on her little balcony. Then we all meet up for lunch. What a life!
As you can see, the dress is fresh out of the bag, not yet pressed.  The colours are so cool and pretty and it will be perfect for our trip to Rome for a wedding in August.  

 Below is the back view.  It has a straight neckline at the front and a V at the back.  What I love about the style is that it has a high waist and a waistband - good for camouflaging the 'tummy area'. It is also lined and has a zip at the side.  I may just try to copy it at some point, but it would not be particularly easy to make.  Sometimes it's so nice to find something ready made.

The best was yet to come. We scoured the shops for a co-ordinating cardigan for cool evenings to no avail. The White Stuff had one but it did not really suit me.  I kept saying I thought I had something at home - and I did.  Here it is - a cashmere cardigan from Hobbs, purchased about three years ago.  I nearly listed it in ebay before Christmas as it has had so little wear.  Hooray.  A new lease of life for my cardigan and a completed outfit.

Shopaholic?  Me?  Yes. The girl can't help herself.