Another busy weekend starting on Friday evening. Did I tell you I've started Ballroom dancing? So far I've been to three classes and absolutely love it. Every year watching Strictly Come Dancing I really want to tread the boards and learn to ballroom, so when my best friend asked if I'd like to join her I though what the heck and just went for it! Forty five minutes of learning basic steps, ending in dancing to music for about 5 mins at the end of the class, the teacher and his wife take turns in partnering the singletons which makes me feel like I'm actually dancing properly. Watch out I might make SCD one day - well if a vlogger can compete there might be a chance for an enthusiastic blogger eh?
Saturday I had my third adult ballet exam! It's only taken us about a year to learn an arm sequence, foot enchainement and a short dance - you'd have thought we'd had to learn a full on ballet! Finally it all came together and the numerous "have you practised" "I've forgotten it" and "what do we do next" calls from the past weeks evaporated! We all remember the steps and flew through the routines. I'll keep you posted as to how I got on as soon as I find out. 🤞
With animal print still very much in the limelight, I bought this sassy little leopard print tee shirt from H & M before my recent skiing holiday. Keeping it plain with black easy to wear pieces, and there's no better companion to leopard print than leather look accessories namely my new faux jacket.
I love wearing black jeans, but have a problem with them! They always seem to fade after a few washes - is that how or what I wash them with, I'm not sure! I've not had these T K Maxx skinnies for long and they are already looking grey! So with the colour fade I've bought another pair from the Zara sale a few weeks ago. I wonder how long they will stay dark for?
Hoping I've not gone over the top with the leopard print. In fact seeing the photos I realise the scarf and top look so similar they could be attached & the clutch adds more dynamics.
The tee was under £10 and will be a really useful addition to my wardrobe. It'll be worn for both casual affairs and evenings out - I rather fancy getting some leather look trousers, paired with some strappy sandals it'll be a winning little number.
The belt was just begging to be worn, and I'm smitten with it. I had a couple of extra holes made in it as losing weight made it rather baggy and didn't sit in place properly, looks good now though don't you think? How about a gold plunge necklace? This one's been around for a while and never fails to give just the right finishing touch. It's from Matalan they have a great selection of affordable jewellery, so do give them a look.
Go on - throw all you leopard patterns at one outfit like mine, I'm guilty as charged to admit this is my secret weapon, I always feel confident and somewhat brazen when donning creature comforts.
Hubby bought the jacket for Christmas (I know he spoils me so much) I had left a big hint on the group message, that he obligingly took note of & bought the exact jacket I'd spotted. It's from a selection at Wallis. It's soft to touch, has a full zip and two side pockets. I was really pleased to get it as it's going to play an import role in my styles for months to come, pulling every outfit together like they were made for each other.
Much appreciate your visit today, photos are c/o Esther Ruby.
Catch you on Thursday when I'm sharing a blog about what I got up to in the last few weeks.
Please do subscribe to my blog (see below) - I'm in the throes of starting a newsletter, so stay with me for that one my lovelies.
Bye for now. X
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Well done for all this dancing Jacqui! I would love to try ballroom too. I wash my faded blacks with a black dye when they fade too much. The jacket looks really good, great choice xx
ReplyDeleteAwe thanks so much Laurie, love it all and I think it'll get me fitter! I'll try that with the dye, it seems a shame to lose so much use from an otherwise good pair of jeans. xx
DeleteGreat look Jacqui, I'd wear this in a heatbeat. I've never met you but I feel this outfit reflects YOU and it's great with your hair colour.
ReplyDeleteI bought my black skinnies from M&S last autumn and have washed them a trillion times as I wear them so much each week ... still black.
Hugs, Mary .
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
I need to look in M & S I think. Glad you think so, I wear similar quite often Mary, so you've seen the real me. Let's hope we can meet up IRL soon x Thanks for stopping by. x
DeleteI'd love to take ballet again. I'll have to find a country where they offer it. I try not to wash any of my jeans too much, but when I do, I wash them inside out. The dye is a good idea, too.
ReplyDeleteI wish you luck in finding a class - go for it if you can - I love it. Yes I do inside out washing, but will try the dye idea. x
DeleteOh you should film a class! I never had lessons in ballroom dancing. I think it's amazing. And that goes for your outfit too, I love leopard and leather so what's not to like!
ReplyDeleteI'll try Nancy, although I have got a short piece on my phone, I'll ask the teacher if he minds if I post it! glad you like it Hun. x
DeleteOooh I'd love to see you on Strictly, Jacqui!! I had a few lessons with hubby about ten years ago. We started off okay (waltz and tango) but as soon as we got to Salsa, hubby decided he simply could not continue because he felt moving his hips made him look a bit gay!!! Obviously it didn't!!! Real men can salsa, right?!! lol
ReplyDeleteLOVE the outfit – you can't go wrong with a few animal prints!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
I'd love to be on it Suzy, I keep asking my hubby if he'd come but he flatly refuses! Besides he goes to the pub with the boys on that night! Lol. x
DeleteI've always wanted to learn ballroom dancing!My husband, not so much. But our youngest son studied ballet for three years (until the studio closed. Bummer). He danced the lead in "The Nutcracker" twice! :)
ReplyDeleteGo for it, my friend and I go without partners, there's a couple of other ladies but we don't mind, at least we get to learn! How proud you must be, I hope he re-joins another class as he sounds very good. Thanks for joining me today. x
DeleteHi, Jacqui
ReplyDeleteYou are so right: black (faux) leather and leopard print! A perfect match according to you and I. But there are those who wouldn't even wear the black leather. They may need a tamer look. But I say age doesn't matter, and wear what you love. In my opinion, you look smashing!
Love this!
Angie, www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks you are too kind. Thanks for sharing your lovely comments. x
DeleteYou're right the scarf and top do look like one piece! Such a fun way to layer up on the leopard print. Your dance lessons sound so fun! I've tried a few times, but I have no rhythm, at all, dancing is not for me, ha!
ReplyDeleteHope that your week is off to a good start :) Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp :)
Away From The Blue
Don't they Mica. Thanks for joining me today - much appreciate your support. x
DeleteCongrats on both the ballet and the ballroom - you're bang on with your fitness now aren't you? I wonder if losing weight has given you more confidence? You look in great shape and well done with all of those prints mixed up. It gets my vote of approval.
ReplyDeleteAnna x
Many thanks Anna. x Maybe you're right, i do seem to do more these days, possibly would have done before but there was always someone else to think about - my turn now! xx
DeleteI just love leopard print. Can't get enough of it...
ReplyDeleteMe either Hilda, always have and always will. x
DeleteGreat look Jacqui. Love the leopard print :) I need to treat myself to a top like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post with us at The Wednesday Blog Hop.
Claire, thanks for visiting today. Go for it i say. Love a bit of H & M. x
DeleteLots of lovely accessories! My problem with black jeans is the fluff! I have a pair I love from Karen Millen that just seem to attract it all, they stay black though. That is why I favour my coated jeans as no fluff and no fading! x
ReplyDeleteYes i definitely need a pair of coated jeans, both my girls have got them and they look fab! Thanks for stopping by Hun. x
DeleteWell done on the dancing Jacqui, I'm very impressed! I'd love to learn latin dancing but what with my bunions and the husband's arthritic toe I don't think we'd be very good! I love all the leopard print together. It's annoying when dark jeans fade isn't it? I wash mine inside out, not sure if that stops the fading completely, it might just slow it down though. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
www.style-splash.com