Life Lately - and Link-Up | Is This Mutton?

Is This Mutton blogger Gail Hanlon in the new spring colors of her color analysis re-rate

Dear friends. Bit of a mixed platter today as I cover two topics: new colors and a holiday packing surprise.

I'm not going to go into huge detail on the new colors because I'm sure color analysis is a turn-off for some of you. Suffice to say, I had more or less self diagnosed myself as a sub-type of Winter, and lately I'd been having doubts.

I went through the draping experience in my home with independent color consultant Sue Cocks, and she confirmed that I'm a spring, which wasn't a huge surprise because that's what CMB told me I was a few years ago.

I've been selling some of my winter coded clothes, although not all because Sue showed me how to mix them with the warm spring colors. Plus some colors overlap or are universal, so I still have quite a few options.

If you haven't had color analysis, the draping experience is amazing. To start with, Sue placed a cool color on one shoulder and a warm on the other. The difference on the "right" side of the face was so obvious! It seems to lift and illuminate the face. Even dark circles under the eyes were reduced.

Here I've got my most flattering spring colors in my hands, with those on my shoulders colors I can mix-in from other palettes. The session is done with a bare face and hair covered up. Sue is going by skin tone, and how it reacts to different colors.

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton being draped in a color analysis re-rate

I'm wearing colors from the spring palette in these pictures - a sleeveless V neck in Pink Fizz and the gorgeous Millie jacquard skirt in Pink Fizz/Blossom, both from Kettlewell. The skirt is on offer, a few sizes left, in this and other colorways. Gold wedges (old) from Vionic.

Gail Hanlon in a warm pink top and skirt

Holiday Packing Surprise

I had no idea what was in the bag labelled "Beach Clothes" because it's been in the loft since 2019, the last time we went on a beach holiday abroad.

I had a couple of surprises.

Firstly, three unworn bikinis with tags! I vaguely recall buying them: my MO is usually to order either new season swimwear in January when it first comes out, or clearance pieces. This year I haven't done either.

I can only imagine I didn't think any of them were flattering. I haven't tried them on yet.

Do you still wear a bikini? I used to agonize about it every year, thinking I was too old / wrinkly. I actually didn't wear one at all between the ages of 17 and 43, because I was self conscious about being overweight.

But now I look around the beach and see women of all ages, shapes and sizes wearing bikinis. It's very liberating. No-one bats an eyelid. So I enjoy wearing bikinis, usually from Freya or Fantasie.

I always take a swimming costume in case there's aqua aerobics. And I was thrilled to find this 70s style swimming hat. I'm keen to limit the damage to my highlighted hair by the sun and sea water.

The other surprise was finding I still had this cute little cream skirt, bought in 2013. As cream is one of my new neutrals (rather than bright white) I'll be getting a lot of wear out of it - once it's ironed!

Last week I had a few days in Devon, while the hubster was in the second week of his cycling holiday from Land's End to John O'Groats. It was Mum's 90th birthday. I'l show some photos in my highlights of June post.

I also went to Cambridge for the last time to hand back my PC and lanyard. This was a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, it's lovely to think of the leisure time and opportunities ahead of me. But on the other, I'll miss all the international travel I used to do, the laughs and the discipline of settling into my home office, after an early morning walk, and ticking off the To Do list.

I still have a To Do list because I like to be busy!

Love to get your views in the comments on wearing a bikini.

Disclosure: Nothing was was gifted, and no affiliate links have been used.

I prefer to make Is This Mutton the optimum reading experience without ads or pop-ups (except for the necessary pop-up urging you to join the email list!).

Now it's time for the #WowOnWednesday link-up. Bloggers/Instagrammers can find new readers, plus readers can find new blogs to read. I promote my favorite five posts on Facebook and Twitter every week, and feature the most clicked posts in Instagram Stories.

Last Week's Favourites - Most Clicked

The Pout Goes Coastal Granny by Mary from The Pouting Pensioner was another slant on the growing trend of "coastal gandmother" chic.

2 for 1 on Cocktails from Claire Justine took us inside a pub in Nottingham, shared her colourful outfit and the pretty cocktails - plus recipe ideas for your own. I am very partial to a cocktail, I must admit - my favourites are Mai Tai, Caipirinha and Margarita.

Is This Mutton Favourite

Fashionable Friday - Summer Joy from Montreal fashion diva Lucy at Lucy Bertoldi. I find Lucy's enthusiasm for summer and all-things-fashion is so energizing!