Casual Christmas party

We went to a Christmas party last night and I had intended to wear my new cocktail dress but a quick phone conversation with my friend confirmed that smart casual was more the order of the evening.  I didn’t want to turn up looking like a Christmas tree while everyone else was covered up decorously so reluctantly dressed down instead.  Hmm.  Still waiting for the opportunity to wear that dress…  Too many functions are casual…
Please excuse the bad quality of this photo, I think my camera can only really cope with natural daylight photos.
Yesterday I also picked up a shirt pattern for my husband; he has requested that I make some linen shirts for him so I am going to break new ground for myself and attempt some menswear.  Oh, and yesterday was a day for rejoicing, as I got out an old shirt pattern to start my latest project and lo and behold! tucked inside was my Vogue 7303 skirt front that I had lost about 18 months ago!  Yay! 

Other details:
Pants; Burda 7944, grey/blue linen
Camisole; Country Road
Cardigan; Vertice, from Mid 70s
Necklace; gift from my friend K
Bag; a handmade gift from my friend H
Shoes; Sandler, op shop