Life lately…
Where in the world did October go? It’s my favorite month, and we are already at the third Thursday of the month? How can that be? I just celebrated a birthday and heard from all of my people. I love hearing from all of them on the same day! Nigel is still struggling with walking, but I’m beginning to accept that is our new normal. And, you know what, if that’s how it is, I’m OK with that. We recently lost one of our students at our Thursday night Bible Study, and it’s hard to believe I won’t see her beautiful smile again. So, life lately has been a mixture of ups and downs. Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, Joanne chose “Favorite Skirts.” Last month, Jenn selected “Colors of Fall” looks. In the past we have worn “Colors of Fall,” “Back to School,” “Beat the Heat,” and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Next month’s prompt is “Vests” if you’d like to join us! Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
Trying something new…
You will notice something very different about the blog post today. I have combined multiple photos into collages created on Canva. That way, I’m only downloading one photo. I have to clean out my photos as I was a bit silly in thinking I had unlimited photo storage on my website! I’ve used up about 2/3 of it. I know you’re not surprised by that.
One skirt, three looks…
I have had this Gudrun Sjödén skirt for a few years, but I’ve never worn it on the blog. I have also had this J Jill sweater for even longer. One day, I pulled the sweater out, and an idea was born! The colors of the sweater were perfect with this skirt. Then, I thought, “Why do just one outfit when I could do three?” And, while I do have skirts that can be worn as dresses, this is not one of them! Honestly, I probably could have come up with several more as the skirt is rather neutral in its soft pastel peachy pink color. This is a color you probably won’t ever see me wear by my face as it disappears my neck! But, I love it! When I can find it in something that won’t be worn close to my face, I buy it!
First outfit…
As I said before, I have had this skirt and sweater for years. I would venture to say the sweater is probably six or seven years old given the size. Originally, I was going to wear it tucked in the skirt. But, it’s a very blousy sweater so I left it out. That created quite a bit of volume and gave me no shape at all. So, I pulled out this trusty macrame belt and, et voilà! I had a shape again. This was actually the last outfit we photographed. Unbeknownst to me, Nigel was planning to take me out to dinner for my birthday. I ended up wearing this. I even received a compliment from the hostess!
The second outfit was actually the first one we photographed. I’m wearing the same skirt, but this time, I added a polka dotted slip. The skirt is rather sheer, but I don’t mind that. I added an Old Navy vee neck tee shirt and a belt to delineate my waistline. I also like to wear a belt when all or part of the waist of a skirt is elasticized (or is it elasticated).
For the last outfit, I removed the slip, changed the belt to a macrame one, and added a white denim jacket from Talbots. That’s it! But, you can see it’s definitely got a different vibe going on, right?
The Lewk!
I wore the same Cole Haan fisherman sandals for all three Lewks! I did change out my jewelry. For the first one, I wore this old Loft necklace that seemed made for the sweater. This is so old it’s from when Loft was called Ann Taylor Loft. I think the earrings are Stella & Dot. The bracelets are relatively new and are from Talbots.
For the second Lewk, I went with the Gingko necklace and earrings I bought at the museum gift shop. They were a definite splurge, but I’ve been saving and yearning for them for a bit now. I added some wooden bead stretchy bracelets I picked up somewhere!
The last Lewk features a multi strand necklace from Stella & Dot, another necklace from Kendra Scott, and earrings from Kendra Scott. I have earrings that match the KS necklace, but I surely could not find them! The bracelet cuff is from someplace, but I cannot for the life of me think where! The other is the wonderful Rebel stretch bracelet from Stella & Dot. I don’t know why they discontinued this bracelet and the necklace that went with it. Luckily, I grabbed them in both silver and gold when they had them. I am pretty sure these are about 15 years old because that’s how long ago my daughter was selling it!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I think this is one of the shortest Ageless Style posts I have done in a long time. I’m experimenting a bit with the blog. I am trying to make it less photo heavy while still being a fashion blog. I feel like I’ve strayed a bit from the fashion and more into other territories. So, can we talk? Do you have skirts (or dresses) you wear in multiple ways? Which outfit did you like best? How do you feel about the collages? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. My April Cornell code, MARSHA15, now works, but it’s good for only one use. You can get $15 off $100. I’d wait and use it during a really good sale! Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. Use MARSHA15 at Katia Designs for 15% off your order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Jen – Joyful Jen
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts about denim, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Marsha, I really enjoyed seeing how you styled this skirt three different ways — each look has its own personality, but they all feel so true to your style. The sweater pairing is my favorite; the colors are beautiful together. I also like the collage format, it keeps everything cohesive and easy to follow. Don’t fret too much about there being fewer images; remember, sometimes, less is more😉
Rena
https://finewhateverblog.com
Thank you so much, Rena! I like the sweater/skirt pairing the best, too. I discovered the collage format actually takes much less time! So, it’s a win! Now, I just need to delete some extraneous photos to regain storage.
For years already? It seems much shorter. Anyway, I had the same problem when I was blogging for a few years. Didn’t even realise I had to resize them. That’s a very pretty skirt, perfect to celebrate something in. Well, not just something right!
Thanks, Nancy! Yes, it has already been four years! It’s gone really fast. Do you resize them in the post or when you upload them? I’m so confused. I’m so glad you like the skirt! It’s a beautiful one, isn’t it?
Marsha, what a fabulous skirt! I really like all three ways you have styled it but your dinner outfit is my favorite. You know I love a good pattern mix so that one wins! I ran out of storage on my blog long ago. I had to go through and delete some old junky posts and then pay for additional storage! Hahaha. I have tried to minimize my photos but I like including full photo shoots with the outfit in motion. I know it’s probably way more photos than anyone needs or wants to see but it’s my blog and I can do what I want! LOL I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Bible study friend. Sending lots of healing prayers for you, my friend.
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! That is my favorite outfit, too. People keep suggesting minimizing photos, but I’m not entirely sure what that means. I discovered the collages are actually easier to use. Thank you for the prayers, my friend. C was just the sweetest young woman. It was a shock to all of us.
Your skirt is beautiful! I always enjoy seening one piece worn multiple ways and all of these outfits are so cute! Love the first outfit with the pattern mix!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I wonder if I was channeling my inner Jill when I did this post! The first outfit is my favorite, too.
I feel you on the storage limit, I have struggled with that too and removed a ton of photos and that ended up being a big mistake! I am so tired of paying so much for extra storage, etc.
I love this skirt styled with the white denim jacket! I do love styling a dress or skirt multiple ways. Thanks for the link up!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I don’t often do posts like this, but I think I may do it more often. I deleted some several months ago, not realizing they would disappear from the blog, too! I’m going through and getting rid of extra photos and some older posts. It’s a good reminder not to use too many photos now!
Yes to showing different ways you can style one skirt. The skirt seems so light and flowy, which I think is great especially when it’s a little warm out there. I really love the plain skirt, white tee and the 2nd belt, and so easy to add that white denim jacket over top! Using the belts is such a great idea and really defines the body shape, which I like and has me thinking that I really need to add some belts to my closet. I’ll be on the look out after my no-spending month is over. LOL. I am sorry that life has had so many curve balls lately. It’s hard losing people and also adjusting to the new normal. I hope NIegle does get his strength back over time.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Thanks, Bo! It is very light and flowy, but I love it. I have had and donated so many white denim jackets. Then, I realize how versatile they are. I really like adding belts for interest as well as defining my waist. We were all so shocked when C passed away. She was very young and in good health. Thanks for your positive thoughts about Mike, too!
Belated birthday wishes Marsha.
The skirt is beautiful but not at all my colour as I’m very much an Autumn colour palette. I like the skirt, sweater look and your idea of wearing a different belt to change a look. Would love to own a pair of those sandals.
Also liking the blog format as well. I often run out of storage on my phone and constantly deleting old photos, it’s difficult though as they all have a memory.
Thank you so much Linda! I don’t know what season I am, but this is definitely one of those colors I can’t wear next to my face. But, a skirt works quite well! I’m glad to read you like the new format. It’s actually easier to do! I have had to delete photos on my phone at times, too. That’s hard because I usually only keep the ones that have special meanings to me.
Pretty in pink, a beautiful skirt and I love the different ways you’ve styled it! You reminded me that I have a white denim jacket that is been in the closet too long, time to get it out for some fresh air!
Blessings!
❤️carmen
Thank you so much, Carmen! I love this skirt but have always struggled with what to wear with it. This forced me to come up with ideas. I’m glad I gave you a little inspiration!
First of all, happy belated birthday! I hope you had a lovely celebration:
Second, that is a really pretty skirt! My favorite version is the second one, I really like that top with the skirt.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Sometimes it’s so hard to grasp you won’t be seeing someone anymore.
Thanks, Cat! I had a wonderful birthday! This was my first Gudrun purchase, and I’ve always struggled with how to style it. Now, I have three different ways. C was a delightful young woman. Her death was a big shock to us all.
You are so creative with your mix and match outfits, Marsha. My favorite is the third one with the jacket. All are nice though. I do like the collage approach, and as you said it will save some photo storage space. Happy October to you!
Thanks, Christie! I never thought of myself as creative until I retired. Then, I realized I’d been pouring all of my creativity into my teaching. I’m glad you like the collage. I like it, too. It actually takes less time!
All 3 of these outfits are so pretty! I love that skirt but I definitely know what you mean about the colors against your face. There are some shades I can only wear in summer or else I just blend right in.
Thanks, Joanne! It’s sad when the color you can’t wear next to your face is one you really like, too!
I adore this skirt!! It’s easy for me to style a piece one way and stick with it. I’m inspired to play around more.
Thanks, Edi! You may have noticed I love clothes!! Hahaha!! You are always beautiful no matter what you wear!
Can you go back to old posts that no longer get traffic and delete photos? I’ve done that’s it feels harsh but if no one is looking at them it opens up lots of space.
Thanks, Rosie! That’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve also deleted a few posts that really had no traffic at all. It’s made a bit of a difference. I’ll keep going.
I love how you switched it up with the same skirt!!!
Fabulous idea
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! It seemed like a good idea as I needed some ideas for wearing the skirt anyway!
That skirt is great but it needs the pink hair to match! (And good thinking on the photos!)
Thanks, Lydia! I love the pink hair, but, unfortunately, it only stays that vibrant for 7-10 days. I’m going to let it rest until December, I think. I’m clearing out some old photos so I’m slowly regaining storage! I have learned my lesson…hahaha!!
I love the skirt and how you styled this chic look! Have you considered changing the size of your photos for the blog? That does help with storage. Not sure if you tried that yet. The canva pics look great though!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! When you say change the size, is that before or after you upload them? I haven’t tried that, but anything will help!
This skirt is so pretty with the various white pieces. I think that “wearing a skirt different ways” often brings wearing a skirt in different seasons because of our 4 season climate in Minnesota, so it was fun to see how you styled the skirt different ways for the same season, even using the same color palette.
Thanks, Sally! You know, this skirt is very lightweight, but I could still wear it in the winter. I have several sweaters and jackets that would go with it. Thanks for the idea!
I really love all three ways with the sweater and the jacket being my favorite. I have a similar belt that I should wear more often with skirts.
http://www.chezmireilleashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I am rediscovering my belts as a good way to define my middle!
You really did a great job of thinking outside of the box with this skirt! It’s a gorgeous piece! I like how you added the polka dot slip underneath. Very creative!
Thank you, Laura! It was one of the first pieces of Gudrun I bought because I just loved the print. But, I was never quite sure how to style it! So, this post pushed me to do it not once but three times!
Happy bday to you! You are looking so svelte! Not that you weren’t before! It’s so fun to hear from all your people. I’m sorry you lost a student. I hope Nigel continues to improve. I am sure it affects you so much in the day to day. You have to think about parking and how far you will have to walk to go anywhere, too. Anyway, I will continue to pray that he improves since you are so young and vibrant!
Thanks, Amy! I am so lucky they call or drop by when I know they’re really busy. I have come to accept Mike’s hips have permanently changed our lives, and so I’m discovering different things to do on my own. Luckily, we do have a handicap sticker in the car so he doesn’t have to walk far when we go places together. And, thank you so much for the prayers. Young and vibrant…I’ll take that!
I’m so sorry for the loss of one of your students.
It can be hard accepting a new normal. I get that for sure.
I’m glad you had a good birthday!
And that skirt is really versatile and I really like it! You inspire me to try my clothes different ways.
Thank you, Lisa. C was one of those people who just made you smile and be happy to share the world with her. I’m sure her family is devastated as she was very young. Yes, new normals are not all they’re cracked up to be! I did have a nice birthday. I’m so glad I’m inspiring someone!
Happy birthday, Marsha! My daughter is a Libra and loves Halloween and pumpkin everything as soon as she can start in on it…she started in September when the temperatures were still in the 80’s but school had started already. The warm pink/peach color is from the Spring palette, which is what I am. So you’re not that. Pamela at Style Yourself Confident can tell your best colors from long distance; you just have to send her some photos to work from. She confirmed mine. The sweater does really look good on you with that skirt. Take care – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I’m not as into Halloween as I am into decorating for fall. In fact, I need to get my little ghosts out! I usually start in September, too, but I had to wait for one of my boys to come over to help me get the pumpkins out of the attic! I knew this skirt was a color I could never wear next to my face, but the right top works well!
I love all the looks you have created! I am so terrible at putting things together like that. 🙁 It’s probably why I wear so much black!
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.
Thanks, Erin! C was just one of those genuinely sweet people. She will be missed. I love to play with my clothes, but then again, I have a bunch!