A Nigel update…
If you want the nuts and bolts of the latest in the saga of Nigel’s hips, you can read it here in the first paragraph. We came home on Thursday even though I was really hoping for one last night at the Hospital Hilton (that’s sarcasm, folks). Honestly, is there anything better than a professional someone taking care of your person so you don’t have to do it? And, I mean professional as in nursing…so don’t go thinking anything else! But, it was not to be. We came home, and, quite honestly, it hasn’t been that bad. I mean, we do get up a lot. Nigel can’t put any weight on his right foot. We now have three walkers…I think they breed during the night! That has turned out to be a lucky thing as we have one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom, and one in the living room. He’s gotten good at transitioning from the bed to the walker to the wheelchair to whatever. We have one of those physical therapy belts so I’ve always got a tight grip on him. I do a lot of counting from one to three, and we’ve come up with some pretty unique ways of getting him in and out of bed without messing up his legs. I even change the dressing on his incision daily. The only thing I have to say about the surgeon is his mama didn’t teach him embroidery! It’s gonna be an ugly scar. The home health nurse comes today (Tuesday) to change the dressing on his PICC line and draw blood. I’m not sure if she will look at his incision or not. So, Nurse Marsha is doing A-OK!
Transitions…
It seems that time of year when everyone is talking about transitioning their wardrobes from winter to spring, or fall to winter. I don’t often do these kinds of posts, but I was kinda out of ideas to write about! I am one of those lucky people who doesn’t have to transition their closets. Almost all of my clothes are in my one closet. I do have some things in Jack’s closet, but let’s not even go there! So, when it comes to transitioning, everything is right at hand for me.
A little more…
Some people would tell you that transitioning means wearing different colors, textures, and even fabrics. I think…let’s say it together…you should do you, boo! If you consider transitioning from one season to another, throwing on or tossing off a cardigan, do it. If you consider transitioning from one season to another, completely changing out your wardrobe, go for it. I’m just here to offer a couple of ideas.
First idea…
Layers are your friend when the seasons change. Case in point: On Sunday, here in Central Indiana, we had temperatures in the 70s (21C). Today (Monday night), the high was only in the 30s (-1.1C). We had snow coming down quite heavily at times during the day, and as I’m writing this (yes, I’m late at blogging), it’s snowing quite a bit. Our backyard, which had been greening up quite nicely, is now covered with a light layer of snow. But, I digress! If you live in an area where you have temperature swings from day to day or morning to evening, plan on having a layer of some type close by. Now, if you’re wise, it will be a layer you can easily put on or remove (not like the outfit I’m wearing here).
Even more…
Under your garments, you might consider wearing tights or even light leggings. The only problem with that is, should it warm up, you may be stuck in those tights or leggings. In that case, be prepared. What could you easily carry along with you that would take care the place of the tights? Perhaps a cute pair of socks, which I’m told are still on trend. Or, if that’s not your style, perhaps a pair of no-show socks. Of course, if you’re like me, you’ve also planned a different pair of shoes or sandals!
Finally…
Another kind of layer to consider is that third completer piece. You might have a wrap, a ruana, a jacket, or even just another shirt. I really do believe in the value of the completer piece. It can be the hardest working piece of clothing in your closet. It covers a myriad of sins, right? If your jacket is longer, lumps and bumps are hidden. It may also give you that 1/3 to 2/3 proportion we all aim for. A really spiffy denim jacket can be the star of the show, especially if you buy an embellished one. Now, we all know those tend to be rather expensive, so embellish it yourself. Lately, I’ve been into the brooch thing. I really like wearing several…always in odd numbers because that’s more pleasing to my eye. If you’re good with a needle and thread, embroider something on your jacket. I really do like Old Navy for their denim jackets. You can have more than one and not spend a small fortune. And, that way, you can have one you embellish with pins and one you embroider. Maybe, you add patches of fabric to it in a random order and embroider the blanket stitch all around the edges. Will it look all arts and crafts? Maybe. If that’s not your jam, you already know it…so don’t do it! You can do the same thing with a cardigan or even a shirt/blouse. Make that third piece your friend and let it do the heavy lifting. When you’re too warm, just remove it. Take care with the pins, though. They may come off without you noticing. Bet you can’t figure out how I know that!
The outfit…
If this dress looks familiar, it’s because it’s the brown colorway of a dress I already have in the orange/red colorway. It’s no longer on the Gudrun site so I don’t remember the name of it. When it went on sale, I snapped it up because I just love the colors in this dress. I have the same print in a jersey dress. I was on my way to the museum and was pretty certain it would be chilly. I added the pink turtleneck and slip. Guess what? They aren’t the same color, and there isn’t even any pink in the dress. Did you even notice? I call them pink-adjacent! I was nice and warm all day. I love turtlenecks and rarely wear them folded over. I just like that loose, kinda sloppy look.
The Lewk!
Yeah, I still haven’t taken care of the scuff on the toe of my boots. I need to get some shoe polish and fix them before they get worse. These are my brandy Leighton boots from Miz Mooz. This leather just gets softer and softer. I bought another necklace and earrings from the museum gift store by Michael Michaud. Here are the earrings, and here is one of the necklaces. I’m not sure if you can tell or not, but one of them has two separate leaves. That little stinker makes so much noise as it bounces along when I walk. I’m hoping I’m the only one that can hear it! Maybe I’ll get a reputation as the docent who has a bell on her neck to warn of my coming! (Cat, that one was for you!)
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I am not a stylist, and I don’t profess to be one. But, I do like to wear some of the same clothes on the shoulder seasons. That means I have to figure out a way to make them warmer or cooler. I do believe making something cooler is much more difficult. Maybe that will be the theme for another post…who knows! So, can we talk? Do you have any other tips for transitioning looks for different seasons? How do you feel about the third completer piece? What’s your best trick for embellishing something? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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Hi Marsha, those colours really suit you, it’s a lovely outfit! I’m so glad Nigel is going OK and you’re coping, it’s a hard slog at times so I hope you’re taking care of yourself as well.
I really love those boots!
Take care xx
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb! The dress itself is rather thin so whenever I wear it, I usually wear at least a slip. But, I knew the museum would be cold that day so I added the turtleneck. It was surprising to see that there wasn’t a single bit of pink in the dress though I could have sworn there was! Don’t tell anyone, but I got them in green last week!
We are really working together as a team, and I know it’s going to pay off for both of us.
I always like when you combine a dress with a slip and boots, it’s really pretty.
“The Docent with the Bell” would make a great name for a painting! 😉 Or how about “The Human Windchime”?
Thanks, Cat! I really love these slips and have quite the collection. These boots and their friends are expensive, but gosh are they worth it. I will be wearing them for years. I was hoping you’d catch that reference! If I could paint, I think I’d go with The Docent with the Bell!
I really love that outfit – it’s so pretty. And the colours are just right for you. Here in the UK it is just beginning to warm up, and while I do see the occasional man wearing shorts (usually the postman delivering the letters) it is still very much wear the layers kind of warm weather, particularly as we always have a cold wind. But I am beginning to wear jackets as an outer layer instead of a long coat – so that’s progress!
Fingers crossed all goes well with Mike and well done you for all your nursing skills. Very best wishes to both of you X
Thank you, Penny! My son was on spring break from the University where he works. I called all the kids with the news and was in tears during most of our conversations. Since he was able to come, he came and stayed with me for most of the day. Even he was impressed with the surgeon. He keeps remarking on how personable, confident, and positive he was when he met with us after surgery. I have amazed myself at how patient I’ve been (I’m not known for that).
Would you believe it was in the 70s (21.1C) on Sunday, then dropped to the 20s (-6.7C) on Monday? We even got quite a bit of snow. Indiana just doesn’t like to play fair when it comes to seasonal changes. Luckily, we had done a few photoshoots before Mike’s surgery. Today, however, when I took the dog out, I saw a guy running in shorts and short sleeves. I’m sure he was warm enough by that time, but he made me even colder just seeing him!
Oh my goodness, you are so funny Marsha! And very busy with Nigel🎶🎶🎶
I think the colours in your outfit look fabulous together.
Thanks, Nancy! I try to make y’all giggle at least once or twice! I am very busy, but it’s a good kind of busy. I’m so glad you like the colors together. I thought I disliked brown, but I’ve changed my tune!
These colors really suit you, Marsha!
Glad you and Nigel are home and things are going pretty well. I will keep you both in my prayers!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks so much, Kellyann! It is ironic how much I thought I disliked brown when it started trending. Now, I have so much of it in my closet! Thank you for the prayers. They mean a lot to me. I believe in the power of prayer and am constantly talking to the Lord, asking, pleading, and begging…no bargaining, though.
I love your layered look Marsha! The print is so beautiful. Thanks for the update on Nigel. You are an amazing nurse!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I have kinda impressed myself with my patience! I am not known for it when it comes to taking care of his bumps and bruises. But, this is something way beyond what we’ve dealt with in the past. I have the utmost confidence in the new surgeon and really, really hope it isn’t misplaced. I love this dress and really tried to talk myself out of getting it because it is so similar to another I have. But, I really like the silhouette!
Great post, Marsha. Love the pinks on you. So happy to hear you and Nigel are coping well. It’s been a long haul for both of you. Best wishes coming your way.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks so much, Lynne! I have to be careful with pink as it can make my neck disappear! We have had a couple of bumps in the road (thank you, narcotics and iron supplement), but I’m just so glad he’s on the road to recovery. It’s a long road, but I feel hopeful for the first time in forever, it seems. Thank you for the wishes!
Lovely colours. And well done nurse Marsha.
Thank you so much, Rosie! I never thought I would have been able to do this. But, I’m not injecting him with anything. That PICC line is amazing. You just clean it well, then attach the medication or saline and push it through.
I love this look and all the tips! I find myself attempting to layer in fall and winter with some of my more summery pieces, but then getting overstimulated and defaulting to an oversized shirt and leggings / pants from Ghana 😂 This year has been the first year I feel some cohesion in my style.
I love how you layered this outfit. It looks breezy but cozy. I need you to do a layering masterclass ✍🏾
Thanks, Edi! Your clothing from Ghana is just so beautiful that it serves as a jumping off board for so many other things. We just need to sit down and do some brainstorming. I happen to have a few pairs of earrings that might help! I’m not so sure about a layering masterclass, but I do have fun putting different things together that don’t seem like they’d work, but they do! Trust me, I didn’t use to be this bold! Have a wonderful time in the Big Apple! I know you will shine there!
Your outfit is so cute! Glad to hear nurse Marsha is doing well. I did pack away some of my heaviest sweaters or those with obvious Christmas & Valentine themes on them today but since it’s still only getting into the 40’s I haven’t done much else to transition my closet. I also don’t have far to go to pack things away as I keep a series of totes on the topmost shelf of my closet that holds all my seasonal items so nothing is ever really out of sight either if I want to wear it. I’m really anxious to be able to pull out all my spring blouses and lightweight pants but I’m betting we have at least another month before I can do that.
Thanks, Joanne! I was surprised at how easily I could administer the medicine. There are quite a few steps, but I’ve got them down now. The home health care nurse checked in today and said we were doing quite well. I keep thinking I should put things I won’t wear for years (until I’m a very old lady) into tubs because they are of such good quality. But, then I’d have to get them in the crawl space and promptly forget about them. There are some cardigans I still pull out every once in a while, too. I keep thinking spring is here, and then it snows!
I 100% did not realize that the dress had no pink until you mentioned it – it’s definitely a “pink-adjacent” print! It’s a really beautiful outfit and much more chic than a nurse’s uniform… I’m wishing you and Nigel the best while he’s battling that unfortunate infection! (I’ve been battling a minor infection of my own so I’ve been a bit MIA from my computer recently, hence my late commenting on everything, but I’m hoping to turn a corner soon.)
Thanks, Sally! I hope you’re soon feeling much better. I have heard of so many people with sinus infections and such. I wonder if it’s because of the weird winter we’ve had. I honestly thought there was pink in it until I really looked closely at it. But, I figured the pink was a pretty color to pair with the print.
This is a really pretty color way! I love the pink peeking at the hem and top! Sounds like you and Nigel have a good system going on. We have one of those belt things for my dad and I think it will come in handy when he is less mobile than he is now. He somehow manages to get up from his chair but it is getting difficult. Incisions… my scar from my appendix rupturing when I was 12 was the ugliest thing ever: but like a nurse friend told me, at least I am alive! I guess scars are our battle scars.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I had a couple other slips that would have worked, but the pink seemed the best choice. We are definitely developing a routine. I’m glad your dad is finding that belt to help with his independence. I use it to keep Mike stable since he has to balance on just that one foot. Oh, my goodness! A ruptured appendix is quite serious. I consider my stretch marks my battle scars. I have several on my foot, but most people don’t even notice them.
I’ve been known to remove tights and throw them in my purse…
Love this look, Marsha,
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I would probably do the same thing. It’s the replacing that I would struggle with.
This is such a great transitional look! I love how you layered for those unpredictable temperatures—it’s such a smart and practical approach. And that dress is beautiful on you…the colors are so rich and perfect for this in-between season!
Thank you, Laura! The dress itself is made from a very light woven cotton so I knew I would wear a slip. The turtleneck just keeps my neck warm because I often get cold there! I really loved this print and was surprised when I looked closer and discovered there was no pink in it!
Layering is definitely your friend in these shoulder seasons, as you say, Marsha. As others have mentioned, that dress and its colors suit you. I’m glad to hear that Nigel is progressing in his recovery. He is lucky to have your help. Please take care of yourself as well.
Thanks, Christie! I just couldn’t resist this dress when it went on clearance. I already knew the colors because I have it in a jersey dress, too. Mike is coming along nicely though it’s hard for him to use just the one foot. But, we will make it…we have a big anniversary in June! I am getting lots of sleep and have a few days coming up with my kids dad sitting!
Ooh, I love this layered outfit, Marsha! What a fabulous dress. I understand why you had to snap it up! The weather here has been super weird as well. Schools were delayed on Monday because of 60 mph winds and the temperature reached 70 in the afternoon. Tuesday we had a snow day with about 7 inches of snow falling and lots of intense wind again and the temperature was at -10. That’s an 80 degree change that happened in less than 12 hours. We still have snow forecasted almost every day for the next 10 days. Ugh. I am so over it! But I do love my layers, so at least I have that on my side! LOL
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I love it in a jersey dress I already have, and I loved the dress in the orange colorway. Now, I have the best of both worlds. This has been the strangest winter ever. Sunday, it was 88 degrees, but the temperature fell during the day. Monday, it didn’t make it out of the 30s. But 80 degrees is really something. I’m not going to believe it’s spring until it’s been warm for weeks and weeks.
I’m glad things are going well with Nigel. I love a layered look! This is such a pretty seasonal transition outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! Once upon a time, I wouldn’t have considered brown a spring color, but things change, right? We are so hopeful for the first time in a long, long time!
Hi, Marsha – Somehow, I just can’t bring myself to wear a skirt or dress until Spring and Summer. So I guess I’ll be doing that soon….Our Michigan weather has not been warm enough for me to feel comfortable wearing a ruana or lighter third piece, even up to the equinox. I have a feeling Winter will change abruptly to Summer again, like it has been doing in the last few years. So I’m not sure how many of my transitional clothes will get worn. I may just give most of them up! Love this look on you and your hair, too – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! It depends on where I’m going when I wear dresses and skirts. The museum is very warm in winter so I don’t have to worry there. Our weather has been so very strange. We hit 88 on Sunday, and Monday it struggled to get out of the 30s. My plants are so confused. I don’t really have that many transitional clothes. I just rely on layers.
Beautiful outfit! I love the colours and clever layering!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much, Emma! I have so many of these slips and keep telling myself to stop. Then, they come out with new colors that are just the littlest bit different!