Well now, October is going just as quickly as that little wheel in my electric meter on a hot summer day! We haven’t had the air conditioning on for several days though. In fact, it snowed here on Monday night…granted, it was only a dusting…snow nonetheless! Today is the third Thursday of October…le sigh! That means my favorite month of the year is almost over. It also means it’s time for another style challenge with my friends of Ageless Style! We are a group of women of all ages and styles. Each month, one of us picks a theme, trend, or idea. Then, those of us who are able to participate (life happens for bloggers, too) creates an outfit and showcases it on their blogs, Instagram, or other social media. This month, Cathy, of My Side of 50, gave us lots of wiggle room with the prompt of “what you would wear to a fall outing.” Last month Bo, of Bo’s Bodacious Blog (oh, I love that alliteration!), chose Back to School looks. Prior to that, we have worn fashion on a budget, Summer Whites, sleeveless looks, April Showers, May flowers, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites! Last month, Mercury was in Retrograde so the link button might have appeared a bit wonky! This month, it should be all hunky dorey!
Getting ready…
I had already figured out what I was going to wear for this challenge. But, when I put it on and stepped in front of the mirror (oh, yeah…I now have a full length mirror again), it was just kind of blah. Nigel thought it was swell. I told him, “I have to look like I’m at least trying!” What was I wearing…a really yummy cashmere sweater and a pair of jeans…something I would definitely wear out for a fall event. It just didn’t sing, though! Tuesday night, at bell choir rehearsal, it did ring! I’ve been playing handbells for almost thirty years! I can’t read music at all, but I can count and make notes (no pun intended) with the best of them! In fact, I’m always using those little mnemonics…”Every Good Boy Does Fine and FACE for the treble clef. Luckily, I don’t have to worry about the bass clef! But, I digress!
Fall outings…
I have to admit Nigel and I haven’t really gone on many fall outings this year. We don’t go buy pumpkins at a pumpkin farm, and we don’t go to an apple orchard. I’d love to find a good orchard that had Red Delicious apples. The one closest to us doesn’t carry them. We do go to Newfields and absorb the glories of the fall season. We just haven’t made it there yet. But, hey, I can still dress for an autumn outing, right?
A little history…
When we lived in our next to last home, we would visit this nifty place about an hour north of us (so, about 3.5 hours north of us now). My mom introduced us to this place when my kids were little. We took our grandkids there a time or two when they were little. The Fashion Farm (I’m not kidding..that’s it’s name) was named after a cow! I have no idea why the cow was named W. B. Fashion! On one hand, the Fashion Farm is a fun way to show off pumpkin art. On the other hand, it’s a bizarre take on the old Pumpkin Head scenario!
A little more…
There isn’t much information on the website so I’ll give you a little idea of what it is. The “Pumpkin Fantasyland” usually has a theme. One year, it was historical figures. I have no idea what it is this year. Let’s call the people who create this place pumpkin artists, shall we? And, I’m going totally on intuition with this so take that for what it’s worth! I think a theme is decided, and rooms are decided upon by the pumpkin artists. Next, they create the figures using old clothes and pumpkins. If my memory serves me correctly, the pumpkins are painted rather than carved. Faces are painted on the pumpkins and attached to the clothing. The pumpkin “people” are arranged in their rooms, and a dream or a nightmare (depending on your perspective) is born! It seems to me there is also a President room where each President’s face is painted on the face of a pumpkin. They do have amazing pumpkin donuts, though!
Mississinewa 1812…
Now, this was an outing Nigel and I always love! It’s a battle re-enactment located not too far from us. This was a field trip we used to take when I was teaching. It is an amazing three day event! According to the website, it’s also the “largest War of 1812 living history history event in the United States!” Re-enactors and vendors (who were often also re-enactors) come from all over the States and Canada! Some of them stay in character at all times; others speak to you out of character. This event takes place over three days. The student day is on Friday, but anyone can go. I don’t know if it’s juried or not. Let me tell you, though, the Native Americans are serious about their garb and being historically accurate! Many a mom’s mouth dropped open when they realized they weren’t looking at tights!!! If you’re ever in the area, I encourage you to go. Sundays are the least crowded. Oh, and I forgot to mention…there are pirates and a pirate battle on the Mississinewa River!
My interpretation…
When you get right down to it, any look can be a fall outing look, right? It depends upon the outing! As I said, we had snow this past Monday night so if I were going somewhere then, I would definitely dress differently than this coming Saturday. The forecast is for mid to high 70s (24-27C)! The day we took photos was overcast and a bit windy. Nigel actually wore a coat! And, I hope you’ve noticed…this was a location shoot!! This is at Arbuckle Acres in Brownsburg, one of the public parks in the town. It has a wonderfully wooded walking trail that goes up at a pretty steep angle and down at an even steeper one…unless, of course, you’re going the opposite direction! In that case, it goes up at a really steep angle and down at a less steep angle (tee hee)! I’ve always thought this bridge over the creek would make a fine background, and now I know it does!
My look…
These are the same jeans I was going to wear with my yummy cashmere sweater. Believe it or not, these are billed as wide leg jeans! Even though they don’t fit loosely on me, I do like the flare at the bottom. They are also supposed to be ankle length…hahaha!! I love ankle length because they are usually just right for me! Don’t believe the photos! These are grey jeans even though they look like a faded blue. The tee is an old one from J Jill (similar). Mine is a boat neck with dropped sleeves. You won’t often find me wearing orange. It’s just not my favorite color, but it is amazing as a pop of color under a cardigan or top! My shirt is from Talbots. I love all of the colors in the print and have already worn it with all kinds of colors underneath! I tend to wear shirts as lightweight jackets rather than actual shirts!
The Lewk!
I love these booties (similar in an interesting color) by Sofft! They are comfortable yet follow the current western trend. Trust me, when I bought them a few years ago, it wasn’t because of any trend! It was because they were cute. I think they may have been part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but I really don’t remember (anyone else sing that in their heads…bonus points if you know the reference). The necklace is from J Jill and has been on the blog many, many times! I love the autumnal colors in it. But, they can also play nicely for spring and summer looks! The smoky topaz earrings are from eBay and are years old. You may have noticed me carrying a bag! I don’t do that often because that would look silly on my front porch, right? This is an old bag from Brahmin called the Louise Rose. You can do a google search and find many of them online.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
One of my goals for this blog is to push myself out of my comfort zone. And, taking these photos in a public space was definitely doing that! Of course, there weren’t many people about! I just need to have an answer at the ready when people ask what the heck I’m doing! So, can we talk? Do you have special places you visit in the fall? What places or events are there in your neck of the woods for the autumnal season? How do you feel about wearing orange? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I will answer as quickly as I can!
Affiliate links 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. I recently became a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. You can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Thank you!
I thank each and every one of you who take time from your day to read my blog. It is really special to me to speak to people in person, via the comments, or email about my posts. I truly do appreciate you all! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). 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 also host Final Friday Print Mixing on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now it’s your turn!
Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Also, please join the party and click on the link below to share your favorite back to school look, gardening, cooking, crafting, or any other post! 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! Not all of the ladies are joining this month, but I’m sharing their social media links with you just the same!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Cathy ~ My Side of 50
Blog / Instagram/ Pinterest / Facebook
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
You look fabulous! I love this outfit that is both casual and definitely themed for autumn. I rarely wear orange since I don’t think it looks good on me but with a printed top over it like you have on it just works so well as a lovely pop of color.
Thanks, Joanne! I’m not sure why I don’t really like orange, but I have this one tee and wear it a lot!
That topper would have you fit it perfect with Jodie’s group. I love that shirt so much. Perfect for fall and it is such a pretty print. Paired with rust/orange even better. Love it. And yes I noticed right away the pretty location for your pictures, a beautiful bridge! That event sounds like one my whole family would love. I should check if there are any reinactments around us.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I really need to scout some other places for photos. It’s difficult to find places that have parking as well as a bit of shade. But, you know that!
Hahaha!!! Yes, I definitely could have gone leaf peeping with Jodie and her pals!
I love the printed top that you layered over the tee! The color and prints are gorgeous. I also adore where you took these photos. So perfect for the theme!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I am pretty thrilled with the way the photos came out! Luckily, the day was cloudy!
You had me nodding along through this whole post, Marsha! Wide leg jeans that aren’t wide leg on me – yep. Wearing button up shirts as a jacket – yep. Not wearing much orange – yep. This outfit is fab and looks great! I love all the fall colors in the shirt, it looks quite versatile. I pinned the close-up of your necklace because it looks like it was made with seed beads…I would like to make my own version of it. I’m thinking that by combining a bunch of neutrals, I could get a very wearable necklace. By my lights, an outing to the park in fall = Fall Outing. Oh, and that Pumpkin Fantasyland with historical figures does sound like a very creepy take on the Ichabod Crane story. The historical re-enactment sounds fascinating, though!
Oh, Sally, I think you and I have lots in common! But, yeah, I almost feel bad when the description is wide leg and they just fit! But, I’m not going to lose any sleep on it! Yes, the necklace does have seed beads in it as well as bugle beads. I really like its versatility. I always wondered how many little kids were traumatized by those pumpkin heads! They were kinda creepy!
Thanks so much for coming by!
So I have a tab open to check out that shirt or blouse. It is divine. With a capital D. Divine. Love the colors so much…all of my favorites. And it is so pretty with your coloring. You are one good lookin’ gal. Really like the combination of gray with the orange, too. Just perfect.
PC and I enjoy visiting historic sites. The War of 1812 is one I don’t think of often. We did a tour of many of the Civil War battlefields and saw a reenactment at one of those sites…I can’t remember which. This park at Mississinewa would be right up our alley.
Had no idea you played the handbells. That is wonderful. I am sure you bring much joy with your music. I have a keyboard that I need to play on more. My MIL encourages me but I play a little bit and then stick it back under the bed. She is after me to start again and to practice some Christmas music. Need to make that happen.
Oh Leslie…now, I’m blushing! I really do wish I felt that way when I look in the mirror. I wasn’t sure if the colors would work when I was looking at it online, but then I decided to take a chance!
Oh, you should come to the Midwest next October…we can make it a double date! It really is the neatest thing. Mike went with my class a couple of years as an adult with a group of my boys to supervise. He still talks about them!
What is really funny is that whenever I take one of those multiple intelligence tests, my top intelligence is music! I can’t sing a capella…I just can’t stay in tune! And, there is no way I could read multiple notes at one time. But, I love ringing bells. When I started all those years ago, I didn’t know the first thing about reading the staff. Now, I can read it, but only for my three notes!!! And, thank goodness for those mnemonics!
I love that you went outside to a different place for these photos. Absolutely perfect with that look too. Heck, you would’ve fit right in with our brown print jackets!!
The orange under the jacket gives such a wonderful focal point to the look, so I say BRAVO!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I’ve always had that bridge in the back of my mind for photos. I don’t know that I’d ever use it in the summer as it’s always so sunny there. But, the other three seasons are now on my radar! I really like this orange tee under a couple of different things, but I’m not sure I’ve ever worn them on the blog!
I love your fall photos showcasing the gorgeous autumn colors and the changing leaves.
And your fall outfit is perfection‼️??
Rosemary
Thanks so much, Rosemary! It was definitely a perfect day for taking pictures as it was overcast. Even better, no one was around to watch!
Fall is my favourite time of year. The seasons changing and it just is such a positive feeling overall. Have a great weekend. Celebrating my birthday today in style. Check out my latest post about visiting Dubai. At my site https://www.bauchlefashion.com
Happy, happy birthday! I’ll head over there in just a bit! I hope your birthday is absolutely wonderful!!!
Your fall floral button up is beautiful! The colors are perfect for fall and I like the contrasting polka dot print at the cuffs and edges!
Thanks, Laura! You know, I meant to mention the polka dots…the cuffs are a different color from the facings…weird, right?
Oh wow, Marsha, these brilliant autumn colors look so fantastic on you! I love that Talbots shirt as a jacket and I really like this shade of pumpkiny orange on you. What a beautiful photo location, too! I still am uncomfortable taking photos in public spaces so I always look for the least populated spots. Thankfully, my small town is not very populated anyway! We also have a War of 1812 re-enactment near me as well as an annual pirate battle! So fun! We haven’t really done any fall events after our very busy summer! Fun post, my friend!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I was thinking about wearing a column of grey under the shirt, but my greys didn’t match in the least little bit. Then, I spied that orange and went from there! I really liked the way it looked! I can’t hardly believe you are uncomfortable as you seem such a natural in all of your photos! I always try to hurry Nigel along…bugs the heck out of him, too!
Oh, I do love a pirate battle and actually find their stories so compelling. Isn’t there a song or a story about the victors writing the history? I think that’s the way of pirates…those who lost their lives were bad guys. Those who won the goods for the crown were the good guys!
Okay, that would be so fun to be a part of. When I was reading this I couldn’t help but think of the scence form Sweet Home Alabama where they are re-enacting the war. Have you seen the movie? Anyway, I always thought that’s a neat way to learn history and I bet students get a ton out of that compared to reading a text book. Anyway, on to the outfit. I think the pop of color is fantastic and really brings this outfit to life! Of course you pay close attention and detail to your accessories and I love that too. Have a great weekend ahead.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
I have seen the movie, but I don’t remember that. I guess it gives me a reason to rewatch it! We always tried to make history come alive through field trips and immersive activities. I love history so it was always easy for me to come up with something.
Thanks so much! I really do love how this outfit works even if the jeans photograph as blue rather than the grey they really are!
You are hysterical. I love the comment “I have to look like I’m at least trying”. Yes, I agree, what we wear in real life and what is worth putting on a fashion blog are two different things. I love this outfit, and I love that you got out in public to do these photos. They are beautiful. The colors are amazing for fall!
Hahaha!! Thanks, Amy! It’s funny that the outfit with the cashmere sweater was just so bland. I didn’t even think a scarf would help. Yet, it was so doggone comfortable! I am hoping do many more photo sessions there! And, now that I’ve done it, I need to scout out some other places!
As always, you are beautiful dear sister. The colors of the jacket look amazing. We haven’t been to fashion farm since the boys were younger. You could always take a drive up here. Our orchard has red delicious.
Awww…thanks, older sister! I will be taking a drive up there soon! I’m going to scout around…there have to be red delicious apples at an orchard somewhere down here!
You look amazing, your blazer is colorful and perfect for fall.
New post:
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2022/10/woman-king-date-night-and-black-dress.html
Thank you so much, Melody!
This is a wonderful Autumn look, Marsha! I love the warm colors. And your setting is perfect. I need to remember that idea of using a shirt as a lightweight jacket.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks, Michelle! I rarely seem to button my patterned shirts and almost always button solid colored ones! Weird, right?