I’m not sure about where you live, but here, in the Midwest, winter seems to have descended upon us! We really had a mild fall, and even though the calendar says we’re still in fall, we’ve had snow on several days now. Last week, it was even measurable! Today is the third Thursday of November which 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, Joanne, of Slices of Life, came up with the idea of “layering essentials.” Last 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.” Prior to that, we have worn back to school looks, 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!
Layers…
Last week, my oldest granddaughter was in the musical Shrek, Jr. She was a dragon’s assistant and stole the show (not really, but isn’t that what grannies should say). The eighth grades at both middle schools in our town combined to produce the show. I have to say it was really good. I’m amazed at what kids do these days! I would never have begun to imagine getting up in front of hundreds of people and singing! They have been working on this production since August.
So, layers…
The reason I brought up the play was a line which has resonated with me. If you’re familiar with the musical, you probably know what I mean. Shrek says he’s like an onion; there are many layers to him. And, isn’t that true? There are so many layers to all of us. There’s that tough exterior layer to protect us from whatever we perceive as hurtful or dangerous. And, then, there is the very core of us…the layer many don’t ever get to see or know. In between are all of the layers that makes us uniquely us and unequivocally human. Those are probably the layers that are the most endearing, annoying, humorous, and sad. But, enough of the philosophizing, right?
Back to layers…
When Joanne suggested layers, it was October. Our weather was glorious and required few layers…just a tee and maybe a light jacket. As I write this post, though, that has changed significantly! Our low tonight (Wednesday) is supposed to be 25o (-4oC). That, combined with the moisture in the air, makes for a very cold me! I have hypothyroidism and am postmenopausal. Between those two things, my internal thermostat is broken! When I get cold, I tend to stay cold. It is not unusual for me to wear two sweaters and a sweatshirt at the same time and swathe myself in afghans or throws! So, layers are a fact of life for me!
My interpretation…
But, you didn’t come here to see me in a sweatshirt with two or three tees under it, right? I ventured into my closet and looked around trying to get some inspiration. Finally, I thought, “Hey, what if I wore this tunic (limited sizes) with a sweater underneath it?” I then thought I’d go one step farther and put a tee under the sweater. I used my Instagram hack to make the sweater appear similar to a waistcoat. I added a pair of J Jill pima leggings for extra warmth. All in all, I really like this outfit.
Hold on…
I know, I know! The sweater isn’t green at all. How many of you are now scrolling back to look more closely at the photo? It reads as green because, well, you know what, I don’t know why! I think it reads as green because the tunic is green! There are a couple of reasons why I think this works. The sweater and the tunic both have a floral print. Those floral prints happen to have almost the same colors! Et voilà! You have two prints that work well together! And, we all know stripes are basically the neutral of the print mixing world! Bonus points to me because the stripes on this old Old Navy tee are green!
Warmth…
Two of the three tops I am wearing have three quarter length sleeves. Luckily, the tee is long sleeved so my arms stay warm. The sweater is merino wool, and the tee is cotton. I find natural fibers to be nice and cozy. My tunic is rayon which is also warm when I need it to be. So, yes, this outfit is warm…on top! My leggings…well, when I took Jack out for a biology break, my legs were freezing! That makes sense since they are on the thin side.
Pattern matching…
I should have held off on this outfit for a Final Fridays post, but then I would have ended up with my sweatshirt/tee combo! Honestly, I think I wear some kind of pattern matching/print mixing outfit five out of seven days a week. It’s just such a fun way to dress. If, however, that’s not your cup of tea, don’t do it! You’ll get no judgment from me!
The Lewk!
These are my very first pair of L’Artiste shoes! And, the good news is they are still available! I get asked if I have any discount codes for them on a regular basis. My only advice is to subscribe to online shoe sites and use the discount codes they sometimes give. I was able to use a code on DSW, but, unfortunately, I didn’t like the boots and lost the code as well as my birthday discount! Spring Steps, the parent company of L’Artiste, sometimes offers codes, too! The earrings are from J Jill this year or last. The wrap bracelet is from Victoria Emerson. I thought, with all of the prints going on in my look, I didn’t really need any more accessories!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I just had to chuckle at Joanne’s choice because I think it’s even colder where she lives! It will be interesting to see what all of the other ladies showcase as a couple live in the warmer southern climes! So, can we talk? Are you bundled up from October through March? Or, are you like Nigel and can sit around in a short sleeved tee shirt for most of that time? What kinds of layers do you like best? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as fast as I can. One of the things I’ve noticed is I don’t get a notification when other bloggers respond to my comments on their blogs. That used to happen. So, I’m not sure if you see my replies or not! Please know I do respond to everyone (that’s legit, that is)!
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. 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!
Words just cannot express how thankful I am for all of you who read, comment, and/or subscribe! I appreciate each and every one of you! 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 I do deClaire 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 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!
And, now it’s your turn…
Please link up your favorite layering posts, 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! 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 should see our bedroom(or the rest of the house). It’s not even antique white, but just white! I’m loving it. And your layers!
I think I would prefer the white to this antique white (which I picked). It changes colors with the light (naturally) and can read almost yellow at times. I’m just tired of it!!
Funny enough I struggled with this because up until this week our weather has been unusually warm; typically I am in turtlenecks, sweaters, and coats by now! I’m not complaining though. I loved those extra weeks of mild temperatures but it looks like the cold might be settling in and we’ve had a few flurries here and there already. You did a great job with all your layers!
Thanks, Joanne! I wonder if we are actually colder than you are! We had 2-4 inches of snow last week. There are still remnants of it in the shaded places in the neighborhood. Layers are definitely our friends, right?
Love the stripes and top kimono together and the color of the kimono plays really well with the fall season. Good work. How exciting that you were in the crowd to watch your granddaughter and yes, she stole the show from where you were sitting! I love that. We have also ventured into full on winter, and it seems we will not be getting eased into the cold temps, we have been on/off -25C already. I totally understand that once you are cold, you stay cold. Stay warm my friend.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Wow!!! That is really cold, Bo! I love cold weather, but I hate being cold…isn’t that weird? I’m betting you have lots of wonderfully warm layers on hand!
Thanks so much! I love this tunic so I was glad to figure out a way to make it work in the winter, too! And, yes, my granddaughter was the star as far as I was concerned! Both of my granddaughters (cousins to each other) are gorgeous young women! It’s so strange to see them growing up! I’m sure you know exactly what I mean when you look at your daughters!
Thanks, my friend!
Bravo, bravo!! What an incredible job of print mixing. I think when your closet is cohesive, it makes it easier because you tend to have some of the same colors and prints that will work so well together.
I’m definitely an onion. Boy, that Shrek is smarter than I thought, haha.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha!! Thanks, Jodie! I’m not sure I’d say my closet is cohesive. It’s just full! But, I did really like how all of these different prints worked together! It’s funny, but that line is really the only thing I really remember about the musical!!
I actually thought that the sweater (which does look like a waistcoat when buttoned) was part of the kimono! And it totally does look green with the kimono and T. Love the print mix, of course! And those boots are gorgeous. I usually run warm, but the dry heat from the heater aggravates my allergies, so I try to use it as little as possible…and that means warm layers when the serious cold weather comes around.
I was really happy with how the sweater and the tunic played together so well! The best thing about the boots is they are so comfortable! I am cheap so I keep the thermostat turned low so that adds to the chill in the house!!
Thanks for visiting!
That tunic is really pretty, especially paired with those leggings and your hair! It’s so fun to play with layers!
Thanks, Laura! I do have fun in putting together different prints and textures!
I don’t like prints all that much and mixing on me is a big no. But oh wow, on you I love that mix of print and the top layer, it is just beautiful. But I tell you what caught my eye – your hair! It’s lovely. It’s such a great colour – brilliant.
Thanks so much, Penny! I’m taking that as a high compliment! I do love seeing what kinds of fun I can get up to! Unfortunately, my hair is starting to fade away, but it’s still different!
I love this look, Marsha! The colors are so rich and the print mix is amazing. Ha! I had to giggle about your internal thermostat being broken. Mine is too and for the same reasons you mentioned.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Thanks, Michelle! I was kinda surprised at how well it turned out! And, yep, this thermostat…where’s a hot flash when you need one!!!
You sure know how to layer in style!
Thanks, Amy!
Loving all the layers in your look! That printed kimono is stunning. I love the mix of green and pink!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I really do love this look, too!
Marsha, I love this outfit so much! What a gorgeous pairing of mixed florals! I think all florals match all other florals because, honestly, have you ever seen an ugly combination of flowers?! I am particularly fond of that top piece because you know how I love dramatic long flowing things! I am like you and have at least 3 layers on at all times during these cold months. My neighbors have a joke that they know it is winter when I start wearing everything I own at once! Haha. Stay warm, my friend.
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I was really surprised when I put them together at how well they went. But, you may be right…I’ll have to experiment with my florals…I may have a couple!!! I do love this tunic because the colors are so perfect for me, and the embroidery on the placket is gorgeous! I hadn’t ever tried to “winterize” it before this challenge, though. I will be wearing more things like this now that I realize how easily it can be done! Oh, the cold is terrible, but I love winter! Now, there’s a conundrum, right? I think you must have the best neighbors! I often wonder what my new neighbors think of me! They probably wonder why Mike is always taking photos of me on the front porch! They probably think I’m just the vainest creature imaginable!
Fabulous print mixing! Those shoes are so unusual, I love them.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much, Emma! These were my first L’Artiste boots but certainly not my last!! I just love how unusual they are!