Heyo! How is life going for all of you? Are you back to work or school? Or, are you lucky, like me, and it’s just another day? I’m not officially adopting any resolutions, but I’m going to try to shop my closet more this year. I don’t want to bore you so I’ll try to come up with different stylings and accessories.
Blue boots…
My closet was sadly lacking in blue shoes and boots. It just so happened I had some Nordy notes about to expire so I splurged on these Miz Mooz boots. I’d seen them at VonMaur, but they didn’t have my size. I like to read reviews on just about everything, and they were so mixed on these boots. Some said they were tight in the ankles and legs. Some said they were narrow. Some said size up; others said size down. I did end up having to exchange them for a half size up because of my Frankenfoot. If you’re a Nordstrom shopper, here’s a little tip. Instead of waiting til the last minute and purchasing something you really didn’t want, ask a sales associate to put the amount on a gift card. At this point in time, Nordstrom gift cards don’t have expiration dates.
A movie review…
I have a confession to make. I have always had a bit of a crush on Gene Wilder. I think it’s his beautiful blue eyes. They make me feel like I’m the only person in the room…um…theater. I do believe that started with his portrayal of Willy Wonka. I loved Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory even though it strayed quite a bit from the book. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp was much closer to the book. On Tuesday, Nigel and I saw Wonka. I don’t know what the critics are saying, but I loved the movie. For some reason, I thought it would be a bit of a bridge between the two movies. It isn’t. I think, if you’d never seen either movie, you would be just fine. Timothée Chalamet is perfect as a young Willy Wonka, full of hope and exuberance. The production is amazing! Was it the same as Tim Burton’s vision? Not at all. There’s a little more grit to this version, but it’s wonderful just the same. And, the songs…oh, the songs! Timothée Chalamet is not only gorgeous, he can sing! From the opening score to the end with an updated interpretation of “Pure Imagination,” I was entranced, and tears flowed. If nothing else, just go to see the Oompa Loompa!
My outfit…
While my boots aren’t a true navy blue, they are a lovely “Ocean” color. I’m going to struggle finding just the right tights to wear with them, I think. So, for their debut, I chose this Spellbound kimono from Kantha Bae (similar). I really love these silk kimonos, but I struggle a bit with tying them. There is an under layer with a shorter layer on top. The shorter layer has the ties. But, Jodie posted her “Most Popular Style Hacks of 2023“. And, the very first one was how to tie your kimono! I used that hack here and really like how the kimono looks and fits much better. I’m wearing a pair of the pima leggings from J Jill underneath. Usually, I have to constantly fiddle with the two layers if I’m not wearing something underneath. With this way of tying the kimono, I don’t necessarily have to do that. I experimented a bit, tying it to one side, the other side, and then the middle. The middle won out this time.
The Lewk!
Put down your Diet Coke or tea. I’ve been tracking my spending on an Excel spreadsheet. My goal isn’t really to stick to a certain budget as much as it is to see where I’m spending money. Hahaha!!! We all know where, right? But, I’m thinking, if I’m writing it down and seeing the amount, it might lead me to make some changes. Oh, Journey was definitely the right WOTY for me! But, I bought these boots before January 1st, so they won’t be tracked. I have been looking and practically drooling over these Miz Mooz Leighton boots for years. And, let me tell you they are like buttah! Nigel bought the John Hardy necklace for Christmas. I already had the earrings (similar). The bracelet is an old purchase from Stella & Dot.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I am fortunate, I know, to be able to purchase boots like these. Even though I had a significant amount of Nordy Notes, these boots were not inexpensive. I reached the point, long ago, where quality was more important than quantity. For as long as I could, I’ve always tried to buy good shoes for myself and kids. It took a long time to convince Nigel of this, but he’s gradually swung round to my way of thinking. So, can we talk? Do you spend more money on a specific category of clothing or accessory? Have you seen the movie, Wonka? Is there a celebrity upon whom you have a secret crush even though no one would ever imagine it? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible.
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.
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. 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!
Love the colours and style of your dress, Marsha. As always you are looking stylish. x
Thank you, Sue! I truly appreciate the compliment!
I am with you on shopping my closet more this year . You probably are like me and have so many good things in there that sometimes get forgotten . I am loving your new boots , you will wear them for many years. I am the same with shoes and have always bought the best I could afford at the time. I will add my husband sounds just like yours.
Thank you, Jill! Well, I do have lots of good things, but I’m not sure they are as fabulous as yours! I love your style…so chic, so rocker chick, and so totally you! When I walk past the men’s shoe store at the mall, I gaze in there and wish mine would wear at least one pair of those beautiful leather shoes. But, at least, he’s now buying good sneakers!
Those boots are fabulous! I fully admit that I always bought cheap shoes up until a year or two ago when my husband convinced me to buy an expensive pair of hiking shoes… and now I am a total convert. My whole body feels so much better when my feet aren’t hurting. 🙂
Thanks, Joanne! Well, I have to admit to buying some cheap (and terribly bad on my feet) shoes when I was teaching…just because they were cute. Teaching for that many years on cement floors did my feet no favors. Gotta take care of our feet!
Oompa Loompa is Hugh Grant isn’t it? I love his British humour. Love that dress, beautiful colour!
Thanks so much, Nancy! Yes, it is Hugh Grant…and he is hilariously understated…that British humor!
I’m so glad that tying trick worked so well for you. It’s really smart to only have one layer of material so the knot isn’t as big.
And that kimono is incredible. Love the boots too.
XOOX
Jodie
I was, too, Jodie! I had to fiddle with it a bit as the kimono is silk and a little slippery. I really liked the way the outfit came together.
Thanks, Jodie!
A theater near us is putting the musical on and we went for Christmas. The girls LOVED it! Now I need to see the movie with them. I hadn’t heard any reviews so I’m glad you shared your thoughts! Love your pretty dress and boots!
The movie is so good, Laura! I loved every minute of it. As I said, there isn’t a lot of tie in to either movie, but it’s still delightful. I think you will chuckle at the Oompa Loompa!
Thanks, Laura! I am so glad I splurged on the boots!
Fabulous post, Marsha! First of all, I freaking love Gene Wilder! Young Frankenstein is my all time favorite movie. Once upon a time, I had planned to get my entire right thigh tattooed with scenes from Gene Wilder movies, that is how much I adore that man. But the kids came along and my tattoo budget disappeared! I definitely want to see the new Wonka movie. But for me, no one will ever capture Wonka the way Wilder did. Of course, you know that I also adore this outfit! This kimono has such gorgeous colors and your new boots are beautiful. I have been transitioning away from inexpensive footwear as well. My feet need quality and comfort now. My favorite pair of leather boots from BedStu recently split open at the sole. I paid close to $300 for them about 15 years ago. I just paid another $175 to have them repaired because I just could not part with them. I also recognize that I am fortunate to be able to afford that and I could have easily bought a brand new quality pair for $175. But why waste a good thing, right?! Now I have brand new boots that are in a vintage style that you can’t find anywhere!
Shelbee
“What hump?” Mike’s absolute favorite quote from that movie! It is hilarious. I loved Marty Feldman, too! I hope you see the movie because there are moments, I swear, when you feel like you’re looking at a very young Gene Wilder. But, you are so right that THE Willy Wonka movie is Gene Wilder’s! I bought my youngest son a pair of BedStu boots shortly after they were founded. At the time, they weren’t quite as spendy as they are now. I don’t think they had much of a following then. I wonder if he even has them anymore.
Thanks, Shelbee, and have a fabulous weekend!
My son watched Wonka and really enjoyed it. I have only heard positive things about it. I try to be middle of the line as far as how much I spend on something, I really do buy anything that is more than $100 unless it is a very special pair of boots which has only happened once or twice.
Love this look: the colors in that kimono are so pretty and your new boots are gorgeous!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I loved Wonka…you should see it, too. It’s just so good and will make you feel good, too. For all of our adult lives (prior to retirement), we worked hard and saved hard. We put three kids through private colleges, too. So, now, I feel like I can splurge every once in a while on something. I don’t really set limits, but I hope I never see the day when I spend $600 on a pair of boots. I only say that because I never would have thought to pay $20,000 for a car, either! I remember our first car together was $1900, and it was brand new!
Thanks, Mireille, I’m glad you liked the look!
The colors of this kimono are gorgeous on you! I agree that Gene Wilder had a mesmerizing quality that draws you in at the same time another part of your brain says “run!” haha.
Thank you, Sally! Hahaha!!! He was such a funny man. I didn’t know he’d died from Alzheimer’s. He didn’t want the public to know because he didn’t want to scare little kids. Isn’t that sweet?
Oh what a fab dress. Blue does suit you Marsha. I’ve not seen the new Wonka film but hope to go with my daughters. I liked the original film, but have to say it did err scare me a bit!! lol. Jacqui x
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I love blue and wear it a lot. Oh, that scene with the boat and the whirly thing going on? That scared me, too! None of that in this film. It really is lovely.
I love your kimono, it’s so beautiful…those sleeves! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! The sleeves really are something. At times, they’re a bit of a pain, but I like how dramatic they are!
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