Be flexible!
Do you remember the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”, by Bobby McFerrin? Oh, gosh! Now, I have that song playing in my head! If you want to listen, here you go! Since I started the blog back in July, I’ve found myself not worrying as much about what I wear. Now, before you gasp too loudly or snort your Diet Coke out your nose, let me explain. I no longer worry about the category of clothing. I have Jodie to thank for thinking outside the box. She frequently reminds us to think about the item of clothing as something to wear rather than a kind of something to wear…does that make sense? In other words, just because it’s a skirt you don’t have to wear it solely as a skirt. And, more than anyone else, I have to thank Debbie for making me embrace the woman I have always been and was sometimes afraid to show. These two women, more than any other designer, influencer, what have you, have created the monster that is me!
Life is really too short.
Like a few of you, I grew up in a time when you didn’t wear plaids with stripes, florals with stripes, or florals with plaids! God forbid you did all three together! You can bet people would be talking and thinking either you’d lost your mind or you were too poor to dress correctly. I’m not kidding at all. It took me until just a few years ago to figure out life is too short to worry about what others think. Wear what makes you feel beautiful has become my fashion mantra. I’m pretty sure some of you have looked at my outfits and thought, “What was she thinking?” And, that’s ok. I’ll admit I’ve done the same. But, I’ve also come to the conclusion beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. And, I’m my own beholder…just as you are your own beholder! We need to lift each other up while loving ourselves. I know…easier said than done sometimes!
A Challenge
Several weeks ago, Jodie challenged me to style a dress with colorful tights in an Ageless Style post. That has been percolating in my mind for quite some time. I’ve looked for colorful tights a time or two online, but I haven’t found anything that sparked joy. When I decided to wear this dress, I went rummaging through my tights. Nothing spoke to me, though. And, then a lightbulb went off. What are exercise leggings if not footless tights? I knew I had this pair of really cool leggings, but I wasn’t sure about the colors. While I have evolved in many ways, I knew, when going this bold, I needed the colors to somewhat match. I was thrilled when the colors in the leopard print definitely went with the color of my dress. Imagine my surprise when Jodie wrote this post! Here I thought I was being so innovative!
The Lewk
I love this dress. I love it so much I have it in three colors! I am one of those people who buys multiples of the same thing because I like it. April Cornell does corduroy so well! The corduroy is soft and feels like those old cords you have washed over and over again. The embroidered bodice and crocheted lace on the pockets and hem are all hallmarks of the April Cornell aesthetic (can you tell I’m watching “Project Runway”?). I did move the button-on belts up to fit my short waisted torso. The Old Navy leggings (similar) are from a few years ago. My boots are L’Artiste (similar). Each piece of jewelry (here, here, here, here) was a gift from Nigel spanning a decade at least! Most are so old I can only find links on eBay. And, I wouldn’t buy “good” jewelry on eBay as you can never tell if it’s legitimate. The items I can find links to indicate to me they’re classics and will always be in style. It’s funny that all of these pieces are blue topaz because my birthstone is opal!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I really thought I was doing something groundbreaking when I wore workout leggings as tights! But, I guess there really aren’t very many original thoughts or fashions left, are there? What do you think? Have you ever worn workout leggings as tights under another piece of clothing? Am I really late to the game on this one? Have you, like me, decided life is too short to worry about what others think? It only took me more than six decades to figure that one out! Please leave me a comment or two. I promise to respond. And, as always, I thank those of you who subscribe to the blog. It means the world to me!
Where I frequently link up:
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. Please check out these blogs if you haven’t already done so!
I absolutely LOVE this, Marsha! I love the outfit, but I love your inspiration so much! Jodie and Debbie are amazing, aren’t they?
Personally, I have never worn leggings as tights, but why the heck not? I think it’s a brilliant idea! Go YOU!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! I really thought I’d invented something new when I pulled those leggings out! And, then Jodie beat me to the punch!!! And, yes, I adore Debbie! She is amazing and fierce and all of the fabulous adjectives!
I think you have the right idea. I used to have a pair of footless fleece lined tights. Same idea as leggings. Your dress is such a pretty color.
Thanks, Fonda! I’ve wondered about fleece lined tights…do they look bulky?
Thanks for coming by!
What a great idea! Why wear clothing we love only for one purpose. I can see why you love that dress, and this color is gorgeous. Love the booties too! And I couldn’t agree with you more on the wear what you like thing! I learned that trough blogging too.
It has been a journey, Nancy, to understand I need to wear what I like and not anyone else (well, maybe Nigel)! I have really zeroed in on the colors that work for me!
Thanks for coming by!
Love today’s outfit Marsha! It sings to me. Jodie (Jodiestouchofstyle) does have a way of kicking old boxes doesn’t she?
Oh, yes! She definitely makes me think! I can’t imagine living close by! (Does she raid your closet?)
What song is it singing? “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”?
I buy multiples of clothing items I like in different colors too (or the same color if it’s jeans or pajamas)!
Oh, I do the same thing with jeans. If they fit, better stock up, right?
I loved the text, I found it very reflective and I liked the boots, I thought they were very beautiful.
xoxo
https://beperes.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much! The boots are one of my favorites!
OMG…this is the best. And you’re going to laugh, because next week, I’m also posting about print tights. I’ll have to link to this post too!!
Isn’t it so freeing to just wear our clothes this way. and it makes me feel smarter too, haha!! So glad you’re along for the ride.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love the color of your dress! Those printed leggings are perfect with it!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much, Jill! This is one of my favorite colors (I also have the dress in blue and rust). I had never thought to use leggings as tights before this! Kind of a duh moment!
I love the pretty color of this dress and the legging paired with are so fun! I have done leggings under dresses but love doing patterned tights which is pretty close. I need to try this trick soon!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I just wanted to meet Jodie’s challenge! But, I really do like the look, and my legs were even warmer than with tights! Bonus!!
The best thing about blogging is connecting with other women and the positive impact it has on us! It’s a fun place to share and explore!
xo,
Kellyann
You are so right! I love how I’ve become much more open to experimenting with clothing…that wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t read blogs!! And, this blogging community is fabulous!!
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I totally love your dress paired with printed leggings, Marsha. I was admiring your jewellery and boots.
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much, Anna! My daughter sold Stella & Dot for a bit and got me hooked! And, these boots are getting lots of wear!
Thanks for coming by!
You’ve really nailed your style – buying a dress that works, in 3 colors; using leggings under a dress. It’s cute and quirky, which, from our limited acquaintance, seems like the essence of you! Thanks for linking
I’m not sure I even have a style, Gail, but I’ll definitely take cute and quirky! I have really experimented more with clothing in the last decade or so because I just love clothes!
Thanks so much for the link up!
You and Jodie are so clever. What a great idea to use active wear leggings as tights. My daughter does it with my granddaughters all the time. I think I am the only one who can’t think outside the box. My 2 year-old grand is into dresses but her mom insists she wear them with leggings. She must have gotten the memo!!
Love the animal print with this great dress. And it looks lovely dancing in the breeze. I love that you embrace your windy day photos rather than discarding them. You always shine!!
It’s funny you mention your granddaughter…my daughter did the same thing with my now 12 year old granddaughter. So, why did it take me 12 years to figure it out?
Thanks for the compliments on the photos…sometimes, they are the best ones!