Week 20!
Welcome back for this week’s edition of the Fashion Files, hosted by Amy and me! If you don’t know Amy, her blog is Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa. I hope your week has been a good one. Well, False Fall lasted all of two or three days. We are back in the throes of deep summer. On another note, I completed my Colleague Feedback tour on Saturday. I had been practicing it with Nigel over and over again. I had a rather large group of people for the tour. In my experience, the more people I have, the less they like to talk. I know other docents have large groups and don’t have that problem, so I need to investigate. But, I’m so happy to report I’ll be a docent for another year! I received some really valuable constructive criticism which is what it’s all about!
Let’s get this party started…
If you’re a fashion blogger, this is the place to be. It’s the day of the week where I talk about the things I wore last week and what I did as well as anything I might have bought. It’s also the place where you can tell us about what you wore, what you bought, what you wished you’d bought! Please tell your friends about our link party because we’d love to see it grow and grow! Either my laptop changed its mind about letting me comment, or google or Blogger or whatever decided it was OK for me to comment on others’ linked posts! Huzzah!
Last week’s looks…
Tuesday – Tuesday was a quiet day for us. I worked on blogging, responding to comments on my blog, reading and commenting on others’. I did a load of laundry and changed sheets on the bed. We don’t sleep in the primary bedroom right now. That bed is a king size bed, and I surely do miss it. The bedroom where we sleep has a queen size bed which has an adjustable base. It’s also lower so Nigel can easily get in and out of it. It’s also easier to make! I spent some time outside watering plants and pulling weeds. I don’t know why my perennials don’t grow, but those daggone weeds surely do! I wore this cute pinafore like dress from Gudrun Sjödén. I also have it in navy. I can’t wait to wear it this fall with over and under layers as well as tights and boots. I’m ready for Fall, can you tell? My hair was actually hairing today!
Wednesday – I was supposed to go to a Women’s Ministries board meeting this morning. But, I wasn’t able to make it. I’m not an “active” member so my attendance isn’t really required. Like many of you, I was really devastated about Dolly Parton. She just seemed like she’d always be around. I had no idea she was 80 years old. I decided Thursday’s blog post would be about her so I finished that as well as reading and commenting on others’. Nigel and I are still talking about what we want to do on our own for the kitchen redo. Of course, when I say we, I really mean my boys and maybe me! I know it’s so frustrating to him to not be down on the ground pulling up the flooring. That’s something he would have done just a few years ago. I wore this really cute dress from Tulip Clothing as clothing as armor. It was just one of those days when I needed to feel extra good. But, check out the details on the dress! It’s just the cutest dress. If you don’t already subscribe to their newsletter, you might want to consider it. Debbie is always running big sales. I know she’s trying to clear out summer things right now. You can try the code, MARSHA30, for 30% off. I’m not sure if it will work, or not.
Thursday – Gosh, when it rains, it pours, doesn’t it? After discovering Dolly had passed, I was further saddened by Tim Curry’s passing, too. He was also 80 years old. I didn’t know he’d had a stroke in 2012 and was in a wheelchair. He continued to do voiceover work. I know many of you remember him from “Clue,” “Home Alone,” or “It.” For me, Tim Curry will always be Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” I didn’t really do much of anything but blogging kinds of things this day. I did run to the grocery store for something or other. I wore all old Old Navy…striped tee and shorts. I’m still trying to figure out the whole wig gig! I feel like everyone is looking at me, but the reality is probably exactly the opposite. I think it’s more that I’ve got all this hair that I really don’t have!
Friday – Nigel was supposed to have physical therapy, but they called and said the therapist was sick. So, I practiced my tour over and over again, with and without Nigel. I know the facts, but it’s all the other things (transitions and such) about which I worry. I wore a gauze 3/4 sleeve top from Tulip Clothing along with a different pair of Old Navy shorts. I also had a grocery pickup because Kroger has four times fuel points on Friday.
Saturday – This was the day! I needed to be at the museum earlier than the required 15 minutes. I got there about 45 minutes early! I made sure all the art was in place. We do get emails about installations and de-installations, but sometimes, I forget. I had a fairly large group which included two VTS docents I had asked to be there. Having someone who is familiar with the protocol really helps because they are able to fill in the quiet spots. This group, I could tell, was a quiet group anyway. You can get an inkling at the beginning when you’re gathering them together and just chatting. All in all, it went very well. I remembered my transitions (yay, me) and covered all the pertinent information at the beginning. The constructive criticism I got was really good, and I’ll be incorporating it into my future tours. I wore a Gudrun Sjödén dress in a beautiful rose print. It even has the word, Rose, scattered around it. In case you didn’t know, that was my maiden name. I asked Nigel to pick out the slip, and he chose the green one. I really wanted to wear the purple/pink Miz Mooz Farrah flats so I incorporated those colors with my jewelry. Clothing as armor really does work!
Sunday – Well, this day went way differently than I thought it was going to go! Our oldest son was coming over to do a couple of things Nigel wanted done. He’d also picked up some things at the Menards near him that ours didn’t have. I had been trying to convince Nigel to let me remove the backsplash in the kitchen. I was going to coat it with duct tape and then whack it with a hammer. Nigel wasn’t convinced. When our son got here, he and Nigel started to talk about it. Before I knew what was happening, the oldest had taken the putty knife and a hammer and went at it! It took him a couple of hours, but he got it all down! So, I guess that means the kitchen reno is really and truly happening! I had been working on two blog posts all through the week for Monday. But, I still needed to do a photo shoot for the Songful Style post. I could not find my clicker for the tripod. So, later in the day, Nigel took them! That’s the first time in maybe close to a year. I don’t know for sure. I’d have to check. Anyway, it was almost like old times. I wore old clothes until I changed into the outfit for the photo shoot. Trust me, you don’t want to see the other!
Monday – I woke up not feeling well. I’ve recently had a change in medication so I think that’s the problem. It just takes a bit for the old body to adjust. I did take a long nap later in the day which helped immensely. I walked into the kitchen and just felt a little overwhelmed. There’s a mess, and I don’t do well with messes. I also haven’t met with the kitchen guy to firm up things. The whole project is like dominoes, right? I do know having the backsplash gone doesn’t really matter to the project, but it’s really dark in the kitchen right now. I was going to put the countertop up on Facebook, but then I thought about the laundry area of my closet. I suggested we put it above the washer and dryer. Both the son and Nigel thought that was a fine idea. I don’t have cabinetry there because I just can’t reach it. A shelf of this size would be easily accessible and would be really nice. I just have a lot to talk over with the kitchen guy. I’m meeting with him tomorrow! I also have my presentation to finish up for the weekend retreat in September for my church. I wore an old pair of Talbots shorts along with an old Old Navy graphic tee. I hope to see Paris before I die, but I don’t know. I’m approaching a milestone birthday which is wild to me!
In between…
I finished what may be my favorite book of the year, When Women Were Dragons. I know it’s an allegory for something, but I’m not exactly sure what. It took me a bit to get into it. Once I was into it, though, I sped through the rest. Obviously (or not), it’s a supernatural tale, but there’s a lot about it that sorta reminds me of the 60s and 70s when women were fighting for their rights…similar to now. We also finished “Grimm,” which made feel all kinds of ways. This was, maybe, our third time watching the entire series. But, for some reason, this time, I really got into the stories and characters. It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend. We’re currently finishing up “Remarkably Bright Creatures” which is almost as good as the book so you know that’s saying a lot. After that, I’m not sure what we’ll watch. Any suggestions? I wish we subscribed to BritBox, but Nigel isn’t really into British comedy nor dramas, though he did like “Broadchurch.” That was such a good show!
A little more…
I recently started following James Lucas on Substack. He writes, primarily, about art. Here is a link to a piece he wrote on van Gogh. If you’re a fan, you’ll definitely want to read it. In a nutshell, Lucas is writing about the heart and soul (literally, not figuratively) of van Gogh. I was in tears when I finished reading it. Now, I need to find the biographies so I can include those little nuggets into tours or Gallery Conversations. All of my subscriptions for blogging just renewed, so I guess I’m staying on this platform for the next year. I keep thinking about Substack. I think it would be pretty much the same for me as WordPress without all the costs since I don’t monetize my blog. I also keep losing subscribers which makes me question why I even do this. I know I can look to see why they leave, but I don’t want to hurt my own feelings! But, I digress…
In other news…
I’m already looking forward to creating new tours for the museum. I’ve been using a lot of the same pieces with different themes and in both public (information type) and VTS tours. I also need to research the artists from the Giant exhibition opening soon. I am already signed up for Gallery Conversations once on the fourth floor. I don’t know if I’ll be up to the task of giving a tour about the art. I also don’t think I’ll have to worry about it because so many of the legacy docents are super pumped about it. So, they’ll be on pins and needles, waiting to be able to sign up for those tours. I may just stick with the other galleries because not everyone is going to want to pay the extra money for that special exhibition. I hope they’ll do double tours for that time period. I’m also at the point where I’m getting a little tired of my outside plants. I don’t have a lot, but most are in containers which seem to dry out much faster than those planted in the ground. I’m also dealing with some kind of mold issue on my red twig dogwood bushes. One of them has a lot of dead in it. I really hope I don’t lose that bush because they’re at such a beautiful size. I also am one of those weird people who thinks plants have feelings, and I feel like a really bad plant parent for not knowing how to help my poor bushes.
Purchases…
I did it. I bought the Miz Mooz Freya flats in red. I got a few comments and emails about the need for red shoes so I did it. I honestly believe I’ll wear them quite a bit. I also had a substantial Nordy Note that was set to expire so I splurged on a Frances Valentine skirt. Now, I have to figure out how to style it. I really like the way they’ve done it, but I really want to make it my own. If anyone knows of a cream and black polka dotted tee, drop it in the comments, please! It’s styled with a striped tee which looks a little Parisian to me. Of course, that’s always the trend, isn’t it? I also bought the L’Ange Le Duo Edge hair styling tool. It heats your hair, but there’s a fan to cool the curl immediately. Unfortunately, my hair is so soft, it slips out from between the plates. When it does stay in, I get these weird little kinks at the end. So, I’m going to return it. I hate doing returns at Ulta for some reason. I have absolutely no idea why! Oh, I almost forgot, I took advantage of the Zuri sale and bought another dress. I wash them about three or four times before even trying to wear them. They’re made from a really good stiff cotton. But, the dress just hangs like a tent if I don’t soften it up by washing it over and over. I have never had any problems with the colors running, but I do wash them by themselves.
What to link up…
Please link up your favorite fashion posts, old and new. Please take the time to visit some of the other bloggers. I’m sure they would appreciate it, and please let them know you are visiting from our link up! I really do thank Amy for being my co-host! Feel free to show us what you’ve been wearing, what you’ve bought, returned, or just thought about. Maybe you could share something you’d love to have but never will for whatever reason. You can tell us…we’ll understand. Tell us about your shopping habits. Do you enjoy thrifting, reselling, or online shopping? Just write a post about fashion of any kind. You could even do a review of an awards show. There are always awards shows, it seems! And, remember, even if you’re a movie reviewer, a baking blog, a book lovers blog, a blog that’s anything but fashion, I’m betting you get dressed. Snap a photo, write a little about it, and link it up! You really don’t have to dress up, either…take a look at my Sunday outfit! Thanks, my friends, for linking up and spreading the news!
See, I knew your tour would go well.
What a pity that Mike isn’t into British shows! I hope you’ll find something you both enjoy watching.
The book sounds really interesting, but alas, once again my library only has it as an audiobook.
Good luck for your talk with the kitchen guy!
My favorite outfit is the Saturday this time.
Thanks, Cat! I was just glad to get it done. He does like some, as long as he can understand them. If they’ve got really heavy British, Irish, or Scots accents, he’s not going to watch it. Right now, we’re watching The Last Airbender or something like that. I figure he watches a lot of what I like so I can watch that. Oh, I am not good with audio books so I totally understand. I signed the contract, and the project is a go! I’m glad you liked that outfit. It was my clothing as armor outfit!
Glad to hear that the tour went well.
Loved the stripey Tee and shorts.
Thanks, Rosie! I’m so glad it’s over! That is probably the most me outfit (along with the other tee and shorts outfit) when I’m at home.
So glad the tour went well! I hope the renovation process goes well too. You have lots of cute outfits this week… I honestly can’t remember what I wore yesterday…
Thanks, Joanne! I knew it was going well during it, but I didn’t know how well (does that make sense). The renovation is just going to take time. It’s going to involve a lot of coordination because we are doing all the demo and removal of stuff ourselves. That has to happen within days of the new stuff coming or I won’t have a kitchen to use. I take a photo every day and then note stuff on my phone!
I really enjoyed reading about your week, my friend. Don’t worry about your subscriber numbers, just write for yourself. I don’t even know how to check my subscribers or how many there are! LOL I view my blog just as my personal journal. If someone wants to read it, it’s there. But honestly, I just write because it’s my personal outlet and I actually don’t expect anyone to read it! I get surprised that people are actually interested in what I share. I love all of your outfits this week, as I usually do, and I’m so happy that you are extending your docent position for another year. The museum really seems to suit you and make you very happy! Have a wonderful week ahead!
Shelbee
Thank you, my friend! I guess it’s because I see it as soon as I set up the email to go out with a new post. Oh, that’s a good way to think of it. I love to write, and I’m beginning to struggle with what to write! I am so lucky to have been asked to train as a docent. It really has been a lifesaver at this time in my life.
I had no idea Dolly was 80 either! She is one of those people that we really needed around forever, what an amazing soul.
I love the wig on you! I feel the same, people are looking at me but I also have had so many people compliment my hair and that NEVER happened before. I’m choosing to believe they are looking me with admiration!
I know how you feel about messes, it gives me anxiety. The kitchen will be wonderful once it’s done!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I was astounded by her age. I mean I knew she was older, but I would never have thought she was 80 (she had a good surgeon, right). Let’s hope someone steps up to fill her stilettos! Thank you about the wig. I keep meaning to email you for tips. I almost always will tell them it’s a wig. I should probably just accept the compliment…that’s all a part of that deflecting, isn’t it?
Oh, the mess is going to be even worse. I met with the kitchen guy today, and absolutely everything has to be out of the kitchen and dining area! I’m going to run out of places to put stuff!
Wow what a busy week Marsha! love all your outfits, especially your beautiful dress and hair style! And loved Dolly- she was an amazing and sweet person and loved her movies and music. May she rest in peace 💕. I have a busy day of work and then errands with my mother. I hope you and everyone have a blessed week! xoxo
Thank you so much, Trina! You are so kind! Dolly was truly a force for good in this world of ours, wasn’t she? How wonderful you have time with your mother. I hope you had an amazing time with her. Have a fantastically blessed week!
Love all these looks Marsha! Especially that pink dress. So happy to hear your will be a docent again and can’t wait to see your new backsplash. I was sad to hear about Dolly as well. What a bright light she was!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I am going to wait until the floors and countertops are done. Then, I’m going to live with it for a bit before I decide on the backsplash. Dolly definitely was a very bright light in this world. She will be missed by so many.
Hello Marsha, another busy week for you.
I know what you mean about living with a mess in the kitchen.
A couple of years ago we decided to have a complete new kitchen and bathroom at the same time – all I’ll say is never again.
I love Saturday’s look, those Miz Mooz shoes are fabulous but the cost of buying a pair is prohibitive for me living in the UK.
Thank you, Linda! I surprise myself sometimes by what I get done in a week. I’m not looking forward to the inbetween time with the kitchen because our kitchen, dining, and living room are basically one gigantic space. That means I’ll be looking at the mess forever. But, the end result is going to be so good! It’s too bad Miz Mooz doesn’t sell in the UK because I have been so surprised at how comfortable every pair I’ve bought is comfortable right out of the box. The leather is just that good!
Of course. You’ll be a docent next year. I would have no question about it because i’m sure the way you write your blog that you’re fabulous educator.
And it’s the same I think, with many blogs… I always considered a labor of love. Which is why it’s nice to have other hobbies.
I think nigel did great picking up that green skirt under the dress… It looks incredible
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I knew I’d be a docent again, but I’m such a perfectionist. I really wanted to get the highest score possible (I didn’t), but the constructive criticism was really good and valuable. Now, you’re making me blush! I love to write, and I write the way I talk so it just goes on and on and on! I gave him several choices, all of which would have worked. I think the green was probably the best, though.
You have some cute shorts and summer tops and dresses perfect for the faux fall! We have had a sudden return to summer here in Maryland with temperatures in the 90’s this week, too. You have a project with the kitchen renovation-fortunate to have sons nearby to help with it. Your museum docent job seems like fun, glad you will be continuing it. One of our neighbor’s who is a history buff and has lived in the area for many years is a docent for an historic lighthouse, and he loves it. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting the link-up, such an enjoyable read!
Thank you, Di! I was so hoping False Fall would last at least a week. Do you have humidity there? I am very lucky in the sons and bonus son! They are more than willing to do things. They kinda think I’m a frail little old lady, though! I absolutely love being a docent. It’s like teaching a bit. Oh, that would be amazing to be a docent at a historic lighthouse! You are very welcome for the link up!
I love wearing skirts and dresses this time of year and you have some beauties! Congrats on your successful tour! I had no doubts but I’m so glad it went well and that it’s behind you now! Congrats, too, on getting the kitchen remodel underway! Here it comes, ready or not!!!
Thanks, Laura! I was so glad to have the tour over. Friday night, I just decided I’d done all I could do. I am fortunate to have a very large closet…hahaha!! Yes, the kitchen remodel is definitely underway because I signed the contract today (Wednesday).
I love your Sunday and today hair! You look like Debbie Harry on Tuesday. You are so terribly busy, wow what a energy. I’m enjoying a few days by the sea at the moment. Thanks for hosting!
Thanks, Nancy! I’ll take looking like Debbie Harry on any day! You would be surprised at how much “not doing a thing” I do! I hope you’re loving the sea! I miss the beach!
It seems to be still summer where you live dear Marsha. This week I like the sunday outfit most…dress and hair.
Have a good start into September.
All the best
Violetta
Thanks, Violetta! It is definitely still summer here and will be for several more weeks. I’m glad you liked that outfit. It is such an easy one! I hope your September is filled with all kinds of wonderful things!
Congrats on your tour!! One day I will have to drive down with Wyatt and show up for one of them. 🙂
So many great outfits, but I think I like your very first one the best!
Thanks, Erin! I would love that! You could just come down, and I’d take you on your own little tour! I really like that little dress…so easy to put on and wear any old way!
So much to talk about!
I love red shoes!
That is so exciting that Nigel got to take a photo!
Congrats on your passing the VTS and another docent year.
Ok – Paris. I had an epiphany that a week is better than nothing when we went to Spain. I bet you could find a direct flight from Chicago to Paris. Maybe Indy to Paris but you could hop a plane to do Indy to Chicago. I love to look at airfares. I have seen some airfare for $800 to Amsterdam, Dublin, and more cities that I would like to visit. I would be happy to start checking for you. I even had an idea that you could take an art trip/lead an art trip with museum people? Wouldn’t that be a cool goal? The wig looks fabulous and Dolly would approve!
Thanks, Amy! I think I said these were my first red shoes. But, I remember having some that I just didn’t like. I passed those along. You are a dream, Amy! You are so good at planning trips! If Mike were in better health, and I knew when I could actually go, I’d take you up on the offer. I have a few docent friends who are ready and willing to go with me. But, leading a group would be cool except I don’t speak French! Now, London, I could handle. Thanks about the wig. I think I’m still in that self-conscious stage. You don’t think Dolly would want it higher? Hahaha!
Hi, Marsha – I’ve been battling the weeds like crazy while tending to the plants I do want, helping them struggle along in the heat waves this Summer. But meanwhile, I have been identifying what these weeds were, mostly so I don’t touch something poisonous like my husband recently did. And as I’ve learned about these invasive plants (weeds to us) I’ve been amazed at their history and their worth. I’ve even decided to allow some ground cover to stay in the places I want to walk on instead of dirt. Secondly, thank you so much for linking to the article on Vincent Van Gogh! My Dad was an artist who worked in oil paints the most and Van Gogh was my Dad’s favorite artist. Now I can really see why. At my Dad’s funeral, we filled the funeral home with an art exhibit of his paintings. Then, all of his paintings were divided between family members throughout the entire extended family. Everyone was happy to get their favorite paintings. None of us ever had the energy to submit them to any exhibits or galleries. So we all have them on our walls and in stacks in our various homes. Thank you for the value in this post – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I know a lot of what we call weeds are really just plants, but crabgrass and I are not friends! I’m so glad you liked that article. I thought it was amazing. And, what a lovely thing to do to honor your dad. I’m so glad you kept his art. Perhaps the next generation will be interested in them, too. You could maybe write something to go along with them.
Well done with the presentation! We’ve been using a drip irrigation system in the garden and weeds grow where the water falls….nettles keep appearing. You have to be impressed at the tenacity of weeds!
Thank you, Gail! A lot of our irrigation system hits the plants, but not the ones on the back porch nor in the large pots. We have really bad soil, and I need to constantly amend it to get things to grow…other than weeds!
Always fun to see what you’re wearing, Marsha. I especially liked Tuesday’s dress this week. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Christie! I really like that dress, too, and look forward to wearing it this fall!
Congrats on being a docent for another year! It sounds like all that practicing paid off, and I love that you came away with constructive feedback you can use for future tours. Your rose-print dress was such a perfect choice for the big day too, especially with the special connection to your maiden name!
Thanks, Laura! I was very happy with the feedback I received. Of course, the perfectionist in me wanted a perfect score. But, where’s the room for growth there? I just had to wear that dress. I think it’s called Peace, but it will always be Rose for me!
Well done! You must be very happy with the tour continuation. Were all these photos taken this week? You hair looks amazingly different each pic!!
Thank you so much, Lydia! I am thrilled to have it done! Except for Thursday and Sunday when I was wearing a wig, that’s my hair. It truly has a mind of its own! I just follow its lead!