Week 21!
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. Last week was one of those that just seemed to drag on and on, but then it felt like it was over in no time. I got way behind on reading and commenting on blogs as well as responding to others. I also apologize for not visiting the blogs of those of you who linked up. I promise not to do that too much. I actually accomplished quite a bit at home as you’ll see.
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! I’m hopeful I can still comment on others’ blogs, but who knows with google and WordPress. I will try to get to your blogs this week! So, on with the show! Huzzah!
Last week’s looks…
Tuesday – I worked in my closet for most of the day. I took everything out of my narrow (and I do mean narrow) Billy bookcase. My jeans, leggings, sweatshirts, and miscellaneous things live there. I had already moved the leggings into the drawer space recently filled with excess workout wear and pajamas. That created the necessary space for my sandals and boots. So, that mess I once had is no more! I also moved a shoe rack from under my dresses to under my jewelry rod. Unfortunately, it hampers (hahaha…see what I did there) opening the dryer door too far. I have to work on it and move it a bit to the right so I can open the door fully. I wore one of my Poppy dresses from Tulip Clothing. Debbie has been running sales to decrease her summer inventory. You can get some real deals there right now. One of the things I really appreciate about her website is the measurements are given for each size.
Wednesday – I had a meeting with our church retreat team in the morning. I know, from experience, if I don’t shower before I go, I probably won’t until right before bed. I got up early (for me) and showered. The meeting went longer than I stayed for…I am very uncomfortable leaving Nigel for long periods of time. We have practiced getting up off the floor so I know he can do that. But, he also has to have a chair nearby to help him. I just worry. He’s been walking with just his cane for a bit. It’s so weirdly wonderful to see him upright after the last three years of walkers, wheelchairs, and just sitting. I finally convinced him to contact the PA to see if he could get physical therapy where he’d gotten it with the first two surgeries. That order was submitted, but they didn’t have any openings until the end of September! So, he’s got September and October appointments scheduled. I’m hoping against hope this makes a huge difference for him. Later that day, I I worked on the blog and in my closet a little more. I’m not 100% happy with the way my shoes are in the Billy, but I’m not sure how to fix that…yet. I wore another Kantha Bae culotte skirt with a graphic tee (wishful thinking…it says, “Happy Fallidays”). Are these skirts the most flattering (I know, Jodie, I know) on me? No, but they sure as heck are comfortable and fit my boho style. I think, in the fall, they’ll look really cool with tights, a tighter to the body sweater, and a completer piece of some kind. Oh, and I met with the kitchen guy, signed the contract, and paid a hefty downpayment!
Thursday – I had Gallery Conversations at the museum this day, and I was ready to leave the mess at home. I just get stressed out at all the planning that has to go into this to make it work. It’s like a game of dominoes. Each thing has to happen before the next one can. We’re doing all the demo and moving of the appliances out. Anyway, I was just glad to get to the museum. I left extra early because it was First Thursday! In case you weren’t aware and are close to Indianapolis, the first Thursday of every month is free admission! It’s almost always busy. The mornings are busiest, I think, because that’s when moms with small kids come. Then, they go home around lunch time. The next wave comes in and usually includes homeschool kids and parents as well as people who happen to know about First Thursdays. I talked to so many people…I really do enjoy this part of being a docent. With every meeting I attend and every tour I am on, I learn a little more to share with our guests. I wore this white dotted Swiss dress from Talbots. It got really bad reviews, but I think some people just don’t want to take the time to find the right size. While I wasn’t really using my clothing as armor, I do try to dress up more at the museum. And, I’ve got the clothes so why not?
Friday – Today was another stay at home kinda day. It’s just too hot to go outside and do much of anything. I water the plants, and I’m so ready to be done with that. I do think I’m going to pull out the petunias and replace them with mums which are some of my favorite flowers. Also, there’s a plethora of them out there for sale. I took a mini break from social media so I didn’t even have a Thursday post which is quite different for me. I can understand how some bloggers just walk away because it really does eat into your life so much. Now, if it was my job, that would be much different. I gathered sources for my Style Imitating Art post on Monday. I spent lots and lots of time trying to track down the art work to no avail. I did have a Kroger pick up later in the day. I keep getting odd extras in my order. This time, it was a package of bratwurst. I looked at my receipt, and I paid for them. But, I know I didn’t put them in my cart! I wore my usual uniform…Old Navy tee and shorts. Later that evening, I went to Ulta and Old Navy to return some things.
Saturday – I putzed around all day. I think I’m avoiding doing things because the kitchen is a mess. That just discombobulates me. It’s going to be one of those things that gets a whole lot worse before it gets better. My IT guy ((AKA my oldest son) ordered me new clickers for my phone so I can do my own photoshoots. I somehow think Nigel is fine with that. It’s just so hot, and he has to be in the sun when we take the photos. Anyway, I did the photoshoot for Monday’s SIA. I really like the way the photos came out because I decided to edit some so they were black and white. Then, I chose the warm option so they’d look a little aged…just like me! I just stayed in my Spellbound kimono the rest of the day (because I’d been in my nightgown the other part). I actually styled my wig on my new wig head! It’s so much easier. Now, I know why my hair looks better when my hairstylist does it! Too bad I can’t take my head off to style my hair! One of my wigs is a non-heat kinda wig. That means no using the blow dryer to add volume (though it doesn’t need any) as well as no styling tools. I saw a video of a wig stylist and decided to try what she did. She just wet the wig and curled it with rollers. I did that, but I didn’t have the luck she did. I’ll give it another go before I decide I failed Wigs 101!
Sunday – It’s very unusual to have such a long period of time when I don’t have to do anything or go anywhere. Nigel doesn’t really want to go anywhere. I try to get him to go to the museum to just walk around. He complains about the rough surfaces outside so the museum would be perfect. Plus I could show him what I do. This day, however, I had to get that SIA blog post written and assembled. I had all the photos downloaded (or is it uploaded), but I kept putting off writing the post. In case you’re wondering, for these kinds of posts (that includes Songful Style), I write the post in Word and just copy and paste into WordPress. It’s so much easier than doing it on WordPress first. Then, I also can figure out how many photos or collages I need to fill the space. I wore an old Gudrun Sjödén dress from the first summer I discovered her! My brother would say it looks like a nightgown, and maybe it does. But, I love the embroidery and the color. It’s a titch big, but I’m not regaining the weight just so the dress looks better…hahaha!!
Monday – This wasn’t exactly a demo day in the kitchen, but it sure did look like it! Well, I guess it was, now that I think of it. My oldest came over, unscrewed the laminate top, and we got it out in the garage. Now, I have to make a decision. I’m going to put part of it in the laundry end of the closet. I was just going to use the straight part which isn’t quite long enough to reach both walls. Then, I thought, why not leave the ell part on it and use it that way. Either way, it will have to be cut which brings me no joy. Those sounds hurt my ears. I do wear ear plugs, but they remind me of the dentist we went to when I was a kid. So, the kitchen was further torn up! He also patched the drywall…a chore he just loves! Seriously, does anyone like to patch drywall? Well, to be honest, I kinda do, but no one ever lets me do it. I still have to figure out the backsplash. There’s a very real part of me that wants to use beadboard because I LOVE beadboard. But, I’m not sure it will go with the quartz counters. I intend to live with it for a bit before making a decision. We went to Lowe’s and I really, really, really wanted to check out the garden center. I knew, though, we needed to get back home and get the job done. Yes, this old lady helped load and unload a piece of drywall! I’ve got guns from shoving Nigel around in his wheelchair! And, yes, I did it! I put a photo of me sans makeup, hair being done, in exactly what I wore all day long…Old Navy workout shorts and an old as the hills tank! So, in case you think I’m glamorous every day, you now know I’m not!
In between…
I think I’ve pretty much covered my whole dang life here! Nigel has been watching lots of AI slop featuring Dolly Parton. I finally told him I thought it was a bit disrespectful of the people who created that stuff. It bothers me people will take advantage of someone’s death, create something really crappy, and then make money on it. We started watching “The Last Airbender” (I think). Actually, Nigel’s watching it more than I am because I’m knitting my little patches for my winter blanket. I saw a granny square cardigan with the outer rounds all the same color. I think that’s what I’ll do to finish mine. I’m not going to try to match the colors, but I do think I’ll go with some kind of neutral. I still need to weave in ends on the cardigan I do have finished and find some buttons. This is when I really miss Joanns! I finished a book and am going to write a post later this week about it. Oh, and I think my minoxidil is working! But, it’s working in the strangest places! My eyelashes are super long, and I think my eyebrows may be growing back. On the down side…I’ve got lots of peach fuzz once again, and all of a sudden, my nose is sprouting hairs! Who knows where it will come from next! I can begin to see little baby hairs at my hairline, too!
Purchases…
Last week, I told you about the curling iron I’d bought. I forgot I’d also bought a new hair dryer. I returned the curling iron, but I love the hair dryer! It was half off and seems to be a little bit like if a Dyson hair dryer and the old Zuvi (I blew that up in Ireland) had a baby. So, I’m happy with it. I have been wanting one of those wrap tops ballerinas wear (like I could dance…hahaha), and Old Navy had one. I ordered it during a special promo, but I got a petite which is too short for what I wanted. I also ordered Kellyann’s floral jeans. I’m going to try Amy’s Halara’s (not hers, of course) and compare the two. I need new jeans like I need new shoes! There are a couple of wigs I really want to try, but Nigel seems oddly reluctant about me wearing wigs. I’m trying to figure out why that is. I know, I know! It’s because I look so much better in them!!! I also bought a wig head, and it’s a life changer!
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!
I had to laugh when you talked about not being able to take your head off because I have said that a lot when working on my Barbies’ hair (my personal Barbie hairstylist aka my sister is much better and more patient at that) as it’s better to take theirs off to avoid neck splits.
I hope your kitchen will become just the way you like it. I remember our kitchen makeover, I never knew how much I loved looking at tiles! The actual work there, though … I know exactly what you mean about that particular sound.
Thanks, Cat! I love to look at tiles, too, but right now everything is very rustic over here. I just want something light colored and very reflective. I don’t want a mosaic. Oh, my gosh! I remember switching the heads on my Barbies. I must have had some different ones to have different color hair…maybe a Midge or two?
Those wigs are amazing. In some of the photos you look like a totally different person! Perhaps that’s why Nigel doesn’t like them?
Thanks, Rosie! They are rather addictive! It would be so easy to just put on a wig and go on my merry way. But, I’m hoping for my hair to regrow so I don’t have to depend on them. They really are fun because my hair has never been like any of them! You may be right about why Nigel doesn’t like them.
I really hope that Nigel benefits from the physical therapy. And the Thursday dress looks fabulous on you. I’ve been clearing out my closets too. What a load of work it is. I sell what I don’t want to keep, so everything has to be put on Vinted. I already sold 8 things. We are going away for a few days today. Cycling, sightseeing, eating! Looking forward to it. Enjoy your day Marsha.
Thank you, Nancy! I am so hopeful for this, too. He’s been walking with his cane a bit more. I try selling on Poshmark but rarely have much luck. I can sell my Gudrun things on groups on Facebook and get decent money. I’m at the point where I’m just going to donate the things I have. I also give some things to friends. Have a wonderful few days away!
Oh I would have loved and taken complete advantage of free museum days as a homeschooling mom! A few of our museums up here in Massachusetts do that but only during the summer and get so mobbed that at least once or twice we were turned away since they ran out of all parking (even overflow parking where they had set up busses to bus us back and forth). I figured we were better off anyway as I would not have enjoyed any museum that was THAT crowded whether it was free or not. You have some lovely outfits for combating the heat. I’ve actually been wearing quite a few pants as we had a few cool and rainy days but it looks like we’ll be back in the 80’s this week.
Thanks, Joanne! There have been days when I’ve had to park in the grass. But, the museum also sits on over 100 acres of gardens as well as the Lilly House so people go everywhere. It’s busy but not that crowded. I just love seeing all the kids there. We’re back in the 90s but supposed to be in the 70s before long! I can’t wait!
Oh Marsha, you are a very busy lady indeed! And still rocking all of these fabulous outfits. You also look fantastic make up free and comfy! Thanks for the link party and sharing your life updates!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I’m so glad you think I look good make up free! I like to give my hair and skin a breather several times a week!
All fabulous looks Marsha, especially that kimono dress! I need to check out that dryer you mentioned. I finally tried a Dyson on vacation at our hotel and I loved it but still not loving the price. Thanks so much for the link up.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! Here is the link to the dryer I got. It was half off when I got it. Even at full price, it’s nowhere close to a Dyson.
https://www.ulta.com/p/airhype-compact-high-speed-hair-dryer-with-3-nozzles-mkt77007527?sku=77011685
You made me laugh when you said something about taking you own hair of to style it. It probably wouldn’t help me. I always said that God knew what he was doing when he gave me all boys. I don’t think I would have been able to do more than pigtails for girls! I really love your white dress! I need to pull mine out!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I’m always here for a laugh! But, it would make doing my hair so much easier! My daughter’s hair was just like mine so I kinda knew what to do with it. We did do a lot of French braids, though. I can just about do mine before my arms get tired, and I give up!
What a busy week! Lots of pretty dresses taking you through it. I love the white eyelet trimmed one. A complete closet clean and re-arrange is a big job. I usually keep a “maybe” donate box, because I always seem to see the possibilities instead of the probabilities and have trouble letting go! Enjoy your week and thanks for hosting the link uk!
Thank you, Di! I have tried to be ruthless in cleaning out my closet. I had so many workout clothes so that was easy to do. It’s my sweaters where I have problems. Possibilities vs. probabilities…that’s a good way to put it. Isn’t that white dress pretty…I was so surprised at the negative reviews. I’m so glad you linked up with us!
You know why that skirt is flattering on you? Because you like it!!
I like it too!!!
And clothing as our armor? Definitely and no doubt about it. When I was at the thrift store the other day, I got complimented on my outfit, and she asked if I had gone somewhere special, and I said, “no. I just have cute clothes, so I wear them”
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I like your answer! I use that a lot, too! I just love clothes…what can I say!
I gave you homework in my response to your comment on my blog. Your homework is to order the Halaras by next Tuesday. Extra petite. So, you need to find a pair that comes in extra petite. I would say go with the high rise pull on for your first pair. Do it!
https://www.halara.com/products/halaramagic%E2%84%A2-high-waisted-multiple-pockets-wide-leg-washed-stretchy-knit-casual-jeans?pmui=10.1.collection.list.5.jeans&pmuih=jean
I gave you homework in my response to your comment on my blog. Your homework is to order the Halaras by next Tuesday. Extra petite. So, you need to find a pair that comes in extra petite. I would say go with the high rise pull on for your first pair. Do it!
https://www.halara.com/products/halaramagic%E2%84%A2-high-waisted-multiple-pockets-wide-leg-washed-stretchy-knit-casual-jeans?pmui=10.1.collection.list.5.jeans&pmuih=jean
Hahaha!!! I’m going to order a pair! I really like those with the asymmetrical closure, but they don’t come in extra petite. You make me giggle!
Hi Marsha,
I enjoyed how naturally you mixed your outfits with everything else happening during the week. The closet reorganization sounded very relatable — sometimes moving one category creates space but then reveals another little problem to solve. I also liked your point about wearing the Kantha Bae culotte skirt because it is comfortable and fits your boho style, even if you are not completely focused on whether it is the most flattering option. Personal style should still feel personal. Your First Thursday experience at the museum sounded rewarding too.
Thanks for sharing this enjoyable post.
Regards,
Muhammad Irfan
Thank you so much!
My favourite this week..Saturday with your nice hair. Greetings from our travel to Greece
Violetta
Thank you, Violetta! I am really enjoying wigs and how they can change the way I look. I hope you’re having a wonderful time in Greece!
Hi Marsha! Love your outfits and especially that beautiful wig! I hope your day is beautiful and thanks for hosting xoxox
Thank you, Trina! I’m loving wearing wigs! You get to be a different person everyday!
I absolutely adore that white dress – it is beautiful as you are wearing it!
Thank you, my friend! I will continue to wear it as long as it’s hot over here.
I really enjoy how your Fashion Files posts are never just about the clothes – they give such a genuine little snapshot of the whole week.
The closet reorganization made me smile because it always seems as though solving one storage problem immediately creates another one somewhere else. Moving the shoes into the Billy sounds like a good solution, even if the dryer door has now decided to become part of the puzzle! I also completely understand why having accurate measurements for every size on a clothing website is such a useful detail. It takes so much of the guesswork out of shopping.
I especially liked the Kantha Bae culotte skirt with the graphic tee. Sometimes an outfit doesn’t have to be the most conventionally “flattering” thing in the wardrobe if it feels comfortable and genuinely fits your personal style. I can already picture it working beautifully in autumn with tights and a more fitted sweater.
The white dotted Swiss dress for your museum day was lovely too, and I enjoyed reading about First Thursday. Free museum days that actually bring different groups of people through the doors are such a nice idea, especially when there are docents who genuinely enjoy sharing what they learn.
Most of all, it was good to read that Nigel has been getting around with his cane and now has physical therapy scheduled. I hope those appointments make a real difference for him.
Good luck with the kitchen project as well. It definitely sounds like one of those “worse before it gets better” situations, but hopefully all the planning will be worth it in the end!
Thank you so very much for your lengthy comment. I am hoping the closet refresh will come together soon. It’s in that “gotta get ugly stage before it gets beautiful” one right now.
You certainly accomplished a lot this week! I can completely understand how having the kitchen torn apart would feel so discombobulating, but it sounds like you’re making great progress. I love the dotted Swiss dress you wore to the museum, and I think those culotte skirts will be so fun styled for fall. Fingers crossed Nigel’s upcoming PT appointments make a big difference, too!
Thanks, Laura! I’ve gotten some things stashed away so I feel a bit better. Of course, now I’ve decided it’s time to do some closet purging so everything is a mess! I love that dress, too! It’s actually even prettier IRL because you can see the lace detail at the bottom better. I’m hoping those will work well. I’m just wondering about how the silk will work with tights…will they clink? I’ll have to google how to prevent that. Thank you for the crossed fingers!