Week 12!
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 can’t believe we’ve been doing this for a little over three months! 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 try to visit everyone’s blog who links up, but for some reason, I can’t leave comments. If you don’t see a comment, please know I’ve visited, but I just can’t comment. So, let’s get the shenanigans going, right?
Last week’s looks…
Tuesday – We had a walkthrough at the museum for the America 250 celebration. The curator for Contemporary arts and a curatorial assistant took us through the galleries and pointed out specific pieces. I took a plethora of notes and typed them up to share. It also helps me to remember the information. I wore an old, old April Cornell tunic which is long enough to be a dress except it is slit up the slides. I added a pair of lavender embroidered Tapestry leggings (also very old) to keep things modest. These are a pair of Cariuma sneakers. I think I look a little odd in this photo, but I can’t figure out why! Is it the way I’m standing?
Wednesday – Nigel had an appointment with the surgeon on this day. I had baked cookies on Monday to take. He told me they were his favorite flavor (oatmeal raisin), then he said, “Oh, I told you that, didn’t I?” See, we are special to him! I think the world of this man, and I’m hoping against hope he’s right about Nigel walking again. I wore a sleeveless Haven Well Within sweater (they’re on sale with additional percentage off) with these embroidered Talbots jeans (also on sale with additional percentage off). I also wore my new Michael Michaud jewelry. To quote Sheila from Ephemera, I was using my clothing as armor. Because I was wearing blue, I decided to wear my blue Adidas Sambas.
Thursday – I am a Halftee partner and did an Instagram reel. I kept the outfit on after filming eleventy million times before getting a halfway decent outcome! This is the Classic 3/4 Sleeve Halftee, but please click through this link should you decide to order. I honestly didn’t get all the hype when I first saw these, but I surely do now. One of the best things, I think, is no more wrestling with pulling this up, then pulling that down, and smoothing everything all over. You honestly don’t have to mess with your top at all. When you’re 5’1″, there’s a lot of tee to smooth down, but I don’t have that problem with Halftees. Again, I do get a small commission should you order through my link, but I am really beginning to love mine, especially the lace ones. I wore it under another one of those cute Old Navy apron dresses in…you guessed it…a floral!
Friday – This was a work around the house, all sweaty and grimy so no photo! Trust me…you don’t want to even see that.
Saturday – I had Gallery Conversations for two hours today. My daughter and granddaughter came to see the Body Beyond exhibit which features fashion from Dior to Alexander McQueen to Vivienne Westwood! It also includes home state designer, Halston! The IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) has an extensive textile collection. I remember a few pieces from an exhibit several years ago. After taking them through the gallery, I went on to talk with several other guests at the museum. We have several pieces on display, selected just to pay homage to the US’ 250th birthday. The IMA also owns numbers created by Robert Indiana (sculptor of the iconic LOVE) so they put a 2 in front of the 50 which is in front of the museum. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of LOVE. We weren’t explicitly told to wear red, white, and blue, but since it was July 4th, I figured it would be a good idea. I wore this cute light blue dress with gorgeous embroidery, a white sweater, and my new Freya flats. The embroidery kept getting caught on the buckle of the shoes, though! It was a really wonderful day as I chatted with so many guests at the museum. I really do love Gallery Conversations!
Sunday – We went to the Fashion Mall so I could return a few items. Nigel walked even farther into the mall so that’s progress. He tires quite easily as he relearns how to walk with this new hip. I got so many compliments on my April Cornell dress. I have a little story about it. I bought my now 17 year old granddaughter a dress that matches it…it’s a 2T or even 18 months! That’s how old this dress is! But, it looked kinda frumpy so I did what Nancy suggested last week. I added a belt, and it made all the difference in the world. These days, when you buy a dress from April Cornell, it will have button on/off ties. These ties were sewn on. I tied them in a very loose bow and covered them with the belt. I wore…OK, you caught me…another new pair of Miz Mooz Farrah flats! When I first saw them, I didn’t think they would go with my wardrobe. But then when they went on sale with an additional percentage off, I took another look. These will go with so many of my dresses and skirts!
Monday – Our irrigation system was partially installed. The guys doing it had to dig a huge hole in the front yard in order to hook up to the water line. They were almost done when Nigel made a comment about our crawlspace. The lead guy said, “You have a crawlspace?” I guess they could have hooked up to the water much easier that way. That hole was probably 6-6.5 feet deep! Of course, once the connections were made and inspected, the hole had to be refilled! I kept the pitcher of ice water filled throughout the day. I decided to do housework so I didn’t capture a photo of what I was wearing. Let’s just say, it was an old tee and shorts!
Purchases…
Well, I caved and bought another pair of Farrah flats from Miz Mooz. I had myself convinced I had nothing these would go with. Then, I actually went in my closet and found all kinds of things! Do I need them? Absolutely not, but our financial advisor told us to spend some money so I’m just following his advice. I also bought a cute skirt at both Talbots and Ann Taylor. I caved and bought this dress from Talbots, too. I had to order it online. It has terrible reviews, but I just thought it was cuter than a bee’s knees! We are going to be doing some updating in the house like granite countertops. I want to put new flooring in first, but we really can’t do that until Nigel’s done with the walker because it’s scratching the crap (pardon my language) we have now. We have one window that faces west and looks into the kitchen so it’s very dark. I’m looking for something light for the floors as well as granite (or quartz). I think I should hold off on the new countertops until the flooring can be done, but that’s a year away. I am pretty sure I can wait. The other big purchase that I’m afraid is coming is replacing Nigel’s SUV. Right now, we’ve been driving my little Honda, but it’s hard for him to get out of it. It’s also racking up the miles. I just love how I can zip into and out of places. Big cars are definitely not my jam (does anyone even say that anymore). This isn’t a purchase, but I did finish crocheting a cute cardigan. I need to get buttons and block it. But, it’s basically finished. Now, I’m crocheting granny squares for another cardigan for this winter! I also took advantage of the Gudrun Sjödén summer sale. So, I bought a lot this past week. I guess you could say I’m doing my part for the economy!
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 Thursday look! I’m pretty sure we’ve got the bugs out of the link party now so you can link up through me or Amy! Just, please link up and spread the word! Thanks, my friends!
My favorite this time is the embroidered dress. I can imagine, however, how annoying it could have been to get caught on the shoes all the time. Do you have another pair going with it that wouldn’t do that?
Will we get to see your crochet cardigan when it’s done?
Thanks, Cat! I has to be so careful because I was afraid I was going to rip the embroidery so I’ll have to be careful with my shoe choices. I have a couple pairs of sandals that will work. Yes, you will definitely see the crochet cardigan when I’m done…that’s if I finish it. I have this really bad habit of getting almost done then moving on to something else!
Haha, glad I could help worth the belt tip. I would love the fashion exhibition. Vivien Westwood is one of my favorites. I’m glad Nigel is getting better. But it’s a long road isn’t it. Enjoy your day!
I honestly was standing there, thinking, “What would make this better? Oh, a belt like Nancy said!” Do you follow Sheila at Ephemera? You really should if you don’t. She has the most amazing wardrobe and taste. I’m sure she has some Vivienne Westwood as well as Alexander McQueen and others. Yes, it’s been a very long road, but at least now we see the end coming! Thanks, Nancy!
Thank you Marsha, your Tuesday outfit spoke to me this week.
Thanks, Rosie! I was so comfortable, and I love the colors of the tunic!
Lots of pretty outfits this week; it sounds like you had a busy week as well.
Thanks, Joanne! I really appreciate you always commenting! I love being busy even if I’m really tired later!
Fabulous looks my friend! Your dress is collection is so amazing. Thanks for the link up Marsha!
https;//www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! You would be shocked, I’m sure, to see my dress collection as well as my sweater collection. I’ve been curating (that’s what I’ve decided to call it) them for years! And, you’re welcome for the link up!
Marsha, I adore your 4th of July outfit! The light blue keeps it from looking too obvious which I know is your goal! And your last dress with the belt is so pretty, too. I partnered with Half Tee years ago and still wear mine frequently. I didn’t initially get all the hype either until I tried them. They really do come in handy for layering with less bulk. And yes, people (well, Me) still say whether things are my jam or not! LOL I’ll join you in your shopping confessions…I just bought 2 more pairs of cowgirl boots! Eeeek. I have a wishlist saved and when they have flash sales on my saved items I just can’t resist! But now it’s too hot to wear the boots. I’ll have to wait a few weeks at least. Oooh, I also figured out my problem with mirror selfies. I wasn’t leaving enough space between myself and the mirror. I’ll have to move the mirror to take adequate photos. By the way, I have the same mirror as yours except I painted it teal to match my living room!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I really was shocked when I added the belt to see how much I liked the dress again! I’m going to have to try it all the time now. I’m glad someone besides me says things are their jam! Oooh, I can’t wait to see them! Are they the beautiful ones you talked about a week or so ago? I do think those flash sales are worth looking at because you can get some real deals on something you’ve already decided to buy. I know your mirror is like mine…I keep thinking about painting it. I also want to put some batting and burlap on the back to hang my earrings on it. I have so many and wanted to hang them up. I figured that was a great place to put them!
Love seeing your outfits and hearing about your week 😍 it’s beautiful how you immerse yourself in art in so many ways—working at the IMA, the art that is your various outfits and the home you’ve curated.
Aww, thanks, Edi! I hadn’t thought about my clothes as art, but I guess they are…even beyond Style Imitating Art! I’ve got some plans for this house, too! I just have to wait until a certain someone can handle them!
Yes to belting the dress!! Truly fabulous!
And the half tee’s are fabulous, aren’t they? People don’t realize that creating videos takes a long time, LOL
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! It was Nancy’s suggestion for another dress that made me try it. I was really shocked at how much it changed the dress. I really love the Halftees! They are so soft and stay put! Some of my tees are almost tunic length! Videos are just not as fun to make as people think! And, my thumbnails are always so sad!!
Hi, Marsha – I like your tip about belting something that seems too old or frumpy. I wouldn’t have thought that it would make a world of difference. Thanks for the tip – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I wish I could claim credit, but it was Nancy’s idea for another dress. Of course, I’ve done it with other dresses, but I knew they needed a belt. These two dresses, in particular, have self-tie belts so I never thought about a different kind of belt. I’m glad you liked the tip!
The apron dress looks so cute! Good points made about the halftees. Kellyann has talked about them and I’ve been intrigued. Cute story about your granddaughter’s matching dress. Could it be made into something else for her now? She may not even have it anymore, but that would be cool. I am praying the walking continues to get better!
Thanks, Amy! I’m glad they don’t have any other prints I like in this apron dress! Actually, she has a large container for when she has a daughter (not for a few more years yet, I hope). I asked her if she still had it, and she said she was looking at right then! Thanks for the prayers. I will take all I can get.
I love that long blue dress with the embroidery and the one you accessorised with a belt. You have the most interesting life talking to people around the museum – love the idea of the Body Beyond exhibition. And so good to hear of Mike walking more, it must be heart-warming for both of you.
Oh, thank you so much, Penny! I was actually going to put that dress in my archives, but I love the print so much. I’m glad I remembered Nancy’s suggestion on an earlier post. It made all the difference in the world. That’s why I suggested it to you!!! I must say I’m in my element at the museum. I love to talk to people which is weird because of being so shy. But, I guess I’m wearing a “docent disguise” when I do it! He’s walking a little more every day which certainly makes life better. We’ve got a year, but we’ve done longer so I’m still counting on doing some traveling!