Week 15!
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 this post finds you well. Holy raindrops, Batman! We just got hit with a heck of a rainstorm…thunder and lightning, too! That rain was swirling and coming down so fast. Of course, I’d just gotten done watering plants! But, we needed this rain. 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. I have seen other bloggers mentioning they were having problems with Google. I guess that means it isn’t just me. So, let’s get the shenanigans going, right? I haven’t tried to comment lately, but please know I’ve been reading your posts!
Last week’s looks…
Tuesday – I worked on the blog, did laundry, and just putzed around until showering. I decided to wear this cute dress from Loft. I love the smocked bodice as well as the print. In fact, I just remembered I have a pair of pants in this print except the print is reversed. I mean, the background is the tan color, and the print is the ivory. I just need to hem them. We had pasta that night for dinner, and I know what you’re thinking. You’d be half right and half wrong! I didn’t spill anything on my dress, but the spoon fell out of the bowl right onto the skirt of it. I hurried up and rinsed it with cold water, even used a bit of Dawn on it. There’s just the faintest hint of a stain on the skirt, but I’ll know it’s there. I’m hesitant to wash it because it’s fully lined. And, I dread the thought of ironing it!
Wednesday – I had a meeting at church for our weekend retreat this fall. I’m one of the presenters, but I don’t have to write it completely. There’s a script I can use as a jumping off point. Since Nigel had physical therapy later in the day, I needed to shower and get him showered so we would have plenty of time when my meeting was over. I am trying to get to the point where there’s nothing on my countertops but my canisters, a Harley Davidson calendar thingamabob, and a candle. I am failing miserably! There are all these dumb cords laying on the counters. There’s one for the clicker on my tripod. One for some kind of watch my oldest gave me. Another for a printer I said I’d take gratis and do a post for it. I tried so hard to say no to that. I can’t get it to hook up to my phone, but I will get it figured out. Recycling always ends up on the end even though I swear I’m taking it out every single day. I wore this cute eyelet top from WalMart and a favorite pair of Gap horseshoe jeans. I’m going to be so sad when these look dated and silly. I think I paid around $20 for that eyelet top. I belong to a group on Facebook where they were discussing the merits of another brand’s eyelet top. It was over $300! I know my WalMart top is fast fashion, and the other place sources from places that pay a fair wage. But, I just can’t see paying $300+ for a white top that will yellow and look less than stellar in a few years.
Thursday – I had a fun day this day. In the morning, I had training to become a docent for school tours around the theme of Painting and Poetry. I can’t wait to do one. I’m going to incorporate a poem or two into an upcoming tour just to see how it goes. I hadn’t been actively avoiding school tours, but I wanted to get some experience before doing them. After the training, I picked up my youngest granddaughter for her day of shopping. I am here to tell you that girl is a marathon shopper! We went to several stores, and she tried on so many things. I would pull something out, show it to her, and get a nope nod from her. I wondered if she might have liked some of the things, but since I’d picked it out, she wasn’t interested! She got some really cute things, including her favorite thing…a hoodie! I had to drive on 465 during rush hour which ranks right up there on my “Things I Really Don’t Enjoy” list! I wore this cute gauze top and funky pants from Tulip Clothing. The pants have seams to create that distinct silhouette.
Friday – I had been waiting for this appointment for months! I get a facial every month. It’s one of those self-care things I do, and Nigel supports. My aesthetician is amazing…she gives the absolute best neck and scalp massages. Anyway, we had been talking about Botox (which I’ve experimented with), and she told me I should try micro-needling. She felt that would be of more benefit to me than Botox. Let’s face it…you get Botox, primarily, in your forehead and around your eyes (maybe). Then, the rest of your face is a wrinkled mess. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I wore the same thing I wore on Sunday last week…a chambray shirt and linen shorts. I have these shorts in the same color and two pairs in stripes! Anyway, here I am right after she finished. Never fear, I have a wrap on! But, the photo is just a bit scary! The redness was completely gone the next day though my face and neck were a bit swollen until Monday. I really look like my mom’s side of the family in this photo.
Saturday – I had a VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) tour in the afternoon. I had created a brand new tour for this day, but I used a piece I’ve used before. My theme was A Tale of Three Washingtons. I ended up with 12 people (three of whom were friends). We had really good conversations about all four pieces I showcased. The tour was supposed to be part of the semiquincentennial celebration. We have special pieces on display right now, but I didn’t use those. I used my dressing as armor idea again. I wore this lightweight sweater dress and cardigan from Gudrun Sjödén. My Miz Mooz Freya shoes work so well for these tours. I might need to buy a backup pair! When I got home, I got right to work on the two blog posts I had due for Monday. I didn’t have a clue what I was going to wear for either one as well as not having written my research. I focused on one and got the writing done. Sometimes, I think I shouldn’t have even started doing that and just focus on the outfits. But, as y’all know I love to talk write!
Sunday – The day was spent, primarily, on getting those posts both done. I did get up and move throughout the day, though. I had to water the outside plants, do some deadheading of my roses and daylilies as well as dig up some crabgrass that was sprouting on the hump. I kept meaning to shower, but the day got away from me. I wore this Newfields tee I’d gotten when the vanGogh immersive event was going on. I keep thinking I should color it! And, along with the tee, I wore another pair of my Old Navy shorts! I thought I’d do a close up so you could see the “painting” on the tee.
Monday – I had a lot going on this day. I belong to a group of docents who go on tours (sometimes long, sometimes short) of different kinds of art experiences. One of the docents in my class happened to know this couple from her old neighborhood. We spent two hours looking at his home (which he’d designed and built…timber framed even), jewelry, art, and artifacts from Indigenous peoples. He was so knowledgeable about everything. I couldn’t believe how either he or his wife would say the name of the artist even though they’d bought it years (if not decades) ago. The entire house is a piece of art. The funny thing is I’ve always wanted to go inside this house. I could only see it in the fall and winter when there are no leaves. The house was massive, and then I noticed something else going up. It looked, I kid you not, like they were building a skate park! It was an addition to the house, and if you didn’t know it was an addition to the original, you’d swear it was all built at the same time. Both laughed and said the house is still a work in progress. They had waterfalls outside as well as one right inside the front door (the pump is broken on that). I was not only impressed with the house and art but with the knowledge each of them had. You could feel their passion not just for the things but for the people who had created these amazing items. I wore a pair of Old Navy jeans and a Crepe Sari Ruffle Daisy top along with a pair of Shay sandals. The flooring in their home is stone so my feet were hurting after standing on them for more than two hours. After leaving, I drove home and made sure Jack had a potty break and to check that Nigel had had lunch. Then, I was off again. This time, I took my grandson shopping. I thought we were buying Legos, but he said he wanted clothes. So, off to Dick’s we went which was fine with me because I didn’t have to wrangle with that 465 rush hour traffic. I also bought him two comic book compendiums. I asked him if they were archival or if he was going to read them. He said he was definitely going to read them. He’s grown up into a young man, but I still see that little guy who lived with us the first nine or so months of his life.
In between…
Well, it happened. For those of you who are knitters or other kind of crafters, you know what happens when you get close to finishing, right? I have almost all of the squares done for my granny square cardigan. So, I started a new project. This is colorwork knitting which is one of the things I absolutely love. It’s going to be a lap blanket and is made up of squares. I think (at least, I hope) they release a square a week because I only have one square. And, I surely do not want to make however many squares I need from the same pattern over and over again. I continue to be amazed at how much time blogging, reading and commenting on blogs, and responding to comments takes. Nigel doesn’t quite get it, either. I continue to be a night owl, and the light from the computer bothers him. I don’t mind going out to the living room, but he feels like he’s kicking me out of the bedroom. I actually like the solitude at that time of night.
Purchases…
Well, other than buying cute tops and such for my granddaughter and tons of Nike clothing for my grandson, I really didn’t buy much for myself. Old Navy is having a half off sale for cardholders. I bought these pants and just had to order them in the black and nebula colors. I think I’ll retire my Athleta wide leg pants. I think that’s it for purchases. I still need to buy buttons for my crocheted cardigan. Hmmm…do I need those Miz Mooz Freya shoes as a back up pair?
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!
This time it’s easy to pick a favorite – the first dress. It’s so pretty and I hope you’ll find a way to deal with the rest of that stain.
I’m glad to hear your tour went so well, it’s so satisfying when that happens (although my tours were work and utterly boring, but still).
Thanks, Cat! I am going to get that stain out one way or another. Right now, I’m probably the only one that would notice, but I notice! When a tour goes really well, I feel on top of the world. I bet your tours weren’t near as bad as you think. We are our own worst critics, right?
The eyelet top was a bargain find and a useful piece. A busy week for you!
Thanks, Rosie! I love eyelet, and I thought this was a gorgeous top for the money. I try to keep busy and moving as much as I can.
We’re supposed to be getting some rain/storms off and on for the next 4 days. I don’t mind the rain since the ground and plants need it but I could do without the storms for sure. That is a lovely week of outfits.
Thanks, Joanne! That storm was so weird because the rain was coming down in torrents. The winds were blowing every which way…I kept waiting for the weather alert to go off. I love storms, but I’d love them more if we had a basement to retreat to when they’re bad!
That sweater dress and cardigan look is so chic Marsha! I have done micro needling in the past and it’s not my favorite. I’m more of a hydrafacial gal. You skin is incredible!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I actually have the dress in a gorgeous red, too, along with the matching cardigan. But, I was in the mood for neutrals that day, I guess. Oh, I get hydrafacials every month! I am truly spoiled. The skin is just luck, my friend!
Oh Marsha, all of your outfits are so good again! I love your art tee shirt. If you are able to buy a second one, I would color one and leave one black and white because it’s cool both ways! You have been a very busy lady, for sure. That has been the story of my summer as well! I currently spend all of my days driving my kids to where they need and want to go. I am finding that blog duties take so much time as well and I often don’t get it either. But we do the best we can with the time we have! Thanks for the party, my friend.
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! Oh, that is a good idea, but this was over months ago. I could ask and see if they have any in stock. I remember the days of doing that though mine weren’t as busy as yours. They had to be at the pool every morning from 7:00 to 9:00 and had swim meets twice a week at night. They were so pooped from swim practice, they didn’t want to do anything else.
I always have to change my clothes when I make pasta or anything with red sauce, I always end up staining my clothes. I think you would be the perfect docent for school trips!
I got an email for that printer too and declined. Initially I thought it would be great for my mom but then I thought it would end up making more work for my husband because she would be calling him all the time asking how to work it! It’s a cool idea though and everyone who owns one seems to love it!
I had a facial yesterday and am going to try to have one each month until my son’s wedding in Oct.2027 – but I am historically horrible about keeping these kinds of appointments so we’ll see!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I should have known something would happen and changed. I usually do, but this time I figured I had it under control…hahaha! We have tried everything with that dang printer, and it still won’t connect. I think they either sent me an old model or a bum one.
Yes, you need a facial every month. They are so wonderful. I really wish they would offer body massages there, too. When I was going to physical therapy, the therapist rubbed out a knot in my lower back. I could honestly feel when it released.
You have been busy, busy! All good stuff! I love that you take the grands shopping. It’s fun to see how they shop, isn’t it?
That home sounds incredible!
Thanks, Amy! That house was truly something! And, what he didn’t know, his wife would fill in. I was afraid to turn around for fear of knocking into something. Oh, my gosh! I love my grands…I just can’t believe they are this big already. I sent my daughter photos of both of hers on their first days of preschool (not that she didn’t have them) just to remind her.
As a knitter…you HAVE to start a new project before the other one is done. I’m pretty sure that’s a golden rule.
I love the smocked dress…I wore one this week, and it’s nice because when you lean over, the material doesn’t gape. PLUS it evens out the extra material at the skirt and seems more balanced.
I used to have a microneedling set for at home, but I didn’t do it much. I think it’s good.
XOOX
Jodie
Hahaha!!! Well, even if it isn’t, I seem to do it enough! I do love a good smocked dress! They just fit so well even though they’re tighter than you would normally wear (if that makes sense). I have read about microneedling your hair so I may do that, too! Thanks, Jodie!
Such lovely outfits, I love that you show what you wear daily. Micro needling, mmm, and what did you think of the result? I do botox between my brows every 8 months, works for me.
Thanks, Nancy! I have been dressing better since starting the Fashion Files. What I would usually wear is more like the tee and shorts every day. I did Botox for a couple of years, but I quit because it made my eyelids really puffy. I think you’re enough younger than me that it works very well for you.
Hi, Marsha – The micro-needling looks like torture! I’m supposed to see a physical therapist that does micro-needling because my doctor thinks that’s better than acupuncture. I hope it isn’t that bad, because acupuncture was pretty easy to take. It sounds like you have the energy that my husband and daughter have. My son and I are more laid back. Your outfits from the week all look wonderful. I’ve been keeping it light because this Summer heat wave is going up and down, but mostly up too high. Take good care – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I have always wanted to try acupuncture but haven’t really had a reason for it. My aesthetician did apply a topical lydocaine to numb my face a bit, but I could still feel it. It really wasn’t that bad. Later that night, my face just felt like I’d gotten a bad sunburn, but by Saturday morning, I was fine. I have never been energetic, but the work has to be done! I do enjoy putzing around outside. I have a couple of inside projects I want to do, but I think they may be beyond me!
I loved all your outfits and reading more about your week! You were busy!!! I loved that first dress and I felt for you when you mentioned that the spoon landed on it! Oh, the times that has happened and the number of times I’ve lived with that faint stain because I simply couldn’t stop wearing something! Thanks for sharing the micro=needling photo. You look beautiful! I’m excited that you are adding school tours to your docent schedule. You will be wonderful with the kids!
Thanks, Laura! I just knew something was going to happen, but I thought I’d made it when dinner was over. It happened as I was putting leftovers away! I can’t tell any big difference in my skin yet, but I probably need two more sessions. I’m not going anywhere so I might as well do something for me, right? I love this idea of pairing paintings and poetry and can’t wait to get started!
That Loft dress print is so pretty, and I felt your pain about the pasta mishap—I always seem to find a way to spill something on light-colored clothes too! I also loved hearing about your docent training and all of your adventures with the grandkids. Your enthusiasm for art really shines through.
Thanks, Laura! I knew I should have changed out of it, but I was being so careful and made it through dinner. It happened when I was putting the leftovers away. I find that the museum is truly my happy place and respite.
The first dress is so pretty! I always drop food on my clothes, which is why I very rarely wear white or cream. I had Morpheus8 once, which is radio frequency with micro needling. It’s a bit ouchy but they put numbing cream on first. I have a micro needling pen to use at home but I’ve only used it a couple of times so far. The redness tends to fade by the morning if I do it a night.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma! I usually will change or wear a napkin. But, this happened as I was putting away the leftovers. That spoon just wasn’t balanced well enough. Oh, my daughter did a Morpheus once, and after seeing what she looked like, I decided that wasn’t for me. I will probably do a couple more sessions and another laser yet this year. I’m not fighting aging, but I want to look as good as I feel, you know?
Another week over …and again nice outfits during the week. I like the one on Saturday most….and yes it´s true: this portrait picture is a bit scary LOL. I am back from a litte blogging break. Hope you have a good time and all the best
Violetta
Thank you so much, Violetta! Yes, that photo was, indeed, scary! But, it didn’t really hurt at all…just felt a bit like a sunburn. I’m so glad you’re back. I hope you had a wonderful break!
You had a very busy week! I love that you had shopping trips with your grandchildren. That had to be fun. I remember going shopping with my mom and my aunt; we would always shop and then go out to lunch. Those were great days. 🙂
Thank you, Erin! I really love being with my grands, but they’re so busy now. We did have fun (or, at least, I did). My mom and her sisters were not shoppers at all. I must be an anomaly or maybe a changeling!! My mom would faint if she saw my closet!
I enjoyed reading about your busy week and I love Thursday’s outfit quite a lot. I like the mixture of casual and dressier outfits you wore that week and you have some really fun pants! I was glad for a quiet week this week, I did take my two oldest clothes shopping and they did well sticking to their budgets.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! I have really been focusing on different silhouettes in pants. That photo didn’t show how really cool these pants are. I’m glad your boys stuck to their budgets! Good for you teaching them those skills!