Fashion Quirks or Foibles?

Pre-pedicure!

I have a few…

Is it a dress?

Do you ever not wear something just because? I mean, there is nothing wrong with said item. It might even be the current trend or style. I’m not talking about things that don’t look good on us. I’m talking about items you just don’t like for a specific reason.

A little lesson…

A quirk is defined as “an idiosyncrasy; a slight glitch, mannerism; something unusual about the manner or style of something or someone” while a foible is defined as “A quirk, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism; unusual habit or way (usage is typically plural), that is slightly strange or silly.” (source) So, from these definitions, I would say it’s definitely OK to be quirky. But, having a foible might have a more negative connotation. In other words, say I have a trademark look. I always wear a large floral brooch somewhere on my person. In that case, I would be considered quirky. But, let’s say I always wear an aluminum foil hat even in the latest style. That would probably be considered a foible. (I just know Jodie is going to call me out on this!)

No lepidoptera for me…

There are certain things I just won’t buy. One of those is anything printed with butterflies on it. Don’t get me wrong. I like butterflies. I think it’s sad kids today don’t see the plethora of butterflies I remember seeing in my youth. But, I don’t like a butterfly print at all. I have been known to look very closely at items scouring the print for on of those offending insects. I can love everything about the item. But, if I find a butterfly on it, I’m done! Quirk or foible? What do you think?

Avian prints though…

A few short years ago, bird prints were included in that no buy list! Again, I don’t know why I felt that way although I was totally traumatized by the movie. I remember vetoing wallpaper because birds appeared on it! And, then, for some strange (and completely unknown) reason, birds no longer bothered me. Maybe it was the owl scene in the first Harry Potter movie! I’m not into the tropical bird scene though. I like my avian prints to be more delicate and botanical (if that’s even a thing) in nature.

What about colors?

I’m not sure if I have any colors I refuse to wear. There are a few I rarely buy, and, of course, it’s the one featured in today’s post! I’m not a big fan of yellow. I’m not sure why. It is a cheery color, and I always wanted a yellow kitchen! My morning room is even yellow. I also don’t really like orange or coral, but I do like rust and burnt orange. Have I met a purple I didn’t like? Hmmm…I don’t think so! Green is another color I rarely buy if it’s going to be close to my face. I have learned any color I wear has to have blue undertones so there are types of green I will buy or wear. Quirk or foible?

Color combinations…

Are there certain colors you won’t wear together? I don’t usually to wear red and green together because it comes across as Christmas, right? But, I would wear maroon and hunter green. So, it depends on the tone of the color. In my neck of the woods, I also wouldn’t wear black and yellow. It isn’t because I think I’d resemble a bumble bee. It’s because those are Purdue’s colors, and I’m an Indiana University graduate! But, what about yellow and blue? Sometimes, I think Boy Scout. This look, however, doesn’t do that for me. I think it’s because the two colors are integrated into the print of the cardigan. If I were wearing blue and yellow stripes, that might be a completely different situation!

You have to look closely…

See…there, on the sleeve!

I love a toile print. It almost doesn’t matter the colors! I just love toile. If Nigel would let me, I would wallpaper our bedroom in a toile print. I’d buy sheets in a coordinating toile! But, Nigel has had his fair share of putting up and taking down wallpaper! This sweater does have birds on it. You just have to look really closely. You can see them most prominently on the sleeves. This is from Talbots a couple of years ago. Talbots always has such good prints in their Charming Cardigans (I may or may not have this one). And, no! I’m not wearing a dress! The sleeveless top (similar) and tiered skirt are from J Jill. I bought the sleeveless top a few years ago and the skirt just a couple of weeks ago. This skirt is similar to the one I wore in this post. In indirect light, you wouldn’t realize they aren’t a perfect match. In good light, there’s just a skosh difference. But, with the cardigan breaking up the line of sight, they work!

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The Lewk!

These wedges by Clarks (similar) are years old and so comfortable. They have a higher heel, but the platform keeps them from being too high. My ring is David Yurman (my first designer piece of jewelry). The bracelets and earrings are Lagos (bracelets here, here, and here). For the most part, Nigel has bought all of my fine jewelry. When you consider we’ve been married almost 46 years, that’s lots of gifts, right?

Wrap it up, Marsha!

This is how a photo shoot always begins! Nigel has to be coaxed closer!

Fashion is so subjective, right? We like what we like yet sometimes that changes. Sometimes, we are influenced by what’s in the stores or online. Sometimes, we change as we are exposed to the trend, color, etc. So, can we talk? Do you have any things you really dislike and won’t ever wear or use in your home? Do you have a quirk or foible you want to share? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! Thank you to my subscribers. If you aren’t subscribed, please consider doing so. You can also follow me on Instagram here.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion StyleMy Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez MireileThe Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping BagDoused in PinkBeing a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m also a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). And, of course, you can now find me here on the last Friday of the month! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. Please make sure you visit!

22 Comments

  1. That’s a lovely outfit on you. Interesting that on my phone the ‘dress’ looked black and with the yellow cardi (my favourite colour, btw) and with that colour combo I thought how extra nice, but now I’m on my Mac I think the skirt is navy. and I don’t wear navy! So that’s my first ‘don’t’!

    Don’t like hot weather either, as here it gets quite humid too, and humidity with heat is just the pits. Fortunately we don’t have a lot of hot weather – long may that continue. Love your accessories – you do those so well. Have a great rest of the week 🙂

    • That’s interesting you don’t wear navy! So many won’t wear black, but I think this is the first I’ve heard anyone say that about navy. But, we should wear what we want, right?

      I love the in between seasons…when it’s just a tad chilly! And, thank you for the compliments. I do try hard with the accessories though sometimes it feels like I’m trying too hard!

      Enjoy the weekend, Penny!

  2. I am really loving this outfit! The sweater is cheery and that shade if yellow is really pretty! I don’t wear cardigans much so i have learned not to buy them. I don’t think there’s a color I won’t wear but i am learning that there are some that i should wear more!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Thanks so much, Mireille! I was surprised by how much I like the cardigan as I don’t usually wear much yellow. I think the blue is what attracted me. It’s so smart, once we’ve figured it out, not to buy things we don’t like. It took me a bit to recognize what those things were!

  3. I love the color so this beautiful look! So interesting that you won’t wear butterflies on your tops. I need to think on what I wouldn’t wear. I love toile patterns too!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    • Thanks, Kathrine! I wonder what you wouldn’t wear either! I have no idea why I don’t like butterflies on my clothes, but I just don’t! I don’t think I would even wear them on a toile pattern!

  4. Okay, well what I never ever would wear is Mickey Mouse or other Disney , things, . I never did when I was a child and I certainly will not as a adult. And I don’t like humor in my clothes. You know, funny stuff. I dislike that. What I do like is your outfit. I think that is a gorgeous skirt.

    • Oh, that’s a good one. I’m not a big Disney fan, but I do have a denim shirt with Winnie the Pooh on it! I wore it when I was teaching…a gift from my kids because my classroom was decorated in Winnie the Pooh!

      Thanks so much, Nancy!

  5. What a pretty outfit; I definitely tend to stick to solids or wide blocky stripes and rarely buy patterns (except in summer then florals are okay). I tend to not wear much orange, yellow, or brown for no other reason than I don’t really like those colors. I’m trying to force myself to branch out more and buy a few prints, embrace the browns and oranges in fall, etc. but my first instinct is to stick with plain tops in shades of blue and green.

    • I really do like color and prints, but in the winter, I turn to grey! I love it and have to stop myself from buying any more of it! But, come the spring, summer, and fall, I’m all about the colors and prints! I think you always look lovely in your tops…wear what makes you feel good and don’t worry about anyone else!

  6. You have me pondering my fashion oddities as well now! Haha! I’m not a big fan of red and green together either. I do love your sweater though! I definitely see the toile vibe you mentioned. It’s such a pretty, delicate print! It looks lovely with navy!

    • Hahaha! I bet I have more and just don’t realize it! I wonder what you’ll come up with! Isn’t it funny how we don’t like certain colors together because of the association we have for them? I really do like this sweater and had to really look to find the birds!!

      Thanks for coming by!

  7. I love toile! ALways have and can’t see that changing. I also really like yellow and blue together, such a pretty combo!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • Thanks, Kellyann! It’s just the most pleasant print, isn’t it? If I could, I’d have several rooms wallpapered with toile! In fact, I think I may need to go looking for some toile fabric to make myself a skirt!

      Thanks for coming by!

  8. I must admit I don’t think I’ve ever used the word foible, but no butterflies?? I’d definitely call that a mistake, haha!! And my friend Cathie would concur with the no birds. So she wouldn’t be wearing this cardigan at all, haha.
    Truthfully, I have opened up my mind to anything lately. For some reason, it’s been the most freeing thing for me. Not much different than how I used to be the pickiest eater until I met my husband, and now I’ll eat anything. (I’m sure it was a control thing).
    So I can’t come up with something I would wear. I may spruce it up or change it into something else, but I think I’d probably wear it.
    OOXX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    PS…btw, there’s no humidity here…feel free to come visit.
    PPS. Did you know that my mom, Nancy AND my dad went to Purdue??

    • Nope…no butterflies! But, I have absolutely no idea why!!

      I have definitely been stretching my horizons when it comes to clothing. And, as I’ve gotten older, I care less and less what others think. I just need to make me (and Nigel) happy!

      Yeah, I’ve heard that no humidity story…Las Vegas was still hot, hot, hot! And, I did NOT know all of them went to Purdue! Nigel, his oldest brother and his wife all went to Purdue! We live a hop, skip, and a really big jump from West Lafayette. In fact, our youngest lived there for several years, but he didn’t go to Purdue. Small world, eh?

  9. I don’t know, Marsha. The butterfly thing might be a foible. LOL! This is a very pretty outfit! Yellow looks good on you. (I wish it looked better on me.) Okay, quirk or foible? People say neutrals – beige, taupe, etc – go with everything. To me they are just muddied colors than generally go with nothing. So there!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • OK, I’m not gonna argue about butterflies…hahaha!! I like the little guys just not on my clothes or even jewelry…oh, those are fighting words, right? I’m not sure if the yellow is what works as much as the navy drawing the eye away from the yellow. It’s not a color I gravitate to! But, neutrals…yep…I’m with you on that one. Remember my first Final Friday print mixing outfit. I didn’t like that at all because it was so neutral. The only neutrals I buy on purpose might be shoes. I don’t even like a neutral eye! I swear every time I put on eyeshadow, I’m going to just do a neutral eye…then, out comes the rust, then the purple, then we’ve got to add some bronze…and there goes the neutral eye! I don’t think I’m a neutral on anything at all! You can ask my kids or Nigel. Once I get started on something, I rarely shut up!!

  10. How interesting. And amusing in that I’m wearing black and yellow this week, and I did wonder about a wasp vibe, but fortunately the yellow is not a golden one. Fascinated by how you avoid butterfly prints and used to avoid bird prints. I’m generally pretty averse to any prints in my clothes, except abstract and cherry prints. But I like prints in the home and I love toile. The cardigan is a delight.

    • Ah, we are opposites! I don’t have many prints in my house except for curtains. I did have a plaid couch and loveseat, but they were so hard to work with when it came to other furniture! Even my bedspread is plain white! I really don’t understand my aversion to butterflies because I do like them flying around!

  11. This is such a fun post, Marsha! I’ve always considered myself to be a little quirky. I like to be different, for instance in my the kinds of cars I like. My husband and friends think my tastes are quite ghastly lol but I don’t care! I like what I like. And if that means I like driving cars that not many other people are driving then so be it lol. You’ll see when we get my new car next week!
    As for prints, I can’t think of anything off hand that I wouldn’t wear. And as for colours, you won’t see me in beige, purely because it looks awful on me. I tend to avoid bright reds and greens together for the same reason as you. It is a very festive colour scheme lol.
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

    • Oh, now you’ve got me quite curious about this new car!!! I don’t think I’m quirky though I’d love it if someone told me I was. I like seeking out clothing that is unique though I seem to do my fair share of shopping places everyone can buy at!

      I am with you on beige though I did just buy a beige tee that looks pretty good! Oy!