Life lately…
Oh, I don’t know about other bloggers, but WordPress and Bluehost are giving me all the feels. And, they are not good ones! But, life has taken a turn for the better, I’m hoping. We met with a different surgeon today (Wednesday). He could see the problem with Nigel’s legs immediately. Of course, me being me, I teared up at the thought of life becoming somewhat normal again. I’ll spare you for now, but if everything goes as planned, I’ll have a lot more to write in the near future. Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, we are styling “Outerwear.” Last month, Mireille selected “Tweed.” In the past we have worn “Tweed,” “Vests,” “Favorite Skirts” and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Next month’s prompt is “Spring Trends!” if you’d like to join us! Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
Four seasons…
There’s a saying in Indiana that if you don’t like the weather, just wait a bit, and it will change. Honest to goodness, we have had weeks and even days lately when we’ve had all four seasons in one! Just last week, we had snow covering the lawn. We had a huge pile of snow on both sides of the driveway. Today, it was 67 (19,4C)! That means no outerwear at all for this girl. I did have on a heavy cotton sweater, though.
Technically…
Technically, wouldn’t anything you wore on top of your nekkid body be outerwear? I’m just joking. or am I? As you can see from the photos, I’m definitely wearing something underneath all of the pieces of outerwear I am showing. We don’t have a big coat closet, and goodness knows the closet in Jack’s room is stuffed. It’s my craft closet as well as overflow closet for both Nigel and me.
On the hunt…
Gail of Is This Mutton and Penny from Conversations with an Older Woman always have fabulous winter outerwear. I have always gone for the boring greys and blacks for winter coats because I didn’t think they much mattered. Both Gail and Penny would argue your winter outerwear is just as important as the sweater/jumper you are wearing. Gradually, they convinced me. The problem has always been finding colorful winter coats I liked that fit my vertically challenged body.
Over the years…
My favorite winter coat is from 1989. That was the year Nigel bought me a London Fog winter coat. It’s a beautiful plum/mauve coat with navy lining. It has a zip-out lining, too, though I’ve only taken that out to wash the coat. I love it because it was a graduation present (from college), and it is the perfect long trench. Of course, I didn’t photograph that one! When we moved to the “Burg, I invested in the obligatory North Face puffer coat. It’s just a plain down filled puffer. Again, no photos of it this time, but you’ve seen it in my posts about Winterlights. It may not be the most attractive thing in the world, but it is warm. This winter, when the windchills were far below zero, it kept me warm.
One spring…
One spring, we were in San Antonio, Texas, of all places when a cold front came through. I had a light jacket, but I knew I wouldn’t enjoy any more of our time in San Antonio if I was cold. Luckily, there was a Macy’s on the River Walk. I slipped in there and looked for a fairly inexpensive coat with a hood. That’s when I discovered 32 degrees. They make the best down filled jackets that are packable. I bought a silvery/mauve shade. I just looked, and my jacket is on sale for $19.99. I think I paid about $50 for mine at Macy’s many years ago.
If one is good…
After Gail and Penny convinced me I needed more color in my winter coat collection, I returned to Macy’s to find another. I discovered they didn’t carry the line anymore. But, I discovered it online, and the prices were amazing. Seriously, if you need a lightweight, but warm down filled packable jacket, this is the one to buy! My original one came with its own pouch, but now you have to pay $0.99 for one. Last year (or the year before), I ordered a short jacket like the one I had in hunter green. The only difference between it and my original jacket was the lack of a hood. I like a hood in the winter because it keeps your neck warm. I also ordered a 3/4 length one in deep claret red. I noticed this year’s short version has a hood again. Guess what? I’m ordering another in both the long and the short.
Just looking…
I was in Talbots several weeks ago, returning something. I always do a quick zoom around to see what’s new, what’s not, and what’s catching my eye. This gem of a wool/something blend coat caught my eye. I really didn’t have a nice woolen coat so I waited for one of their super duper sales, and I grabbed this one for 75% off! It’s called the Sugarplum Tweed coat, and I love it! Unfortunately, I didn’t wear it this winter. I don’t wear winter coats in the car, but there is always one in there. I always try to park in the parking garage at the art museum so I don’t have the bother of a winter coat. And, we haven’t been going anywhere much lately, but that’s going to change…I just know it! Now, I need to knit or crochet a really cool scarf and hat for this coat.
For spring…
I bought this trench coat at Macy’s years ago, hung it in an upstairs closet at the old house, and promptly forgot about it! I have a Tommy Hilfiger black with small white polka dots trench that always garners compliments. But, it’s showing its age so I’m pretty sure it’s time for this lavender beauty to shine! And, the way our weather is going, that may be soon. Of course, the way the weather is, it may only be for one or two days, unfortunately.
The Outfit…
I freaking love these Mid-Rise UltraSoft Easy Horseshoe Jeans from Gap. I have them in a plain denim color, too. Those were a petite size and seem a little short. They’ll be great this summer with cute sandals. I ordered the floral ones in the regular length, and I just love how long they are. The one thing I’ve noticed is they aren’t good on cold days. The wind blows right up those big old legs! This is a Haven Well Within sweater. It’s called the Organic Cotton Cable Mockneck sweater. Both Loft and Talbots carry this line. There might even be a separate website for Haven Well Within. I find the quality to be a little bit better than Talbots, but that is also reflected in the price. It appears Talbots’ Red Door Sale is over so the really good sale prices are gone. It’s always been irritating that some retailers, Talbots included, play this game of raising and lowering prices. Once a price is lowered, I think it should stay there. If you like the sweater, I’ll tell you this brand tends to run very large. Also, Talbots seems to run extra percentages off on Sundays for some reason.
The Lewk!
I wore these adidas München Sneakers in the silver/off white/silver combination last month. This month it’s time for the blue/off white/silver combination. I love these sneakers and would buy them in the other combinations if they had my size! I added two of my Christmas presents from Nigel. They’re both from Brighton. I haven’t bought any Brighton in decades and sold most of it on Poshmark years ago. But, I slipped into the store a few months ago and fell in love with the Meridian collection. This is the Meridian Aurora Necklace in silver/aqua. The earrings are the Meridian Aurora Leverback earrings. Nigel asked for a Christmas list, and I just wrote down all these different things, expecting him to pick out a couple. Brighton is not cheap, my friends. But, the man bought everything on the list! I did exchange a couple of things.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I am blaming all these purchases on Gail and Penny! Actually, I have been so tired of the grey, black, or herringbone winter coats I have. It was so good to discover 32 Degrees as well as this beautiful winter coat. I also love the lavender trench and can’t wait to wear it. So, can we talk? Do you have a large outerwear collection? Or, are you a one and done kind of person? How do you feel about puffer coats? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. My April Cornell code, MARSHA15, now works, but it’s good for only one use. You can get $15 off $100. I’d wait and use it during a really good sale! Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. Use MARSHA15 at Katia Designs for 15% off your order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! 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 and the Global Writing Challenge on the second Thursday of each month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts about denim, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
You have lots of lovely choices there Marsha.
Thanks, Rosie! I love those little light puffer jackets. You just wad them up and store them away. I keep one in my car year round so I don’t have to worry about it.
How can you forget that gorgeous trenchcoat? I don’t like winter coats. But have a long puffer one, in black, that is so warm! It’s the best coat ever, even though I hate puffer coats. It’s a white world here again today.
Thanks, Nancy! I know, I know!!! I think it’s because I bought it at the end of the season and just stored it. I love puffer coats when it’s cold. Oh, dear…you got snow again? I am sure you’re just loving that!
Oh nice! I’m loving the wool Sugarplum coat and your trench! It’s interesting that 2 Brits have convinced you that outerwear makes a difference. This is because we do a lot of walking to places, cars are not used all the time. So what you wear to go on the walk to the shops, to the doctor, to the dentist, to anything really, what you wear matters, because it is what people see. And then again we might go by bus and again, if you have ever waited at a bus stop you know that they are chilly places, hence a long warm coat is needed. Also here in the UK we often have a lot of grey weather, especially this winter, so even our raincoats need to be colourful and stylish. I have just counted the coats I have – I have eleven coats! I must do a blog showing you some of the coats.
What a great choice for a blog on style. Do wear that darling sugar plum coat – it’s lovely!
Thank you, Penny! Yes, I blame my newfound desire for colorful outerwear on you and Gail. I do wish we were able to walk to everything, but we live on the very outskirts of the town. It’s miles to the grocery and even further to any type of other stores. I have stood at a bus stop in London, and yes, they are very chilly especially when you’re not dressed for it! Oh, my…eleven coats! I can’t wait to see that blog post! Yes, I’ll definitely be wearing the Sugar plum coat this year!
I don’t wear coats in the car either but I always have one in the back seat or trunk just in case. I love that beautiful plum trench coat and that plaid one is pretty too. I’m also trying to get more color into my winter wardrobe through adding in some colorful coats but most of mine are black and gray currently. I did not think of photographing any coats/jackets for other seasons since it’s still quite chilly here most days. I think the warmest we’ve seen has been in the 40’s but after the -10’s and single digit days I’ll happily take 40!
Thanks, Joanne! I used to wear coats in the car, but I just don’t like the hassle. I like a good grey winter coat, but I really do want to add more color and unique coats to my closet. We almost hit 70 today, but it’s supposed to snow Sunday! It’s winter in Indiana. That’s all I can say!
Marsha, I will keep Nigel in my prayers. I hope the new surgeon is able to make a big difference for both of you!!!
I love winter coats but of course don’t need many. If I lived in a cooler climate I would have a blast. There are so many beautiful options. I love your cute sneakers by the way!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much for the prayers, Kellyann! I’m so hopeful for the first time in a bit. This surgeon repaired Mike’s broken arm so they are buddies. We didn’t know he did hips, too, or we would have gone to him. I would love to have more colorful and unique winter coats, but I just don’t seem to find them. I love these sneakers and wish they had more colors in my size!
I have one dark blue puffer jacket if it’s really cold and a denim jacket under which I put different layers if needed. I never had many coats even when I still commuted.
The trenchcoat is my favorite, a beautiful color! I also like the pattern of the jeans.
Fingers crossed for Nigel and that all the plans work out the way you hope for!
Thanks, Cat! I love these jeans and wear them all the time. Mike told me I needed to get another pair! I just might do that. I know many people don’t like puffers, but I love them. Thanks for the crossed fingers. I’m hopeful for the first time in a long time! If we’d known this surgeon did hips, we would have gone to him as Mike really likes him. And, I think he likes Mike, too!
I love that tweed coat, Marsha! The lavender one is nice too. I have a closet full of coats that I rarely wear now that we are almost full-time in Southern Utah. I’m thinking I will donate some of them, especially the dress coats that I used for work and work events.
Thank you, Christie! I wasn’t even looking for a coat, but I saw it. Then, when I tried it on, I was surprised at how much I liked it because it looked a little matronly on the hanger. I have more winter coats now than I ever have had at one time.
Some of my favorite things: jackets and colorful sneakers! I love the lavender one and your new plaid one: some coats/jackets I don’t wear as much some years, but most of them get at least a few turns in the spotlight. Like you, the weather changes from day to day and today it’s like a warm spring day (but back to dipping to 20 on Monday!). So glad this new surgeon seems to have figured out what is going on with your hubby; and I hope it all works out. Sending some love and prayers!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I didn’t even think about jackets! I have scads of those in all colors and types. Thank you for the prayers and love…we’ll take any help we can get.
I’m with Penny and Gail…you need fun coats for a fun person. Why not??
Love the plaid one and lilac is gorgeous too.
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I have really just seen coats as utilitarian. But, Gail and Penny have convinced me otherwise.
When I lived in Ohio, I found coats to be my best winter investment pieces. They lightened my mood and made great first impressions.
Your collection is fantastic!
Rosemary
Thanks, Rosemary! I would love something really, really colorful and fun!
Marsha, what a great collection of coats! I used to always steer toward black and gray coats myself until I moved to this wintery hellscape and needed lots of color in my outer wear. Now I have a giant coat collection in a rainbow array of colors. I guess when you live where it is winter for 8 months a year, you need lots of coats. However, I rarely wear a coat these days unless I am shoveling snow. Then I am always in a long beat up puffer coat with a hood. I hope the new surgeon has some very good news for you and Nigel! Sending lots of positive thoughts and energy your way!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! Oh, yes, I would definitely have lots and lots of beautiful coats when it’s cold that long! And, you have that magical closet that holds so much…kinda like one of those clown cars at a circus! Thanks for the positive thoughts and energy. We will take it all!
So many fabulous coats Marsha! That lavender trench is my fave. What a lovely color on you!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I do love that lavender trench, and I can’t believe I forgot it. I’m on the hunt for one of the cropped trenches that are all the trend this year!
You have a lot of beautiful coats, Marsha. My issue is that I’m short with wide hips so finding coats that look good on my frame without looking overwhelming can be difficult. It was fun to read some of your cohosts posts, too! Lots of inspiration!
Thanks, Laura! That is the exact problem I have! When you find something that fits the top half, it rarely fits the bottom. That’s why I bought so many swing coats for so many years. I’m glad you enjoyed the others’ posts, too!
I am the boring black coat lady 100%! But I want to be more daring and fun! I actually don’t own very many coats to be honest, I buy them and then I keep them forever it seems. Anyway, I am glad you were influenced and you have some wonderful options. My favorite was the mauve coat, what a lovely spring color. I think I would wear that a ton! I also like that lightweight goose down, forest green one. That would actually be a really good fall/early spring coat for our weather, or as a base layer under another more windbreaker type coat in winter.
Hope you, and Niegel get the news you’ve been wanting soon. Thinking of you.
Thanks, Bo! I’m hoping we get some good news this coming week! When you’re dealing with extreme cold, I think black warm coats are just fine! I think you would love these lightweight puffers. They are just perfect for those chilly days in the mornings and evenings. I will now have three short ones and two long ones! You just can’t beat the prices…can you get them in Canada?
Glad tto hear I helped inspire you to find colorful coats! The lilac coat is beautiful. I must confess my coats don’t get with much. We don’t have many of the blue sky sunny days in winter and sometimes it’s too cold for a wool coat. But I love how uplifting the colors are, to me and everyone around,
Thanks, Gail! After reading your posts as well as Penny’s, I just knew I had to inject some color into my winter wardrobe. My navy puffer is for those awful days when it’s below zero!
I really love your violet coat.
All the best
Violetta
Thanks so much, Violetta! I love your name!!
Hi, Marsha – Puffers are too Midwestern basic for me but I do love my packable silver puffer with the hood that tucks into the collar when not needed. I got it from Costco years ago and it came with the free drawstring travel bag. I wrote a blog post on the best coat for Winter and instead of the puffer I suggested a faux fur. I have a faux fur leopard-print coat that defies the black, gray and navy Winter gloom. I’m resisting the temptation to buy a bright-color Winter coat because my husband complains that I have too many already. My warmest is an Expedition black coat with a big blonde fur-trimmed hood. I call it my Arctic coat. It has gotten more wear this season because of all the days in the low teens and below-zero Fahrenheit weather we’ve had. Ugh! We in Michigan have the same sayings about the changeable weather. It’s normally up and down or doing what was not predicted. We have to keep reminding ourselves not to be surprised. After the Arctic blast went through, the next week it seemed like Spring was here in the middle of Winter. But, the next week it started sleeting and snowing and now we have temps in the teens and below again. Well, you certainly did model your coat wardrobe for us! Thanks – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! The reason I like these little puffers so much is because they are colors! And, they’re fairly light so they’re perfect for those days when you need something but not a full-blown winter coat. I really want a faux fur coat and have been looking for a couple of years. Maybe, this year will be the year I finally find one that I like! I agree about the weather. I was looking at Accuweather and going by that when I thought spring may have sprung. I should know better, right?
Aren’t those packable down jackets something? I have one that is very similar in color and style to yours. Mine might be a little more blue-green. Love the plaid coat. I am seeing so many fun spring ‘car coats’ – like wraps, often without buttons. That is really about all we need down here mid-winter. I did splurge on a longer parka during the end of season sale at Macy’s that will cover and keep more of me warm than my down jacket. Only had one opportunity to wear it after receiving it in the mail but will get some use out of it whenever we play in the New Mexico snow each winter.
Thanks, Leslie! I had forgotten the term, car coats! We used to use that term all the time. I did add to my packable coat collection recently because they were just so doggone cheap. I can wear them from September through April with layers underneath during the cold. Now, when it’s bone chilling cold, then I’ll wear my heavy puffer. I was so thrilled to find that plaid coat and that it fit in all the right places.