My first official link party!
Y’all, I cannot tell you how excited I am for this post! I am not Southern by any means, but y’all is just the best way to begin! I started blogging in July, and I have been amazed and overwhelmed by the generosity of the bloggers I’ve met on this journey! I truly thought they would think, “Oh, great! Someone else who thinks they’ve got something to add to the styling world!” I was so wrong. Everyone to whom I reached out helped and guided me to create this little miniscule corner of the blogosphere! So, I was gobsmacked when Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style asked me to join the group at Ageless Style! It took less than a nanosecond for me to reply. I might have squealed a bit, too! This is big stuff to me…a true midwestern woman living in a suburb of Indianapolis.
Ageless Style?
You’re probably wondering what that even is. Ageless Style is a monthly link up of ten gorgeous ladies of varying ages. The goal is to show you and the world that style is ageless! Each month, one of us (I can say that now!) selects a theme. We then create an outfit based on that theme. Keep reading to find out more about the other bloggers as well as to link up your style posts!
Can you guess the theme?
When I was teaching, I was known for a couple of things (beyond my stellar teaching, that is). One of those was my love for online shopping. The other was my love of sweaters and cardigans in particular! When Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits suggested cozy cardigans, I knew I’d have only one problem: figuring out which cardigan to showcase!
One of the things I had to teach in fourth grade was creative writing. We had to “model” how to write a piece. I remember one lesson involved how to narrow your subject so that your writing was clearly focused. I used sweaters! I wish I still had that information for this post! But, it was on my school computer which has probably long gone to the hard drive in the sky!
While I love sweaters in general, I simply adore cardigans! They are so very versatile, aren’t they? You can use them as a completer piece. You can utilize them as the centerpiece of your look. You can wrap yourself up in their cozy warmth. You can buy printed cardigans; you can buy plain cardigans. They come in a variety of textures, styles, and materials.
When it comes to sweaters in general, I admit to being a bit of a fabric snob. I learned that the hard way…buying and discarding too many sweaters that just didn’t hold up to repeated wearing. I remember buying my daughter the cutest sweaters at some long gone chain. They were adorably decorated, and I used to buy the jeans/leggings that matched. But, those sweaters were acrylic and showed wear in no time at all. These days, with a little more income than those days, I try to buy natural fibers. I stay away from acrylic and nylon blends, especially if they’re blended with wool. That guarantees too much warmth and lots of itching. That may not be the case for you. But, I have donated many sweaters made of that wool/nylon blend because I just cannot wear them!
My Boston ferns kept blowing off their chains so I left them down! 
Seconds before Nigel snapped this photo, I had tripped over my own feet! 
Can you see my little friend? We have had lots of praying mantes this year, but they’re all little guys like this one!
My cozy cardigan!
I discovered Garnet Hill several years ago. I think I probably received a catalog in the mail because this was before the internet! At first, I bought only the “Signature Merino Cardigan”. I have quite the collection of these and featured one in one of my first posts, here. Garnet Hill delivers quality products, but the prices can be a bit high. I almost always wait for a sale and free shipping.
This is one of three cashmere cardigans I have from Garnet Hill. With the exception of pilling in high friction areas, these sweaters look brand new. Those little pills drive me crazy, and I pull them off. I should invest in one of those sweater razors, but I’m afraid I’d end up with a hole or two! All three of these cardigans are the definition of cozy! This one is on its fourth year and still looks fabulous! It’s a glorious color, not quite mauve, not quite pink, not quite purple. It’s a heathered mix of all of those colors. My other two colors are a blue that reminds of the color of Lake Michigan on a cold day and a pinkish color which is like the night sky right before the sun dips below the horizon. I wear these with jeans, skirts, dress pants, and leggings. I have even been known to wear one layered over the merino cardigans! Due to my thyroid and age (thanks, menopause), my internal thermostat broke years ago. As the temperatures dip, I get cold down to my bones. I wear many, many layers while Nigel sits around in a short sleeved tee (and pants!).
I made it!
I knitted this shawl weeks ago. When my Norwegian boyfriends, Arne and Carlos, talked about a bouncy yarn, I was never sure what they were talking about! Then, I bought this yarn, and I knew. This merino yarn is just scrumptious! The color is one of those that changes in the light…sometimes, it’s got a grey cast to it. Sometimes, it’s more purple. I thought it would be a good accessory to this sweater as well as many others! I have been knitting for years, but it’s only been in the last couple of years I’ve branched out from washcloths and scarves! I love knitting different stitches and especially lacework! My problem is I knit while we watch television. Right now, we’re watching an oldy, but a goody, “Deadwood”. Ian McShane is both vile and compelling! But, back to the knitting! If I’m knitting lacework, I have to pay attention to rows and stitch counts! I think I can honestly say I haven’t knitted or crocheted anything without a mistake in it! I call it the Marsha Mark of Distinction!
The Lewk!
I definitely didn’t knit this, but I do love knitting cables! 
I’m wearing this Garnet Hill cable knit cashmere sweater (similar here) with a J Jill Wearever tank, here, an old J Jill scarf and J Jill ponte slim leg pants, here. My John Hardy ring was an anniversary gift from Nigel. I cannot find the exact pair of earrings I have, but here is the same style in a hoop (which I also have). When we visited the Grand Canyon in 2019 (seems like a lifetime ago), I was wearing these earrings. I had never had a problem with them coming off. We were on a bus looping around the Southern Rim and had stopped for photos. After a bit, I noticed one was gone. Nigel and I combed the area but had no luck. When we returned to our hotel room, I jokingly said, “OK, Lord, it would be nice to find that earring.” A bit later, I picked up my jacket and felt something. I dug around inside the coat…there was something similar to an inner pocket. Somehow or other, the earring had fallen into that pocket! I still think it was divine intervention! Back to the look…my boots, of course, are my beloved L’Artiste, available here. Nordstrom has them in teal! I had ordered the brown, but I returned them as they were more of a honey brown than a chocolate brown. But, those teal ones…hmmmm!
And, now, the good stuff!
Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Also, please join the party and click on the link below to share your favorite cozy cardigan or cardigans! No judgement here!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /
Carrie ~ A Simple Lovely Life
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Daenel ~ Living Outside the Stacks
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |Twitter |
Joanna ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Robin ~ Hello I am 50ish
Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Whoo! This was an exciting post to write! My very first link party featuring cardigans! I’m sure my friends who taught with me are chuckling as they read! If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing to my blog. You can also find me on Instagram. Do you have a favorite cardigan or two or twelve? Do you wear sweaters under sweaters? Do you knit or crochet? Please leave me a comment and let’s have a conversation! I appreciate each and every one of you who reads my blog!
Welcome to Ageless Style Marsha!!! I know exactly how you feel, since that’s how I frlowhen Jodie asked me to become her middle(age) model with jodiestouchofstyle. It’s been such fun and I’ve loved “meeting you through your blog. Keep going girl!
Thanks, Lesley! I was completely shocked and a bit scared. I mean, who am I, blogging for like a month! But, knowing I had this deadline really made me work to improve the look of my blog. I still have a long way to go, but I am loving this!
Thanks so much for your support along the way! Trust me, you’ve only met the tip of the icicle that is Marsha!
You look fabulous! I too found the blogging community to be so warm and welcoming.
Thanks, Joanne! I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the bloggers I’ve met! It’s such a wonderful group!
Thank you for your blog! Never before have I thought about the clothes I wear more than now. Your ageless style is inspiring!
Thanks, Hope! You always look gorgeous! I can’t wait to get together soon!
I love reading your posts: I started smiling when I read your subscriber email and knew yours would be the first blog I visited this morning. Your cardigan looks so soft and I am loving that shawl! Now you have to read my post so you know what I think about cardigans lol!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hahaha! Thanks for reading my blog! I loved reading your post. That sweater is gorgeous! I bet those boys from your son’s school think it’s pretty cool having a mom for a blogger! You’re famous!
Oh that’s so wonderful Marsha! The blogging community can be very warm and welcoming. Fantastic isn’t it!
It has truly amazed me, Nancy! I have been overwhelmed at how generous everyone has been!
Thanks for coming by!
Welcome to the Team! We’re so happy you decided to join us. I love your cardigan. The color is gorgeous and it looks so soft and cozy!
Thanks, Amy! I wish the color had shown up better. It is really a soft, cozy cardigan! And, thanks so much for inviting me into the group!
that cardi looks super cosy! you look amazing!
homeatnine.co.uk
Thank you so much, Jade! I do love a good cardigan!
I love your blog Marsha! And I think we have the same Norwegian boyfriends lol
Oh, Sara! Don’t you just love them? I want to be their neighbors and eat cloud berries…I’ll skip the fish dishes, though! Are you a knitter? I have to admit I have started, tinked, started, tinked, and then given up so many of their patterns. Arne said in yesterday’s video that they sometimes do things differently. I cannot believe how much he accomplishes in one week!
Thanks so much for coming by, Sara!
This cardigan looks so cosy on you! I find they are such good layers for the cooler weather here and back when we worked in offices I used to keep one at my desk to battle the cold aircon, haha! I do find natural fibers pill more than the blended ones but they are much cosier too!
So impressive you knitted that shawl as well.
Hope you are having a great week, and congrats on your blog collab!
Thank you, Mica! Yes, cardigans are wonderful for those days when you don’t know what the weather will do! The shawl was lots of fun and includes sooooo many errors, but that’s the fun of making your own…only you know where the mistakes are!
Thanks for coming by! And, thanks for hosting the weekly link up!
Oh, I remember all the packages that would arrive at the school with your name on them! I believe we talked you into counting your stash once. 🙂
Hahahaha! I think my orders may have been the only deliveries for the UPS guy some days! Would you believe J Jill still has the Roanoke School address still down as one of my addresses?
Hey, thanks for coming by, Tonya! I love seeing the photos of your family on Facebook!
Bravo!! Your first Ageless Style post is perfect and so is your cozy cardi look. Cashmere…I am so jealous!! I have one of those little sweater razors and forget to use it!! My poor sweater could all use a shave.
Love your boots, too. Great feminine details on them. Lovely jewelry and how about that YARD?? Just wow!! Appreciate your authenticity…I trip daily!! Should probably share some of my outtake photos sometime. They would be laughable.
Oh, Leslie, you make me laugh! As a former librarian, you know there is no faking it in a school, right? My kids saw me laugh, fall, cry…you name it! My yard is a work in progress. It’s such a small yard than what we had for almost 30 years so I’m struggling with not having wide open spaces to fill with flowers and plants. But, thanks for the compliments!
I love cashmere and have quite a few cashmere sweaters…always bought on sale! And, I do love my boots!
I’m so glad you decided to join us Marsha!!
I am so impressed with your knitting skills. Now you need to showcase them on Saturdays on Instagram and use the #Yarnday Saturday hashtag. We have so much in common!!
OXOX
JOdie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! Your knitting skills far surpass mine! But, I do love knitting and crocheting. I’ll try to remember to join you Saturday!
Thanks for all of your help in everything and especially for asking me to join up!
You have such a great sense of style. I just love what you had on so much.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/10/irina-shabayeva-is-ruling-fashion-game.html
Oh, that is a high compliment, indeed! I don’t know that anyone has ever said I had a great sense of style! But, I do thank you! This is almost my uniform in the cooler months!
Thanks, Heather, for coming by!
Love this cozy fall look! I adore the scarf and those cool boots. Your plants are beautiful too!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Katherine! Until I gain a little more confidence, I think my yard is going to be home to my photos. But, the season for outdoor plants is rapidly coming to an end! I had forgotten I had this scarf, but it was perfect for my sweater. I do love these boots and hope to wear them a lot this season!
Thanks for coming by!
Oh Marsha, I just love this look that you put together. I am with you a good sweater that will hold up over time is crucial. I’d rather buy less but have things that stand the test of time, although I often thrift or donate so I can get some new items. I also love how you put a little edge to your outfit with those awesome studded boots. Perfect combination!!!! Looking forward to getting to know you through this collaboration.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Thanks, Bo! I love these boots and can’t wait to get lots of wear out of them! This sweater is part of a set of triplets each born years apart!! I wish I could claim I buy less, but I do still buy lots during the year. I just put off purchases if I’m going to splurge on something like this sweater. I should figure the cost per wear for it and its siblings…I’m pretty sure it would be pennies!
Isn’t this the best part of blogging…getting to know others!
The sweater is so lovely, and you look brilliant in this Fall look.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks, Lovely! It’s a bit of my uniform in the colder weather!
Your outfit is lovely! I appreciate you sharing your experience with acrylic fiber sweaters, because I need to stock up. I have a very limited winter wardrobe. Those boots are absolutely fabulous! I need to check out the teal version. And I love your handmade shawl. So pretty!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Aha! I just read your comment where you bought the teal boots!! I know some people don’t mind pills on their sweaters, but they drive me mad! I’ve just found that acrylic pills, and nylon is hot and itchy!
That shawl took hours of work, but I loved every minute of it! I hope I remember it this winter when I’m shivering, and Nigel is sitting in his short sleeved tee!
Enjoy your first winter in the Carolinas!
And I just bought the teal booties. It’s all your fault, Marsha! ?
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Hahaha! I’m hoping to get a good sized Nordy note to buy them myself! I can’t wait to see how you style them, Michelle! I am officially an influencer!!
Thanks, Michelle, for coming by!
You look amazing in ths outfit, loved the cardigan and the boots. Happy Monday!
https://www.ninakobi.com
Thanks so much, Nina! I truly love these cardigans! I can’t speak of the current iteration of it, but my other Garnet Hill cashmere sweaters are wearing wonderfully and are worth the money when you consider price per wear! I do love these boots, but I haven’t worn them as much as I hope to!
Thanks for coming by!
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