Y’all, I’m tired. Life and I have been playing a game, and Life is beating my hind end up one side and down the other! Tuesday, I took a break from social media, blogs, etc, and now I feel like I’m behind on everything. So, if I haven’t read and commented on your blog and usually do, that’s why. I’ll get there; I promise. I slept for 12 straight hours last night…something I haven’t done in I don’t know how long. I guess it’s emotional, mental, and physical weariness. Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, we are styling “Summer Layers” which was chosen by Mireille! Last month, I selected “Polka Dots and Stripes.” In the past we have worn Polka Dots, and Stripes, Scarves, One Look Three Ways, 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 Shorts or Skirts 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!
Layers…
Now, as I started thinking about this prompt, I was a bit puzzled about the idea of layers. Nigel, of course, suggested each piece of clothing we put on is a layer. With that in mind, just throwing a dress on over my undergarments would constitute summer layering (also fall, winter, and spring). But, I’m pretty sure Mireille was talking about different kinds of layers. So, my take on this is any piece of clothing we add under or over the basic garment. Since I do this on the regular, I thought I’d pull some photos out of the old archives and see how my fashion has evolved or remained the same!
Cardigans…
The cardigan is a super easy layer. You just toss it on, either over draped over your shoulders or actually put your arms through it. I have worn cardigans several times over the years. I’m going to share a few of them here. By June of 2024, I’d already started to put basic (though my cardigans aren’t really basic IMHO) cardigans aside. It’s funny because a good cardigan was one my favorite things ever! I guess my style really has changed over the years.
Shirts…
I often (OK, let’s see how accurate that word is) wear a shirt as a layer in summer. But, let’s check the archives to see. By the way, I’m only looking at the months of June, July, and August. Looks like I was wrong…I don’t really wear shirts as layers as much as I thought I had. I surely do wish I still had the shirt from the first photo in the gallery. It was by Johnny Was, was 100% silk, and had the absolute best print. I just couldn’t make it work then. I bet I could now!
Dresses…
I do wear dresses as layers, but I’m not gonna say anything until I’ve gone through the archives! I’ll be right back. Well, there weren’t very many of those, were there?
Scarves, ruanas, kimonos…
I’m lumping these all together because they do all seem to be the same thing unless they’re a kimono that’s more dress than ruana. Does that make sense? Here we go…wonder how many I’ll find! In my defense, I was late to the kimono/ruana gig. I still have several, but I’m not getting rid of them because we all know…what goes around, comes around!
Jackets…
You’ll notice there are some repeats here. I have lots of denim jackets and wear them frequently. They just don’t show up on the blog as often. My favorite outfit is the very last one. I love that Gap collarless jacket, and I really love the combination of prints with it.
Slips…
I discovered Gudrun Sjödén in 2023 or 2024, and that’s made a huge difference in my style as has Kantha Bae. I’ve discovered the boho/feminine/dress aesthetic I currently wear is what makes me happy.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
There was nothing wrong with what I wore when I started the blog. I think it reflected who I was then. I’ve changed in the five years I’ve been blogging…becoming more open to expressing myself through my clothes as well as not caring what anyone thinks about what I’m wearing. Do I still wear the dress with a cardigan over it? Absolutely, and I feel completely me when I do so. But, I’m also the woman who wears a Cinderella dress (right up there) with layers, tulle, and a slip. I’m also the woman who wears fun and funky shoes and boots. So, can we talk? How much has your fashion changed over the years? Is there something you wear these days you think others think you shouldn’t? What kinds of layers are your favorites? 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.
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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 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 as well as the Global Writing Challenge on the second Thursday. I now co-host Fashion Files with Amy at Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa every Tuesday. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, Cat, and Rena. 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 (Bo is taking a short blogging break right now.)
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!
I love that you have your own personal style – and you wear it so well, too! I’ve found as I grow older, I care less what others think about what I wear and that is quite freeing! Actually, that’s true about a lot of things these days. Definitely one of the gifts aging brings to our lives!
Thank you, Laura! It truly is freeing not to care what others think. I’m quite sure I get side eyed a lot when I’m out and about. But, I consider that the other person’s problem, not mine! And, yes, it definitely is a gift of aging!
I always enjoy seeing what you do with these fashion challenges. I especially like the slips that you have.
Thanks, Rosie! I decided, this time, to not reinvent the wheel. And, I’m really glad I did because I saw how much I’d changed over the last five years.
I like your slips. Before seeing them on your blog, I didn’t really know any or at least can’t remember having seen them here.
My “style” has only changed in not wearing my graphic tees as much anymore, but only because they don’t have 3/4 sleeves that I love so much.
Thanks, Cat! It is a distinct look, isn’t it? The catalogs and the website actually feature them as skirts at times, too. I don’t know if I’d ever wear them with just a sweater and a top though they’re as heavy as any other skirt. Oh, I love a 3/4 sleeve…they are the best (unless it’s winter)!
I really like this round up of outfits! I like all of the different styles of outfits! I love how everyone is thinking why did Mireille choose this theme, lol! And you will see why when you see my pics: I started with my outfit and decided I might need something broader than dress over dress for those who don’t wear that combo. Hope you continue to get some rest! And love Nigel’s take on the theme!
http://www.chezmireillefasiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I really liked the long dress over the short one, but I have to say I’m glad you went with summer layering rather than just layering dresses (though I obviously do that). Hahaha! I will tell him!
That’s a great collection of clothes but, you know what, that last pink layered dress is the prettiest outfit I have ever seen, ever, on you. It is just mouthwateringly lovely. I hope you wear it lots!
Thanks for hosting and have a great rest of the week. And also have some of that tiredness dissipate. Maybe it’s the combination of life and weather – here’s wishing you peace and rest in your life from now on.
Thank you so much, Penny! I really do love this dress, but what I had to do to make it fit! When you see it on these tiny little waifs…they had to have had those dresses custom made for them. But, I still love it!
Thanks for the good wishes. I am feeling better after more sleep. It is definitely life and a bit of the weather. I hope your weather is getting better soon!
I think it’s quite natural for personal style to evolve and change since what is “in” often changes from year to year too and we are always influenced by what is popular and pushed by the fashion industry. I loved this round up of outfits and did immediately picture the gauze dress over palazzo pants you had shared on Monday as one of your summer layers so I’m not surprised to see all the slips and dresses over dresses and kimonos. I think they are all effortless ways to add layers and style in the summer without a lot of added heat and bulk.
Thanks, Joanne! You are right about change being influenced by what is popular, on trend, and in the stores. But, I think the blog has given me such confidence that I’m more experimental and bold in my choices. I should have included that outfit in the dresses section…whoops! I really just love those slips! They add interest and warmth (in the winter and in the museum).
Looking good, as always, Marsha! I do wear cardigans frequently and occasionally shirts or scarves as layers. I hope you are rested and back on top of things soon, but please don’t feel bad about taking it easy when life is getting the best of you! We’ll be here when you get back.
Thank you, Christie! I’m much more rested now. Sometimes, I just have to let it out, right? I love a good cardigan and wear them more than it seems on the blog!
I loved seeing the evolution of your style through the years! It’s fun to look back and realize how our wardrobes change as we become more confident in expressing ourselves. I especially love your current boho style with the layered slips and fun jackets—it feels so authentically you. And I agree, a denim jacket is one of the easiest and most versatile summer layers!
Thank you, Laura! I was so surprised when I saw how much I’d changed. I can say part of it is the blog…well, all of it is the blog. I’ve grown more confident and bold in my choices. I’ve finally decided not to care what anyone besides me thinks. I love that…”so authentically you!” You have made my day!
I did enjoy looking back over your evolving style Marsha . You really suit the layered boho style , that blush pink outfit looks simply gorgeous on you. I must admit to always dressing somewhat differently to others and will most certainly continue to do so , you can never be overdressed in my book.
I do hope you are feeling much better , I dare say you are simply exhausted . You have a lot on your plate with caring for Nigel as well as the art gallery and so many blog posts , maybe cut back a little . Please take care of you. xxx
Thank you, Jill! I am feeling better, especially after sleeping for 12 hours (not completely uninterrupted, but still 12 hours). Luckily, I have been doing the same few tours as I practice for a Colleague Feedback tour so I’m not having to learn lots of new information right now. I’m truly hoping I can one day talk about Mike walking with a cane.
I really surprised myself at how much my style has changed. I love being unique and colorful. I love your style, especially your hats! Your accessories, skirts, and vintage garments are just amazing!
You are a layering queen! So many fabulous looks my friend.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I had a lot of fun creating this post. I didn’t see the point of recreating something I do all the time. I was so surprised to see how my style had changed.
Oh Marsha, I really enjoyed this post and seeing the evolution of your layered outfits over the last 5 years. My style has certainly evolved a ton since I started blogging 11 years ago. I just did a closet clean out and found some new ways to style things that aren’t necessarily my current style aesthetic. I almost cried when I read that you got rid of that gorgeous Johnny Was shirt! I hate when I get rid of things and then later realize how perfect they would be in my current wardrobe. But there will always be more things to buy and more things to style, right? LOL Fun post!
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I would be lying if I didn’t say you are, in part, responsible for my evolution! I had completely forgotten about that shirt until I saw the photo. As I recall, it was also an XL and was just huge (and I was chunkier then) so it would be really big now. But, gosh was it gorgeous! I am constantly going through my closet just because, even though it’s large, it’s very full. I look at things for a long, long time before deciding they’re no longer me. I just wish I had a better place to donate things.
I am definitely more of a cardigan, shirt, or scarf layering person than the floatier, more boho kimono etc. styles. It was interesting to see how your layers have become more boho over time!
Thanks, Sally! I don’t think anyone could be more surprised than me at how much I’ve changed in just five years! I truly was surprised. I still have lots and lots of cardigans. I have many Talbots Charming Cardis and think about donating them. But, then I think, “I have the space, and I might change my style again.” So, I keep them because a) they’re good quality compared to what’s being made now, and b) I would hate to have to buy new ones should I change. You are a wonder with scarves! I saw a reel on Facebook today for a really cool way to tie one, but I couldn’t understand it. I should just look at YouTube!
Oh Marsha, you have no idea how much blogging changed my style. Before blogging I almost only wore black . And never prints. I tried colours and prints in the past years, and know now that is not me. But all over black isn’t neither anymore . I now more wear what I want .
Thank you, Nancy! I was so surprised as I went back through my posts to see how much my style had changed over just five years. You would think at the ripe old age of…ahem…68…I would know my style! I love to see you in colors as well as all black. It’s good you know you don’t like prints because that saves you a lot of headaches!
I love seeing your outfits – they are so fun and colorful cute! I feel like I have been living in shorts and sleeveless tees for so long. I should dress cute for grocery shopping or something!
Thank you, Gina! Here’s the truth…until I started doing the Fashion Files…I did the same thing. Then, I decided to wear the cute clothes I have because they aren’t going to wear themselves! But, always, always, dress to make yourself happy! And, if you do a post with you in your cute grocery shopping, link up with us for Fashion Files. I think you’ll find, once you do that, it will motivate you to do it more. I’m not living in the same circumstances as you are, but I have struggled since Mike’s surgeries went so poorly. Dressing better has made me a little happier. That sounds so superficial, but try it and let me know if it helps. You can always email me if you’d like!
Seeing all this pictures, I can say without doubt, that you are the queen of posing 💃🏾 I need to take classes from you.
Thank you, Edi! I’m not sure about that, but I just imagine what the neighbors are thinking. That sets me to laughing, and I just click away!
Some lovely outfits Marsha. Love the green one. You’re top spot on Chic & Stylish this week. Jacqui x
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I am thrilled to be top spot on your blog!
So many fabulous looks here! My style has definitely evolved since I started blogging – my outfits were more classic and a lot safer then. Now I love to expermiment! Thanks for linking!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma! Isn’t it funny how that happened? I wonder if you were like me…the pencil skirts and jackets! I still have a couple skirts, but I should just donate them.