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.
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, MARSHA15, 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. I have now have a code for Tulip Clothing. Use the code, MARSHA20, for 20% off your order.
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!
I always enjoy seeing what you do with these fashion challenges. I especially like the slips that you have.