Fashion forward thinking . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . a long overdue 'fashion post' of sorts!

Today I planned to post on the cold weather but when I saw how warm it actually is here compared to what others are dealing with in the Northeast, I decided warm clothing might be a better subject.

Last Saturday we had a theatre date in town. I dressed up and wore my now almost vintage chocolate velvet coat. Bob said I looked really nice, and the woman scanning our tickets at the theatre immediately commented on my 'lovely coat.' I too love that coat and will never give it up. 

That said, once again I'm making what hopefully will be some easier to manage wardrobe changes. This winter I decided to start on minimizing my overloaded closet. I've not completed this project by any stretch of the imagination. . . . . . . but I have made some changes and am definitely working on more. When I pack away my cold weather clothes come spring I plan to donate many items I didn't wear if they've been hanging about over two years. At my age I don't require so many clothes in closets, folded on shelves, stacked in drawers, or in storage boxes under the bed!  I have some favorites I will never part with. I have many items of the past few years working perfectly for my lifestyle, but I also have a load of lesser loved clothes which have run their course for one reason or another. 

This doesn't mean I'll never not shop for anymore clothes, shoes, bags etc. Let's face it, I'm only human and admit to being a woman who loves fashion, but I will be more picky in my choices. This year I will enjoy my eightieth birthday! This past year I managed to drop 18 pounds, my general health is good, my back/leg issue is being managed and I can walk quite well with less pain. After the COVID lockdown years I'm enjoying getting dressed up a little more.

What I'm wanting for my lifestyle when it comes to dressing at this time of my life, is a plan where less is more. It's going to be hard but the outcome looks promising. Traveling, especially sailing on ships where I've been limited to keeping my clothing at a minimum, I've discovered life is a lot easier when you have less to choose from, and even more exciting when your creative side has to be addressed. I plan to follow the mantra of 'Fewer, better things.'  This embodies essential pieces for the modern woman made from premium materials, well constructed, and timeless classic design. 

Sharing a few fashion photos from several years back. I think you will agree the styles being classic and the fabrics gorgeous, they will stand the test of time and I would love any of them to be in my wardrobe . . . . .especially as it's freezing here today and warm clothing is on my mind!

Any exciting plans for your spring wardrobe?  A new season will be here before we know it! Are you planning clothes closet makeovers, clearing out things you no longer really love, lightening your load so to speak?

Let's have a little fun chat here about our clothes . . . . . . . . meanwhile stay warm, bundle up in sweaters, especially up there in New England! Having lived there I recall just how bitter cold weather can feel, brrrrrr!

Classic Knits in Desert Shades -

Sweaters!  

Perhaps not for the desert, although those who camp out overnight

would require one as it does get chilly once the sun sets.

Sweaters in desert colors have however been on my radar recently.

Each year, especially around this time, the knitwear choices seem more

and more exciting. I'm definitely a sweater collector and probably

should never buy another, but when I see something that catches

my eye - a new style, a color I've been searching for, sumptuous yarn -

I'm hooked!

I have purchased this rust version because it checked all my boxes -

a color I've wanted for some time, mock turtleneck, dolman sleeves, 

lighter weight for here in the south, and at H&M quite inexpensive.

Coats can be knits too!  

This camel shade from H&M is a knitted fabric brushed on the outside

 to a soft, lightweight and cozy fabric, ideal as a grab and go casual coat, 

perfect for travel in the cooler weather. It is a classic cut, straight with

 good pockets, always a must for me. It also comes in a light grey, and a

 deep chocolate brown, and the price is awesome.

Yes, I did buy this one and I know I'll find it useful once the really chilly days

arrive and a longer coat feels better than a short jacket.

This collage displays some favorite things of the season. 

We've just enjoyed two early mornings with dew and much cooler

 temps - a fabulous feeling after such a long spell of heat. 

But the desert calls and soon we'll be feeling the heat again. . . . . .packing 

will not include hefty knitwear, perhaps just a classic cashmere cardigan

to throw over the shoulders evenings when on board the ship.

Best wishes for a lovely early Autumn weekend.

We're heading out of town for an overnight and a visit 

to dear friends. . . . . . then back here to really get on with 

all the things necessary to leave home and travel overseas. . . . . . 

. . . . . . . it's hard work, take my word for it!

The Jacket. . . . . . . .

After the recent post about skirts, it only seemed right to start thinking about jackets.

Heavier, longer coats will soon be stored - sad for me a true coat lover - and with

 often still cool days coming during the weeks of springtime, a jacket of some type

 may be required to fend off those chilly breezes.  

My favorites include these traditional styles. The tummy/hip covering straight cut,

 blazer-style jacket. Whether single or, for me being tall, double-breasted, this

 is a classic. Always comfortable, flattering, and great with a tailored trouser or skirts,

  even jogger type bottoms for a more casual, everyday look. . . . . but forget the 

heels, for me a leather sneaker, tasselled loafer or laced up oxford definitely!

 Worn over a tailored shirt, softer blouse, lightweight sweaters, even a tee shirt, this

style jacket can take you anywhere.

A black jacket, also in a classic cut and perhaps a little more fitted if being worn for 

evening, especially with a tuxedo trouser, is a useful jacket to have at the ready for

many occasions. Worn with either a tailored trouser or skirt it's a go-to formal outfit

 for those lesser welcomed but inevitable times in life. It can also be worn with

 everyday pants in any color, and even jeans for a casual look.

What about leather jackets? Do you have one?  

Mine is a similar style one to this red one - which is actually faux leather from Zara. 

This 'fabric' has come a long way, is made of polyester and is actually

 machine washable, amazing!  Often hard to tell from the real thing, this is perhaps

 the answer if you tend to shy away from wearing real leather.

My own real leather jacket is black, collarless which is less bulky and doesn't have

 the motorcycle look, and is perfect to show off that scarf collection we all have, right?

  Love this red with the black pinstripe trouser, and of course it will easily go with

 formal or casual bottoms.

All jackets from Zara

For many gals the basic casual look always comes back to the 

denim jean jacket. Personally I do not and have never owned one!

Although I'll don a blue jean now and then (but have never found 

the 'perfect' comfortable pair so they go to the thrift shop often), this style 

is just not me. 

Will you be shopping for a jacket this spring?  

My closet is pretty full - and yes I have been working on downsizing - so I may skip

 another jacket this coming season.

As for those coats I mentioned, I do have one I will wear even after the heavy

ones are stashed in their moth-proof bags and pushed to the back of the closet.

It's my Eileen Fisher linen 'duster' coat. . . . . . grey linen, loose cut with a shawl collar,

big sleeves I can roll up, back kick slit. I love throwing on this coat with pants or a

midi skirt. Add a cross body bag, stick my hands in the deep pockets and off I go.

Here in the southeast we usually have hot weather come April so jackets are not 

often required in springtime. This year may be different though with the dreadful 
weather we've had recently . . . . . . . . we seem to be wearing rain jackets mostly.

That's another fashion story perhaps!

Wishing you a great week.