Linen Looks . . . . . . .

Purchased this brick red linen jacket recently from ZARA online as we don't have a

 store close by.

If you know 'neutral' me you know I rarely wear such a brilliant color! I thought this

shade so great with cream - and I already have a cream linen trouser - and, being 

 a shade which will work in autumn when still warm here, I grabbed it as one

has to do with ZARA as they sell out fast.

This jacket is loose fitting, unlined but with finished seams, deep pockets

 and a longer length - always a plus. It's a heavier linen so hangs well - and is

 machine washable, probably best alone with the intense dye.

Today I'm thinking about lighter clothing in readiness for summer.

I don't do well in hot weather.

Yesterday was really quite chilly - an unusually cool Easter for the south - and 

although I did head out to a restaurant lunch wearing a linen blouse and jacket, 

I took along a warm sweater to change into for a visit to my daughter's home later.  

I am a linen lover!  

Upholstery and pillows, bed sheets, table covers, napkins, hand towels, 

and of course clothing.

Above, this is another piece I would enjoy - coat length and such an

 amazing mustard shade. 

- Both of these are also from ZARA -

Below, what might be the ultimate lighter linen piece for a cooler summer's

 day - just throw on over a linen or cotton tee and enjoy the breeze!

I'm not planning many purchases for summer - still trying to downsize.

How about you?  Will you shop for clothes and footwear for summer?

Do you still go shopping at the mall, or in the city?

What are your feelings on buying clothing and shoes online?

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.

New fashion for cooler days and nights. . .

Have you noticed many of the new autumn/winter coats being shown are

 definitely cuddly and have that warm 'teddy bear' look?

When our local temperatures here in central North Carolina plummet 

Saturday night - our first below freezing one this season - I think I might

enjoy pulling on a soft, curly overcoat. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . or slip on a jacket like this for a dinner out, a night on the town, or one

of those upcoming holiday party dates now starting to fill up our social calendars!

I must admit that these new modern fabrics never cease to amaze. 
Growing up in pre-polyester days, clothes/fabrics this good looking and comfortable
 were never available.  Heavy wool coats protected us from the cold, gabardine 
mackintoshes from the rain. . . . . . . . autumn and winter outdoor activities were
cumbersome, there were always damp clothes hanging up to dry out.
Today's lighter, easy to care for fabrics are so different and much more fun!

Here's to a cozy winter ahead.

All fashions available at ZARA.