Linen and straw . . . . . . .

Have you gone shopping for your summertime wardrobe this year?

I haven't been in a clothing store for ages but did purchase a couple of

items online from J.Jill - linen pants and a really nice very lightweight

 linen duster coat which will be a great summer travel piece. We have

 planned our annual trip to New England for later in July, having

 missed going last year. Travel time will be here soon, I'm excited.

It's odd that I have no real desire to shop for clothing as I usually do

 with the arrival of a new season. In all honesty I just haven't been

 excited by what is offered this year.

I went through my wardrobe pre-spring, donating a lot of clothes that

I just was tired of, or knew I wouldn't wear. Travel plans were still 

undecided - will we go, can we go etc. at that time.

My favorite Summer clothes seem to be pieces I've had for a while,

 some which I've liked for a very long while and can't give up yet!  

I enjoy the basics for hot, humid days here in the southeast............cotton

 or linen tee shirts, loose linen tops, a couple of longer linen skirts - have

 you noticed skirts are so much cooler than pants in summer - and

 loose-fitting linen pants cropped above the ankle. I now only own one

 pair of shorts - they are longer, to the knee - veins are not pretty on older

 people so remain hidden where possible!

Linen spray brings out the best in freshly laundered bed and bath linens. 

I have to admit that although I really don't mind wrinkles in my linen

 clothing, nothing is more special than resting my head on a smooth

 linen pillow case, and drying my face with an antique linen hand towel, 

both ironed to perfection!

But then there's straw!

Definitely not smooth, but beautifully textured and natural, 

a must have for summer.

Bags, hats, even touches on sandals. . . . . . all look good in straw.

Summer accessories crafted from straw are always fun.

With the hot sunny days ahead I often enjoy a woven sun hat.

It used to protect my color when a red head, but even now

 as a member of the silver-haired club I'll continue to wear one

when out and about, and in the garden. . . . . hopefully those

 wide brims may help to keep the other kind of wrinkles away!

Today I'm remembering fathers everywhere. 

Mine was one of the best . . . . . . your dad too!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

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?

Cool linen loveliness. . . . . . . . .

I have my cool, natural linens ready for summer enjoyment. 

My much-loved 100% bed linens - sheets and pillow cases - and

 recently I purchased a fabulous heavier linen 'summer cover' as I

 no longer want to use a bulky duvet (plus I so dislike changing the

 covers on them for weekly laundering) in hot weather.

Hanging out the linens - Viviers, France, October 2015

One of my favorite looks for Summertime - simple black and white - and I 

love a linen cropped trouser.

The pieces of linen clothing I already have I love, wrinkles and all!
This season I'm adding a lightweight, pale grey, long linen shirt - I plan to

 use it for hot weather travel later this month.

Of course it's actually not officially summer yet. . . . . . but who would know it

 when it's as hot and humid as it is here! 

Enjoy your weekend - may it be dry and sunny.