London coat tales ---------- and a birthday!

I had another birthday last weekend!  

The numbers are getting high now and one often wonders at this stage of life just

how many more there will be!

More cards, phone calls, greetings, perhaps a gift or two, a lunch out, a cake with no

 candles (who wants to buy that many boxes) and. . . . . . . . well you know, so I won't

 go into negative details. To many in our family, adult birthdays just don't seem to be

that important any longer. I try to remember everyone with at least a card on a 

birthday - no matter how old one is, there's just something special about watching

 for the mail carrier and hoping for some pretty cards with birthday greetings and

 kind words on that special day.

Anyway, life does go on and mine has been really busy since getting back from

the recent trip - more posts coming on that. Just need more hours in my day and

 fewer medical appointments and such which seem to overwhelm at this time of year.

I'm really ready for them!  

COATS. . . . . . .also jackets, scarves, along with boots and enclosed shoes. 

Toss out those flip flops, pack away the linens, store the warm weather

 clothes and footwear.  

I love dressing for winter. Proper coats are my favorite item, despite living in the

 southeast where really chilly weather is scarce during a normal winter season.

I love to throw a light coat over a sweater, a knit dress, sometimes a silky

 blouse, with a trouser, jogging pant, or a calf-length casual skirt.  

Snuggle my toes into loafers, wingtip oxfords, suede sneakers or my tall boots

 and ankle booties and I'm ready to go.

A quick visit into London's Oxford Street on our return to the UK

before coming home, included a little shopping for some 

Marks & Spencer items, plus a quick look around ZARA of course!

I love their coats and ended up buying this cozy wrap coat. . . . . feels

incredibly comfy and is as lightweight as a bathrobe. I'm going to 

enjoy this one as soon as the weather cools.

 Bespoke Ballgown by Christian Siriano

Selfridge's display windows were certainly eye-catching, as they usually are. 

 I didn't have time to take a lot of photos that day, and the crowds were

 unbelievably huge (there was a Brexit march nearby!). Then unexpected

 rain arrived meaning thousands of umbrellas suddenly appeared. . . . . . the

 sidewalks became impassable for a while!

Note, even the ballgown is shown with casual silver sneakers!  

Sneakers, especially black or white, and very clunky designs, were being worn with everything.

Oh London - such an awesome city and, thankfully, still some beautiful

old shops with history and elegance within their walls.

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!

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.

Fall Fashion & Hurricane Florence. . . . . . . . . . .

Good Monday morning friends.

Hopefully we here inland and along the southeastern coast will get

 through this week safely. Being in the path of Hurricane Florence is 

very unnerving to say the least!

On the way to drop off something at my nearby mall a few days ago, couldn't

 help but notice, the larger than life sized photo (above) in one of the H&M display

 windows. I love it - both the photo and the coat!

I looked at it again online and decided no way did I need a 'Polar bear' coat living

 down south! 
I already have a small collection of longer coats, love them all, however 
we don't get enough cold weather to wear them too often. 
When traveling to colder climes there's no way to stuff this one into a
 suitcase. . . . . . unless I take everything else out!

I did however check out the new sweaters in H&M. I've had good luck with their 

sweaters. Their styles, colors and affordable prices, this one is just $19.99,

mean I can keep my sweater wardrobe current without spending a fortune.

I like this relaxed style with the slightly longer back, dropped shoulders and ribbed

cuffs and hem. I needed this one in beige tones but it comes in several other

colors also.

One drawback is the possibility of the yarns pilling after some wear. 
This I can live with and, quite honestly, it happens to just about all sweater
 knits, even merino wool and expensive cashmere. . . . . . which is why investing
 in one of these battery operated lint shavers (mine is a Dritz) is worthwhile.
 I purchased mine at JoAnn Fabrics at a good savings by using a discount
 coupon. it really works well. . . . . . . . today I'm actually 'shaving' my sweaters
as I plan to head north again soon!

Today we will commence hurricane preparation all across North Carolina.
Last night's TV coverage showed grocery store shelves already cleaned
 out of necessities such as bottled water and non-perishable food items!
This is a very stressful time for us all and we'll be battening down
the hatches over the next few days.

 

Wrapping up 2017. . . . . . . . . . .

If headed to a party, or to the North Carolina Symphony's

 annual New Year's Eve concert, I would love this outfit.

Elegant, yet casual and comfy. The lovely mix of rich velvet and smooth

 satin give black a wonderful gleam, definitely not dreary. . . . . . .

. . . . . . and this would be the shoe I would love (if I could still totter around on

 such high heels!), I think it's gorgeous and would add a little pop of color.

I will however be out in the night for New Year's Eve and this year the forecast

 is for very, very cold weather, but dry thankfully. We always head into downtown

 Raleigh for the huge First Night celebration.  

After joining in the People's Procession winding through downtown, we enjoy

 visiting several of the music venues, especially

 jazz, bluegrass, organ recital etc., we like a little of each. 

There are two fireworks displays, one after the procession for the children

 (of any age) who don't want to hang around until the midnight show - that's us!

So I'll be wearing a very warm coat over my tunic length cashmere sweater
 and fleece leggings, and of course my warmest pair of comfy flat boots with
 thick socks - cold feet can be so miserable on hard pavement. Warm gloves will be
a definite requirement. . . . . .and around my neck will be the
 wonderful Christmas gift knitted by my fabulous friend Ruth in England. . . . .a soft,
charcoal grey alpaca/wool snood (scarf and hat in one) - more on this lovely gift later.

~ Winter fashions from ZARA ~

What are you planning for New Year's Eve?

Saturday Fashion and Health Update ~

This morning I started back walking - for exercise and health.

I arrived at the running track of a nearby school at 6:45 AM and walked four laps, taking 20 minutes. Didn't want to hurry it being my first time out distance walking in a while due to the  steamy Summer heat.

I plan to walk several mornings a week until I leave for Europe. I'll be on my feet a lot whilst there, plus I want to be able to enjoy French cheese so need to lose a few pounds, LOL! I'm trying to keep any possible back surgery at bay and am so thankful I declined the surgery in January. Thrilled to report that so far the one injection and PT have continued to banish almost all my pain these last seven months, and walking is quite comfortable. 

I give thanks every day.

So, no exercise clothes here but I will share my new coat for the soon to be here cooler weather.

I'm still coming to grips with actually stepping outside my neutral color box and buying a red coat! I haven't worn a really bright color, especially red, in many years, not since I changed my hair color to red. Now that I'm more brunette with some dark reddish tones (I love how my colorist has been adding them to my growing out hair), I think this 'Bordeaux' shade works.

I love coats and have a couple from years back including my classic camel and a black/white bouclé tweed. I saw this Zara coat online and it's a style I like - loose, unstructured, unlined, and can be worn casual or dressy. Textured fabric is wool/viscose blend, knee length is good and it has a walking slit in back, both good with tall boots. Color is great with denim, black, grey and some blues, all of which make up my Winter wardrobe. An extra was the construction - I fell for the facings being on the outside and topstitched - and also the deep pockets and really long sleeves (I have long arms), Being unlined, all inside seams are finished with black binding - I like that too.

At $149 I think it's a good buy - also free shipping, non-taxable as there are no bricks and mortar Zara shops in my state.

via Zara

What do you think? Will this red coat make me happy on dull Winter days?

Will having a warm red coat to throw on during the Holiday season make me a little more festive? 
Does it work with my hair?
Be honest - I'm counting on you - and I have removed the tags!!!

Wrapping up for Spring. . . . . . . .

I'm moving on now, ready to discuss and share happier things in life than 

health issues and aging! I must just say though that I really appreciated

your well wishes, and that you shared your personal stories, in your 

comments on my previous post. Thank you so much.

I love clothes in neutral shades. If you looked in my closet you might think 'boring'.

I have nothing in primary colors but plenty in black, and at least 50 shades of grey! 

Are you going to see that movie? I haven't even read the book, doubt I will,  

and although I love Jamie Dornan and am currently watching The Fall, 

the BBC psychological drama he stars in, this big screen movie with him is 

definitely not on my list. . . . .call me a bit of a prude if you must!

Anyway let's get on to the more serious business of COATS, putting them on not 

taking them off!  Coats, along with jackets, are wardrobe items I enjoy a lot.

At first I missed wearing beautiful warm, heavy wool coats when I 

moved south. My 'life in England' years, followed by twelve New England Winters, 

meant bringing out the bulky coats, those buttoned, belted maxis, dragging on the 

ground when one sat down or tried to enter and exit the car. They were warm when 

snug was a prerequisite for life in chilly, damp climates. I have gradually let go of my 

heavy coats having lived here in the warmer Winters of North Carolina almost 35 years. 

I now seek only lighter versions, usually unlined, loose, no more than one button, 

definitely no belts, and for me the perfect length is just at the knee.

Zara Spring coat looks interesting - styled more like a loose jacket.

I would really love a new Spring coat this year. My go to coat this mild Winter 
has been my very comfy, unlined, black/white boucle from J.Jill some years back. 
I love it and get many compliments on it. It's as comfy as a big, loose sweater jacket.

Similar in fabric and color to the above coat, its style is very much like this 
mustard colored coat below.

For some reason I adore this very yellow coat!

Would I wear it? I'm wondering. I would never get lost in this coat. 
On the other hand I could never hide in it either, except perhaps in a field of daffodils!  
Would I look like a NYC taxicab, or a school crossing guard on a rainy day? 
I love it with black and white, especially the stripes.

ZARA coats are lovely - many of their clothes are awesome, I've shopped in 

several stores when in Europe. I know they're in major US cities and am hoping for 

a bricks and mortar store here soon. ZARA are you listening? Please come to

Raleigh, North Carolina.

Meanwhile I may have to order online to see, feel, try on one of these!

What is elegance?

My favorite billboard ever was perched high on top of a vintage building in downtown Sydney, Australia. Fortunately I was perched high also....on the top deck of the Hop On Hop Off double-decker sightseeing bus so was able to see it!

Elegance is an attitude

These may not actually be Kate's own words but how true they are.

What really is elegance?

It seems to come easy to some women, with hard work

for others, and never to many.

Do you need money to be elegant?

If you're dressed and accessorized in the latest

styles, is that elegance?

Is being 'trendy' akin to being elegant?

The word elegance comes from the Latin

elegantia "taste, propriety, or refinement".

I like fashion designer and icon Coco Chanel's words -

"Elegance is refusal", which means leave off all
the flashy jewelry and garish styles,
instead dress in simple styles created
in luxurious fabrics that one could wear forever.

To me elegance definitely means maintaining a quality

of style and grace in one's personal self. Expensive
designer or 'trendy' clothes are not required.
Yes, a genuine Chanel bag would be nice, but any good
leather bag costing substantially less would, to me,
be even nicer.

Good classic shoes, and I love them, do not add to
elegance if they are not cared for - polish is inexpensive.

The importance of fabrics? I could write a dozen or more 

posts on that subject alone. To me, fabric IS the answer for 

making a garment elegant, beautiful, wearable for many years. 

I grew up around fabric - my mother being a dressmaker,
my brother being a textile executive who started his career
in the mills, then searched for the best fabrics
internationally for British clothing manufacturers.
When I sewed my own wardrobe, I spent more time locating
the perfect fabric than actually making the garment. 

At this point in my life I no longer sew my clothing. 

When shopping for new pieces I have specific ideas in mind.
They must be good quality and well made - this is getting
harder to find in my price range I admit. For instance,
I always turn a garment inside out and check stitching.
Fit is very personal - I like easy, comfy clothes, nothing
tight fitting - elegance does not come with skintight clothing.

So why am I talking about clothing today?
Because the sun is shining, it's a little warmer, and I
feel like I need to go through my wardrobe over the coming
days, searching out some elegant items to mingle together
and get ready for Spring. Surely the coats and boots can soon
be stored. I love them - I felt elegant in them for several months,
but it's time for a change any day now.

 To storage…………

Did you see 'proper' skirts are back…………fuller, often
with flattering soft pleats, and the length between
knee and ankle, think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.
Nice, and about time!