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!

Heads Up, it's so cold. . . . . . . . . .

via - H&M 

Old wives tales are often true. . . . . . . . we all recall the one about the huge
 percentage of body heat lost through the scalp without a hat in cold weather.
Actually it's true.
Didn't your parents always make you go back for your hat in weather such
as we are experiencing now?

Because I went to an all girls school in England, which meant uniforms, we had
 to wear hats. A plush navy velour brimmed hat, or a navy wool beret in
 Winter, with a navy blazer or raincoat, the latter required almost daily of course
 being England, and a gymslip or pleated skirt with white blouse and school tie.
In Summer we wore natural woven Panama brimmed hats with green and white
 striped dresses. If seen in uniform by a teacher when away from school
without your hat, it meant a detention. 

 I still love hats and have a rather large collection? They come from
 around the world - when traveling I often seem to find a special hat, and I know
 I can get it into my already bulging luggage with a bit of squishing or flattening.

Have you noticed the selection of knitted beanie/toque/turban/headband styles
 or head warmers is just fabulous this Winter?
I'm entranced by the chunky ones, in posh yarns such as cashmere, Alpaca, 
mohair, and the good old standby merino wool.
I'm ready to ditch knitting scarves while watching TV and trying my hand at 
some beanies. I recently bought a turban style headband and may use that as a
 pattern to knit some of my own head gear. . . . . . . especially useful as I'm growing my 
hair a bit longer - at least trying - and anything on my head looks better than
 my fly-away/static hair these cold days.

These hand-knitted Alpaca and merino beauties in the above photos I found HERE.
You may enjoy reading about the NYC grandmothers who make these.

via - ZARA

 . . . . . and so as not to leave out the guys, nice beanie, but how about
 that gorgeous sweater! I would love that one for myself. . . . . . .especially
 this morning as it's 12F on the barometer and snow is forecast for later today.

Are you feeling the cold lately?
Do you wear hats?

More on staying casual, cozy and warm - in a dress!

I have to say the sweater offerings in the shops this year are 

the best ever. I've never seen such attractive knitwear.

From cardigans, casual jackets and wraps, to classic and

contemporary sweaters and tunics. Even knit dresses have

 made a comeback. 

I'm not much of a dress person however this season I'm enjoying this

 cozy black/grey mélange knit from of all places, H&M. Inexpensive, machine 
washable, and very comfortable with the warm funnel neck. 
On Saturday for the Christmas parade, I wore it to town with a light black quilted
 vest and short grey boots. Later, in the much colder evening, to watch the
 tree lighting and mingle with the cheery crowds at the shopping center,
 I tossed on my warm black faux sheepskin knee length coat and my tall boots.

I have to say, dressing in a casual dress can be a nice change from all those
 tops and bottoms our wardrobes seem to hold these days!