Monday Musings: Style Words, Rabbits, and Outfit of the Week
I received a ton of email responses from Sunday’s newsletter. Many of you shared your dry-eye struggles and how you’re treating yours. Clearly, this is a continuing problem for many of us. I’ll keep you posted on my progress and also write a roundup with your suggestions because so many of them are wonderful!
Blepharitis is not trivial and can be very painful. BTW, I’m now being sure to turn my car air vents away from my face…who knew something this simple could matter? I’ve ordered several things readers have suggested, one all the way from England, which I am so excited about!
Updating my style recipe
I’m heading to Florida in a few weeks to meet up with a few of my favorite blogging friends. Strangely enough, I feel totally unprepared for warm weather and have no idea what I’ll pack. I know that seems silly because it was still blistering hot here just three months ago.
That warm weather section of my wardrobe has lost it’s charm for me because I’m not sure I want to dress the same way in 2023. Our style evolves as we grow and change. We need to update our wardrobe to express who we are now. I’m not the same person I was last spring. Heck, I’m not the same person I was last month!
My style recipe has been on autopilot for far too long. It’s feeling stale, and that’s not fun. Clothes should not only cover our bodies…they should also give us pleasure. I’ve fallen into the trap of too many basics in similar colors and not enough pieces that delight me. I’m guessing that by the time this process shakes itself out, I can expect to have one or two new style words. The word feminine comes to mind, but never girly. Pretty may be in there, or it could just be soft. I know I want to shake things up, and this is the perfect opportunity to explore what I’m looking for because my things from last spring are a bit too snug to wear for this trip to Florida. Have you felt stirings of change in how you want to look this year?
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year, was celebrated yesterday. I love the feeling of new beginnings, so I’ve gone down a bit of a rabbit hole on this one. Interestingly, this is now the year of the rabbit! I was born in the year of the Monkey, which doesn’t sound as pretty as a rabbit, but it is what it is. I’m seeing lots of retailers celebrate this year. David Yurman has gifts for her and him to celebrate the year of the water rabbit.
This bunny charm isn’t any more up my alley than a monkey charm would be…although if I went on a safari, a monkey charm might be a great souvenir. If you really want a gold bunny charm, one could be had here for much less…although this one does have a Playboy bunny vibe 🙂
Senreve has different bags for each sign in 2023.
Vanity Fair covered how some fashion designers celebrated with see-and-be-seen parties. Many fashion brands have released capsule collections in honor of the year of the Rabbit.
“Louis Vuitton’s Lunar New Year capsule collection includes a variety of accessories, such as a scarf, beanie, a rabbit cup, and a rabbit box. Some of the products feature embroidery of small rabbits and rabbit charms.”
Gucci, Valentino, Nike, Burberry, Loewe, and on and on, have all created capsule collections.
Too much? Cultured magazine wonders if Lunar New Year has become too commodified. I think everything is these days.
Outfit of the week
I haven’t put an outfit of the week together for a while, so I thought I would, and no, there are no rabbits included 🙂
Double denim is trending for 2023, (what else is new?) as are ballet flats, and fresh green shades. I added a very affordable silk bandana which would be great tied around the handle of the crossbody bag or at the neck. I bought this Chantecaille lipstick in Foxglove last week and I LOVE it! The brand is cruelty free and their products are free of phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil, and GMOs. It’s a gleaming, creamy lipstick that lasts and lasts.
I don’t think ballet flats have ever been out of style. And because they are on trend for 2023, our options will be plentiful making it easier to find the fit, comfort, and color you like.
BTW- sheer black tights (that’s panty hose ladies) are back on tend for 2023 and my pasty legs couldn’t be happier.
Now that you know what’s rambling around in my thoughts this Monday, Please share what’s going on in yours.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and that it expresses who you are today.
I suffer from dry eyes as well and am interested in what you’ve learned. I, too, am feeling bored with my wardrobe; I seem to be craving more color. I’ve always struggled with warm weather outfits. As an apple body shape, I’m most comfortable wearing a third piece, but it’s usually too warm here in the summer for a cardigan or jacket. I’m also not a fan of linen. I will be on the hunt for petite tops in woven fabrics this summer; I’ve decided t-shirts are just not flattering on me any longer. And summer bottoms that aren’t shorts are another issue altogether! (By the way, the Barbara bootcut NYDJ jeans that I ordered the other day are a winner!)
I have two pairs of that style and love them!
I’m so glad you showed the lovely green jacket. I’ve been debating getting one of two colorful cotton quilted (pieced) jackets at Lands End. My hesitation was which length and do I absolutely need this? I bought a foldable puffer jacket from Penney’s years ago but the fabric is so cheap feeling and slippery. The jeans and chambray shirt are such a play on blue, actually looks great together. I am going to pair mine together more! I’m noticing on social media that many people are really grumpy lately and I’m sorry you’ve gotten some unkind responses at times. I wish I could wear fun shoes but with arthritis and the need for very padded insoles like athletic shoes, I can only long for those green ballet flats. Maybe I can find that green tone in orthopedic shoes as I’d surely wear it. I a new reader and I came here to enjoy something and you always deliver a positive and happy blog and photos. Than you!
Our feet really are a challenge, I know. Have a great day, Babs
I am in the same boat as far as my spring/summer wardrobe. Things seem to have shrunk over the winter! Leaving in a couple weeks for a short trip to Punta Cana and will be packing my Rip Shirts, tees, and my new jumpsuit from Quince in my carry on. Easy and comfortable are my buzz words when traveling and I love clothes that are multi-functional. My Rip skirts will carry me through a whale watching excursion during the day and on to dinner at night. The days of lugging big suitcases around are over for me! Have fun in Florida!
Did you get the french terry jumpsuit?
My eyes get dry from too much screen time, but only need refresh eye drops to be comfortable. This year I am buying more athleisure as my lifestyle is slowly scaling down from work. Plus the stretchy waistbands are more comfortable during IBS episodes. Self care and travel are my goals this year! BTW I LOVE that Yurman bunny charm, it is beautiful!
I’m sorry you’re dealing with IBS. That can be so uncomfortable. It is cute:)
I’m over the moon that tights are back in style. I feel my outfit is finished when wearing hose, especially with a LBD.
I have never worn ballet flats. They seem too ‘precious’ on my 5’8” frame.
I look forward to your new three words and how you decide to dress going forward. To be honest, I have found some of your outfits to be repetitive and boring. You’d lost the flare you had years ago when I first started following you. I hope by being straight forward, I haven’t offended you. It certainly was not my intention,
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, we all are. I’m not offended. You may have started following me when I worked with Artful Home, which is quite different from how my style has evolved.
My comment was poorly worded and rude. I just meant that your style has changed drastically from when I first started following you. I dress much the same as you do now. My “uniform” is jeans or chinos with a white button down or cashmere sweater in the winter and tees or floral tops in the summer. I’d like to change it up some but always go back to the same old, same old comfortable way of dressing.
I’ve had blepharitis and dry eye for years. I’m in an especially bad flare for the past 6 months. I use the heat treatment, lid scrub, and Retaine drops 2 x a day. Do you ever have severe blurriness? My eyes can go from seeing clearly to blurry in just a few minutes making driving difficult. My eye dr. says it’s a side effect of the dry eye.
I ove the outfit today. It’s something I definitely would wear. That green jacket is a favorite and I will have to look for it. We don’t have Nordstrom here so I’d have to order it online. I would have to change the shoe from a flat though because my feet and back cannot handle flats. I think there are many of us who feel they are in a rut with what we wear and some new things would definitely be in order.
I absolutely get blurry vision. It drives me nuts.
Sometimes I think that it’s not our wardrobe that needs refreshing…it’s our attitude about ageing. Like Bette Davis said, “Ageing is not for Sissies” . Yep, it’s not easy. I find when my weight is up I do more shopping because I’m not happy with my body, not my wardrobe. When I straighten out my diet, I’m happy with my head and everything once again looks great.
Love the entire outfit and would definitely wear it as a travel outfit. I am into soft colours and easy breezy. I do suffer from dry eye so thanks for the tips. I need a product to soothe the eye so thanks for the reminder. Have a great week and enjoy Florida.
Good point. But when our style feels stale, adding different types of pieces help us express the person we are now.
I’ll be following the dry eye conversation closely. This is a new condition for me and I’m so grateful to learn from you and this community. I’m taking a series of classes online with “Adore Your Wardrobe.” I’m learning how to dress my body shape to accentuate my strengths and downplay my weaknesses. And also how to put an outfit together. It’s fascinating to learn about the math and science behind fashion and all the things our eye and brain do automatically. This week we’ll learn more about color. The course is making a big difference in helping me feel “pulled together” with more deliberate wardrobe choices. Have you ever heard of it? I’m curious what you think. Thank you for all you do! I’m new to the community and I’m truly enjoying it!! Xxoo
Hi Barbara from another Barbara! I took Kelly’s “Adore Your Wardrobe” course immediately before the pandemic set in. I did it mainly for winter entertainment, but I did find it more helpful than I thought it would be! For example, I learned that I’m long waisted–not short waisted as I thought I was for 60+ years! Suddenly many of my fit issues made sense. It was fun to learn with so many other women, and I definitely put much of what I learned to use when choosing and wearing clothing. Enjoy!
Yes! So much to learn, but the payoff is worth it!
You’ll find this community has some wonderful ideas. I have heard of her course but I don’t know more than that.
I love your posts and your take on things. Thank you for all you do!
I’m anxious to see what new ideas and outfits you have for spring. I, too, feel like I need a new direction for spring and summer, especially with tops and tees. I like the outfit of the day, especially the jacket. Looks perfect for spring since it’s cotton. I hope your new item ideas cover all price points, too. Happy shopping!
I’m happy to see my favorite shade of green in today’s blog. I never stop wearing it, in or out. I love my ballet flats, too.
If you’re watching the series For All Mankind, there is a scene where one of the women is doing a deep squat to get into her pantyhose. That made me smile. Who doesn’t remember doing that? I still wear tights, especially under pants in the winter. Layers are the only way to keep warm.
I, too, have had the same look for decades. Jeans +lighter version in soft colors or a skort (live in SW FL), a tee (mostly white, occasionally a brighter color), sandals or sneakers, earrings and a sentimental necklace. Can’t get more basic than that. Yet when I attempt to change, I feel uncomfortable. Is it possible to escape “traditional,” “tailored” and “basic.”
It is certainly possible. How would you like to look?
I liked your wardrobe pick for the week. Double demin could work for me. My wardrobe needs some changes. Sometimes not so much fun shopping for petite clothes, but I will enjoy shopping, then hopefully some buying.
I think my word would be “polished.” I do have a question: How do cords fit into the picture? I see that jeans are offered up as an option but have not see any reference to cords. Are they “beyond the age” for those of us in the 60, 70 age bracket?
Love my cords! If they fit properly I don’t see why they can’t be worn by 60, 70 even 80 age bracket. They can look very smart with the right sweater or button down. Enjoy!!
Hi Anna, I’m 62 and I only wear cords in the winter (I’m in Ontario) – I find them cosier than jeans!
Love my cords(preferably thin wale) as not only come in many colors and design selections but can be styled for casual or dress up wear depending upon pieces and accessories chosen. Needless to say as a result they are a staple in my Autumn and Winter (Canadian) wardrobe. FYI I’m in my 70’s.
-Brenda-
Cords are not beyond any age. If you love them, wear them.
Excellent choice for the outfit of the week. I mentioned pantyhose to my granddaughters and they had no idea what I was talking about, then I said, like your dance leotard but not as thick. I think I’ll go to Nordstroms to see if they still sell them!
Have a great day everyone.
They do sell them because I have a sheer black pair in my cart.
I like the outfit of the week. I finally found some Levi straight jeans that aren’t too baggy in the legs, yay! I have been having so much trouble with my feet that the only pair of ballet flats I can wear are my Borns. That might be misspelled. I kind of have my dry eye system down but still have good days and bad. I am the year of the Tiger. Just fun to read about these things. I guess this is my Monday musings.
Rosemary, could you share which style of Levis you found that aren’t too big in the leg? I’m wanting some Levis ( they were my staple back in the day!) but there are too many styles now and it’s overwhelming to think about trying them all on!😳
Oh yes, it’s so very important to take extra care with our eyes. My ms has attacked my eyes several times and it’s been a long but successful recovery. I hope you find that personal recipe that gives you lasting comfort.
For me, the desire to keep changing up our style and keeping current is what keeps us young at heart. I don’t want to become stagnant and critical of any new or even trending ideas. It just seems that by adding a pinch of fun here and there we will say active with those younger people in our lives too. I can’t wait to see what new things come into your radar this year.
Happy Monday to all!
I agree Jan! Fashion is essential because for so many reasons.
I love the article but I am not sure I can find my 3 words. Trying to figure out how to dress since I am now 70+ but I still diet and exercise seems very confusing. Not sure if anyone mentioned serum tears for dry eye, that is what I use and it is made from your own blood.
Have fun in Florida.
Love the blue on blue monochromatic look and the earrings are just what I have been looking for. Most metals irritate my ears, but sterling is a winner. Already have them in my cart! Happy Monday : )
Hi! I am so glad you are getting lots of ideas for ways to make your eyes feel better. Keep us posted. The outfit this week is kind of boring. The shirt and jeans are ok, but tucking it in with a matchy belt is not something I would ever do. The jacket and matching shoes seem off to me too. So you can guess the matching purse belt thing doesn’t work for me. It is all too prissy for my tastes. Some pieces don’t need to be elevated into an “outfit”. That is my humble opinion.
I am thrilled about panty hose!!!!
I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “some pieces don’t need to be elevated into an outfit”?
Love your outfit of the week, Jennifer. Th paler denim shirt with sweet green jacket ( and shoes!) are such a wonderful combination.
I think I’m on auto pilot too— when it comes to my everyday wear. It’s straight leg or mini flare jeans with a cashmere sweater. Plain – boring?
I do add a colorful scarf at times or a necklace but the bare bones of my clothes couldn’t be more boring.
Must see what summer time brings!
I, also, suffer with blepharitis. It seems to attack more in winter (here in Va) when the air is dry. I have been on doxycycline for two months ( and a steroid eyedrops for one) Hot compresses on the eyes, plus massaging after has helped my meibomian glands produce more tears.
Good luck in your journey. I can definitely empathize .
Which drops are you on?