A Neutral Outfit With Texture
Happy Monday ladies. If you’re new here, welcome! These musing posts are a bit of a hodgepodge of things that have crossed my path and what’s on my mind. I want to start by thanking you for your lovely emails yesterday. Many of them brought me to tears. You are so kind! I know I’m not alone feeling stressed this time of year, and I’m so grateful for your support. Let’s face it, this entire year has been a gong show of epic proportions, and sometimes we just need to feel all the feels before we can move on.
Here are a few things I’m musing about this week-
Neutrals
I love wearing head to toe neutrals. They’re elegant and easy to accessorize but an entire outfit of neutrals can get boring without the addition of texture. Here’s how I added texture to this outfit.
My cashmere sweater is a “vintage” Everlane. I’ve had it so long, it has their original label! I love it with these faux suede pants. They have a soft nap and very subtle sheen. They’re a perfect cool-toned taupe and one of my favorite neutrals.
I wore them with suede booties and my vintage Kate Spade bag which has a furry texture. My cashmere scarf is a few years old and gets worn a lot. They have 6 new shades this fall and I am seriously tempted to add another one. It’s simple and gets the job done by adding a bit of coziness when a coat isn’t required.
The scarf and sweater have the same texture but the sweater has heathered coloring which looks like texture. My earrings have a brushed surface and shiny pearl which adds even more texture to my outfit. My life is so glamorous these days, this is what I wore for a drive to the nursey so my husband could get a branch of a struggling tree diagnosed. Be assured, we wore masks and used copious amounts of hand sanitizer.
Expectations
You may remember, I had surgery to release a trigger finger and remove some Dupuytren’s lumps last summer. My recovery has not gone as well as I hoped. The scarring is worse than anyone anticipated and I’m struggling to get my strength and flexibility back. I do my PT exercises diligently, which should help with the scarring but I now have two other fingers that are triggering on the same hand.
Last week I saw a specialist at UC Davis for a second opinion. He examined my hand and asked me why my scar was halfway up my finger. Apparently, trigger fingers get released through the palm. The surgeon who did the work is very close-mouthed and hasn’t been forthcoming with anything other than to say I had tendonitis.
The new doc gave me two steroid injections, hoping to calm those triggers down. Frankly, he’s doubtful it will help so I’ll probably need more surgery. He sent me to get an X-ray and as the technician laid my hand out for the X-ray and asked why my scar was on my finger. She proceeded to flip both her palms up and show me her four scars from her trigger release surgery, They were all on her palm.
The doctor who performed my initial surgery came highly recommended but I should have gotten a second opinion before having surgery. Hindsight is always 2020 (wow, that’s a bizarre expression now), and lesson learned. What’s done is done so I need to get over myself. I’m lucky to have a hand to worry about so I need to suck it up and keep on keeping on.
I’d love to hear any experiences you may have had with either trigger finger, Dupytrons, or both. Maybe there’s more I can be doing.
Wireless Bras
How’s that for a transition? Sales of wireless bras and bralettes have shot up over 40% since this time last year. It’s not a surprising statistic because comfy is king these days and few of us want to struggle with a wire that pokes or is uncomfortable. I discovered the joy of wireless bras two years ago and have never looked back. This has been my favorite, which I have in several shades of nude and black.
Have no fear, this is the first and last dressing room photo of me wearing a bra. I think my son would have a heart attack if there were more…in fact, this one may be too much for his comfort level 😉 I found this True & Co Wireless Bralette last week and love it! It fits terrifically, in no small part because it has adjustable straps!
As you know, our breasts all sit at varying heights on our bodies, and the older we get, the lower they tend to be.#factoflife Being able to adjust the straps is a pretty big deal when you’re looking for a bra that will actually hold you up. That got me thinking about women who are more well endowed than me. Is there a wireless bra that works for them and actually provides support? Apparently yes, and there are many with great reviews.
- This Wacoal Back Appeal is a best seller with women over 40 who are well endowed but hate underwires. It’s full-coverage, wireless cups have an inner sling that provides smooth support under close-fitting fabrics. It’s available in sizes 32D – 40DD.
- This Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Bra has foam-lined cups and side boning which gives you even more support. This is available in sizes 30D – 40B
- The Elomi line of bras gets rave reviews for support and comfort. This Cate Full Figure Soft Cup is available in sizes 36DDD -48G. Its three-part cups provide a full-figure lift and the flexible side boning enhances anchorage and support.
I could start musing about my new red toenail polish but I think I’ve caused enough mental whiplash here this morning:)
Make it a great one ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry to hear hand surgery didn’t go so well, don’t beat yourself up about 2nd opinion, 2020 is different year. Continue the exercises even if painful, my PT say “ no pain no gain”. However PT’s I believe have sick sense of humor.
The head to toe neutral is great, I’m transitioning to more neutrals. I’m still wearing underwire bras, but have thought about changing.
Please take care, I truly enjoy your blog, it helps me to stay grounded especially during this crazy 2020 year.
My PT says the same thing!! I like them better than my surgeon:)
So sorry to hear about your hand…how frustrating and not helping your already stressed self, I’m sure.
I always enjoy your posts. I have virtually the same body shape (except for heavier legs) so have made some great purchases on your recommendations. As I’m in Canada (Victoria), I purchase mostly through Nordstrom.ca or our local Talbots as returns are simpler than buying through stores in the US…although I have to say I’d love to.
Your post on wireless bras is really helpful, as I’m never keen on my shape in wireless bras, thank you. A great look starts with great undergarments!
Hang in there, as you say, on top of everything else this year, Christmas seems that much more challenging!
You do live in the most gorgeous place in the world! Everything feels more challenging this year.
I have had trigger finger surgery on left hand and scar is in the palm. Still working on PT for it. I had two cortisone shots and it acted up again, but because I had to wait so long to see my hand doctor due to Covid he did surgery instead. I have also had trigger finger on right hand, left wrist and both thumbs. Long before this I also had carpel tunnel surgery on both hands and elbows. Come to find out I have AL Amyloidosis, ( carpel tunnel happens is most AL people) which is rare and took a stem cell transplant to somewhat cure. Anyway, I still do hand exercises and have to keep them warm. Wear gloves when out always.
About Bras. I still wear underwire and have never had a problem with them. But I am small. I tried a wireless once just to compare, but could not get them on with any type of ease. I am 76 so that might be part of the problem.
I always love your selection of clothing for your coloring. I am a warm summer person and look deadly in gray, but get your method of pairing clothing, which is so helpful.
By the way I caught Martha Steward’s program on TV and she was making Christmas crackers for gifts and placing CBD cookies or candies in them. She said it was because she was so over 2020 and could not wait to send it off in style. LOL!
Gotta love Martha, and I do!! I need to keep mine warm now too and find it really does help.
Hi Jennifer, I have Dupuytren’s in both hands. I saw a hand surgeon who said she would only consider surgery when I could no longer lay my hands flat on a table. The little finger of my left hand is starting to pull forward. The lumps in my palms are painful. My dad (now deceased) also had Dupuytren’s and had surgery on both hands. He had good results but his surgeon has passed away. I am reluctant to consider surgery after reading about your results and those of some of your readers. Are you in CA? You mentioned UC Davis.
I am in northern CA. I should have tried injections first. This surgeon was a little too anxious to do surgery because he was already going to be there to release the trigger finger.
I love head to toe neutrals. Great outfit.
Thank you for the bra reviews. Will check these out. Was beginning to think about fork lifts.
Btw… it’s understandable and reasonable to be upset with inadequate medical care.
My trigger finger is the left pointer. Last year I got the steroid shot, and just one did the trick. It’s back this year, but not as bad, and as soon as I feel comfortable enough to go back to the doctor (still covid spooked a bit) I’ll get the shot again. The PT had me feel a spot on my palm where the knot is, so I did know it was a palm area thing and not the finger itself. There are some good diagrams of trigger finger on the web.
So many women feel better without their bra but I can’t relate. For 40+ years, I have worn a bra 24/7. That was the advice I was given at age 30 to help my highly fibrous dense breasts and to help prevent sagging. Fast forward to present day: they sag anyway 🙁
But I definitely feel more comfortable with a bra on. That bouncy feeling doesn’t feel good. I currently wear size 36DD and find it difficult to find a style to provide the perky look that I once had. LOL
Thoughts and prayers for your hand issue along with your struggle with anxiety. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Your little community here really cares about you. And health issues (big and small) seem to creep in at this stage of life. I guess that’s why they say that getting older is not for sissies. LOL
I’m sorry to hear about your hand problems. I hope they get resolved soon and successfully.
Re the bras, are they difficult to get on by pulling them over your head? I’m having a shoulder issue and that seems like it would be a challenge. But they look soooooo comfortable…..
Susan
Susan: That’s been my problem. Many are over-the-head and I’ve struggled with a painful shoulder at times. For sports bras, I’ve had to switch to the traditional hook kinds. Worth trying, though, or looking for one with a hook closure.
I have Dupuytrens and it is in the early stages. The best thing I have found that gives me so much information about it is the Facebook group called Dupuytren’s contracture. If you haven’t joined, it is so worth the knowledge you will gain. It is a private group, so you will need to join, but I think you will be happy you did. They have files that offer doctors who are experienced with this disease and even papers written by doctors that offer a wealth of information. There is another group call DART – Dupuytrens Advocates for Radiation Therapy, which I think will be the route I go since I am in the early stages. Both groups are great – take a look. Also want to thank you for your amazing blog. I have learned so much and love your style. I have bought several things that you recommended. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for this recommendation, Cathy. I had no contracture, just lumps so he should have left those alone!! I will check out those groups.
Your outfit is great!
I am so sorry to read about your hand. I pray that you will find a surgeon who can fix the problems. At times, even with the best advice, we can run into bad help.
My husband was referred to a surgeon who did a nose surgery using a balloon to open his sinus cavity. I was against it and asked him to go back to our ENT that I had used for years. He does traditional surgery, but my husband insisted on this new Dr that our family physician suggested.
It was a disaster! Long story short, they wound up breaking some critical bones that put my husband in misery for a bit over a year before he would go back to our ENT. Surgery had to be done to remove the bone chips and he is still experiencing some related problems that our ENT is working on resolving but it’s not an overnight process.
I have a broken finger that was split in half in the joint while playing volleyball in my early 20’s. After three surgeries it still doesn’t fully function. I am 67 and still “considering” surgery to repair the joint but I have still not found anyone that I believe can improve it. But I am still looking!
Never give up hope!
Ouch! Get multiple referrals is my new motto. Hang in there and good luck
I happened upon ‘A Well Styled Life’ about a month ago while shopping online and have enjoyed it ever since. It’s so refreshing to read fashion ideas and tips from a contemporary, and not from a young ‘thirty-something’ who thinks she knows how an older woman should dress. Hadn’t shopped Loft in over twenty years, but snapped up the gray speckled sweater poncho when I saw it on you in one of your recent posts, and am loving it…plus I got it at half price! Also love the eyeglass frames that you’ve worn in a few of your photos…today’s bra photo, for one. We have similar jaw lines and I think that frame style would look good on me. Would you mind sharing the vendor? So sorry to hear about your health issues. Slow down, take care of yourself, and appreciate what you have. The one good thing that has come out of this horrible pandemic for me is never taking anything again in life for granted.
The brand is called Aspire. I would check on google for optometrists in your area who may carry them. Life is full of surprises and I am still learning how to roll with the punches:)
Ok, here is my story, not about fingers but b**bs 😜. This year my husband and I have stayed active by playing singles tennis 3-4 times a week. I have felt that I have lost some belly fat because of it🥰. At 72, I have also prided myself on still having “perky” b**bs. Recently though, I have noticed them sagging a bit 😖. It occurred to me that perhaps with the loss of my belly fat, I also lost the “shelf” that may have been holding my b**bs up! 😱 Oh well, life is glorious and a gift everyday! Best wishes for a better outcome with your hands.
Could be true! I never looked at it that way. I just lost 3 pounds and every single one can off my face…not what I was hoping for.
Jennifer, your posts bring me such valuable information and I love the many options for styling you give.
I’ve suffered with anxiety and chronic depression for years. I am on medication and they are a life saver for me. No one likes to be on medication but for me they give be a quality of life, I would not have otherwise. I try very hard not to get stressed. Please take care of yourself. None of us want to see you suffering. The issues with your hand obviously have really had an impact on your stress levels, plus doing these blogs to keep us, your faithful followers, happy. If you need to take a break, do so, Jennifer. Your health is the most important thing you have. We will always be here for you….
Hi Jennifer,
Good luck with your hand. You certainly have a good attitude about it.
Question on the bra you are wearing- It looks like there are no hooks- is it hard to get on?
Thank you!
~Valla
Malpractice issue? 😕
I’m still waiting for the day they make a wireless bra that would support me, a 32H! And yes, I had a breast reduction many years ago. I asked to become a C cup, the surgeon said that would be too drastic of a change and I wouldn’t feel like myself. Ridiculous. Why did I listen to that man? Years later, his wife told me he just likes large breasts! True story. Even well respected surgeons can be wrong.
Oh wow!! That’s awful. It’s a big surgery and you get to decide about your body!! I’m sorry.
UC Davis? Jennifer, where do you live? I had both trigger thumbs repaired, in Stockton of all places. I lived there 17 years. Started with cortisone shot. Worked like magic 6 months to the day. Then condition resumed. Both surgeries successful, tiny scar close to palm. It has been years and I do have a little arthritis at surg site now which is to be expected. Otherwise pain and motion-free. Not having your dominant hand in working order is the pits! Best of luck as you pursue other options.
Thanks, Virginia. I am up near Sacramento
I had trigger finger surgery many years ago. My scar is in my palm. Have had other bouts but physical therapy along with finger braces relieved them. So sorry you got a bum deal.
I sure hope this shot helps me and will be sure my next surgery puts the scar in my palm.
Jennifer, you look so elegant and beautiful in this neutrals outfit. I saw the first picture and thought, Wow. You are such a class act. I will be praying that another doctor will be able to give you relief and good success with your hand. Getting older is hard enough without a physical issue thrown in so you are in my thoughts regarding that. Thanks for sharing with your readers.
Thanks, Debbie. If it’s not one thing, it’s another as we get older. I hope to retain my dignity and positive attitude as the body deteriorates:)
Hi Jennifer,
I’m so sorry you are struggling with your hands. I can relate as mine have been challenging as well. I’ve had bilateral carpel tunnel release, two trigger finger releases (both middle fingers), and an additional tendon release in my left wrist. I’m fortunate that my surgeries have all been successful with a lot of help from great physical therapists. My trigger finger releases were both done in the palm of my hand and the scars are barely visible. My hope for you is with a qualified surgeon you will get relief and be able to get back to normal activity. Keep the faith – it can happen.
You’ve sure had some struggles! Thanks for the encouragement, Jeri.