Monday Musings – Lost And Not Found
Happy Monday, ladies. In 2001, an airline misplaced my suitcase during a particularly stressful time, and I have not checked a piece of luggage since. Until last Saturday. Because it was a non-stop flight, I decided to gamble and check my small roller bag. That gamble did not pay off.
After I’d checked my bag, and gone through security and immigration, the airline canceled my flight. They offered to put me on the same flight the following day, but I had to get home, so I booked myself on another airline. The new airline attempted to rescue my bag and get it on my flight, but that failed. Now the bag seems to be lost in space. My laptop and other important things were in my small handheld I did carry on, but this reminds me again, NEVER CHECK A BAG.
I don’t like to share too much personal info here, especially if it involves other family members, because the internet can be an unforgiving place. As you know, I was in Vancouver to dog sit my daughter’s little pug, who was aging with lots of mobility issues and every other sort of struggle. The upshot is that Honeypug crossed over the rainbow bridge three days before I flew home. I’m so grateful I was there to not only get lots of snuggles with Honeypug but also to support my daughter. As it turned out, my daughter had to do a fair amount of supporting me because I really loved that old girl.
Living with a tiny wardrobe for three weeks has me rethinking how many clothes I need. Even with the limited number I had to choose from, I reached for the same few pieces over and over. That has me thinking about my style recipe and how often I purchase items outside of it.
As a fashion blogger, I try on a ton of clothes. It’s all too easy for me to fall for things that are not my style. When I add them to my wardrobe, they sit in my closet and are seldom worn. When I do try to wear them, they feel out of place, and I don’t feel like the best version of me.
I’m not the same woman I was two years ago, and I want my style to reflect who I am today. I want to zero in on how I can have my wardrobe reflect that change, so I’m going to start a series on simple ways to hone your style recipe. It’ll be for you and for me. I want to enter the fall season with a renewed understanding of exactly how I want to look going forward.
When we look good, we feel good, and that’s empowering.
Outfit of the week
This week’s outfit of the week is a transitional look for those of us who are looking forward to fall but living with hot temperatures. One of the best ways to do this is with color. This outfit is linen, linen blends, with lightweight woven mules and handbag in shades of camel and deep chocolate. The earrings and bracelet have an open feel to them that will span the seasons.
LINEN CARDIGAN / DEEP CHOCOLATE LINEN TANK / PULL-ON PANTS / LEATHER AND STRAW BAG / WOVEN MULES / CAT EYE SUNGLASSES / EARRINGS / CHAIN BRACELET
SHOP THE LOOK
Has your taste and style been evolving?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
So sad to hear about Honeypug. As a former (long time ago) pug owner I always looked forward to hearing about your adventures with her. Condolences to you and your daughter. It’s hard. 🥲
I’ve followed your page for several years now and while I am a completely different height (used to be 5’10” but getting shorter as get older, still will never be a petite size) I learn so much from you and enjoy your posts immensely.
My retirement wardrobe during Covid became long, cropped or capri yoga pants, tanks or t-shirts, and a sweater or sweatshirt, plus jackets for rain or cold (we live in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver) but I didn’t stop shopping. Much was online but this year I’ve been venturing out to stores. Now I have a collection of things unworn, some for over 2 years that I’m trying to put together for “going out”. What fun, and I find myself out shopping for the pieces to complete outfits! The whole point of retirement, and Covid was an accelerator, was to downsize, right size etc. but my closets are stuffed!
Thank you so much, she was a sweetie
I too am evolving my wardrobe. I feel like Janette who wrote about her full closet. I have traveled with a small suitcase and large shoulder bag to Europe. Really like the outfit you chose today ☺️.
Yes, my style has changed some, still classic is best for me, but I am working on a few more casual pieces for my wardrobe. Looking forward to seeing your posts on style recipe.
Gosh, Jennifer, I was so sorry to hear about Honeypug’s passing. I’m betting she’s not far away . . .
I am so sorry for your loss of Honeypug.
“We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our
own, live within a fragile circle;
easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only
certain immortality, never fully
understanding the necessary plan.”
― Irving Townsend
Wow, I cannot believe that your flight was cancelled when you were already through security!!! I very much hope that you get your suitcase back.
We are flying to Glasgow direct from Toronto (although we live near Ottawa, but decided to take the train to TO, probably a very good idea!) in early September – we can only hope that by then some of the chaos will have lessened.
Condolences to you and your daughter on the loss of her pooch. I don’t have pets myself but I understand that they truly become family members.
I love the idea of your new series, I think many of us will find it very helpful – thank you!
I have been watching a blog called “The Daily Connoissuer” which recommends a 10 item capsule wardrobe and extras to support your capsule clothing. While I think I need 15 capsule items, the concept appeals to me and I am pairing down my wardrobe. If I havent worn it in a year, it’s gone, Next, I’m looking at seasonal items. My style has evolved. I do not have the same style as I had 2 -5 years ago. Just thought I’d share.
Very sorry about your luggage, Jennifer. Airlines are not as responsible or dependable as they use to be.
I realized during the lock downs that I definitely didn’t need all the clothes in my closet. I don’t work so I don’t need to have that many different outfits. I have found the same 4 or 5 mix and match got me through the winter and looking to the same for summer. My problem is letting go of all the still good clothes packed in my closet.
I am sending a hug for you and your daughter. We too have a 14 year old dog who is in the late stages of her life. They give us so much love in their short time here on earth. The information about the traveling was important to know. My daughter is heading to Ireland this month and has decided to carry on her bag. She said she had read that so many people lose their luggage. Thanks for your post today.
Firstly my condolences to you and Vanessa on your loss, it is heartbreaking to loose a family member, which our pets are. Secondly darn, re lost luggage. I have had this happen to me, since then I always carry a change of underwear and t shirt in my carry on if checking a bag.
Jennifer I like your blog as it is one of very few that actually seems suited for real women. I find it amazing that both your blog and the one other I follow that is only partially about fashion, have honed in on the same subject of trying to find your style NOW. It is something I have struggled with since retiring. I am eager to hear and see your ideas, and how you go about defining your style.
So sorry to hear of Honeypots passing. Looking forward to this fashion journey.
Sorry, Honeypug. But I bet she was as sweet as a honeypot.
Do hope your luggage turns up shortly and will be looking forward to your series on honing your style recipe. As to the outfit of the week; though very enticing I have to admit I hate the thought of Fall, as where I live it means ‘old man winter who isn’t always the kindness’ isn’t far behind it. Last but not least; sorry to learn about the loss of Vanessa’s sweet Honeypug and sending a warm hug to both of you. -Brenda-
I am so sorry for the loss of Honeypug. It is so hard for those of us who love animals to lose a family pet. By the way Honeypug is a really cute name.
I am excited about your new series you are about to publish. I am feeling the same way. I have so many items of clothing I never wear and I want to pair down. I am thinking about retiring in a few years, so I am thinking of simpler out fits. I loved your dressing room diary regarding Eileen Fisher clothing. It makes sense to purchase classic, well made items that you can wear for many years to come.
My thoughts are with you on the loss of Honeypug and your lost luggage. I totally appreciate how sad your heart is right now, the loss of a fur child is huge. Thank you for sharing your life, this way I get to know the whole person. Please let your beautiful daughter know she is in my thoughts as well. I’m sending you virtual warm hugs.
Your post resonated with me so much. While I think there is benefit to getting sometimes a little out of your comfort zone (as in not a rut or a time warp), whenever I do that the clothes sit. I have a boho crochet lace shirt that I’m literally making myself wear, but I feel so uncomfortable in it. If there’s one style thing I’m -not-, it’s boho. Accessories take up little room in the closet but allow for creativity and variety with a very small wardrobe of simple, minimalist clothing. That has always been my sweet spot of dressing, and I need to get back to it. My lifestyle has changed a ton since retiring two years ago, and now most of the time my daily wear incorporates at least one piece of athletic or leisurewear, something I literally didn’t own a piece of before retiring. I love looks where you incorporate leggings, lounge pants or some such with an elevated top.
So sorry about the loss of your beloved puppy. Man life can be tough! And then the added kick in the pants of lost luggage. Be extra nice to yourself today! Thank you for your thoughtful and impressive blog. I enjoy it very much.
Since we love clothes and love the new and shiny (figuratively), the challenge is the renewing and the repurposing of what is there. It is a challenge and all ideas for doing this are welcome and needed! I find putting some of my clothes away to determine whether they are really what I want is helpful. I do this not just with seasonal items that I won’t be wearing until the weather changes but with items that I am wondering about whether they really belong in my closet.
Hope you have a peaceful day with good memories. I do believe that our furry friends will be with us in the next life, but that does not really make saying good-bye now much easier. Hugs
Thank you so much Mary
The sorrow from the loss of a pet is very real. My sincerest sympathy to you & your family.
Thank you so much Donna
So sorry Jennifer for the loss of your little grand-dog, but glad it worked that you were there to say goodbye and be with there for your daughter. Luggage ugh! Always a challenge for me to even pack but once I do I love the edited very tiny closet I have taken with me. I have often thought exactly what you have said. When I travel I love the travel capsule I have finally chosen to take, love the simplicity of dressing and daily decisions and mostly just getting on with my day feeling well dressed and confident. Your idea for a blog for honing in on style will be most welcome. Perhaps my closet can reflect more of who I really am now. I have moved from a work life, from Philly to Seattle, (very different that Pacific NW look) and of course have added a few years to my age. Many thanks for your wonderful blog, and I look forward to a reboot.
The PNW has such a different vibe too! It’ll be fun to explore honing our style together
Condolences on the loss of your grand dog. 😢. Those of us who have lost pets feel your pain. I’m sorry you’re going through this.
Thanks Nancy xo
Love your comment-I’m not the same woman I was two years ago. That’s exactly how I’m feeling…I’m turning 72 and I’ve been finding my choices in clothes are changing again. Still want classic lines and a finished look, but fabric and comfort has become more important. Thanks for your inspirations!
I agree comfort has taken on more importance but it must still be polished for me.