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.
Jennifer, I am so with you about only wearing a minority of the clothes in my closet. I often think that I need to get out of my “style rut” or fall for a bargain in a lovely color, but in a style which isn’t really flattering. Then those items sit in my closet, inducing guilt.
It’s so hard, in the dressing room, to decide if a garment is “my best me,” as you put it so well. I look forward to the style series! You would think I would have this figured out by now, but I don’t!
Many of us don’t or are still tweaking it so you are in good company, Ruth
Jennifer,
I so appreciate that you have the opportunity and willingness to present the fashion options that you post for us to review along with you. I actually feel like I am in the the dressing room with you! I also find if I venture to purchase something that is deviation from my usual that it just hangs in the closet until I finally admit that I am not ever going to find an occasion to wear it. So I really look forward to the subject matter of investigating one’s own style that makes them comfortable!
Carolyn
I’m glad you’re liking these posts Carolyn! I really enjoy sharing them.
Although taste/lifestyle wise we might not be who we were two years ago, I think we need to remember that our complection does not change. I’ve stopped looking at BR for over a year, because they keep showing earthy neutral colours. I’ve noticed several other stores are doing the same for this season.
I had my ‘colours ‘ done many years ago and really think I look healthier in ‘winter’ palette colours…some ‘summer’ ones also. I don’t wear foundation to change my look.
I always thought you looked great in those palettes as well, Jennifer.
Designers/retailers keep changing things around to make us shop more , and motivate us to think we need a change . I think investment purchases should also be based on the colours that are in our closet , and we know look good on us.
I am so very sorry to hear of Honeypug’s passing. Our fur babies and furgrandbabies mean the world to us. Hugs to you and your daughter. Also sorry to hear the airline lost your luggage. We’re scheduled for a Fall cruise and have decided to go only with carryon luggage – that will be a first for us. Needless to say, I’m still nervous about traveling. Hopefully, things will have settled down by October. Looking forward to what you plan to pack.
(I’m a week behind on my emails – again!!).
Thank you, Christi. I’m a bit worried about our cruise too, but we plan to be very careful.
Jennifer, Is the black and white capsule featured in this post something from a previous post? Or from another blogger? I love it and would love to know more about it. thanks
It’s my wardrobe and what I packed for my last riverboat cruise. It’s several years ago now, but you can find some links here.
Yes yes and yes! Fewer pieces that are well chosen is my goal. All of those Eileen Fisher pieces look beautiful on you in the photos.
Very sorry to hear about Honeypug. It was a well timed trip.
The timing was perfect. Thank you so much Ellen.
Love the outfit. We don’t have a fall and I miss the fall colors. ( and cooler temps!) As much as they are fun for a season, one gets weary of wearing tropical brights and whites all year! Seeing this beautiful array of earth tones makes me realize that those are what I feel most like myself in. I shall be on a search for autumnal colors in cool light weight fabrics. Thank you for this post.
It’s wonderful to find the colors that make your heart sing:)
Beautiful outfit and accessories!
Speaking of fall-could you tell us again the sunless tanners that you recommended, please!
Thank you and I’m sorry about the sweet dog. They become such a part of us!❤️
I have yet to find one I prefer to this Jergens, so I continue to use it.
It is surprising how few clothes we need. This will be fun following you hone in on your style recipe. I’ve been trying to do that for about and year now, and I’m still on that path. I get sidetracked a lot and still have way too many clothes that I don’t wear, plus my weight keeps fluctuating. Prior to the summer months, I tried on all my summer clothes and left a whole group in another closet, labeled; “don’t look good for this summer.” I don’t want to give them away just yet, but so far I haven’t missed too many pieces.
I’m so sorry about your and your daughter’s Honeypug. It’s hard to lose a pet. Take care.
Thanks, Nancy. I have things I didn’t wear this summer too! Do I need them?
So sorry to hear about Honeypug. The loss is so hard because pets unconditionally love you with all there being. I hope Honeypug meets our Golden Retreiver, Allie on the other side. And they become friends.
My deepest sympathy.
Thank you so much Lin! xo
So sorry about Honeypug. We just lost our Angel Kitty and know how it feels, sometimes I still think I see her. Love our critters.
And yes, please, let’s talk less is more! When I see an outfit I like, even with your spend or save cardigan/jeans outfit, I have so many nice clothes I go shop my closet (it’s free!!) for the best version of that look and am often quite pleased with it, wearing things in different ways or combinations for a fresh look. Sometimes I just haven’t figured out how to put together an outfit! Thanks for all you do to help us with that!
Shopping in your closet is the best when it contains things that you love!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets are such an important part of our family and their passing is heartbreaking. 💜
I love the warm fall colours but can only wear cool tones. Can you share some jewel tones in fall outfits?
Yes, I certainly will be sharing warm and cool tones in fall outfits.I look best in cool tones too:)
So sorry for your loss. Our Freddie is such a big part of our lives. He is a 10 year old bulldog.
Jennifer
I have that same black and white checked dress/duster. I’m a couple inches shorter than you.
I have never worn it. I feel badly about that but I cannot explain it.
Somehow it’s not my thing.
What do you do when something you bought does not feel right?
Return obvious… but I thought maybe someday. So its still here.
Is this a donate item?
Also I’m so sorry about Honeypug.
I had my rescue dog for 18 years.
She went to rainbow Bridge the same week I quit my 30 year news career and moved across the country to a place I knew nobody
That girl hung with me til the end and I thank God for her 18 years with me.
That’s such stressful timing, I’m so sorry.
This little girl hung in through thick and thin with my daughter too. Great little dogs!!
I would donate it to a battered women’s shelter
I am so sorry about Honeypug. Pugs are such wonderful companions.
I know I speak for many who enjoyed the photos and stories of her. Hugs.
Thank you so much
Is the capsule wardrobe you show something you have featured before? I cannot find any links to it, nor does Google Image search reveal it. Thank you for any insight you can provide.
It’s the wardrobe I took on our last Riverboat cruise a few years ago. All neutrals with some leopard prints. I’m sure most things are sold out so i need to update the post. I linked a lot of them- here
My condolences to you and your daughter for your loss
I will be reading with interest. With such a limited travel wardrobe, do you wear over and over or do laundry on vacation? I would have to work on being comfortable with little variety. Shoes would be most difficult. And I can’t forget the times I have watched people struggle to fit bags the size of small refrigerators in the overhead bins, thereby increasing the time it takes us all to board and especially to get off.
Air tags are a great idea!
I just finished cleaning out my closet in Florida and Portland. When I retired, 6 years ago, and moved to Florida I found my work clothes no longer fit into my lifestyle. I also found that I have different clothes for Florida (lots of linen, sweaters are cotton instead of cashmere 😢, more relaxed casual style) than Portland (jeans, tshirts, button down shirts, blazers, sweaters, leather (faux & real), silk scarves…). I used to collect, and wear, vintage clothing but I’m contemplating selling the majority of what I own. I really feel like I aged out (69 years old) so they look more like a costume than quirky chic. I’ve gotten much better at the “will I wear it, does it go with what I already own, will it be wearable for years to come?”.
I’m very good at packing light (3 colors, typically black, white and gray which mix & match beautifully ), evening shoe and casual walking shoe, evening clutch and daytime bag.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Honeypug. It’s always so hard when we lose our beloved pets. Hugs to you!
Kim
Thank you Kim