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 have used restasis drops twice a day for years & it keeps my dry eyes under control. I occasionally use moisture drops also. As someone else stated, check your insurance as restasis is Very expensive.
We all have bad weeks and I am glad you continue to be positive. We may not all like some outfits or trends, this does not mean you should ever stop what you are doing. I appreciate your emails> Everyone needs to remember, no-one is asking you to agree with all your selections, these are OPTIONS and CHOICES of what we like or dislike.
Please continue ON!
I think having options is fun and keeps our minds sharp. Thanks for being here Joan.
Hello:
My comment is more of a question…and slightly off the current specific topics. I am 72 and attending an evening wedding in Cancun in July. I would love to find something feminine, polished, and pretty to wear…probably a dress rather than pants. Any thoughts anyone?
I have a few more posts upcoming on wedding guest outfits. Things will be coming into stores soon.
I empathize with those who find their spring-summer wardrobes more of a challenge than their fall-winter ones. But I’m the opposite – I like my spring-summer wardrobe much better, and the colors make me happier! Lots of navy and white, along with pinks and greens. So I am thrilled with the outfit you curated, Jennifer! My biggest challenge is finding shoes that are comfortable and good-looking. It sounds like I am not alone in this! I love ballet shoes, so I will be looking for ones with support, in spring-summer colors. Thanks for a great post, Jennifer.
Shoes are my biggest challenge too, Ruth
Jennifer, you are the favorite email in my inbox each day. Your style appeals to me because it is classic, comfortable – not flashy and complicated. We all have times when we look in our stuffed closets and think we don’t have a thing to wear. I know I do…maybe I just crave the thrill of new things! Dressing for the Summer heat is the absolute WORST for me….Always been unable to tan, and now that I’m past 65, my skin and muscle tone are not something to flaunt. How can mature women stay cool AND feel attractive?
I’m thinking long, airy casual dresses may be the answer
Systane Ultra eye drops a couple of times a day help my dry eyes. I also have had tear duct plugs close to my nose for years. It does seem worse in winter when the furnace is running and drying out the air. I also have an evaporative humidifier that I placed in the dining room where I sit to read on my tablet. I wash my lids with J & J baby shampoo and actually started washing my face with it. My dry patches on my cheeks have gone away! Can’t we’re ballet flats with my high arch and peripheral neuropathy. I love Merrill Encore Ice 2 in winter and the mesh version in summer. I love your classic style Jennifer but alas, I am up to now 143 pounds on my 5’2” petite bone structure! Jeans will not go around my waist. Navy Sport Knit pants from Lands End do fit and leggings are my comfort go too. I like their Relaxed Fit tops as well.
I’ll also be packing for warmer weather soon. Leaving the snowy Canadian prairie and heading to Mexico. Not a resort, but visiting friends in a typical Mexican town in the highlands. I’ve also been rethinking my style adjectives lately. Perhaps narrowing down what I’ll take with me to what will fit in my carry-on will help me figure out what those should be.
Jennifer, I am also looking to refresh my spring wardrobe. I purchased the green jacket, it’s a lovely color and will perk me up. Thanks for posting and I’m looking forward to more fashion finds and trends. I’m not a large scarf person per se, but the small handkerchief size looks cute.
It’s such a fresh pretty color.
Hi, Jennifer. I too am trying to change things up in my wardrobe for an upcoming trip to Florida. I happened to see a huge sale at Soft Surroundings (they are leaving my local mall), so I decided to take a look at clothes that I would never have bought in the past. The result is I have three very nicely made long shirts in gorgeous colors & prints. I will wear these three-quarter length shirts as a third layer with pants & tank tops and also with bathing suits. In addition, I plan on wearing these shirts buttoned up with only underwear underneath as cool one-piece outfits. The colors and prints are so gorgeous that I am enthusiastically looking forward to this new way of dressing in warmer weather!
Hi Jennifer, Absolutely love the colors of the outfit of the week, especially the green jacket! I too have had dry eyes. My ophthalmologist suggested I use Xiidra eye drops and take eye supplements daily. I also just purchased a Bruder eye compress. Together these items have definitely helped my dry eyes. I really enjoy reading your blog!
I just started the Xiidra and am so hopeful it helps
That is exciting! I love finding new pieces like that!
I , too, love your outfit of the week. The softer colors are very gentle in this often harsh world that we now live in. I especially love the ballet flats. At 5’7″ they are my go to shoes for runing errands, shopping, or visiting with friends. Please do have more feminine style choices. They’re really hard to finid. Also, I would love to see you feature more clothes for women who are a specific “palette”. I’m a former “Spring” who has been having a really hard time finding winter outfits with Spring colors. You might feature outfits for all four palettes during each of the four seasons. Just a suggestion… Good luck with your eyes! They are a precious part of who we are.
Several readers have asked for more seasonal color call-outs so I will try to include them.
Your post today couldn’t have been more spot on for me. I recently had my colors and body shape analyzed. In some ways it’s been very helpful but in other ways it’s been very restrictive. I feel like I can’t find any fun, artistic clothes that fit my new wardrobe recommendations. I get lots of compliments on my new wardrobe but I find it boring. At 65 and retired I don’t need a large variety of types of clothes but would still like my simplified style to have some unique and interesting pieces. Please share what you find out there. I always enjoy your posts.
I’m curious about how you had your style analyzed. Would you be willing to share more?
So many things to comment on! Thanks.
I like the look of the lipstick, but the Amazon link says it is sold out sadly.
I have suffered from plantar faciitis a lot this past year and ballet flats don’t have the support I need right now.
I always have dry eyes in the morning which is irritating. Usually my eyes get better during the day. The condition is exacerbated by seasonal allergies, especially in the spring (I’m in the Vancouver area, so spring is long!).
Thanks for your blog. It is always interesting.
I love the outfit you show today, especially the jacket in the lovely green color! Green clothing can be difficult to find, but so complimentary on a green-eyed person! Thanks, Jennifer!
I don’t have much green, but I’m really attracted to it this spring.
Hi Jennifer! I thought your information on dry eye was so useful! The outfit of the day is so cute! That is “right up my alley”
You could always switch out the ballet shoes for a style that is not so flat and more supportive. I have discovered Vivaia shoes and love them. They accommodate my high arch and bunions. I have 3 pairs! I would leave the belt off,but that is just me. The spring quilted jacket is adorable,but Nordstrom,doesn’t carry my size. I was able to find a Kelly Green Spring Jacket at Kohls in my size(plus) They also carry misses sizes and my jacket was only 37.00 plus tax. I get so much useful information from your blog.
Thank You!
Booties would be cute with that outfit too. I’m so glad you’re hear with us.
A few months ago had Lasik (cataract) surgery on both eyes and coincidently it is the first time I’ve ever been diagnosed with Blepharitis so currently am practicing a regime of: warm compresses (Bruder Mask) plus use of lid wipes (Blephaclean) 2x a day /Hypochlorous spray with eyes closed and preservative-free artificial tears (Hylo) once a day, ALL every 2nd day as recommend by my eye specialist. As to the subject of ‘style recipe’ I like yourself and as a classic dresser hope to add more garments that have a feminine ‘touch’ both in design and fabric. (For example: A soft draping blouse with an optional tie neckline and/or one with sheer sleeves. A cotton blend top with pin tucking or eyelet inserts. All of which could still be worn with blue jeans ….. 😊.) In regards to ballet flats, I’ll be on the hunt for those that elongate the leg/foot (shallow upper vamp or less round toe ) giving the illusion IMHO of more height/longer leg and can be worn with a selection of a variety of bottoms. Last but not least; hooray for the return of panty hose/tights and hopefully their hybrid knee high
stockings depending upon the climate/season. -Brenda-
For Florida trip, look into RipSkirt. I now have 4 and am looking forward to wearing them on my late February Cruise to Caribbean which leaves from Ft. Lauderdale.
I usually wear short and skorts but I’m changing it up this year with wrap skirts and tees from RipSkirt. I wore them last summer in Hawaii and loved them. They come in 3 different lengths and definitely suit all age groups. I’m 73 and like length 2.
I’m using the hypochlorous acid spray morning and night too. I’ve got quite the list going. Agreed on the toes shake and softer fabrics for blouses. It makes a nice change.
Love the outfit and the idea about changing it up in 2023. However, I was taking a look at the new arrivals at a more-high-end-than-I-am-accustomed-to website and was depressed to see that it is featuring all sorts of those baby doll, puffed sleeve long dresses that I had hoped would be out of style real soon…
I’ll be skipping babydoll puffed sleeves
If I saw this outfit while out and about, I’d think well put together. I like the bookend fresh green colors.
Well done again Jennifer.
Glad you like it Fran. I like it 😀
I, too, have extremely dry eyes and I live in Arizona and have multiple allergies that bother my eyes! Not a good combo for sure. At one point my ophthalmologist said I had cornea damage from their dryness and he prescribed an intensive program of Systane eyedrops and eye supplements which I followed closely and the damage was healed. I still take eye supplements (you can find lots of them for vision support online) and my baby cataracts that were growing have not progressed in size for the last few years which is a good thing. Now I use Restasis eye drops — they are prescription drops and they are pricey so check your RX insurance — but they work very well and my eyes are more comfortable than they have been in years.
Hi Jennifer, perhaps I wasn’t paying close enough attention, but are your current subscribers automatically entered in the drawing for the Nordstrom gift card? I’ve been a subscriber for some time so never thought I needed to enter.
I’ve had dry eyes for years, so I’ll be interested in reading all your findings.
I read that not only black but also nude pantyhose are now acceptable! Not that I wear a lot of dresses, but if that’s true I may reconsider!
Good luck with your warm weather choices—I look forward to seeing them!
Yes, you are automatically entered!
I had a love-hate relationship with pantyhose and am not sure a comeback is a good thing, but I don’t wear dresses / skirts enough to care really. Jennifer, I wish that you did not assume that everyone can wear flats. I had orthopedic shoes as a kid and have flat feet, so I can’t wear flats. I need at least a one-inch heel. I’ve thought about changing style. I love Sundance but am in the Northeast where their clothes seem less appropriate, but … maybe this is the year to try one shirt and pair of trousers from their catalogue.
I also struggle with ballet flats because I have narrow heels and walk out of most of them. Love the look, but without a strap they don’t work for me.
I don’t assume every woman can wear flat shoes. I’m simply showing some ballet flats, which are plentiful this year.