Monday Musings : What I Wore to A Gala & Other Festive Clothes
Happy Monday, ladies. This week’s musings are sort of random, but they do have a bit of a theme. Over the weekend, we attended a Black Tie Gala fundraiser for the G02 For Lung Cancer Foundation. We have a long history of supporting the fight against lung cancer, but it became very personal here. Monday Musings- A Surprising Diagnosis
If you’re a subscriber to this blog, you read yesterday about my wardrobe angst over what to wear. Anywho…I bought this Banana Republic Velvet Blazer in deep teal and wore it with my Jennifer pearls (save 15% sitewide with AWSL at checkout) and a simple black tank, pants, and kitten heels that are as old as the hills. I over thunk what I would wear and, in the end, looked just fine.
Below are a few pieces from the latest Chico’s holiday collection that I tried on in the store and a few they sent me to style for an Instagram campaign. I opted not to wear this red jacket to the gala because I didn’t want to look like I was wearing holiday clothes.
This lightweight jacket is the prettiest rose/red shade. I put it with charcoal gray pants and a top, rather than black, to keep the look soft. I wore this outfit to an event last week and quickly realized we were overdressed. I’d rather be that than underdressed…but by removing the jacket, I was wearing head-to-toe gray, which was the right amount of casual.
I’ve bought a few of these turtlenecks because they come in tons of great colors and are a great weight for layering.
This Zenergy Cotton-Cashmere pullover and pants looked so cozy I couldn’t resist. They’re a 52% cotton, 26% rayon, 17% nylon, 3% spandex, and 2% cashmere blend that feels amazing on. The silver metallic thread makes them feel festive. I topped them with this white faux fur vest, which is a ringer for this brown one I wear so often.
I added these simple silver hoops with a sequin “disco-ball” type detail in the center.
At my local Chico’s, I tried on a few other pieces with a holiday theme. This sequin tee is a great piece to wear all season long with anything to add a festive feel. The sleeves are the perfect length to wear while cooking if you feel so inclined.
This Chianti color is front and center on my radar this season, and Chico’s has a fair amount of it. It’s pretty flattering on many complexions and a nice change from red. The embellished jeans are the girlfriend cut with nice slim legs. The ruana is fun but a bit over the top with these jeans, don’t you think? I’d dial everything back with it and toss it over a great white shirt and plain pants or jeans. The reversible velvet vest is quilted and thin, so it doesn’t add bulk and could be dressed up or down.
This faux suede moto jacket is super soft and lovely. This photo makes the color appear brighter than it really is. The fabric is a polyester blend with 13% spandex that’s machine washable. The Brigitte rivet ankle pants are a pull-on style in petite, which illustrates why I seldom buy petite pants.
These Juliet pants are a size too large for me, but I wanted to try them because I love the side stripe and mini houndstooth print. They come in regular, petite, and tall. The Juliet style is similar to the Brigitte style with a more substantial-feeling ponte knit fabric. This sequined cardigan is a melange of black with gray shades in an animal print motif. The sleeves have a slight bell, so I would not recommend these for cooking:).
Have you added anything festive to your wardrobe this season?
Remember, I am giving away two $50 Nordstrom gift cards each week from now until Christmas, but you need to be a subscriber 🙂
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I think it’s wonderful that you are sharing such a difficult time with us. Not to minimize your situation, but we all eventually face some seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. I have certainly had mine. And it brings to mind the fact that (although I was going out of my mind) I stopped to put together “my outfits” through it all. I remember painstakingly picking out “just the right brooch” to wear when I was facing a most horrible traumatic experience. It’s not about vanity, I guess its more about having an area in my life I feel I can control. Well I can go on forever about tough times, but I just want to share something that always helps quell my fears…”Feelings are not Facts”. Much love and luck to you both.
Thank you for sharing Teri. You’re very poignant observations are so true. Being able to control our appearance in tough times is so helpful.
You and your husband looked fabulous. I’m keeping your both in my prayers.
I love the roses jacket! It will dress up anything and look very festive at the same time as being comfy and casual underneath
Loved the tuxedo look! and I see that you are making good use of your new pearl necklace. It has looked good with the various outfits you have shown from summer to winter. 🙂
I adore it 🥰
What a beautiful photo of the two of you. I never thought of wearing gray with the Chicos red jacket – you’re right – it does soften it up. Great idea!
Wonderful to learn that your husband is still cancer free and is doing so well plus may I add, also looking very dapper . Also when you mentioned in your past Sunday AWSL Recap that you had been on the hunt for a gala event outfit, I had faith in you that you would be successful and wouldn’t disappoint as you did look amazing. (I loved too, that you chose to wear your Jennifer necklace that IMHO works so well with what you wore. i.e.: A combination of luxury with a modern twist!) -Brenda-
Thank you so much Brenda
What a gorgeous couple — you and your husband look so elegant at the gala. How wonderful that he is now cancer free.
I particularly love the off-white outfit. May I ask what lipstick you are wearing? It looks like just the shade I’ve been looking for.
I’m wearing Rosewater by Kosas
Wow! Jennifer! You really “hit it” today, IMO…the first 3 outfits you show look incredible and just seem right for you. I love what you wore to the gala! It’s so nice that pants are appropriate for women to wear to events these days! Love your whole outfit.
I may have mentioned before, I’m struggling to put together something to wear to a New Year’s Eve wedding and was most interested in what you posted here from Chico’s, but none them will do.. Hard to find things for an overweight short person! Hahaha!
I don’t want to wear pants and great dresses with all my specifications are hard to come by. Probably being too picky, but I’m on a quest! Like you, I know I’ll find something.
Thanks for the inspiration…everyday!
Are you wanting a long dress for the wedding and how formal is it?
Great post today! I really enjoyed seeing the pieces you featured!
Love the icees you showed today. I especially liked the black sequined 3 quarter sleeve top(your funny comment, too) and the quilted shoulder jacket. You and hubby looked fabulous for the Lung Cancer event. How do you resist all the finds, cute lady??
It’s really, really hard to resist all the cute stuff, but I only have so much room in my tiny closet!
Love your outfit just what I would have worn. Cancer sucks. Thank you for supporting the cure.
What a wonderful photo of a healthy, happy couple. Congratulations to your husband, and you, on his being cancer free. May be stay healthy.
Your gala outfit looks perfect. The red floral jacket is too casual for such an event, but it’s a great looking jacket. Don’t fret about “overthinking” things – you are in good company. Many of us do “overthink”; it’s in our DNA. 😉
I love that…it’s in our DNA :)!!
Yay for your husband being cancer-free – those are beautiful words to hear! You look beautiful and classic for the gala and y’all both looked so happy. I really like the sequin tee – It looks nice with slacks, but I think it would look cute with jeans for a more casual holiday event.
Thanks so much. I agree, it’d be super cute with jeans.
You both look very stylish for your gala event. Cancer free are the most prized words anyone could hear. Not shopping for holiday parties right now. I am recovering from 2 major surgeries on my spine in October, just 4 weeks ago. Loose and comfy clothes are in my wardrobe right now. 6 month recovery period for the surgery. I will keep you and your family in my prayers that he continues to recover from the surgery. God Bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way, Dianne. You’ve had a very rough time. Rest and pamper yourself
You and your husband looked so eloquent at the Lung Cancer fund raiser.
I truly love the Chico’s red jacket with the charcoal gray top and pants.
Absolutely beautiful.
You are putting me into the Holiday Mood.
Do you get my email? You won the $50 Nordstrom card last week!
Yes! Thank you but there is no Nordstrom’s close to me.
Can I use it on line? If not please offer it to someone who has a store in there area.
I am excited, because I thought it was a scam and I usually don’t win anything.
Thank you.
You can absolutely use it online and they have free shipping. I sent it to you today. Be on the lookout for it!