Monday Musings- A Woman Who Inspired Me With Her Luxe Wedding Outfit And Flat Shoes
Happy Monday ladies. Today I am musing about what I’m reading, and a woman who inspired me with her luxe wedding guest outfit with flat shoes.
One of my goals this year has been to read more books. My daughter set book goals for herself last year that I found staggering. I’m not that ambitious so I’m just making a concerted effort to read more. I include audiobooks in my count (although I’m not really counting) because I listen to them while I’m walking, ironing, driving, etc.
Currently reading

This weekend, I restarted Along The Infinite Sea, which I tried to get into last summer. I’m galloping through it this time, perhaps because I just finished another book by Elizabeth Williams so I’m enjoying her style of writing.
Newest shoes

The flats I’m wearing are my newest Margaux Demi’s in the color, Dove. I love a classic ballet flat but many hit right on the sore spot of my bunion. These come in tons of colors and widths, plus the drawstring is a working cord that I loosen on my left foot to give my bunion a bit more room. I debated buying another Cerulean Blue pair because I’ve almost worn them out, but I like this pale gray for summer.
BTW, when did the veins on the top of my feet get as ropey as the ones on the back of my hands?
Currently listening to
I think I read every book that Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote back in the 90s. She had a way of looking at life that appealed to me then, and now.

I actually still have my old stained copy of this hardcover, but I bought the audiobook because it’s read by the author and I find her voice as soothing as what she says. FYI, I still have 6 or more boxes of books in my garage that may never see the light of day unless we get going on those bookshelves I want.
Outfit of the week- Wedding Guest Outfit with flat shoes
Have you ever spotted a woman who was so beautifully dressed that you couldn’t help but stare? I saw one over the weekend as she headed into a wedding reception at a historic hotel. I hurried over to tell her how stunning she looked, which I believe we should all do more often. It also gave me a chance to get a closer look at how she put the outfit together.

She walked with the most amazing cane and wore flat shoes which goes to show, that the right flats needn’t derail a dressy outfit. Her makeup was soft and pretty, and she looked positively regal. Her jacket had less embroidery and looked closer to this one.
How often do you spot a woman you’d love to study closely to see how she puts herself together? Do you compliment her?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

Along the Infinite Sea is an amazing novel. On your recommendation, Jennifer, I read it and found it to be one of the best novels I’ve ever read—and I’ve read hundreds. Well-written, great characters and plot, and ultimately a timeless live story set against all odds.
I meant to say love story.
My mother volunteered as a cashier at a high school cafeteria in her retirement. She taught me the benefit of complimenting people when she would tell me how she’d always try to find something nice to say to a student or students that looked particularly unhappy that day. We all need more compliments and less criticism.
What a beautiful, elegant wedding outfit. Simply stunning. Also, beautiful is your rug.
Thank you, Christi. I do love soft pink 🙂
Stunning ensemble! I hope I continue to dress in that fashion as I get older! I love ballet flats, I have several different brands. My favorite are Repetto, I bought in Paris, they are a very light grey❤
I have always wondered about Repetto and heard very good reviews.
I like those Dove ballet slippers. I would wear them in a second.
Sarah’s book. I think I still have Simple Abundance somewhere in this house.
When I worked, I often complimented others, including male colleagues. It’s interesting how gender-specific compliment giving is. Most of us would never compliment a male stranger, and I bet they’d be surprised if we did. The entire outfit is great, but I really like the flat shoes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a reception outside and had my heels disappear into the ground! I started wearing block heels, but flats seem a better choice.
I always compliment people when I admire something about them. I realized a while back that I would think these things but not say them. Then I realized that you never know how it can make a difference to someone. I know that I like when someone compliments me!
I love Simple Abundance, I have the hard cover right here on my bookshelf. I also have her follow-up book, “Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self.”
Gorgeous outfit! And I am sure she appreciated having the ensemble admired.
Even we old gals with canes can look good. As one who uses a cane, I can tell you heels would be a problem. Why does the old rule about heels with dresses still oppress us?
I’m trying to compliment strangers more often as I’ve learned from experience how good an unexpected compliment feels and how uplifting it can be. I’m sure that that woman walked into the reception feeling on top of the world after receiving your compliment! The outfit that you shared is absolutely stunning and so versatile.
I have learned that too so try to spread the love and compliments as much as possible.
This is why I love this blog! It’s relevant to my life today and it leaves me with pleasant thoughts and plans to always keep moving forward! A compliment is such an easy gesture that can make a huge impact. It’s the same with a smile!
I would wear the gorgeous wedding ensemble in a heartbeat! I have ms and with it comes balance issues. Thank you for showing us some options for wearing flats. I truly enjoy reading the other comments too. I feel like my pool of friends is huge and they share so many of my same thoughts and concerns.
This audience is the very best. I am so blessed to have you wonderful ladies reading and sharing here. Have a beautiful day, Jan!
Just a word to say how much I enjoy reading your postings. I’ve been looking for a new book, so I ordered the one you are reading by Williams, and your comment about comparing the top of your feet made me laugh and immediately make my own comparison (with the same observation!) It is so nice that you complimented the woman on her outfit, I’m sure that it made her happy and her outfit as you described it looks absolutely lovely. The long jacket over the palazzo pants is so attractive and elegant! Thank you!
She really looked so amazing and to be honest, that pretty cane made her look even more elegant! Thanks for being here with us, Alexis.
I like the idea of pants and top for wedding so I can wear comfy shoes.. I need ideas that don’t have heavy jackets. Summer is way too hot for jackets. I will be going to an outdoor wedding.
I will be putting some more ideas together soon because it’s wedding season.
Flats for weddings. I’m glad you are covering this topic. I stopped wearing heels a few years ago. My balance is off and I would fall. That’s not a good look at a wedding😀
I am 5’3” I bought a beautiful 2 piece dress for this evening wedding, but not certain I can pull off flats with a dress. I am having the skirt shortened to about knee length. Maybe that would help with flats. Thoughts?
What about a pair of wedge sandals? You feel like you are walking in flats but get a more dressy look.
Flats work with long dresses top because they’re rather hidden. It’s not worth risking a fall for shoes that have a heel…smart lady!
The outfit is so flattering and perfect for the occasion. I would have wanted a closer look too! I am all for compliments on a nice top sweater or whatever. We need to add some niceness in today’s world.
My feet have the same ropey look so I rub lotion on them to give a smoother look. Just message them a minute or two. This only lasts a short while if I have too much salt in my system. Wish they would stay smooth.
Thanks for the post.
I agree, I have to avoid too much salt…especially for my blood pressure.
Good morning Jennifer!
Loved your post today!
I too always compliment a well put together outfit! It feels good to give and to receive!
I just returned from a trip to Vancouver where I found the perfect mother of groom dress at a store called After 5 in Richmond, B.C. Perfect shoes on upper Granville and I had 5 glorious days in the City! Even if it never stopped raining!
I am going to iron all my summer clothes that I have just dragged out from under my bed today and thanks for the tip of turning on my audio book! Great idea!
You always inspire me and love how I feel after reading your post. So relatable!
Sue
I love that city whether it rains or not! It sounds like you had great success. Thanks for being here Sue
My granddaughter got married this weekend. No pictures yet. But I wore Ecru flats with my midi dress and had also the same purse on ecru. It had a shoulder strap but for my entrance into the church I took the strap off put it inside the purse and carried it like a clutch. For the reception I put the shoulder strap back on to make it easier to hug, shake hands or pick up my food.
It sounds beautiful. That’s one reason I love convertible shoulder straps on an evening bag.