What I Wore Last Week and How It Made Me Feel
Happy Tuesday, ladies. My Sunday was spent (visiting family and grandsons), so I had no post for you yesterday. After mentally beating myself up about it, I decided to let it go because I can’t live a well styled life if I put too much pressure on myself. Unlike many bloggers, I don’t have a large team of people working for me, so there will be days when life takes precedence, as I believe it should. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to run this business going forward, and once it’s clearer in my mind, I’ll share it in an email.
What I Wore Last Week
DENIM SHIRTDRESS
Monday was nice and almost warm, so I broke out sandals and a sun hat. This very simple, one-and-done outfit was so easy to throw on, so I’ll likely repeat it all spring long. I felt stylish and a bit quirky in this outfit, which worked perfectly for a trip to get my blood drawn, buy groceries, and wait in a long line at the post office.
This Frank & Eileen denim dress always looks more shapely with a belt, but frankly, I wanted a less structured feel that day, so I left it loose. I added my new bucket hat, comfy cognac-colored sandals from Talbots, and a navy bag. The sandals are as old as the hills and must be reader favorites because they’re still sold today in several colors.
I’d been on the hunt for a navy handbag for several years and love the simple, minimalist ’90s vibe of this one. It was a splurge for me, but this year seems to be my ‘bag’ year because I’m updating old ones that have either worn out or no longer match my style.
As I picked up things at Whole Foods, I got the distinct impression that a few shoppers thought I looked goofy. (You can often tell by the expressions on their faces as they look you up and down.) I assumed it was because of my hat since the bucket shape is quite deep, and it has a very stylized appearance…which I adore. The bee brooch may have also played a role in their perception. The funny thing is, I felt so good about how I looked that I didn’t care what they thought. I guess that’s part of becoming more comfortable in my own skin and nearing 69.
WHITE SHIRT AND SLIM JEANS
I spent Tuesday working from home, then took my grandson to batting practice. Any time I get to spend with him is such a treat. After practice, I brought him back to our house for a few rousing hands of 500 Rummy and 5-Crowns. As I recall, he pummeled us.
I wore my newest white shirt, which Frank & Eileen developed in collaboration with Julianne Moore. It’s a crisp, soft cotton that’s longer in the back and covers my backside…a feature I prefer with slim-leg jeans like these. I skipped earrings because I stacked my aquamarine mood necklace with this pearl pendant and felt it was enough.
On days when I’m unsure what I want to wear, I often just reach for a white button-up shirt and jeans. It’s easy, and I always feel put together, so it’s become a bit of a uniform for me. I have no problem wearing variations on a theme, over and over, with small changes in accessories and shapes. Do you?
STRIPED TEE AND WIDE-LEG JEANS
I never met a stripe I didn’t love, and this spring, I’ve had to replace some of my heavily worn, verging-on shabby, striped tees. There’s something so easy and relaxed about a T-shirt and jeans, which works well for my casual lifestyle.
Wednesday was filled with errands, returns, and sitting at my laptop. Since I wanted to be comfy and casual, wore this navy and white striped tee by the Saint James brand. They’ve a French company that has been making classic Breton tops for over 130 years. I love the 3/4 sleeves for the upcoming warm weather, and of course, the color could not be more perfect for me. I tucked it into these stretchy wide-leg jeans, added a gray belt, and wore my ancient blue ballet flats. I’ve worn these shoes so often that the toes are starting to look worn, so it’s time to take them to the cobbler for a refresh. I first discovered this shoe brand when I was hunting for wide widths, which my feet need more than ever these days. Feet spreading with age? Probably.
I finished the look with my Lizzie Fortunato resin hoops earrings and switched to my pre-loved, pale blue bag. I don’t change handbags daily, but often enough to keep the inside clutter down.
TRENCH COAT, WHITE SHIRT AND JEANS
Thursday was chillier, and we were headed to the Bay Area, where the coastal fog makes everything feel damper, so I finally got to wear my Clyde Trench Coat by Sezane. I’ve had my eye on this trench for several seasons and love it!
This coat comes in several colors and is made from a water-repellent fabric with a checked lining. Since I’m short, I got to… (notice I didn’t say I had to?) fold up the cuffs and show off the lining. The truth is I am pretty short, but I refuse to see it as a negative. I’ve decided to look at the brighter side of things 🥰.
When I ordered the trench, I also ordered this pretty white shirt with ruffles at the cuff and around the neck. It’s a different type of shirt for me. I’m not sure I love it with the width of the bootcut jeans, so next time, I’ll try wearing it untucked over a slimmer leg or possibly my chinos. I wore a simple belt and these Chan Luu Pearl earrings.
CASHMERE CARDIGAN, WHITE TEE, AND JEANS
The following day wasn’t much warmer, so I wore a simple white tee tucked into these Quince jeans and a Quince cashmere cardigan in one of my favorite colors. The minute I saw this sweater color, I knew I needed it. They call it “faded denim,” and it’s just perfect for me. The wide-leg jeans are of great quality and well-made! Although I was just wearing a tee shirt, sneakers, and jeans, I felt color-coordinated, which always makes me feel put together. My belt is ancient, a similar one here. My necklaces are here and here.
BOOTCUT JEANS AND STRIPED TEE
It was cooler on Sunday, so I added a cardigan around my shoulders for some extra warmth and ended up wearing it by the evening when we stopped for dinner out…which we haven’t been doing much since my husband got his new hip.
We spent the afternoon visiting with our grandsons, and I spent a fair amount of time on the floor playing with the youngest one, which was amazing! He can’t say my name yet, but he sure knows who I am and what he likes.
I wore another new striped tee, this time a long sleeve in red and white. I’m still not sure how I feel about the red, but I love it bookended with a black sweater around my shoulders, black shoes, a black belt, and a black bag. I own a fair amount of cashmere, so I know amazing quality when I feel it. This cardigan is from a new-to-me brand called Naked Cashmere, and it is the softest thing I’ve worn in a very long time! It’s a 12ply knit with pearl buttons and is as luxe as it gets. This is a sustainable, fair-trade, and cruelty-free cashmere, which you can read more about here. It’s not cheap, but it’s not nearly as pricey as Jenni Kane, and I love it even more.
It was a week of denim and jeans every day, but one. That’s not unusual for me because I love them, but I plan to do some ironing and mix it up a bit more this week.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
You mentioned that you thought you were getting sideways looks re: the outfit with the chambray dress and bucket hat. FYI I love it. Keep on being yourself.
Thanks Valerie, we do need to have fun
I love a striped shirt but hubby will say I look like Waldo…so I rarely wear a stripe! I appreciate all you share here and hope to be like you when I grow up. Living in Florida, I seem to dress more like my high school gym teacher than a retiree.
I only recently found this blog but boy, do I love it. I’m a bit younger, but it’s been an invaluable resource for helping me gift to the more life-experienced ladies I’m lucky enough to know. I would **LOVE** to see a new gift guide every quarter/each season. Blogs typically only offer Christmas/stocking stuffer guides and that’s great, but what about summer birthdays? Anniversaries? Mother’s Day?
The focus on clothing is wonderful, but I’d love more insight into skin & beauty products that perform well for the mature crowd. I’d love to know what you’re watching and reading, what apps/websites you love, what gifts you like to give and receive. Also, what are experiences you appreciate?
Maybe also consider making the guides paid? I would happily spend a few bucks to get solid and tested recommendations from you. I think you have a good readership for reasonably priced guides – What to Wear/Pack on Vacation, My Go-To Summer Style Guide, Capsule Wardrobe for Winter, Closet Basics for Every Season, Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes & Handbags, etc. There would still be free content on the blog itself, but these could be thorough guides written to be referenceable again and again.
Welcome Ava. I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Thanks so much for your suggestions. They’re wonderful.
Since I don’t have the need to frequently clothes shop, I do enjoy styling and accessory ideas. I’m in a place where I’d like to dress casually but more elegantly. I don’t typically wear jeans and sneakers.
I’m drawn to your lifestyle ideas, including home, food, travel, occasions, and of course what to wear!
Thank you for all your work here!
My only suggestion would be more affordable clothes and clothes that are casual but suitable for a lunch date or maybe running errands. I am retired, I need clothes that can be dressed up or down. I would like to see capsule wardrobe in a more affordable price range.
I love the red striped sweater on you. My first impression was wow! It gave a brightness to your face and to made you seem more alive than when you were in the blue striped shirt. (Don’t get me wrong-I love blue-I have tons of navy, sky blue, cornflower blue and denim.) I also own striped sweaters in blue, red and pink. My friend tells me not to wear stripes because it adds weight, but when I’m a plus-size already, does looking a few extra pounds heavier really matter? I think they are fun, and that red striped sweater on you added that. My favorite of your blogs are the ones where you show what you actually where, because you add the appropriate accessories like jewelry, purses, etc. BTW take all the time you need with your family. No judgement. Life is short, and to them, time with you is irreplaceable.
Thanks Linda! I felt more energized in the red too.
BTW I just wanted to clarify, I meant the red stripe added fun not pounds to you. Sorry for the confusion!
No worries! I knew what you meant
Hi, Jennifer, you asked for ideas for your blog. I have a couple of questions. Do you wear your fabulous outfits all day and evening too? Meaning, do you cook dinner in them? Do you put on sweats after dinner to relax? If so, do you put on fabulous sweats instead of Old Navy regulars? Also, when you change purses, do you have a method? I always seem to leave out the one thing I will need when switching purses. And finally, could you talk more about jewelry? I notice you use jewelry to elevate your outfits. I don’t want to spend a fortune on fine jewelry, but would like some nice necklaces like the pendant one you wear so often.Thanks!
Hi Anna, No I don’t change into sweats, I wear an apron when I cook. I take my shoes off when I come home though, and will often remove a belt or scarf. Nice costume jewelry is a lovely way to elevate a look. I only carry a wallet, tiny makeup bag, mints and hand sanitizer so it’s pretty easy to swap out. My sunglasses live in my car.
I love your blog and am grateful for your many tips and lists. I particularly enjoy your gift giving suggestions. A meet up could be fun too! I don’t know whether you enjoy thrifting, but I am always interested in thrifted or second owner finds.
Lots of fab outfits!! I think I might need a denim shirt dress.
I, too love all your tips and ideas but would like to see similar styles at more affordable price points. Especially for retirees with a more casual lifestyle. Thank you.