Loving Linen

So it's overcast and warm, but not sweltering.

I've been in search of some tops in non-polka dot or striped patterns and stumbled on this linen number at Banana Republic. No pattern but a beautiful shade of blue that reminded me of skies just after a rain.  I love linen, wrinkles and all, and know that this will wrinkle, but also soften with wear and washing.

It's a warm but overcast day here, so this is the perfect pairing with a boyfriend jean.

Banana Republic has a promo today that gives you 30 percent off your purchase.  Not sure this shirt qualifies, but there are lots of other goodies available. Try BRPRESALE.

Happy Tuesday!

 Outfit Details:  Linen-Cotton Shirt - Banana Republic; Boyfriend Jean - Talbots; Belt - Talbots (old); Straw Flats - Talbots (old); Bracelets - Various-Brighton, Last Call, JCrew; Necklace - Lord & Taylor (old).

What I Learned in Paris

There is a relationship between the title of this post and today's outfit.

On my last night in Paris while dining al fresco on Rue Montparnasse my purse was stolen.  Stolen right off the arm of my chair while I was sitting in it, stolen in such a smooth move that I didn't realize it was gone until I went to pay my part of the bill.

So the teacher in me is going to list some lessons I learned this trip.  Some of this I knew, but chose to ignore.  Bad idea, lesson learned the hard way.   I'm going to post them one at time so that the post don't go over long. 

Lesson ONE - Monday, June 10: Never, never, never --no matter how relaxed you've become--let your purse leave your person.  Put the strap over your body, place it in your lap, place it to your right on the tabletop, put your leg through the strap and place it between your legs.  But never place it over the back of your chair.

Despite the hiccup at the end, it WAS a fabulous trip, the Loire Valley, Versailles and Giverny were spectacular.  Shopping in St. Germaine was fun, the prices were high, the fashion lovely, the choices vast.  I'd return in a New York minute.

Now for the outfit connection.  If you have a body and age appropriate sense of style, you've made some effort to coordinate your outfit and you wear comfortable, but NOT gym shoes, you will look as if you belong.  If you wear oversized, poorly fitted, very casual, gym or gardening appropriate clothing along with your socks and Nike's, you will appear as the poorly outfitted tourist you are.  Many city dwellers, for the most part, whether they be from Paris on NYC, are stylish and chic.  Others are just nicely dressed. Tourists from many countries appear to just wear their most comfortable clothing, ill-fitting, poorly coordinated though it may be. Americans certainly embrace the gym shoe as their sightseeing shoe of choice.  I do think there are lots more beautiful and comfortable shoe choices in Europe, but even here in the US you can find a comfortable flat shoe suitable for walking that isn't an athletic shoe.  So while I might have not taken this dress along to Paris, thinking the print was perhaps too much, had I done so, it would have been perfect and comfortable.   

Outfit Details: Dress -  Talbots; Belt - Tory Burch; Shoes - Michael Kors (similar); Necklace - Banana Republic (old - similiar); Bracelets - Personal collection, nothing new. 

 What TO Wear

Paris Takeoff - six days, five hours and counting. 

So these aren't today's  OOTD, but rather four of the outfits I've put together for Paris.

The weather there is forecast to be cool, low 60's, and rainy.  So layers are a must.  Walking is the our most used mode of transport, so comfortable, stylish shoes are also in order.

I'm sticking to a black and white palette.  It's easy to mix up and Paris is the black clothing capital of the world.  And while it is my favorite city, it's the only one I've visited where I feel badly dressed, no matter what I wear.  It's fashion sense intimidates me, but I love it nevertheless.

Core pieces for these four outfits include black denim trousers and side-zip pants paired with three jackets and black and metallic flats. 

Outfit Details: Cole Hahn Flats and Moto Jacket  - Nordstrom, both currently on sale.   Straw Belt  -Talbot's.  Black Peplum Back Jacket  on sale - Ann Taylor.  Slacks - Talbots (old) and both pair have been tailored.  Tops - Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor, Talbots.  Jewelry is old and from Talbots, Last Call and Limited.

Happy Hump Day!




 

Feeling Green

I am just in love with this minty green color.  Got the top a couple of weeks ago at Banana Republic and have already worn it three times.  I love it's elbow length short sleeve and the back has a low scoop neck that will be cute when warmer weather arrives.  Spotted the sweater on the Sale rack at Ann Taylor last weekend and knew it would look great mixed with the smaller green stripe of the top.  As our weather seems to continue to lend itself to the need for sweaters and jackets, this combo makes a perfect weight.  Happy Sunday!

Outfit details:  Striped Cotton Snap Front Sweater Jacket - Ann Taylor; Striped Elbow-Sleeve Tee - Banana Republic; Belt - Talbots; Amanda Demi Wedge Shoes - Tory Burch; Watch - Movado; Bracelets - Last Call, Kopecilla; Necklace - Banana Republic.

Triple Play

I love black and white and this season there is more than ever to chose from.  Last week during a 30 percent off promo at Banana Republic, I picked up this black and white vertical-stripe top.  I'd seen a look on Pinterest that utilized this vertical stripe in a jacket and I thought it was a terrific switch-up on the much more common horizontal stripe.

The top is silk with a bit of spandex, so it fits and feels wonderful.  I'm thinking of things and looks I want to take on my Paris trip at month's end and know this top will make the cut.

Outfit one contains mostly new items in the jacket, shoes, skirt and top.  The necklace is more than a year old.  I know both the jacket and skirt will pack well, resist wrinkling and are the perfect weight.  The skirt's already traveled to Florida.  The jacket looks more polished than a cardigan, but has the same comfort of a sweater.  Look three changes up the skirt for a pair of black matte jersey pants and changes out the pink peep-toes for nude pumps.  I untucked the blouse and added a black/white patterned belt from Ann Taylor.

I know this blouse will get a lot of mileage on its own and as a layering piece.  The matte jersey pants are an all-season travel essential.  I'll be able to wear them overnight to Paris and not walk off the plane a wrinkled mess.  They're the perfect travel pant. 

All these pieces were purchased either on sale or with a percentage off offer.  The striped top is not currently available on the BR website, but can be found in stores. 

Outfit Details: Ponte Knit Skirt - Talbots;  Knit Jacket - Macy's; Striped Top - Banana Republic; Peep-toe Wedge - Talbots; Matte Jersey Wide-Leg Pants - Talbots.

Mother's Day Blessings

Mother's Day Blessings

So fewer blog posts the past few days.  I'm having trouble being motivated and the weather is driving me slowly crazy.  This past week we (like much of the country)  have been dealing with weather temps that go up and down faster than my weight.  And we've had  (at least for me) an excessive amount of gray skies and cool days.

It's taken the umph out of any desire to wear much of anything except yoga pants, long-sleeved tees, warm socks and sweatshirt jackets.  When I have put together a decent outfit so that I can venture beyond my yard, I've snapped a pic and just posted directly to Facebook.   

Friday was a lovely day and in the evening I did the Talbot's fashion show.  I did pull myself together before I arrived for that, but as I was running late, didn't get a photo.

Saturday most of the day was spent in gym clothes until we ventured out for some late afternoon errands.  Then I just threw on  that comfy Talbots knit dress from about three seasons ago.

Mother's Day dawned sunny, but breezy and on the cooler side.  We were able to eat brunch outside in the early afternoon, but dinner had to be moved inside. 

Plans to snap my Mother's Day ensemble went awry and so this shot, taken before dinner and sunset has to suffice.  Here I'm joined by Princess the Younger. She and her husband did a terrific job putting together a fabulous dinner.    

Outfit Details:   Though the BR top is current, it isn't showing online.  All other items are no longer available.  Sweater - Ann Taylor; Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Limited; Cropped jeans - Talbots; Shoes (dark blue suede flats) - Talbots; Belt (black and white mini dots)  - Ann Taylor.

 

Black & Blue

It's another gloomy day here and still a bit on the chilly side.  Needed to break out of the jeans, but dresses, skirts or shorts don't work for me on rainy days--except, of course, in the stifling heat of July and August when they are a welcome respite.

But here and now, I'm over this chill spring with its intermittent sunny days.  So while there isn't much blue in the sky, I can put some 'blue skies' in my outfit with these cobalt pants. I lighten up the look with this, now on sale, cap sleeve blouse from Loft.  It's a great piece that will travel well, can be dressed up or down and should work well into the summer because of its sleeve.  I jazzed up the neckline a bit, and should have taken a close-up, with two rather than one necklace.  A multi-strand pearl and chain from Talbots a few years back and a two-strand gold and pearl necklace from JCrew. Another tip from Mr. Kelly was to mix your metals.   A basic black jacket finished the look, both for warmth and polish.  Had to go with flats--I'm breaking these in for Paris wear at month's end--it's a walking and standing kind of day.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots; Blouse; Colored Denim - Talbots; Belt - Ann Taylor; Shoes - Miz Mooz; Necklaces & Bracelets - Personal collection.