Congrats cathlib. That is great. I wish that while I was in England that I had a chance to see Oxford and Cambridge. I hope to go again someday and that is on my list of places to go.
Anyway, it was chilly today and I decided to wear pants to church. JC Penny cropped pants, brown with a twin cream pinstripe, thick woven chocolate brown belt, Impo boots named Amber in antique brown, cream short sleeve shirt, olive green fitted military style jacket, and a smokey topaz long necklace. Total for the whole outfit was $80.00.
I almost wore jeans, which I never do. BUT< you would not be able to see then under my choir robe anyway.
1) Brown Hugo Boss Baldeassarini flat front moleskin trousers 2) White longsleeve Polo Ralph Lauren polo 3) 1 3/4" brown belt with antique nickle buckle 4) Wheat 2-button Brooks Brothers corduroy blazer 5) White and blue Valentino linen pocket square 6) Brown Bally loafers
Ate crepes for brunch, and then studied for the remainder of the day.
Mahogany leather mid-heel boots, walnut brown cord trousers, walnut brown scoopneck t-shirt, turquoise brushed cotton blazer. Turquoise/olive paisley pashmina for crossing the green for meals and library.
Other than that, I'm just in my 'home office' reading and writing.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: cathlib,
Originally posted by dsm22: Congrats cathlib. That is great. I wish that while I was in England that I had a chance to see Oxford and Cambridge. I hope to go again someday and that is on my list of places to go.
Oxford is a little bigger, and a litte more luxurious (in general) than Cambridge, although Cambridge is not bad at all. In the English Civil War, Oxford was Royalist; Cambridge, Puritan/Cromwellian. In small ways (and some architectural ones) those differences persist.
If you manage to visit, at least for Oxford, do make sure to have good, comfortable shoes with low or flat heels. Some of the nicest places to see in Oxford either involve gravel paths (Christ Church Meadow, for one), or cobblestones that are the size of grapefruits only half-covered in concrete. You just don't want to end up somewhere with a sprained ankle.
Be sure to see the view from the tower of St Mary the Virgin (big university church)--it's the best in the city. And if you can manage a sung service at Christ Church (Christ Church college's chapel is also the Oxford cathedral, beautiful but tiny), do go. They've got a very fine choir.
You all sound really well dressed! I should be ashamed of myself and won't bother to post my current home office attire as I haven't even bothered to pull it together in the slightest. (I usually don't until it gets to be the time of day when I'm most likely to see another living soul.)
I tried that blending trick with the vanilla yogurt last night except that I was only able to find sweet cherries instead of sour ones, and it was amazing anyway, just like fresh cherry ice cream!
Originally posted by dancingstarr: You all sound really well dressed! I should be ashamed of myself and won't bother to post my current home office attire as I haven't even bothered to pull it together in the slightest. (I usually don't until it gets to be the time of day when I'm most likely to see another living soul.)
Yes, but I suspect that your home office isn't in the same building as your boss's office, or that you would run into work colleagues in your jammies by just running out to get your letters and packages.
My flat is in the upstairs of this building, which houses the main admin for the College, the Principal and VicePrincipal, Bursar, and a couple of other faculty--as well as three flats. I have the upper front of the building on the left-hand side.
They sure are cute slippers though. My favorite are a bright red boot type.
I'm doing fall cleaning today and I'm back to my same old ugly sweats...but scrubbing in nicer clothes just doesn't seem right.
Matthlem -- I need some advice...what is the best way to spruce my hubby up a little? He lives in a very conservative shirt/tie world and I don't want to change that. However, I would love to encourage him to update his casual look.
Oh, that building is gorgeous!!! And the slippers are beyond cute~!
Well, unfortunately for the world, I guess one could say that I am the boss, but mostly people send work in to me and we mostly communicate by phone and email, though I live/work in a 25-floor building, and the moment I need to walk out the front door, I'll have to correct this coordinated but ultimately lounging issue. As it is, right about now, UPS may show up at my door any second. (The body is covered.)
The only time I really turn it up a few notches is when I go see clients or go for lunch, I suppose, but lately I'm so bogged down with paperwork that I haven't had an excuse to get out and get dressed up.
To make matters worse, when I take a break here, I like to go downstairs...to the, um, gym....(think sweat, etc.) or walk to a yoga class or something. Great, huh?
I think I'd have to be very sick not to get dressed, even though I work from 'home'. And then, I'd have to put a sticky note on my door to ask people not to disturb me, and I'd still probably answer the door.
Although I treat the main room of my flat as my office (and am happy to do that), I've also let my boss know that he's free to knock on it any time, as are students and other staff (within reason, which is up until the end of supper in the dining hall, about 7:30 p.m.). So, at most, I've got my shoes and jacket off, but can easily put shoes back on if someone knocks.
But I don't feel like I can just slob out, and don't really want to.
Wow, when I was younger I was always dressed for "ready", but through mid and late 20's I spent more time dressed for mommy duty. I'm hitting 35 this year and I've just now managed to get myself back to feeling like being me.
I don't go for jacket and shoes all the time, but I do atleast go for presentable now as opposed to nothing but sweats and stretch knits.
I'm mildly presentable, but I won't win any awards. In fact, I had a lovely surprise associate drop by right after that last post. Fortunately, she, too, was in just a shirt and jeans. We all save the work stuff for the serious work.
Whoa, cathlib, congratulations! And forgive my being so late to the thread to extend them!
It is a great honor for me to share an Internet Home with such a Distinguished Personage.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in helping you search for Library and Lunch ensembles and associated Distinguished Personage bling. You now have the perfect excuse - no, not an excuse - a compelling reason - to shop till you drop!
I love turquoise and brown! And turquoise and gold bling. I don't know about the UK, but here, turquoise, both faux and real, is done with silver so often that I think people forget about gold, and when you see it, it really "pops!"
(And today I am wearing my $10 black silk noile Lounging Pants (Blair.com) which did shrink enough to be worn out, but also dimmed a bit, so I probably won't, and on top, a pale blue cotton and spandex tank, which cannot be seen under a lavender-pink, almost raspberry long sleeve cotton and spandex tee. ($3 and $7 respectively, Wal-Mart) Footwear are the required socks, and beige brocade Tibet-inspired Lounging boots, with ivory faux fur trim, made by an Italian company called Cicciabella, sold for $30 at QVC and everywhere else, found by me on eBay for $10.99 and about $5 to ship, another one of those providential ordinary person who got it as a gift, took one look and put it on eBay, tags still attached. My Lounging Bling today are plain gold "endless" hoops for ears, not sure if the gold is real or faux, but my 6mm herringbone chain is Genuine Gold Electroplated (both from eBay, 1" hoops were $5, $6 to ship from UK, chain was $3, about $2 to ship)
Originally posted by shimmapuff: Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in helping you search for Library and Lunch ensembles and associated Distinguished Personage bling. You now have the perfect excuse - no, not an excuse - a compelling reason - to shop till you drop!
I think my next work-related wardrobe purchase is an ensemble you won't find in Wal-Mart, or Nieman Marcus, or Harrods. I believe I will eventually (sooner as opposed to later) need a proper academic gown, and 12-cornered velvet tam with gold b@ll tassels. I'm not sure if they will want me to have it in Oxford style because I'm here, or if they will want it to be the Geneva gown that most American academics wear.
I've already got the appropriate velvet and silk hood for my university, degree and subject area. But the rest of the stuff is right now an open question.
These get worn a great deal more here in the UK than in the US. In America, they're mainly for academic processions, which happen about twice a year. Here, the black doctoral gown (or master's cape, or scholar's robe) is required if you attend almost any university ceremonial function in an official capacity (including as an Examiner, or when taking a University examination). Fortunately, I don't have any of that lined up at the moment, so I have some time to find out what it is I need.
There is also only one accepted outfit under it: black on bottom, white on top. Ties for men (undergraduates need white BOW ties). Skirts for women, black hose, black shoes.
Shimma -- sounds like you lounge nicer than I used to dress to go out.
Today is just jeans and a lavendar velour (I'm too lazy to look up the spelling...so I don't know if that is right or not. ) tunic long sleeved. No shoes cause my feet are propped on the coffee table.
starting to get wintery here. So...Gap long and lean dark wash jeans, silver metallic t-shirt under a v-necked dark blue fleece shirt I made that has gray and light blue flecks in it & a row of snowflakes along the bottom hem, all supported on top of a pair of dark brown leather Merrell slip on shoes.
Today is a raspberry cord blazer I got on sale at Gap last fall, with a paisley-ish long cord skirt (brown background with red/pink/olive print), olive v-neck top, brown tights, pink-leaning dark purple flats.
Had a meeting with my boss and a consultant on the research project; later is a licensing service in the village church for our new staff so that they can perform ordained ministries here (they came from other dioceses, and they need to be licensed by the local bishop). I'll throw a chocolate brown pashmina on to walk to the church.
Matthlem -- I need some advice...what is the best way to spruce my hubby up a little? He lives in a very conservative shirt/tie world and I don't want to change that. However, I would love to encourage him to update his casual look.
LLA- Might I add a tidbit of advice? The male wardrobe is far more versatile than the female counterpart. Depending on his work environment, shirtings can be easily transitioned from the formal to a casual environment--just lose the tie. Twills and herringones are better for double duty than plain broadcloths. Corduroy, moleskin, and calvary twill trousers in fall colors are relatively conservative options that add texture and possibly color to a preexisting wardrobe. Lightweight cashmere, or a less expensive option, merino, knits are great for layering. Finally, buy more brown shoes.
cathlib that is cool! I love colorful national costumes and ceremonial robes! I started to ask if you would get to wander around in those!
I'm sure you have the appropriate whisper bling, very simple pearl studs and a single strand, I guess? If you can get away with it do the studs encircled in a thin gold ring. Just a sly little wink...
How will you do your hair for the headdress? Since it's England, do they have detailed hair protocol? This is exciting!
edit to assure learningtoliveagain that there is no glamorous coture involved, I just described it all a lot! LOL
LLA- Might I add a tidbit of advice? The male wardrobe is far more versatile than the female counterpart. Depending on his work environment, shirtings can be easily transitioned from the formal to a casual environment--just lose the tie. Twills and herringones are better for double duty than plain broadcloths. Corduroy, moleskin, and calvary twill trousers in fall colors are relatively conservative options that add texture and possibly color to a preexisting wardrobe. Lightweight cashmere, or a less expensive option, merino, knits are great for layering. Finally, buy more brown shoes.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. He doesn't own a single pair of dressier brown shoes. I slyly mentioned to him last night that I thought he looked great in the shirt he had on. He rarely wears it, but surprisingly enough he said, "Let's go shopping." I almost fell out.
Any tips on the best sweater style to look for? He is 6'1" and probably about an average build. He won't wear v-necks of any sort.
Ms Puff, the academic regalia are fun for ceremonial, but you sure don't want to wander around in them. They get caught in doors, escalators, etc.
No detailed hair protocols for academics (remember, when this stuff was invented, they were all shaven-headed monks; let's not even THINK about that). For judges and the like, there are horsehair wigs.
I don't usually wear ear studs--I do have a pair of pearls, and a double strand pearl necklace (twisted, one is freshwater, the other seed). I usually wear drop earrings, even small ones, which elongate the neck and slim a fairly round face.
And I have a pair of small, very plain garnet cabochon drops in a silver setting, that go perfectly with the red velvet in my academic hood (red is the colour for theology). I also have some plain silver earrings I could wear, and some small 1" gold hoops if I wanted to go ultra-subtle.
Why doesn't he like V-necks? If you average to slim build, V-necks generally look great since they elongate the torso. Crewnecks are always a safe bet, though I have a difficult time of finding a neck that is both comfortable and fitting. I've had good success with the basic Brooks Brothers lambswool cableknits in the past--regularly $80, frequently discount to $50 or less.
Oh I vote for the garnet and silver! That is great that you are allowed some bling flexibility. I love garnets!
Since this time of year in England, it is unlikely that you or anyone else will be wearing sandals, I recommend that you paint your toes to match the garnets. For the glory of the Institution, and the Secret Smile Factor.
What a fun to read thread... Here's a few days of what I've had on:
Today (at home with my 4 yr old and 6 wk old): Olive Polo sweatshirt, older/comfy but not frumpy Levis Silvertabs, my new Rocketdog casual sneakers in chocolate brown/olive/pink.
Yesterday (book club w/ girlfriends while son in preschool): Pale pink with black trim sweater, black Merona modern fit chinos ($17 at Target, don't know how they will hold up but love how they fit), black boots.
Sunday (church in my hometown): Cream/celery/choc brown tweedy Liz Claiborne jacket ($200 retail, $25 clearance last month), choc brown chinos, choc brown boots.
Saturday (baby shower for a friend): Raspberry pink Jones New York corduroy jacket ($10 at Sams Club), pink/celery argyle sweater, stone Gap khakis, brown boots.
Friday (driving up to hometown, visiting friends): burgundy American Eagle long sleeve tee, embellished Old Navy jeans, the Rocketdogs.
Thursday (running around w/ the kids): fleecy blue Gap hoodie, light wash Lucky jeans, blue/silver Nike Shoxx.
This reminds me of, back in high school, when I would from time to time write down what I wore as to not wear the same outfit "too soon" - anyone else do that!?!
Thanks for the tips for when I finally make it back to England, Cathlib. I have seen some fine choirs in my travels. Especially while in England.
I just did a tour this summer in The Netherlands and in Belgium with my chorale. We saw a nice choral group while there and sang with another.
I also am in the choir in my (Episcopal) church.
I had a prceedure at the hospital today. Still a little groggy. They told me that if I wore sweat pants, then I did not have to remove them. That sounded good to me. I did not have any though. I don't wear them anymore. So, I ran to Old Navy (just opened in our local mall) and bought a velvety brown bottom and matching hoodie top. Wore it with a magenta pink t shirt under and my pink floral dotted slip on keds, and my magenta quilted jacket.
This is the first time in YEARS since I have been out in sweat pants. I still had to coordinate and look cute though.
These will be my lounging clothes for when I go to my parents after church, and get changed into my dog friendly clothes. My parents have a huge 150 pound rottie, and a tiny chinese hairless crested. Granparents, a tiny miniature pinture. This way I won't get mad when the big one drools on me the min pin sheds on my, and the little n@ked guy, well he is my B0Os0m buddy and takes sunday naps with me.
Okay, I have babbled enough. At least I am not dizzy anymore.
dsm, I hope that whatever the procedure was, it went well, that you're making a good recovery, and that everything turns out well.
Sometimes sweats are exactly the right thing to wear. Hospital procedures are one, playing with super-sized family dogs are another. The dogs don't much care whether we're at the height of style, and that is one of their considerable charms.
Today is another standard day at College, reading and writing, meals in the dining hall, running into colleagues. My door has to be open a bit today, largely because there's some work going on in my main room (work I have been waiting a long time to have done), so I'm slightly more visible than usual.
So, it's this green swirly skirt, the jacket to this outfit, a scoopneck t-shirt in the same colour as the skirt. These green shoes. If I get chilly, I have a turquoise paisley pashmina that adds a bit of interest to the solids going on.
I got the skirt at Primark for £4--got it also in brown, and then a cream was on sale for £2--got that also. The eucalyptus colour is my own dye job. This one came originally in a blue-grey. Love the shape, don't love that colour, but a little colour trickery is an easy fix if you know what you're about. I've been in Britain once a year (at least) for the last 5 years, so I've noticed that the longer flared skirts aren't going away. Maybe from the runways, but not from the high street. Definitely not from women of all ages. They look really good on a wide variety of body shapes, partly because they move and drape well.
The top is also a dye job. It started life white, then got a bit grey, so I recoloured it.
The jacket was £5 at the Next Clearance shop (not in the same place as Next). Shoes were £14.99 on the sale rack at Clarks.
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dsm, you make me want to go buy some brown velvety sweat pants, and I have never owned any! Please do everything the doctors tell you, if you have pills for pain, take them, if they don't work, let them know and have them give you some that do.
Do you have someone to look after you? If at all possible, try to have a friend stop by just to make sure you have all you need and that you are keeping to a Lounging Only lifestyle until the drs say you can romp with pupdogs. And babble on all you like. I do.
cathlib, I bet if you didn't have to have your door open, you would rise up on demi-pointe in those shoes, stand there in that skirt, and TWIRL!
First dsm makes me want brown velvet sweat pants. Now you make me want a Twirling Skirt.
And just when I have declared a really truly gotta stick to it Shopping Moratorium!
Originally posted by shimmapuff: cathlib, I bet if you didn't have to have your door open, you would rise up on demi-pointe in those shoes, stand there in that skirt, and TWIRL!
Oh. You think an open door stops me?
If the handyman can sing while he works, I can twirl any time I stand up!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: cathlib,
Originally posted by janat23: What a fun to read thread... Here's a few days of what I've had on:
Sounds like you've had a full week. My husband always laughs at me because I hate to wear the same things over and over. He says guys can take 2 good suits and a few good shirts -- add a few ties and be good for a year.
I think I need some nicer "sweat clothes" because I do like to wear them....and they are fine for my days around the house.
Cathlib -- great job on the dye! I've not been brave enough to try it, but in Isaac's Style Book he shows a pair of faded jeans dyed darker and they really look good.
Originally posted by learningtoliveagain: Cathlib -- great job on the dye! I've not been brave enough to try it, but in Isaac's Style Book he shows a pair of faded jeans dyed darker and they really look good.
Thank you--I've been messing with re-colouring fabrics for over 30 years, so I've made some mistakes. I'm very happy with how this skirt turned out, though. I thought to post the 'before' picture, but it doesn't quite show the dramatic change in colour.
Rit Dye's website has some good basic pointers. The easiest thing to do is to start with a plain white cotton t-shirt, and aim for a colour you like but can't find. Remember that the stitching may be poly-core thread, and won't take dye well, so you may have white or light coloured stitching visible.
If you can live with that (for casual wear especially), then get a few more of the same shirts and dye them in other colours you find flattering but that aren't currently available.
Re-dyeing faded denim is trickier, because the dyes that are called 'denim blue' aren't really dark enough to restore the dark wash. But you can always try it, and then find a darker blue if it isn't dark enough.
The washing machine is the easiest method, but not practical if you use shared facilities, like a laundromat or apartment building. Always clean your machine by running it empty with about 2 cups of chlorine bleach to take out any dye stains.
Throw about 1 cup of plain table salt into the washer with your dye--it helps the colour to set. But NEVER wash a home-dyed article without throwing in a Shout Colour Catcher sheet to trap the loose dye and keep it from settling on other garments.
Always wear rubber gloves, and keep an old 'messy-jobs' shirt around for when you work with dye. You want to protect your skin and clothing. If you're very sensitive, you may want to get an allergen mask (it's funny to blow your nose and have aqua come out though, and not remember why!).
Start small, read the Rit website for tips. You can give clothes a new life by changing the colour. If not, you haven't lost very much.
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I've led a sheltered life.. I've only dyed curtains and wool.
Today I'm wearing jeans, hand knit socks (cool, by my own standards since I knit them myself), and an oversized red chenille sweater. It has a shawl collar with large buttons for decor on the sides of the collar. The red is super bright, but not orangy.
I don't know how up to date and fashionable the sweater is, but I alway feel like a million dollars in this color.
Originally posted by learningtoliveagain: Today I'm wearing jeans, hand knit socks (cool, by my own standards since I knit them myself), and an oversized red chenille sweater. It has a shawl collar with large buttons for decor on the sides of the collar. The red is super bright, but not orangy.
I don't know how up to date and fashionable the sweater is, but I alway feel like a million dollars in this color.
If the colour makes you feel great, then it's great, whether it's the 'in' colour of the moment. Nothing kills off the best outfit faster than it being in an unflattering but current colour.
Hand knit socks? Definitely cool. I do ALL my own socks, because I just can't get the right (smallish) size any other way. All of those commercial things that fit a range of sizes leave a lump of fabric halfway up my Achilles tendon, and that's neither attractive nor comfortable. It's not cheap to do, but you definitely get quality stuff.
Wow cathlib! You knit your own socks...I am dually impressed!
I'm sitting here in a white microfiber t-shirt (apt 9),under a fitted light blue with teeny cream polka dot button down shirt (lands end), which is under a chocolate brown wide ribbed cotton sweater (gap), slightly faded boyfreind cut jeans (j crew), and my wonderful dark brown suede tennies (simple).
Today it is a black jacket and matching pants of that stretchy, flowy material they came out with in the last few years, not sure what it is called. Shirt is a pink t and I'm wearing the new ankle boots I got this weekend.
Moved my little green fake gem studs from the top holes to the bottom holes in my ears as I ran out without the dangly earrings I was planning on wearing (really cute silver skulls with fake diamond chip eyes and a red bead dangling off the bottom). I really need to stock either my purse or desk drawer with earrings for when I run out of the hosue with any. I feel so nekkid without them :P
I love this thread! Notice how I am not describing what I'm wearing right now. (It was a work-from-home and run-out-to-do-errands day day and no matter what S&C say, I don't dress up to go food shopping. But don't tell them. It's better than pajamas, I'll give myself that much credit.)
Cathlib--a late congratulations on your wonderful achievement. I also love your dark green skirt and light blue jacket ensemble. What color dye did you use on the skirt?
DSM--Anyone who takes the time to shop for a color-coordinated sweat suit outfit while on her way to surgery is a true fashionista in my book. I do love reading your descriptions of your wardrobe. You seem to have a really good eye (both for style and for price). Hope you have a speedy recovery.
One of these days when I'm looking particularly fantastic, I'll post a photo, if I can figure out how to do it. (But I haven't even been able to figure out how to add one of those smiley/frowny/confused little faces so many other people add to their posts.)
Originally posted by dddoodle: Cathlib--a late congratulations on your wonderful achievement. I also love your dark green skirt and light blue jacket ensemble. What color dye did you use on the skirt?
Thanks!
For the skirt, I used a combination of two dyes--Dylon Cold Water, in 'Turquoise Saga' and in 'Tartan Green'. I needed the extra green to counteract the blue/grey, which was the skirt's original colour.
This is not a machine dye, but one that you do in a stainless steel sink or basin. It takes a little more attention than a machine dye, but the results are good.
I don't think most US places sell it (although you might be able to get Dylon products on the internet).
Wow, thank you so much for all the well wishes everyone. That was really sweet. After reading my post I see that I was not exactly with it while writing. He he. Apparently I did a few things that my family thought was rather entertaining yesterday as well, and I don't even remember it.
I love skirts cathlib! Yours is very pretty. I have always been tempted to try to dye some items, but never wanted to deal with "the mess" that I think goes with it.
Shimma, I went to my parents. They and the puppies looked after me. I am not feeling so hot tonight. Thank goodness I did not listen to everyone, and I know my body. I took today off too. These "same day" proceedures are interesting. They shove you out the door when you wake up. See ya, we have thoroughly poked, prodded and sedaited you. Don't let the door hit you in the butT on the way out!
I slept a lot today. I did venture out to take my gram to the hair dresser, (I did not drive) Then we stopped at a farm to return a couple of bridles. I don't know how to spell that, sorry. Things for horses.
So today it was cold and windy, and I was going to that barn. So, I wore a pair of Old Navy Skinny pants. Don't kill me girls! I know that they are not the best choice for me. BUT, I need a pair of pants that I can tuck into boots for outdoor stuff. Like, campfires, barn stuff, 4 wheeler riding, and out door type stuff. Wide led trouser jeans, are not going to cut it for that.
OK, so the grey cords, turquoise t shirt, deep V long sleeve T shirt, a Gap vest from a couple of years ago that is reversable, one side "fur" and one side a light peach, turquoise "pashmina", and shorter suede flat boot with a pom pom tie.
dddoodle, you made me laugh out loud! Thank you for the compliment.
I have the coat in a size 2, but it's a touch big; I compensated by tying the belt. (I wonder what size the model is wearing? She must be thinner than I am; is the coat pinned in the back?) Also, my hair is longer (in about the same color) so I can't wear the collar up like that. I wanted to copy the all black for contrast, but I didn't want to wear all black all day, so I added a cream colored ruched cotton vest over the turtleneck. I won't be wearing this coat in really cold weather, but if I were, I'd add a beige cashmere shrug instead of the lightweight vest. I got lots of compliments on the coat.
Wow! Everyone sounds so beautiful. It is really inspiring to read about fashion in all walks of life.
I'm really excited. My dh has agreed to a new suit, a corduroy blazer, and a few new pieces to go with it. Yay!!! Looks like maybe we'll be shopping this weekend.
Wow, I agree so many great outfits, I can't keep up with them all, but you are all amazingly well dressed!
DSM, I hope you are feeling better very quickly, and I, too, was wanting that brown velvety outift to wear while I work at home.
Cathlib, you have some truly lovely color combinations going there. I particularly adore brown and rasberry. You have quite a few variations of that combination, and I'm sure it is really pretty on you.
Pres, after clicking on the link to see that beautiful coat, I wanted it so badly that I literally added it to my "shopping cart," and was about to check out when I reminded myself that it's been in the high seventies to low eighties here every day and that I don't need a coat and that I have spent too much money on clothes lately, pull my hands off the keyboard, and go back to work...walk away from the computer, and, um, practice what I preach? Ya gotta quit posting all those pretty things. I'll bet it looks absolutely beautiful on you!!!
Originally posted by dancingstarr: Cathlib, you have some truly lovely color combinations going there. I particularly adore brown and rasberry. You have quite a few variations of that combination, and I'm sure it is really pretty on you.
Thank you, dancingstarr! Brown is a super-useful colour, because it works well with so many other things, and basic pieces like slacks, skirts and t-shirts are available in it from season to season.
Using it for a background and then adding other things like some jackets or interesting accessories is probably the easiest way to coordinate a wardrobe, especially for travel when you want everything to go with something else. And I find that it's 300% more flattering than black, which I avoid if I possibly can.
Today is sort of another variation on that combo. Brown brushed-cotton wide leg trousers (Gap sale rack, $19.99), brown 3/4 sleeve V-neck tee (M&S, £7), dark plum velvet blazer (Lands End, off Sears sale rack, $25). These shoes, which I got off the sale rack at Kaufmann's last spring for $17.
Amethyst and pearl drop earrings, which were a gift from my brother, came from the Smithsonian Institute catalogue a few years ago.
Today I'm mostly just working on some lectures I'm giving, so it's on the easy side. And after lunch begins the long half-term weekend, which ends at teatime Monday (everything here begins and ends with mealtimes).
So it will be a quiet, casual weekend. We've got an American student on a one-year exchange from one of the Episcopal Seminaries, and a Canadian ordinand who is doing the whole of his training here. Sunday evening, I've invited them both to dinner, to have a little 'North American Night' together (the dining room is closed for half-term, so this is a good time to do this).
I think that a brown background is going to form the core of what I take with me to America next month. But I think it will be a brown/teal/olive palette (although my winter coat is plum!).
This message has been edited. Last edited by: cathlib,
Originally posted by learningtoliveagain: Cathlib -- those shoes are adorable!
Thanks--they don't get worn all that much (esp. in wetter weather), but I like them a lot.
I found the same shoes, by the way, at Kohl's (the Nine & Company line that 9 West makes for them). Dark purple (aubergine? Concord grape?) in a devore' velvet with some tiny clear beads for just the most subtle glitz.
$5 on the clearance. Can't go wrong on that, even if you only wear them three times!
I love to work things out to cost per wear. It appeals to my accountant husband.
I'm wearing jeans, black tights, black pumps (very plain) and an oversized lilac tunic with a black skinny belt cinching the waist. Cute but still casual.
Originally posted by learningtoliveagain: I love to work things out to cost per wear. It appeals to my accountant husband.
I not only love doing it, but I think that for everyday stuff, it's essential to calculate in your head when you're shopping.
If you can only think of three occasions to wear a particular skirt or top, even a $20 bargain can come out quite expensive. The $100 item that you wear weekly, three seasons a year for two or more years, becomes the real value.
Of course, for 'occasion wear', this all goes out the window--and for very special occasions it should(your own wedding, for example). I know one bride who wore a beautiful champagne silk dress, and the dowdiest closed, chunky-heel beige leather shoes, because she 'could wear them with other things.' I tried, I really did--but there was no telling her that this was just not the occasion to be frugal.
(both from eBay, 1" hoops were $5, $6 to ship from UK, chain was $3, about $2 to ship)
) tunic long sleeved. No shoes cause my feet are propped on the coffee table.
And babble on all you like. I do. 
I don't knit all of my socks...just a few treasured pairs. In fact, I often have to fight my daughter over them. 
