this and that

The very last Everlane product in my December box were these Renew Fleece Lounge Sweatpants.  My house is like a meat locker in the winter.  Seriously it's so cold and I just can't run the heater all day long.  So I usually put at least 3 layers on as pants/loungewear which keeps me warm but are not really comfortable and find myself changing clothes multiple times throughout the day esp if I need to run an errand.  I don't know how Everlane managed to make something this thick and snuggly also perfectly suited for lunch with friends.  Anyway, they've been a wonderful addition to my wardrobe and I've been able to ditch about 6 articles of clothing for this one pair.

In other news I have some ideas and questions for you.  One of my ideas would be that you guys could randomly ask questions in the comments and I'd create a post to answer it in detail.  For instance on my IG a dear reader, Allegra has asked that I do a post just on my vintage coats.  I'd love to.  Also, it'd be nice if I knew what topics you particularly like and which ones you don't.  Does the gifting from Everlane bother you?  I sorta need that income but maybe there's a way to make it less annoying?  So your input is greatly appreciated.  I also know there are problems with some of you commenting.  I've contacted Blogger and they have not answered me yet.  But know that I'm working on it...

I went to a birthday party over the weekend and made this salad.  It was so good.  Warning I used goat cheese but that could easily be eliminated.  All I did was roast 4 sliced apples til they were just soft, about 15/20 minutes at 375.  Then tossed them with greens, walnuts and a sprinkling of goat cheese.  The magic touch was this Black Mission Fig Balsamic.  This small company is located here in Redlands where they grow and produce their products.  The vinegars are mind blowing.  If possible serve it while the apples are warm but it's still excellent at room temp.

Things I particularly loved this year...

How to throw a party like the French

The top 16 stories of 2019 from The Blue Zone (my father in law lives in a Blue Zone and his health has improved greatly)

Christmas in Burgundy

Finally someone as crazy as me re birthdays 100%

And this just makes me SO happy  Who knew?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here for me through this year which can only be described as heart wrenching.  I am exhausted and I don't know why.  Everything seems to take so much effort, but I made it.  x

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the simple touch

I've always been attracted to the easy way.  I don't know if this is bc I'm lazy or don't like fussy.  I guess it doesn't matter.  Whatever you are drawn to, stay true to. 

These little berry bouquets 💝.

Dried hydrangeas are always a good look.

The command center all tidy.

This wall of crazy somehow calms me.  Stay warm. x

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my 3 everlane favorites

It's hard to express my gratitude to Everlane for reaching out to me and letting me be an affiliate of theirs.  It could not have come at a better time.  I consider it an honor because I've been shopping with  Everlane from their start.  I bought their very first tee shirt, loved it and have been hooked ever since. I've stayed with them because their clothing is classic, well-made, affordable and unfussy.  The things I've purchased over the years remind me very much of Ralph Lauren and you all know how I feel about him.  Btw, have you watched the HBO documentary on him?  It's so good!  Anyway over the last few months my Everlane associate, Carly would email me a line-sheet of products.  Most of the products were new and they wanted honest reviews about them.  I would pick a few pieces based on a small photo, no other info is given.  I think my reviews and the way I style their products are important to them and it's important to me to represent the plus 60 woman.  Anyway, I thought I'd share that and also they do not pay me any money, just the product for review.  If you purchase that product directly through the link I provide, then I make a small commission.  So that's how all this works and I hope that clears up any issues or questions you have.

Today I want to share with you my favorite 3 pieces that I've reviewed so far.  It was hard to pick just 3 because I honestly love it all.  And their cashmere sweaters are #1 with me but I didn't include one because I've kinda exhausted that love already.  So here are the pieces that I am wearing ALL the time.  They are comfortable, flattering and I consistently get compliments and that's always a nice thing, right?

First is the chocolate suede Editor Boot.  These are SO comfy and go with everything I own.  I feel as if I'm wearing a flat but that fancy pointed toe (my favorite bc it elongates the leg) and the sweet little kitten heel (also my favorite bc it gives me that extra inch in height with no pain) turns me from 5'5 to 5'6.  I highly highly recommend these!

Next is the long sleeve waffle tee.  I want these in all the colors (mine is heathered oat) because it is so soft and warm.  It's perfect for layering or like shown here with my next favorite thing...

This Double Breasted Houndstooth Blazer is so good and very Ralph.  I adore it and for me here in Southern California, it is warmer than a sweater and cooler than a full coat.  It's a keeper.

So these are my favorites and again thank you Everlane and YOU guys for indulging me.  I have no idea how long this partnership will last but it has sure been fun.

Everlane is offering free 2-day shipping all week long!

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tis the season to layer

Gifted from Everlane

Wherever you live I'm sure your morning dressing consists of layering, whether you'll be indoors or out and about.  The temps are pretty much cold everywhere but indoors can be like a sauna.  Unless you are in my house which is cold all the time.

Even just driving in the car I may have to put on or take off a layer.

So another big thank you to Everlane for giving me these layers.  First is the Loden Cashmere Crew.  As you all know, Everlane's cashmere crew sweaters are the backbone of my fall/winter closet and they have been for years.  They are so soft and cozy and make everything I own look better.  They have tons of cashmere sweaters on sale for $60 right now so pop over and see what you can find.  I've paired it with their straight leg cropped in Sandstone.  99% of all my pants are vintage except their Cheeky Straight Jean and now these.  I feel so fancy! In the Cheeky Jean I wear my regular size 26 but in these I had to size up to a 6.  They are SO comfy and will go with everything I own.  I tied the Alpaca Crew around my shoulders.  The chocolate suede Editor boot and my vintage Gucci bag finished the look and I was off and running.  Thank you Everlane and thank you all for putting up with me.  x

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day boot on sale one day only!

Everlane has their iconic day boot on sale til midnight tonight for $175.  That's $50 off their normal price.  I now own 2 pair of day boots, one I purchased myself and one gifted from Everlane and I can say hands down they are the most comfortable shoes in my closet.

If you are curious head over now and take a look.  They are also offering free 2 day shipping with 2 or more items.  x

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simple christmas

Hello my dears.  I thought I'd share the little holiday cheer I've got going here.  It's not much but it feels right for me.  In between rain showers I went out in the garden with my clippers and gathered a bunch of boxwood and berries.

It isn't fancy but I love the freshness of it all.  I hope you are having simple, peaceful days and ignoring any stress that this season can bring.  I'm doing my best too. x

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Everlane alpaca sweater

Gifted from Everlane

Hello dear friends.  Just a quick post to let you know that today only if you purchase one of Everlane's softer than air Alpaca Crew knit sweater they will give you $10 off a future purchase.  The sweater is slightly oversized which I love.  It's incredibly soft and cozy.  Perfect for cold days.  I got my usual size small and it has just the perfect slouchy fit.  I chose the color almond because it goes with everything in my closet.

I am still struggling getting over this darn sickness.  I went back to the doctor on Tuesday and she informed me that I have a virus on top of the strep throat.  I have so little energy.  Yesterday it rained all day and I only got dressed to go out and get the mail.

I am feeling a bit better this morning so I hope to be in better shape soon!  How are all you guys doing?  Staying well I hope. x

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Silk Everlane Pajamas as Daywear

Gifted from Everlane

I told you I was going to style these Everlane silk pj's for daywear!  Although to be honest I plan to wear this whole outfit in the evening to the Redlands Symphony this season so not exactly daywear in this instance.

I apologize if the photo is washed out and you can't see the true pink color but the sun popped out just as I began shooting.  The silk is so luxuriously thick and sturdy I def do not feel as if I'm in pj's.  I also plan to break the set up with levi's and cashmere sweaters to wear in a less fancy way.  How versatile can one set of pajamas get?!  Any comments?  x

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Everlane Silk Pajama Review

Gifted by Everlane

Hey guys, I survived.  Did you?  Boy it sure is a lot of work but most of it is fun.  The clean-up not so much.  Today I'm reviewing the last item from my gift box from Everlane.

These luxurious silk pj's in this pretty rose pink color are sooooo comfy.  They are not the thin silk I'm used to.  The silk is quite thick and dare I say sturdy, all while being delicate at the same time.  These silk pajamas can only be purchased through my special link!  They cannot be seen on the regular website.  Today there is 2 day free shipping and with every purchase this Black Friday Weekend, Everlane will donate $15 to the OCEANA charity that is helping rid our oceans of plastic.

Watch this space because I plan to style and wear them out in public.  They are completely opaque, have pockets and the bottoms are wide leg cropped.  I want to wear them with black pumps and a big black coat over them!  But today I'm inside doing laundry and putting everything away.  I plan to watch a movie too.

In case you missed it I filmed a little video on Thanksgiving before everyone arrived...x

Thanksgiving House Tour 

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getting ready

Hello dear friends.  It's 2:45 pm Pacific time here in the USA.  I just thought I'd touch base with you and let you know what I've been doing today.  I have 8 adults and 3 littles coming tomorrow so this is the plan I hatched.  First I cleared the area and brought in a 6 ft folding table and vintage folding chairs.

I thought I may use this old black and cream toile drapery panel. 

I changed my mind and draped the table in a v old RL linen and cotton king sized sheet.  I have had this forever!  Then I layered a RL cream colored tablecloth over it all and brought in some branches and votives.

I added plates and mixed Pottery Barn napkins.

I'm liking it a lot.

I still have tons to do as you know.  But the turkey is brining, the apple pie is made and all the veggies for the stuffing are prepped.  Everyone else is bringing their favorite sides and wines.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and having as relaxed day as possible.  It's such an emotional time.  I'm doing ok though.  One day at a time...x

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Everlane Premium cashmere Review

Gifted from Everlane

Tucked inside my gift box from Everlane was this limited edition premium cashmere sweater that they asked me to review.  Well I'll start by first saying thank you to Everlane and then to you all for continuing to support me and my blog.  I feel so incredibly blessed.

I've come to look at my Everlane Cashmere Crews as the solid base of my entire Fall and Winter wardrobe.  They are simple, classic, beautiful and elevates everything I pair with them.  This new sweater is no exception but I've never felt cashmere like this. Even my vintage cashmere is not this thick or soft.

I love this soft Chai color and it has an slightly oversized fit which is quite nice.  Although I normally order a small in their other cashmere, this is a medium and I like it a lot.  There is so much I can do with it.  Skinny jeans and boots or over one of my dresses or just as I have styled it here with old jeans.  It's for those days that require cozy.

I've been under the weather with strep throat, which is so frustrating bc I just got a flu shot last month.  I'm so glad I had prepared these posts last week bc I can't imagine getting out of my pjs today.   I have a lot to prepare for Thanksgiving.  I will be making a turkey for the first time in like 15 years.  Larry's dad is coming which I am thrilled about.  His favorite meal is Thanksgiving and I don't want to disappoint him.  Wish me luck friends.  x

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Everlane tall boot review

Gifted from Everlane

I honestly have no idea how Everlane decided to reach out to me and gift me (gift me!) some of their most beautiful products to review.  I am so grateful to them and to you guys for allowing me this space to indulge my love of fashion and to show you, just bc we are a little older we can still lead stylish lives.  If fashion is your thing...

Before I talk about this look, I want to talk about these boots.  They live up to all of the Everlane boots I own and then some.  I've styled this here but can't wait to style more (warning, I will be!)  This is basically their Day Boot but with a tall shaft.  I don't live in a cold part of the country obviously but I know I'll get a lot of use out of these bc it does get cold here.  Not just as cold as it gets where you likely are.  The fit is so dang comfortable, like wearing slippers and the leather is so soft it molds to your foot instantly.  The solid block heel makes it super stable and adds to the comfort.  I have a high arch and so I don't know if that helps or not but it's a 2" heel and I love the height it gives me without any aching cost.

See All Colors Here

During the holidays we like to go to The Mission Inn in Riverside to see the lights they put up.  It attracts thousands and thousands of people from all over Southern California.  And no matter the daytime temps here, the nights are always cold and this is what I'll be wearing.  It's the Recashmere crew Sweater and high waisted skinny black jeans with the boots and my 2nd hand Burberry trench.  Story below...

Miss Doris' Epic Estate Sale

x

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3 simple holiday looks

Hello there, Today I'm joining a bevy of other bloggers who are posting on holiday outfits.  My goal is to show you 3 easy/minimal holiday outfits.  You don't need these specific pieces as I'm sure you already have a fancy pair of pants that you rarely use and a pretty blouse or 2 that hangs at the back of your closet waiting for that special day.  Today I suggest you pull them out and actually use them this holiday season.

#1

Let's start with this first look. I purchased this blouse from H&M.  I can't believe it is already sold out but THIS one is close.  The color does not come across that well on the website or in my photos but it's less "khaki" and more a delicious olive shade with silky balloon sleeves and the fabric looks much richer than its polyester name.  I believe it was $19.

I've paired it with these 1960s silk champagne trousers from Sunset Vintage.  I promised these pants that I'd wear them this season.  Also these Stubbs & Wootton mules I bought on eBay years ago for $15.  I don't think the person selling them knew the brand.  They are so pretty and I am really fussy about wearing them outside.  I do, but I prefer they be indoor shoes, like a cat.

#2

Same pants (bc I did promise) but paired with this Everlane Clean Silk Tie Blouse that was so generously gifted to me.  The silk is sumptuous and I adore the way it drapes slightly over the shoulders.

I accessorized it with this darling 1950's faux fur jacket that my dear friend Ladelle gave me.  Also, the velvet bow mules from Isaac Mizrahi's first Target collection.  They have survived every clear-out, cleaning and reorganizing of my closet. 👏

It's hard to photograph the bow tie detail on the back so go here and take a looksie.  It's all v Chanel-like.  I ordered my normal size 4 and it's roomy but not baggy so perfect fit.

#3

#3

I've already reviewed this Everlane Clean Silk Relaxed shirt in Rose.  But today I'm wearing it with the silk champagne trousers.  These trousers have survived many a declutter too.  And a promise is a promise.

All of these looks can be easily copied and even swapped out with jeans - which I most def have already done and will continue to do.  I don't buy into all the holiday madness but I do think it's a chance to get out of my daily rut of denim and pretty it up a bit.  I encourage you to give it a try.  Why not?

Please click over to the list of lovely ladies and see what they have to say.  Even Joni is joining us.  So exciting bc she was my v first blog crush.  😍

Brenda Kinsel
Classic Casual Home
Cote de Texas
Most Lovely Things
Northern Cal Style
Cindy Hattersley

PS - I have A LOT more fashion planned for this month so prepare yourselves.

x

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