winterizing

 

It's hard to believe that in Southern California you have to winterize but we do!  I've been filling sandbags for the last 3 days for an impending atmospheric river.  Because this house is 135 years old there is no insulation and most of the windows are the original ones.  I love the old wavy glass but it isn't v climate friendly.  So I get out lots of thick blankets, put the insulated drapes up and make do.  If you look closely in the top photo you can see where I keep my 2lb weights.  I'll lift those while watching tv to help keep me warm and strong. 

I adore how the glow from the lamp lights these walls.

It has been ages since I've done a wardrobe post.  I used to do so many I made myself and many of you sick to death of them.  But lately, probably bc I'm now 66 I need to see what looks good on me and photos work best for that.

All these clothes are so old and I still love them.

And one last note, aren't you thrilled to be on a website without ads?!  We are all deluged with them now.  It's karma for all the ads I used to do!  I'm taking a break from instagram bc every other post is an ad or 3.  So enjoy!  xo

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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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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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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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cozy knit

This pretty H&M Conscious Collection knit sweater is perfect for a cozy holiday season.  Even if you are not in the cozy mood, it kinda puts you there.  It's made from 50% recycled materials.  H&M has a plan to use 100% recycled materials in all their products by 2030.  So this is a good start as they say.

I love the knit pattern and the neckline hides that neck.

From a strictly style/comfort standpoint,  it is super soft and warm.  I would wear a cami or tee underneath if it were colder.  It goes with so many pieces I already own and the price is $29.  So budget friendly.  x

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monday blues

Hi.  It's monday and I'm wearing old blue jeans, old blue shirt and these boots.  No thinking involved.

Thank you all for your amazingly honest and many heartbreaking comments on my last post.  I feel so vulnerable putting my (our) story out there.  I almost wish I hadn't but see in the comments that many of you are going thru similar heart wrenching journeys.  I'm overwhelmed by your raw honesty and openness.  The overarching theme is that life is painful but we have to keep going.  Not running but walking through it, feeling it as best we can.  There is no timeline and life will unfold as it should.

In other news I've agreed to have Thanksgiving here.  So November should be full of holiday things...x

14

Everlane Blazer and Editor Boot Review

Gifted from Everlane

Good morning lovelies.  I feel so put together and am so not used to that.  This blazer and boot combo is sorta magical.  The blazer is the first new piece of outerwear in my wardrobe in like forever.  Everlane asked if I'd be interested in reviewing it and the boots and I was ever so happy to do so.

Just look at this Editor Boot.  I hate to use the word sexy but it kinda is, in an old lady way.  It's no stiletto (thank God) but it is sleek and so comfortable.  They say it runs narrow but it feels normal to me.  I'm a 7 and these are 7's.  They feel like I'm walking in flats.  They come in black, bone and this chocolate suede.  Each pair is hand crafted in Italy at this factory that has 32 employees.  So this is a special pair of boots.

This Oversized Double Breasted Blazer was something that has really surprised me.  I didn't think I was in the market for a blazer but I remember taking notes on my wardrobe last winter and writing that it would be nice to have something warm to wear that wasn't a full length coat.  This is it.  So cute, warm, beautifully tailored and stylish.  What's not to love?

I'm wearing it with this Classic White Oxford from American Apparel and a pair of black high rise skinnies.  Oh and my vintage Gucci handbag.  I feel like I should be doing something really important rather than a trip to Trader Joes.  x

PS - Huge Choose What you Pay Sale going on Now

Lots of pretty things...

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-cashmere-crew2-frostdonegal?collection=womens-sale

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-cashmere-ovrszd-rnd-v-ivory?collection=womens-sale

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-cashmere-crop-mockneck-camel?collection=womens-sale

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-lw-ft-shrnkn-hoodie-offwhite?collection=womens-sale

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-seersucker-picnic-dress-bluewhitewidestripe?collection=womens-sale

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-jpnese-goweave-ss-wrap-dress-rose?collection=womens-sale

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summer to fall

One of my favorite ways to extend my summer is to keep wearing summer dresses but with fall touches like this sweater.  Some other examples...here here here.  This is a 90s Ralph Lauren dress I picked up at a local vintage store here in Redlands called Rust Vintage Denim.  Marianne is the owner and her shop is in between my house and my market so my car has a tendency to stop there, I'll have to ask my mechanic why it keeps doing that? Her prices are insanely good (this dress was $20).  So if you find yourself in my lovely little town, def check her out.

This year is no different and I love the idea of a sweater because Fall is notorious for fickle weather.  Pair that with nice daytime temps and the fact that everyone is still blasting air conditioning and it's freezing inside.

Once winter hits the jeans come out and I rarely wear my dresses so this extends their life a little.  Problemo solved. x

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