Fewer clothes are needed and as a result I am living with less.
Several dressy garments are reserved for date nights and dinners out.
The bulk of my minimal wardrobe is focused on casual and active wear.
I went shopping mostly to browse...
and to replace some socks that had worn out.
The shops were busy!
I perused the shoes as I would love to find a new pair of flats for winter.
Then checked out the new Fall and Winter stock on the racks...
lots to choose from and oodles of sweaters and outer wear.
This light jacket accompanied me to Paris...
I am wearing a simple blue top and the skinny NYDJ that are worn several times every week
I frequently roll up the cuffs and wear with black Sam Edelman flats.
Checking out the charcoal grey skinny pants that did not make the cut...
too long and the fabric is not weighty enough.
I may regret not buying these pants...
they are not as sturdy as I would like but they would be useful.
Buying wisely, carefully with thoughts of not wasting money...
I already own two pairs of pants like these in black
so do I really "need" another pair?
I think not.
This Kenar skirt did make the cut...
not the look I would go for with this longer top
but the fit is good and I am planning on wearing it with tights and short booties.
Will wear it when I take Mother out to lunch,
on date nights for dinner, bridge at the club, and at the theatre.
I find it is difficult taking photos, especially "selfies" in a dressing room.
A cozy puffy jacket for walking in a pewter shade made by Columbia.
In the style of the Michelin Man!
I like the asymmetrical zipper detail and there is a hood for windy days.
It feels light and will help keep me warm during those cold winter walks.
The Kenar wool skirt is going to get a lot of wear this season.
I have only two other skirts in my closet...
one is a black knit
the other is a mid calf length dressy skirt in metallic grey and black accents.
I am looking forward to swapping out my summer wardrobe for Fall and Winter garments but we are still enjoying a bit of an "Indian Summer" so I am waiting for a cool patch when the rains decide to stay awhile before I do the switch.
All the garments are checked for wear and I will repair any that need attention and donate a few things that I feel are at the end of their lifespan.
Having only a few items hanging in the closet make getting dressed so much easier...besides our closet is so tiny that we can hardly see what is inside if all the clothes are squished together!
I rely on scarves and accessories to add a personal touch.
Are you shopping for anything new this season?
What's on your wish list?
Dahlia
big as a dinner plate
seen in a garden on my walking route.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
43 comments:
I like your idea of living with less. My needs are very much like yours---casual clothing and then a few dressy things. I haven't yet assessed what I may need for winter, but I have begun to think about it. I'll need to take a look at all my fall/winter things.
Great picks Leslie! I love the change of season and change of wardrobe!
I need a new winter jacket and would like fur on the hood. Winters are brutal here and a cozy fur hood helps cut the bite from the wind.
I, too, am looking forward to fall clothes, but am vacationing in North Carolina (82 and beautiful). I've made many changes to my wardrobe since retiring and think I am finally getting the hang of it. Wonderful not to need everyday business outfits. It saves so much money, don't you think?
I've been in doing the same! Now I have my new navy puffy gilet my outer wear is complete. I bought a wool cost and a black trench last year (thank you Auntie Mary for the useful cheque). I've recently discovered the Saint James collection (made in France) and treated myself to a red and ecru striped top, also a pair of Robell jeans. Most of the gaps in the wardrobe are filled, just a couple of ideas playing in my head!!! Boots and shoes next. Thank goodness retirement means more casual clothes.
I think that's a great top - and I need to get me some skinny pants. (Don't have any at present.) I have several skirts though - mostly black. Different lengths. None new. I have been looking for some newer ones; quite unsuccessfully. I like wearing them with denim jackets; white tees, etc. I like the way you tie your scarf, also. I have tried and tried (and tried) to master the art of scarves. So far, I just can't get the hang of it...
What a grand collection of easy, comfy outfits! (A shame some of us {one} can't wear skinnies.) I love everything you tried on, and that skirt is so cute and versatile. Love those dahlias in your area! jen
Eileen Fisher is showing some luscious things this season!
Planning ahead helps us be prepared for most social events...when I was younger I would leave buying a new outfit until the day of or the day before an event and I was in a panic not knowing if I would have something suitable to wear! My taste has changed too and I am quite conservative and like clothes that are simple and plain so that I can use scarves and jewelry as my accessories.
We'll be cozying up in layering pieces soon!
I saw some warm winter coats at Eddie Bauer and Lands' End...rated for inclement weather and super low temperatures...you may find something suitable there.
Yes indeed I save money not dressing for work..I do try to buy a few core pieces each season and wear them a lot...no point having things just hang in the closet gathering dust!
Saint James have very nice garments...I love the details and the sturdiness of their clothes...plus they are beautifully made. You sound ready for the season...I need shoes too but have my short black boots from last year and a pair of Sperry "gum boots" from years ago for puddles.
My weather is still quite warm and humid. It just does not feel like Fall. As soon as the weather looks like it is changing, I will take inventory of my Fall and Winter clothing. Right now I do not think I need anything. Your new jacket is lovely. Looks like down, very cozy for walking. Susan
My walking partner is a seamstress and she says that wide legged trousers are showing up more this season...I still love the skinny lines...I do not tend to follow trends so I may be out of sync with the masses!
Scarves are so versatile...I hope you will not be intimidated by them...just throw one on and tie a simple knot if it is a square or wrap it a couple of times if it is a longer one...I have heard women say that they are not very savvy when it comes to tying scarves but there are no wrong ways to tie them...just have fun!
The skirt is going to be a mainstay this Fall and winter...if I could sew like you and my walking partner I would be very happy making my things.
Taking inventory is very wise as you will get a better idea of what you may need to replace. It saves money too when we see what we already have in our seasonal wardrobes.
The jacket is a going to be cozy...it will help me stay motivated to walk even when the wind blows and the temperatures dip. Our days are a mix of rain, fog and some sunshine but there is a real crispness in the air and the furnace came on the other morning!
I'm right with you on being conservative and using scarves and jewelry as accessories. I wish we lived in the same city. I would love to tag along on one of your shopping forays.
Knowing you are in Victoria, wondering where you find Saint James clothing in Canada? Love their bretons but hesitant to buy online without being able to try on.....any suggestions? Love your blog, return to it often, keep up the great work.
Since life has changed lately I too will be looking for more casual clothes this Fall/Winter. It's still too hot here to bring out the warmer clothes but I'm hopeful that it won't be long now.
The only items I can think of is perhaps a couple of pair of casual pants - either cords or Khakis - a few casual shirts- a Fall jacket and another pair of walking shoes. These are all "likes" not "needs" though so may just wait for the sales as we edge closer to Christmas - I have enough things to get through for the next couple of months.
I'm laughing looking at the photo of the Puffy Jacket - I was out with a friend on Friday as she has been looking for a new jacket and she tried on something very similar in the "Roots" store and we looked at each other and both said "Michelin Man" at the same time! She decided that it wasn't quite the look she wanted! :-)
I really like your grey skirt but I still have a skirt and a navy dress for church and for Maman lunches. I would like to lose some weight but holiday is definitely not the time. This year, I worked from a small section of my wardrobe so I must cull some more when I get home. The asymmetrical zipper gives your jacket a more stylish look. I am going to look in Selfridges and The House of Fraser tomorrow but I really don't need anything.
After a lifetime of security with business wear, I've struggled to find a new casual but smart level in retirement but hopefully I'm getting there.
I'm on the hunt for a 3/4 black quilted jacket right now. Or pewter, because yours looks a great neutral colour. I love both your purchases. Is the skirt boiled wool? The seaming and darting make it so distinctive. I'm off to England for a few weeks but I doubt if I'll find a skirt quite as unique and distinctive as yours, Leslie.
I like all your outfits but especially your new puffa jacket ...a perfect colour that will go well with most other colours. I think of it as a neutral. Great style too and practical with a hood ... all in all a good purchase!! I agree with you with regard to living with less and I'd like to be more like you ...I just find it sooo hard, throwing away items I really like, even if they don't get much wear. I need to be stricter with myself and remember your comment, that they're just hanging in the wardrobe gathering dust!! ...and taking up, much needed space.
Rosie
Love all your purchases, but I think you should get those pants too.....they look great on you!
I love that skirt on you. You've got fabulous legs! Selfies are tough!
I have ordered grey trousers (wide-leg) for the autumn/winter, to wear with my new grey coat (it comes to the knees.) I am having 2nd thoughts about a woolly wrap thingy, not quite a blanket, not quite a shawl. Loved it in the shop, but really, at 5ft 2in tall (or should that be "short"?) I look just a little swamped by it, not the image I like to create. It's cosy, but does it suit me? The Jury's still out ... Love your purchases, especially the silver puffy jacket, but best of all the navy jacket in the first photo. That is very 'me'.
Margaret P
Lovely things Hostess!
I love the down jacket very much,it is so cozy to have them during winter and yours is beautiful.
I have everythng I need,to much indeed,and I've bought black bussiness case (I'll wear it as a bag) from Longhchamp and ordered avalanche blue cashmere turtle neck.
A sporadic scarf would not be count :-)
Dottoressa
As the seasons change here in California we just tend to wear more or less of the same;). So it's always do I need another pair of jeans? No. Do I need another layering jacket? Yes, check. How about long sleeved tees? Nope. What about some great graphic sweatshirts? (sweaters are too hot for me nowadays, as I don't go to an office and I have no A/C at home.) Ah, yes, a couple of really nice sweatshirts would be good!
Great selections Leslie. I've been trying for years to cut down on purchasing clothes; but I can only wear the same things, so many times to the opera, events, parties, etc. I try to keep track and switch it up; but when you run into the same people, and I'm wearing the same thing, I feel a bit embarrassed sometimes.
Baden Baden in Sidney and W & J Wilson both carry Saint James...some of their tees fit small...so I would definitely err on the side of caution.
Funny! I will be channeling the Michelin Man and thinks it is going to be fun!
My walking partner may shake her head but hey...
I really value comfort and warmth over fashion on my walks...
Holidays are not the time to try to lose weight...hope you had fun exploring Harrods and House of Fraser...you might want to bring home a small souvenir.
I am so impressed by how often you manage to post on your blog...
and my goodness the food looks so delicious!
Oh please do not throw things away that you love!
I really was fortunate when I HAD to buy a new wardrobe after losing the weight...
now I am harder to please and with limited means I careful curate my clothes.
Thank you Kathy...but I really do not need the charcoal pants...perhaps I will splurge on something completely frivolous instead!
Gosh maybe my legs are too muscular from all the walking? I often think they are a bit like tree stumps! Speaking of which have you seen the new Bridget Jones film yet?
I have seen so many great cape like wraps in plaids that look lovely on the hangers but would totally smother me...you are taller than me!
I think we can wear things like these if they are kept in proportion...
Attitude is SO important to carry off what we choose to wear so when you have it on carry it with a large dose of flair and confidence...have fun!
I have a Longchamp bag too...cashmere is always cozy and a scarf...well you sound like my kind of gal!
Our weather dictates what we wear to keep warm...not that we are in the colds of Alaska but the rainy PNW and I keep seeing tees with graphics and the voice in my head keeps saying NO NO NO!
It is fun to re-evaluate our wardrobes each season...keeps things fresh and exciting.
Happy Shopping!
I suppose that is the dilemma of many socialites...what to wear and how often.
My pedestrian life is not under that kind of scrutiny so I can get away with having fewer things and no one seems to take note and if they did I think that they would be polite and not mention it...perhaps their tongues will wag after I leave the theatre!
I won't Leslie. I'm not sure why I said "thow away"! as I always take things to local charity shops...I do feel I'm guilty of keeping things, often for emotional reasons.I think the process of thinking carefully what you need rather than buying on impulse is a good one to follow.
If I may...
Hostess,if you're stiĺl in London and have some time left-I love Fenwick of Bond street-a lot of brands (even Eileen Fisher,important for me because I could not buy it at home and taxes here are enormous for USA online shopping,beautiful lingerie,Anick Goutal perfumes....
They have nice afternoon tea at Mark's restaurant and tasty and not too expensive meals at Carluccio's Italian (and good italian coffee!) restaurant
I love Selfridges and HoF (especially their Max Mara section),but this is my recent find and it is smaller and cosier (and has superb rest rooms :-))
Dottoressa
I am not in London...I only wish I was...Madame La-Bas is holidaying there!
Max Mara make the most sumptuous wool coats! Hopefully she will read this and thank you fro your suggestions..
Oh,sorry,sorry,my silly mistake,it was meant for Madame but ,as I ,from some weird reason,could not comment your blog on my tablet((which I forgot for the n-th time and of course did) and than went to my mobile....
Yes,I am actually sorry that both of you are not in London together now (and me too, maybe :-))
D.
No worries...oh a get together in London sounds like a delightful idea!
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