Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Monday, March 4, 2024

March ~ Birthday and some other tidbits....

 


Tulip Mania has begun with a bold red and yellow bunch!

Such great mood lifters on a grey winter's day.
I love to buy these cheerful blooms...
deciding which colours to choose is always a challenge!

I had my birthday yesterday March 3rd.
I turned 69 and don't feel OLD.


My new glasses are Face a Face from Paris.
I had my former pair for 6 years and when my prescription changed I decided it was time for a new pair of glasses and sunglasses.


Vintage rhinestone brooch pinned on my wool beret.


My beret is made by The Canadian Hat Company.
Decades old Burberry scarf
Eileen Fisher Coat

Still having FUN and playing around with clothes and my personal take on style.

Been very lucky at the Thrift Shops lately...


Gold bracelet


I don't have anything like this in my jewel box and thought it might be fun.


Heavy crystal etched vase, possibly Swedish.

Perfect for wee flowers.
Snowdrops are what come to mind.


I love to hunt for sea glass on my beach walks.
On my birthday beach walk 
I found a lovely piece of aqua glass just as I stepped on the beach!

Aquamarine is the March birthstone 
so I thought it an appropriate find.


The sunset was quite remarkable the other evening...
looks like The Danish Flag hanging over Salt Spring Island.

Perhaps my ancestors waving hello?

Our family tree goes way back...
to a former Queen and King of Denmark.
So many interesting names along with that incredible detailed history.


Sabine Be sunglasses...
Mom had macular degeneration so my eye doctor advised me to wear sunglasses.
I need to remember to wear them regularly.


Treated myself to a new candle and some dark chocolate bars.

I recently read that dark chocolate is full of good polyphenols
which help with inflammation, digestion, cognitive function, and protect cardiovascular health.

Adding a couple of squares with my afternoon tea seems pretty easy!
Been eating more avocados on sourdough toast...
they are nutrient rich and high in fibre.

After my colonoscopy the doctor told me that he removed 3 polyps.
(I watched the entire procedure on the screen) 
He also mentioned to keep my diet rich in fibre as it has many benefits.

Staying on top of one's health is a priority.
Healthy habits and being mindful of stress and toxins in the environment are so important.


What is new with you?
How are you managing the aging process?


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Abundance of roses, and clothes that Spark Joy!

 


We have a full garden with an abundance of roses.
I consider myself an avid rosarian....
desiring more roses in an already full garden is rather greedy.

My husband mentioned that our olive tree might have died during the icy cold snap.
He mentioned I could always buy a rose to fill the space where the tree was planted!

What a great idea!!!


I have always been smitten by shoes with bows.

I own a pair of Ferragamo black patent shoes with bows.
Years ago I had purple suede flats with velvet bows...I wore them out!
They were my "Happy Shoes" I felt so joyful when I wore them.

A few years after the demise of the purple shoes 
I found a pair of black patent flats with black velvet bows.

Mom had a similar pair...
they were such a great mood lifter.
We smiled at each other knowingly when we were together 
wearing our patent bow toed shoes.

So when I was in Twice As Nice consignment looking for a wool winter coat
(which I didn't find)
I spied these shoes by Browns...
tried them on and HAD to have them.


My current "daytime" winter wardrobe.
Athletic wear is stored in the bureau
evening and dressy clothes are in the Hobby Room closet.

I have been adding a few thrifted finds lately...


Gap casual sweater.
Thrifted
Will be worn with my denim and white denim jeans.


A sequin top!!!!
Thrifted
$2.00


The volunteers at the thrift shop were literally doing a "Happy Dance" 
when I approached the cash desk...
asking how much it was?
They said $2.00 and I was so stunned that I gave them $5 and told them to put the extra money toward their new building fund!

I am definitely going to wear this top and perhaps it will be daytime.
It is a JOYFUL top.
Do you think it will SPARK JOY?

I love how we can shift our moods with clothing...
wearing brighter colours on a dark dreary day.
Adding accessories that elevate a plain outfit or dress.
Finding inexpensive and vintage pieces in the thrift shops that are cheap and cheerful.
One needn't go into debt to have fun with fashion.

Happy Hunting in the Thrifts!


An abundance of Sea Glass...
one day's haul after my beach walk.
Saw two fat seals lying on a floating log...
a familiar face and a shaggy dog
a wee chat with a neighbour.
Gulls, Ravens and a majestic Eagle calling...
Fresh Air, a gentle breeze, and I feel rejuvenated.


Jar of sea glass...
probably my 10th jar.
(I must go downstairs to count them, they are in the window sill of the Hobby Room)


~ Sunshine and Blue Skies ~
BLISS


Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs
a lovely gift from Becky.
They look like jewels such pretty colours.
Taste great too!


Finished this fabulous book by Anthony Horowitz.
Need to read some more of his books...have read a couple and they are so well written and are wonderful murder mysteries.

What are you reading?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, March 24, 2023

OOTD and I may have solved the problem with comments...

 


 ~ Walking ~
I love walking along the waterfront.
Fortunately we live close to the seafront but I frequently walk in Oak Bay.
The Esplanade near Willows Beach is a scenic spot for a stroll.


I spied this beaded bracelet on the arm of the blue Adirondack chair...


I stopped to take a closer look and noticed the card inside.
Oak Bay Trinket Fairy

I now follow this Instagram account and have learned 
that this bead artist makes and leaves them for people to find!
What a lovely idea...
similar to those painted rocks that were once popping up in our neighbourhood.

Friday ~ post published today 
as I am going to busy this Sunday...
I have been trying to keep the posts regular but a wee bit of a BLIP is fine.

On the heels of my denim jumper purchase I found a coat!


New Eileen Fisher blue coat...
a simple and classic choice for Spring and Summer.
Turns out that I really like Eileen Fisher coats as I now have 3 of them.


~ OOTD ~

Wore my big pearls from Hong Kong to tea at a friends home.
We sip tea ~ chat and knit together.
I paired it with a crisp white Old Navy shirt and a wool Lord and Taylor skirt.
Layered over Hue capri tights and my Josef Seibel Chelsea Boots.


Rather an "edgy" look but very comfortable :-))

Do you wear "edgy" fashion choices?
It is a wee bit of a stretch for me but after wearing this combo several times 
it feels honest and natural.

Let's have a quick chat about hair...
it is supposed to be our crowning glory.

Sadly
my hair has been thinning this past year...
which has been a worry but I do have a thyroid condition and that is one of the issues.
I take medication for my thyroid but hair loss is a concern.
My hair used to be SO THICK!

Has your hair thinned?

On my last visit to my stylist I mentioned this to her she cut in more layers 
now it looks fuller and has more body
so I am happy with the results.

In other news...

I have been researching the blogger problem with comments.
Your emails have not gone unnoticed...
May have found an answer...
fingers crossed 
so please try now and see if it works.

Leave a comment and we'll see if it works.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Blues ~ Tea, clothes, books and knitting




~ Tea ~
The Elixir of the Gods

I partake in afternoon tea each day.
It might be served with a silver service or poured over a bag in a humble mug.

Tea is good accompanied with a small snack...
a cookie, an apple, or a few bites of chocolate.


Decaf tea is my go to brew after 4pm and later in the evening, after dinner.


Tea goes well with my knitting :-))

The Miriam pattern sweater (available on Ravelry)
Rowan Felted Tweed yarn.

Italian wool and alpaca blend, so soft.

You may remember that I knit one of these casual cardigans in soft grey and love it!
I chose this turquoise shade as I think it will pair well 
with my classic denim and black wardrobe.


My chunky pearls and the new shirt...


Caught my eye while shopping... versatile soft Tencel shirt
 inexpensive and will fit in well with my minimalist wardrobe.

I don't buy a lot of clothes,
 but when I see something that meets all the criteria that I have for garments I pounce!

Life continues to be busy...
lots of social opportunities and meet ups are on the calendar.
Being a social being I quite like the flurry of activity.

I do enjoy quiet time and spend part of each day here in The Humble Bungalow 
tidying, cooking, doing laundry, knitting and reading.


Am immersed in this story set in Tuscany...
loving the characters and the setting.
It spans several decades and follows the lives of a group of friends
and acquaintances on their adventures.

Apparently it was named number one of the "best books" for 2023. 

I've got quite a few books on my TBR list...
have some Holds at the library and a few on my bookshelf.

Reading continues to be one of the luxuries that I really enjoy since retiring.
I used to be too busy when I worked full time to really get into a novel.
Holidays were the only time that I could devote a chunk of my days to books.

I was such an avid reader as a young girl growing up...
I always had my nose in a book!

I was a regular at the local Carnegie library downtown.

It all started with Nancy Drew mystery books, 
then L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.
I graduated to more serious fiction in High School 
reading various authors among them: 
Aldous Huxley, 
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leon Uris, Ayn Rand, Leo Tolstoy
Walt Whitman

I have read and continue to enjoy many genres.
Reading is definitely a passion of mine and I always have a book on the go.

Are you an avid reader?
Who are your favourite writers?
What are you reading now?

It is time for me to close this post and get busy with dinner.

Hope that you are well and enjoying the start to the New Year.

~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Loving Linen ~ OOTD ~ a new skirt

 


Naif
linen skirt
made in Canada

a whisper weight that will be very swishy
worn with a variety of tops and shoes

thinking of a white top with casual flip flops for a walk on the beach


OOTD
kicked it up a notch with my pearls
an Eileen Fisher tank top with Nanette Lapore cropped sweater
blue leather Rieker flats


smocked elastic waist with drawstring ties

So comfy and great for warm summer weather...
just waiting for it to warm up a few degrees!


Read this page turner in 2 days


Am already into this new book!
Such great writing and another riveting story set in Paris.


Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

A gentle mist has just rolled in here bringing light rain...
an opportunity to stay indoors and read.
One of life's little luxuries.

What are you reading ?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, May 30, 2021

OOTD, cocktails and Beautiful Blooms...

 


White rose on John Paul ll
Pure white blooms are very elegant...
they remind me of Coco Chanel's simple white gardenias.

I have been so distracted by Donna Leon's mystery books of late...
I am reserving them at the public library and are reading my way through 
her series with Guido Brunetti.

I highly recommend her books.

So this post will be a wee one and once I hit publish
I'll be back in my chair in the living room with my nose in her book.


OOTD

I wore a Cut Loose crinkly tunic top with black capri tights.
An artisan necklace


Josef Siebel red ballet flats
Vintage wicker Ann Taylor bag.

We met up with friends On Friday evening in the sunshine.


Cocktails on the patio at The Snug at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel.


So wonderful getting together with friends.

It has been many months since we were permitted to go out to eat with friends.
The vaccinations and our recent "circuit breaker" that was set by our provincial health officer has helped reduce the number of active Covid cases and the rules are once again eased...

This week while I was
walking in the Cook Street Village
 I popped into Mercedes Lane.

A large shop with oodles of fun clothes...many are beautiful Italian linens.

The skort is by UPP and The dress is made in Turkey by Sassy.


I had not planned to buy anything I went in merely to peruse their stock.
Slightly risky because you never know what you'll find.


Spanish Lavender
potted in an urn out front of The Humble Bungalow.
The bees just love this plant.
I like the feathery "hat" atop of the blooms.

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~





Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Levi's Men's Jeans ~ Thrift Shopping


I bought a pair of Men's Levi's Jeans.

I've been looking for a vintage pair of Ladies Levi's for several months.
 The thrift shops have had none in my size...
but there seems to be oodles of men's Levi's.

Customers are not permitted to use the change rooms in most of the thrift shops 
so I used my sister's favourite technique to figure out if they would fit.

You take the waistband and wrap it around your neck...
if the ends meet in front of your neck and not choking you 
they will fit at the waist.

Hips might be a bit trickier 
 I took a chance and had the option of returning the Levi jeans if I kept the receipt which I did.

They fit!


Love the details on the Levi's


Grommets Galore

When I was a teen we wore boys jeans.
Wranglers, GWG and Levi's.

Women's jeans were not available in Victoria during the 1960's 
they were just coming on trend towards the end of the 60's.

Denim has been a wardrobe staple for many decades.


I had hoped to find a pair of iconic 501's 
these are 514's


Love the pocket details
so classic.

So now I need to style them in a more feminine way...

My first thoughts are:

I have a lovely satin black camisole with lace edging which I can wear under a cashmere sweater and 2 or 3 inches of lace peeks out at the bottom.

A classic crisp white shirt with pearls, red lipstick and red ballet flats.

A plain Tee tucked in to the jeans with a cashmere cardigan.

I own two lace tops
one in ecru and one black which could both work.

I can also do the "Canadian Tuxedo."
(AKA double denim)
 choosing from my two denim shirts and/or my denim jacket...
add a sparkly vintage Sherman rhinestone brooch to the jacket.

I think this look would be fun with some leopard or red cowboy booties.
(I do not own either but it will be fun to see if I can find some)
Maybe some Converse trainers?

Have you been shopping for something off your usual radar?
It might be a Covid thing?

Fashion should be fun so perhaps that is why I bought these.

Maybe someone will be calling The Fashion Police!

I love seeing what Linda V. Wright on Instagram wears in Paris.
She owns a very chic shop Crimson Cashmere
she sells luxurious cashmere and tres chic accessories.

Do you follow her feed?

Would you push the fashion envelope and dabble into the world of menswear?
I'd love to know more!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~