Style statements...

Do experiment with bright colours and bold shapes when it comes to your clothes or accessories?

Or do you play it safe and steer clear of anything "off the beaten path?"

I see women in my city wearing "edgy" clothes...
in brilliant colours that really make a statement.

Some sport neon hair colours in bold stripes.

Often it's jewelry...large ethnic pieces that are museum worthy.

Vintage items are a fabulous way of adding interest...
I love searching for those pieces in the thrift shops and local antique mall.

Personal style choices can show off a creative and artistic nature.
I admire women confidently putting together unique looks and having fun with their clothes and accessories.

Maybe I am playing it too safe adhering to mostly conservative fashions...
but if I am to be honest, that style choice is what reflects my personality.

I want to stay on the fringes of fashion
blending in
rather than standing out or
pushing the style envelope.

Garments in sturdy fabrics that skim the body and flatter my curves work best.

I did buy something this week...
an accessory,
what do you think?

NO they are NOT bracelets!

They are velvet scrunchies.

Black, grey and purple.

I've been letting my hair grow...

and it's getting longer.

I plan to grow it even longer.

Keeping the stray strands out of my face has become an issue.

SO

I wear a scrunchie when walking, doing housework and gardening.

I've heard

Scrunchies divide the masses.

What would the Fashion Police say?

What do YOU say?

How do you approach style?

Do you go for bright bold and artsy clothes?

Or do you dress conservatively?

Please leave a comment below.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have a fabulous weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am 64...

Wearing all black...

a bamboo tunic top

with black capri leggings.

Longer hair which is straighter than before

the silver is now more than just tinsel...

It surprises me when I walk past a mirror

I see my mother, 

the resemblance is uncanny.

A few pounds have crept on this past year and am trying to come to terms with it.

Do I accept it and move on or return to the disciplined point counting regime of WW?

The battle of the bulge is a real challenge.

The desire or the energy to go to the gym is not there.

Sweating reminds me of those uncomfortable hot flashes and is so annoying...

Walking is enjoyable and the Fit Bit is a great motivator.

But enough about me already...

How are you doing?

What is new?

This ceramic Buddha head was in a garden basket 

we won at the grand children's year end school fundraiser.

I don't think its meant for the garden.

Too fragile and thin...

I'm considering putting it out on the boulevard for free.

I can't quite find the right spot for it here in The Humble Bungalow.

Perhaps someone else will love it and give it a special place in their home.

The book I am currently reading is quite interesting.

It was in the wee little free library across the street.

I'll be passing it on to a friend after I finish it.

How is your summer going?

What are you reading?

~ Be Kind and Be Well ~

Guo Pei Exhibit at Vancouver Art Gallery

We ventured across the pond to Vancouver for a few days.
To shop, attend a workshop and enjoy the sights and sounds of a big city!

One of the highlights was to see the Guo Pei Couture Beyond exhibit.

We were in line up at 10:00 am when the doors to the Vancouver Art Gallery opened and were able to take it all in on the very last day of the exhibit.

I will share a few pictures of the magnificent gowns...
IF you ever get the opportunity to see this show I highly recommend it.

Guo Pei is China's "preeminent couturiere."
There were over 40 of her haute couture designed gowns on display from the period 2006 to 2017.

Most of us will never wear a hand made gown such as the ones that were on display.

It was amazing to see the intricate bead work, the embroidery, details that would have taken many many hours if not months to create.

I'll share the photos next and hope that you will enjoy seeing them.

After seeing all the gowns and shoes we explored the rest of the gallery and then ventured out for a long walk in the sunshine.

A friend mentioned that she uses the IHealth app on her IPhone.

She showed me how it works and I am so excited as it tracks walking stats!

I am so grateful as it is going to be a new motivator in my goal to better fitness.

This was an exceptional day for walking...

I plan to aim for between 8,000 and 10,000 steps each day.

Hope that your week is off to a fabulous start...

thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

 ~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Salt and Pepper...a new sweater!

The Hudson's Bay had a big sale last week.

I went downtown on a mission to buy a new watch strap which I found in a chestnut brown leather...I was hoping to find a red one but there were none that fit my watch.

While in the store I perused the petite section
and spied a soft cozy sweater
in a simple style that works with my wardrobe basic colours
 at a super low price...
what's not to love about that?

Style and Co.

(I think Macy's carry that line in the US)

tweedy knit

the colour of salt and pepper

in a basic style 

that I have already worn with my black swingy short skirt

jeans

black ponte knit dress pants

it is warm and cozy

with bell sleeves

which I thought I might find bothersome but they are quite lovely

I can roll them up if need be...

like when I was making pizza dough 

and dealing cards at bridge.

I wore it under my down jacket beach combing...

We found another heart shaped rock!

I am knitting the Bateaux Mouches scarf that I purchased from Churchmouse Yarns on Bainbridge Island.

The fingering weight of yarn is very fine and is super soft...

 by Drops and is a blend of alpaca and silk.

I have started on the second skein and hope that I will be able to finish it before next Spring!

I bring my knitting to the cottage.

I knit while waiting for the ferry and on the ride over...

then if I feel so inclined I will knit for about an hour each day at the cottage.

It is a basic garter stitch but looks very different on the larger needles.

Are you working on any projects?

It's pouring rain this morning and I will have to put on my wellies when I get out for my walk.

My down jacket and this cozy sweater will keep me warm.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Denim basics...and some new splurges.

Some serious work horses in my wardrobe are denim.

From left to right...

Cailey 22 shirt, no name thrifted denim jacket, Ralph Lauren denim shirt.

Soft tencel Levi's denim dress

I have been wearing this dress a lot this summer.

In the winter I pair it with capri length tights and my Chelsea boots.

Comfy boyfriend jeans by NYDJ

worn here with a striped top

Clark sandals.

I have been aware that my outfit choices have become quite repetitive...

perhaps because I have fewer items and I feel comfortable in the pieces that I keep.

It makes dressing so much easier with fewer things hanging in the closet.

Surprisingly 

I do not tire of the same clothes...

some are getting worn so much that the fabrics are softening!

I splurged on two new bras...

by

Prima Donna and Wacoal.

My "go to" black pants that I wear many times each week 

were looking rather tired...

I purchased a new pair of black Eileen Fisher pants which are really quite lovely.

They are what I consider an "investment" item 

but the cost per wearing will even out that expenditure

 over the next couple of years.

How do you feel about your wardrobe?

Are you a minimalist or do you like to have a full closet with many pieces?

Have you purchased anything for the Fall season?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

"The Cool Factor" a serendipitous find.

I was perusing the shelves of our small local library
trying to find a book before my doctor's appointment...

Don't you love it when a great book pops up on the radar?

Written by Andrea Linett

well known for her Lucky publications 

The Lucky Shopping Manual and The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style.

She also wrote a book I Want to Be Her which is a style memoir and hosts a website by the same name.

It is always busy at my doctor's office and I have to wait longer than my scheduled appointment time 

so I am prepared to wait happily with a book 

today's choice was perfect.

OOTD

Grey cashmere waterfall sweater

(it was my mom's)

black knit Aritzia Tee top

black Calvin Klein leggings

Clarks Chelsea Boots

Grey and Black linen scarf

The information in the book is well written and organized...

It is beautifully illustrated using photographs of several dozen "real women" 

(not professional models) 

all from various walks of life

wearing chic and stylish outfits that they love

 with added comments on why they wear what they do 

answering some basic questions posed by the author 

which helps the reader understand their authentic style.

As I read through the chapters

I knew that this was a style book that I needed to read.

When I got home I posted a picture of my OOTD and the book on Instagram.

The author, Andrea Linett, left a comment on the post 

she kindly has offered to send me a copy of her book I Want To Be Her!

I look forward to reading her style memoir.

Who of us does not want to look stylishly effortless in our clothes?

I love the "secrets" that the women share in the book.

At the end of the book are two features that sum it all up for me...

 20 "COOL" pieces that one should have in their closet...

then the 10 "Rules to Live By."

I would urge you to read The Cool Factor if you are at all interested in style

and adding some oomph to your outfits!

My wardrobe revolves around black, greys and the shades of denim...

 I love the glorious colours that Mother Nature offers us at this time of year.

Hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Inspired by Janet at The Gardener's Cottage

Janet writes the beautiful blog The Gardener's Cottage from Redlands California.
I've been an avid reader and follower for many years and every time I see her new post pop up I get excited! I know that I am in for a treat!

There are many reasons that her blog is a favourite of mine...
from the charming cottage that she and her husband Larry have lovingly restored, to her exquisitely curated furnishings and home decor,
the tasty recipes,
her beautiful garden and oasis of calm,
and of course her refined and honest personal style...
Janet's is a "must read blog" in my humble opinion!

Janet has recently redesigned her blog...
and she has been posting more frequently which thrills me no end!

Janet posted about an outfit that we probably already own here..
I do own jeans...but did not have the shirt.

It's been on my radar ever since I read this post and I must admit that I have been obsessing about finding the right shirt...

I discovered after trying on several styles that I need an extra large size.
The buttons and snaps were gaping at the chest and everywhere else
the shirts would fit, so finding "The One" proved to be a challenge...
but I do love a challenge!!

Yesterday I found a shirt that fits and flatters.

It's by Ralph Lauren and in a Petite size

and it was on sale!

It has pearl snap details.

Which made me think of my bubble gum pearl necklace.

Pearls and denim 

perfect paired

with my skinny NYDJ jeans.

A new look for this Hostess thanks to Janet at The Gardener's Cottage.

How's your week going?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Shopping ~ a wee bit of Retail Therapy!

When one has a closet that is curated and has the basics there is no real "need" to go shopping...I have not inherited Mother's lifelong passion for fashion
and the urge to be continually purchasing and filling up more closets with beautiful things has not been my top priority.
(roses on the other hand, can one have too many?)

Mom was wearing current and up to date outfits until a few weeks before she died...always taking care of her shoes, handbags and beautiful jewelry.
She dressed up everyday as if she was going to the theatre and her neighbours would always ask her in the elevator where she was going as she looked so well turned out...her response was "I am going downstairs to get my mail!"

Since Mom passed I have been in a bit of a rut...
I would not go so far as to say depressed, but definitely content to wear my walking and Yoga gear all day...I suppose I am seeking solace and comfort in cozy comfy clothes...perhaps being a tad lazy in the process.

So with these thoughts in the back of my mind I took myself out for a shopping expedition to Sidney where Mom and I loved to look for clothes.

So I took myself to the shops...

(Emma Bridgewater tote bag)

The French company Saint James makes a variety of striped tees.

I like a V neck as I am so short and this particular top has side vents at the bottom which is helpful when one is not at their slimmest!

They make lovely sweaters, coats, tops and shirts.

I purchased this top and am very happy with it...the fabric is weighty enough to skim the body and it is smooth and soft.

Amazingly comfortable which is a priority for me.

I bought a striped Saint James umbrella last winter and a lovey raincoat.

I am tempted to buy a sweater for winter...

I consider this to be an investment purchase as it is a tad under $200.

But it fulfills my desire to have a new striped top...

the one that I bought in Paris at the COS store 2 years ago 

finally wore out from frequent wearings.

My hairdresser told me that the COS store has opened in Vancouver's Gastown district.

 I plan to make a pilgrimage to peruse their stock sometime this Fall.

The weather has been glorious for my daily walks.

The scenery is so beautiful that it encourages me to walk 

and the ocean calms at the same time.

I read this fascinating book

The Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin PHD

a memoir.

It was a peek into the lives of the privileged mommies who live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

A world unlike anything I have ever known!

I would recommend you read it if you are at all interested in how the uber wealthy young moms dress, eat and exercise...

and the lengths they go to to be the best that they can be.

A day in the garden spent in peace and quiet 

dead heading the roses and then taking some time to sit with a glass of lemonade on the front porch of The Humble Bungalow...

Feeling grateful.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.