I started out thinking about rocks when I sat down to write today's post but I segued into my thoughts about my wardrobe quite quickly...so bear with me as I take you on a bit of a romp from rocks to clothes!
Collecting heart shaped rocks has proved ot be quite a challenge.
They are rather illusive on the beach and searching requires a lot of concentration and patience.
Thoughts flutter through my mind as I am in a meditative mood when sorting and seeking rocks.
I sit on a log and scan the area at my feet...
I am the first to admit that it is an odd activity.
I wonder why I am preoccupied with only the heart shapes
as there are so many beautiful stones in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes.
The collection is small enough to fit into a vintage silver compote.
These few hearts represent a few hours of beach combing in a calm and focused state.
Peace
Tranquility
Alone with my thoughts
in a natural setting
of beauty.
Shaped by the tides
they feel smooth in my palm.
Each one is different...
This was the first one I found
while walking along the beach off of Dallas Road waterfront
I did a double take when I saw it and knew I had to take it home.
Places by the ocean offer up opportunities
for thoughts to bubble up
which in a peaceful place
help me sort out things that might be preying on my mind.
The days are getting shorter as the seasons are in flux.
Soon we will be cocooning indoors by the warmth of the fire with mugs of hot tea to chase the chill away.
Speaking of chill chasers...
sweater and vest weather is coming...
Last year's investment piece, a Barbour vest,
I wore it often.
Hermes scarf in shades of white and grey...
a great accent piece to add to my basic casual tee and jeans.
These reliable and machine washable Merino tee sweaters will be back on the beat.
They were purchased at Costco last year and look as new and fresh as the day I brought them home.
Shoes will replace sandals...
The quilted Burberry will carry me through the Fall in style.
This Breton striped top layered with the Barbour vest and worn with a Hermes scarf and jeans is an easy look to put together for a day of errands.
It is comfortable to wear to the grocery store.
I'll be wearing boots a lot...
My cashmere cardigans get worn most fall and winter days during the week...
they are my "go to basics" for they offer warmth without the weight and bulk of most wools.
I have a few dressier items in the closet for dinners out and parties.
Peter Nygaard skirt.
A basic black dress can take me almost anywhere.
A vintage beaded cardigan is incredibly versatile and it's a fun and whimsical piece to add some interest to a basic black and grey wardrobe.
A little black skirt can take you most places...
A sweater like this can do double duty as a jacket.
A pair of basic dressy shoes like these will go with everything.
Jeans
I love my jeans and I practically live in them now that I lead a casual lifestyle...
retirement dressing is so much simpler than when one is working.
It doesn't mean sloppy dressing for me...even my walking gear is pretty.
You'd be surprised how few clothes I have left hanging in my closet.
Since I started blogging I have become so much more aware of my tastes
what clothes suit my shape and what I feel good wearing.
Not all my clothes are purchased new.
Some are investment pieces and others are bargains...
this jacket is a wonderful example of a thrift shop find.
This soft cashmere Burberry scarf was a gift from my sweet husband.
It kept me warm and cozy last year and I can hardly wait to wear it again when the temperature dips.
A nod to colour...a bright walking jacket.
Cheerful for our rainy days to come.
A Chanel inspired jacket can elevate a pair of jeans and take me out to lunch.
I like to use accessories to make the most of my basic minimal wardrobe.
They change the mood and feeling and add interest.
They needn't be expensive and can be readily found in stores.
Don't overlook gallery and museum gift shops, ethnic import shops and thrift shops.
Have fun hunting for the pieces that you like and you don't have to settle for the mass produced plastics...
look for the unique, vintage, designer pieces or if you are creative make your own!
Tune into your inner voice and wear something that expresses a little bit of your personality.
I dare you to push the envelope with accessories.
Fashion should be fun.
My take on dressing is to keep my wardrobe small and manageable.
The basic palette is black, white and grey.
I like to have something hanging in my closet for any occasion so there is no panic shopping required.
I take stock each season of the garments and their condition before storing them.
If they need repair or if they need to be replaced.
At the start of a new season I look at what I already own before embarking on a shopping spree.
I make and use a list so that I do not fall prey to impulse buying...
Too many dollars have been wasted when I shopped as a hobby.
I record all my purchases in a book since retiring and it gives me an idea of how much I spend on clothes.
I am enjoying dressing on a budget and find that I am much more selective and creative with less.
Are you happy with your wardrobe?
Do you have a few choice garments or a closet crammed full of clothes?
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
~ Coco Chanel ~
