OOTD ~ Fashion Police "look away" and some thoughts on hair...

 

It's Sunday again...

I am trying to continue with my weekly posts and it seems like Sunday is THE day.

You might be surprised if you saw me today :-))

Honestly...

The Fashion Police would definitely be citing me with an infraction.

most certainly it would be an enormous fine.

After showering I put on my body lotion, washed and moisturized my face...

added some mascara and tinted lip balm.

I am not going out.

OOTD

A pair of indigo sweatpants

black camisole

 dove grey hand knit Miriam wool sweater

 slippers

&

Akoya pearls

This morning I am baking bread, doing laundry and tonight I am making a roast beef.

There will be some reading and knitting...

I am giving myself permission to stay home and cocoon.

In other news...

I found a cute top at the Win Thrift Shop

I used to see a lot of garments made by Joseph Ribkoff.

I think this will come in handy for the summertime.

I can pair it with pants and that blue linen skirt that I purchased last year.

The neckline is perfect for the pearls :-))

The sun was shining a few days ago...

today there are moody clouds blanketing the sky.

Must be craving summer with my shopping habits...

purchased a new straw tote.

a great size for our Pender trips.

It can be loaded up with my laptop, books, and a few other bits.

It will come in handy at The Farmer's Market as well.

Hubby and I went to the Tapas on Oak for dinner.

Our son and the grands gave us a gift card so we wanted to try it out.

The food was good and the tapas portions were perfect for two.

It was busy and the wait staff were super friendly and efficient.

I wore a casual outfit...

tweed Hudson pants

this black crinkle top and my Chelsea boots.

I have no idea who made this top?

it has been in  my wardrobe for ages, it must have been a thrift shop find.

I took it travelling to France and Italy as when washed it dries overnight.

Great for layering !

I post on Instagram daily and several readers mentioned my hair style...

"straight and flat ironed"

the texture of the salt and pepper grey has changed and my hair is much thinner.

This would appear to be an aging issue...

many women complain of thinning hair 

my 69th birthday is a few weeks away
so I guess it is my turn...

but no complaints :-))

Do you colour your grey hair or have you gone au natural?

Was it a gradual process going grey or did you just stop dying it?

Has the texture changed like mine?

Have you changed your hairstyle?

I know many women keep their signature style over decades...

rather like a signature fragrance, many never ever stray.

I am not unhappy with my hair,  but I regularly change things up.

Covid happened and I grew my hair long.

Two years later I had it cropped in a short layered bob.

Now it appears that I am growing out the layers and wearing it straight.

I haven't been to my hairdresser for a few months.

Shall we chat about our hair?

Leave a comment to chime in...

Well I guess I better get on with my day...

lunch will not make itself

plus I want some tea...

then there is bread to bake and laundry to fold!

Hope that you are all well...there seems to be a lot of illness about.

Be Well and Be Kind 

Hostess Gift ~ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in The Humble Bungalow

 

Festive Season is upon us and I am keeping things very simple.

Am wearing some sparkly vintage pins.

(Sherman pin ~ close up)

 Sherman brooches are a favourite of mine.

The newest one seen here is from our darling daughter. 

I popped it on a black boiled wool Eileen Fisher tunic sweater.

Some women avoid black but I gravitate to it for several reasons...

it is easy to wear,

it can be casual, or dressy.

It transitions well to evening...

My basic minimalist wardrobe relies heavily on black basics.

Accessories are the stars in a basic black ensemble.

I prefer pieces with a history...

Vintage jewellery is found in thrift shops, antique malls and online.

The thrill of the hunt excites me.

I found a new Finnish modernist votive holder at the thrift shop...

now I have a pair!

The silver baubles are from my childhood home.

Mom used to put them in a tall vase, I popped them in this silver trophy.

We don't have a lot of decorations...

a simple tree with white fairy lights

I found a pair of Josef Seibel boots 

to replace my tired "almost 8 year old" Chelsea Boots.

I will wear these with tights and skirts as well as my jeans.

A classic vintage handmade wreath made by a friend of my MIL.

Made with baubles, pine cones, rhinestone brooches.

I consider us custodians of this wreath...

it is a family "heirloom!"

Mixed Nuts are one of my go to Hostess Gifts.

Here's the recipe...

Mixed Nuts 

2 egg whites (at room temperature)

4 cups mixed unsalted nuts:

cashews, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cayenne pepper or hot paprika

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Place egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until frothy.

Stir in nuts ~ mix to coat.

Combine in a small bowl: sugar, and spices

Pour over nut mixture.

Mix well.

Place on a parchment lined sheet pan spread out so they are in a single layer.

Bake 20-25 minutes 

stir halfway during the cooking time.

Cool then store in sealed jars.

Wrap in tissue paper add ribbon and a tag.

Ready for gift giving

BTW

They are delicious!!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It's a busy time of year, so remember to take some time to stop and breathe, 

sip a cuppa and rest.

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ It is possible to "Dress Up" Yoga Pants

 

~ OOTD ~

I am wearing Yoga pants today...

they are comfy and they stretch when I move.

~ Jobs Today ~

Grocery Shopping

Laundry

Tidying up The Humble Bungalow 

Hair Appointment

Cleaning Out cupboards

The day ahead also has a few opportunities to put myself "out there"...

I don't want to look uber casual yet I don't feel like changing my clothes to go out.

Popped on my big pearl necklace

will add my black leather loafers...

put on bright red lippy.

Grab my Black Coach Bag and head out to the shops.

Do you wear Yoga pants?

Are you opposed to wearing them in fear of being cited by the Fashion Police?

How do you style them so they look a wee bit more polished?

Claire Austin pure white blooms

a stunning David Austin Rose.

Love the purity of white...

fluffy towels

pearls

white tops

flowers

dishes

enamelware

seaglass

bunnies

cats

stationary

linens

pottery

What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

OOTD ~ New sweater

New Lands' End cashmere cardigan

I own 6 sweaters; 3 of which are cashmere.

 This is my 4th and what I love about cashmere 

is the warmth without the bulk!

I chose this grey shade with black flecks.

I have a lot of black and a few pieces of grey in my minimal basic wardrobe.

I can see this as an all season sweater...

imagine this paired with white jeans in the summer time.

I put on jeans, a white linen Tee 

my pearls and some Chanel Lipstick with this new cardigan.

A super casual and comfy OOTD...

this is my basic Covid uniform for at home and my walks.

My hair is held back with a grey velvet scrunchie in a simple ponytail.

I am planning to get my hair trimmed an inch or so with longer layers next week.

I have been avoiding the salon but can do so no longer...

it has been months since I had a trim.

I know they have safety protocols in place and we will all be wearing masks.

We ordered in dinner last night from a local Thai restaurant 

I must admit it was a real treat not to cook.

The sun is shining here today and the temperatures are cold. 

There was ice on the roofs and cars when we woke up.

Snow is in the forecast 

 I doubt we will get much here.

My current book by Alice Hoffman 

The Probable Future.

A wonderful story of several generations of women...

Alice weaves a tapestry of magic and witchcraft into her stories.

This one has captured my attention and I am transported to another "world."

Escaping the tedium during the pandemic

through well crafted books

 is a gift that clever writers give to their devoted readers.

Talking about escape...

We are watching Bridgerton on Netflix...

The first episode did not excite me that much but after viewing the second and third I was hooked!

What are you reading?

Are you watching anything on Netflix that you can recommend?

Have you had your vaccination?

Stay safe and wear your mask.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Enjoy your weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

Fashion with a Vintage Vibe ~ French themed books

When I visited Paris in 2015 I met a savvy young stylist named Alois Guinut.

She led a workshop on French fashion and style 

for women on The Ooh La La Tour.

The tour was arranged and led by author Jamie Cat Callan.

You may have read some of her books...

( if you haven't already read her books you may want to!)

French Women Don't Sleep Alone: Pleasurable Secrets to Finding Love 

Bonjour Happiness: Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre

Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day

Parisian Charm School: French Secrets for Cultivating Love, Joy and That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

I took notes at the workshop as I was so inspired by this young woman.

When I returned home I decided to add some French flair to my daily outfits.

Not too long after I returned I learned that Alois had written a new book

"Dress Like a Parisian."

 I knew that I had to buy it and read more about this fascinating style.

I have just finished reading 

"Why French Women Wear Vintage and other secrets of sustainable style."

There are lots of great ideas here and as I am a passionate second hand, consignment, and thrift shopper so this fits right into my values of recycling and my current relaxed lifestyle.

My wardrobe is streamlined and minimalist with a colour palette based on black, white and greys that makes it easy to mix and match items.

I have denim jeans and chambray shirts too.

I add a pop of colour with accessories.

Alois shares some fun ways to add fun and flair to the classic basics.

I plan to look for more "unique accessories" when I venture out in the second hand consignment and charity shops

as well as

perusing

 ETSY and EBAY 

for more vintage finds.

Now I want to re-read her first book!

Hope that you are keeping well.

Are you cooking, baking, knitting, crafting or reading to stay safe during Covid?

 'French Exit ' a new fragrant candle from the company Cancelled Plans.

Scented candles add ambiance to our Humble Bungalow.

When the Fall and Winter weather gets gloomy I can't think of anything easier

 than lighting a candle to add a warm glow and a beautiful fragrance.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are staying safe, wearing your mask and washing your hands!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

Fab Vintage Clothing Find...Fashion over 60

I love shopping for vintage items...and many times I come home empty handed but on a good day I will find at least one treasure.

Yesterday I stopped in at a local church Thrift Store...
called The Friendly Octopus.

Who came up with that name?

I started in the housewares area and didn't see anything that was exciting so I headed over the the clothing section. It was busy! Lots of people were perusing the racks and I had to exercise patience as I moved carefully and methodically through the crowded room.

 Jacket by Daniel Hechter

(those spots you see are on the mirror not the jacket)

Zips at the sleeve

there are some wear marks and a few scuffs on the jacket

but I think they give it a bit of an edgy vibe.

I am not sure if it is leather or possibly pleather 

(no tags)

 it's super soft and not too heavy.

I'm planning on wearing it with my new jeans and a vintage Beatles tee shirt

with my chelsea boots.

65 

but not too old to have fun with fashion.

Do you shop for vintage clothes and collectibles?

What was your best find?

To leave a comment:

(and I do like reading your thoughts)

Please use a google search engine like Chrome

 Safari no longer works.

Hope your week is ticking along nicely.

It's been a sunny week so far...

 I purchased some beautiful tulips for our main floor bathroom.

Spring is definitely on the way!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD basic black for evening.

Recent purchase a Lace top by Dex

(on sale and heavily discounted!)

Black Eileen Fisher pants

Lace top by Dex

Sweater a vintage Susan Bristol that I have had for several decades!

Vintage Ferragamo shoes

Socks by French Company Berthe

(mismatched hose which are rather fun to wear!)

Putting my best foot forward...

I love the detail at the bottom of the top.

We put up the tree and I unpacked some festive accent pieces.

We like to keep our decorations simple as the cats think they are play toys!

Chester still climbs the tree :-((

Finally had my hair trimmed...

its been ages growing the short style out.

Planning to grow it a wee bit longer still and with any luck it should be where I want it to be by next Spring.

The stylist used a flat iron to smooth out the waves.

We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at my husband's staff party last evening.

Julie, my friend and recent travel companion, made a 7 course dinner for us all.

It was amazing and there were wine pairings with each course!!!

Hope you are enjoying the festive season so far...

Have you been shopping your closet or buying new clothes?

What are your favourite things to wear for the holidays?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~