Showing posts with label wardrobe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wardrobe. Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Wardrobe Basics ~ A symphony in Black and White, a recipe and our Star Magnolia

 


Our Star Magnolia
is
blooming out front of The Humble Bungalow.

I love the elegant waxy white flowers.
They emerge from fuzzy cocoons...
if you look closely you can see one as it is about to pop.


The tree was planted many years ago and has grown quite slowly.
It is in the middle of a bed and makes a bold statement.


My linen skirt has an asymmetrical detail that makes it more interesting...
I like a flounce and it sways as I walk.

I can dress it up or wear it simply 
with a casual white top and my distressed denim jacket.
I actually wear it with my white "trainers" or tennis shoes and lacy white socks.

The length is longer on me so I don't feel I NEED to wear capri tights.
My legs are not at their best...they have scars and marks which I try to hide.
One cannot live to 69 and still have pristine unblemished skin.


This white blouse is a favourite of mine.
I love the texture and the fabric is pure white.
The shape is forgiving especially for my mid section 
which is where I now carry most of my weight.


Nice detail on the cuffs.


I wear this with black Eileen Fisher pants, and often with casual denim jeans.



The Big Baroque Pearls add an interesting touch.
I feel so much more "dressed up" with pearls.

Black and white wardrobe basics are so easy...
I can get dressed for almost any occasion and have a lot of mix and match options.

Recently I found a lovely Saint James black sweater which has a good structure.
I purchased it second hand for a fraction of the original price.
It is almost like a sweater jacket...
Saint James make lovely clothing...I visited one of their stores in Aix en Provence.


I have my sourdough boule baking in the oven as I write this blogpost.
The kitchen smells wonderful...

I just finished making Hamburger Soup.
It is a recipe that I have been making for many decades...
I used to make a big batch and freeze it in containers for my lunches when I worked in the schools.


We had a bowl for our lunch today with a couple of small pieces of sourdough toast.

I try to make soups once a week...
the soups is quick to heat up and works well on my aqua fit days.
I arrive home hungry and my husband has soup and toast ready when I get home.

Do you like to make soup?

Have you tried making sourdough bread?
I got my starter from a good friend and I have given batches of it to many people...
she has shared hers with many others as well!

We both use the recipes on Alexandra Bakes.

I have recently discovered Farmhouse on Boone and am enjoying Lisa Bass's site.
She lives on a large farm and has 8 children!


I wear a vintage rhinestone brooch on my wool beret and other hats.

Wearing vintage pins are a bit of a habit of mine. 
I don't seem to find many but I always look!!

Do you enjoy thrifting?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
I appreciate your comments and invite you to share your thoughts.

Take care and until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Dinners In and out ~ OOTD...


I bought this simple black Eileen Fisher dress a few years ago...
it has become a real workhorse in my wardrobe.

I have worn it with a white long sleeved top underneath
tights and black Chelsea Boots.

Last night I wore it as it is and added a soft wool Petrusse scarf as a shawl.



This is a surprisingly warm scarf despite it being rather sheer.

I received this in one of the My French Country Boxes from France.
It has had a few years of use and still looks new.


I thought about wearing my Ferragamo shoes 
but in the end I decided I should test drive the new Coach loafers.

I wore sheer black hose for the first time in ages...
fortunately I have a few new packages in my drawer.

I added the vintage rhinestone bracelet and wore my simple princess cut diamond necklace and studs.

It felt strange not wearing my pearls 
I thought that I should keep it simple when adding the BLING.


We had a delicious dinner at Zambri's our favourite Italian restaurant.


I forgot to capture our appetizers, main course but here is dessert!
Passionfruit Panna Cotta
so delicious!

We had a lovely evening out and it was such a treat.

On Friday evening we hosted a small dinner party here in The Humble Bungalow.


The table is set and ready for the guests.


Appetizers ~ cheese plate with Olives, pickles, antipasto and candied salmon with assorted crackers in the living room in front of the fireplace.

The main course ~ Beef Daube, mashed potatoes and green beans.
Dessert ~ large brownies topped with fresh raspberries.

I wanted to host a casual dinner before everyone got busy with the seasonal events.

Have you noticed that people are out in droves buying Christmas presents?
I too am trying to get my shopping done early.
I need time to bake some cookies and the annual Christmas Tourtieres.


Hope that you are all staying healthy...
I have heard that the viruses are making the rounds.
One of my friends has been hospitalized and she's been in for a week and only now starting to feel better.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, October 29, 2023

A quick post ~ Sunday

 

~ Shopping ~

My Play day involved a purchase...


Marshall's dressing rooms are quite small...
there are many of them so one never really needs to wait to get inside.

I had a good look around the store and found 
only 2 items that I was interested enough to try on.


~ Casual OOTD ~

I am wearing my Lands End denim shirt and some black Yoga pants.
The barn coat is Ralph Lauren and was recently found here at Marshall's.


Warm Hoodie to wear to and from my aqua fit classes at the pool.
I feel cold after I have been exercising for the hour in the water.
I have a shower and slather on body lotion then get dressed.


It is a herringbone pattern in my favourite color combo!
So soft, very cozy feels so warm.


Rachel Zoe


Pocket detail


Nice hood and there are snap details on the cuffs as well.

I've got the family coming for dinner tonight so I am going to be busy in the kitchen getting ready...hence the short post.

On the menu...

"Stringy Beef" Roast
Scalloped potatoes
Carrots
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
Peas

Blueberry Pie and ice cream for dessert


Must get cooking!
Bye for now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Trip to the Mall...an unexpected find

 


The casual outfit I wore to "quickly" run an errand at the mall
would possibly have shocked the Fashion Police!

I went to buy some Nespresso coffee pods.
No, I didn't see George Clooney, (darn) but his picture was hanging in the store.

OOTD
I was wearing:
Eddie Bauer leggings
Lord and Taylor white tunic top 
my thrifted Banana Republic Trench Coat.
(no pearls)

As I was leaving
I passed by the Reitmans store and out of the corner of my eye I spied 
SALE 40% OFF


The store was BUSY!
Obviously others were lured in by that SALE sign.

Took a quick look around and saw this black tweed dress.

I grabbed two sizes and headed to the change room
Tried them on...
I like to try things on to see how they fit, especially "knit" fabric garments.
(probably why I am not a regular online shopper.)

I didn't even take off the leggings!

I wasn't even looking for a new dress but that 40% off persuaded me.

It will be cozy for fall and winter and go with my black tights and Chelsea Boots.


I could belt this dress for a bit more waist definition.
I also have an Eileen Fisher black vest which could work with it too.


I looked at the "rear" view mirror to see how it fit on the derriere.
The larger size was better as it skimmed the curves.


The artisan necklace works well paired with this dress.
This might just be my favourite dress for Fall.


Funny how the unexpected can pop up on my radar...

Suppose the message here is
Always keep your eyes open for opportunities.
You never know unless you try.

I've been to 3 aqua fit classes this week.
My suit has been washed and dried overnight in time for the next class.

As I was leaving the pool this week I saw two adorable teenage girls...
They were dressed in a style that I would call Goth.
Black mesh stockings (ripped) black short skirts, short tops layered over tank tops.
Pink streaks in their dark dyed black hair.
Funky jewelry, big earrings, pendants, bangles.

They were laughing as they ran down the stairs...
such vibrant style and oodles of energy.
(Oh to be Young again!)
I thought to myself that they were having fun with fashion.
They were dressed very similarly so I assumed they might be best friends.
Not exactly fashion twins but they shared the same clothing vibe.

Having fun with fashion is why we take the time to choose clothes that we love.
Wearing items that make us feel good as well as dressing for the season.

We need clothes, so why not wear what makes us feel good?

My blue Tencel tunic top is looking rather sad, 
our cat Chester has pulled quite a few threads in the fabric...
I look at these imperfections and I cringe.
So I am going to drop it in the donation bin.
It doesn't make me feel good.
So why wear it?

Have you visited the shops to see what is on offer?
Are you a minimalist or do you have a closet that doubles as a dressing room?

Have you gone to the thrift shops or the local consignment stores?
So many clothes are available and you can feel good about buying them 
"saving the planet" by buying used pre-worn garments.

There are real bargains to be had in the consignment shops.
We have quite a few great ones here in Victoria and there are fabulous finds just waiting...
Designer garments are often hidden between the many pieces of pedestrian wear.

I look in the mens wear section too...
for crisp striped shirts and cashmere V neck sweaters.

In our local Value Village there are loads and loads of handbags...
many are worn out "pleather" bags but there are real leather gems too.

I've seen stylish shoes too...

A friend found a strand of real cultured pearls for $3.99
I don't know how they passed by the staff pricing the stock
but one never knows what treasures await...

Have you had fun finding any treasures in the thrift shops?
What is your best bargain?
I'd love to hear from you.


The bounty of our tomato harvest continues...
Tomatoes are still being roasted to add to soups and pasta sauces.
(recipe is on the previous post)

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Saturday, September 23, 2023

OOTD + Fall Harvest from The Humble Bungalow Garden

 

It's the first day of Fall Today 
So I am getting ready for cooler weather...

Ready to
Welcome Back
My
Black and White Fall and Winter Basics


I have tried wearing bold bright colours in the cooler months
 but I keep going back to black.


Here I am dressed in a super casual OOTD for lunch with my sister and cousins.

I wore things that I have had in my closet for years
Black Yoga pants
Old Navy White Shirt
Eileen Fisher black quilted vest
with
(new this summer)
Tommy Hilfiger Shoes

Black and white is so easy to accessorize...
jewelry, colourful scarves, sweaters.

Think the accessories give this casual OOTD a bit of a lift. 

BIG pearls from Hong Kong and Bold Red Miss Pupa Lipgloss #305

I added my Black Eileen Fisher vest as we were sitting outdoors for our lunch.

We had a yummy lunch at pure Vanilla in Oak Bay.
Food choices are always fresh and there are many healthy options.

There was SO MUCH catching up and chattering 
that it was really HARD to get a word in edgewise!
I hate talking over people so I was rather quiet
I prefer to listen anyways...

My simple style is not fancy, it could not be easier or more basic.
It is honest and works for me.

I own and am attracted to blue denim, chambray and Tencel shirts, dresses and jeans.
Denim played a major role in my teenage wardrobe.
Did it factor into your younger wardrobe too?

If you had told me at 13 that I would still be wearing jeans at 68 
I probably would have laughed, but it is true.
Do you still wear jeans and denim?

I have 3 pairs of jeans, a denim jumper, shirts, a top and a distressed denim jacket.

Keeping a small and simple basic wardrobe makes getting dressed easy.
Too many choices make me dizzy and indecisive.

There are also several LBD's in my closet...
a black and grey tweed skirt 
some black and white tops
sweaters
black dress pants.

Retirement dressing is very casual...
I wear things for comfort and those that are purpose driven.

When I go to the pool for aquafit classes I wear these same Yoga pants.
A cozy warm top and a jacket or sweater depending on the weather.


Marshalls change room!
I seem to gravitate to this store...
SO MANY CHOICES.
Such good value, I like that, as I am on a pension.

I keep track of ALL my wardrobe purchases...new and thrifted.

This quilted barn coat is something that I have wanted for several years.
When I spied it hanging on the rack I grabbed it!
Ralph Lauren is known for their detail on their garments.


I like the snaps and the ability to open the hem.
Might come in handy if I plan to leap any tall buildings :-))


The collar is done in a classic corduroy...
the coat is roomy which I wanted especially for layering in the cold weather.

In case you are wondering...
underneath the coat I am wearing a soft faded light blue Tencel dress and capri tights.

I have just swapped out my summer clothes and put them in the guest room closet.
It is raining here today and boy do we ever need the rain!
This past summer has been riddled with drought conditions and forest fires.

Welcome Fall Weather!


Humble Bungalow Front Porch Fall Decor
dried hydrangeas and mini pumpkins.


The swimsuit that I wear to aqua fit class is starting to stretch out and the seams are looking dodgy.
I have ordered this one from Lands" End and hope that it will fit.

The newer one by Alfred Sung that I purchased early in the season 
is a wrap style with a lower neckline 
so not really suitable for the "bouncing" cardio portion of the class!

It is harvest time here...


Liberty Apples 
first harvest shared with the grandchildren.
Sweet, tasty and small enough for school lunches.


Chehalis green apples
I prefer to cook with these.
(I have an apple pie baking in the oven right now!)


I roasted some of these heirloom Italian Mikado tomatoes for sauces in the Winter.

Roasted Tomatoes

Line a baking tray with parchment paper
Cut Tomatoes into smaller chunks
add pepper and garlic
drizzle with olive oil
bake at 375 for about 40 minutes
Cool

Spoon into Ziploc bags or plastic containers for the freezer.


Hermes scarf and Saint James striped top
worn here under a casual zip jacket.

What clothes are on your radar for Fall? 
(Or Spring depending where you live)

Do you plan to purchase anything new?


I am in the process of cutting and drying some of the hydrangea blooms.
I've been soaking the flower heads in a bucket of cold water for several hours before tying them into bunches for drying.

I hope this works as I tried a bunch without the soaking 
and they shrivelled right up
(see the porch picture)
far too crispy.

Hope you are keeping well and staying safe.
Covid is making a comeback here.

Think I will start wearing my mask again when I go to the grocery store.

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

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, May 12, 2023

Current Topics ~ What is on my radar and mindful walking.



Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.
The Muguet des Bois are blooming...
SO FRAGRANT!!!!

I invited a couple of friends over to dig up some lily of the valley plants.
We have so many :-))
Gardeners like to share their plants with other like minded enthusiasts.


The Auriculas are blooming and they are so charming...
I have several plants and could repot some of them as they have multiplied over these past couple of years.

I see many new varieties in the UK which are so tempting...
not that many are here in the garden centres 
unless they are already in private gardens!

Haven't actually seen many of these auriculars locally at all this year.

I am not moaning here on the blog about my health but I am being proactive...
I've been online researching arthritis...
there is a lot of information to sift through.
Basically I know now that I need to keep moving...
take pain medication and get some physiotherapy.

I've got my appointment lined up and will see the specialist in June.
My walks are around 3 km and am getting 5,000-6,000 steps in during the day.
That number may not be totally accurate because the step total is from my IPhone
I don't have it on me the entire day.
I suppose I could buy a watch that counts the steps...
but does it really matter?

Two 3km walks might be the way to walk now...
a rest in between seems sensible and will help with the pain.
I'm taking Advil and it helps.

In other news I have switched up my skincare routine a wee bit...
I don't tend to spend a LOT on products.

Skin care basics need not break the budget.


Andalou make a sensitive line which works well for my everyday skin regime.
These lotions and potions are very affordable and free of nasty ingredients.


I love using the CC cream as it goes on easily and has SPF
it evens out skin tone and adds a dewy healthy glow.

The Great Lash is an iconic mascara and is often on sale...
The Burts Bees glow stick is a creamy blusher that I use on my cheeks and lips.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my daytime make-up.


I tried an organic glow stick
 which developed a rough grainy texture
which I did not like at ALL :-((
(I returned it)

Burt's Bees All Aglow is lovely...
it is creamy and very easy to apply.
The shade gives me a soft natural looking blush.


~ Simple make up ~

My favourite red lippy from Miss Pupa of Milan.

Fresh haircut...
(in a bob style)

My thinning hair needed a makeover so my hairdresser gave it a blunt cut.
I can wear it wavy or flat iron it...I like the versatility of the style.
It will be easy to maintain.


Saw this gorgeous iris at Government House on one of my walks this week.

I love to wander about in the local gardens here...
so many great flowers and plantings that inspire.

The weather forecast is for hotter temperatures...
unseasonably hot, or so we are told.
I have swapped out my winter clothes for the spring and summer cottons and linens.

I found a few things that were no longer useful.
Dropped a bag off to the local charity shop, 
had a good browse and came home empty handed.

I replaced a white linen top that I donated with a fresh new one from Marshalls.
It is a simple basic...


Under $30...
will wear it a LOT.
I DO love a bargain.

Well I must close for now and get some stuff done here...
hope that you are enjoying your weekend so far.


Happy Mother's Day!
I will think of my dear MOM...she was one of a kind.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~