Saturday, November 10, 2012

~ Online shopping ~

Do you regularly shop online?
Amazon, Net a Porter, J Crew, Land's End, Ebay?

When our children were young I'd order clothing for them from the UK store Mothercare and the denim overall powerhouse Osh Gosh B' Gosh in Wisconsin, mind you it was done slowly via "snail mail."

In the late 70's and early 80's we did not have personal computers...
we had land lines with long cords and digital photography was just on it's way.

Now we have IPhones, IPads and MAC laptops.

I have dipped my toes in the waters of online shopping...
(ever so slightly and with a safety net of convenient return policies offered by Lands End.)

Many bloggers shop online and I feel their influence has nudged me into this territory.
Being mindful of consuming and a green footprint I have culled my clothing and purchase far less than I used to buy.
Frankly it's much easier this way....
fewer mistakes, easier to see what is in the closet and getting dressed is a breeze.
Accessories are the reason I can be content with less...
adding a splash of colour, a bangle, brooch or shoes can change the way a simple outfit or garment looks.

A new coat and a dress were ordered...
you might recall that dress I so loved that Chester "attacked and shredded" while it was hanging in the closet.
I had to relocate all my longer garments to the higher rod and only leave the rugged denims and sturdy things in harms way.

The new coat is a down one for our winter chill.
It is a slimmer line and has a cold rating 600 power which is lighter and warmer.
The older I get the more I want to be warm and cozy...


Lands End
Long Parka

it does look puffy
I bought it in a large size.


Zipper closure as well as snaps
and a peek at the lining
it's purple


built in hand warmers!
they were a surprise
use them or not it's up to you


interior zippered pocket 
perfect for keys and a cellphone

Now for the dress...
it's not black like the former one
it's charcoal grey.


It has very little hanger appeal
(it does look like a sack)
but trust me it's a keeper.
Ponte knit in a weight that skims and doesn't cling.
( Spanx are not necessary!)

I am not nor never will be a fashionista
( you are not surprised are you?)
and I do not follow the latest trends
I wear garments that fit and flatter my curvy frame.
Garments MUST be workhorses that can be accessorized and worn in a variety of ways 

This simple basic dress ticks all the boxes.

add a scarf
 a vest or a sweater
pearls
(or not)
a brooch perhaps
wear it with boots
flats or heels

There is a "self belt" included which I will probably never use.
I own some interesting belts which I feel will personalize it.


side seam pockets
which are virtually invisible
and do not any bulk


The dress has a shaped waist and top stitching on the V neck.

I've been thinking of all the things in my closet that I can wear this with 
now feeling very positive about the colour choice
where I normally choose black I think this departure is a prudent one.

~ ~ ~

I'd like to steer you all over to The Beauty Boomer today where Poppy is showing off her latest Worth dress
and she's working hard at the gym with her trainer
whittling and honing her shape.
She's an inspiration.

I hope you'll agree that we need to dress and accessorize well regardless of our size.

~ ~ ~

It's a sunny day here today and the leaves are looking spectacular.
There's a mug of hot tea on the table and Chester and Pepper are snoozing on the bed in the sun.

I implore you to adopt an 
"Attitude of gratitude"
Enjoy your weekend

~Be Well~ 

Hostess


Thursday, November 8, 2012

Vancouver weekend highlights part 2.

Vancouver is a great place to walk.
There are so many scenic spots in which one can exercise...

Kits Beach in Kitsilano is one such place.
On the Sunday we were meeting friends for brunch and were early enough to enjoy a refreshing walk in the rain.


Autumnal shades 
a carpet of leaves


wet puddly paths littered with fallen leaves


variations of colour 


Nature is a talented artist 
painting scenes with a dapple hand.


a different artist had a hand in creating these fish


when we lived in Vancouver in the mid 70's 
there were only a smattering of houses at Kits Beach
now there are million dollar properties dotting the seafront


We enjoyed a healthy and delicious brunch at The Boathouse.
With the rain and fog outdoors
 we were snug and cozy inside
and able to view the beach and boats beyond.
~ ~ ~
 this restaurant has walls that open and a vast deck for outdoor seating.
We plan to go back in the summer and sit in the sun.


For the time being we are preparing for winter
the mushrooms have sprouted
the rain has set in
and I have been shopping online for some weather friendly clothing.

I'm only buying what I actually need to replace.
What about you?
Are you prepared for winter's arrival?

Take care,
Hostess
XO

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Vancouver weekend highlights part 1.

It was a wild and wet weekend that we found when we took the ferry over to Vancouver.
We had arranged to meet friends for dinner one night and do brunch with some other friends on the Sunday.
In between we were on a mission to buy a few things that are not available locally
I had written a list so I would not forget anything.
Lists are necessary these days as I seem to suffer from sporadic memory recall.
(especially when I go grocery shopping!)


Here's how our hotel looked upon arrival.
Robson Street was under a deluge of rain and puddles were deep and unforgiving.
(I did not bring boots)


New oven mitts from Williams Sonoma
Diptyque candle from Holt Renfrew
~ ~ ~
 Hostess signature style in black and white.


Nine West red ballet flats!
My heart beat a bit faster and I was all aflutter when I spied these shoes.
They have been on my wish list for over 2 years!
(I'll wear them with red lipstick)
if you see me wearing these you can be assured there will be joy in my heart and I'll be stepping lightly.


Leather flats
(a tad under $100)
I surveyed the red flats at Holt Renfrew and they were lovely...
Prada, Lanvin, Ferragamo's 
 I cannot justify spending $500 on one pair of shoes.

Our scents were getting low so we stocked up on those too.


Hermes


Mr. HB's Terre d'Hermes
Chester is checking out the goods.


Hostess's choice
 Voyage d"Hermes
I've worn this one for several years now.
Crisp clean with top notes of citrus.

Chester employing his "nose" 
he sniffs anything new that comes into The Humble Bungalow.

He was a naughty boy last night.
He knocked over a can of pop that was on the counter top
it exploded and completely saturated the rug
covered the floor
the fridge, stove and dishwasher with a sticky icky mess.
I nearly lost it...
(I sort of did) 
as it was after 8 and the kitchen had been cleaned 
we were weary after working all day
and were ready for a relaxing hour or so of PVR'd programming.

It took many cloths and lots of water and cleansers to clean this up.
Chester was banished to the hobby room while I grumbled and fumed
 rolled up my sleeves and got down on my knees
and worked up a sweat tackling this job.

 Mr. HB saw a side of me that I am not proud of...
sorry honey.

As soon as we let Chester back upstairs
he cuddled up beside me on the couch and gave me lots of kitten cuddles.
Soothing ~ calm.

Oh I almost forgot 
we also went to IKEA and found some new slip covered love seats,
 Xmas wrap, candles, and some kitchen gadgets.

I'll post a picture of the new love seats when they are delivered and in place.


In the meantime I've got to get organized in the kitchen and both cats are on the prowl for their dinner.

Stay tuned for more weekend highlights
until next time...
Be well

~ ~ ~ 
Hostess

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Steiff horse down, a cat chat and studs.

Grand daughter Isla might be surprised to hear that Chester has been into her toy basket.
He's been digging deep and has found his new favourite toy.

It's the Steiff horse.
I am finding this wee fellow underfoot on the floor all over the Humble Bungalow.


He is cuddly and cute
 and is small enough to be carried by Chester.


Down for the count


I surrender...


My Steiff Teddy
Thankfully too large to become a cat toy!


Pepper on our bed
her favourite spot to snooze.


Chester is Trouble with a capital "T"


But what's not to love?


I have to resist rubbing this soft belly.


OOTD
The Saks Fifth Ave sweater


Black dark denim jeans
Gloria Vanderbilt

these have kept their dark wash despite numerous washings
(I turn them inside out and wash in cold water)


I so love the gnarly bark of this Garry Oak Tree.


Signature style = Diamond studs
always wear mine
if I add a hoop or another dangle I move the studs up...


as seen here a year ago




Relax a bit...

I think the cats have the right idea
naps help to improve their disposition
as do some fun toys 
regular feedings and oodles of TLC.

I still want to rub that furry belly!

I've got a post in the works
we were out of town and have just returned....
stay tuned while I get my case unpacked, 
laundry washed and purchases sorted.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Wooly Ramblings...a bookish post.

I found something orange to wear with my Lanvin scarf for black and orange day.
Very sedate and classic, a bright punch of marmalade ~ mitts
gloves really,
 I've never had fingerless ones before.

Don't you love something new and different?
At 57 going on 58 it's refreshing to know that there are surprises still to be experienced.


soft wool fingerless gloves
I'll still be able to work while I wear them
plus they are not gaudy and I will be able to use them in my daily life this winter
so it is not money wasted buying something for a one time use.


While searching for my orange accent 
I found two pairs of cashmere blend socks.
I love cashmere and these socks are wonderful
soft and cozy
~
warm
I could cocoon all day in these.


I picked up a new novel
this has come with a high recommendation
from the bookseller on the Avenue.

Have you read any of his other novels?

He lives in Cornwall and had his degrees from Oxford.
I am hoping that this novel will be a treat.
If so I'll be getting my mitts on all of his books.

I'm wondering too if Julian Fellowes is going to write a new book
of if he is too busy with Downton Abbey.
If you have never read his book Snobs run don't walk 
book off a weekend and get lost in the world of the aristocratic English lives of the privileged.

What books are you reading now and what would you recommend ?