Thoughts on building a basic wardrobe ~ OOTD ~ another installment on the wardrobe series.

I've read dozens of books on French Chic and French Dressing and as a result I have learned a lot.
Getting dressed for an occasion used to be such a chore for me...I would be stressed to the max.
I always struggled in this area and wondered how other women managed to look so pulled together and I couldn't help but feel inferior by comparison which honestly is not a great feeling at all.

I remember all too well how I would stand in front of the closet on the afternoon of an event or date and after looking through the garments I'd find myself muttering "I have nothing to wear!"
Then I'd race out in the car to the nearest shop in hopes that I'd find "the perfect solution."
Sadly I'd lay down my cash on a whim and a dream for a garment that promised to be the ticket to being suitably attired.
(I wonder now...could the sales clerks feel my desperation?)

After years of blunders (not to mention the hundreds of dollars) I can now identify some of my mistakes...

I bought garments on a whim, many were sale items and odd in more ways than one.
They were Orphans looking for a new home and I was their new mom!

I'd choose cheery patterns with no thought of what I would wear them with.
I purchased far too many things in a wide array of colours, many of which did not work with any other pieces in my wardrobe. (Quelle suprise!)
I never shopped with a list or bought any of the basics that I "needed"
I let myself fall into the big vortex of the power of persuasion...
the trendy, the now, or what the retailer was trying to get rid of by offering it to a witless shopper such as myself.

In the past few years I've completely reformed.
Thanks to blogs and books and an honest re-evaluation of myself.
It was fun, but it was also hard work.
To cut through the emotional part of shopping and get real.
To really look hard and pay attention.
To come to terms with my budget and lifestyle.

The French Chic approach to having fewer items that revolve around a neutral colour really works.

I chose basic black as the colour which I wear....initially I chose it because it helped camouflage the extra 35 pounds that I was carrying and now I choose it because it simplifies getting dressed and it is the most versatile colour that I can own and accessorize.

Accessories are where I dare to add some fun and personalize my look.
Like candy delights there are many options ~
from pearls to chunky beads, bangles and brooches,
thank goodness for scarves! my beloved scarves  ~ Hermes, vintage and new.
Wearing the same thing many times with different accessories makes it look fresh, never stale.

So picture this scene...

you stand in front of your closet and know that you have to be ready and out the door in half an hour.

You got a text saying "Check this restaurant out (a link attached) we'll be by to pick you up in 30 minutes!"

Are you in a state of panic?

I used to be frantic trying things on and when they didn't work I'd be throwing them on the bed or the floor.

Today I look at my basic blacks and decide what to choose.

Will it be a skirt, a dress, leggings and a tunic top, dark denim jeans or dress pants?

These all hang in my closet and they fit and yes they are all black.

There are black tops, a couple of black sweaters, a black and white print top which all can be mixed and matched.

Most of the shoes I own are black.

The new kids on the block are the Amalfi's and they are sooo comfy.

I LOVE the gross grain bows.

My handbags are all black too...

it might be fun to add a bright colour but in the past when I have done this I grow weary of them.

This may sound very boring but it works for me.

I wore this combo on New Years Eve.

The skirt is a thrift shop find and the lace top was purchased at Winners.

Black and white work well for me.

White shirts, white tank tops pearls and black bottoms are made for each other.

I am remembering my teen years when I was a waitress at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel!

We wore black uniforms and white aprons!

I think we were paid $3.75 hour plus tips.

My tips weighed down the pockets of my uniform and when Mr. HB came to pick me up after work we'd head straight to the Oak Bay Avenue A&W where we'd be served by wait staff at the drive in wearing roller skates!

(Burgers, fries and root beer but I digress!)

For dinner out celebrating my BFF's birthday...

 I opted for a black tunic top by Jones of NY

Legging by C'est Moi

Boots by Hush Puppies

Scarf by Echo

pearls an anniversary gift from Mr. HB 

(3 years ago)

I got dressed lickety split.

Having basics in black really help.

I can be ready in no time.

I had extra time to read my book before the car arrived.

I threw on my Chillax coat, grabbed my Roots cross body bag and I was out the door.

I felt good.

Not overdressed or under dressed.

The Chanel lipstick made it's debut.

(Orchidee)

I am loving the new perfume Mitsouko by Guerlain.

The grey hair is really making a statement.

I feel like I have grown into myself these past few years of exploration.

I had to listen to my head and pay heed to my heart.

Growing older is not as intimidating as I thought it might be...

acceptance and knowing and

understanding one's limitations

coupled with realistic expectations are helping me to realize my next chapter.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty."

  ~ Henry Ford ~

I have a book where I write down every single wardrobe purchase.

I keep track of what I need and it really helps me from getting distracted or over spending.

I save money every month with a look to the future...

and ponder the possibility of a Chanel hand bag...and yes it would be BLACK!

Walking and work out wear....part 1 of the wardrobe series.

It seems odd that I now have a section of my wardrobe devoted to garments that inspire me to get up off the couch and get moving. Yoga and walking wear takes up more space than ever before.

Purple Segments fleece jacket

Blue and lime green hoodies from Lands' End

2 pairs of black legging style pants Athletic Works

Grey Lulu Lemon hoodie

walking shoes Lands' End 

My OOTD

the Mondetta jacket is on the large size now but still one of my favourites.

If I see another one in a smaller size I'll snap it up!

Two Joe Fresh stay dri tees...drying in the laundry room.

I'm wearing a sleeveless Champion white top under the Mondetta jacket.

This is my big workout/walking wardrobe

I'll show you other areas of my whittled down wardrobe in a future post.

This week I took 21 pieces of name brand clothing to the consignment shop in Oak Bay.

If they all sell I should get a few hundred dollars to reinvest in some new pieces.

Fingers crossed that someone will like them enough to purchase them.

Recycling with benefits!

Hope that your weekend is full to the brim with JOY.

Hostess

OOTD ~ Shopping Downtown

Mall shopping is not my usual beat but there are some things that one cannot find in the smaller shops so every once in awhile I'll venture into one of our city malls.
I met up with Mr.HB on business recently and found myself a wee bit early so naturally I strolled through the shops...and I did get up to a bit of mischief!

Evan Picone striped black and white top

Lanvin navy white and orange silk scarf

g 21 skinny jeans

Timberland leather booties

Vintage belt

a touch of silver

sterling silver bangles

I read in a magazine that skinny bracelets are now "OUT"

Seriously?

Who makes this stuff up anyway?

I plan to continue to wear mine.

I don't need to be "IN" anyways.

Deeply discounted INC striped dress

will be a great piece for spring and summer and I tried it on with leggings and the look works.

I may look for a vibrant red leather belt to add a punch of colour.

My Hermes black and white scarf will go with this too.

I had a tiny nub left on my Chanel lipstick so I splurged and bought a new one in a brighter shade.

"Orchidee"

A bit more noticeable than the Legende that I have been using for several years.

I read a book on perfumes several months ago and have been sampling a few of the scents that I was interested in over the past couple of months to see which one would suit me.

When looking for a new fragrance you really must wear it for a few days so ask for a sample to try before buying the entire bottle.

 Mitsouko by Guerlain is quite lovely and lives up to it's name, which when translated, means mystery.

It was created in 1919 so it has been around a long time.

I don't know if it would be considered a classic like Chanel No.5 but I cannot bring myself to wear No.5 because Mother wears it.

Everywhere Mother and I go people comment on how alike we are so I really want to have my own scent!

(She is 86 and I am almost 59 so I think it must be my grey hair!)

Have you ever heard of lined leggings? 

I hadn't but these are great for our colder weather and will work well with a couple of my longer tops.

I only have two longer tops left after the wardrobe purge.

One day when I feel motivated I'll count up what I have left and write about my minimalist wardrobe.

I like the zipper detail on the INC tunic/dress.

Look what arrived in the post today!

A card from Naomi of coulda shoulda woulda.

She recently celebrated a year of blogging and gave away some Hermes leather charms.

Thank you Naomi!

I have a wee teapot which is perfect for me because I love tea so very much!

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves

 ~ slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future."

 ~ Thich Nat Hahn ~

Observations ~ are old fashioned traditions and the homemade on their way out?

Did you receive many Christmas cards this year? We did not get as many as we have in the past.
I sent cards to those on our list as I have done for as long as I can remember...I think it was our first year as a married couple way back in 1974.
Do you think sending cards and writing letters is falling out of fashion?
I like getting newsy letters at Christmas...well anytime is nice but people these days are far too busy to sit down and put pen to paper.
These days I look upon letters and cards as a luxury.

I have not penned a long letter in ages but filled our cards with snippets of our highlights over the past year.
Joys of grand babies, family events, the cats and their antics, the new boat, and my retirement to name a few.

Blogging has replaced my tendency to write letters or keep a journal.

It's interesting how many changes have come about with the technology that we have available today.
I know that I am rambling on...
this is a rather disjointed post!

I took this picture before the paper whites bloomed.

Chester did his best to hide the bulbs about the bungalow but I stumbled onto his hiding place and saved them.

(under the guest bed)

(where I might add I also found a pea pod and a string bean!)

One of my dearest friends found out on Christmas morning that she is going to be a grandmother!

I love to have a knitting project on the go so I have started a baby blanket.

It is the Big Blocks pattern from Churchmouse Yarns.

Cotton Bernats Crafters Yarn

the ecru shade should go with any nursery decor.

The pattern has a garter stitch border and alternating blocks of knit and purl squares.

Easy to do if you put markers in between the boxes which alert you to the stitch change.

My friend Claire at the wool shop shared this tip with me after I had to rip out a few rows on the first blanket I made for Isla over 4 years ago now.

Look at the big ball of yarn!

I love using these as they are one continuous strand so there is no need for a join in the project...

unless one of the cats chews though the yarn, which has happened, but thankfully not on this project so far.

I get a lot of satisfaction out of making things myself.

It is not just the process of making it.

 It is also the knowledge that time and effort went into making something useful.

 With any luck it will be appreciated and become a keepsake.

I made split pea and ham soup and while it simmers on the stove I am going to sit and knit.

I think of soup made with leftovers as a "free" meal.

In the spirit of thrift I embrace soup making.

It uses up what might be wasted.

"Waste Not Want Not"

My grandmother made pots and pots of soups and stews in her days.

The butcher knew that they were struggling to make ends meet and he set aside bones for her and when she went in to buy a joint of meat he would wrap up a few of the bones and put them in her bag for free.

My grandmother always had a fresh loaf of bread on the counter to help sop up all the tasty goodness in the bottom of the bowl.

Did I mention that my grandfather always picked up wayward strangers who were down on their luck and brought them home for dinner?

My grandmother never knew how many would be sitting down to eat at her farm sized kitchen table!

Homemade soup is a hearty and inexpensive way to keep people fed and warm.

Hence the many soup kitchens in church basements and local shelters.

Enjoy a bowl of goodness.

A silicone chick perched on the rim of the pot holds the wooden spoon.

Friends gave this to us last year for Christmas.

I use it a lot.

~ Split pea and Ham soup ~

Soak 2 cups of split peas in water for an hour.

Boil a ham bone with cubes of leftover ham in 6 cups of water.

Add several diced onions, a couple of carrots chopped and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Add pepper to taste.

(I don't add salt as there seems to be enough in the ham)

Simmer for an hour.

Add the split peas and water, Simmer until the peas are mushy and soft!

Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy.

Share some soupy goodness with your family and friends and see if they like it!

Hostess

While the master is away the cats will play....

The cats get a new toy on Christmas morning.
I usually find them some catnip mice or a feather wand but this year I splurged on a bigger gift.
It was so worth it because they have been amused by this new toy.
It can be folded up into a small hoop for easy storage and makes a crinkling sound when they crawl inside.

It's a Kong cat tunnel.

The ribbon is a hit too!

There is a hole in the side and when it is stood on end the cats can climb into it.

Dangling the ribbon at the end of the tunnel waiting for them to pounce.

Chester is the lion king, at least that's how he looks when he's caught his "prey."

Pepper is not as easily amused...

she is the older and more sedate of the two cats.

Have you heard the expression that dogs have owners and cats have staff?

Pepper does love her beauty rest.

Makes me want to climb into bed and hunker down under the duvet...

while the master is away and I have a new book to read.

It's freezing outside this morning, although we are not in the deep freeze that some of the provinces are experiencing and for that I am extremely grateful.

I am making a pot of split pea soup for supper so dinner is well in hand.

Do I really NEED an excuse?

I think I need a nudge...

Maybe if I just read the first chapter.

What are you reading?

OOTD ~ Booties!

My OOTD is one you've seen many times but this time there is something new.

Banana Republic Breton striped top

Hermes scarf

both of these you have seen many times.

The smaller Hermes silk square is a very versatile choice especially in a basic palette of black and white.

These scarves are slightly less expensive than the larger silk squares.

The sterling bangles are getting some wear today.

I've lusted after short booties for many months and being on my frugal kick I have avoided temptation...
that is, until Mother gave me some Christmas money and then I knew what I was going to look for at the shops.

Timberland boots

black leather with suede insets.

Super comfy and these can be worn on my long walks to town.

I rolled up the cuffs on my skinny jeans.

I've worn these several times and the heel height is perfect for comfort on long treks.

I gained some weight over the holidays and fell off track for a few days when tempted to dine on delicious food and sip more cocktails and wine. 

Curried chicken and vegetables  in (lite) coconut milk sauce with rice and cilantro.

We had some fig and date chutney which paired so well with this dish.

Cheryl and I made this dish by using Vij's curry spice blend which was a gift and we used a large assortment of vegetables that we had on hand and added some skinless chicken thighs.

This was a little bit of heaven...

and when our guests were here we walked everyday.

Most days it was a 5K walk but once we did the 9K route.

I am stepping up my walks and whittling down my points to get back on track for my weigh in next week.

Fingers crossed I won't be too embarrassed stepping on the scale.

How is your weekend shaping up?

OOTD ~ New Years Eve 2014

Our New Years Eve was spent at the gorgeous home of my BFF and her husband.
Friends from Vancouver came over to our Humble Bungalow to stay and help with the celebrations.

At Tigara, Christmas trees are full and fill the grand living room and touch the ceiling.

They are lavishly decorated with vintage baubles and many lights.

The first course consisted of delights from Hilary's Cheese shop on Fort Street.

Olives, antipasto, crackers, cheeses, stuffed peppers and salami.

We grazed leisurely over these while sipping a couple of cocktails.

This year Mr. HB made us Brambles.

Cheryl had enjoyed one of these at Heath Row Airport Lounge while waiting for her flight to Paris.

They are so very refreshing.

Gin, simple syrup, lemon, and Chambord served over crushed ice then garnished with blackberries.

The dining table set with care.

I love the art nouveau sterling vases.

The Roycroft china is perfect for this arts and crafts home.

On the menu...

fresh Dungeness crab

Caesar salad

bread

Nigella's olive oil chocolate torte with raspberries.

Served with coconut bliss ice cream.

We drank wine with dinner and by the time we had dessert we were sated.

We still have the champagne!

Lace retro inspired top

black skirt

fishnet tights

Calvin Klein pumps

JCrew necklace Xmas two years ago,

a gift from my son and DIL.

New Years always feels more festive with some sparkle.

When we came home we drank lots of Perrier before going to bed.

The men were up early and the women slept in late!

 Fortified by freshly brewed coffee and tea we slowly welcomed the new year.

After a brunch of sausages, farm fresh eggs and a large fruit salad we watched the snowy outdoor hockey game from Detroit on the TV.

A 9K walk and a chicken curry were in the works for later.

WW weigh in will be postponed this week due to house guests, rich food and drinks!

Have you made any resolutions for 2014?