Saturday, September 26, 2015

A reader asks for my thoughts on creating a basic Wardrobe.

I am flattered a reader asked for my thoughts on creating a small and workable wardrobe.
But I'm not sure that I am up to the task!

Anne I hope that this post will help get you started.
By asking yourself the right questions you might get some direction...
I appreciate you having faith in me...and I hope that I do not disappoint you!

Do some homework before going shopping.
On the internet is so quick and easy...
so many fashion savvy bloggers are online I have learned a lot by reading their posts.

Pinterest is another great place to find inspiring fashions..."Parisian Chic" is one of my favourites.


Window shopping and browsing magazines will give you some new ideas.

Observing the way that garments are put together and styled in the fashion magazines inspires me to "make the effort" to keep my wardrobe fresh and feeling current.
Books on the subject can be found in stores and your local library...
Jennifer L. Scott has written several books on this subject and has many videos on You Tube, she's well known for her 10 piece basic wardrobe.


Every Fall and Spring I go through my closet and look carefully at the clothes that I am putting away in storage until next year.
I mend and launder any garments needing attention before hanging them downstairs in the "out of season" closet.
Then proceed to retire and donate anything that is worn or no longer thrills me.


When bringing out the current seasonal wardrobe I look at each piece with a discerning eye, try them on and decide if they are still in good nick or if they need to be replaced.


I'll ask myself how can I wear these garments in a variety of ways so that I get more mileage out of them.



I go through my accessories and look at the scarves, belts, shoes and boots.
Are they looking tired or worn, do the heels need to be replaced at the cobblers?


Can I update an outfit by simply adding a brooch, necklace or pairing it with tights and boots?


Do I have all the basics covered?

Lifestyle factors big in this...I am retired and lead a fairly quiet life.
I need clothes for walking, playing with the grandchildren, playing bridge and MahJongg at the seniors centre, for dinners and lunches out, the theatre, and casual get together's with friends.
(No gala balls or red carpet events!)


Next I make a list of things that I "need" to purchase...
and I make a small list of things that "might be nice to add."

Remembering that I have a tiny closet helps me rein in my tendency to buy too many pieces.


When I am out shopping I consider...

Does the garment fit well?
Is it flattering?
Can it be worn with other things that I currently own?
Is it good value for the price?
Will I love it for the next few years?
Is it easy care? (I rarely buy "dry clean only" garments)
Does the fabric feel nice against the skin?
Are the details like buttons, darts and seams neat and tidy?

Look in a 3 way mirror and be honest...
if the item matches with your criteria it's probably a good choice.
Ask about the store's return policy in case you have second thoughts when you get it home.

If like me, you enjoy shopping in charity and thrift shops you will not be able to return it if you change your mind so be sure...usually the garments are priced reasonably and therefore if you make a mistake you will not be out of pocket too much money.

Consignment shops are a different kettle of fish...each store has it's own policy on returns and you may be able to take it home "on approval" or put it on hold and bring a friend who will give you an honest opinion. Consignment stores are generally more expensive than thrift or charity shops because they carry "higher end labels" and often designer goods.


Another factor to consider is your budget...
Overspending is not advisable...
if you are living within limited means you'll need to mindful of quieting "the wants."
I mix higher end clothing with less expensive brands...
my g21 skinny jeans from Walmart are a prime example.
I regularly wear my Hermes scarves with inexpensive white tees and jeans.


Start with the basics in a neutral colour.
They need to mix and match so that you get more mileage out of them, making many different combinations possible with the same core pieces. CPW...cost per wearing wins here.

Consider your lifestyle.
Opt for simple classics with clean lines...they allow for accessories where you can add a personal touch.

My core basics would be in black with some grey pieces all in solid shades (no patterns) and include:
 a classic LBD, skirt, pants, jeans, a cashmere sweater, several tops and Tees, tank tops for layering, and a dressy jacket, and a white shirt. You'll need outer wear and depending on your climate you might need several options.

Once you have your core wardrobe you can add more depending on your budget.

If you are looking to personalize your wardrobe with accessories...
shop in ethnic, museum and gift shops...markets and craft fairs.
Antique malls and charity shops often have unusual pieces of jewelry and scarves.
You will find some fabulous items on ebay and etsy too.


Thank you Anne, for asking for my thoughts on this subject...I like a challenge.

I hope this has given you some ideas and that you have fun searching for those perfect garments!
Please email me and let me know how you are doing with this project.

Readers please share your ideas and perhaps list the fashion blogs you enjoy and follow.
Leave a comment about how you approach putting together a wardrobe and addressing the various challenges that we come up against when starting from scratch. We are all in this together.

Thank you,
Hostess

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Fall is Here! ~ Hello Eileen Fisher

Fall has arrived here in the Pacific Northwest...
we wake to a heavy dew and a chill in the air.
The sun and rain alternate and the winds blow...


The limelight hydrangeas are turning pink...they do this every Fall.


Peeling bark making way for new growth.


The muted tones of our Humble Bungalow glow when the lights are turned on...
our home is not very well insulated and we have single paned windows so I need to wear layers to keep warm.
Socks, slippers, sweaters and vests are my go to chill chasers.


On the seafront the winds can be fierce...


the views spectacular


especially when bathed under the shining sun.

Time to pull out the down vests and Barbour jackets.
Cozy cashmere and woolly scarves.


I'm wearing a longer wool cardigan from Eileen Fisher...
it's not brand new, it is second hand.
But  can double as a jacket or a coat on a mild day.
I do love a classic and a bargain.
Eileen Fisher makes my kind of clothing...
when I head off to Vancouver I plan to go to the South Granville location and shop!
I'll also be heading to the newly opened Nordstroms store downtown.


No embellishments so I can accessorize as I see fit.


Charcoal grey...will go with everything.


Yes ~ it's coming home with me!
I haven't got a lot of things on my list for Fall...
lingerie is at the top and it's a "need" not a want.


Do yourself a favour...
if you haven't read this charming book
put it on your list!


Hope that your week is ticking along nicely.

Perhaps you know someone who needs cheering up?
How about taking them a bunch of flowers?
A cheery bouquet is such a mood lifter.

Cheerio for now...
Hostess

Monday, September 21, 2015

Rather a busy weekend...

This past weekend was full of activity but it was a pleasant balance of work and play...


A little bit of shopping


(these did not come home with me)


I wore my pearl pendant...
a 60th birthday gift from my kids.
(They are grown adults now but they'll always be my "babies!")
J'adore Pearls!


A little time was spent in the garden 
dead heading hydrangeas and harvesting our first Liberty apples.


Mr. HB took me out for lunch to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
I had a huge salad...a Weight Watchers friendly choice.
Delicious and so very healthy.
My weight is up a couple of pounds over my "goal weight" but I am working at getting it back down.


I weeded my closet...donated a bag to the charity shop.
Then I took the remaining summer clothes downstairs to the guest room closet.


My dressy clothes are made up mostly of black and grey shades.

They had a 30% off sale this weekend which ends today ~ Monday.
One white, a bright purple blue and a raspberry.

Last Spring in Paris I had my colours done.
Turns out that I am a Winter...
(who knew?)
Slowly embracing colour and they all go with my black basics and my Hermes scarves!


Jamie at Home Cookbook.


Delicious and an easy one pan dinner.


This was the scene that I saw when I walked along the seafront this week...

I'm exploring a new hobby.
Mah Jongg.
The lessons start this week.

Want to keep my brain cells vibrant and stimulated...
learning something new is always exciting.


Hope that your week is off to a flying start!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Pasta and Pearls...and a tasty recipe from Monet's Palate Cookbook.

Greetings...from The Humble Bungalow Kitchen!


I'm cooking up a storm today...


These juicy Heirloom Tomatoes are just begging to be eaten.
The Farmer's Markets are teeming with them so how could I resist?
Now what to make with them?
A simple salad or sandwich?
Or?


Do you remember my post about the Lion heart tomatoes from the Market in the South of France near Auvillar ?
We made a simple yet delicious lunch of sliced tomatoes served with a fresh brioche....
a little butter and sea salt elevated their taste to...
(remember that scene in the deli of Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally?)
We served them with a chilled glass of Rose.

Food can transport us back in time when we 
remember the smells and the flavours.


Red luscious and delicious.


The recipe that inspired me to get cooking today was found in Monet's Palate Cookbook.
The book showcases Monet's Vegetable Garden at Giverny 
with
 recipes that use the food and ingredients grown in his French Potager.


With all the red images it's time for a bit of green...


Le Coq towel from France...reminds me everyday of my trip.
The pasta pot with a built in colander is heating up while the tomatoes are roasting.


Halved tomatoes tossed in olive oil, with minced garlic and salt and pepper.
Roast for an hour at 275 or until softened.


Top with oregano, anchovies, and capers, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Roast another 10 minutes...
enjoy the aroma that is filling the kitchen!


You'll need oregano, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, pasta, olive oil, butter, capers, balsamic vinegar and anchovies.
And Pasta!

Once the tomatoes are done your pasta should be cooked al dente...
toss in 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, a small handful of torn basil leaves, salt and pepper to taste.
When the butter has melted add in the tomatoes and mix together...
the fragrance is out of this world.


Wear an apron and comfy shoes 
(or in my case ~ Lands' End slippers)
it took me awhile to go through the steps of this recipe and dinner was later than usual but it was so worth the effort!


Pour a glass of red wine
place the pasta in a bowl
grab a spoon and a fork and twirl away to your hearts content...
savour each delectable morsel of flavour.


serve with garlic bread to sop up the juices
Dinner's done.

"My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece."
~ Claude Monet ~

"Instead of going out to dinner, buy good food. 
Cooking at home shows such affection. 
In a bad economy, it's more important to make yourself feel good."

~ Ina Garten ~

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Mid~week greetings....Hearts and Hands.

Have you ever observed cats at play?
Ours love it when we have a cardboard box in the house.
It's exponentially better when it's open on the floor!


Chester is inside the box and Pepper is about to jump on top of him.
They have been in and out of this box all day.
The box will stay out for awhile to allow them to enjoy themselves.


We purchased a small carpet cleaner...
it's good for pet stains and we plan to use it on our boat carpet.
It's a small machine but it seems to do a good job.


It removed a few spots on the rugs in no time flat.
I am not easily impressed ~ but this tool is a great one.
Never having owned a carpet cleaner before now I can appreciate why people buy them.


Henry's little hands are so adorable.
Soft ~ kissable.
What a sweet boy he is...


Isla gave me some glitter hearts...she loves to share.
Little girls love sparkles...
(big girls too!)

My hands are over 60 years old and have seen a lot of use.
(they need constant attention)

Hand lotion is essential.
Shea Butter seems to do a great job and is not greasy.
I am a fan of L'Occitane hand lotions.
I've heard that coconut oil is wonderful.
Have you tried it?

Hands are always busy doing things...
I do not think they are ever idle.
Except when we sleep...

They might rest a bit when they hold a cup of tea.
 Gardening, baking, cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, making beds, ironing, knitting, turning pages in books and magazines, hugging grand children, colouring, stacking blocks, painting.


Ah yes painting...
I continue to be in a dry spell.

I read Louise Penny's novel The Long Way Home and loved it!
I read it in two sittings.
The story focuses on a painter and Louise has many wise and insightful observations about what artists need to paint.
A Muse is important...
(mine are roses)
They also must feel intense emotion...one that spurs them on to create.
She refers to it as "a lump in the throat."
This lumps precedes most creative endeavours...
If you love a mystery and have not read Louise Penny's books you are in for a treat!
Start with her first and work your way up to her latest...
The Nature of the Beast 
which was released a couple of weeks ago.


I woke up the other morning to a cool and grey day.
It felt like rain.

 My apron beckoned...
Made some retro cheese scones.
 With cooler Fall weather in the offing I am looking forward to getting back into making soups.
I think these scones would pair really well with a hearty tomato soup.

Retro Cheese Scones

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2/3 c. milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1Tbsp. sugar

Combine all the dry ingredients.
Cut in the butter.
Add wet ingredients and stir until all flour is moistened.
Knead on floured board.
Pat into a 9 inch circle, cut into wedges.
Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 450 for about 15 minutes.
(Check after 12 minutes to make sure they do not brown up too much)


Yummy Soups.
They're like a warm hug.
A soup pot simmering on the stove makes me feel all cozy and warm.
They are a great offering for friends and family.
Nutritious and delicious...there's a tasty recipe out there for everyone.

Do you have a favourite soup recipe?

I made a killer pasta dish last night and will share it with you soon.
Stay tuned...