|

Monday Musings- Lips to Toes

Happy Monday ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. We had a blast on Saturday seeing our grandson play in a basketball game. He’s growing so fast I expect him to be taller than me by the time he’s in second grade. I’m short but come on, this is craziness. He is just 6!

Here’s what caught my attention and is on my mind this week:

Color

I spent all day Sunday, deep-diving into my books on color typing and the theories behind it. There isnā€™t one definitive color typing system because there are so many modalities.
You can be color typed by:

  • season
  • tone
  • element
  • bright or softness
  • by personality
  • DNA, Yup

I was trained to combine many of these right down to how a woman walks when determining her most flattering colors. Iā€™m not a colorist nor am I a pro but I never tire of reading about it.

Lipstick

I’m a big fan of covering my lips with a lip stain, then using a pencil and finishing with a lipstick. This gives my lipstick a fighting chance to stay on through multiple cups of tea etc. My all-time favorite and the one I buy in multiples is Fascination by Jane Iredale. It’s amazing and does not dry out my lips. I’ve been wanting a nude look lately and been wearing this one in Baci, which is described as a nude pink.

Stila Stay All Day Lipstick
Sheer patina on topĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā Baci on bottom

Because our skies are gray, this started looking too purplish on my lips so I tried this Perla which is described as a soft rosy nude. It looked great in the house, but outside it was really nude. It looked like I had no lips. Not great on someone as pale as me so I’m back on the hunt for my perfect nude shade which I have discovered is as tricky as finding your perfect red lipstick.

Perfect White Shirt

My wardrobe shows that I love a crisp white shirt. I counted mine this weekend and discovered I own 12…don’t judge me. They’re all slightly different.

  • I have 3 tunic length ones; one with a poofy hemline, one with an asymmetrical hemline and one straight with a shirttail hem.
  • I have 3 white shirts with 3/4 length sleeves; two with a shirttail and one flat hem.
  • I have one with elbow-length sleeves and a deep gathered cuff.
  • I have 2 long sleeve button-ups; one with a deep ruffle on the sleeve and one with balloon sleeves.
  • 3 have two short wide shirts with spread collars that don’t button all the way to the neckline.

They’re varying shades of white and serve a different purpose in my wardrobe. But here’s the thing, I didn’t have the white shirt I wanted to wear on Saturday.

I want and need is a classic button-up that is hip length to tuck in or wear out, has long plain sleeves, buttons all the way up so I can open or close depending on if I have a scarf at my neck. It needs to fit under a sweater or blazer so the fabric can’t be too stiff and I would like it to have stretch. It’s a tall order. I put 5 of my white shirts into the donation pile this weekend, so I have room for my perfect white shirt when I find it.

Socks

I’ve been going to Pilates pretty regularly and wearing my yoga socks with the non-slip soles. They work just OK but start to slip around my feet, halfway through class. I hate that feeling so I went on a hunt for a better option. Do you have any idea how many different types of socks are labeled for pilates? It’s crazy and confusing. I decided to order these. The ankle strap keeps them on my feet perfectly so they don’t slip but they feel beyond weird. Let’s not even talk about how goofy they look;)

Walking Shoes

My walking shoes arrived and I’ve been putting them to good use. My hunt at DSW turned up tons of running shoes, but I persevered until I found ones designed specifically for walking. Running shoes usually have more cushion but walking shoes are more flexible. I went up a size so I could add an additional gel insole which makes them feel like walking on pillows.Ā I usually listen to a book on tape and this week I’m enjoying this one. I’m actually listening to it for the second time because I like it so much.

What’s on your mind this week?

Thanks for reading my ramblings and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

 

49 Comments

  1. Sandra Matthews says:

    I too have been on the hunt for a perfect neutral lipstick. I found one I’m very happy with, #41 Moody, by Clinique. I’m in Canada so hopefully the numbers and names are the same.
    I’m blonde/grey, blue eyed and 62 (almost 63), it may work for you, as well.
    Enjoy your blog, thank you!
    Sandy

  2. I like Neutrogena – hydro boost
    Hydrating lip shine
    Affordable and many colors

  3. I love no iron white shirts at Chicos! I am petite stature so finding button downs with darts in the front really work for me. Advice on larger bust customers looking for white button down shirts, find the shirts with no darts to give them more room where it matters.
    My go to lipsticks are from Stila. They are long lasting for my work day!

  4. Jennifer re lip stains etc you may wish to try LipSense. My stepdaughters use it and absolutely love it. My husband and just took a 3 week trip to Arizona and I took your packing tips which have been very successful for me, thank you! Enjoy your blog very much.

  5. Jacie Bond says:

    Your blog starts my day with delight and lessons to be learned. Todayā€™s info dovetails perfectly with the white tee and neckline blogs. The day after escaping two weeks of minus 40 weather and snow at home in Alberta, I went to Chicoā€™s at Carlsbad Outlets. To my joy, I found two white 3/4 sleeve, 100% cotton, opaque tees, – at $14 each! Following your advice in previous blogs, I compared the white and the alabaster and chose the alabaster colour. At 76, aā€winterā€, with mostly white in multicoloured hair, and a fair skin tone now edging towards neutral, the alabaster provides a tad more warmth in my fair skin. Thank you for your ongoing and continual sage advice. Love, too, when you share news of your grandson, he is one great looking boy. I can tell how much joy he brings to your life, by your smile. They grow up so very quickly.??

  6. Check out Ralph Lauren cotton shirts. I have two that are probably 15 yrs old and still look great. Very well made.

  7. Currently own only three white shirts. Two ‘as old as the hills’ with one being short sleeved more like a blouse , the other both long sleeved with one being in a woven window pane fabric which is somewhat casual as boxy in cut and the most recent that I love has a fitted cuff, buttons hidden under a placket, and fabric has a light sheen. It is somewhat tailored, however not super fitted and relatively opaque (unlike a lot of them). Brand is called Simons Contemporaine which is exclusive to a Canadian chain and quickly sales out when they have them in-store and/or online.

    Re your sweet grandson; one of mine as well is quite tall for his age so people often think he is older which can be a challenge for kids as not uncommon that more is often expected of them, both interacting socially or in performance. (Hope that makes sense.)
    -Brenda-

    1. It makes total sense. People expect them to be smarter because they look older. The same thing happens with my grandson.

  8. I thought I was the only one obsessed on buying white shirts, yet never have the proper one. I will try the lip stain. Is the gray denim jacket that you are wearing still available? It is unique.

    1. It’s available in other colors at Talbots but sold out in the gray.

  9. I like jean jackets, as you’re wearing in the photo. My problem is the sleeves. I’m petite and I always have to roll up the sleeves, but they seem to be constantly unrolling themselves. I’m tempted to roll up, tack in place and wear them like that. Sometimes I’ve found 3/4 length sleeves, but that doesn’t always work with what I’m wearing underneath. Any other solutions?

    The search for the perfect lipstick is on-going and neverending. As you say, they also look different in different lights too. I’m on the hunt for a raspberry colour. Any suggestions welcome!

  10. As others have commented, I too love the crispness of a white shirt. Since I don’t iron, I will only buy the no-iron ones. However, if I wear them buttoned up, I feel like they pouf up and out in the chest area. I am a 36DD but even larger in the hip area. So I always have to buy a larger size to accommodate my bottom. That makes the top pretty unruly and uncomfortable. I do occasionally buy a no-iron cotton or no-iron linen shirt from Chico’s in a long enough length to wear unbuttoned as a topper under a tee. Otherwise, I only wear tees and tunics that don’t cling, have sleeves to cover upper arms and that are long enough to cover my bottom. Looks like there are no easy answers for many of us!

  11. Francesca says:

    Gorgeous picture of the two of you!! I like Garnet Hill and they do a very good white cotton shirt worth checking out.
    Happy week y’all.

  12. I like Talbotā€™s traditional no-iron white shirt. It looks crisp and clean, has a good collar to pop up when you want that look. In fact, I just bought another one. I buy the misses instead of petite. Sleeves are a little longer, so the cuff shows when worn under a jacket or sweater.

  13. Jacqueline Bucco says:

    Ahhh the never ending search, or find of the perfect white shirt:):) I also love white shirts and white tees. I actually have found a few at J.Jill. The one I love is white linen, called the ā€œessential shirtā€ I think…..it is a spring/summer item…..so look for it at that time, maybe even search bc it is an older style:( Your other topic about lip color?? I am also searching for a new/different shade….ughhh not an easy task at all. We are such creatures of habit, so changing is difficult!! Being olive skin tone with dark hair and dark eyes, I always go for the wines and burgundy shade, but now looking for a more neutral shade!! Will be looking into the brand that you showed!! Love all your posts, and thank you for all the continued tips and suggestions:):)

  14. Connie Haines says:

    I was looking for my favorite lip product online just this weekend and discovered it has been discontinued. It was an Origins chubby product in a perfect-for-me shade, so I’m very disappointed to have to be on the hunt again. Regarding white shirts, I have seen and been tempted to try the dickies-type white collared shirts attached to a slim fitting cami. I saw them offered on QVC, but thought I’d try to find them at retail – which failed! Anyway, they seem like a good option for when you want that pop and polish of white beneath a sweater. That’s a look I love, with seemingly little fuss or bulk beneath the sweater.

  15. Love your blog! I love white shirts, so please post your new finds. Also love your lipstick recommendations. Finding the right lipstick is so hard.

    1. Thank you, Gina. I have been shopping for white shirts online for several hours and am putting together a list and ordering several. I will keep everyone posted.

  16. I highly recommend Tucketts for Pilates. They were highly recommended by my Pilates instructors and we all wear them in class. Find them at http://www.tucketts.com

    Love your blog. I live just east of you and enjoy seeing where you take pictures and how you dress for the weather we share.

    1. These look wonderful!! Thank you, Margaret. We are having too much gray for my taste, I hope the sun comes out soon;)

  17. Linda Lennon says:

    I buy my white (and blue) shirts from Brooks Brothers. They have the style you describe and when I was working I owned it in various stripes, checks and colors. BB still caters to the conservative career woman (and man!) .

  18. One of my most worn white shirts came from Target, 100 percent cotton, and yes I did have to iron it. I should mention I have a small chest. I just had a allergic reaction to a lipstick ( MAC) so for those out there who are sensitive, please do a test on your arm, or somewhere. The good news is I could return the lipstick to the store. Iā€™m allergic to fruit/ latex products, so ā€œ naturalā€ ingredients arenā€™t always my friend.

    1. Ouch! Thatā€™s very good advice. I have two cotton shirts, one white and one chambray, from Target and love them too.

  19. I love the No Iron 100% cotton button up shirts from LL Bean. They have a more fitted 3/4 sleeve and a roomier long sleeve in regular and petite. Iā€™m short waisted so the petite fits me perfectly. I love your blog and have learned so much from you!

    1. Thanks for the tip. Do many of us need petites. Happy Monday

  20. I too am looking for the perfect white shirt. Please let us know when you find it! I need a petite size.

  21. Arenā€™t grands the absolute best?? Yours is a cutie- he is TALL! I love the look of a crisp white shirt, too. Foxcroft has really great no-iron ones but in some of the catalogs the quality of the fabric isnā€™t as nice as the ones you find in boutiques. I so enjoy your Monday musings!

    1. I do have one Foxcroft Iā€™ve had for many years. Iā€™ll check them out again. I do love no iron shirts šŸ™‚

  22. I have been using Lipsence lipstick for several years and it stays on! It does need a gloss on top so it is not dry.

  23. sheryl beil says:

    I may have to give Lip Stain a try….every time i look in the mirror i see no lipstick, but ive got tubes in the purse, in the work drawer, etc…I have settled on the brown and maroone sections, bright pink and red just look jarring on me. Might be those color theories you spoke of, over the years ive read a few, gone to a few of the make up parties…but i always seem to disagree with them when applied to myself…on the same subject, i dont have many white tops, but a whole section of off white, ecru, sand, whatever we are calling it…seems like those colors soften my face a bit.

  24. Donna Nance says:

    Your grandson is growing up into a handsome young man! It’s not easy to find the perfect lippy or white shirt. I agree with Miss Deborah…a tee just doesn’t have the polish of a crisp white shirt.

    1. Iā€™ve just ordered one from an online store only so I will keep you posted.

  25. I always enjoy your Monday Musings! Iā€™m blessed to be retired now, so itā€™s a pleasure to get the coffee going and see what you have to say. I had my colors done a long time ago and it was determined that I was a Fall. Seems to suit me because I usually wear Fall colors well. White blouses. Hmmmm. Iā€™ve always loved the look of crisp white blouses on others, but meā€” not so much. Like another reader, I am very busty, and I think white button ups make me look heavier on top. I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever found the perfect lipstick; however Milani is a drugstore choice that doesnā€™t break the bank. Milano offers a nice range of colors and seems to stay on a lot longer than other lippies.

    1. Thank you Kathy. Stay on lipsticks vary so much. Most are not as good as they claim. The Jane Iredale are the best I have used. I just wish theyā€™d make more colors!

  26. Love your look in the picture. Would you share how to tie a scarf the way it is in the picture,please? I enjoy wearing scarves but am not always sure of how to tie them.Your grandson is adorable!
    Becci

    1. Thank you. I adore him.
      I folded a large square scarf on the diagonal into a long strip. Placed the center at the back of my neck, brought the pieces around to front, crossed them over each other then took ends to back and tied in a tiny knot.

  27. I, too, love the look of a crisp white shirt. I am busty and struggle to find the perfect one. When I layer a blouse, it inevitably GAPS! Even if there seems to be extra bust room, when I stick my arms into another set of sleeves, there comes the dreaded gap. Therefore I stick to T shirts and they just donā€™t have the polished look I desire. Any ideas? Thanks for your posts – my guilty pleasure

    1. I struggle with the same thing. A silky lining on the jacket helps a lot. That, and Hollywood tape between the buttons always works for me.

  28. You look lovely and your grandson is so cute! I really enjoyed that book too. I prefer non-fiction on audio too (fiction I read on Kindle since if I get caught up in the plot, I just want to binge it on the sofa.) I love a crisp white shirt too. I like the Brooks Brothers ones. I’ve also been into Gap tees lately since they make a long one (I buy the tall in the vintage fabric) that does not come untucked. Enjoy your day!

    1. Iā€™ll check out Brooks Brothers. I canā€™t believe I never thought if them!

  29. I love avoid white shirt too! Difficult to find.

    Please post yours once you find it!

  30. Jane Collier says:

    I also have many white blouses but the one you have on in picture with grandson is what I have been looking for. Could you please share link as to brand, where you bought it, etc.? Thank you!

    Jane Gray Collier

    1. Mine is from Chicos but sold out. This one is very similar. They do make a great white shirt.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *