Monday Musings- Being Prepared & The Magic of Scarves
I’ve discovered another hole in my wardrobe that needs filling. Hiking clothes. Over the weekend, my daughter and I went for a hilly hike on the North Shore. She insisted I wear shorts because it was going to get hot. The only pair I have at this apartment is these, which I tossed on with an ancient Lou & Grey tee. Needless to say, it was not a great look, so I’m in the market for some athletic-type shorts and tops.
Hiking
Call me shallow, but I hate being unprepared with the right clothes for both the weather and the activity. My Hokas were just ok and my feet were throbbing by the end, which has me wondering if I need to add some extra padding to the insole.
Semiahmoo Resort
We’ve driven north and south through the Blaine area for 20+ years and never realized there is a magical place to stay just a stone’s throw away.
We checked in to the Semiahmoo Resort with zero expectations and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. I was properly prepared with a big sunhat, comfy sandals, sneakers, and a desire to chill. The Semiahmnoo resort is just 35 minutes south of Vancouver, with a spa, 2 golf courses, several restaurants, and a gorgeous coastline. The beds are very comfy, the spa and pool are lovely and the staff was friendly. We came, we saw, we ate, and we relaxed.
Outfit of the Week
I’ve spotted several stylishly dressed gals during our travels this week. The common denominator in all of their outfits was a unique scarf. It’s been said that scarves as accent accessories are old-fashioned and out of style. If you’re only taking current trends into account, you may agree. But if you have a timeless style aesthetic and like to make a unique statement with your style…it’s not so true.
A woman I sat across the patio from at a French restaurant last night looked fabulous! She had on a long denim dress, very sensible black athletic shoes, some fun earrings, a bright bag, and a scarf that took center stage. It was almost impossible not to notice how stylish and at ease she looked for a casual dinner out. It has me digging through the scarves that I have with me in this apartment and wishing for more striking earrings.
Who have you spotted lately who has inspired you to think outside your style comfort zone?
Jennifer,
Thanks for reminder about long denim dresses! Would a denim dress in other styles be fashionable?..like pullover, no buttons, midi length. Would love your opinion!
Scarves (and shawls) are a passion/necessity of mine and so glad this is discussed here! Sometimes I wear a tee shirt and throw a scarf on and people tell me how nice it looks!! They are great for summer when AC is cold in supermarket. If you get hot, you simply take it off…same in winter but in reverse! Especially if you have body temperature fluctuations every few minutes like many of us “seniors” do!! Lol
The oblong are my favorites because they’re so easy to manage. I’ve collected a variety of fabrics, colors, prints for summer/winter and always take with me daily and for travel! You can’t go wrong with this accessory!!
I think all long denim dresses are a great option! Yes to scarves, I totally agree with you.
Hiking boots would be better than sneakers if you plan to continue hiking. If you want more cushioning under foot, be sure your Hokas have a sole that is classified by Hoka as Plush. There are three different levels. Also, any shoes with two lace holes at the top will hold your feet to the back of the shoe better if you use that second lace hole to secure your ankle better.
I love scarves….trying to decide if I will actually wear one.
My Hokas had those extra two holes, but I was not using them. Big mistake.
No to hiking shorts. Four words -mosquitos, ticks, poison ivy.
Agreed
Can you show how to wear scarves, tie them etc. I like scarves, buy them, but never know how to wear them other just around the neck and tied in a square knot. I try to drap them and make it stay with a pin, but it never works. I teach and am very physically active (I teach Spanish/French) and act out words and stories, which may be why a scarf never ‘stays’ in position. I have a handful (mostly pashmina type) that I put across my shoulders if it is cold in the classroom. Thank you (gracias merci)
I will start wearing my scarves soon and share how I tie them. I do have an older post here about it.
Eddie Bauer “Rainier” hiking shorts for the win. Good pockets and lightweight. When trying on hiking boots before you buy, remember to walk downhill (REI has stores with a way to test this). You want to be sure your toes are comfy going downhill as well as up. Have fun getting out in nature — it is the best.
There’s nothing I love more than getting out in nature! Great point about going downhill because the last thing I want are my toes hitting the end.
I always buy my hiking boots a half size bigger to give me that toe room.
I’m with you! I don’t like not having appropriate clothing to suit the activity or occasion. Hence, I’m not a light packer.
Love’s Pure Light scarves are stunning, Canadian made -I believe in B.C.
They sound lovely!
I found myself in the Milwaukee airport (my son was flying home to Paris) during the Republican National Convention. The people watching was outstanding. There were a lot of red, white and blue “costumes” and too many saggy, baggy tee shirts and shorts/pants. One woman was a standout. She had on slim fitting jeans, a white button-down, and a gray blazer. She had sleek blonde hair pulled back in a loose chignon at her neck. And she was wearing a scarf! Very neutral color and print, like the rest of her outfit. Everything understated and immaculately fitting. I decided she must be with the media. Definitely not a Midwesterner, as she was dressed way to warmly for July.
She sounds very stylish. I love spotting women like that
Gorgeous photograph of you and your daughter Jennifer!! I just saw mine over the weekend bliss!! Talking of scarves Tuckernuck makes some lovely ones (some on sale now) and l am waiting for their new Fall ones as the prints are beautiful. Happy week 🙂
I just popped over to Tuckernut and yes, they do have some beauties!!
My hiking boots are Merrill’s. I bought them in my 40s for hiking in the mountains and camping. They are still good and I’m 79! They really support your ankles and arches. Always wear merino wool socks for hiking. Thin in summer and thicker in colder months. I still wear Smartwool socks in the winter as I have a drawer full. They breath well, keep your feet warm even if wet and prevent blisters. I kept a thin long sleeve shirt in my backpack and a hat for sure. Snacks and a water bottle and some bug spray or gel and you are ready to hike. Take some moleskin in your backpack just in case you do get a blister. Hiking was a big part of our life and I loved getting outside on my days off. Now it is a slow walk around the subdivision with the dog every morning but I remember Rocky Mountain National Park and the trails on Mount Princeton near our house.
You were really well prepared! We had water and bear spray, so I guess I need to be better prepared.
I just got Columbia Sport Anytime Outdoor long shorts, and they are perfect for hiking.
Thanks!
I love my scarves! I usually find one when traveling. They’re a great souvenir.
I have a friend who raves about that resort and has stayed many times. We have friends in Victoria. Maybe we’ll plan to stay there next time we visit them. Or better yet, we can meet them there!
It’s a fabulous place to decompress and relax with friends
This comment is about hiking shorts, not scarves. I’ve bought several hiking shorts over the years and my favorite is Mountain Hardware Dynama 2. They are comfortable, 9” long and come in several colors. They don’t look like the typical hiking short. Last pair I bought on Zappos.
Thank you, Kathy!! I’ll check them out
If you’re going to do much hiking, I highly recommend investing in Merrell hiking shoes. I’m also curious about which trail you hiked. We always stay on the North Shore when we’re in Vancouver as our son, DIL, and 2 of our grandsons live there.
The North Shore is gorgeous! We were at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.
Totally agree. Jennifer, your Hokas are not made for hiking, so no wonder your feet hurt. I find that long (ankle length) pants that are designed for hiking are better than shorts, and you are less apt to get insect bites and sunburn. LLBean has some great sun resistant pants and shirts.
Thanks Maeve!
I know what you mean about admiring someone and how put together they look, and that is seems effortless. I also agree that scarves are great accessories and elevate just about everything. Earrings are another great tip
The link to the great hat is not working.
The hat is here.
I am uncomfortable in scarves, or anything tight around my neck, they feel like a noose. Past life experience? Lol. I find Merrill hikers to be the most comfortable and supportive, and have hiked many miles in them. As for the nicely dressed ladies, I love to appreciate their style, but not emulate it. I am too lazy and chill. Just give me comfy clothes that look pretty good. Thanks for a thought provoking article!
My Sorel hiking boots accommodate my wide feet and protect my less than sturdy ankles. They’ve taken me through Israel, Norway and most recently South Africa! Wouldn’t go hiking without them.
I will check them out. I need something other than sneakers
I always seem to forget about my scarves! I’m going to remember to wear them more. We walk everyday and play golf twice a week so I have mostly sporty clothes. The hole in my wardrobe is dressy outfits. We have a memorial to attend and I’ve got to figure out an outfit! You always look great 😃
I’m sorry to hear about the memorial. Those are always a sad event.
How did the women style the scarves that made them look stylish? I have many but I’m afraid to wear them incorrectly.
Simply draped. One went from front to back then simply looped forward to drape down the front. The two others were just hanging down the front. No fancy tying at all. It looked effortless and so stylish!!
Scarves are never out of style – all depends on how you style them, the fabric as well as the quality
I agree!
I have few statement dcsrves, but one certainly fits that description / long and silk and brightly colored! I wear it mainly with black as it is wild with color.
I no longer have pierced ears so own no truly unique earrings.
You always look great! Speaking of scarves, they were my signature piece when I was working. I probably have at least 100 scarves! One reason is that I have neck issues and can’t stand for my neck to be cold, and they ended up tying all my outfits together. I just bought ones that caught my eye and ended up with enough that I always had one to complement each outfit. My joy was using my aesthetic for color and getting dressed everyday! I miss that part of working but not the stress!
That same principal can be used for casual outfits too. You must have an amazing collection!!
As a scout leader I’m all about dressing for the outdoors. A wicking layer next to the skin, always long pants for hiking to guard against scratches, bug bites and ticks, good socks such as merino or Bombas and boots. I like Keen for my wide feet; Merrill is good. Wear your Endless pants next time! I also agree with wearing scarves. Too hot around here right now but yes. It’s also a way to get one of your best colors next to your face!
My endless pants would be perfect!! Why didn’t I think of that!
I would love to see ideas on how to wear scarves like the one shown here. I find they can overwhelm me. I am 5’2”.
Narrower ones in thin fabrics would work best for you.
Regarding hiking – I have hiking boots and sandals from Keen and I love them, highly recommend! But I also just saw something about hiking shoes from Hoka that might be worth investigating, especially. Might be my next pair!
I spotted several women wearing hiking boots which seem like a smart idea. Especially since my ankles ache this morning.
Jennifer, could that long denim dress also work as a duster, or would it be too long for that purpose? I’m 5’5” tall.
P.S. I love the photo of you and your daughter.
It certainly could if you love to make a dramatic statement (I do:). It also have a frayed hem so you could simply cut it to the length you like.
I love that hat.
Thanks Jan. I do too 🥰
Thanks for reminding me about scarfs. I have a drawer full that I just forget about. Time for me to work them into my fall wardrobe.
The resort sounds wonderful!
I love fall when I get to wear them more often but these gals reminded me they look great in the summer too!
I am 5’2” and purchased a navy “lounge set” for a five hour flight, and it just needed “ something”. I decided color around my face… a scarf came to the rescue…. And I used it again with my jean jacket when we toured Angel Island off San Francisco. There was a time in my life, when school and sports uniforms were in the budget, and a scarf updated my wardrobe for the season… So I would say, my 40 year old self was my inspiration for this recent trip!
That’s awesome Sally! I’m digging out the two scarves I have here to wear this week.
That outfit with the scarf looks interesting! In winter I wear scarves to work because my workplace is freezing. I have some pretty ones and it is hard to find good ones these days. I guess you are right, they are not as trendy now but always classic.
I would not wear that particular denim dress because of the whitish areas on the front. I love denim but prefer it to be even in color.
Classic always works. There are lots of denim dresses these days if you prefer solid washes.