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Monday Musings – Lost And Not Found

Happy Monday, ladies. In 2001, an airline misplaced my suitcase during a particularly stressful time, and I have not checked a piece of luggage since. Until last Saturday. Because it was a non-stop flight, I decided to gamble and check my small roller bag. That gamble did not pay off.

mask hanging on luggage

After I’d checked my bag, and gone through security and immigration, the airline canceled my flight. They offered to put me on the same flight the following day, but I had to get home, so I booked myself on another airline. The new airline attempted to rescue my bag and get it on my flight, but that failed. Now the bag seems to be lost in space. My laptop and other important things were in my small handheld I did carry on, but this reminds me again, NEVER CHECK A BAG.

pug in stroller at beach

I don’t like to share too much personal info here, especially if it involves other family members, because the internet can be an unforgiving place. As you know, I was in Vancouver to dog sit my daughter’s little pug, who was aging with lots of mobility issues and every other sort of struggle. The upshot is that Honeypug crossed over the rainbow bridge three days before I flew home. I’m so grateful I was there to not only get lots of snuggles with Honeypug but also to support my daughter. As it turned out, my daughter had to do a fair amount of supporting me because I really loved that old girl.

rolling rack of clothes for river boat cruise on A Well Styled Life

Living with a tiny wardrobe for three weeks has me rethinking how many clothes I need. Even with the limited number I had to choose from, I reached for the same few pieces over and over. That has me thinking about my style recipe and how often I purchase items outside of it.

As a fashion blogger, I try on a ton of clothes. It’s all too easy for me to fall for things that are not my style. When I add them to my wardrobe, they sit in my closet and are seldom worn. When I do try to wear them, they feel out of place, and I don’t feel like the best version of me.

I’m not the same woman I was two years ago, and I want my style to reflect who I am today. I want to zero in on how I can have my wardrobe reflect that change, so I’m going to start a series on simple ways to hone your style recipe. It’ll be for you and for me. I want to enter the fall season with a renewed understanding of exactly how I want to look going forward.

When we look good, we feel good, and that’s empowering.

Outfit of the week

This week’s outfit of the week is a transitional look for those of us who are looking forward to fall but living with hot temperatures. One of the best ways to do this is with color. This outfit is linen, linen blends, with lightweight woven mules and handbag in shades of camel and deep chocolate. The earrings and bracelet have an open feel to them that will span the seasons.

LINEN CARDIGAN / DEEP CHOCOLATE LINEN TANKĀ  / PULL-ON PANTS / LEATHER AND STRAW BAG / WOVEN MULES / CAT EYE SUNGLASSES / EARRINGS / CHAIN BRACELET

SHOP THE LOOK

 

Has your taste and style been evolving?

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

129 Comments

  1. Violet L O'Brien says:

    So sorry about your luggage. Very frustrating. My sincere condolences on the loss of Honeypug, that loss hurts so much. Keep in touch with your daughter as I’m sure you will to comfort each other.
    Take care.

  2. I completely agree that I / we have changed a lot in two years. Certainly my life is different, so my needs have changed along with it. I look forward to your comments. I’m the opposite about fall though. We have probably two months of late summer left and lots of summer veggies and fruits to enjoy, salads to make, and meals to grill outside. We have time for longer walks on the beach and enjoying outside meals with family and friends. I am in no hurry for fall.

  3. I am sorry about your lost luggage, and the loss of Honeypug. She will be missed.

    I have had my luggage checked ,and all the times the luggage was found and returned to me the next day. We fly to London and stay weeks, so I have to check luggage. I also bring a carry on with medicines, gifts, laptop etc. When we cruise for two weeks I need lots of clothes and shoes, so I need a checked bag. My most important things are in my carry on. I would find it devastating to not have clothes and shoes when arriving somewhere on vacation. We have our names and cell phone numbers on our luggage and we take a picture of it. We have bright colorful straps around them. The thing that gets me is we have to go through customs first before luggage, and then finding and walking to these places takes lot’s of time. We hold our breathe waiting for our luggage to come out. Last time we had to hunt for it. Someone who worked there had moved it off the luggage merry go round and stacked in a pile with other luggage.
    The most trouble with luggage is if flights are changed, layovers, flights cancelled. We do direct flight to London now, even if it cost more. I think right now is not a great time to fly due to cancelled flights, and short on pilots, workers etc. They need to stop over booking flights as well.

    I wish the airlines would get their act together!

  4. So sorry to hear about Honeypug. While it was good that you were with Vanessa and had a chance to love up your precious grandpup, it was still no less painful. And on top of all that to lose your luggage is a total frustration. Having a flight cancelled and trying to find a new way out is a nightmare lately. I considered going carryon only last trip in May, but the weight restriction was 11 pounds and I could not do it. Then when I saw the size of some of the others getting on the flight I was really ticked. My suitcase did make it but was so badly banged up I don’t know if I can use it again. A friend flew back from Calgary to Toronto two weeks ago and still has no idea where her bag is. I guess I will have to try to go with less, but I am certainly not a minimalist when it comes to clothes. Looking forward to see how you progress with this.

  5. I love this group (TFG) also. Of course, not as much as AWSL!

  6. SO sorry to hear about the loss of your granddog and your luggage! I’ve been thinking about using Air Tags for checked luggage, and may finally do that, going forward. I’ve loved everything about your outfit of the week (and I think last week’s, as well?). I’m also going through a similar clothing transition and am very much looking forward to your thoughts over the coming weeks. Always enjoy reading your posts šŸ™‚

  7. Huge hugs to you and your daughter. Losing a 4-legged member of the family is always a gut wrencher and leaves a hole in your heart. Hoping that remembering all the special times with that special fur-baby will help to heal your heartsā€”hugs.

  8. So very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. šŸ¾šŸŒˆā¤ļø

    Love the transitioning to fall outfit!

  9. So sorry for your loss. Pets really do become family members.
    Looking forward to your posts about your changing perspective on a wardrobe that works for you.

  10. So very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. šŸ¾šŸŒˆā¤ļø

  11. I will look forward to your posts on zeroing in on styling our closets. My closet is all over place style wise and I have so many items I need to release. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking “I’ll wear that someday” yet it rarely leaves the hanger. Then it becomes just so hard to let the items go. So, I for one, will be looking forward to your insights.

    1. Weā€™ll have fun exploring this together.

  12. So heartbreaking to hear about Honeypug. My condolences.

    Appreciate the comments about limited wardrobe. I’ve taken out a lot of items that no longer serve their purpose. And I find at the same time, color choice is more limited to blues and whites.

    1. Thank you. She was a doll.
      Color choices are a great part of this for me too.

  13. I lost my sweet Lhasa 1.5 years ago, there isn’t a day I don’t think of him. Sending hugs xx to you and your daughter. I have also been researching information on defining one’s style as I have a habit of buying clothes for a life I don’t have and wearing a small percent of my wardrobe. Looking forward to your tips on this.ā¤

    1. I still tear up over my Lucy who we lost years ago!! Great point about buying for the life we live. Iā€™m guilty of that sometimes too.

    2. Thank you Tanya, for that phrase – buying clothes for a life I don’t have. That will hopefully stay with me as I am guilty of that. Retirement is a tricky time sometimes as far as knowing what to wear.

  14. Iā€™m so very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.šŸ’• I enjoy your blog so much and always look forward to my cup of morning tea and reading your posts.

    1. Aww Iā€™m sorry about the loss of Honeypugā€¦ā€¦.so hard. On our cruise in April the cruiseline lost my suitcase. Luckily we figured out it was missing before we actually sailed. Pretty tense for awhile.

      1. That could have been disastrous if youā€™d sailed without it. Glad they found it

  15. Losing a pet is simply heartbreaking. They love us unconditionally!
    Iā€™m not the same person I was two years ago. Like others mentioned, the more simple my routine, the better. I donā€™t need a ton of new clothes for every season but maybe just add a few key pieces. I feel that I finally have a system of dressing that works for me today. Accepting the fact that my body is changing and loving the new me can be a challenge. A dress that I wore 10 years ago is totally not working for me today. My weight hasnā€™t changed but my shape has changed. This whole aging process is a new journey for us all.
    Thank you for the inspiration to keep moving forward!

  16. The outfit is really attractive. Although it’s not my colour palette, I appreciate the principle. Off to scout my wardrobe for similar pieces and then to make a note of them for when the weather moves into autumn.

    1. Itā€™s a great look! Bravo for shopping your closet

  17. Todayā€™s post covered so much groundā€¦
    1) Most Important: so very sorry about Honeypug, but glad you were able to share goodbye cuddles.
    2) I am confused about all the recommendations for AirTags in your suitcase. They have a lithium battery, which I thought was a no-no for checked luggage. Are they really permitted? Safe?
    3) Looking forward to guidance on honing without being boring!

    1. The AirTags use a small watch-type coin sized battery and they are allowed in checked luggage.

    2. They appear to be allowed and Iā€™m buying one:). Thanks Jo

  18. I’m sorry for your loss of Honeypug. May you and Vanessa feel God’s Peace and Comfort. I enjoyed hearing about him on the blog and seeing his sweet pictures. He will be remembered, and missed.

    One word that will save lost luggage (and other important items): AirTag! Sooo many good stories about recovered luggage, laptops, keys, etc from airports in particular. It’ll change your life šŸ˜‰

    I love a capsule wardrobe. I’ve come to understand that my brain is neurodivergent. However, these certain clothes and colors that support me don’t have to be boring. The rack of clothes you show on today’s blog excellently display that. I appreciate your work so much. Since I started following you and implementing your tips, my family rarely comments on my clothing “uniforms” anymore.

    1. Iā€™m buying one of those Apple tags today! Itā€™s funny but I thought about them a few weeks ago and planned to get one when I returned home!
      That rack of clothes went on my Riverboat cruise several years ago and was perfect!

  19. Meg Anderson says:

    LOVED today’s blog. I feel this way so often, so will definitely be looking forward to reading your perspectives.

  20. SuzanneGabrielle says:

    We travel frequently and almost always do carry on only, but there are times we can’t avoid checking luggage. It’s always a hold one’s breath moment at the carousel, isn’t it? So sorry about your beloved pet. Our daughter has a 14 year old rescue and we know the days are numbered with her. I try not to think about it.

    1. So glad you and your daughter were together when your beloved pet passed. So sorry for your loss.

      1. Thank you Jan

  21. SH McCannell says:

    So very sorry about the furbaby. She was well loved and cared for and will always be with you in spirit.

  22. Like others, Iā€™m very sorry to hear of your beloved dogā€™s death.

    I too have been simplifying my wardrobe and resisting shopping from various brands new collections. Iā€™m embracing the slow fashion movement for various reasons, so I look forward very much to your efforts around a style recipe. Thank you for this blog and your work!

    1. Minimalism may prove challenging for a style blogger but Iā€™ll still share whatā€™s new for my readers.

  23. Mary Divine says:

    The loss of a beloved pet is very difficult and you do mourn as you would for a family member. We all need love and support when this happens. We are cat lovers in our family and I have had many of our precious babies leave us.

  24. I wear almost only 3 colors: white, black, and navy. I especially do this when traveling to visit my sister. It is always a stressful trip (long story!) so I just want to be able to grab clothes and put an outfit together without thinking. I always take something to “dress up” for dinner dates, but once there, I honestly don’t care how I look! that is how stressful it is! So packing easy outfits is the way to go! Sorry to hear about your pet! I’ve lost a few treasured pets along the way and I know how much it hurts!

    1. Iā€™m sorry those trips are so stressful for you! We do what we must but it can take a toll. Thanks, HP was a sweetie

  25. Lisa Enfinger says:

    Thanks for the heads up on the Nordstrom sale, and the suggestion for Longchamp travel bag. I ordered one in light blue on the last day of the sale for my niece, whose birthday is two days before Christmas and has felt cheated at times (not anymore, she’s over fifty) but I do like to spoil her! I’m always surprised at the ease of online shopping, especially at Nordstrom. One click and it’s on the way, no extra CRV numbers or verifications, bada bing bada boom!

    1. I get in more trouble with Nordstrom for the same reason. Amazon prime is the same! Canā€™t wait to get my bag. Iā€™ll be great for my cruise.

  26. I’m so sorry you lost your grandpet. It’s amazing how attached we become to our furry little friends. I am glad that you and your daughter were together at that emotional time šŸ’”
    This post is so interesting because I have found myself doing the same thing as of late with my clothing. I find myself not wearing or reaching for the same items every time I get dressed. I can’t wait to see what your posts will bring in the way of advice.

    1. Weā€™ll have fun exploring this together! Thank you

  27. I am so sorry to hear about Honeypug. It is always so heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. Thank goodness you were there. Hugs to you and Vanessa.
    I look forward to your series on style recipes. I’ve been playing with mine to complement my now white hair, but it still needs a bit of tweaking. At first I wanted a lot of bright colours in my wardrobe, but for the fall/winter I’m leaning towards a more sophisticated and elegant look.

    1. Colors have been a big part of my new direction. I love flattering ones but I feel most comfortable in neutrals. My neutrals šŸ™‚ Thank you xx

  28. I’m sorry to hear about your lost luggage! Ugh, that’s awful. I’m looking forward to seeing how you adapt your wardrobe to your new thinking, because I too have changed considerably in the past few years. I also like a closet that has space to breathe! (It’s much easier to create outfits with fewer choices than from a jam-packed closet.) And all of the items I’ve purchased that I had an instant attraction too – they seldom stick. I find myself preferring simpler lines, more open necklines and my just-right jeans, and a scarf or jewelry for interest. As I purchase and later purge, certain items stay in my wardrobe for years. Of course, if I try to refresh those, they’re seldom still available! Now I’m inspired to start yet another wardrobe purge so I can enjoy my favorites. šŸ™‚

    1. Please delete this if I am overstepping by suggesting a Facebook page here. I belong to a FB group called Travel Fashion Girls. They are big on carry on only. Their posts focus on travel items, travel destinations, inspiring travel attire and how to pack lightly. They recommend Apple Air Tags for your luggage in case it is misplaced. The group is great for travel info of all kinds. Youā€™ll find great info there. Sorry about your grand pup.

      1. I love this group (TFG) also. Of course, not as much as AWSL!

    2. I totally agree. A clogged closet stresses me out and Iā€™m less happy with the outfits I create.

  29. Lezlie Davis says:

    Jennifer, Iā€™m so sorry for your loss and so thankful you were able to be there for your daughter. Itā€™s so hard to lose a beloved pet. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

    Iā€™m looking forward to your thoughts on honing your style recipe. Iā€™ve been thinking about that as Iā€™ve been removing items I love but donā€™t wear from my closet(s).

  30. Sangita Madan says:

    So sorry for the loss of Honeypug….they take a piece of our hearts with them….

    1. She sure did. Thank you

      1. Jennifer, so sorry about your loss of Honeypug. We lost our grand dog last year and still miss her.

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