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.
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.
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.
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.
Jennifer, I am so with you about only wearing a minority of the clothes in my closet. I often think that I need to get out of my “style rut” or fall for a bargain in a lovely color, but in a style which isn’t really flattering. Then those items sit in my closet, inducing guilt.
It’s so hard, in the dressing room, to decide if a garment is “my best me,” as you put it so well. I look forward to the style series! You would think I would have this figured out by now, but I don’t!
Many of us don’t or are still tweaking it so you are in good company, Ruth
Jennifer,
I so appreciate that you have the opportunity and willingness to present the fashion options that you post for us to review along with you. I actually feel like I am in the the dressing room with you! I also find if I venture to purchase something that is deviation from my usual that it just hangs in the closet until I finally admit that I am not ever going to find an occasion to wear it. So I really look forward to the subject matter of investigating one’s own style that makes them comfortable!
Carolyn
Iām glad youāre liking these posts Carolyn! I really enjoy sharing them.
Although taste/lifestyle wise we might not be who we were two years ago, I think we need to remember that our complection does not change. I’ve stopped looking at BR for over a year, because they keep showing earthy neutral colours. I’ve noticed several other stores are doing the same for this season.
I had my ‘colours ‘ done many years ago and really think I look healthier in ‘winter’ palette colours…some ‘summer’ ones also. I don’t wear foundation to change my look.
I always thought you looked great in those palettes as well, Jennifer.
Designers/retailers keep changing things around to make us shop more , and motivate us to think we need a change . I think investment purchases should also be based on the colours that are in our closet , and we know look good on us.
I am so very sorry to hear of Honeypug’s passing. Our fur babies and furgrandbabies mean the world to us. Hugs to you and your daughter. Also sorry to hear the airline lost your luggage. We’re scheduled for a Fall cruise and have decided to go only with carryon luggage – that will be a first for us. Needless to say, I’m still nervous about traveling. Hopefully, things will have settled down by October. Looking forward to what you plan to pack.
(I’m a week behind on my emails – again!!).
Thank you, Christi. I’m a bit worried about our cruise too, but we plan to be very careful.
Jennifer, Is the black and white capsule featured in this post something from a previous post? Or from another blogger? I love it and would love to know more about it. thanks
It’s my wardrobe and what I packed for my last riverboat cruise. It’s several years ago now, but you can find some links here.
Yes yes and yes! Fewer pieces that are well chosen is my goal. All of those Eileen Fisher pieces look beautiful on you in the photos.
Very sorry to hear about Honeypug. It was a well timed trip.
The timing was perfect. Thank you so much Ellen.
Love the outfit. We donāt have a fall and I miss the fall colors. ( and cooler temps!) As much as they are fun for a season, one gets weary of wearing tropical brights and whites all year! Seeing this beautiful array of earth tones makes me realize that those are what I feel most like myself in. I shall be on a search for autumnal colors in cool light weight fabrics. Thank you for this post.
It’s wonderful to find the colors that make your heart sing:)
Beautiful outfit and accessories!
Speaking of fall-could you tell us again the sunless tanners that you recommended, please!
Thank you and Iām sorry about the sweet dog. They become such a part of us!ā¤ļø
I have yet to find one I prefer to this Jergens, so I continue to use it.
It is surprising how few clothes we need. This will be fun following you hone in on your style recipe. I’ve been trying to do that for about and year now, and I’m still on that path. I get sidetracked a lot and still have way too many clothes that I don’t wear, plus my weight keeps fluctuating. Prior to the summer months, I tried on all my summer clothes and left a whole group in another closet, labeled; “don’t look good for this summer.” I don’t want to give them away just yet, but so far I haven’t missed too many pieces.
I’m so sorry about your and your daughter’s Honeypug. It’s hard to lose a pet. Take care.
Thanks, Nancy. I have things I didn’t wear this summer too! Do I need them?
So sorry to hear about Honeypug. The loss is so hard because pets unconditionally love you with all there being. I hope Honeypug meets our Golden Retreiver, Allie on the other side. And they become friends.
My deepest sympathy.
Thank you so much Lin! xo
So sorry about Honeypug. We just lost our Angel Kitty and know how it feels, sometimes I still think I see her. Love our critters.
And yes, please, letās talk less is more! When I see an outfit I like, even with your spend or save cardigan/jeans outfit, I have so many nice clothes I go shop my closet (itās free!!) for the best version of that look and am often quite pleased with it, wearing things in different ways or combinations for a fresh look. Sometimes I just havenāt figured out how to put together an outfit! Thanks for all you do to help us with that!
Shopping in your closet is the best when it contains things that you love!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets are such an important part of our family and their passing is heartbreaking. š
I love the warm fall colours but can only wear cool tones. Can you share some jewel tones in fall outfits?
Yes, I certainly will be sharing warm and cool tones in fall outfits.I look best in cool tones too:)
So sorry for your loss. Our Freddie is such a big part of our lives. He is a 10 year old bulldog.
Jennifer
I have that same black and white checked dress/duster. I’m a couple inches shorter than you.
I have never worn it. I feel badly about that but I cannot explain it.
Somehow it’s not my thing.
What do you do when something you bought does not feel right?
Return obvious… but I thought maybe someday. So its still here.
Is this a donate item?
Also I’m so sorry about Honeypug.
I had my rescue dog for 18 years.
She went to rainbow Bridge the same week I quit my 30 year news career and moved across the country to a place I knew nobody
That girl hung with me til the end and I thank God for her 18 years with me.
That’s such stressful timing, I’m so sorry.
This little girl hung in through thick and thin with my daughter too. Great little dogs!!
I would donate it to a battered women’s shelter
I am so sorry about Honeypug. Pugs are such wonderful companions.
I know I speak for many who enjoyed the photos and stories of her. Hugs.
Thank you so much
Is the capsule wardrobe you show something you have featured before? I cannot find any links to it, nor does Google Image search reveal it. Thank you for any insight you can provide.
It’s the wardrobe I took on our last Riverboat cruise a few years ago. All neutrals with some leopard prints. I’m sure most things are sold out so i need to update the post. I linked a lot of them- here
My condolences to you and your daughter for your loss
I will be reading with interest. With such a limited travel wardrobe, do you wear over and over or do laundry on vacation? I would have to work on being comfortable with little variety. Shoes would be most difficult. And I canāt forget the times I have watched people struggle to fit bags the size of small refrigerators in the overhead bins, thereby increasing the time it takes us all to board and especially to get off.
Air tags are a great idea!
I just finished cleaning out my closet in Florida and Portland. When I retired, 6 years ago, and moved to Florida I found my work clothes no longer fit into my lifestyle. I also found that I have different clothes for Florida (lots of linen, sweaters are cotton instead of cashmere š¢, more relaxed casual style) than Portland (jeans, tshirts, button down shirts, blazers, sweaters, leather (faux & real), silk scarvesā¦). I used to collect, and wear, vintage clothing but Iām contemplating selling the majority of what I own. I really feel like I aged out (69 years old) so they look more like a costume than quirky chic. Iāve gotten much better at the āwill I wear it, does it go with what I already own, will it be wearable for years to come?ā.
Iām very good at packing light (3 colors, typically black, white and gray which mix & match beautifully ), evening shoe and casual walking shoe, evening clutch and daytime bag.
Iām so sorry to hear about the loss of Honeypug. Itās always so hard when we lose our beloved pets. Hugs to you!
Kim
Thank you Kim
So sad to hear about Honeypug. As a former (long time ago) pug owner I always looked forward to hearing about your adventures with her. Condolences to you and your daughter. Itās hard. š„²
Iāve followed your page for several years now and while I am a completely different height (used to be 5ā10ā but getting shorter as get older, still will never be a petite size) I learn so much from you and enjoy your posts immensely.
My retirement wardrobe during Covid became long, cropped or capri yoga pants, tanks or t-shirts, and a sweater or sweatshirt, plus jackets for rain or cold (we live in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver) but I didnāt stop shopping. Much was online but this year Iāve been venturing out to stores. Now I have a collection of things unworn, some for over 2 years that Iām trying to put together for āgoing outā. What fun, and I find myself out shopping for the pieces to complete outfits! The whole point of retirement, and Covid was an accelerator, was to downsize, right size etc. but my closets are stuffed!
Thank you so much, she was a sweetie
I too am evolving my wardrobe. I feel like Janette who wrote about her full closet. I have traveled with a small suitcase and large shoulder bag to Europe. Really like the outfit you chose today āŗļø.
Yes, my style has changed some, still classic is best for me, but I am working on a few more casual pieces for my wardrobe. Looking forward to seeing your posts on style recipe.
Gosh, Jennifer, I was so sorry to hear about Honeypug’s passing. I’m betting she’s not far away . . .
I am so sorry for your loss of Honeypug.
āWe who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our
own, live within a fragile circle;
easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only
certain immortality, never fully
understanding the necessary plan.ā
ā Irving Townsend
Wow, I cannot believe that your flight was cancelled when you were already through security!!! I very much hope that you get your suitcase back.
We are flying to Glasgow direct from Toronto (although we live near Ottawa, but decided to take the train to TO, probably a very good idea!) in early September – we can only hope that by then some of the chaos will have lessened.
Condolences to you and your daughter on the loss of her pooch. I don’t have pets myself but I understand that they truly become family members.
I love the idea of your new series, I think many of us will find it very helpful – thank you!
I have been watching a blog called “The Daily Connoissuer” which recommends a 10 item capsule wardrobe and extras to support your capsule clothing. While I think I need 15 capsule items, the concept appeals to me and I am pairing down my wardrobe. If I havent worn it in a year, it’s gone, Next, I’m looking at seasonal items. My style has evolved. I do not have the same style as I had 2 -5 years ago. Just thought I’d share.
Very sorry about your luggage, Jennifer. Airlines are not as responsible or dependable as they use to be.
I realized during the lock downs that I definitely didn’t need all the clothes in my closet. I don’t work so I don’t need to have that many different outfits. I have found the same 4 or 5 mix and match got me through the winter and looking to the same for summer. My problem is letting go of all the still good clothes packed in my closet.
I am sending a hug for you and your daughter. We too have a 14 year old dog who is in the late stages of her life. They give us so much love in their short time here on earth. The information about the traveling was important to know. My daughter is heading to Ireland this month and has decided to carry on her bag. She said she had read that so many people lose their luggage. Thanks for your post today.
Firstly my condolences to you and Vanessa on your loss, it is heartbreaking to loose a family member, which our pets are. Secondly darn, re lost luggage. I have had this happen to me, since then I always carry a change of underwear and t shirt in my carry on if checking a bag.
Jennifer I like your blog as it is one of very few that actually seems suited for real women. I find it amazing that both your blog and the one other I follow that is only partially about fashion, have honed in on the same subject of trying to find your style NOW. It is something I have struggled with since retiring. I am eager to hear and see your ideas, and how you go about defining your style.
So sorry to hear of Honeypots passing. Looking forward to this fashion journey.
Sorry, Honeypug. But I bet she was as sweet as a honeypot.
Do hope your luggage turns up shortly and will be looking forward to your series on honing your style recipe. As to the outfit of the week; though very enticing I have to admit I hate the thought of Fall, as where I live it means ‘old man winter who isn’t always the kindness’ isn’t far behind it. Last but not least; sorry to learn about the loss of Vanessa’s sweet Honeypug and sending a warm hug to both of you. -Brenda-
I am so sorry for the loss of Honeypug. It is so hard for those of us who love animals to lose a family pet. By the way Honeypug is a really cute name.
I am excited about your new series you are about to publish. I am feeling the same way. I have so many items of clothing I never wear and I want to pair down. I am thinking about retiring in a few years, so I am thinking of simpler out fits. I loved your dressing room diary regarding Eileen Fisher clothing. It makes sense to purchase classic, well made items that you can wear for many years to come.
My thoughts are with you on the loss of Honeypug and your lost luggage. I totally appreciate how sad your heart is right now, the loss of a fur child is huge. Thank you for sharing your life, this way I get to know the whole person. Please let your beautiful daughter know she is in my thoughts as well. I’m sending you virtual warm hugs.
Your post resonated with me so much. While I think there is benefit to getting sometimes a little out of your comfort zone (as in not a rut or a time warp), whenever I do that the clothes sit. I have a boho crochet lace shirt that Iām literally making myself wear, but I feel so uncomfortable in it. If thereās one style thing Iām -not-, itās boho. Accessories take up little room in the closet but allow for creativity and variety with a very small wardrobe of simple, minimalist clothing. That has always been my sweet spot of dressing, and I need to get back to it. My lifestyle has changed a ton since retiring two years ago, and now most of the time my daily wear incorporates at least one piece of athletic or leisurewear, something I literally didnāt own a piece of before retiring. I love looks where you incorporate leggings, lounge pants or some such with an elevated top.
So sorry about the loss of your beloved puppy. Man life can be tough! And then the added kick in the pants of lost luggage. Be extra nice to yourself today! Thank you for your thoughtful and impressive blog. I enjoy it very much.
Since we love clothes and love the new and shiny (figuratively), the challenge is the renewing and the repurposing of what is there. It is a challenge and all ideas for doing this are welcome and needed! I find putting some of my clothes away to determine whether they are really what I want is helpful. I do this not just with seasonal items that I won’t be wearing until the weather changes but with items that I am wondering about whether they really belong in my closet.
Hope you have a peaceful day with good memories. I do believe that our furry friends will be with us in the next life, but that does not really make saying good-bye now much easier. Hugs
Thank you so much Mary
The sorrow from the loss of a pet is very real. My sincerest sympathy to you & your family.
Thank you so much Donna
So sorry Jennifer for the loss of your little grand-dog, but glad it worked that you were there to say goodbye and be with there for your daughter. Luggage ugh! Always a challenge for me to even pack but once I do I love the edited very tiny closet I have taken with me. I have often thought exactly what you have said. When I travel I love the travel capsule I have finally chosen to take, love the simplicity of dressing and daily decisions and mostly just getting on with my day feeling well dressed and confident. Your idea for a blog for honing in on style will be most welcome. Perhaps my closet can reflect more of who I really am now. I have moved from a work life, from Philly to Seattle, (very different that Pacific NW look) and of course have added a few years to my age. Many thanks for your wonderful blog, and I look forward to a reboot.
The PNW has such a different vibe too! Itāll be fun to explore honing our style together
Condolences on the loss of your grand dog. š¢. Those of us who have lost pets feel your pain. Iām sorry youāre going through this.
Thanks Nancy xo
Love your comment-Iām not the same woman I was two years ago. Thatās exactly how Iām feelingā¦Iām turning 72 and Iāve been finding my choices in clothes are changing again. Still want classic lines and a finished look, but fabric and comfort has become more important. Thanks for your inspirations!
I agree comfort has taken on more importance but it must still be polished for me.
I’m glad you got to spend time with Honeypug before she crossed the rainbow bridge. A friend is currently saying a slow goodbye to her dear girl. Dog strollers are a wonderful way to get them outdoors and give them the best of their final days. My condolences to you both.
Style constantly evolves, even when we think we’ve got it down to a science. Like you, I have some linen items in darker colors for the transition to fall.
Things have certainly changed with travel. The discount airline I used to fly with only allows extremely small carryon bags, so it looks like I’ll fly with another airline. It seems carryon is the only way to go now. That calls for an article on detergent strips, folding hangers, wrinkle spray and portable clothes lines, don’t you think?
I do! Great ideas.
This article is perfectly timed for me! Thank you. I look forward to future articles as I have been addressing my closet and my “go-to” natural look for the past week, to no avail!
I assume you left from YVR. I would have Vanessa go to the airport and check their ‘lost’ bags. As your bag was pulled and never put on your plane due to the cancelled flight they would not know where to re-direct it. Your bag could either be at YVR or your destination airport.
My husband and I flew to Copenhagen from London and our bags did not fly with us due to a late departure. The next day we went back to the Copenhagen airport and our bags were still there in the baggage department on a carousel. The bags flew Copenhagen on another flight…
Good suggestion. I have both airlines searching for it too!
We are now in the middle of dog sitting our grand-dog who is also a Pug. She is 11 and has mobility issues of her own, and itās painful to watch her slow pace to ādo her businessā. But like Honeypug, she is very sweet! Iām so sorry to hear your news.
We have travel plans soon that include 2 stops with change of planes. Ugh! Hopefully our luggage arrives with us. Miracles do happen, right?
My thoughts go out to you all with your sweet Pug. Xx
Iām sorry about the loss of Honeypug. Iām sure you and Vanessa shared many tears.
Iām traveling to Ottawa in October and plan to take only a carry on. A first for me. Wish me luck! Iāve never had my luggage lost but the airlines have never been in the state they are today.
I gained weight over the course of a year and had to buy new clothes for summer. I only bought the bare minimum and am surprised that it is all I really need. I plan to do the same for fall/winter, although I will need a few more pieces. Itās much easier to get dressed in the morning. Why are we spending all that money on clothes? Sue Burpee of High Heels in the Wilderness had an interesting post this Sunday. Finding three words that describe your style. It forces you to look at what your clothing choices say about your aesthetic. Once you narrow that down, it might help prevent those unfortunate purchases that we all make. I look forward to your new series.
If you narrow down the colors you pack you can do lots of mixing and matching. Good luck! It can be done.
We really have changed in 2 years. My life is really casual and since I lost weight I’ve been thinking about how I want to dress. I’ve been wearing more fitted things now and it feels good. So sorry to hear about Honeypug. Losing a beloved pet is really hard. Take care.
.
.
Weight loss changes so much more than our size! Congrats
We really have changed in 2 years. My life is really casual and since I lost weight I’ve been thinking about how I want to dress. I’ve been wearing more fitted things now and it feels good.
So sorry to hear about Honeypug. What a blessing you and your daughter were together at his passing. Sad news indeed l loved hearing about him.
One of my co workers went to Italy this summer and her luggage got lost at Heathrow and she had to start her vacation buying clothes to wear, and then was told her luggage will probably take six months to show up, if at all !!
I have a wedding in another state in Sept and l am trying to see if l can get everything in one carry on.
Oh I am sorry to hear about Vanessaās sweet pug. Itās such a difficult time when we say goodbye to our beloved pets. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you all.
Lost luggage seems to be a serious problem right now with flightsā¦I hope you are fortunate and have it returned. The transitional linen outfit is definitely something that I would wear!
I cannot believe I didn’t say how sorry I am about Honeypug! Losing a beloved pet and famiy member is so tough! Best wishes.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I love this group (TFG) also. Of course, not as much as AWSL!
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 š
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 heartsāhugs.
So very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. š¾šā¤ļø
Love the transitioning to fall outfit!
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.
So very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. š¾šā¤ļø
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.
Weāll have fun exploring this together.
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.
Thank you. She was a doll.
Color choices are a great part of this for me too.
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¤
I still tear up over my Lucy who we lost years ago!! Great point about buying for the life we live. Iām guilty of that sometimes too.
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.
Iām so very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.š I enjoy your blog so much and always look forward to my cup of morning tea and reading your posts.
Aww Iām 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.
That could have been disastrous if youād sailed without it. Glad they found it
Losing a pet is simply heartbreaking. They love us unconditionally!
Iām not the same person I was two years ago. Like others mentioned, the more simple my routine, the better. I donāt 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 hasnāt 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!
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.
Itās a great look! Bravo for shopping your closet
Todayās 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!
The AirTags use a small watch-type coin sized battery and they are allowed in checked luggage.
They appear to be allowed and Iām buying one:). Thanks Jo
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 š
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.
Iām buying one of those Apple tags today! Itās 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!
LOVED today’s blog. I feel this way so often, so will definitely be looking forward to reading your perspectives.
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.
So glad you and your daughter were together when your beloved pet passed. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you Jan
So very sorry about the furbaby. She was well loved and cared for and will always be with you in spirit.
Like others, Iām very sorry to hear of your beloved dogās death.
I too have been simplifying my wardrobe and resisting shopping from various brands new collections. Iām 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!
Minimalism may prove challenging for a style blogger but Iāll still share whatās new for my readers.
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.
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!
Iām sorry those trips are so stressful for you! We do what we must but it can take a toll. Thanks, HP was a sweetie
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!
I get in more trouble with Nordstrom for the same reason. Amazon prime is the same! Canāt wait to get my bag. Iāll be great for my cruise.
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 š
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.
Weāll have fun exploring this together! Thank you
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.
Colors have been a big part of my new direction. I love flattering ones but I feel most comfortable in neutrals. My neutrals š Thank you xx
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. š
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. Youāll find great info there. Sorry about your grand pup.
I love this group (TFG) also. Of course, not as much as AWSL!
I totally agree. A clogged closet stresses me out and Iām less happy with the outfits I create.
Jennifer, Iām so sorry for your loss and so thankful you were able to be there for your daughter. Itās so hard to lose a beloved pet. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Iām looking forward to your thoughts on honing your style recipe. Iāve been thinking about that as Iāve been removing items I love but donāt wear from my closet(s).
So sorry for the loss of Honeypug….they take a piece of our hearts with them….
She sure did. Thank you
Jennifer, so sorry about your loss of Honeypug. We lost our grand dog last year and still miss her.