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 TANK / 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.
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 it’s painful to watch her slow pace to “do her business”. But like Honeypug, she is very sweet! I’m 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
I’m sorry about the loss of Honeypug. I’m sure you and Vanessa shared many tears.
I’m traveling to Ottawa in October and plan to take only a carry on. A first for me. Wish me luck! I’ve 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. It’s 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.
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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 Vanessa’s sweet pug. It’s 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 flights…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 🙂
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 hearts—hugs.
So very sorry for the loss of Honeypug. 🐾🌈❤️
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. 🐾🌈❤️