The first thing I consider when choosing an outfit is the weather. Then I think of where I’m going, and finally, I consider how I will feel when I’m wearing it.
This past Saturday night, we went to a club to hear an aging rock and roll band. These guys aren’t famous…they’re just a group of guys in their 60s + who love to play music. We heard everything from Iron Butterfly to James Taylor, which was a blast!
The setting was beyond casual, with very funky decor and an everything-goes attitude. I haven’t been inside a club like this since I was in college. The weather was clammy and chilly so I wore jeans with socks and booties, my Quince cashmere turtleneck, and this new trench coat I just had shortened. I considered wearing my faux leather pants but was happy to see that jeans were the perfect choice.
Here’s the difference in how this coat looks on me before and after I had it hemmed. Many women hesitate to pay for alterations, but they can make all the difference in the world. Could I have continued to wear this trench coat without having it shortened? Of course, but it looks much better on me hemmed. Do you pay for alterations?
Blessings
On a personal note, I lost my cousin to metastasized Lung Cancer over the weekend. I hadn’t seen him in many, many years, but it has shaken me to the core. He was my age, and the diagnosis was only made a few weeks ago.
Our dear friends lost their daughter (in her 40s) to lung cancer last month. She did not smoke, so they didn’t suspect lung cancer and didn’t check her lungs until it was quite advanced.
I had my annual CT lung scan last week to “keep an eye on” two small growths that they’ve been monitoring for several years. I smoked like a chimney in my youth. I’m sure the results will be fine, but until that report comes in, I’m on tenterhooks. I’m also blessed!
They watched some similar spots in my husband’s lung CT until they changed, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer. They caught the cancer early and removed the cancerous lobe.
Where am I going with this? My blessings. I feel so blessed they found some small irregularities in my and my husband’s lung scans. I’m blessed and grateful that our medical system is willing to monitor things closely so that problems can be caught in their infancy.
Ok, ok, I may be rambling, but all this is to say…please do not ignore things with your health that seem ‘off’. If you’re worried about anything, insist that doctors look into it further. We must be our own medical advocate since the squeaky wheel gets noticed.
Save or Splurge
Let’s lighten things up and have some fun with a save or splurge.
This week’s save or splurge is an easy floral top, jeans, a lightweight jacket, metallic sandals, and a woven handbag. It’s an easy-to-wear outfit at any price point.
Thinking of you – life is fragile. Our family are experiencing a sibling serious illness and elderly (101) friend decline, plus several friends with parent conditions.
I guess the season? Take care, be well. š„°šš»šš»
Hi Jennifer, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your cousin. It shakes you to your core to lose someone so quickly. My husband passed away at 53 after a 2 week battle with pancreatic cancer. We were shocked to say the least. Early detection would not have made a difference in his outcome, but SO many cancers are curable with early treatment.
By the way, I am good friends with my tailor, because I see her so often! At 5’2″ 115# I need so many things altered, and I am also very particular with how my clothes fit. One of my most favorite sandal brands is the Charleston Shoe Company. They are so comfortable, most are washable, different heel heights, and so many cute fabrics and styles. I have 4 pairs and want more š
Best wishes, love your posts, they are so relatable!
Jennifer Iām so sorry for your loss! Iām glad that you and your husband are monitoring for your health issues. As a retired nurse, Iām glad to hear that your treatment worked. Stay on top of it please. I preferred the Save so it was easy for me this time. I still have not found a sandal as I have peripheral neuropathy and severe arthritis in my feet. I wear Skechers and Easy Spirit as they come in wide toe boots and very soft step but with arch support. My alteration lady had to quit due to hand problems and havenāt found quality work since in my small town. At 5ā2ā I need petite sizing.
Hi Jenifer sorry to hear about family loss and for sharing. I was diagnosed with breast cancer end of last year
which was picked up on a routine mammogram . I couldnāt feel a lump and the surgeon said it was so small even she couldnāt feel it on examination. I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node biopsy which showed it hadnāt spread. I am now
recovered and have to take Hormone inhibitors for 5yrs , no problem with that. Ladies never ignore anything it
can be treated.
Re length of your trench coat the shorter length is so much better as a petite lady myself anything longer than 2 ins below my knee drowns me. I wish there was more styles out there for petite women.
Thanks for your interesting and varied post . Keep up the good work even if sometimes bloggers touch on
touch on sensitive issues like cancer think itās a good thing as itās another platform to spread the word to get checked with your doctor.
Thank you for reminding all of us to call your Dr. If you feel or find something unusual. I am a breast cancer survivor plus have had 4 squamous cell cancers. Early detection is so very important. One of my favorite sandal brands is Earth Origins. I appreciate the arch support in them.
So sorry for your loss. Itās shocking when it happens so quickly like that. I totally agree with what a difference a good tailor can make to a garment. And, as always, I love the splurge vs. save and I know you could have splurged even further with a Bottega Veneta handbag and Lafayette top and jacket!
Sandals – since I do not have “pretty” feet, I would love to see sandals with closed toes. (I do wear open toes at home.) And with occasional bouts of plantar fasciitis, I need some arch support. I work occasionally and I just do not enjoy looking at people’s toes….both men and women. Sorry, I guess I’m weird.
Flip flops are the best for hotel showers. Other than that, I don’t wear them.
I agree that you can never be too careful about your own health — and am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin, you have my condolences.
It is good that you monitor your health (and your husband as well) and that you have a good medical team who will work with you regarding any concerns that arise.
As far as the question about alterations, I do get clothes altered. I do some simple alterations myself, but for nicer items I use a professional for alterations. And – I’m thrilled that Nordstrom’s will do alterations.
Lastly, I was wondering about the bags in your two photos – is there a link for them as well?
Wow! What a difference hemming your trench coat made! Yes, I do pay for alterations, but rarely do coats. I have two trenches that I barely wear, hanging in my closet right now. You’ve inspired me to try them on again and maybe hem them.
I think the jacket in the save or splurge gave it away. It looks inexpensive. I can see where the two examples could be interchangeable as well.
So sorry about your family losses. We can all relate. Sending prayers of comfort and healing. As for my own cancer encounter: in a regular exam of my spine prior to an injection to relieve back pain, my spine surgeon called me in and told me that the scan showed a grey area in my left kidney. I had no indication prior aside for a small knot in my back that I thought was a strained muscle. Well it turned out to be cancer and a part of my left kidney was removed. That was four years ago and so far so good. However, my kidney surgeon told that in most cases if the cancer returns it shows up in the lungs. So every year I hold my breath until the X-rays return as good. And yes Iām another smoker, my husband and I gave it up back in 2009, but I started again when he passed, so Iām trying to quit again.
Iām sure there are many of us who have had similar experiences with the big C.
I love Vionic flip flops….have several pairs – some “dressy” ( leopard print!) and some very casual. I found Vionic years ago when I was still a middle school librarian and had plantar fasciitis. I usually purchased Clark sandals but lately didn’t like the style. I found some great white platform sandals – not too high – made by Skechers, in a shop while visiting St. Augustine , Florida. Beverlee -Delicate Glow Tried them on, then felt fabulous….left with a pair in white and in luggage brown!
Thanks for your post Jennifer. I think alterations are worth it if it’s an item you love and the fit is not quite right. You’ll wear the item more with a better fit. I loved the casual outfit you put together too. I also appreciated your words on heath. So sorry to hear of your loss. My childhood friend’s sister was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and we attended her visitation Easter Saturday. She was just 6 years older. And my sister-in-law passed away in February at the age of 68. Although she was battling an illness for the last 5 years, so unfair that she went so early. It can’t be said enough to keep on top of health matters and to advocate for oneself. I will be making a follow up appointment with my doctor as a result of your post. Take care.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin. I’ve lost cousins also and it really makes you think about your own health for sure. I’m glad you’ve been talking about sandals. My Podiatrist said no more thong type sandals which of course is what I mostly own. She likes Ecco brand.
Iām sorry to hear about your loss. You are so right about being your own advocate. Just a word of advice, donāt let those āoh itās nothingā symptoms go on for very long before getting checked out. In August of 21 I was having pains in my abdomen that came and went. Saw my Dr for yearly check end of September. That week everything was fine. Next week abdomen swelled out looking like I was pregnant. Went in, they run test and found I had stage 4 ovarian cancer. There are no test for it. Nothing they can do till it is diagnosed.
After 6 months of chemo and surgery Iām in my second year of remission. At 74 Iām up for any test that they want me to take.
Iām 5ā my alterations lady is on āspeed dial ā. I buy very little that isnāt on sale with additional markdowns. Most all of my pants and dresses have to be shortened so I have to add that cost to the price of the items.
The coat definitely looks better shorter.
You fooled me today with the save or splurge. The shoes and earrings fooled me.
Oh my Janice, That is so scary. It’s the cancers with no warning signs that we need to be so concerned with. Congrats on being in your second year of remission! Sending my best for your continued good health.
I’m sorry for your loss, Jennifer. It’s so important to take care of ourselves and get things checked out.
Your trench coat alteration make such a difference. I often have to have coat sleeves shortened, and feel like things look so much better when I do. It’s a cold windy day here in Victoria this morning. Wishing you a lovely day.
I was able to pick the splurge based on the many expensive details on the jacket and blouse. Beautiful outfits! I do wear flip flops, but only around the house. My favorite sandal brand has to beā¦ā¦Clarks, for support, comfort and style. Sofft is a close runner up.
I do not wear flip flops, though I did before my feet got funky. I wear Birkenstocks for casual (plastic for the pool, leather to run around in), Naot for elevated casual and even slightly dressy. I also have Clarkās and Tevas. Iāve pretty much decluttered the āfashion brandsābecause I wear comfortable shoes now, and even the fashion flats or sandals donāt have the support I want. For a summer flat, itās Vivaia all the way.
Sending my condolences to your family on the loss of your cousin. I do agree, you have to advocate for yourself with healthcare. I live in BC and the doctor situation here is dire, more people in BC dont have a family doctor due to the exodus of doctors from retirement and poor government management of their pay structure so they are leaving the province. My hubby just received a cancer diagnosis, prostate cancer early stage 1. He had a procedure in March and the tissue came back with a small amount of cancer cells. So they are going to monitor it, blood tests every 3 months and doctors appt every 6 months. The good thing is the Dr. said that he would eat his diploma if this is what he dies from. I actually thought the outfits were opposite than they were with the cost, good comparison!
Sorry about your cousin, Jennifer. It does pay to have things checked out if something feels even a little “off.” I found a petite trench coat that was also too long so it looked overwhelming. Fortunately it was on sale as I had to pay $55 to have it hemmed but it is much more flattering!
I’m so sorry for your losses and concerns over the people still with us, but with health issues. We are at that age, and I am trying to say “yes” to every opportunity when I’m sitting in the fence. Life is short. Stay positive, and thank you for your blog to keep us as young looking and appropriate as possible!! Blessings.
Since I live in Central Florida, flipflops are my daily shoeā¦.but only ABEOs because of their excellent arch support. I prefer their āBalboaā style. Unfortunately that style has gone out of production, so I source them anywhere I can find. EBay has been my best bet. I have 11 pairs of themā¦.that should last me until Iām dead.
Iām already 75ā¦.š
My favorite sandal brand are Naot or Taos. They both have very good support and have attractive styles. I do have some flip flops but only wear them if I am not driving.
Jennifer, I am so very sorry for your loss and so very glad that your irregularities are being monitored. Sending hugs and best wishes.
As for your altered coat length – it’s perfect now. I used to get alterations done back in the 80’s and 90’s but other than hemming pants, haven’t had much need lately. I am taking a white denim skirt to be shortened from a maxi style to a mid calf length. I hope my local dry cleaners still provides alterations – I haven’t been there in years!
I’m sorry for your loss. Glad that you and your husband are having the scans and that they were able to catch the spots quickly. Your trench coat looks great after the alterations. I do have some pieces altered. I usually purchase petite sizes which fit me perfectly but I often need to have casual tops and tees which aren’t sized for petites shortened. I’ve also had a few jackets restyled with great success. If you love a piece but its not quite right alterations can make it perfect. My favorite sandal brands are Taos, Aetrex and Sketchers. I do not wear flip flops at all. I have a high arch and find flat shoes very uncomfortable.
Hi Jennifer! Happy Monday! On the save or splurge I like both and would wear either , but the sandals were the giveaway for me! I just felt the sandals on left were higher end. Yes they were.
I do pay for alterations as you asked, quite often actually.
Thinking of you – life is fragile. Our family are experiencing a sibling serious illness and elderly (101) friend decline, plus several friends with parent conditions.
I guess the season? Take care, be well. š„°šš»šš»
Iām so sorry to hear of your struggles! Sending warm thoughts your way Cheryl.
Hi Jennifer, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your cousin. It shakes you to your core to lose someone so quickly. My husband passed away at 53 after a 2 week battle with pancreatic cancer. We were shocked to say the least. Early detection would not have made a difference in his outcome, but SO many cancers are curable with early treatment.
By the way, I am good friends with my tailor, because I see her so often! At 5’2″ 115# I need so many things altered, and I am also very particular with how my clothes fit. One of my most favorite sandal brands is the Charleston Shoe Company. They are so comfortable, most are washable, different heel heights, and so many cute fabrics and styles. I have 4 pairs and want more š
Best wishes, love your posts, they are so relatable!
Thank you so much Cynthia. I am so sorry to hear about your husband!! That’s devastating.
Jennifer Iām so sorry for your loss! Iām glad that you and your husband are monitoring for your health issues. As a retired nurse, Iām glad to hear that your treatment worked. Stay on top of it please. I preferred the Save so it was easy for me this time. I still have not found a sandal as I have peripheral neuropathy and severe arthritis in my feet. I wear Skechers and Easy Spirit as they come in wide toe boots and very soft step but with arch support. My alteration lady had to quit due to hand problems and havenāt found quality work since in my small town. At 5ā2ā I need petite sizing.
Thank you Sydney. Peripheral neuropathy is sooo miserable. My husband suffers with it too.
Hi Jenifer sorry to hear about family loss and for sharing. I was diagnosed with breast cancer end of last year
which was picked up on a routine mammogram . I couldnāt feel a lump and the surgeon said it was so small even she couldnāt feel it on examination. I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node biopsy which showed it hadnāt spread. I am now
recovered and have to take Hormone inhibitors for 5yrs , no problem with that. Ladies never ignore anything it
can be treated.
Re length of your trench coat the shorter length is so much better as a petite lady myself anything longer than 2 ins below my knee drowns me. I wish there was more styles out there for petite women.
Thanks for your interesting and varied post . Keep up the good work even if sometimes bloggers touch on
touch on sensitive issues like cancer think itās a good thing as itās another platform to spread the word to get checked with your doctor.
Iām so glad they caught it early!!
Thank you for reminding all of us to call your Dr. If you feel or find something unusual. I am a breast cancer survivor plus have had 4 squamous cell cancers. Early detection is so very important. One of my favorite sandal brands is Earth Origins. I appreciate the arch support in them.
Thanks for sharing Judy
So sorry for your loss. Itās shocking when it happens so quickly like that. I totally agree with what a difference a good tailor can make to a garment. And, as always, I love the splurge vs. save and I know you could have splurged even further with a Bottega Veneta handbag and Lafayette top and jacket!
Yes! Woven handbags are everywhere this spring at all price points
Sandals – since I do not have “pretty” feet, I would love to see sandals with closed toes. (I do wear open toes at home.) And with occasional bouts of plantar fasciitis, I need some arch support. I work occasionally and I just do not enjoy looking at people’s toes….both men and women. Sorry, I guess I’m weird.
No, you’re not weird at all.
Flip flops are the best for hotel showers. Other than that, I don’t wear them.
I agree that you can never be too careful about your own health — and am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin, you have my condolences.
It is good that you monitor your health (and your husband as well) and that you have a good medical team who will work with you regarding any concerns that arise.
As far as the question about alterations, I do get clothes altered. I do some simple alterations myself, but for nicer items I use a professional for alterations. And – I’m thrilled that Nordstrom’s will do alterations.
Lastly, I was wondering about the bags in your two photos – is there a link for them as well?
Oh wow, sorry I forgot the bags. I added the links now.
Wow! What a difference hemming your trench coat made! Yes, I do pay for alterations, but rarely do coats. I have two trenches that I barely wear, hanging in my closet right now. You’ve inspired me to try them on again and maybe hem them.
I think the jacket in the save or splurge gave it away. It looks inexpensive. I can see where the two examples could be interchangeable as well.
I could have worn the trench longer but I’m much happier with how it looks at the shorter length.
So sorry about your family losses. We can all relate. Sending prayers of comfort and healing. As for my own cancer encounter: in a regular exam of my spine prior to an injection to relieve back pain, my spine surgeon called me in and told me that the scan showed a grey area in my left kidney. I had no indication prior aside for a small knot in my back that I thought was a strained muscle. Well it turned out to be cancer and a part of my left kidney was removed. That was four years ago and so far so good. However, my kidney surgeon told that in most cases if the cancer returns it shows up in the lungs. So every year I hold my breath until the X-rays return as good. And yes Iām another smoker, my husband and I gave it up back in 2009, but I started again when he passed, so Iām trying to quit again.
Iām sure there are many of us who have had similar experiences with the big C.
I’m so sorry, Rhoda! Thank goodness they found it and are monitoring your lungs. The big C is terrifying. Sending healing thoughts your way!
I love Vionic flip flops….have several pairs – some “dressy” ( leopard print!) and some very casual. I found Vionic years ago when I was still a middle school librarian and had plantar fasciitis. I usually purchased Clark sandals but lately didn’t like the style. I found some great white platform sandals – not too high – made by Skechers, in a shop while visiting St. Augustine , Florida. Beverlee -Delicate Glow Tried them on, then felt fabulous….left with a pair in white and in luggage brown!
Thanks for your post Jennifer. I think alterations are worth it if it’s an item you love and the fit is not quite right. You’ll wear the item more with a better fit. I loved the casual outfit you put together too. I also appreciated your words on heath. So sorry to hear of your loss. My childhood friend’s sister was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and we attended her visitation Easter Saturday. She was just 6 years older. And my sister-in-law passed away in February at the age of 68. Although she was battling an illness for the last 5 years, so unfair that she went so early. It can’t be said enough to keep on top of health matters and to advocate for oneself. I will be making a follow up appointment with my doctor as a result of your post. Take care.
I’m so sorry for your losses. It’s so very sad. Please do take care of yourself.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin. I’ve lost cousins also and it really makes you think about your own health for sure. I’m glad you’ve been talking about sandals. My Podiatrist said no more thong type sandals which of course is what I mostly own. She likes Ecco brand.
I adore my Ecco sandals!
Iām sorry to hear about your loss. You are so right about being your own advocate. Just a word of advice, donāt let those āoh itās nothingā symptoms go on for very long before getting checked out. In August of 21 I was having pains in my abdomen that came and went. Saw my Dr for yearly check end of September. That week everything was fine. Next week abdomen swelled out looking like I was pregnant. Went in, they run test and found I had stage 4 ovarian cancer. There are no test for it. Nothing they can do till it is diagnosed.
After 6 months of chemo and surgery Iām in my second year of remission. At 74 Iām up for any test that they want me to take.
Iām 5ā my alterations lady is on āspeed dial ā. I buy very little that isnāt on sale with additional markdowns. Most all of my pants and dresses have to be shortened so I have to add that cost to the price of the items.
The coat definitely looks better shorter.
You fooled me today with the save or splurge. The shoes and earrings fooled me.
Oh my Janice, That is so scary. It’s the cancers with no warning signs that we need to be so concerned with. Congrats on being in your second year of remission! Sending my best for your continued good health.
I’m sorry for your loss, Jennifer. It’s so important to take care of ourselves and get things checked out.
Your trench coat alteration make such a difference. I often have to have coat sleeves shortened, and feel like things look so much better when I do. It’s a cold windy day here in Victoria this morning. Wishing you a lovely day.
Stay warm, Lorrie. You live in a gorgeopus spot!
I was able to pick the splurge based on the many expensive details on the jacket and blouse. Beautiful outfits! I do wear flip flops, but only around the house. My favorite sandal brand has to beā¦ā¦Clarks, for support, comfort and style. Sofft is a close runner up.
My favorite sandals for around the house are clarks , cloude steppers. For going out or dressier occasions vionic and Naot.
Thanks Karen
I have really bad feet so the sandals I prefer are Ecco, Vionic, Taos and Easy Spirit.
Comfy for me too. I love when they combine style with great support.
Are you wearing the ā midnightā Eileen Fisher bootie?
I have them in black and love them but a blue would look really nice with jeans.
Iām wearing black. I love them so much and have worn the dickens out of them so I should consider getting another color before they disappear.
I do not wear flip flops, though I did before my feet got funky. I wear Birkenstocks for casual (plastic for the pool, leather to run around in), Naot for elevated casual and even slightly dressy. I also have Clarkās and Tevas. Iāve pretty much decluttered the āfashion brandsābecause I wear comfortable shoes now, and even the fashion flats or sandals donāt have the support I want. For a summer flat, itās Vivaia all the way.
I need to try Vivaia.
Sending my condolences to your family on the loss of your cousin. I do agree, you have to advocate for yourself with healthcare. I live in BC and the doctor situation here is dire, more people in BC dont have a family doctor due to the exodus of doctors from retirement and poor government management of their pay structure so they are leaving the province. My hubby just received a cancer diagnosis, prostate cancer early stage 1. He had a procedure in March and the tissue came back with a small amount of cancer cells. So they are going to monitor it, blood tests every 3 months and doctors appt every 6 months. The good thing is the Dr. said that he would eat his diploma if this is what he dies from. I actually thought the outfits were opposite than they were with the cost, good comparison!
Iām so sorry to hear about your husbandās diagnosis. Iām really glad theyāll be watching him so closely.
Sorry about your cousin, Jennifer. It does pay to have things checked out if something feels even a little “off.” I found a petite trench coat that was also too long so it looked overwhelming. Fortunately it was on sale as I had to pay $55 to have it hemmed but it is much more flattering!
Alterations can be expensive but those dollars are well spent to have the right fit.
I’m so sorry for your losses and concerns over the people still with us, but with health issues. We are at that age, and I am trying to say “yes” to every opportunity when I’m sitting in the fence. Life is short. Stay positive, and thank you for your blog to keep us as young looking and appropriate as possible!! Blessings.
I agree Beth. It can all change in the blink of an eye!
This save or splurge was tricky! I love Tory Burch sandals & own multiple pairs in different styles, but LOVE the slide with the contoured footbed!
Since I live in Central Florida, flipflops are my daily shoeā¦.but only ABEOs because of their excellent arch support. I prefer their āBalboaā style. Unfortunately that style has gone out of production, so I source them anywhere I can find. EBay has been my best bet. I have 11 pairs of themā¦.that should last me until Iām dead.
Iām already 75ā¦.š
Iāve never tried that brand!
My favorite sandal brand are Naot or Taos. They both have very good support and have attractive styles. I do have some flip flops but only wear them if I am not driving.
Those are great brands!
Jennifer, I am so very sorry for your loss and so very glad that your irregularities are being monitored. Sending hugs and best wishes.
As for your altered coat length – it’s perfect now. I used to get alterations done back in the 80’s and 90’s but other than hemming pants, haven’t had much need lately. I am taking a white denim skirt to be shortened from a maxi style to a mid calf length. I hope my local dry cleaners still provides alterations – I haven’t been there in years!
Thank you Vyonne. Iām thinking of you often and sending healing thoughts your way! Xo
I’m sorry for your loss. Glad that you and your husband are having the scans and that they were able to catch the spots quickly. Your trench coat looks great after the alterations. I do have some pieces altered. I usually purchase petite sizes which fit me perfectly but I often need to have casual tops and tees which aren’t sized for petites shortened. I’ve also had a few jackets restyled with great success. If you love a piece but its not quite right alterations can make it perfect. My favorite sandal brands are Taos, Aetrex and Sketchers. I do not wear flip flops at all. I have a high arch and find flat shoes very uncomfortable.
Thank you Kathie. Those are great brands!
Hi Jennifer! Happy Monday! On the save or splurge I like both and would wear either , but the sandals were the giveaway for me! I just felt the sandals on left were higher end. Yes they were.
I do pay for alterations as you asked, quite often actually.
I love the look of those sandals too. Good for you getting alterations!