Monday Musings: Running On Neutral
We seem to be capturing more of my outfits than usual lately, which I’m finding illuminating. I’m wearing neutrals more times than not, and I’m also wearing sneakers most of the time because we’re so doing so much walking around the city.
We’ve only been traveling for less than two weeks, and I’m already tired of my wardrobe…which is crazy because I packed a lot of clothes!
My husband cracked up when he saw me choosing which sneakers to wear because I brought twice as many pairs as he did, plus lots of sandals, slip-on shoes, some wedges, and low heels.
I overpacked some items and under-packed others. I blame it on my lack of organization and rushed packing before we left. A capsule wardrobe is the best way to pack for travel, but I’ve got some big holes in mine. I packed very few accessories, and they’re what add variety and personality to outfits! I hate to admit it, but I may need to do some shopping.
Splurge or Save
I thought it would be fun to share another splurge or save outfit today. It’s comprised of some great classic basics. Basics can create the solid backbone of your wardrobe, which mix and match to give you flexibility when putting an outfit together. They come at all price points and need not be expensive.
I love a great striped shirt. This look combines a pink and white striped tee with great white jeans, simple gold hoops, woven bangles, a straw bag, and classic tortoise sunglasses.
The splurge outfit comes in around $3,332 and the save outfit is around $194.
Can you tell which outfit is more budget-friendly?
I need your help
In an effort to serve more readers and by request, I’m crowd-sourcing for your needs. If you are plus size or wear extended sizing, where do you typically shop? I’m going to be doing a round-up of my favorite pieces out there soon and want to be sure to include your favorite retailers!
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love your neutral outfits!
I’d love to know the names of retailers that carry curvy pants. I’m a pear shape, and I find that pants that fit my hips almost always gap at the waist.
Talbots, Loft, Ann Taylor all carry curvy pants
I am always on the lookout for good plus size stores. I have none to recommend in Canada. I have no luck at the Bay or Penningtons. In the US, my favourite is J. Jill. This spring I left Chicos without buying anything. As another reader said, I have trouble finding third pieces. Large collars and lapels, and pockets with flaps at the bust line do not flatter me. I too am always hot. My style is fairly classic but, as a redhead, I do wear a lot of colour. My feet demand unfashionable shoes which is a consideration when buying outfits.
I think there are plenty of comfy shoes that are fashionable. They’re just harder to find! Thanks for sharing.
When I’m bored with my travel clothes I get a scarf or top , that does help. I don’t mind wearing the same bottoms or shoes as much. Time to shop! have fun!
I am travelling in Oregon at the moment but I reside in British Columbia, Canada. I am very petite, under 5 feet, and being able to find clothing even in the better American market, it is challenging. I usually shop in Talbots, Loft, JC Penney and Kohl’s, among others while in the US. Real challenging finding size 5 shoes, especially as I like to try and see what I would be purchasing and the only way to purchase size 5 shoes is online. I never shop for shoes in Canada in person as there are no size 5s, so US, it is and this is limiting too. Anyways I enjoy shopping and enjoy the hunt!
Size 5 is a real challenge!
My responses never make it o your page so short, last one I’ll type %— tall loving Spanx jeans & JJill shirts
I love the splurge striped T, all the colors too. But, boy that really is a splurge…
It sure is.
Hi, Jennifer. Sorry to hear you are feeling a little bored with your neutral outfits. I was wondering if you bought a few prints in the colors you like to wear if that would help. Perhaps a printed scarf with white, tan, and turquoise blue would provide an interesting touch to that pretty first neutral outfit you featured today. As for the second outfit, how about adding a printed shirt with red or coral in it? You always look fabulous, no matter what you wear, but if you are looking for an additional punch, perhaps small bits of color and print would do the trick.
I only brought a few scarves which was a big mistake! They add such fun to an outfit
Plus size options are usually
Talbot’s, Land’s End, ll bean, Old Navy, jjill, Northstyle. Sometimes Amazon and Torrid.
Hi Jennifer, I really like posts like this – it’s so easy to relate to you! Just one of the reasons I love your blog. I just got back from a month in Europe – we managed to book 2 tours back-to-back. It was marvelous, but I got so tired of my clothes! I have capsule packing down, except that I don’t have the kind of third layer looks that are both comfortable and smart-looking (and washable). It’s an ongoing project for my shopping! I also need to get some comfortable, good-looking shoes that I can walk in all day. Your blog has really helped in finding options for shoes.
I LOVE using scarves to spice up capsule separates! Jewelry can help dress an outfit up or down, but scarves really change the look, and they take up so little room in the suitcase. I find they also make great “souvenir” reminders of a trip, so they are fun to shop for when we are traveling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I do love my scarves and am so shocked I packed so few!!
The shoes gave away the side by side! I would choose the less expensive if J Crew could fit me for jeans. All are too small in the waist. I am almost straight now from waist to hips so the 12p I found that does fit are Liz Claiborne at JCP in the Sara.
I also love it when you are here in Canada.
So sorry it is so cool,I can’t believe it will be summer on Wednesday!
I sure miss our Loft store!
The pink striped T-shirt is lovely.
You can find great accessories in Winners, all Winners are not stocked the same!
Enjoy your blog.
I plan to head over to Winners this week
You and could switch wardrobes and get by (I’d have to roll up the sleeves). Love your asset allocation posts. I can usually spot expensive details. If I were shopping for this outfit, I would go mostly save with a few splurge items to elevate. Fun to think about!
Outfit #1 was easy to pick as the more expensive one due to the sandals and bag.
This is the perfect time to shop for summer clothes. The sales have begun, plus you can take advantage of the exchange rate.
I went shopping this weekend and found winter pants. They’re not exciting, but when winter merchandise is hauled out for summer sales, it’s steeply discounted. Also, Banana Republic had some bracelets that fit my tiny wrists, so I’m thrilled about that buy.
Enjoy your week!
I do have a BR near us so I think I’ll check them out.
On road trips, I always overpack with the wrong items, simply because it’s too easy to throw a bunch of unrelated stuff into the trunk. On airplane trips, where I only use a carry-on bag, my packing is spot on.
Re the save/splurge outfits, I find the shoes are almost always the giveaway. Definitely true here, it’s the Gucci sandals!
I’m such a better packer when I fly too!!
Jennifer – what’s fun about your posts – is: You don’t pretend to be an expert. Refreshing. I’m the hapless packer – organization is a serious weakness.
And, like others, I love the “look alike” with different prices!
Thanks for sharing your musings.
Jennifer, I love your neutral outfit…but I can see where eventually a shot of color is needed. I loved both the splurge & save outfits, but would never spend on the Gucci sandals, I’d use that money towards a trip…..anyway….great choices…I need the very cute straw hat from Nordstrom’s…just recovering from Moh’s surgery on my nose, it went well, but I am now vigilant about the sun on my face…good sunscreen. I always overpack for trips and always feel I brought all the wrong clothes….right now I’m looking for some light, neutral flats for summer…I have never liked open toe shoes, so for me looking light and breezy can be a bit of an effort……have fun on your vacation…
Thanks, Nancy
I remember you saying that you think low contrast styling works best for you, but I wonder if a few higher contrast accessories would help you like your outfits more.
I own two pair of sneakers: trail shoes and street shoes. However, my husband chuckles when I agonize over which of the many types of Dankos I need to bring on any vacation…
You may be right. I think the simpleness combined with neutral and low contrast is feeling very boring and repetititve on me.
Hello!
I am enjoying your posts. 66 Year old woman here. Going through a mini crisis. 5’9″. I’ve had a perfect hour glass figure for the past 30ish years. Size 16 – bust 40 F. So many UGLY old woman clothes. Classic cuts suit me (except for button down shirts), I know, but I get so tired of same old, same old. It seems like all the clothes I admire are being worn by Helen Mirren, or you! – little tiny people! Also, during COVID, I did let my red, dyed hair go grey, which I am rocking – thank you very much. But – clothes. I am typed as a blended Soft and True Autumn.
I retired from banking after a 50 year career and am just wanting to reinvent myself and have some fun. Shopping – Soft Surroundings, Macys, Kohls, I tried a couple of things from Diane Gilman HSN (fit still not right). I used to shop a lot at Nordstrom Rack, but they have changed out a lot of the brands I liked. Occasionally, Lands End for swimsuits and T-shirts, but I don’t like their return policy. I like the idea of the Pyramid Collection catalog and online, but I don’t actually buy much from them. I buy a lot of shoes from Vionic, Dr. Scholls, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, Kork-Ease was my last pair I bought. Pikolinos and Sofft are also brands I buy. I’m an 11 and sometimes need a Wide.
I usually don’t waste my time at Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx. Size 16 usually consists of 2 pairs of black pants and some ugly skirt on the rack – that’s it. I do love a good deal, but will pay full price if I love it and it fits well and looks fantastic on me. I like natural fabrics, but am not exclusive to them.
I like to think I have good taste, but I just got back from a trip to Key West and hated most of my pictures. It was a classic, “What the hell was I thinking when I put that on?”. I like to think I can dress any woman – I can see what looks good and not – but evidently, not on me! Oh, and lastly, I’m “always” hot. So, again, old woman clothes, usually shows 69 layers on a woman to make her look good in 75 degree weather. No can do! So, hopefully, this is helpful or your eyes may be rolling back in your head! But, hey, it’s my life and the struggle is real! Best wishes.
I understand! I do think it’s harder to dress ourselves than others which is why I alsways recommend taking photo’s of your outfits each day. You get a more objective view of what you do look like. That’s what’s challenging me this week too. I’ll keep my eye out for things for you, Thanks for sharing your struggle. I KNOW you are not alone.
You may have recommended this already but I definitely find asking the shop clerk to take a picture of me wearing the thing I want to buy very helpful in avoiding regret buys. I’ve even asked my husband to snap a pic if I’m deliberating between a few options for an outing. Why is it I can see mistakes so clearly in a picture but not in the mirror???
I think it just takes practice and you’ll see them.
Thanks Jennifer for including plus sizes when possible. My favorite retailers for plus size are Talbots and J Crew. Both fit my classic, casual style. Ralph Lauren is another favorite for elevated style, and I always troll Nordstrom Rack for great prices.
Almost all of my shopping is done online since plus sizes are very limited in stores.
Those are great brands! I do almost all my shopping online because the seletion is so much better.
I must have very pedestrian taste. I almost always can pick out the splurge and usually prefer the save. This one, I would might take the splurge shirt but really prefer the rest of the save look.
I liked the look of the expense outfit but not the price. I could live with the less expensive outfit and get 1 or 2 more for my buck.
I’m plus size and find a lot of my styles at Land’s End. Swimming is my sport, and I find their suits are modest while allowing me free movement when doing water aerobics or laps. My personal preference is lots of color on top and solid pants (black, beige, or white) and their selections and fabrics are quite lovely. I’ve never shopped their shoes because my knees are barely functioning (replacements coming in August) so I only buy something with lots of support.
Best of luck with your knees!
I had robotic knee replacement last August and it’s the best by far! Had full range of motion at 2.5 weeks and now it works perfectly. Hope you have great success with yours too.
Gucci gives it away every time! I love these S/S posts, such great ideas for shopping at the lower price points. I know what you mean about getting tired of your clothes on vacay-it does sound like you need to shop a few nice accessories. I am compulsive about organization and make a list of every day’s activities, then an outfit for that, lay it all out in the bed and see if it will mix with other stuff. Most of the time I don’t have a checked bag so shoes are very limited, flips, sneaks, and boots (depending on time of year) and I wear the biggest. I do almost always shop for accessories, it’s fun, or a cute blouse or top that can remind me of my trip. Have a great time, it looks lovely there.
I’m not sure where to look for accessories here but it’ll be fun looking.
You should check out Winners for accessories Jennifer. I’ve been amazed at some of the jewelry, sunglasses, scarves and bags I’ve found there over the years. have fun shopping!
Thank you!
On this splurge vs save quick have to say that the degree of savings in jeans And simple striped tee- shirt I’d have to go with the save selection. But with the accessories -shoes, handbag, etc I would go with the splurge items.
On your dilemma ( missing accessories) I’d suggest picking up a few that are functional if worn with most of your neutral outfits. You’re such a great shopper I’m sure you’ll find the right things!
It’ll be fun to go shopping in a new place.
I am a curvy petite (5’ 2”) who struggles to find age appropriate clothing that also fit me. Lately, I’ve had success shopping online at Soft Surroundings. In the past, SS was often out of stock in my size but things have gotten better. I would love to hear more about petite, size 12/14 outfits for warm weather.
I’m on it!
Yay! Me too! 5’2”, 141 lbs. and curves! I wear 12P most of the time but sometimes I have to size up on tops to get them buttoned! I look your size but obviously am not by the sizes you wear. You are a perfect size petite. My waist is my problem measuring 35”. Youth has fled. If I buy for my waist, the hips and thighs are enormous. Help!
A great alterationist is priceless. Buy for the lartgest part and have the hips and thighs altered.
I love your style and the clothes you pick however they are WAY out of my price range. I wish you could find some reasonable priced to share with us.
Thank you
The save outfit is pretty well priced. I often share budget items and of course will keep my eye eye for other options.
I love it when you are in 🇨🇦. I hope you share shops we have here for your purchases. Hard to find bloggers using our stores.
I will be.
As fellow 🇨🇦, I agree! Waiting to see what Jennifer finds.
Another fellow Canuck chiming in! I often find great things at Winners and also at RW.
I am plus size and high-waisted so need a petite on top. I have long legs and take a regular plus size on the bottom. It is a constant problem. Talbots is my go-to for tops because they carry petite plus clothes online. Have to look for empire waists on dresses. Pants are not a problem. Can only buy the “wherever” tops at J. Jill. Everything else is way too long. Any suggestions for petite plus clothes would be a great help. Thanks. I really enjoy your blog. Sherry
I’ll keep my eye out for those but I do know Talbots is fabulous for that
The splurge outfit clue was the sandals. However, I prefer the nice detail on the striped shirt with the raglan sleeves.
Love the striped tees.
In the US, I usually shop Talbot’s, Chico’s and jjill for most of my clothes. For casual polos, sporty or rainwear, it’s normally Land’s End, LL Bean or Eddie Bauer. All of these retailers offer a wide selection of plus size garments year-round. Locally, I also shop Dillard’s, which has a location in probably 75% of the US.
In Canada, I generally shop The Bay, Talbot’s, Pennington’s, and Bellissima.
Hope this helps.
Thank you!
I think you outfits look great! I love the outfits. I can usually tell by the jewelry and handbags but this time it was the striped tee for some reason. Both were great
Interesting!
I guess I am plus sized or close to plus sized (16/18) For tops or jackets I shop at Chicos size 3. Most of their tops fit me well. Their button up no iron blouses have to have some spandex for them to fit in that size. lol. I have sizing issues with shorts and pants (I have wide hips but thinner legs) so I wear lululemon yoga pants and shorts. Macys and Dillards are difficult to figure out for my sizing. Some brands i.e. Calvin Klein I have to wear plus size. Other brands i.e. Karl Lagerfeld, I can wear a XL.
Thank you Linda
I liked the first grouping, just by looking at the items , and guessed correctly.
I always bring one good pair of sneakers on trips for walking about . A nice pair of sandals for going out to dinner, etc.
We are going to Breckenridge Co for daughters wedding, I will be bringing casual outdoor things mostly and sneakers for day time . The wedding is outdoor mountain venue, not fancy. I have to bring a variety of clothes for the trip. The weather will be 70’s in day and anywhere from 30’s to low 50’s at night .
I have started to lean away from light neutrals and doing more color . I look washed out now with my light hair.
I like your hair looks very pretty . You look good in the a variety of colors.
I’m thinking I may lean towards more color too but then I always but the neutral piece. It could be habit!
My fav places to shop are: JJill, Talbots, & Chico’s. And of course, your suggestions. I live in a hot climate so I wear only linen & cotton in summer. Your styling helps me chose how to determine what I wear. I like colors and neutrals. I am a size 14 without a waist, and have long legs, my best feature. I am heavy in bust, and tummy then skinny legs. Ha, what can I say? Honest! Your travel outfits are beneficial to me as well as skin care and shoes. You Rock, Jennifer!!
Thanks Paula!
Oh boy, can I ever relate to your post. I overpack every single time, especially shoes. I like to have choices, so I pack three different sleeve lengths of tee shirts in the same color, mix and match light sweaters and jackets, dark and light denims, and every type of shoes, you know, just in case. Then wind up wearing very few and bringing back everything back home to be freshly ironed and hung back in the closet. Somewhere, there’s a 12-step program for us!
Lol! I’m reaching for the same pieces over and over!
Good morning Jennifer, looking at the outfits side by side, I say definitely select, the outfit on the right?
Have a great day 😎
Good morning!