Monday Musings: Style Words, Rabbits, and Outfit of the Week
I received a ton of email responses from Sunday’s newsletter. Many of you shared your dry-eye struggles and how you’re treating yours. Clearly, this is a continuing problem for many of us. I’ll keep you posted on my progress and also write a roundup with your suggestions because so many of them are wonderful!
Blepharitis is not trivial and can be very painful. BTW, I’m now being sure to turn my car air vents away from my face…who knew something this simple could matter? I’ve ordered several things readers have suggested, one all the way from England, which I am so excited about!
Updating my style recipe
I’m heading to Florida in a few weeks to meet up with a few of my favorite blogging friends. Strangely enough, I feel totally unprepared for warm weather and have no idea what I’ll pack. I know that seems silly because it was still blistering hot here just three months ago.
That warm weather section of my wardrobe has lost it’s charm for me because I’m not sure I want to dress the same way in 2023. Our style evolves as we grow and change. We need to update our wardrobe to express who we are now. I’m not the same person I was last spring. Heck, I’m not the same person I was last month!
My style recipe has been on autopilot for far too long. It’s feeling stale, and that’s not fun. Clothes should not only cover our bodies…they should also give us pleasure. I’ve fallen into the trap of too many basics in similar colors and not enough pieces that delight me. I’m guessing that by the time this process shakes itself out, I can expect to have one or two new style words. The word feminine comes to mind, but never girly. Pretty may be in there, or it could just be soft. I know I want to shake things up, and this is the perfect opportunity to explore what I’m looking for because my things from last spring are a bit too snug to wear for this trip to Florida. Have you felt stirings of change in how you want to look this year?
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year, was celebrated yesterday. I love the feeling of new beginnings, so I’ve gone down a bit of a rabbit hole on this one. Interestingly, this is now the year of the rabbit! I was born in the year of the Monkey, which doesn’t sound as pretty as a rabbit, but it is what it is. I’m seeing lots of retailers celebrate this year. David Yurman has gifts for her and him to celebrate the year of the water rabbit.
This bunny charm isn’t any more up my alley than a monkey charm would be…although if I went on a safari, a monkey charm might be a great souvenir. If you really want a gold bunny charm, one could be had here for much less…although this one does have a Playboy bunny vibe š
Senreve has different bags for each sign in 2023.
Vanity Fair covered how some fashion designers celebrated with see-and-be-seen parties. Many fashion brands have released capsule collections in honor of the year of the Rabbit.
“Louis VuittonāsĀ Lunar New Year capsule collection includes a variety of accessories, such as a scarf, beanie, a rabbit cup, and a rabbit box. Some of the products feature embroidery of small rabbits and rabbit charms.”
Gucci, Valentino, Nike, Burberry, Loewe, and on and on, have all created capsule collections.
Too much? Cultured magazine wonders if Lunar New Year has become too commodified. I think everything is these days.
Outfit of the week
I haven’t put an outfit of the week together for a while, so I thought I would, and no, there are no rabbits included š
Double denim is trending for 2023, (what else is new?) as are ballet flats, and fresh green shades. I added a very affordable silk bandana which would be great tied around the handle of the crossbody bag or at the neck. I bought this Chantecaille lipstick in Foxglove last week and I LOVE it! The brand is cruelty free and theirĀ products are free of phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil, and GMOs. It’s a gleaming, creamy lipstick that lasts and lasts.
I don’t think ballet flats have ever been out of style. And because they are on trend for 2023, our options will be plentiful making it easier to find the fit, comfort, and color you like.
BTW- sheer black tights (that’s panty hose ladies) are back on tend for 2023 and my pasty legs couldn’t be happier.
Now that you know what’s rambling around in my thoughts this Monday, Please share what’s going on in yours.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and that it expresses who you are today.
Hello! Sorry you had a difficult week. But mostly sorry for the rude comments! Please continue with your ideas. They are greatāyes, not for everyone, but then we get to improvise with your suggestions and make the outfit our own.
Remember you are amazing and I love catching up with your postings!!! Cammy
Thanks Cammy. Iām always inspired to see options so I like to share them here too.
I have used restasis drops twice a day for years & it keeps my dry eyes under control. I occasionally use moisture drops also. As someone else stated, check your insurance as restasis is Very expensive.
We all have bad weeks and I am glad you continue to be positive. We may not all like some outfits or trends, this does not mean you should ever stop what you are doing. I appreciate your emails> Everyone needs to remember, no-one is asking you to agree with all your selections, these are OPTIONS and CHOICES of what we like or dislike.
Please continue ON!
I think having options is fun and keeps our minds sharp. Thanks for being here Joan.
Hello:
My comment is more of a question…and slightly off the current specific topics. I am 72 and attending an evening wedding in Cancun in July. I would love to find something feminine, polished, and pretty to wear…probably a dress rather than pants. Any thoughts anyone?
I have a few more posts upcoming on wedding guest outfits. Things will be coming into stores soon.
I empathize with those who find their spring-summer wardrobes more of a challenge than their fall-winter ones. But I’m the opposite – I like my spring-summer wardrobe much better, and the colors make me happier! Lots of navy and white, along with pinks and greens. So I am thrilled with the outfit you curated, Jennifer! My biggest challenge is finding shoes that are comfortable and good-looking. It sounds like I am not alone in this! I love ballet shoes, so I will be looking for ones with support, in spring-summer colors. Thanks for a great post, Jennifer.
Shoes are my biggest challenge too, Ruth
Jennifer, you are the favorite email in my inbox each day. Your style appeals to me because it is classic, comfortable – not flashy and complicated. We all have times when we look in our stuffed closets and think we don’t have a thing to wear. I know I do…maybe I just crave the thrill of new things! Dressing for the Summer heat is the absolute WORST for me….Always been unable to tan, and now that I’m past 65, my skin and muscle tone are not something to flaunt. How can mature women stay cool AND feel attractive?
Iām thinking long, airy casual dresses may be the answer
Systane Ultra eye drops a couple of times a day help my dry eyes. I also have had tear duct plugs close to my nose for years. It does seem worse in winter when the furnace is running and drying out the air. I also have an evaporative humidifier that I placed in the dining room where I sit to read on my tablet. I wash my lids with J & J baby shampoo and actually started washing my face with it. My dry patches on my cheeks have gone away! Canāt weāre ballet flats with my high arch and peripheral neuropathy. I love Merrill Encore Ice 2 in winter and the mesh version in summer. I love your classic style Jennifer but alas, I am up to now 143 pounds on my 5ā2ā petite bone structure! Jeans will not go around my waist. Navy Sport Knit pants from Lands End do fit and leggings are my comfort go too. I like their Relaxed Fit tops as well.
I’ll also be packing for warmer weather soon. Leaving the snowy Canadian prairie and heading to Mexico. Not a resort, but visiting friends in a typical Mexican town in the highlands. I’ve also been rethinking my style adjectives lately. Perhaps narrowing down what I’ll take with me to what will fit in my carry-on will help me figure out what those should be.
Jennifer, I am also looking to refresh my spring wardrobe. I purchased the green jacket, it’s a lovely color and will perk me up. Thanks for posting and I’m looking forward to more fashion finds and trends. I’m not a large scarf person per se, but the small handkerchief size looks cute.
It’s such a fresh pretty color.
Hi, Jennifer. I too am trying to change things up in my wardrobe for an upcoming trip to Florida. I happened to see a huge sale at Soft Surroundings (they are leaving my local mall), so I decided to take a look at clothes that I would never have bought in the past. The result is I have three very nicely made long shirts in gorgeous colors & prints. I will wear these three-quarter length shirts as a third layer with pants & tank tops and also with bathing suits. In addition, I plan on wearing these shirts buttoned up with only underwear underneath as cool one-piece outfits. The colors and prints are so gorgeous that I am enthusiastically looking forward to this new way of dressing in warmer weather!
Hi Jennifer, Absolutely love the colors of the outfit of the week, especially the green jacket! I too have had dry eyes. My ophthalmologist suggested I use Xiidra eye drops and take eye supplements daily. I also just purchased a Bruder eye compress. Together these items have definitely helped my dry eyes. I really enjoy reading your blog!
I just started the Xiidra and am so hopeful it helps
That is exciting! I love finding new pieces like that!
I , too, love your outfit of the week. The softer colors are very gentle in this often harsh world that we now live in. I especially love the ballet flats. At 5’7″ they are my go to shoes for runing errands, shopping, or visiting with friends. Please do have more feminine style choices. They’re really hard to finid. Also, I would love to see you feature more clothes for women who are a specific “palette”. I’m a former “Spring” who has been having a really hard time finding winter outfits with Spring colors. You might feature outfits for all four palettes during each of the four seasons. Just a suggestion… Good luck with your eyes! They are a precious part of who we are.
Several readers have asked for more seasonal color call-outs so I will try to include them.