Monday Musings- Travel and More
Happy Monday, ladies. I’ve been feeling restless and a bit rebellious this week. Skin and sun care, travel, and fall fashion are all on my mind. I have months of blistering weather left when I get home, but the cooler temps here in Vancouver have me dreaming of fall.
Travel
I’ve always wanted to see the Maritimes, so we’ve finally booked a cruise for the end of the summer. Our last cruise was a Viking Riverboat cruise back in 2019, and it’s time to cruise again. I know travel isn’t for the faint of heart these days, what with flight delays and Covid concerns, but I’m tired of waiting because life can be so much shorter than we expect. Even though it’s over two months away, I’ve started to think about what to pack. I’m thinking I’ll bring lots of jersey knits, light layers, and neutral colors.
I’ve been trying to talk my husband into long-term travel, but we haven’t nailed it down yet. How fun it would be to rent an apartment for a month overseas. Italy, Spain, or Portugal comes to my mind. A friend of mine goes to Venice for a month or more each year, which sounds fantastic! Have you ever done something like that before? We don’t have a dog keeping us home anymore, so now would be a great time to try an adventure like that.
Sunscreen
I freely admit to being sunscreen obsessed.
My daughter brought back a slew of fabulous sunscreens from France, and I’ve been deep diving into them. I’d never heard of the SVR brand and love how this sunscreen feels. SVR is a French dermo-cosmetic brand that has been around since 1962. It made me realize just how vast the array of product lines that we aren’t exposed to here.
Outfit Of The Week
Looking ahead to fall, the ’70s are definitely on trend, as reflected in this week’s OOTW. I got married in the 70s, so obviously wore these styles in their first go-around. Some say that if you wore a trend the first time, you shouldn’t wear it again. Hmmm…do you follow those “rules”? I certainly don’t.
BTW, most of this OOTW is part of the N-sale.
Camel, brown, and gold are not in my official color palette, but I love them, and I’m not planning to let that limit what I wear this fall. I guess what’s on my mind most this week is going with my gut, doing and wearing what I want, regardless of any rules.
How dedicated are you to dressing within a designated color palette?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Was never a fan of wide leg jeans and it is something that I will not purchase. I love slim leg pants.
You seem to have a lot more ads popping up on your feed😩
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, we all have this travel obsession deeply in our hearts as a natural consequence I suppose, of the Covid damages and of our age.We have been in London for 10 days which were such a relief in terms of holiday and temperatures,exept for the first 2 days of hot weather – a nice excuse to spend time in the Westfield mall.
Blistering temperatures are ahead of us too because in Bucharest the weather is really hot these months, but I hope we will be back on track sometime at the end of summer.Anyway, I took your advice and I was more careful about quality , rather than trend.
In London the weather is cool and soothing but in the country side ( with Trip Advisor) there is such an unexpected Indian summer, it s a nice and overwhelming vibe of fall and it s not only me who had this feeling. I wish you all the best, a long and beautiful adventure on the cruise, good health and happy new memories for your heart and your family ! Oh, those sandals! I bought some sandals from All Saints and my husband encouraged me ti do it because they reminded him of our youth as students in that period of time you just mentioned !
Best
Mihaela
Have a wonderful holiday, Mihaela!!
WE HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED cUISING. THE LAST TWO WE TOOK-THE rhine valley cuise with viking and the ST LAURENCE SEAWAY WITH holland american. Both good trips and good ships. Both stenuous,so if one can cut it, I AM AL IN FAVOR. ONE HAS EVERYThING ALL TOGETHER-TRANSPORTATION HOTEL,FOOD,ENTERTQINMENT
Jennifer, your cruise plans sound great. I hope you chose a smaller ship…so much nicer when going off the ship , and also when dining on board.
My firm choice is PONANT explorer ships… just 92 cabins max. My solo cruise in April from Lisbon to London was excellent. Portugal, Spain, northern France ending with the ship sailing up the Thames through Tower Bridge. Fantastic , with just 84 on board.
Our ‘first ‘ cruise is finally timed for March 2023… postponed twice due to Covid from mid March 2020 ( we could actually see our ship out in the bay in Martinique) . Snorkeling and swimming from the ship in bays that can handle a small ship.
We are also booked ( ‘cause life is short when you’re in your 70’s!) for a Mediterranean cruise with PONANT for late summer 2023…Barcelona to Nice including Majorca and Corsica.
I tended to be very comfortable for any excursions, but sophisticated style for on board dining. Black & white one evening ( outfit bought for 2020 cruise ) but otherwise kimonos and slim pants with colourful jewellery. All in my colours for a soft fall palette, which worked well together. No one was wearing sparkly outfits.
Have a wonderful time…the colours 🍁in that part of Canada will be outstanding.
Nova Scotia ( especially Lunenburg ) is a particular favourite of ours, and our trips in late September have been very special.
Thank you for the recommendation! I’ve not heard of the Ponant line. We like the smaller Windstar bit even they have more than 92 passengers. I be looking into them.
Just saw that you are cruising the Maritimes! Wonderful!
I like dressing within my designated color palette because it turns out, those are the colors I love and was wearing anyway, with maybe a few exceptions.
I can’t think about fall too much just yet, as we’re in the middle of a brutal heat wave. I just bought 7 pairs of shorts! I do love your OOTD!
I take that back; the week after I bought the shorts, I bought 7 pairs of pants! Some were actually capris, and skinny pants in summer colors, with a few pairs of cargo pants and a sweater thrown in, but all will carry over into the fall.
I would love to travel months at a time, but too many home obligations remain a part of my life….maybe someday. I agree, life it too short to keep putting things off!
Where will you be cruising to? That sounds wonderful right about now, since we have not gone on a summer vacation, and unfortunately have no plans to travel right now. C’est la vie!
Loved the Maritimes in September! My only disappointment was dense fog in Peggy’s Cove. Would love to do the whole trip again. Enjoy! PS We added on with a rental car down the coast of Maine. It was a good choice.
I do mostly stay in my color palette for several reasons. First they just look best on me. Then, it’s much easier to coordinate items in my wardrobe for multiple wear. It makes shopping so easy, no debate over those colors I love ( like hot orchid!) that look terrible on me. I just admire them and move on.
I married in the ‘70’s too and loved the styles. I’ve always been aware of what does and doesn’t flatter me do some returning styles I will happily wear again, and others not. Except for exaggerated bell bottoms. At my 5’4” height I need high heeled shoes with those and I rarely wear them now. I wore 3” wedges back them. Loved them.
The warm fall colors are right up my alley…camels, warm browns, softer whites. We don’t have cool fall weather so finding fall colors in summer styles is tricky. But our store merchandise buyers do make a noble effort. 😊
Jennifer, I’m loving those palazzo jeans, but am curious…do you feel like they look good with flats or do they need to be worn with heels?
I think they need a small wedge or platform to hang properly. Heels seem too flimsy, to my eye, with pants that have a solid looking bottom like these.
Thanks Jennifer that’s really helpful!
Thanks for your post today, Jennifer. I always look forward to them.
There are so many beautiful places here in the US and they lend themselves to long term travel for those of us who aren’t able to go overseas.. A year ago, we flew to Boston, spent a few days, (we loved Boston) and then rented a car and drove up the coast of Maine, and spent time in Camden, Maine. We loved it and felt right at home. We did the same thing a few years before that, but went to CA, specifically to Pacific Grove. I think the trick is to staying in a airbnb or vrbo in a neighborhood, as opposed to a hotel out on the highway. Staying in a home, in a neighborhood, really gets you into the middle of things and you learn the culture and people very quickly.
Both great places to spend time. We love Pacific Grove. It’s so special.
I would love to go somewhere for a month. It sounds wonderful. Everything fall is what I’ve been thinking of too. It’s finally in the 90’s here and I’m not a fan. That sunscreen looks great, I’m also obsessed!
I prefer cooler temps too.
This sounds like a wonderful trip
Jennifer.
And yes we travel for long periods the last ten years. At least 2 months at a time. Spain, Italy, Portugal, Australia and NZ, France…and more…
We rent through Airbnb mostly and love the life. My husband would like to always stay longer, even move….but you must consider if you need medications, family issues, etc. We no longer have a dog, no kids and retired.
Usually you can take a 90 day supply of medications with you but meds cannot be shipped to most countries as far as I know. In fact it was a learning experience getting my covid booster in Spain. We are trying to find a place for an even longer stay.
We loved them all.
We will be heading to Paris and London again for holiday time Nov to Jan.
If you pay for and endure a long flight, you may as well stay awhile. Covid has disrupted a few trips. And sadly it’s not going away soon.
Great point about prescriptions! Your trips sound wonderful.
Great post. FYI the La Roche Posay sunscreen is available in Canada at Shoppers Drugmart. Bought some last month and use it daily. It has a touch of volour so itvreplaces my foundation. Highly recommend
We had a month in London over Xmas 2018-19. My daughters friend sublet her apartment. It was on the High Street in St Johns Wood – perfect position. We absolutely loved it even though it was winter. By the time I left store owners were recognizing and greeting me – really had a feeling of what it would be like to live there permanently. With Britains brilliant train system it was also a good base to venture further afield on day trips. I thoroughly recommend. I’ve also had excellent shorter stays by using the super host feature on Airbnb.
Having a home base from which to make day trips has worked out well for us. We spent a week on each coast of Ireland in a holiday home and did day trips in a rental car. We did this two years in a row and there is still more to see. This and another European river cruise is on our travel agenda for if and when Covid and travel woes are gone . Being immunocompromised means no large cruise ships for me.
I prefer smaller ships too. They’re just more pleasant. Ireland is so wonderful! Your trips sound great.
I don’t blame you at all for feeling rebellious. This weather (hot and sunny) has me yearning for a good, old fashioned thunder storm with lightening! Going on a long term vexation is a great idea. Just do it.😁
Our longest travel stays (in one place) have only been 7 to 10 days. However, they turned out to be the most memorable travel for the reasons you sited. All stays were in villas/homes. Barbados, Provence, Tuscany. I’m not fond of cruising due to inner ear issues but the Alaska trip was over the top gorgeous (views not accessible unless you are on the water) educational and relaxing. (Very little open water time). Additional benefit of ONE unpacking.
I love seeing lots of places and only unpacking once! Big benefits of cruising.
Your upcoming cruise sounds great. We had a similar cruise scheduled with friends that got cancelled at the onset of Covid. I hope we feel comfortable enough to reschedule it soon! I will cruise vicariously through you for now.
I had my colors analyzed years ago and am a winter. I stick to those colors pretty religiously, and my wardrobe mixes and matches easily. I also don’t have to spend money on accessories, etc. to wear with colors not in my palette. Honestly, I have made that mistake through the years—bought warm-colored pants, then needed shoes to go with them, etc. I rarely stray now and want to wear colors that help me look and feel my best, especially since I’m sporting my white hair these days!
That’s one of the major benefits of sticking to your palette. Everything goes together!
Oh! Please be careful on your cruise. Esp. If it is a larger ship. Don’t mean to be a big downer, but we had to cut short our long awaited Europe trip because of rampant Covid on our cruise ship. Second part of trip canceled and flew home early. Ruined. Bring more meds than you think you’d need. MANY passengers were sick.
We were extremely careful but others were not.
I hope for you a safe and wonderful trip but please, be forewarned.
I am a devoted reader of your blogs and they kept me company through isolation.,
I’m sorry that happened and ruined your trip! I will plan ahead and be as careful as possible. It seems like so many more people have it everyday! I hope this burns itself out.
Just be sure to buy trip insurance! It can really make all the difference!
Back before the plague, I did the Maritimes cruise. It was beautiful, but in October, and I nearly froze. Snow in Quebec City on our way back home. Of course, who knows now, with the weather going haywire everywhere. PEI was a highlight.
I’m glad you mentioned the weather. I assumed it would be warm in Sept but realize it won’t be so I’ll pack more layers. I’m really looking forward to seeing that part of Canada.
Pack layers Jennifer. The maritimes can be cool in the fall. Would take a puffer and a rain coat with me. I love the maritimes! The people are so friendly, no pretensions. Lobster! What can I say? I’m in heaven with fresh lobster. I was there last September and enjoyed it so much I actually thought of moving there but then, I thought winter…nope…the west coast is better weather wise. Enjoy your cruise. Although, I think a road trip would be better to see the Maritimes and Quebec City, if that is on the agenda, Quebec is like visiting France. The food! The old city!
… and definitely ivory over white for me
As an autumn, looking forward to all the shades of brown, olive, gold, russet and teal that will be coming into stores soon🤞. That being said, do still have black in the wardrobe as it is convenient (esp. for travel). As they wear out, I think I’ll try to stay in my palette. When I do so, I feel “healthier” and like I don’t need as much makeup. Maybe it’s just me ?
It’s not just you. That’s what a flattering palette does for our complexion.
Hi Jennifer, I hope you have a wonderful cruise to the Maritimes. Being a native New Brunswicker (having lived most of my life in close proximity to the Bay of Fundy) it is hard to be impartial, but it is a beautiful part of Canada. I am not sure if by Maritimes you mean Atlantic Canada…if you do, then the fall is the best time to visit. The autumn colors should be beautiful and the temperature should be perfect for your new fall wardrobe.
I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Karen
Yes, it’s the Canadian maritimes. I’ve wanted to see them for as long as I can remember
I feel the same way Jennifer. We don’t know what lays ahead so let’s enjoy travel now, but my husband is not ready yet…so I wait. Just having plans to travel ups your excitement level. I love to cruise! It’s so simple.
There are many trends that come around again that I won’t wear. It’s mainly because I don’t have the body I once had. I dress for my current shape. Round is a shape, right?
I love camel but won’t wear it near my face. It washes me out. I do love your ootw though. I would switch the jeans to straight leg or bootcut.
Camel makes me look sallow unless I’m lucky enough to find a cool one. Most are warm but I do love it.
Love your black and white outfit. Perfect for travel. We are also cruising this Fall and I am looking for pieces to make a good capsule wardrobe. We start in Barcelona in mid-November. The ship we sail on is country club casual. No formal nights but the women often dress up for dinner. Most of our ports are in Span but the last 3 are in the Caribbean. I will be watching your posts for good ideas.
Your trip sounds fabulous! I know some ladies love those formal events, but I prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. We like smaller ships so this will be our first larger one in over 25 years. I better check the dress code 🙂
Have fun on your cruise. You are right- it’s time to travel again. We are taking up our “3rd anniversary of our 25th anniversary” trip to Europe this fall. It’s been postponed twice. We are on!
Even though I’m of normal weight, my apple shape favors wider leg pants. Sadly, it does not favor the cut off at midline tops that go best with them. I had a waist in the 70’s. Apparently, it retired.
I’ve accepted the fact that I can love colors that don’t return the feeling. No longer purchase anything that not my cool, mid range palette, but will wear it if I have it.
Congrats on your anniversary, have a wonderful trip!! I hear you about loving colors that don’t love me back 🙂
Well, that is a coincidence, we just booked a cruise this past week, but it is for next May. We are going along the east coast to Bermuda for 10 days. We did our last one in 2019 as well, and it was a 3 week one. We are so overdue to travel again. As for the neutrals etc. I have never been one to wear alot of neutrals, and only have a few medium grey and range of navy at the moment. I do stick with my palette and have learned to harmonize the hues for a substantial range of colour. It is amazing how all the colours work with each other in my whole closet. And yes, dressing in my palette does make me confident. It was wonderful of Vanessa to bring the sunscreens back for you, that La Roche Posey new one is not available in Canada yet, and it has some of the most advanced deep skin protection out there right now. I am envious, no one I know to bring some back for me.
I am a gold , brown, camel, cream, palette. I look best in fall and earthy tones. I do wear some of the other colors, depending on how much color and the tone.
Travel sounds fun. I am restless to go as well, but everyday it seems that someone has covid, or knows someone who has it. I guess I am not ready. Maybe a trip to the beach in Florida when all the kids go back to school will be our getaway. We love the Destin area.
I love cruising. I would like to go on a river cruise at some point. Have fun on your adventures, life is short.
Hope you love the Maritimes, especially via a cruise. Part of my family are in PEI & NS. We have cruised to/from FL and NY several times, as well as the regular fly/drive. The Maritimes are beautiful. Recommendations: Charlottetown—Cow’s Ice Cream kiosk/tiny building downtown by the water. Check out the PEI Red Dirt shop for clothing dyed with the local iron-rich soil. Eat some lobster there, it’s fresh and terrific. Sydney—a Cabot Trail long excursion. Halifax—the Grey Line Titanic tour, it is very moving and extremely informative.
I also had my colors done around 30 years ago, and don’t deviate from ones are best for me. I also ignore the colors on my palate that are not so good. It makes life so much easier and less stressful. I do appreciate that you don clothing that isn’t favorable to you for us to see how they actually look.
Happy travels!
Long-term stays are fabulous and a much more relaxing way to spend time in a country. We always found the south of France to hot in high summer, so after we’d retired we spent 5 weeks in Avignon in late April/early May one year. Three years later we did the same in Aix-en-Provence but in September. There’s always lots to do and see in towns of that size and public transport is easy and cheap to take you to other places nearby for the day. You can live like a local and you don’t have to race around doing the tourist stuff all the time because you’ve got lots of days at your disposal. I say rent an apartment and go for it!
That sounds so fabulous! My husband worries because we don’t speak the language but I don’t think it’s an issue.
Hi Jennifer~ Good for you planning a cruise! We love to cruise, planning a cruise to New England/ Canada in early October. I know it is still a bit risky but as you mentioned we never know what tomorrow will bring. We have gone to Alaska twice on marvelous cruises, have you been? We loved it!
Okay, Happy Monday and thanks for being my fav blogger!
Everyone we know has done that Alaska cruise and loved it so we’ve got to plan it. We’re leaving out of Boston for the maritimes. I can’t wait!
We did that very cruise a few years ago. We so loved it!
We added two full days at the end in Quebec City and then flew home to Seattle.
Such beautiful scenery. . We especially enjoyed the historical play at one of the stops.
I agree with Gloria also, I enjoy the face brightening effect that my colors bring.
I have rented apartments in Europe for a month or two at a time, I love living the la dolce vita. I hope you get to go!
You’ve totally got me contemplating those loafers! I hadn’t really thought a bout getting any, but they’d look so good with the wide leg jeans. I haven’t heard of that sunscreen either, but I really feel like exploring products from Europe is such a good idea because they are so much more aware of what they put in them.
XO
I really like them with the jeans too!
I echo Gloria’s comments. It is easier to shop, there are fewer wardrobe mishaps, quick to pack and I feel confident in what I wear. Enjoy your travel, Jennifer.
Having had my colors evaluated twice with a 20 year period in between, I am definitely a deep winter.
I stick to my colors now because there is a huge difference in the way my skin looks if I stray from these colors.
Count me as a true believer in the power of color!
Gloria, I too am a deep winter, but now, and especially approaching fall, so many clothes are in fall colors that don’t look good on me. Have you found any tans/beiges that you can wear as neutrals? Or do you try to stick to grays, navy and black?
Kathryn, I am a clear winter and can’t wear tan near my face, but I do like black tops with tan pants, esp. in fall and winter, when I can wear black boots — and a colorful scarf if I am so inclined.