Monday Musings- Vacation Eating, Birks and the OOTW
Happy Monday, ladies. I find myself living in more casual, comfy clothes since we returned from Mexico. I’ve been busy at home and reaching for my Vuori performance joggers each morning. I wish they’d make dressier clothes in that fabric. My guacamole, margarita, and Poblano sauce intake while on vacation could be effecting my clothing choices…but whatever the reason, I’m reaching for comfort these days.
I searched for recipes online and discovered it’s made with varying ingredients. Most recipes look time-consuming, so it may just be something I enjoy while visiting my brother. I found this one that comes in a bottle, but I’m not sure I like the sound of some of the ingredients. Have you made it or tried this?
Birkenstocks
I wore these waterproof slide Birkenstocks almost every day in Mexico, whether they coordinated with what I was wearing or not. I’d purchased them to wear at home as a “house shoe” but figured they’d be perfect for Mexico, and they were.
Since I’d bought them to wear as house shoes, I had to replace them to have a clean pair to wear at home and went for the lavender. I’m seeing lavender everywhere for spring, and it’s just so cheery. My sister-in-law was wearing this Gizeh style in leather and adored them, so I just ordered these to the test them out.
I’ve always thought of Birkenstocks as a hippie shoe, and while I was a bit of a hippie back in the day, I’ve never gravitated to its boho aesthetic. I’ve wondered more than once in the last few months if I’ll have to change my style to accommodate the comfort of my feet.
A reader commented that I shouldn’t expect the leather Birks to be so comfy right out of the box and that there is a break-in period. Their trademark contoured cork footbed is made to mold to the shape of your foot, providing customized arch support and shock absorption, which these waterproof versions don’t do.
As I dove further into Birkenstocks, I discovered the Pappilo versions. They’re made on the same cork footbed as the originals, but the tops are designed by a team that makes more fashion-forward styles in colors and prints. The shearling sandal above is on sale, so I ordered the blue to try. I’ll keep you updated on my shoe success.
Outfit of the Week
I see a comfort theme going on this Monday, so I put together this OOTW featuring these Spanx pull-on jeans. They have a slightly flared leg which is very on-trend this spring.
The cashmere tee is a personal favorite for under $45 and comes in tons of colors. It’s perfect year-round, but especially in the spring.Ā Woven bags are trending this year, and this vegan one is a great price in 6 colors. The relaxed sweater blazer is easy to toss on and marked way down. Mephisto sandals are all about comfort. These have cork soles and come in several colors. I used to wear this light fragrance which is so perfect for spring. I’ve had my eye on these earrings for years, and this two-tone version is finally on sale. As I look at this outfit, I realize I’d be totally happy wearing this entire look.
What type of outfit of the week would you like to see?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Jennifer:
This colorful dress, shrug and your sun hat are a beautiful combination. You look fantastic. Love how the dress fits and these colors comliment your skin tone. I would never have thought a layered ruffle dress could look so classy. Please, pay no attention to the vacation over indulging, we always go back to our usual habits once we come back home. Having fun and enjoying local cuisine, relaxing and enjoying a holiday is well worth the sacrifice, yes? I always lose about 5 pounds before taking a cruise or traveling. Always go back to normal and the pounds melt away when returning to my normal eating patterns. You still look fantastic and how you styled this outfit actually make you look slimmer. Love your ideas and thank you for inspiring us to look our best. Comfortable yet stylish clothing in the warm/hot climates is always a challenge. You nailed it.
Thank you so much, Katelyn. I love this dress.
I agree, Jennifer. I have gravitated towards Birks in the last few years. They have been coming out with some more attractive styles, and the comfort is great.
I also have that style as “house shoes”, as well as an older pair for the beach. I wish this style had as good support as the cork bottom ones. It’s probably just as well, though, because I like to change colors from time to time. š I may invest in the lavender ones.
I love the comfort of Dansko shoes, also, having worn them for work (in the medical field). Sadly, mine no longer fit after having foot surgery, so I will have to purchase them in another size.
Thank you for sharing…
https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/13518_Roasted_Poblano_Sauce
This is a poblano sauce recipe that I have used for years. My husband grows the peppers and roasts them on the grill. I make massive amounts of this recipe and freeze in small containers to add in various dishes. Once, when a vegetarian was considered, I substituted vegetable instead of chicken broth. Thanks for sharing your travels and shopping fun!
Thank you so much! This looks easy and yummy. I’ll try this one.
I have a couple of pairs of Birks. My podiatrist recommended the ones with the soft footbed, and they are really comfortable. I have sesamoiditis in one foot and these allow me to be on my feet without discomfort. Iām okay with the hippie aesthetic – I just donāt want my feet to hurt! Iāve also had some good success with a couple of Dansko styles – the clog or mule type works best for my high instep.
That’s good to know, thanks. I loved my Dansko clogs! So very comfy for all-day wear.
Could you tell me again where you purchased the raffia trim straw hat you’re wearing in the first picture.? I searched your site and could not find it. Thank you.
I snatched it out of a sale bin at Nordstrom for $16 several years ago. It has no label, so I don’t even know the brand! Sorry I couldn’t help more.
Looks like you had a great trip!
Love my Arizona Birkenstocks! So easy to wash them in the laundry tub and set outside to dry.
As fir salsa verse, I have bought the Frontera Salsa Verde fir years to make chicken enchiladas. Excellent flavor and Target and local grocery stores sell it.
https://www.target.com/p/frontera-tomatillo-salsa-16oz/-/A-13191657
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to get some to try!
I wore Birkenstocks years ago when I had bunion surgery and that was really all that fit. They are really too wide for my narrow feet but now I kind of wish I still had them! I love this outfit of the day. I like to see casual outfits with jeans. Since that’s pretty much all I wear anymore!
I have Narrow feet! Years ago Birkenstock made 3 widths…Narrow, Medium and Wide….more recently they have blended the Narrow and Medium with is not the best for a Narrow foot. I wear Mephistos which are essentially the French version (Birkenstock is the German version) Mephistos are just a bit more narrow and fit me better. I still need to choose a model that has strap that tighten over the front of the foot as well as over the arch. Just like Birkenstocks there is a bit of a break-in period but wearing them around the house solves that. If you find the leather edges of the straps a bit rough use some leather conditioning cream on the underside of the strap and the edges and this will shorten the break-in period
Good afternoon, I feel late to the party today, had to run errands this morning. Itās beautiful here in my neighborhood, blue sky and unfortunately the pollen has started, back on the Zyrtec.
I absolutely love your outfits and I plan on ordering the Birkenstocks and the straw bag. Question on the pretty Birkenstocks, did they make your feet sweaty from the heat?
They did not, which surprised me! It wasn’t blistering hot in Mexico this time but it was very warm and they were comfy.
I wish I could wear Birkenstocks but the ridge that supposed to be under the toe hirs me wrong š«
About the dress:
How does it hold up to laundering, is there fading/pilling?
How is their sizing, in your opinion?
My striped dress has held up very well. It’s been laundered often and comes out looking fabuous.
Not sure if anyone else is looking for a navy belt that is decent looking as I was looking for one to wear with blue jeans (sometimes shoes and accessories, etc navy will work best). I saw that Talbot’s had a few choices to choose from and waiting for delivery thought I’d pass along in case you want to do a link. It’s hard to find a decent looking navy blue belt.
Navy can be tough to find. Thanks for the heads up, Robin
I found Birkenstock donāt fit my narrow feet. Because they are wider, I find them bulkyā¦. so not for me.
I have those Jenny Bird earrings and love them. I always wanted a pair of hoops but found the bigger ones too much for my pixie cut and small face. These are perfect! ā¤ļø
I’m excited to get mine. I love her designs.
I love lavender. This is the season for it. I’ve bought a few pieces to wear with my older pieces.
The EVA version of the Birkenstock Arizona style in narrow doesn’t fit my foot very well, but I see they have a color called Purple Fog in vegan leather. Also, there’s a Matcha green version in leather, and a black and white rendition. So many new choices every season!
I just received the Quince Organic Cotton Knit blazer and
Liked it so much I ordered a second one. I have one of their cashmere wraps and have worn it often. I will be taking these items in a river cruise in a couple of weeks. I always enjoy your posts and learn a lot from you.
I will have a look at that blazer. Thanks! Have a wonderful time on your cruise!
Just for the record, I ordered the vegan leather tote over a month ago and it hasnāt arrived yet. Not typical of an Amazon purchase.
Not a fan of the Birkenstocks but love the striped multicolored sun dress you are wearing.
I did notice it says ānot Primeā but thatās frustrating. I had that happen with a dress last month.
I liked your selection , Jennifer and went for a purchase.
Well, I am disappointed.I had chosen 3 Quince cashmere T shirts in warm fall colours, since that was such a good priceā¦even when changing total to CADā¦only to find āfree shippingā is just for US. It appears any address outside of the US does not register. Quince is a good line shown by a few bloggers , but apparently not available to we Canadians. A shame.
Have you looked into getting a PO box in the states with a forwarding service? It might be worth it for some brands, Quince included.
I sent an e-mail to Quince and the reply was that they are working on International delivery. Pretty efficient answer to my question.
Never thought of that option I must admit, Jennifer, but perhaps having some challenges regarding on line purchases is a good thing! My wallet agreesš
I agree with your thoughts on Birkenstocks! At 72 I now own 4 pair and will probably order the lavender ones too!
I have worn Birks for most of my adult life. Now 75 and ready to purchase a couple new pairs for summer. I must admit itās the first shoe I slip on when I get up. Helps my feet, knees and hips. I prefer the Mayari or Arizona- I tighten or loosen the straps as needed. I prefer the leather and offering of colors. Just donāt over due wearing – break them in gently. Guess Iām still a hippie at heart.
They’re the first thing I put on too. Thanks for the tips for the leather.
Your outfit is smashing! Love all of it. One of your best choices. Bravo!
I love Birkenstocks! And I would wear them with your outfit of the week! The leather do need a little breaking inā¦they have some with a softer foot bedā¦worth the extra money! Love your vacation looks!!
Is there a name for the ones with a softer footbed?
You will want to get a style that states āsoft footbedā in the description.
Thanks, Lynne. I’m on it.
I have the Marine Layer dress is a different stripe and in solid black — it’s my absolute favorite dress for summer. Love!
I love it! Perfect for summer and all warm vacations. The fabric is such a nice weight too.
L’Eau de d’Issey has been one of my favourite summer scents for over 20 years!
The snow has finally melted here, and we are feeling optimistic about spring. I’m looking at transitional outfits now and am going to wear my black leather “moto’ style jacket today. It feels good to put away the winter coat and boots.
Have a great day Jennifer.
Happy Monday Yvonne! Iām glad spring has arrived. Iām seriously tempted to rebuy that scent. Itās so unique.
I have way too many pairs of Birkenstocks. They are pretty much the second-most-worn summer shoe by all ages in my area after athletic shoes. They come out with a new style or two each summer and I have a hard time not buying the new ones in the slightly different style or color. I have a pair of the plastic Birkenstocks that I planned to wear around water last year. I love sandals but unfortunately can only wear them a few months a year in my cold area.