Monday Musings Plus an Oufit Of The Week

I hope you had a great last weekend in October. Ours was very mild, not overly busy, but way too short. I packed away most of my straw hats and brought out my wool ones. Even though the weather will be mild enough to wear them, it feels out of place to wear straw hats in November unless I’m in a tropical climate.

I wore this ivory wool fedora over the weekend and knew immediately that I’d prefer a deeper brim. I’m used to ones that provide more sun protection, so I’ll probably save this hat to wear on cloudy days.

IT WAS A VERY BEIGE DAY…WEARING – WOOL FEDORA / CORDUROY PANTS / SNEAKERS / CASHMERE V-NECK / SHOULDER BAG

 

Most stores were fully decked out with Christmas decor this weekend. It shouldn’t surprise me, but of course, it did because we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving in the US yet.

All the turkey decor was marked down and shoved aside for Christmas.

I can imagine little ones will be in even more of a frenzy by the time the holidays arrive because the build-up is so long. Betty White ornaments anyone? How about Elton John?

I guess the earlier it goes up, the longer you get to enjoy your holiday decorations.

The Sephora VIB Insider sale is on from now until November. They stagger the savings based on how much you’ve spent over the past year. You become an insider instantly when you sign up, and it’s free to do so.

Here’s what I ordered over the weekend:

My favorite fragrance in a tiny roller ball that fits in my purse. I was anxious to try this Tower 28 Mascara, but it sold out before I could, so I signed up to be notified. I ordered another bottle of this Olaplex Blonde Enhancing toning purple shampoo which controls any brassiness my silver hair gets. I also ordered another can of this Wow shine spray for my hair. It’s especially helpful when I use dry shampoo, which tends to dull everything. This was a small order because I stocked up on so many things during the Amazon beauty days, which are still on for a few things.

2023 Trends

It feels like we’ve just gotten a handle on the fall 2020 trends, and they’re already predicting what will be on trend in 2023.

  • baggy and baggier jeans
  • supersized blazers
  • maxi skirts
  • sheer
  • lots of leather
  • dip-dye

As with all things, moderation will be important here, but I think I’ll be sitting most of those out. I’ve experimented with wide-leg jeans and realized there is a fine line between wearable and goofy on my short self. In general, the wider the leg, the soft the fabric needs to be, which rules out most denim…at least for me.

Outfit of the week

REVERSIBLE PONCHO / CASHMERE TURTLENECK / 4 SEASON GRAY TROUSERS / GRAY BOOTIES / FAUX LEATHER TOTE / STERLING SILVER PENDANT / PANAMA HAT /Ā LOVE KNOT EARRINGS

I spotted this poncho that reverses from wine to pink at Nordstrom Rack and pictured it with shades of gray. The sterling pendant and earrings add a subtle shine to an otherwise low-profile outfit. I love the weight and drama of ponchos like this because they add a bit of warmth and a whole lot of attitude. The tote appears gray but is described as green.

Do you wear ponchos or wraps this time of year?

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

If you like the look of this outfit, please consider pinning it to save for later.

 

 

 

 

 

31 Comments

  1. Thanks for the Travel Wardrobe Planner. That will be so helpful!

  2. I do love a poncho type sweater or Aline wrap. Iā€™m petite so itā€™s difficult to get a different line of sight in clothes, cant wear larger patterns. I recently purchased a wrap type wool poncho from Garnet Hill (on sale) that Iā€™d been eyeing. I also own a cashmere poncho. Works for a car trip over the shoulders and you donā€™t sit on it. Or A/C indoors when itā€™s too cold. Thanks for the suggestion!

    1. I like them for shoulder coverage too. Sometimes thatā€™s all I need in my climate.

  3. I agree with the wider the leg, the softer the fabric. I can get away with the loose jean silhouette, but wide-leg jeans might not be my best look. I’ll try them with winter boots and see how that goes.

  4. Tell me it’s not Christmas yet! I really love fall and Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
    The OOTW is nice: for my coloring, I’ll need a deeper shade of gray and a trouser length that actually works. One problem with moving to Misses for the longer length is that you get a higher rise, which for me can be a problem, and the Petites are too short. I want to look on trend not “goofy” — LOL. I find capes, etc., finicky and potentially dangerous to drive in, plus they let in that cold New England seaside air. The one you chose is like raspberry ice cream, though — really pretty. Maybe I can find a coat in this shade.

    1. I’m with you, Maeve…I do not want to look goofy.

  5. I love your all Neutral look too Jennifer. I might be able to pull this off too. Maybe a bit of bronzer would help me. You look great just as you are.
    On ponchos- I like them, but feel I look shorter – much shorter than I am unless my boots have a bit of a heel. Of all my boots only one pair have heels that might elevate 5 ft 3 me!
    Others have chimed in on your dining room fixture I see. All in good time.

  6. Love the beige outfit, very pretty.
    The black ceiling: I kept thinking about Italian ceilings , gold stars, gold trim, and frescoes . Your mirror has gold , a gold ceiling would glow at dinner time, kinda funšŸ„°

    1. That would be fun šŸ™‚

  7. The link for the tote onOOTD did not look anything like what is pictured. Is there another link?

    1. Sorry, Mary. I just fixed the link here…which they describe as green but looks gray to me.

  8. I donā€™t wear ponchos or shawls, I find them finicky – always adjusting. I bought a beautiful one in Florence because I was cold that day and never wore it again. I had it cut into scarves and kept one for myself and gave two to friends.
    I saw your recap post yesterday. If I might say, your dining fixture, while beautiful, is too high and too small for the height of the space. Could you rehome it to another room? It would be lovely over your tub, perhaps. The dining room with the high ceiling needs a bigger fixture that sits lower in reference to your table. Also, the black ceiling in this case looks like a black hole. A lighter colour might work better. Have you thought of replacing your chairs with upholstered ones? It would break up the set, be more comfortable seating and update the room. I hope I havenā€™t overstepped with my thoughts.

    1. Those are all great suggestions!! I will drag in some other chairs and see how it looks…I think you’re on to something!!

      1. Iā€™m always amazed how great you look in your outfits, especially knowing that you are a petite gal, like moi. I love your ā€œhatā€ stack up and am really getting in the hats now that I have longer hair. Please keep wearing those hats and keeping us informed. I really love a wide leg pant w/high heels, but canā€™t pull off that look due to height challenges. I am learning my own ā€œhatā€ limitations too after purchasing a felt fedora from a western maker and realizing that the hat crown depth is a big deal. Luckily I was able to return that hat without cost. So, I will be sticking with my Eric Javits hats for now since every hat I buy from them really fits multiple head types. Thank you for enlightenment.

    2. I find your comments regarding Jennifer’s decor “too finicky” and hyper critical.

      1. If you read the last line you will see I was not intending to be critical or offend. Decorating is what I do and I would not be offended by someone offering ā€œsuggestionsā€, not ā€œadviceā€. Sorry you are having a bad day Kathy.

  9. Just ordered the vneck sweater you modeled, hoping I like the fi and that it doesnā€™t pill too much!

    1. It does pill, as all cashmere will, but I just use my defuzzer each time I put it away.

  10. Two years ago I broke my left arm and purchased two ponchos and another wrap to accommodate the sling and discovered I like them very much. I find they are more comfortable when driving and dealing with the seat belt. I wear them all the time now.

  11. Interesting fragrance: I have worn Chantecailleā€™s expensive Vetyver for a long time. I see your fragrance has several similar components in it: I may give it a try!

    Re. Brendaā€™s comment: I was struck, too, that your chandelier seems to need more ā€˜relationshipā€™ with its table: ie, lower it (necessary to change the wiring and chain?). The cover would also add volume/weight, but I think it is too high above your table. Your circular dining room is lovely, but it definitely requires thought on how to show it off ! As always, Houzz has photos for every situation!!!

    1. I will check out Houzz for ideas. The chandelier looks higher than it is…just 36″ from the table. Maybe I need to start buying decorating magazines again šŸ™‚

  12. I do not wear ponchos or wraps. Iā€™m a cardigan girl. I also have bought several knit barn or utility jackets. Love the cord in your post.

  13. I wore a poncho yesterday! And, I have a lovely wool Burberry open-front ruana that is perfect for the weather we are having – chilly in the morning, warm in the afternoon. Great transitional pieces.

    1. They are great for shoulder seasons

  14. I don’t wear ponchos but the one on the outfit of the week is really pretty. I really like your all beige outfit. That’s my style. I’ve gotten rid of my wider legged jeans so will be on the lookout for a pair.

  15. This ‘outfit of the week’ is totally me as during the Fall Season besides blazers, I rely on ponchos and wraps in lieu of jackets ‘n coats for a number of reasons. i.e.: Our Fall season is so short compared to that of our long Winter when we have to bundle up for months. Plus I find them extremely versatile as can be worn with just about any type of bottom or even shoe. Also if it’s a Wrap, one can play with its drape. As to wide legged bottoms, I prefer them in a trouser style. (Think men’s wear.) Last but not least; re the celebrity tree decorations IMO certainly is the recipe for an interesting ‘n fun conversation … lol. BTW HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
    -Brenda-
    Footnote: Know that you use dry shampoo so you might be interested in checking out the various brands that have been recalled due a suspected cancer causing chemical in them. Also re your Sunday’s Recap and the dilemma with your round room and the sizing of your chandelier in the larger room; you might consider just leaning a large mirror against the wall and drop your chandelier so its bottom is anywhere from 30″ to 38″ from the dining room table’s surface (particularly if your ceiling is high/vaulted).

    1. That’s the funny thing…this chandelier is only 36″ from the table! I took the photo at an odd angle, but I know what you mean by a leaning mirror…great idea!

  16. I love the soft look of the all beige. I think it would work for me due to the fact that there looks to be a slight pink edge to the beige. I looked for that sweater on our Canada site and it was not there. Once again small tears in my eyes šŸ™‚ I know what you mean about the wide legs getting to be too much, but I was able to buy two pairs of jeans on the weekend that are a rather soft denim and are straight down from the hip, perfect for over booties and so comfortable. The skinnies just look wrong now. I can’t remember the Christmas displays being this early, we usually wait until after Remembrance Day. Oh, and love the stack of hats, looks like my closet.

    1. The skinnies all got donated from my wardrobe last week. Your new jean find sounds great

  17. How would a poncho look on a pear shaped short person? Would it balance the look or just give a square look?

    1. It does add volume on top, but could look square. For a streamlined look, I’d wear a column of color underneath a darker poncho.

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