Stepping Outside My Style Comfort Zone
We hit the road yesterday for my birthday trip to Glacier National Park. I was up late packing the night before and couldn’t sleep past 3 AM so by the time we hit the road at 8 am, I was already exhausted.
Although I could pack as much as possible into the car, I limited myself to one small bag.Ā Because day one was spent behind the wheel, I chose comfortable and easy clothes.
I found these pants at J. Jill last week and was conflicted. They’re unlike anything I’ve ever worn before. I’m not a pattern person, certainly not in pants, but these looked fun so I took a risk. They’re meant to be cropped and were available in petite but I chose the regular length so they looked as long as possible.
The bottom band looks bohemian and mayĀ does shorten the look of my already short legs, but I love them! They feel happy and fun which are not style words I’m usually attracted to.
I wore them with simple black espadrilles and a white linen tunic. The pants will be a better proportion on me when I wear them with a shorter top, but I was going for comfort yesterday, not overly chic:)
Here I am at our first stop for an espresso. Note the slight wrinkles in my linen tunic but my happy pants still looked great.
Multiple stops later the linen shirt has severe wrinkles but my pants still look and feelĀ terrific! It’s official, I’ve stepped outside my style comfort zone and am happy about it!
The sign behind me read “How do you feel when there is no coffee? Despresso”. My photographer was in need of caffeine by this time too:)
We drove close to 500 miles yesterday and stopped for the night in Bend, Oregon. We were both amazed to remember how much faster it is to travel without hauling our little trailer.
SHOP THE LOOK
Do you step outside your style comfort zone easily? This was surprisingly easier than I thought!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
I also would love to hear about your cell phone reception. You have really started me thinking about changing to TMobile from Verizon (have been on their plan for MANY years….not cheap but great coverage). Have a wonderful trip. We moved back to southern CA recently after living in the Northwest for 25 years. I miss it very much. I’m so happy to have discovered your blog. There are lots of blogs out there, but the ones I have seen are mainly in the 20-40 age group. Love your style…..you’re beautiful.
Thank you Cindy! We’re very happy with the device so far. I’ll keep everyone posted ????
Love the pants! What did you think of Bend?
And, no I don’t often … need to more!
We loved it there!!
This comment is off topic of what you are wearing (but you are rocking those pants!) but I am so interested in hearing how you like your new T-Mobile phone plan reception/service. Guessing Glacier Park will be a tough one, but did you have service on the drive up there?
The coverage was spotty in many places outside of towns. In fact, we stopped to buy a paper map because we couldn’t count on phonenavigation to be there all the time. Fingers crossed for inside the park.
I don’t usually wear patterned pants either, but those are cute! I’m getting better at stepping out of my style comfort zone and trying new looks. Perhaps patterned pants will be next!
I’m thinking why not? We have earned the right to wear what we love.
Congratulations on stretching your style! Is there a French Kande necklace you’d recommend as a starter piece? I’m overwhelmed by the beautiful and large selection. Because I’m retired, versatility is important. Thanks!
I started with the simple Black Jasper necklace. But in hindsight, a bracelet might have been more versatile. The necklace I wear ALL the time is 16″ long and has beads the same shade as my eyes so goes with everything! Email me a photo of you and I can personalize it more for you!
Jennifer, speaking of “stepping outside one’s comfort zone”….thought of you & your trip when I read this article today:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2017/08/03/the-true
Hey, just sharing; can’t hurt/might help…((; )
Oh my!! Thanks for sharing Marlene š
You look great! I step out of my comfort zone more than ever now and as you sad it is fun!
I see more of it in my future too!!
I love the look. You go girl.
Thanks Sandy š
You look terrific as always. And it is definitely better to have wrinkles on our clothing than on our faces????
Thanks Jeannine! You’re so right about the wrinkles.
Those pants look so cute on you…love them! Bend is another favorite place of mine, It is pretty close to perfect weather wise, all it needs is an ocean. The river is good though! Love the clear skies and clean air too. My husband would move back to the Northwest in a minute, if I would agree. I have learned to never say never. Blessings my friend…
We LOVED Bend!! I thought we might and we did. The energy level was so relaxed and the weather was gorgeous! It’s very high on our list!
I’m 5’1″ and have been afraid of printed pants or anything with a border. But, I just received the JJill maxi dress, in a print, with a border at the hem and a matching pattern down the middle. I think the pattern down the front helps mitigate the hem border. And the dress being made of rayon is so comfortable, and like your pants, doesn’t wrinkle.
I live in Florida now, but spent 61 years in CT. JJill linen would not be out of place in NY. I miss the JJill stores up north. The closet one to me now, is over an hour away. I mail-order everything.
I haven’t seen that dress but your description sounds fabulous. Mail order is how I purchase most of my clothes these days. Honestly…I hate shopping :-O in stores
I’m a huge J Jill fan, along with Eileen Fischer, their garments make up nearly half my wardrobe. These pants are fun and terrific on you. And now that I’ve seen them on you, I’m getting some! While they are basic, they kick it up a notch with that print. Wearing as much black as I do, these will really be a great addition. I can envision them going with some light sweaters into fall as well.
I agree Kathleen! I see them with my black ankle boots and an ivory cashmere sweater!!
I have been taking a hard look at those pants it can’t decide between the pants & a long skirt in bohemian print. I’m short also so I’m glad to see what they look like on you. Perfect timing
The pants would also look in better proportion on me with a shorter top!
Happy Birthday! With all your wrinkles trust me you look better than 99% of people traveling!
Thank you Sandra!!
We’re off in Central Washington about 25 miles south of Omak on a getaway for husband’s 70th. I too am wearing a slightly wrinkled linen dress and enjoying the cool comfort of it.
Your pants are great. I have one linen JJill outfit that I am considering taking to New York next month but I wonder if it is too “West Coast”. Jewellry does make the outfit though. Enjoy your family trip.
Accessories do make most of my outfits too Joanne. NY does have its own aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear what you love. Enjoy your trip!
The pants are really cute! Might have to try those.
I shocked myself with these ones š
Welcome to Montana! Love reading your blog and your fashion ideas!
Thank you Jeanne! We cross the border later today or tomorrow. I can’t wait.
I too am not a pattern person, especially in pants. But I LOVE your pants. They look great!
Isn’t that shocking Mary? They’re so darn fun and happy feeling!
This whole look is great on you…you will be the most stylish lady at the park!! Love the pants and shoes.
Thanks Pam! J. Jill surprised me.
Good for you! I love the comfort of J. Jill clothing! And it’s good to push boundaries sometimes. Oh, and thanks for reminding me to get my park pass soon!
I’ll be pushing those boundaries more this fall, Harriet. Life’s too short to limit myself:)
What a fun read! I always learn something new!
I learned something new too!