Color: A Tonic For Trying Times

Happy first day of spring, ladies! I hope you’re all taking care of yourselves and not freaking out. I know that’s a tall order if you watch the news but it’s a worthy goal because stress lowers our immune system, which none of us need right now. I’ve started doing free yoga classes online, diffusing even more essential oils and am back to walking outside. It’s important we all practice self care these days, so please take the time to care for yourself.

On top of the current events, I’ve woken up to gray skies for too many several days in a row. Ugh. Dreary. If you’ve read me for any length of time you know that I never met a neutral I didn’t love…except for a warm-toned camel which makes me look like a corpse.

But I don’t want to wear neutrals. They feel blah right now. Unfortunately, my wardrobe has been predominantly black for so many years, I don’t have many colorful options. I played with some of my scarves but honestly, they felt lacking so I did a little online search.

Talbots pink gingham trench coat on A Well Styled Life
GINGHAM TRENCH

Pow, this trench popped up at my first stop and went right into my cart. How could your spirits not be lifted by a sassy pink, gingham trench?

Gingham is popular every spring but this year, it’s even bigger than ever. I bought this dress at the Talbots trunk show last week and can’t wait to wear it. It’s a totally new look for me. I love how it looks over a white tank top and white jeans which you’ll see me wear as soon as it warms up.

There’s no shortage of gingham shoes.

And handbags.

.

I’m going to try not to add too much gingham because just a touch of it is better than a dousing:)

Most, if not all retailers have temporarily closed their brick and mortar stores and they’re all having promotions to make up for it. Nordstrom announced they’ll continue to pay their retail employees for 2 weeks while the stores are closed! They are a class act and that’s just another reason why they’re my favorite department store.

For a limited time, they’re giving a 25% discount off most everything, including beauty and fragrance. As always, Nordstrom gives free shipping both ways. It’s a great time to restock your favorite fragrances because scents can be very soothing.

Since we’re all spending so much time at home, Nordstrom also has some nurturing items on sale to help us create a sanctuary at home.

I’m diffusing oil, burning candles and looking for pleasant sensory experiences where ever I can. Treating ourselves and our loved ones well will make this tough time easier to tolerate.

What are you craving at home?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to dress each day to feel confident.

 

 

35 Comments

  1. I’m using the time as an excuse to indulge in all my hobbies with abandon. I wake up every day thinking what shall I do today. It’s a fun journey. I’m trying to stay as active as I can and trying to get out in the fresh air as much as possible. Every day is an adventure!
    Thank you for pressing forward and keeping your blog fresh and exciting.

    1. You’re living the best life now, Cyndi. I love how you’re approaching all of this.

  2. My Mama was a spinner in a cotton mill. They would give her end pieces of calico and gingham. She used those pieces to make our clothes. I should be writing a country song. LOL
    I love old fashioned fabrics like these and I would just die to own that tench coat. can’t wait to see the dress with tank and pants. Be well, Jennifer.

  3. Hi, Jennifer. Just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying your posts during these uncertain times. I’m using my time reading my books (which I have plenty of), surfing online and looking at the beautiful spring clothing trends, although I’m not planning on buying much, and keeping in touch with friends and family. I also am working on my genealogical history and trying my hand at writing a short story or maybe a novella. My husband and I are enjoying watching old movies and TV series on Prime and Netflix. We can still cook good meals and have a glass of wonderful wine in the evening. For the first time in days, we went for a walk today because it was partially sunny and no rain, at least for now. One thing that is making me smile is a beautiful little bluebird who has been hanging around outside my bedroom window.

    1. You’re doing it right!! Thanks for sharing how you’re coping, Kathy. Looking on the bright side is critical.

  4. I love gingham. I used to make dresses for my girls with it, and I had a few when I was a child. I am also with you on this weather. I’m in southern California, but we have had non-stop rain and cold for at least two weeks now. I will be complaining when it’s 105 degrees out in the summer, but I could sure use some sun now. Thanks for being here.

  5. Pamela Over 50 Feeling 40 says:

    I have seen so many cute trench coats! Very jealous that you have the weather in springtime to wear them. This one is tons of fun. I really want to support my favorite brands online. Some were already struggling with their stores and this will not help. I believe any support we can give is welcome.

  6. Color can have such a strong psychological and physiological affect. We need it’s healing energies right now. I believe we need to keep faith and hope alive partly by caring about things of beauty. It feeds our souls and that is essential.
    It’s so great to see classic patterns like gingham making a big statement in fashion. It’s timeless. Remembering my favorite gingham blouse from the 60’s.. one inch checks in a sunny yellow. Loved that blouse.
    The checked pointy toe flats featured here are calling to me. Would love them in red. Or camel. Navy…

  7. I am loving the gingham dress you bought. Like you, I have a straight figure. Please do model it for us. I usually stay away from belted dresses and would love to see how you style it.
    Your posts are so appreciated!

    1. Embrace the belt, Fran!! They are a friend for every woman with a straight figure.

  8. Thanks for your ideas. Ordering a diffuser from Nordstrom today. I also ordered a gingham shirt from Talbots. We have to continue to support out favorites, especially smaller local stores and boutiques. I may even have to order a “real” book from Barnes and Noble. Thanks for continuing to blog. I look forward to your posts.

    1. “Real” books are my favorite. I’m just old school that way

  9. I have been wondering about something. I think the brick and mortar stores are all closed. If we continue to shop online are we forcing warehouse workers (who already have abysmal working conditions) to have to go to work? I know it’s a source of income, but wouldn’t it be better for our government to offer paid leave like 145 other countries do? Food and medical supplies need to keep flowing, but everything else? What does everyone think?

    1. I’ve thought about this too. I think we may reach a point where they will not do deliveries, but for now it is what it is. Restaurants are even doing deliveries in my area. (I live in a larger metro area.) That too may stop. Let’s just take it one day at a time and breathe.

    2. I ordered from a brick and mortars store that fills orders from its stores, not a warehouse. The stores closed yesterday, but they will still fill online orders. The staff are safer this way, and at least some will not be laid off. I ordered basics for my family: new socks and underwear for all of us. They had a sale to encourage customers to spend, and we needed these things. Need, not want.

      They’ll be delivered to a post office box in a pharmacy, because pharmacies are staying open. I will pick them up when I pick up prescriptions, wearing my cloth gloves (which will be washed after each wear) and leave them in the trunk of my car in the garage for three days before opening. The things we have to do since life got complicated.

    3. Joan Lynch says:

      Other countries are starting to limit deliveries also. You are right, Amazon (and others) are working their employees to the bones. We all need to walk that fine line of keeping places on business but not working the warehouse & delivery people to a frazzle.

  10. Thank you for your positivity during these challenging times. It rained all day yesterday and raining again all today. Makes things even more difficult when you can’t even get out for a walk. But, I know……..this shall all pass. Quite the journey we’re on. I look forward to your posts.

    1. We finally got sunshine today and not one moment too soon. It’s hard to believe but this new normal shall pass. I can’t wait

  11. Such cute choices. I LOVE that trench. Xx

  12. Debbie Bell says:

    Great self care ideas- hubby loves them too!
    I think I’ll post my much loved, but not needed books on line and offer delivery to door steps. Who knows? Ontario, Canada is warming up, maybe I’ll deliver on my bike! 🚲 (Having read your post, I’d better include some bright faux flowers in my bike basket 💐 and wrap them in gingham or something!)
    Gingham- that reminds me- I have a sewing machine! Mmmm….
    Blessings, everyone!

    1. Maybe a gingham face mask that you sew yourself? Patterns and Youtube videos are online. Something is better than nothing, and at least some contaminants won’t get through. That’s my thinking.

  13. It’s a perfect day for a mani/pedi with soothing music, a cup of tea and a scented candle. Since my gym closed I’ve been walking outside and I have to say I’ve been enjoying it. Have to stay positive!

  14. Enjoy your blog especially in these uncertain times.

  15. Thanks for the great ideas. I have plenty of books but would love some fresh flowers! Thankfully our weather is finally getting warmer, so plan on walking today🙂

  16. Thank you for brightening my day!

  17. Color is so important! Today I am wearing a Kelly green sweatshirt jacket with navy shell and pants. This color combination makes me feel like spring is here (which is not true in upstate NY, but I like to pretend!).

    Jennifer, I love the gingham items you featured today. Thank you.

    Have a great day, everyone.

  18. Barbara Daley says:

    Thank you for this. You are bringing normalcy and calmness into this chaos. Its difficult sometimes to remember that ” this too shall end”…but it will. In the meantime I look forward to your wonderful blog.💗

  19. Doris Weir says:

    Good morning Jennifer,
    I am a regular follower of yours and want to thank you for sharing your travel packing organizer. We travel a lot (until now), and I HATE packing. So, on our last trip, I decided to use your planner. I had lots of clothes laid out, black is always my foundation, and started filling in the form. Got through the first couple days, and guess what, I started having fun and thought, “packing not so bad after all”.
    This trip was a short one (2 weeks), one week in England visiting family and the 2nd week in Madrid for “us” time. Weather in both places was similar which makes packing easier since I only needed to pack for one week and repeat the outfits for the second week.
    Previously, after I trudged through getting clothes together, accessories were an afterthought. Now it was all written down and I was getting lots of compliments on my outfits, especially the accessories. It was so much easier looking at the planner every morning to see what I was wearing. I was dressed in what seemed like half the time, which my husband loved.
    So, thank you again, and we were home from Spain safely two days before the virus started to really take hold.
    Also, I really enjoy reading your family and travel stories. I feel like I know you.

    1. I had to cancel my trip to Spain. I’ll go next year!

    2. Thanks for sharing, Doris. I love that printout. Traveling should be easy 🙂

  20. Linda Henderson says:

    Thanks for the smiles and encouragement.

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