Archive for February 2016
I started this Fall out with a shopping ban because I knew that my Cool Weather Wardrobe
is overloaded with wonderful options that I had not scratched the surface on
wearing in all their versatile combinations.
Unfortunately this winter has been so mild that I’ve not layered or worn anywhere
near as many things as I’d have liked, but the beauty of that is that next Fall/Winter
I can either stick to a shopping ban or be extemely picky only adding one or two much loved or coveted items.
For Links to the Items in this Post and All my Spring/Summer Purchases,
Please go to my Pinterest Board . It was just easier to do it that way as I am sneezing and have a headache today, despite two sinus meds…
As my Regular Readers Know I am NOT a Minimalist and love Third Completer Pieces Even in Summer
I saw this in People Stylewatch magazine from Modcloth and just knew I had to have it
It’s so romantic and a neutral that can really elevate so many outfits.
I am still waiting for this to arrive!
In every Spring fashion Magazine, I’ve seen a blush pink longer
vest like this one and when my Chadwicks catolag arrived,
I just knew I wanted to add this new style to my wardrobe.
This one is from TJ Maxx and is going to need to be hemmed
to make it more versatile for my petite height.
This is from TJ Maxx and I am in love with it.
I could wear that now with a turtleneck sweater and may just do so.
Here are some Tops I added, all more flowy types than I currently have
I love this to go with green and blue crop pants I bought,
of course jeans and white bottoms will work too.
I love crotchet tops and these colors are wonderful
I love black and white prints for tops as
they can be worn with any colored bottom.
Blues are going to be really big for this season and I have plain tops,
but needed a few more prints.
Jumpsuits are going to be popular ,so why not a fun one?
I don’t wear many scarfs in my hot and humid Summers, but thought
for Spring I could and then switch it to a sash belt for Summer.
I love nautical elements and don’t really have that in my style as much as I’d like.
Once again to see the rest of my Spring Purchases and find where these items came from
Please Check my Pinterest Board.
Have you begun any Spring Shopping , Yet? What is On your wishlist?
Would love to hear from you!
Have a Fabulous Weekend,
One week until my two college children will be home for Spring Break!
PInterest Inspirational Sayings
Posted on: February 25, 2016
It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these posts.
Since we had bad weather today and my sinus headache kicked in,
I didn’t get outfit photos today.
I need a goal like that these days!
Any of you my Dear Readers have one you’d like to share?
I am seriously drawing a blank.
I hope all my dear readers has a freind to remind them of this,
if not, then perhaps save this one to remember when needed.
What is the end game for something we are trying to achieve?
This answers that beautifully!
As a mother of 3 sons, I love this ,but also want this for my daughter as well!
It certainly is different being the parent of 3 adult children, I love this stage as I’ve loved
every stage in mothering my foursome!
For new marriages as well as seasoned ones!
Dear Readers, Wishing You Food for Thought and a Wonderful Day!
Today I began wanting to wear my
and ended up doing a fun four way
to accessorize the look.
This dress is a fun thrifted one that I adore and have yet to wear
in all the various ways possible with so many different color options for toppers.
Today I just stuck with an all brown background.
In this look I added my new GILI OBI belt in the color of the year, Serenity.
The belt is leather and reversible with a plain side and a snakeskin embossed side.
My teen photographer picked this one out as his favorite and highly recommended I wear this version for my Parent’s Night out Dinner.
This is my Liz Lange Faux Fur Collar that has great clips to attach it to any collar,
allowing it to be extremely versatile.
Currently still available for just $9.95, I bought the M/L one.
When I bought this on clearance, I went crazy pulling out items in my closet, styling it in
so many ways and was so excited about it.
Unfortunately, I never actually wore it this season.
Perhaps I need to remedy that this week…
A big chunky scarf this one I bought from Jane.com
There is nothing like a sweater knit chunky scarf to take an outfit
and make it scream winter!
I have a few scarves in this style and love them.
And for my final way to accessorize this look,
I chose what is actually a sash from a summer tunic, but
used it as the skinny scarf trend.
I rather liked this option, my teen son giggled about it and when I asked why,
he said, he instantly got a picture in his head of the girl on Scooby D00…
Dear Readers, This was quite fun to do , accessories really do change an outfit and is the most fun thing
about styling looks. In Fall/Winter it’s pretty easy with so many options.
Summer is harder since it’s to hot for scarves, unless I wear them as a belt.
Self Care
Today is Parents Night Out , and that certainly counts as self care as we all agree it is so great to get out and just chat it up and laugh with other women. It isn’t just the night alone that’s great but the anticipation of it in the weeks leading up to it!
I’d also say that I was very careful with my breakfast and lunch options today, so as not to keep things in balance with going out to eat. That just might be my favorite thing I learned to do as a Weight Watcher and it sticks with you.
After playing around with my Pilates machine last week, yesterday I went to the Dvd workout that came with it and loved it. Today after my Parent’s Night Out , I will do the Cardio workout option on the beginner DVD. So excited to move up in options are there are 3 DVDs…
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son was so patient in taking my photos today. He really makes this enjoyable!
I am grateful that I found currency for my teen homeschooler, as there is something he wants and I am using his writing to earn it. He has very little options for currency and is so strong willed that this is a rare thing, something the school never understood and I still laugh at the time they turned to my husband and asked if he could get him to do it, lol.
I am grateful that I’ve gone rogue this week on my style challenge group and am stying pieces that I have either not worn yet the season or not worn enough before Spring arrives.
I am grateful that I thought of finishing this week with all dresses as I havent styled enough for my liking and wearing dresses really lifts my spirit and helps me to celebrate my femininity.
Black & White Pattern Mixing
Posted on: February 22, 2016
- In: Black & White | Boots | Gratitude | Homeschooling | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Petite | prints | Winter Looks
- 1 Comment
I quite often say, “Black and White is Always Right” when it comes
to styling outfits, as I’ve never put that color combo together and not loved it!
I love everything about this look.
Starting with the pattern mixing of this multi media foral print tunic (I found it on a flash sale on Jolly Chic, asian sizing , but so cute, a sweatshirt attached to a fun cotton skirted bottom) amd the cozy azztec print sweater.
The addition of the silver and black neclaces adds to the black and white theme.
The texture and sheen of the leatherette leggings by Hue also adds a great element to the black and white theme, as does the fringe booties.
One pop of color in the bright handbag, ( a gift from 31 gifts)
With this tunic having a nice skirted hem, it’s almost like wearing a fun skirt ,
which put a pep in my step.
That’s not an easy thing to do , today, as my sinuses are way off and I feel disoriented.
I’ve noticed that this winter I have done a lot more outfits that qualify as boho ,
that’s a big change as in previous years I’ve felt that my boho side had to wait until
Spring/Summer to come out to play.
The fun of blogging and seeing my outfits allows me to see patterns and directions of my style.
Of course everyone doesn’t need to be a blogger, but taking pictures is something anyone can do and
I highly recommend it. I have learned so much about how to dress my petite, curvy body from pictures.
It’s been a very fun journey and to be at this point of more confidence is priceless.
Self Care
I would have to say , I haven’t done much these past few days in self care, other than taking meds for
the sinus issues that are present due to the crazy swings in our temps. I skipped two days on my Pilates machine and am not happy about that at all….
Gratitude
I am grateful for my son apologizing and realizing he hadn’t spoken clearly about something.
I am grateful that my son finally brought me his sign language course and we figured out the ins and outs of it as it was confusing to him and he was completely stalled on moving forward.
I am grateful that after waking up at 5am , having breakfast at 7am that I went back to sleep and slept until almost noon!
I am grateful that although I feel somewhat disoriented, that my pounding headache is gone!
I am grateful for days of sunshine, cause rain is heading our way…
Neutrals and Vintage Brooch
Posted on: February 19, 2016
- In: animal Print | Boho Outfits | Boots | Brown | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | vintage jewelry | Winter Looks
- 1 Comment
The Brooch is coming back into Style,
and I’ve worn a few of my mothers on a necklace and on my boho w
raps. 
I felt like a Zen neutral look for the day…
It’s still has enough interest for me with the hi-low contrast of the different shades of tan and brown
and the subtle print in the Old Navy sweater and the Snakeskin bag.
A close up of my mother’s pin.
I love having her pieces to cherish and wear , not to just keep in my jewelry box.
Check out JodiesTouchofStyle blog for ways they are wearing brooches this week.
I’ve wanted a Joan Rivers Bee Brooch for a long time and finally caved in buying one this week, when I saw this one on Instagram as a memorial one for Joan.
I am so glad I found this open poncho on Jane.com,
as it’s become a favorite this season.
I really need to taper off my addiction of looking at Jane.com daily as I see
so many things I love and the pressure to buy since they go away or sell out so quickly.
I’ve recently bought some tops for Summer in Yellow, Coral and Light Blue (Serenity, Pantone’s color of the Year)
Self Care
I am proud to say it’s day four of owning my Aeropilates and I’ve used it everyday.
I am actually looking forward to it daily, as one of my goals was to have a strong back and abs to help with my sciatica,
and these workouts definitely are going to strengthen those areas.
In addition, upon the recommendation of a friend who has had success with this,
I began adding Collagen to help with joint pain I was having in my knee and hip, but also to help with my nails , which have always broken due to housework, lol.
Dear Readers , What are you doing lately for Self Care? Wishing you a wonderful weekend with something fun on you to do list to recharge you to face another week!
Gratitude
I am grateful that my homeschooler took the initiative to take out my Aeropilates machine in between his subjects today to do a workout, which prompted me to do mine as well. I think I still may do one at my regular evening time frame for two for the day!
I am grateful that my daughter handled her rejection letter for PHD program at Boston College well, she loves the Boston area and really wanted to stay longer, but she immediately said that she didn’t like the actual school or program, so it’s really for the best.
I am grateful that I forced myself to get dressed today, as I was feeling blue and thought about staying in my pj’s. Getting dressed in a boho outfit always lifts my spirits and after seeing the photos it sparked even more joy.
I am grateful that after getting dressed I took a walk to the grocery store ,which also helped to lift my blue mood and I picked up some healthy snacks of fruits and vegetables!
Boho, Triple Fringe
Posted on: February 18, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Burgundy | exercise | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Outfits with scarfs | Teal | Winter Looks
- 4 Comments
Wednesday Is All About Bowling…
It begins with homeschool league and ends with traveling to another city for
a late afternoon bowling Clinic.
I originally planned to wear my black and white poncho with the burgundy leggings.
It was shorter than I liked with the leggings….
My teal one was laying on the chair in my room as I’d worn it but hadn’t photographed it recently.
It’s not colors I automatically would have paired together, but I was in the mood for a poncho
and quite frankly I didn’t feel like changing out of the leggings.
So, a new color combo was born!
I already had the black boots on so thought I’d add the necklace to book end
them and make them work.
Then it occurred to me that I was wearing double fringe.
Just for kicks I grabbed my hobo bag as it has a big fringe tassle.
It doesn’t photograph well here, but trust me it tickled me to have triple fringe
without it being overkill and look ridiculous.
Self Care
Yesterday, when wearing this outfit, I went out to lunch between the bowling events of the day
and I had Jason’s Deli Salad Bar, Chcken Breast and A Fruit Salad bowl. I was to tired to go home and cook at 6:30 when
we got home ,so I opted for Special K Protein with bananas.
In addition, I exercised on my Pilates Machine and am commited to do so 6 days a week for the next 30 days.
Gratitude
I am grateful that I am not the only one enjoying my new Pilates machine, as my teen son thinks it’s too heavy for me to set up, so has decided he is in charge of unfolding it for me (shh don’t tell him it’s not that heavy especially with the wheels) and he exercises on it first after setting it up for me…
I am grateful to my son for setting up my Fitbit(replacement one I bought on Ebay after my dropping the original down the sink) and he even put an app on my phone for me.
I am grateful for my meat tenderizing hammer ( I hadn’t had one for a while and got one recently) as it is so fun to pound out chicken breasts for marinating. Yes, little things make me happy.
I am grateful that my son had more success yesterday and upped his high score by two more points, can’t wait to see how he does on his Saturday league when he is with the more serious and talented bowlers.
I am grateful for my friendships and how we support each other, love the givers of the world!
Tunic Tuesday
Posted on: February 16, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Gratitude | Grey | Mom On the Go | prints | Teal | Vest | Winter Looks
- 3 Comments
Today was suppose to be all about
The Tunic….
I think My Rachel Zoe white faux fur vest ,
stole the show…
If you haven’t already followed me on Facebook, I am adding links to my buys for Spring and other articles I think may be of interest.
I actually bought this vest on clearance over the Summer and it’s
still available up to size Medium , Here…
We had lots of rain earlier in the day before the sun peeked out.
With snow on Sunday night, here we are in the 60’s….
A trick I use for tunics is to sometimes buy Junior dresses…
This one is actually from F21 and was meant to be a dress for the younger set.
I noticed long ago , that in most stores if they call it a tunic, they jack up the prices of regular tops,
so this solution was how I got around it…
Self Care
I had to face a very cold heart breaking fact, that I really struggled to deny…. My fluidity bar workout is not working for me lately…. My knees are not liking that or the jumping I love to do on the exercize trampoline… I hate the treadmill , but thought I could do that or the bicycle since we have both…. That wasn’t very motivating and I wasn’t doing any exercize. I began to get in a funk, wondering what I was going to do , because we all know that finding something that we like enough to repeat often is key to success when it comes to embracing exercize.
I finally bit the bullet and solved the problem by admitting I needed to buy something else to get me through as I continue this aging process , which in inevitable. I bought myself this Pilates machine, something I’ve looked at quite often and in fact almost got instead of my ballet bar. It came today and after putting it together ( it was easy! ) and exercized with it , trying out a bunch of the exercizes and with different levels of the bands. I loved it and it was so easy on my joints. I even liked the one standing (weight bearing) for the inner and outer thigh… I may have over done it in my enthusiasm this first day.
Gratitude
I am grateful for my husband’s support in getting my new Pilates machine.
I am grateful that my homeschooler carried the 70lb package into the house and helped me put it together.
I am grateful that not only is this Pilates machine going to be good for me, but that my son and husband can benefit from it as well.
I am grateful that the rain went away and the sun came out today.
I am grateful that my friend asked me to lunch after bowling tomorrow.
Skirting It…
Posted on: February 12, 2016
- In: Boots | Dresses and Skirts | Gratitude | Grey | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Winter Looks
- 1 Comment
Today’s Challenge Was to Wear a
Dress or Skirt…
I thrifted this one ages ago and hadn’t worn it yet.
As a woman who fully embraces her femininity ,
I could wear dresses and skirts everyday and be perfectly, delightfully spunky!
Of course that would be quite silly for my homeschooling Mom life and impractical.
With only 3 years left with my youngest child, I wonder what’s around the corner
and if I will find something to do that allows me to wear more dresses and skirts.
That’s the fantasy anyway!
I was attracted to this skirt because I loved the muted greys and blues and the fact that
it is a sheer overlay that just floats when I walk.
I want to try it with my grey leather and perhaps a denim jacket.
My striped shirt is thrifted as well, and didn’t look good tucked or untucked it looked frumpy,
so I knotted it off the to side and even DH saw the difference!
It was so fun to sport my faux suede grey boots, I haven’t worn very many heeled boots
this season and have missed them.
I added a hat and gloves because we are at freezing temperatures and are going lower over the weekend.
For some of you that’s not a big deal, but for this beach woman it is!
My daughter joked me on the phone that she was bringing Boston weather with her!
Self Care
I lost two pounds so far this week and hope to lose at least one more…
Going to be very careful for Valentine’s Day!
Gratitude
I am grateful for a conversation with my daughter who had her PHD interview that was group style and came out of it pretty proud of her answers. She doesn’t know if they made her stand out, but she felt like the others were very prententious and she was more herself and down to earth. Her take away was that it was a learning experience regardless of the outcome. Makes me proud that something I taught her rubbed off!
I am grateful that my husband didn’t go to work until 3 today , so had some time to just hang out with my homeschooler and I , he’s been unusually busy this week , so it was a good break.
I am grateful that after waking up only 4 hours after falling asleep, that I fell back asleep for another two hours!
I am grateful that my sinus headache responded to medication and left me mobile and active for this day of getting ready for my daughter to come home…..
So naturally that leads to….I am grateful that tonight my daughter will fly home for the weekend and I can hug her tight, talking on the phone, facetiming on her brother’s Iphone is just not the same!
I am grateful that my daughter loves coming home and misses us too!
Today’s Challenge was Pinterest Inspiration
and I had just recently pinned this Jennifer Aniston one.
I adore her style and have quite often admire outfits on Pinterest.
It’s fun to actually put one together, finally…
I’ve had this scarf for a few seasons and love it against the all black background.
If you are regular reader, you may notice I am not much for dressing all over in black.
I quite often love all black looks but don’t feel like they are me, so having the purple scarf was
just enough color to still feel like myself.
My Faux leather moto jacket , can be found here in several colors.
I could have gone with a black purse, but
why would I when I own this fabulous Joy & Iman one?
It comes in several colors, but I think this Purple one is incredible!
One of the easiest ways to bump up a look is in a fabulous handbag and I think
I have more than made up for my past of not carrying a purse.
You see as a mother of four who spread her kids out 4 1/2 years apart,
I carried a diaper bag around for many years and gave up a purse….
My Dear Husband put up with my lipsticks and Id in his pockets
on many a date night back in those days, lol
Self Care
I think taking double dose of sinus meds and making it out to homeschool bowling counts as self care.
I had spent the past several days with headaches and actually am pinching myself that I had relief today…
I also planned our next Parent’s Night Out Event and Let me tell you that is definitely self care as we all need those nights
and have come to look forward to it…
Gratitude
I am beyond grateful that my son got out of his funk today and had a wonderful time bowling today, he even got a better score than he’s had all this season ….
I am grateful that my brother stopped by last night and I got to hug him before he went to coincidentally spend his birthday in Cancun for a work reward trip.
I am grateful for a phone call with my son away at college and that he talked to his younger brother as well.
Leggings and Poncho Kinda Day…
Posted on: February 10, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Brown | Mom On the Go | Navy | Neutrals | Winter Looks
- 5 Comments
Today I was suppose to be styling a Vest for
the private challenge….
I tried with this look, but didn’t like it , so took it off and went for a poncho,
they never disappoint this boho loving woman!
I tried this with my sherpa vest and fringe congnac booties, but
didn’t like it, probably because the vest goes out right at the widest part of my
hip and was not at all flattering….
Check out this blog about wearing Navy and Brown, that came to mind when my
first outfit choice wasn’t working and I was standing there in all Navy!
I don’t know what it is about a poncho that just makes my heart sing,
but I could wear one almost daily, but then I’d miss my leather jackets and cardigans,
so alas I change it up and wear them just often enough!
I should have taken a close up of my Charming Charlie
fun Paisley necklace that unfortunately is sold out.
I am upset that somewhere along the way I lost one of my orange hoops that DD gave me ,
fingers crossed I lost it in the house and not on my trip to the grocery store.
Self Care
Today was a rough day with intense sinus pressure headache the entire day…I am proud to say
that when I made a quick run to the store I resisted my normal “go to” of grabbing a Pepsi Max
and getting back into my caffeine addiction.
Gratitude
I am grateful for a fun conversation with Facebook friends about Ikea , as I’ve never been and a potential road trip in the near future with possibly 4 of us going.
I am grateful that my son understood my headache and did his homeschooling and chores without me having to tell him repeatedly, lol… I am grateful that he is a sensitive compassionate young man.
I am grateful that even not feeling well, that I got dressed and went for a short walk to the store.
I am grateful that my husband agreed that I should get another Sunlight Lamp as I have been in a funk (I am blaming it on menapause, lol) for two days and my old lamp is broken.
Versatile Style by Tracey 