Archive for October 2016
Another Crazy Temperature Swing
Posted on: October 31, 2016
Sunday was 83 degrees , today 62!
My sinuses are so not happy with these extreme daily changes.
This might be the craziest October I can remember.
I am struggling with this Marla Wynne sweater I bought on clearance
. I actually think I should have styled it and played around with it when bought it.
Unfortunately, I tucked it away awaiting for Fall to arrive.
It’s more volume than I like and in the other pictures I don’t think it’s flattering me at all.
Since the window of when I can return it has passed, it won’t go to waste as it will
be great lounge wear for around the house.
My top is Kate & Mallory found Here , on clearance in other patterns as well.
While I may not be pleased with the volume of my topper, I am loving that
after having them on wish list for 3 years that I finally found a lighter tan ankle boot.
These Vionic boots are very comfortable and will be getting a lot of wear this season.
In this look it’s great for helping to extend the leg line with the tone matching my pants.
There is a great video demonstrating the orthotics of these shoes and why I am so in love with these!
My choker and lariat necklace are getting paired together a lot and with
maximalism on trend now I feel totally inspired to add in a pin
that was my mother’s and one I usually add to a chain to wear as a necklace.
It’s such a fun zany shape and I adore it !
I am loving just letting my hair dry and spritzing it with some texturizing spray.
Gratitude
I am grateful that despite these crazy swings in temperature that I remain headache free after last weeks bout of migraine cluster headaches for 5 days.
I am grateful for the last minute fun of my kids carving pumpkin’s together this afternoon.
I am grateful that we had enough trick or treaters that my two handing out candy felt like they had a good time (one year we had only 3 kids )
I am grateful that my husband had a successful day at work
I am grateful for the fun group text we do as a family, exchanging photos of the pets antics, food they make or any other fun way of staying connected when we are all not together.
Daughter 25 and my youngest dressed up to hand out candy.
My daughter is into cosplay and she wore this last year for Halloween in Salem, MA
as she was at Boston College and had a fun day getting her picture taken quite a bit.
He was having fun doing poses, he’s just missing his light saber.
Inspiration
Posted on: October 31, 2016
- In: Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Neutrals | shoes
- 4 Comments
Angie at YOU LOOK FAB
puts out outfit ensembles on a regular basis
and this one she called ” Statement Leopard Bag”
I don’t happen to have a leopard handbag and don’t feel the need to run out and buy one, lol.
I thought about doing a look with my snakeskin bag, which would have worked.
I even laid out a look with it a few days ago….
We had temperatures back in the 80’s so of course my Sam Edelman’s had
to come out to play in this look.
I also took a more casual approach to the look because
as much as I love the looks of crisp white shirts,
I can’t seem to style them and make them feel like me.
I opted to keep the top in the same tone as the topper
because any high contrast cut my body in half
and really messed with the proportions.
It was quite windy for the pictures, lol
My t-shirt says “Inhale Love, Exhale Gratitude”
I have so many more ideas for the culottes going into the cooler weather
and am looking forward to styling them with tights and boots.
The trick is to treat them like a skirt.
Dear Readers, Wishing you a Happy HALLOWEEN!
We don’t get many kids in our neighborhood and gave up giving out candy two years ago.
Instead we took our youngest teenage child to the movies.
This year my daughter is home after getting her Master’s Degree and she wants to
have her brother join her in giving out candy and dressing up, sitting out front with
the fog machine going. I am hoping they won’t be sorely disappointed.
Gratitude
I am grateful for Sundays when my husband gets to relax and watch football, shouting and getting so animated that you know how the game is going in every room of the house.
I am grateful that I finally got to visit my dear friend and deliver the wardrobe I had for her 10yr old daughter and the delight it brought to them both.
I am grateful that while I was visiting my friend who lives at the oceanfront, that my daughter (25) and my husband got some rare quality alone time walking the beach and playing POKEMON GO, as my poor daughter lost all her original levels since she signed up with her Boston College email and they cancelled it , after all she graduated in May.
I am grateful that my teenager took advantage of our plans and opted to stay home by himself, as he values alone time and hasn’t had much of it since my daughter arrived home in May.
I am grateful for a phone call from my son at VCU to share his night adventure at the Halloween farm he visited.
Mocha Delight
Posted on: October 28, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Brown | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Outfits with scarfs | Weight Loss
- 10 Comments
Some days I feel like an outfit of Neutrals,
however that doesn’t mean boring.
You might notice my brown pants have a faux leather front , which of course adds
an element of texture to this look.
Alas these fabulous pants by Diane Gilman are from previous season.
Here is a close up of the alligator like design.
DH did a double take at my look today and quite to my surprise complemented it.
He’s not much for all neutrals or my love of kimonos ,
so his approval meant more.
Here you can see that the back of the pant is a knit
While these pants are great, these boots are my new Vionic,
my first of what I hope to be a yearly addition for boot comfort.
I had wanted a lighter pair of ankle boots,
so it was nice to embrace the comfort in something that was on my wish list.
They come in 4 other shades including merlot and navy.
I found this cute owl scarf on Jane and just had to have it
as I have loved owls for most of my life and collected them as a child.
I added the leave pin for just a bit of bling and thought it was a good play off the branches on the scarf
My mocha open kimono sweater is from Jane, bought previous season.
After a week of migraines, this neutral look felt just right and had
a calming nature that was just what I needed for today.
After all , I have said it before, I am a mood dresser and use outfits for energy some days.
Dear Readers I have mentioned my love of Diane Gilman pants and with all the talk about the Velvet
Trend for the season, thought you might enjoy these pants in great colors. She had a bootcut version I found over the summer on clearance that I bought it Navy and Grey. I look forward to styling them soon. Note, I recommend her line because I love it and do not receive compensation .
Gratitude
I am grateful to be feeling a little better today ( sinus issues today) after beginning the week with a terrible migraine , that came back every afternoon.
I am grateful to my daughter for taking today’s photos as my son was still deep into his homeschooling in which he is writing note cards in preparation of doing CLEP exams.
I am grateful that I’ve done most of the xmas shopping for my daughter and can now begin the boys.
I am grateful for staying on track and losing about half a pound per day this week.
Honoring my Scottish Heritage
Posted on: October 26, 2016
- In: Boots | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Green | Mom On the Go | Navy | Navy & Black | skinny jeans
- 5 Comments
My Mother’s maiden name was Campbell and she was so
proud of her Scottish Heritage, in fact my youngest
brother carries the name Scott to honor her pride.
It was so fitting when she got strong enough after her heart attack to
take her life long dream trip to Scotland that my brother accompanied her.
Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy today
My mother instilled the Campbell plaid love to me when I was young.
I loved the kilt skirt complete with the gold pin I had as a child in this plaid.
It meant a lot for me as a child knowing it was a part of my heritage.
Can you believe I found this poncho when I was at AC Moore looking at craft stuff with my daughter.
It was just $14.99, so even though I didn’t need another poncho I couldn’t help myself.
Once again I am wearing the Halston lariat necklace (sold out) , it’s truly becoming a workhorse .
The green necklace is by Passage to Israel , found HERE .
I need to do a better job of getting my hair away from ears.
I bought these from TJ maxx last year in both green and purple and have worn both a lot!
This was the beginning of me improving my earring collection,
something I neglected as I wore gold and silver hoops only for the longest time.
My jeans are by Diane Gilman and are patched with silver sequins ,
are alas sold out,
It took me a long time to warm up to this type of “damaged” jeans ,
but this season the patched version came onto the scene making it more
comfortable for my style.
In this photo you can see the black and white plaid,
which I can reverse this to and it will have a tiny bit of this blackwatch plaid
just around the neckline. I will be giving it a try at some point.
I love these blue boots I bought two years ago when in Ireland,
they are perfect for adding to skinny jeans like this.
Dear Readers, this darn weather gave me a sever migraine on Monday,
leaving me with residual light sensitivity and nausea all day.
Apparently this was not just happening to me as a few Facebook friends had the same.
Gratitude
I am grateful that despite the residual side effects that I was pain free and the migraine was gone.
I am grateful that getting a new charger fixed my son’s laptop issue.
I am grateful that my daughter and son did a grocery store run for me today, as I wasn’t up for it.
I am grateful that I had the determination to fix spaghetti squash with bacon, Parmesan and mushrooms for dinner.
I am grateful for Fall weather arriving and the chance to start wearing some new items .
Burgundy…
Posted on: October 25, 2016
- In: Burgundy
- 10 Comments
I have worn Burgundy a lot of the last few seasons and my love for it is still strong.
It’s a color that is still trending for this Fall.
Can you believe a few years ago they tried to rename this Oxblood ?
So many bloggers got on board with it, but I stayed strong in not being
sucked into that, as it never sat right with me.
After a fun weekend with my son home from college, Saturday & Sunday bowling and Football, and waking up with the first sinus headache I’ve had in several months (since beginning Tumeric) ,
I decided to just find a selection of ways I have worn this fabulous Fall shade.
Why not start off with my favorite very spunky look pairing a dress with leopard blazer
and let’s not forget Burgundy fun boots.
These are leggings with a grey tunic and sweater.
You’ll notice I love burgundy and grey together.
I still get tickled pink every time I see this vintage Aigner purse I thrifted .
Since the pants had burgundy dots, this was a no brainer,
and how fun is a floppy hat?
Apparently, I love it with navy too.
See I told you , Grey striped jacket and plaid grey heels,
These Old Navy joggers were passed on to my niece who also adores the color burgundy
These burgundy paisley embossed cords are my best deal ever
I found them online at JCP a few years ago for just $8 and have worn them a lot.
I also scored them in forest green and adore them just as much.
See wearing them again, here with a pink utility jacket.
Speaking of utility jackets, I bought one for my niece over the summer and when
Jane had them back again, I bought myself one too.
I love utility jackets and now own 4!
A look around Christmas in a thrifted sweater dress.
Wish I was this weight again!!!!!
It really is nice when paired with tan , isn’t it?
Another grey and Burgundy look.
I thrifted this fun striped poncho and love it
but just put it in to pass on to my friend;s daughter who is just ten
as it’s short enough that it will work for her.
The leggings again with my ruffle grey cardigan,
I have to lose weight as the arms on this cardi are tight and I can’t
see myself giving that up.
A surprise pairing it with teal, I loved this combo.
Alas, this thrifted poncho is headed to a friend soon ,
as I bought a reversible open version in a similar shade and don’t need both.
Another skinny version of myself, to remind me that
I need to get my butt in gear!
This burgundy moto was among my first moto jacket purchases from F21.
I had never shopped there before and was surprised at how much I was missing.
If burgundy works with Navy , then of course a lighter shade in chambray
will too!
Yet another version with grey in the snakeskin thrifted shirt-dress.
I swear I am going to lose enough to get back into that dress which I refuse to give up!
I bought that sweater at the same time as the pants off season
clearance shopping at Jcp online.
That’s my favorite way to shop and I am looking forward to wearing my off season buys for
Fall and Winter now that our temps are cooling off and cooperating.
How about ending with another leopard combo?
Last year I bought this black turtleneck sweater and with those
being a trend for the season I added a few more.
Dear Readers, Do you love the Burgundy color for FALL?
Do you have a favorite of my outfits?
Or a favorite combo you wear with burgundy?
I love comments and hearing from you!
Choker Trend
Posted on: October 21, 2016
- In: Creating a versatile wardrobe | florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | prints | red | shoes | skinny jeans | Trends
- 5 Comments
Today is our last above 80 degree day in the forseeable
weather forecast and I am thrilled to have hope for Fall’s Arrival!
What better way to celebrate than to wear Red?
I also thought it would be fun to showcase the choker trend .
I’ve previously worn my pearl open choker several times.
But this is a completely different vibe with the thin black rope kind
that you wrap around your neck a few times.
You could tie it with a bow, but I preferred it like this,
just draping down the top.
Mine is from Jane.com ,but check out these from Amazon
My sheer top was bought for this Summer , but as I was changing
my closet over for Fall , I opted to keep my sheer tops out.
I plan to layer them over a long sleeve top or turtleneck
to extend their versatility.
The black rope choker trend has a bit of edge to it and I like how it is
a complete opposite juxtaposition to the floral kimono top.
I also think the choice of the white jeans are like the top a feminine element.
To increase the edginess I paired it with black open toed booties,
mine are over two years old and from Payless.
The leather hobo purse from yesterday’s look was
the perfect finishing piece to the edginess I was aim for.
Dear Readers, I heard a suggestion of trying a ribbon around your neck to test your tolerance
for a choker such as this once , since that can be an issue for many women. Mine is not around
my neck tightly and I can easily put my finger underneath it.
Gratitude
I am grateful for this last beautiful sunny Summer like day.
I am also grateful for the beautiful breeze today that made the temperature more bearable.
I am grateful to my son home from college for stepping in and giving my youngest a break from taking my blog photos.
I am grateful for leftovers and getting a break from cooking and cleaning up afterwards.
I am grateful for the fun we are all having with the new rabbit who came home with my son from college.
Breaking out the Boots…
Posted on: October 20, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Cobalt | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Mom On the Go
- 2 Comments
Fall may be taking it’s time to arrive,
but this blogger has had enough and is breaking out her boots.
I have them all unpacked and ready to go , and ankle boots can be worn year round.
I however can’t stand them in our hot humid Summer’s.
The Good News is that Mid 80’s in October is without the awful humidity.
Linking up with The Mix today!
One of the big trends in pants right now is of course the cropped version
or even cropped flared or boot-cuts and wearing them with ankle boots is all
the rage for Fall trends.
I can see it for Fall, but my legs aren’t going to like that for winter,
so now is a good time to try out the trend for the first time.
I have to say I had a pep in my step breaking out my fringe boots from last year.
My arm party with two bracelets that have both silver and gold and the one
with words actually says each of my children’s names with hearts in between each.
I ordered that from Jane. com awhile back.
As I’ve mentioned before Jane changes daily , so you have to stalk it
for something specific as things that sell well do tend to be featured again.
It looks like my favorite tree photos are going to be complete
with my own photo bomber in the form of this Frankenstein
character DH attached to the tree trunk ….
After seeing the outfit pictures, my artistic eye instantly cringed and
I wish I had only worn the Halston lariat necklace (sold out) and left off the
Ying Yang mother of pearl and onyx one.
My long flowing vest is such a fun boho piece and I am so glad I found these last year
and indulged in getting it in both the black and the creme.
It’s by Indigo Thread Co , which is a line at Evine Live that has wonderful
pieces for a boho lover like myself.
While my version is last years version , they have this similar version in fun colors now.
Check out this link to see the entire Indigo Thread line.
Dear Readers, Comments welcomed and appreciated.
Are any of you lucky enough to have Fall weather Yet?
If so what is your favorite thing about dressing for FALL?
Gratitude
I am so grateful to have my son home for a few days from college as their is nothing better than hearing the laughter among the three kids that are home.
I am grateful that that son loves to cook and is currently chopping up stuff to make Broccoli, Potato and Cheddar Soup.
I am grateful that my husband is having a successful trip to Northern Virginia and sounds so cheerful when we talk on the phone.
I am grateful for fun running of errands with just myself and my son home from college while my youngest worked on some CLEP homeschooling work.
Embracing Maximal Trend
Posted on: October 19, 2016
I’ve always referred to my style as maximal,
but this season it’s an official trend!
How does one embrace Fall Maximalism when the temperatures are LIKE Summer?
Check out the Lovely Ladies at the “I Feel Pretty Link Up”
My private style sisters group suggested styling a skirt and with all the fun
talk regarding the maximal trend on a fashion forum,
I knew just what skirt needed to come out to play!
This multi media OSO Casuals skirt is on clearance for $18.99 and comes in 4 great colors perfect for Fall. It’s hard to see , but the bottom is lace and there are two panels of embroidery on top of the embossed floral material. That itself qualifies this as a maximal piece.
You can see the lace bottom better in this photo.
I paired it with another maximal piece of the my polka dot sweater with ruffle detail .
I’ve had that for a few years and it still remains a favorite sweater.
My metallic pointed toe low wedges are a thrifted find.
A “blingy” necklaces also ups the maximal level.
My necklace is a Susan Graver from previous seasons , but Here are her current ones available .
You can see the ruffle detail in my sweater better in this photo.
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I finished it off with my cute owl cuff bracelet that I found awhile back on Ebay.
You can see a peek of my new nail color a fun red -orange shade.
I got acrylics for my cruise, a first for me and DH loved the idea of my keeping them.
I finished this maximal look off with my GILI ( stands for Got it Love it )
obi belt and hobo style purse (sold out from previous seasons ) .
Dear Readers, I love these Fall colors and have so many other ways I plan to
wear this skirt going into winter. Burgundy is going very strong for the season!
Have you thought about ways to embrace the maximal trend or are you a die hard minimalist who is steering clear?:
Chime in, love your comment!
Gratitude
I am grateful that the universe gives what you ask for, today DH went to northern Virginia to cover leads, as he’s not been having as many as he’d like and the opportunity came up for two days of packed in leads so off he went!
I am grateful that my DH has inherited such a strong work ethic from his Father.
I am grateful that tonight my son is coming home from college with our new bunny!
I am grateful that my son had a good day at bowling.
Jewelbits Subscription
Posted on: October 18, 2016
This is my third month of the subscription
for jewelry from Jewelbits
I neglected to take photos of the second month, probably as it arrived amisdst
birthdays and my getting ready for the Cruise
You can see my first month’s post , Here
I love seeing these cute bags and the enclosed card.
I saved all the pink bags , which came in handy when I packed jewelry for my cruise.
Jewelbits offers 3 styles :
Boho Babe, Glam Girl or Classic Chik
You can change it each month if you’d like, but I am sticking with the Classic.
They also offer 1 , 3 or 6 month subscriptions with the price going down with each level.
I don’t have many dainty pieces like this unless they are fine jewelry .
I instantly thought with my current love of wearing a choker or shorter necklace and
doubling up with a longer one, that this is a great addition to my collection .
Each month a bracelet is included and I like this collection
of thin stretchy wire ones.
Stacking bracelets is a must for my boho side,
so these are perfect.
I don’t wear as many bracelets in cooler months with long sleeves ,
but there are a lot of 3/4 or bracelet tops these days that open up possibilities
Each time there is one small pink pouch tucked into
one with a necklace and while I don’t do matchy-matchy
when it comes to necklaces and earrrings,
I do like adding to my options for earrings these would look great with
most gold necklaces.
Each box seems to have one bolder more statement type necklace.
I adore the glitz and glamour of this one.
What Not to Wear’s Four Outfit Details of
Color, Pattern , Texture and Shine comes to mind.
I am halfway through my subscription and am pleased with this company ,
I am glad that they set a limit on the number of months instead of going on indefinitely.
So Chime in , Dear Readers, Do which of these is your favorite?
Bonus I went and gathered up the pieces from my second shipment!
A long gold and white necklace with matching earrings.
Gold and Teal Tassel necklace
Silver and Gold mixed metal link bracelet.
Gratitude
I am grateful that DH supported me keeping the acrylic nails after my cruise , as I’ve never been able to grow nice nails and so far I’ve had neutral for the cruise, navy , and yesterday changed it to this fun red orange version .
I am grateful that my son is coming home tomorrow night for his Fall college break and that he will be bringing the new bunny, Penelope for us all to enjoy her, We are all giddy with excitement.
I am grateful for Sunshine and enjoying lots of walks lately.
I am grateful for having my daughter home after so many years away at school getting her degrees.
Versatility of a Patterned Dress
Posted on: October 17, 2016
When I saw this dress from Glamour Farms on Grace and Beauty,
I fell absolutely in love.
It sold out and thanks to a Style Sister who messaged me that it was
back in stock, I was able to finally order it.
As a petite it is longer on me and I bought a large because of my 39″ bust.
There was ample room in the bust and dress, but the arms would be an issue, but are fine for me.
Best of all , this baby has pockets!
One thing I think you should look for in a patterned dress , is for colors that work with toppers you
already have in your wardrobe, which is why I was so drawn to this particular print.
My first thought before it even arrived was to pair it with a burgundy sweater to
bring out the browns and pinks in the print.
Since I’ve added this Burgundy Utility jacket from Jane. com,
I opted for this instead of a sweater.
I didn’t get a picture of it, but I also have a pink utility jacket that works well too.
Keep in mind that any burgundy or pink topper would work.
If interested , check Jane often as they get these utility jackets on a regular basis
The next obvious piece for this print was my beloved mint moto jacket.
Unfortunately I bought this last year, so it is sold out.
I thought this was going to be my favorite topper for this dress.
It is definitely one of my favorites, but the more I played around with toppers,
a new favorite emerged, which I am saving for last.
Creme is another color that works well this and I think I might even
go very matchy -matchy and add my creme boots with it .
This tobacco color jacket also works well ,
this look is among my favorites as it is more subdued contrast
This is a new jacket I bought for more neutrals in my style from Just Fab. .
Next up I went for a chocolate brown cardigan,
I love long cardigans with dresses in Fall/Winter.
I bought this sweater last year, but here is what colors currently available.
Although the background on the dress is brown,
I tried it with this black duster length cardigan and was
pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.
To go with a complete surprise,
I tried it this fun fringe boho sweater.
The color may look grey, but it really a chambray blue shade.
The blue seemed to make the mint less green and more blue.
One trend that is big for this season is more maximal
looks than ever before with lots of pattern mixing.
I loved the way this vest demonstrates that trend.
This is my final option for toppers and my favorite look.
The orange Marla Wynne sweater is sold out.
Her line is a new love of mine and I own 2 pants from that line in addition to
this very thick, warm and beautiful kimono sweater.
Dear Readers, This was a very fun adventure, I actually tried the dress on as soon as it
arrived and explored all these options by trying them on. The dress is a swing dress and
a few options I tried didn’t work, the specific one that comes to mind was a peplum jacket.
Do you have a favorite out of these options? Would love to hear from you, so please comment!
The principal of buying printed items that work with pieces in your closet can work with tops as well.
Of course this doesn’t have to require a purchase of something new, how about finding something print in your own closet and see what you have to pair with it, warning you may find yourself wanting to add something else to your closet, lol
Gratitude
I am grateful to my style sister for noticing my comment on Grace & Beauty , and making sure I knew it was back in stock.
I am grateful for the fun memory this venture stirred up in me, as my mother was very good at picking one color out of a print and making outfits. In fact at her funeral one mom she had babysat for mentioned just that to me, as she was always so impressed to come home and find what outfit my mother had put together for her son.
I am grateful that I am back on a weight loss journey and have lost 6lbs in three days.
I am grateful for spending time with friends this week as I had lunch with two friends and coffee with another.
Versatile Style by Tracey 