InStyle inspiration day

I would like to say how sorry I am that Borders is closing. I love book stores. No electronic device will ever replace the feel of a book in my hand or the thrill of discovering a new book that I would not have known about if not for exploring a book store. My world will be a little smaller without Borders.

Today's outfit is inspired by a picture in InStyle magazine this month. I often tear out pages that have something on them that inspire me to create an outfit or piece of jewelry. As soon as I saw this page, I knew I had to create something similar. I kind of like what came out, but I am not satisfied with the jacket. I should have pulled the drawstring to give the jacket more shape. 
Here is the inspiration look:



InStyle Magazine, August Issue , Page 106

 Here is the look I created:


As usual, Harry has to be in the picture. Silly dog.



I had to add this one; Harry had dropped his ball wanting to play.



I thought about erasing the wrinkles on my hands,
but I did not. Here are some old hands.

Jacket: Lane Bryant
Tank: Chico's microfiber
Jeggings: Just My Size
Shoes: Reiker Fisherman Sandals
Necklace: Forever21
Yellow Bracelet: JCPenney

I know some of you keep an inspiration file. How do you keep yours? Do you file them away (and often forget them like I do) or do you display them on a board to keep them visible.

Cool colors for a melting hot summer day

It is currently106 degrees F and it is too hot to do anything outdoors. Those of you who have more bearable temperatures are very lucky.

This morning I read Pam's post at over50feeling40  on her Foundational 5, rule number 3 Dressing with Creativity. She asked if anyone had any ideas about how to tone down personal creativity or whether it should be toned down. It made me think about my self and I realized that I love color so much. The outfits that I feel the best in have an intense color. I have purchased neutrals, but for the most part I am not really happy in them. So one of my Foundational 5's would be Color: It must have color!

In response to Pam, I think that for me clothing is my way of expressing my creative, artistic abilities. The colors I wear are like the colors in a painting and I think I may be a bit more Kandinsky than Vermeer. I am inspired by the beautiful, classic styles like I see on Mai Tai's Picture Book  or Une femme d'un certain age  Both ladies are very stylish. I might wear something classic occasionally, but not everyday. Because I am retired, I do not have to worry about making an impression at work.  That said, I am using most of the clothes that I had at work, so you can tell that I was a little bit colorful even when I was working.

I think the most important thing is to be appropriate. At the wedding I attended last night, there were some women who were dressed really sexy. I think there is a time and place for that, but not at a wedding. It was a more casual affair, but for me really short skirts and low cut tops are just not appropriate at even a casual wedding. Just my humble opinion.

Now to the fun--today's outfit. 


Top: Chico's
Jeans: Chico's Barely There Flare Jeans
I think I may just be an old hippie girl at heart.



Two Chico's necklaces layered



Bracelets: Forever21
Sandals: Silver Haflinger



Harry has decided that he must be outside when we are taking pictures. He brought his ball over, dropped it a couple of times, then started barking at us. We did throw the ball a couple of times, but it was too hot to let him play for very long. The two older dogs, FarleyJoe and Jada have the good sense to stay inside in the air conditioning.

Finding inexpensive accessories & today's outfit

I think that half the fun of accessorizing is finding really cool accessories that are inexpensive. Yesterday, I went to Forever21. I don't go there for the clothes, but sometimes they do have some inexpensive, trendy accessories. I bought 4 necklaces for $20.00.  Compared to buying 4 necklaces at Chico's (where I love the jewelry) this is a really good deal.

Birds of all kinds (and feathers) seem to be trendy right now. I bought an enamel bird necklace and one with some feathers. 

Forever21 Purchases


I also buy necklaces with the intention of restyling them. One of the necklaces I purchased has a silver metal and turquoise type stone. I want to add beads and give it a more substantial look. The folded glasses pendant I will most likely layer with something else. It was just cute and only $2.90.


Today it was really, really hot (104 degrees) so I wasn't dressed as cool as what I should have been. I had lunch with a friend then went for a really nice pedicure. I don't like to go out without something covering my arms, thus the jacket. It is comfortable when you are in an air conditioned building or car, but not so much outside.

I styled two different necklaces with the outfit.  All other accessories are the same.

Jacket: JJill past season

Tank: Chico's Microfiber tank

Jeans: CJ Banks past season

Necklace in left picture: Chico's past season

Necklace in right picture: Chico's Minikin Necklace

Bracelets: On my left hand Chico's Avani Right hand: from my accessory closet

Shoes: Think! Julia black patent sandals