My husband and I make it a priority to get out and explore a little of our own region of the country once a month. We just make a day of it and drive somewhere we’ve not been before. And whether the sun is shining – as it was this autumn day – or it’s rainy or cold, we hit the road to enjoy coffee, a meal and a little sightseeing in our own neck of the woods. I like to share what I wore on these fun date days occasionally, so today I’m sharing what I wore for our most recent autumn day trip.
My husband James always plans these little day excursions. He checks a guide book or two, “Googles things” on the Internet and maps out the day. Occasionally he hands me an itinerary as we get in the car, but more often than not I have no idea where we’re going until we drive up to the first stop. And that’s just fine by me.
On this particular day we stopped in Hillsboro, Ohio, for coffee and an amazing pistachio muffin at The Daily Grind, ate a delicious lunch and their famous donut holes at The Ridge Inn Restaurant in Laurelville, and then “hiked” a very easy ADA compliant trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. That’s quite a little bit of driving, but my husband seems to enjoy it. And I really like these little mostly backroad drives. And of course the fall leaves were at their peak, so it was a beautiful drive.
It was indeed a chilly, but comfortable, day. So I wore my lighter wash straight leg jeans, this warm and cozy soft Fair Isle crewneck sweater and my beige water-resistant combat boots.
The Fair Isle crewneck sweater runs true to size and has a slightly oversized fit around the middle. The 48% Nylon, 45% Acrylic, 7% Wool sweater is extremely soft. The crewneck sweater is also available in a beautiful and fun ruby red and fuchsia. And both do come in misses, petite, plus and plus petite sizes. And right now Talbots is offering Buy One Get One 50% off on everything.
My suede leather boots are from Nordstrom’s house brand. They’re available in other colors, too, and this particular color is 29% off the already reasonable price. The upper is rain resistant and the lug soles are on trend and very practical for messy weather. The boots feature a functional zipper as well as a traditional lace-up panel. They fit true to size with room for thick socks.
I topped the outfit with my gold metallic puffer vest. I thought the vest would be both a functional and fun addition to this look. And indeed it felt perfectly appropriate and casually stylish for the autumn day trip we enjoyed.
James knows to at least let me know what I need to wear in terms of activities he has planned. So I knew on this autumn day trip we would do a very easy ADA compliant hike (most of it was paved). That’s why I chose to wear my jeans on this day rather than hiking pants or other athleisurewear. These Talbots straight leg jeans fit true to your usual Talbots size, and they’re plenty long for my 5’8″ frame. They’re also available in petite. I like how the lighter wash works with this camel and beige sweater to create a low contrast in intensity pairing. They feature a high waistband. And I just noticed they also have limited sizes available in a curvy fit.
Because the sweater features a Fair Isle yoke design, I chose not to wear a necklace. I opted instead for impactful earrings and a bangle bracelet. Speaking of Kendra Scott – because that’s where both pieces are from – they have their holiday collection in and it’s stunning. Just adding this convertible necklace or these earrings to a simple outfit would make it holiday party ready. But I digress. Ha!
When I set out with my husband on these little adventures I always try to put a little thought and effort into my attire. I see this as one big date! And I want to look nice for him and feel good about myself while we’re out and about. Of course I also want to be comfortable and ready for the activities he has planned. So sometimes I actually carry a second jacket or pair of shoes, so that I’m ready for a specific restaurant, outdoor experience or whatever he may have chosen.
But on this day I felt perfectly confident and comfortable in this simple outfit all day long. We arrived home from our autumn day trip after dark feeling pleasantly tired, but quite rejuvenated and relaxed. Plus we had seen a little more of our beautiful state and made plans to go back to a few places in the spring.
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Blessed for My Day
Some days are bliss. Others feel like one disappointment after another. Maybe they’re not huge disappointments, just little let downs. But those things that don’t go quite as planned, those little unfulfilled expectations and the awkward interactions mound up like a pile of small debris, quickly turning into something you could trip over or slide down on…if you’re not careful.
But let’s be careful out there today. Let’s be mindful that even when things don’t go as planned and you encounter unexpected messy situations, God is at work. He is refining you through the little hardships and disruptions just as much as He works through the bigger ordeals we all must face. In fact, our true colors often show up more pigmented in the little things that throw us unexpectedly than they do in the big things we tend to pray over and step more carefully through. That’s why it might be so important to begin our days with prayer, acknowledging that we desire to please the Lord and glorify Him honorably with our lives…come what may.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand… ~ Philippians 4:4-5
Kay, I love dfmd! You do an excellent job of keeping us updated and uplifted.
I would like to b know the name of the Christmas book you recommended last year . I’m looking for a good book for my book club for Dec.
Thank you so much!
Hi Martha, let’s see, I recommended this one for Advent https://shopstyle.it/l/bNOev and this fiction novella. It’s short but still good for discussion https://shopstyle.it/l/bNOfx
I love this outfit. I have the sweater that I have more yet and thinking of buying the vest
I purchased a one and a hot pink last year that’s why I am debating. I love that you and James get out and explore and spend time together. I really like the BFMD. Some days I feel the same. Such little let downs in life. I didn’t give it to God and pray. Have a blessed day.
I love your outfit, Kay. The color is especially great on you. It’s so fun hearing about the day trips your husband plans for the two of you. He’s definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing your adventures and some of your delicious eats😋
I Iove that you and James go local exploring once a month. My husband sometimes plans a day every so often similar to what you and James do. I just enjoy riding along and walking and spending time with him – with both of us away from work. I like it best when my husband plans the whole outing. I have a pretty heavy work schedule and have a lot to be on top of, so it’s nice to just relax and let him lead. I loved your outfit too! I am certainly enjoying the warm neutrals that are available everywhere right now. I am warm in my coloring vs. cool, so I’ve been selectively quality shopping this fall and for the upcoming winter. Have a blessed day and please know I am thankful for you!