Hello from Lake Michigan! That’s right, as I type this post I’m actually on the Badger, the last operating steamship in the U.S., crossing Lake Michigan. I’m one of potentially 600 passengers and our car is situated somewhere below us. James even got us a stateroom so that I could work while on the four-hour voyage. Talk about the convenience of having a job that you can work anywhere! I’ll share a photo or two below. But first let’s check out the early fall everyday and travel outfits I’ve worn lately.
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These are my real life outfits from my own closet. Many of these things are available, but some may not be. When I can locate one quickly I’ll share substitutes and/or more economical options. But if I don’t provide one and you’d like for me to, just ask. All available items are linked in the captions of the photos. Even if they don’t look like links (sometimes they don’t highlight for some reason), they generally are. So just click through if you’re interested.
Work from Home Day Last Thursday
We’ll start with my work-from-home outfit last Thursday. The weather was mild, but starting to turn as rain was coming in. James and I headed to the airport to pick up a rental car for our trip to Wisconsin the next day. So we stopped in at a favorite frozen yogurt place for a light lunch.
You’ll see a lot of my Frank & Eileen separates in this post because they’re just great everyday pieces. They’re comfortable, but they feel a little “extra,” too.
Friday Travel Outfit
Friday morning at 6 a.m. we headed to Wisconsin. I spoke this past weekend at a church women’s retreat at the Pine Lake retreat center in Westfield. It was such a special time. I don’t get to speak at women’s events nearly as much as I once did, but I still take a few opportunities each year.
I purchased the Frank & Eileen New York travel set the day it came out, I do believe. I like the slim fit pants that hit right at my ankles and the button-front fleece top so much. The set is only available in their classic navy.
Friday Night Speaking Outfit
Shortly after arriving at the retreat center Friday evening, I changed into my trouser jeans and L’Agence silk blouse for my first speaking session. Of course the women were rightfully dressed down, but when I’m presenting messages from the Bible I think it’s important to look my best. Plus, there’s the factor of looking like I somewhat know what I’m talking about. Ha!
So this outfit felt polished and pretty, but still setting appropriate. I wore my Naturalizer mules from a couple of years ago. I don’t find anything quite like them these days, but I did link to another mule for you to consider. By the way, I’m LOVING my new Veronica Beard Dash bag.
Saturday Speaking Outfit
Saturday I spoke for two more sessions, so for those I wore my full length, straight leg Paige Sasha jeans. I purchased these in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but they’re still available, but no longer marked down. I LOVE these jeans. The fit is great (wearing a 30) and they’re super comfortable, but also very flattering.
I topped the jeans with my AllSaints tee (also from the NSale) and my camel Veronica Beard Miller blazer from a couple of years ago. This is a go-to outfit for me. It never fails to deliver.
Sunday Morning Speaking Outfit
Sunday morning we wrapped up the women’s retreat with one final message and a time of worship. I again wore my trouser jeans, this time with a classic white button-up shirt.
Those jeans run true to size, by the way. I wear a size 30. After I finished speaking and said my goodbyes, I changed into another travel outfit. James and I headed to Door County that afternoon for a three-night stay.
James had booked us a suite (nothing fancy, but clean and roomy) in Egg Harbor. If you’ve never been to Door County, it’s a peninsula into Lake Michigan from Wisconsin. It’s mostly farms and orchards, but dotted with small, quaint villages along the coastline, too. Really quite charming and a lovely place for a vacation.
We began our three-night stay by listening to live music outdoors at one of the local orchards. It was very relaxing and such a beautiful evening.
What I Wore Monday in Door County
In my hustle to work ahead so I could make this trip, I didn’t really pay much attention to where we were going and what we’d be doing. Lesson learned! I should have brought hiking clothes and shoes, but I didn’t. No problem. James got in his hikes and landscape photography early in the mornings while I slept.
Then we spent the rest of the day exploring the peninsula. It has several really nice state parks and lots of lighthouses to see. Honestly, I just enjoyed riding along and looking. Oh, and we ate very well!
The photo above was taken outside of the supper club where we ate dinner that Monday night. Are you familiar with supper clubs? It’s a midwestern thing, and I was familiar, but had never been to one. We ate at Donnie’s Glidden Lodge and it was wonderful. We had a table by the window just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan.
Tuesday Turned Chilly
The weather turned delightfully chilly Tuesday. I do believe the leaves actually turned colors while we were in Door County. I know they’ll be even more colorful in the next week or so, but we saw some beautiful hues.
I actually wore the outfit I shared in yesterday’s YouTube video on Tuesday. Under the $50 Quince cashmere sweater, I wore a long sleeve t-shirt from AllSaints that I got in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I don’t know why they show it so cropped on the website because it’s plenty long enough to tuck into my jeans, although I didn’t here.
Wednesday Travel Outfit
That brings us to Wednesday. We left Door County and traveled south to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to board the Badger. But first we stopped for breakfast at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, at the recommendation of my friend Shelly. It did not disappoint. Have I mentioned that the food in Wisconsin is just pretty amazing altogether? It’s all served piping hot. And I just loved all the dishes with cherries. Yum!
I opted for a Frank & Eileen travel combo again, this time wearing my black Bella pants with my red mini Belfast jacket over a plaid flannel shirt. The red jacket is no longer available, but it does come in some other nice colors for fall.
Thanks so much for dropping in! I’m off to check out the movie theater on this steam ship.
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Blessed for My Day
Trying to please people can feel like a walk on a tightrope, but even worse, it’s a trap. We can never please everyone in our lives. If we try to please one, we hurt or offend another. If we then try to make things just right for that person, the person who was initially so pleased with us soon becomes less enamored.
The best way to navigate this tricky conundrum? Stop trying to please people and seek the Lord instead. We don’t even have to try to impress Him; we just have to trust Him enough to obey one step at a time. And as we trust the Lord, we will find more confidence and more freedom in those tricky relationships, too.
The fear of man brings a snare, But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected. ~ Proverbs 29:25
Thanks about the part-don’t try to please people.
Also those first purpley pants-I used to have some that color, what happened to them? I spend a lot of time feeling sad that I don’t have some clothes from
long ago. Can’t remember what happened to them. Clothes that I liked. Is this what old people do? I’m 67.
I’m only 4 years younger than you. I do sometimes wonder what happened to some favorite item of clothing but I never feel sad. I’m excited for the wardrobe I have TODAY.
I enjoyed the lovely landscape views from your trip.
Ah Kay so pleased you and James enjoyed your trip . And your Speaking with the Church Ladies . All of your outfits were lovely , very stylish and you looked so comfortable in them too❤️. The Landscape was beautiful. And thank you for the BFMD I really liked it.
I love following along with you and James on your trips! Wisconsin and Michigan are just lovely this time of year! I love the red F & E mini Belfast. So sorry it sold out. I am heading out to a Sunflower Farm to pick my own flowers and see their pumpkins! Not much colors on the trees yet here in NJ. Thanks for sharing your great outfits.
One more thing! I looked into the Wicklow chinos and I was surprised they grazed the top of your shoes. On the website they look cropped on the 5’9″ model. (I know you are 5’8″). Are you wearing a 10? Of course the pretty merlot is only available in a 2 or 4 now, so I will probably wait until next spring to consider a purchase.
Hi Sue, I’m so sorry for the snafu, but those actually are not the Wicklow chinos. My assistant accidentally put in the wrong link. Those chinos are actually from Madewell and much less expensive and longer than the Wicklows. Great pants! Nice amount of stretch, but don’t stretch out. They feel and wear a lot like the Anthropologie Colette pants. Soft and lovely! I wear a size 30 very comfortably in those. I’ve fixed the link now, but here it is. https://rstyle.me/+yvDWTSs4ZenSoUBqje0ofQ
Thanks for clearing that up!! I have some similar chinos from JJill that have served me well. I really like that berry color.
Don’t you love Door County? Went to my first “fish boil” at White Gull Inn years ago. Loved sitting outside with pumpkin beer at another stop. Glad you were able to have beautiful weather and a good women’s retreat also.
Welcome to Michigan. Haven’t been on the Badger since I was a child. Brought a happy memory. Hopefully you can make it to Traverse City, Michigan and Old Mission Peninsula. I think you’d like it. Love all your outfits and Blessed for my day.
Hi, Kay
I have an old friend who worked as a waiter on the Badger during the summers in the 1950s. I’ve always been intrigued with the idea of a trip across gorgeous Lake Michigan. Haven’t yet, but I did have the thrill of watching that ship dock in Ludington a few years ago.
Thanks to you, i’m about to do a shopping at Quince.
You are having wonderful weather for your trip on the Badger. It is a fun trip! Hope you enjoy your time in Michigan. Not sure where you are going but we are at Higgins Lake which is an hour south of Traverse City and the weather has Been perfect . I always enjoy your blogs and tips. Cute outfits you have for this trip. Enjoy!!!
Such cute and appropriate outfits. Sounds like a wonderful place to travel. I’ve only been to Ann Harbor Michigan on a visit years ago when my friend lived there a very short time. I’m dying to go to Mackinac Island. It’s a no car island you get to by ferry and once there horse drawn carriages, walking or biking. They are known for their fudge and bike ride around the island which I believe is 8 miles and lots of history there. Maybe some day. I live on the West coast in Oregon. Have you been to the island? Are you even close now? Enjoy. Safe travels home.
Love that Belfast jacket on you, Kay. Thank you for posting your time in Wisconsin. Been many times to Door Co, including White Gull Inn. We usually stay on the L Michigan side in Door Co where there isn’t as much traffic and people. We did the SS Badger trip several years ago and got a stateroom too, Good place for a nap if you’re not working! Doing the ferry really cuts down the time of having to drive around Chicago going east.
I remember taking those Steamers across Lake Michigan as a child with my parents. This blog brought back fond memories of my Michigan roots. Thanks for a lovely read.
Door County is just beautiful. I think we were there the week-end or 2 before you were. We stayed in Ephraim. Travel outfits: how does the Frank & Eileen travel clothes compare to the Spanx Air Essentials? For comfort? Also, I was eyeing the Talbots Air Knit stretch pants. Have you tried those? Are they similar to the Spanx? As comfortable? Do you have a preference if only picking one? Thanks.
The Spanx are comfortable but I actually prefer the Frank & Eileen. They feel a little more substantial, but still cozy and comfy. Of course when it gets cold I won’t be able to wear the short pants! I tried the Talbots travel sets on and did not really care for them. But that was one outfit in a hurried try-on session. So others may have more to share on that front. 😉
Thank you.