Happy Friday! It’s been one of the coldest weeks I can remember here in Ohio. So that has meant that, while I’ve shared some spring fashions and trends on the blog and YouTube channel this week, I’ve been dressing for winter. I have seven winter outfits to share with you today. This is how I really dressed for my day this week.
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How This Works
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.
What I Wore Out and About Friday
Friday I had a hair appointment and then did a little “blog research” at the mall. It was a rainy, blustery day as the cold front began to move in. So I knew I needed to wear my lug sole Chelsea boots and a wind and rain resistant coat. I opted to start my outfit with some new wide leg jeans from Talbots.
Talbots boot cut and wide leg jeans never seem to be quite as long as I’d like for them to be for my 5’8″ frame. But then again, these days I’m noticing that hem lengths are all over the place. I imagine I’ll mostly wear these wide leg jeans with sneakers later in the spring. But for Friday I felt fine wearing them with my cognac boots, a white tee and a camel cashmere sweater. I completed the ensemble with my cognac Astrid organizer. I love the combination of camel clothes and cognac accessories.
How I Dressed Saturday
I took Saturday as my day of rest. I didn’t wear any makeup that day because I needed to let my skin rest a big and I wore an Intense Hydrating Mask all day. My skin has really taken a toll from the constant running of the heater, and that’s with the thermostat set at 63 degrees Fahrenheit!
To feel comfortable and warm, but still look at least a little pulled together, I wore my black stretch pants with a black cotton turtleneck. Then I topped that all black casual combo with my favorite flannel shirt. Honestly, I wear my Orthofeet slippers all day most days. I have put my custom made orthotics in them and I’ve discovered that if I wear them most days, then I can wear most any other shoes here and there without any trouble. Good thing I work from home!
Oh, just in case you’re wondering how I spent my day of rest. I sat in front of the fire most of the morning after my workout. I did a lot of brainstorming for the blog and YouTube channel, mostly formulating my ideas for Monday’s blog post. Then I took a nap! And I cooked us a big pot of chili for dinner.
What I Wore to Church Sunday
By Sunday the cold temperatures had moved into place. So I wanted to be warm and comfortable for our house church meeting. I wore my black wide-leg jeans with that same black cotton turtleneck and my black and taupe striped sweater (use code KayH15 for 15% off at LilySilk – more economical option).
I placed a pretty big order with Me+Em recently because I’d been hearing so much about this brand. I’ve been getting their catalogs and swooning over them for several years now. They are on the pricey side, but everything I received was of stellar quality. After much inner-debate, I decided to keep the cropped wool jacket. It really fits my personal style aesthetic and I think I’ll wear it for years. I went with my smaller size, an 8, for a really nice fit.
How I Dressed to Work From Home Monday
Monday was a typical work from home day, but I wanted to dress up a little. You may (or may not) be surprised to hear that I really struggle with getting dressed for my day during the winter. Everything in me wants to stay in my pajamas or workout clothes or loungewear all day during the winter. But invariably my days go so much better if I push past that temptation and even dial it up a notch.
So I inspired myself to use a couple of new things I’d gotten in to create a modern work outfit. I wore my new rattan colored Southampton pants from Talbots (swoon-worthy!!!) and a graphic tee from Me+Em (marked down, but still a little pricey) topped with a cashmere relaxed fit hooded jacket, also from Me+Em. Here’s a more economical option for that jacket. I think the understated graphic tee (it’s their flagship store address) really makes the outfit work. And I completed it with my super comfortable chunky sneakers. I adore this outfit. And I’d wear it every day if I could. Which inspires me to work to create more like this one in the future.
What I Wore to Edit Video on Tuesday
Again, I was at my desk most of Tuesday, this time editing Wednesday’s YouTube video. I wore another new purchase from Talbots, my straight leg jeans in the new Carolina wash. I’m wearing my usual size 8 comfortably. Like their other straight leg jeans, they have a nice amount of stretch, but don’t stretch out on me as I wear them. I really appreciate the high waistline, too.
I topped the jeans with my oatmeal colored fisherman sweater (more economical option) with a longsleeve tee (very similar) underneath.
What I Wore to a Movie and Dinner
I ran into a lot of technical difficulties and was up late Tuesday night working on Wednesday’s video, so James offered to take me to a movie on Thursday. We saw Boys in the Boat. Great movie! I wanted to be comfortable in my theater seat, but I also wanted to take advantage of a day out to wear something a little more creative than just jeans and a sweater.
So I topped my new Me+Em navy blue cargo pants (more economical option) with a striped long-sleeve t-shirt (similar striped tee and another option) and a green sweater vest (more economical option). These cargo pants were ultra comfortable and so fun to wear. I completed the look with my cognac accessories, including this new London saddle bag(c/o). Patricia Nash Designs gifted me the bag recently to share with you, and they were generous enough to give us a coupon code, too. Use code KAY10 for 10% off only at Patricia Nash Designs.
How I Dressed for Lunch with Friends
Thursday James and I carried pizza to the home of two precious friends who have been struggling with health issues for a while. It was so good to see them, and I loved getting out to visit with them. I wore my dark grey/light black Paige straight leg jeans (from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last July) with my red cashmere turtleneck. I completed the look with my black Chelsea boots and mixed metals jewelry.
When it was time to head out the door, I put on my cropped military jacket and carried my black Coach bag. I know someone will surely ask, so I’m wearing my new lipstick in 131 Bois de Rose. Such a perfect color with red.
So that’s a wrap! Thanks so much for dropping in. I hope you have a fantastic Friday!
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Blessed for My Day
Thursday as I read Proverbs 3:27-30 in my daily Bible reading, I was struck by the fact that this passage is about wisdom, but it encourages thoughtfulness towards other people. When I think about wisdom, I think about being shrewd, sharp-thinking, discerning. But I hadn’t ever before put together the concepts of being a thoughtful person and being wise.
As I meditated on this passage it occurred to me that, indeed, it is wise to be thoughtful. We are thoughtful when we consider other people and not just ourselves. We’re thoughtful when we go above and beyond to make sure that other peoples’ needs are met, that they are not inconvenienced unnecessarily, that they feel secure and appreciated. I think this teaching applies in so many areas of life, especially in those in which we are in a place of leadership or authority, such as the family, work or organizations we may participate in. How can you wisely treat other people with consideration today? Who in your life is depending on you to be thoughtful of them?
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it to you,”
When you have it with you.
Do not devise harm against your neighbor,
While he lives securely beside you.
Do not contend with a person for no reason,
If he has done you no harm. ~ Proverbs 3:27-30
Hi Kay,
I wanted to let you know that I received 3 emails from you today that came in around 3:30am this morning. Two were from 2022 and one was from this past December. Not sure if you got hacked or something went haywire, but I thought you’d want to know.
Have a blessed weekend and stay warm!! 😊
That is odd. I’ll check on that. Thanks for letting me know. Do you know if the emails came from me directly, like the usual emails you get if you’re a subscriber? Or did they appear to be from WordPress, my website host?
They came directly from you. Looked like your daily email, except when I started reading it it didn’t sound right. You said “Spring finally truly arrived this past week.” 🤣 I knew something was off.
Hi. I checked into it. I actually received them too. They were sent from my website. But I have no idea why. So my website designer is working on getting to the bottom of it. 😊
I also got those 3 emails but did not get the daily email I usually get from you. So to get to this page I went in on the DFMD website and clicked on Blog.
Kay,
I am so happy to see you branch out and include more expensive clothes in your daily outfits. Personally, I would rather purchase fewer clothes of higher quality. Congratulations on elevating your wardrobe. It is nice too that you always try to include less expensive options. Thank you.
Hi Kay, I enjoy reading your blog each day and appreciate the work you put into it. You are beautiful from the inside out!
I am also 5’8” and a bit, and too wish my Jeans were a little longer. I keep being advised to buy extra long and have them hemmed which I did with very disappointing results. The hem now looks abrupt and very off because there is no variation in coloring of the jeans at the hemline. Do you have any other suggestions?
Yeah, that’s the same problem I imagine any petite women run into frequently. They just don’t look right because the knees is actually situated lower on the jeans. Anyhow I’d just say try a different brand. Know your ideal inseams and shop for those. Most premium denim jeans come in longer lengths I’ve noticed. Like my Paige, Mother and Joes jeans are all longer and I’ve had some of them hemmed depending on what shoes I want to wear. So I’d try to look for longer inseams. I like a 30 inseam on a straight leg jean, but prefer 31-32 on wider legs so I can wear a heel.
My favorite outfit is the gray black jeans ( I bought these last year in sale too) and the red turtleneck. Love the little black jacket. A little pricey, for me, but if you love it and wear it a lot, will be worth the price.
Thanks Kay-I see your fave camel and gray combo in there-thanks for pointing me in that direction! I got new wide leg jeans that are too long. Do they need to be hemmed, or can they be cut off in style?
You definitely can still cut them off with good sewing shears if you like that vibe and want those jeans to be that way. I have several that are but I also like having some that are hemmed. So it’s really up to you but both are in style.
Hi Kay,
I’ve been looking on ME+EM and like their blazers (most oversized). However, their sizing for the bust, which is what I’d need to go by, put me in a size 10. I usually wear a size 16! What do you recommend in figuring sizing? Do you think you could have used a couple sizes lower? Especially if it is oversized in design? I checked the shoulder and arm length and the size 10 fits my measurements.
But, also, I’m not even sure, as I think about it, that I could or should order from a shop in London?? I think that is where they are located. The jacket I looked at is on sale and I don’t know of their return policy–whether it could be returned or not.
Any advice? Thanks Kay for your help. —-J
Their return policy is great and shipping was fast and easy. They take care of all customs and ship for a flat fee; you choose the rate. They have great customer service too. I’ve emailed them twice and got responses within the day. I first ordered in a size 10 mainly because I was concerned about shoulders and arms. But the jacket is very generous in both of those places. So I went down to an 8. I’m actually wearing the 10 in the photo with the striped sweater. And then I changed into the 8 just before heading out. The picture from Thursday is with the size 8. I don’t know if all that helped you any 🤪. But I’ve had a very good experience with them. Actually I think I would recommend ordering two sizes and returning the one that doesn’t work. That’s what I should have done since I ended up placing two different orders when that jacket and the pair of pants I’m wearing this Sunday ended up being a little large. I’ve got my returns all ready to go back tomorrow. So easy. They just go to the post office and it’s free.
Absolutely love your Sunday outfit! Perfect!
Thanks 🙌🏻
I picked up some creative ways to wear similar clothes that I own. Thanks!! I’m wondering, are the Talbots Southampton pants made of a material that feels similar to the Talbots Travel pants? I purchased those travel crops last spring and just LOVE the way they feel. And I like the way you styled this dressier pant in a very comfy/casual way….multiplying its usefulness in a wardrobe!
They’re a little lighter than the travel pants I think. The fabric is more like that in the Hampshire ankle pants but just more of a drape. I’ve ordered in the white too so I’m curious to see how those are since I don’t think they’re lined.
Thanks, that is helpful. I’ll look forward to seeing what you think about them in the white! Steady on in the Lord, Sister!
Hi Kay Happy Friday to you , yes I also got some older DFMD posts early this morning . I look forward to Fridays to see your ‘real life’ outfits and once again Im not disappointed , those slippers look super cosy and so does your outfit with the black turtleneck/black stretch pants/flannel shirt , I like that combo it looks comfy but never sloppy , plus I love a column of colour (or dark neutral) . Love love ❤️Your Sunday church outfit and that cropped military jacket I looooove its gorgeous ❤️. I really like that look you wore for your movie night the wide leg cargo pants and specially the striped top with the knitted vest over . You so suit Red/Grey and it looks so good your grey jeans with that gorgeous cropped jacket , I think you are right its a jacket you could get so much wear out of . Love the oatmeal sweater/blue jeans combo , its strange but its not two colours I would put together but its so pleasing aesthetically . And also the camel and blue looks so good . Thank you so much for all your hard work and Inspiration . You look like you have lost a little bit weight ? .
Hahah! I’m trying to lose some weight for sure. And I’ve been sticking to my eating plan and exercise schedule religiously. But I’m not sure I’ve lost any. I don’t weight, so I go purely on how my clothes fit and how I feel. But thanks for noticing. 😊
P.S. I meant to say I loved todays Devotional ❤️
Good morning, Kay. I always enjoy these Friday posts, and especially your explanations about why you wore what you did on that day. I also appreciate your honest appraisal of the style and price points. Funny though:I’m also 5’8” and have found that Talbots jeans and cords fit me perfectly and are just the right length. They are absolutely my go-to. So maybe it’a question of individual body proportions? ( And I also received three older emails, so there’s some kind of glitch going on. ). Have a wonderful day!
Yeah, certainly could be body proportions. But the straight leg jeans and cords do indeed work perfectly for me too. If anything they’re a touch long. It’s just the flare leg and wide leg that aren’t as long as I’d like them to be because I prefer to wear a bit of a heel with those silhouettes.
I received a few old posts also. Happened in Dec too. Down at the bottom it says WordPress. Tge ones today were spring 2023 type posts. Hope this helps.
Hey Kay,
I am a fairly new reader of your blog. I am enjoying your casual style.
I got a chuckle from your sentence that said you “carried” pizza to a friend’s house. Such a wonderful “southern” use of that word !!!
Hahaha! I’ll confess, I’m not sure what other word I could use there. So I must be very southern. 😉
I like all the outfits on you. The cargo pants are so cute and don’t look sloppy like some wide leg cargos can. I love all the wide leg pants you styled. The crop jacket is also very nice. I wonder if pants are being made shorter since so many women are wearing sneakers. The petite inseam in my new wide leg pants are barely long enough to wear a 2 inch heel. The wide leg pants I bought last year are longer that I need to wear a heel. I also received emails from last year from you.
Kay, you talk about wearing the cropped jackets and tops for years, but how long do you think the trend is going to continue? I love the look, but I’ve really put off purchasing garments like this b/c it’s a substantial outlay for something that may have only a 2-year shelf life.
Trends in outerwear change much more slowly than street clothes and accessories, so I think it’s always smart to invest in coats you love and that work for your body. Also, I don’t think the cropped jacket I’m wearing here is especially trendy; I think it is more of a classic that is having a moment. And since it’s a solid color, constructed from good fabric and wellmade, I really do think I’ll wear it for years. Cropped tops are a little different. But as long as we’re wearing higher waist jeans and pants, these will be in. And they’re always going to give us better proportions. I NEVER wear especially long tops if I can help it. So a cropped length sweater or top is not a stretch for me. But in the end you have to determine what is a good purchase for your personal style and body type.