Here’s a little secret I rarely talk about. I struggle to get dressed for my day many days. If I have somewhere to go or someone coming for a visit, I’m up and at it, enthusiastic to put together an outfit for the day. But when my entire day will be spent at home and no one other than my husband will be with me, I have to talk myself into getting dressed for my day. That’s one of several reasons I began this blog eight years ago. To that end I try to take cell phone photographs daily of my outfits. This little practice not only keeps me accountable, but it does compel me to put together a real outfit and reminds me that the benefits are myriad.
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What I Wore Last Friday
Last Friday I didn’t go anywhere, but I did shoot a little bit of content for Instagram. And I worked in my office after my morning walk. So I got dressed in a comfortable but colorful outfit. Well, it’s my version of colorful anyhow.
These bright blue linen track pants are super comfortable and so cheerful. They actually have a coordinating top, but I did not order that. I decided I’d be more prone to wear them with a simple white top, and this ribbed polo fits the bill perfectly. I topped it with the linen jacket when I got a little chilled, but also wore it without.
How I Dressed for My Day Saturday
Saturday I worked around the house catching up on this and that. So basically it was a day of light housework. I had gotten in this new set (sold separately) from Varley and was anxious to give it a go. This proved to be the perfect day for the rich raspberry rolled cuff pants and coordinating half zip sweat top.
I love coordinating sets like these because they make casual dressing feel a little more elevated. And with my simple and casual lifestyle, I made the crucial decision a few years ago to start investing more in clothes like these and less in dressier clothes. This way I can feel polished, put together and even pretty on days at home. But I’m also planning to wear this set out and about. In fact, right now I have these separates down for my travel outfit to London in May. They’re super soft, but the fabric is luxe and pretty. I sized up to a large in the pants and the fit is quite generous. I’m wearing a medium top and it’s a roomy fit as well.
What I Wore Sunday
Sunday our church service was cancelled at the last minute due to illness in our small congregation. So James and I took a drive out in the country and ate lunch out. I’ve started trying to get in a short walk after most meals, so we found a moderate hiking trail and walked 10 minutes in and 10 out.
I’d chosen this outfit with that agenda in mind. I thought it would look pretty and springy, but also work for a brisk, easy walk. I’ve had the stretch crepe cargo pants for at least a couple of years and they are almost sold out; in fact they are gone in the black. And my jacket is from last year as well. But that pink polo top is a new favorite find and I have a feeling I’ll be wearing it frequently through the summer. It fits true to size.
How I Dressed on Monday
Monday we recorded a couple of YouTube videos, so I actually changed clothes multiple times. But I ended up in these Paige Anessa jeans with a pretty French blue linen shirt.
I could wear this outfit each and every day, honestly. In fact, I almost put on similar combinations over and over through the week, but reminded myself to wear a little more variety. I size up in these jeans and in the shirt. According to my friend at J.McLaughlin, most women do.
What I Wore Tuesday
Monday I had gotten in another piece that works with the rich raspberry rolled cuff pant and I was anxious to wear it. I planned to sit at my desk most of the day editing this week’s video. And I like to go out for brief walks throughout those days. So this combination seemed like a smart option.
I do indeed like the look of this rich raspberry diamond knit 100% cotton top with the coordinating pants. In fact, I think it makes the outfit look a little more elevated. This is one I will definitely wear to run errands or for a casual outing. I’m wearing my true size medium in the top.
What I Wore Wednesday
Unfortunately I didn’t feel great about half way through Tuesday and I ended up taking most of that day off. So Wednesday I needed to edit the video I was supposed to complete the day before. Again I would be tied to my desk most of the day, but I also wanted to get in the occasional walk. So I tried out another outfit I plan to pack for my trip to London and the Cotswolds.
These are my navy Endless high rise pants with a cotton and silk blend pointelle sweater from M.M.LaFleur. I think the detailing on the sweater makes it such a smart piece. And the cotton/silk fabric is soft, comfortable and breathable.
How I Dressed for a Movie & Dinner Thursday
Thursday James and I went to a matinee movie and then out to dinner. We saw A Great Awakening, the story of the relationship between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, and the impact Whitefield had on the American Revolution. We thoroughly enjoyed the movie and I definitely recommend it.
I had worked around the house and taken a walk, so I was pushed for time when I got dressed. It was quite warm outside, so I knew I wanted to go fairly light. I ended up just throwing back on the sweater top with a pair of navy linen pants. I completed the outfit with Rothy fisherman sandals and my navy Tory Burch bag.
And that’s a wrap. I did indeed manage to get dressed for my day each day this week. Over the past eight years of challenging myself this way, I’ve learned that having a wardrobe that truly suits my real lifestyle is the key. Of course that wardrobe also needs to be filled with pieces you truly love and that fit your personal style aesthetic. But if you need a little perspective on how to create a wardrobe that suits your real lifestyle, check out this previous blog post. Thanks so much for stopping in!
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Blessed for My Day
Today is a holy day for many of us. It’s the day we commemorate Jesus laying down His life for us on a cruel cross. It was a death of shame and great pain endured by a man who had no need to be there…except for His great love for us. As we pause to prepare our hearts today for the joyful celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday, let’s not skip over such a generous and great sacrifice.
But while we must push ourselves to focus for at least a few sacred moments on Jesus’ cruel and unjust crucifixion, we need not dwell there too long. For me the goal is not so much to visualize the heinous acts of His scourging and death, but to meditate for a while on my sin, which put Him there. I need to remember the price was paid out of His great love for me and His obedience to the Father. And then we can rejoice in the fact that this same great love empowered His resurrection, which gives us victory over death and a reassurance that one day we will be with Him.
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:2
Yes the Cross!!!! I’m so thankful that Jesus died for me…. You….All. I just got done reading and reflecting in Matthew. Thank you Jesus. We have Good Friday service tonight and then of course Easter Sunday. Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
I love that you challenge me to Dress for my day. I don’t work outside the home so it can be a challenge for me too. But I do feel so much better when I do. I’m trying really hard to buy more elevated, casual basics that fit my life style, but also have clothes incase I have to dress up more. Our church is casual so I don’t have to buy too many dress up items. I have my new Easter dress and already have a new dress I plan to wear to a Summer wedding. Thinking ahead. Thank you for sharing your outfits to inspire us.
I love your Tuesday outfit best. I love “almost matching” monochromatic outfits. 🙂 Wishing you a blessed weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord!
Beautiful outfits on you. I really like the raspberry sweater so pretty. The red sweater with the button detail in the back is so unique and pretty too. You will look stunning in England.
What kind of material is the red sweater with the button detail made of?
The sweater is a silk and cotton blend. It can be washed and laid on a rack to dry.
Earlier in the week you posted about brown Brochu Walker tiered dress that you like tor traveling. I was skeptical because I don’t care for a tiered dress, and I also thought the price might not be worth it. I received the dress today in a light tan color, and I love it! Absolutely love it!! And you’re right that the French seams and detailing are worth the price. Thank you so much for sharing. Quality pieces are definitely taking center stage in my wardrobe.
I’m beyond pleased to hear how much you like the dress, Donna. It truly is one of those that you have to see, feel and try on before you really get it. I thought the same way about it when I first began to see it on others. And when I received mine I was so pleased. Thanks for letting me know.
I love the raspberry Varley items, especially the 100% cotton short sleeve sweater. Is the raspberry color in your photos true IRL or is it more dull like on the Varley website?
I think the color looks pretty accurate in my photo. Looking at the website I’d say it just looks “dull” because they have it paired with that light dusty pink pant. I’d hate to lead you astray.
Thanks, Kay! I love the way it looks in your photo. Have a great weekend!
I love all the bright colors you wore this week. I suffer from chronic depression and spent many years in my pajamas not taking care of myself. Now, as I’m doing better, I get dressed to look as nice as I can in comfortable clothes. I love clothes, but my husband and I live on our Social Security income. Most of my clothes come from Poshmark, but I’ve lost nearly 100 lbs in the last year and it has gotten much easier to find Talbots and J. Crew clothing on that site. You give me inspiration! I have a really nice pair of J. Jill ecru jeans headed my way right now. My clothes are mostly worn at home or for doctor’s appointments. I average 2-3 a week. Talk about depressing! I hope you have a good weekend celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
God did for us what we could never do for ourselves! His love is perfect and we are blessed to receive it. Happy Easter!
Always enjoy seeing what you wear. If I have a day where I don’t go anywhere I admit I don’t dress in my nice outfits. I don’t want to risk getting stains. It’s how I was raised to wear my best in public. I love the devotional message for Good Friday. I wish you a blessed Resurrection day.