Hello, my friends! From being ultra-colourful yesterday, today it's about feeling good in my clothes and feeling good about my body.
- Cardigan - Joseph A, consignment; last worn here in November 2019 with long olive
- Leather peplum - H&M, consignment; last seen here in March 2019 with a wooly transfer
- Trousers - Pariscope, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in a horrendous outfit in March 2019
- Shoes - Celestial Communication Andromeda, Fluevog; last seen here in March 2019 in a goldenrod smokeshow
I started my day reading this excellent article (here) by Sylvia of 40PlusStyle (who I met at the Vancouver Blogger Meet-Up in 2015), which made me feel a lot better. I know intellectually that I can only control myself and my own actions, but it's harder to know that emotionally.
From reading that, I very much enjoyed Pam's article (here) about dressing for dinner. What a great idea!
I went from that to play in my closet - I still have a few days left in my fall/winter wardrobe and there are still a few items that I haven't worn yet this season, like these whackadoo plaid trousers. The last time I tried them on, I had trouble zipping them up (it's an accursed side zip).
I have also been feeling not so great about myself/my body/my shape, because I've been defaulting to wearing my "around the house" clothes so frequently when I'm home during the day.
Part of that feeling is missing my daily walking commute to and from work, where my job is quire physical (it involves a lot of stairs between floors). I need to remedy that by going on my Mental Health Walks more often.
Part of it is also not wearing clothes that make me stand up straight and sit better. Real clothes.
I was shocked to find that my leather peplum was not as tight as it was before, and I could not only button the waistband of these non-stretchy vintage pants, but I could also zip them comfortably.
I'm wearing this outfit to blog in, and I plan to leave it on until L gets home.
Totally feeling this leather peplum, and this slouchy green cardi is a nice change from the hole-y cashmere that I usually wear at home.
I've done this cardigan and trouser combo before - they just go well together.
The stuff:
D'oh! I should have taken off my earrings and necklace to photograph them.
- Necklace - POLY, thrifted
- Earrings - gift from Lise
I did decide to change up my bling picture, since I wore a my accessories as armour. Usually, when I take my "stuff" and "bling" pictures, it's the end of the day, and I put them away immediately. As part of my day's goal to Wear Real Clothes All Day, I'm leaving them on.
- Studded cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
- Silver cuff - vintage, thrifted, Powell River
- Thumb ring - POLY, vintage fair
- Swear rings - Wendy Brandes
Vizzini woke up from his morning snooze came to see what I was doing.
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| "You going somewhere, Woman? Where are your slippers?" |
- Silver mid-finger ring - vintage fair
- Steel/glass ring - POLY, Art Gallery of Hamilton gift shop
- Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
- Steel ring/jade ring - my daily rings, both thrifted
- Wire cuff - POLY, thrifted
- Silver/gold cuff - JPL, vintage fair
After seeing that I was occupied and not with him (how outrageous!), Vizzini went full "Monkey Cat" and bounded across the living room to his post, where he scratched with ferocious vigor.
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| "I demand attention!" |
He got praise for his very good scratching of his post (and not the chair), and then he started begging for a brushing. I keep his brush in the drawer of our scotch bar, and he stares meaningfully at the drawer until I comply (I am the brusher).
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| "Mmm...yes, brush time. I must shed this winter coat." |
He has been looking a bit scruffy, so he got a good long session. Over the years, I've gradually gotten him very used to being brushed all over, around his face, even on his tum (I'm very gentle and careful).
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| "You are my favourite. Don't tell the Man." |
That's not true - he gets different things from each of us, and he's very much an "equal" cat for spending time with us. He's a handful.
And now, my friends, I'm going to go start a roast for dinner.
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| "I live for roasts." |
I might even read for a while, or work on some art. Every day is a new day. See you tomorrow!
Lovely plaid and such a fresh green; great combination! I feel very sure that L will be most admiring.
ReplyDeleteSadly we all have body doubts at times, but rest assured you have nothing to worry about; you're lovely.
Cats are so much fun to have around (I don't understand why some people don't like them) and are so entertaining. My cat, Mr. Kitty, is also a black cat with a white bib. His crazy time is usually first thing in the morning. He's very vocal and runs up and down the stairs and from room to room. Quite amusing.
Stay well.
He very much enjoyed the outfit - I get pleasure from people seeing me in real life, so I'm glad I actually thought of sharing it with him, Nana! Aw, I wasn't fishing but thank you so much. I know, I've had weight issues my whole life. Thank you.
DeleteThey are! Vizzini has been getting so much attention and it's lovely to be with him more. Your Mr. Kitty sounds adorable! Vizzini is also very chatty with us.
I got totally dressed today and did make-up! Super love that leather peplum. And it's obvi paying off your veggie & fruit eating-- you look great!
ReplyDeleteYay, doesn't it feel great, Becky? I felt great, thank you!
DeleteI think you look GREAT Shiela, but of course it doesn’t matter what others think of you, what’s most important is how you feel about yourself. And what a way to lift yourself up through dressing up!
ReplyDeleteI think one of the hidden blessing amongst this pandemic is that we’ll be able to have more time to do some things we love, such as going on Mental Health walks, making roasts and reading. I have a pile of books that I’m determined to get through. X
I very much agree, Jess, but it feels better in my head when my clothes fit. This outfit made me feel awesome.
DeleteYes, I agree, it's making me think about how nice it will be when I'm retired!
I love the peplum top with the pants and the big burst of colour with the cardigan! I'm not sure what I'll be doing the next few weeks with getting dressed - I'm in completely casual mode at the moment and the boys won't be going to school next week so who knows what I'll be wearing then - doesn't feel right to subject some of my nicer clothes to the rigours of kids and their messes if I'm not going outside. But I think I will miss getting dressed up. Who knows!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mica! I hope you will still post, but I understand that dealing with your kids full-time and possibly working from home will suck up most of your time. I do encourage you to dress up once in a while!
DeleteChecked trousers are always such an elegant idea. Laid back, pared down elegance, ideal for the lady of the Manor to tend to some dainty household chores such as flower arrangements and the like. The green cardi complements them beautifully and hints at spring gently... Sending us all a sweet message of hope. The peplum is fierce.... Peplum people are definitely not people pleasers. I love the outfit, Sheila. I'm missing getting dressed up for work right now and you've inspired me to ramp up my style for the daily dog walk. Thanks for the encouragement.....
ReplyDeleteI adore checkered trousers - patterns are my jam, Juliana! Lol, yes, I will get right on the flower-arranging! I love your fun comment - I definitely please myself when it comes to fashion. I'm happy to inspire - go for it!
DeleteSuch a fabulous outfit, Sheila, it looks absolutely amazing on you. Isn't it a great feeling that in spite of chocolate and popcorn scoffing, all of a sudden your clothes fit you just that little bit more comfortably? I have great hopes for some of my stuff :-) And I will always dress up and wear something that makes me feel good, even if I don't have to leave the house. Dressing up is such a comfort to me. I'm even wearing lipstick even if nobody but Jos sees me. I clicked on the article and found myself nodding a couple of times. However, as a hypersensitive person, I have no emotional filter, so I do not really have any choice but allow myself to properly feel thing, which isn't always very helpful either. I do find it impossible to ACCEPT the situation, though. That might be a much longer process, and frankly speaking I do hope I never have to. I'm not sure if my ramblings are making any sense ... I am glad I still have a bit of a working routine. Not sure what I'd do if I was at home all the time, although I do have several drawers that need sorting out ;-) And I do wish Phoebe was begging for a brushing sometimes, but she absolutely hates it and definitely has sixth sense, as she's on alert the minute we even think of getting the brush out! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ann. I'm hoping - I still have a bit to go to feel really good, as you'll see in today's post. I'm glad you're on board with dressing up all the time, even for being around the house. I get that emotional overwhelm too - I feel everything, which is partly why I'm such an anxious person. I get it, my dear. I don't accept either, but I'm trying to distract myself.
DeleteAw, Phoebe, smarten up, girl! Brushings are so fun!
Yes your bum does look great in those trousers and the peplum top is fabulous. Well done for dressing up to face the day and for tackling a drawer (I really need to sort some of mine out but the sun's out and the cats want to play!)
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing your bling on you, you've got a phenomenal collection.
Get out there and walk! xxxx
Thanks, Vix! Tackling a drawer wasn't on the agenda, but I needed a nail file (why it was shoved in that drawer is a mystery). Playing with kitties would be my priority too!
DeleteThank you - I like this way of photographing my bling, since I have a bit more time than normal.
Yes, ma'am!
So lovely plaid trousers and so lovely combo you've created!, love the colors and textures (wow, leather peplum!) and the stunning accessorizing, particularly those Poly pieces!, lovely green rings!.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing some links to nice readings!. I totally agree that dressing up (for a while) is making a difference in my routine these days!. It makes me feel better and adds some structure to my day, and I think that Mr.A. enjoys too!
besos
Thank you, Monica! I really loved this outfit and would totally wear it to work. I'm glad you enjoyed the articles I linked. I feel so much better when i dress up, and bonus for our husbands!
DeleteThe peplum looks great with these trousers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ally!
DeleteSylvester loves being brushed too! I am totally digging this outfit. I'm with you about missing my daily physical activity; usually I go to the gym at least twice a week and walk to and from bus stops, etc. I have been doing a few exercises at home, but definitely not a full one hour class. I haven't been overdoing the snacking yet, but it's only week two of me working from home so we'll see what happens.
ReplyDeleteOh, nice, Shelley! Vizzini is getting so much attention from us these days.
DeleteGetting some exercise, even just going around the block, is so needed. I try to limit my naughty snacks to the weekend!
I love this outfit it's both smart and casual and look great in it. Love those shoes! I think it is so important to get dressed/made up/styled as you would if you were going to work now we are confined to home. It's very rare I don't do this' I don't really have 'slouching' clothes. I sometimes don't change out of my walking clothes and that's the nearest to slouching or slobbing out. I don't feel like me if I don't get dressed and made up.
ReplyDeleteVizzini looked totally blissed it out with his brushing...
Fabulous and interesting bling!
Hope you manage to get out for more walks, Sheila.
xxxx
Thanks so much, Vronni! The shoes are fabulous, but not good for a full day. Yes, I've really found it to be beneficial, and I find myself nodding at all of your habits. I need to stay dressed up more around the house.
DeleteHe was very purry after. Thank you! Yes, to more walks!
What a lovely outfit, that cardigan fits so perfect colour wise. I work out four times a week, twice at the gym. But now it is four times a week at home. That means four times a week work out gear. Normally if I get back from the gym I fresh up and change clothes. Now I tend to keep them on, don't like that at all! Have to change that!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I love the cardigan, although it's starting to fuzz out a bit in the back. Good for you! That's amazing! But you need to get out of those workout clothes, girl!
DeleteWhat a great outfit! Love the leather peplum and cool bling. I had to take Ally cat to the vet today for a swollen lip so I wore my Squirrelzilla tank top in case I got all furry. Yesterday I had to take Rocky cat to the vet for a uti. I wore Scooby Doo for that. Luckily vets are essential. New Mexico is down to essential people now, but there were still alot of people out driving around. Ally likes to be brushed, but Rocky slaps and bites the brush. It's great that you got a drawer cleaned out. I need to go through my stuff. Roast sounds awesome!! I did have a few chocolates today....and an apple to balance it out....haha! Enjoy your roast and take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cheryene! I love that you wore fun tees to go to the vet! I hope both of your kitties are doing better too. We are still seeing some non-essential businesses open, but things are feeling much stricter in the stores.
DeleteThe roast was delicious - I'm making stew today.
love those plaid pants, you look great dear!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ivana!
DeletePlaying catch up with you and not quite sure if you're still on full time work or not. I'm sure it'll all come clear if I keep reading... I really like today's look. The cardi is super cool and those trousers and peplum top work beautifully together. Peplum and pockets - rah!
ReplyDeleteIt's not clear, because it's not clear with me, Anna! I don't know what my work schedule is going to be in advance, which is in itself a little stressful. Some days I work!
DeleteThanks so much, my dear! I loved this outfit.
You go SHE! It was the best to get dressed even if it was just to be in front of the computer.
ReplyDeleteI have been like that for over a week, not getting dressed. Wearing pjs, bathing and then wearing sweats of defeat the rest of the day.
Today I put on a new dress and wore make up to do a video for my IG page. It did feel so much better.
It really helps my state of mind, Lorena. Getting dressed is such good therapy. I'm glad it helped you too!
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