Cute Little Number

I will often be traveling during the next few weeks, so I am looking for pieces that will serve me well as I move from a cold climate to a much warmer ones. I prefer an easy, comfortable, but still well-dressed airport style.

I was thrilled to find this cashmere topper, which I can wear as a poncho or an infinity scarf. The pop of red makes me feel happy.

The fabric is very soft and supple, so it drapes beautifully.

The black turtleneck top and the jeans are from Fabrizio Gianni. The shoes are by BCBGeneration via Nordstrom. The bag is by Zac Posen via Saks OFF 5TH.

The Claudia Nichole cashmere topper comes in many beautiful colors. I had difficulty deciding which one to go with, but I am thrilled with this color, which is Poppy. I found it on the Purple Poppy website. The shop is located in one of my favorite places to visit, Cape Cod. This topper was supplied by Purple Poppy.

The topper comes in all these colors!

Traveling to Warmer Climates

Are you on your way to a warm-weather vacation or maybe a cruise? When I am lucky enough to head south or out to L.A. during the winter months, this post shows how I pack for the trip.

A shirt that buttons all the way down the front and is generous enough in fit not to gap at the bust when closed is a great find. I love the option of being able to wear a shirt open as if it were a jacket with a whisper-light tank top in summer. This shirt, tank, and pants are all from J.Jill.

The cuff bracelet above is from S.M. Bradford on Hilton Head Island. The sandals were by Dolce Vita via Nordstrom last year. The tote bag was from T.J.Maxx last year. The straw hat is several years old. 

I only look for items of good quality with simple classic details that are not memorable or trendy. I always try to invest well to wear my items for several years instead of just one season. Please note that I have been wearing J.Jill items for several years, so some of the things I am showing you might not be available now.

Denim and white with tan accessories have been a life-long favorite color combination. 

A note about sandals: I look for the type that has a strap at the back so that they stay on. I am not a fan of flip flops of any style. I wear those only on the day I have a pedicure.

These slip-on sneakers are by Sperry. They would be perfect for a day of shopping.

Fit has become much more important to me as my body ages. Sixty is a whole different ballgame than fifty! I now look for tops and jackets that skim the body and fall nicely from my shoulders.

Linen has always been one of my favorite fabrics to wear in the heat of summer. It wrinkles, but as my friend, The Duchess, used to say, "They are rich wrinkles, just go with it."

There aren't many other fabrics that breathe or feel more comfortable in the heat and humidity. Wear a stunning piece of jewelry and awesome shoes with linen for a more polished look.

The video below shows the items I would take for a five-day cruise. You might also take a bathing suit and a cover-up, a sundress or skirts. (I rarely ever wear those items, so in the interest of being totally honest with you, I only included things I would actually take.) 

The key is to take things you can mix and match for different combinations that are appropriate for the occasion. (The same as my wardrobe at home but on a much smaller scale.)

These products were supplied by J.Jill.

Casual Daytime Look

Does it really matter what you wear to run errands?

It never fails. If you go out looking less than your best, you will see someone you know. 

I was working on a project at my house a few years ago, and in the middle of the project, I realized I needed something from the hardware store. Without giving it a second thought, I pulled on a denim shirt over my white tee and khaki pants. I think I was also wearing some sort of tennis shoes, and the pants probably bunched up on top of them. I was likely not wearing much makeup, if any. Not a pretty picture!

While at the hardware store, I saw a pal from high school I hadn't seen for a couple of years. The last time I ran into him, I was looking much closer to my best. When he recognized me, his face took on a look of deep concern. He asked if I had been unwell. I assured him that all was well with me and then finished my transaction as quickly as possible.

Lesson learned! If I don't want to frighten small children, I need to tidy up a bit each day!

All kidding aside, I do shower, put on at the least a little makeup, and dress in something comfortable but still flattering each day. I do this for myself even when I am staying home alone. I feel more outgoing, positive, and confident when I am dressed for human interaction.

I was shopping at my local Belk department store yesterday when I got a call from Mr. Mickey. He happened to be in the area, so he stopped by to snap these photos for you. 

I was super excited to find this Ralph Lauren animal print belt I had admired earlier, now on sale for half off. 

Halfway through the morning, I had removed that heavy outer coat. The J.Jill cashmere cardigan over the turquoise blue Covered Effortless comfort top was enough layering for most of the day. (Both items were supplied by the companies.)

At this time of year, our temperatures may vary as much as thirty or more degrees in one day. Dressing in layers is the best chance we have of being comfortable for the whole day. If the sunshine had warmed us even more, I could have worn the cardigan over my shoulders for another look I really like.

The black ankle-length pants from Chico's are perfect to wear with flat loafers by BCBG. The socks are the most comfortable I have found. They are by Ralph Lauren via Dillard's, but I also found them at Belk. The hook belt is also from Chico's. The Calvin Klein bag is old via T.J. Maxx.

I wear these tops from Covered Perfectly often because they are so comfortable. They are made from an elegant MicroModal fabric that launders beautifully and falls right back into shape when you hang them to dry. They are perfect for layering since they don't add any bulk at all.

I will be wearing this new top during the warmer seasons because I love the color so much.

Fifty, not Frumpy followers can get a 20% discount on up to two items! Use the discount code FNF20 when you check out at Covered Perfectly. Only one discount can be applied per order. There are several styles to choose from, and the discount will apply on up to two items; after that, you can take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 FREE special.

Leggings Are Not Pants

Let's talk more about leggings. Leggings are usually black and sort of like tights without feet. They are often so thin that when you pull them over your behind, they suddenly become sheer. Sometimes your underwear or even the label on the inside of the leggings can be plainly seen. 

That is why you must wear a tunic that comes down below your bottom. Your crotch area should be covered when wearing those thin leggings. 

The cashmere tunic above was supplied by J.Jill. The leggings are old from Chico's. They are made from Ponte, and they have to be dry cleaned. They are not tight fitting at all, but you could not see through them even if they were. I wore short black boots with this look, but you can also wear longer or over the knee boots, which look great with leggings and a long cardigan. Several varying length layers worn over leggings is a great look.

I bought my first pair of leggings last year for a photo shoot. I never wore them before that. I have often worn straight leg slim-fitting pants that from the pictures might appear to be leggings. Those were usually made from denim or some fabric other than nylon or cotton knit.

I look for leggings that have a wide waistband. They should be made from a dense knit material that you can not see through, no matter how much it is stretched.

I have some leggings from HUE that I found at Dillard's. These have a nice comfortable wide sculpted waistband, and they are made from very dense material. I tried the look above with a longer tank underneath, but the proportion was very frumpy looking. I broke the never show your crotch rule because the leggings are not tight-fitting, and they are made from a very dense, heavy knit fabric.

Jeggings are another "animal" altogether. They are made from stretchy denim material. They have a zipper and pockets like regular jeans, but they fit more like leggings.

I wore these gray jeggings from Chico's with a blue cashmere sweater from Ann Taylor. We were braving the cold and rain on Sunday afternoon to go for sushi. The coat was from Ann Taylor Loft last year. The scarf is by Vince Camuto. The boots are by French Connection via. (My mother calls these my combat boots.)

Jeggings are generally not skin tight, but I still prefer a longer top covering most of my backside. I cuffed these because the look of a bunched up pant leg is never pretty. I have to be careful with pant length because I have short legs. I don't want to have too many visual breaks on my legs. Keep reading for more on this.

There is an exercise I do with looks I have not yet determined to be winning a combination.

Take a selfie of the look from the front, back, and sides. At the end of the day, make notes about it, for example. This look would have been better if I had worn it with gray boots instead of black. The contrast was too great. The length of the pants is too long to go with these boots. Ankle length jeans would have been much better. This particular sweater is fine, but I might have made a note, such as, "The sweater made me itch all day long!" You get the idea. You are grading the look and the comfort level of the pieces you wore. If a look doesn't get high marks, don't wear it in that combination again. If an item of clothing tormented you all day, don't put it back in your closet; get rid of it.

This practice has helped me build a wardrobe of great pieces that are comfortable and work well for me. I don't always get it right, but I am doing so much better than I did a few years ago!

That's me above, with Mr. Mickey during a train excursion in 2010 before losing almost 100 pounds between us.

We learned what to eat and why after reading the book "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

Dressing Up

You can see by the reflection in the windows behind me, the rain was about to fall.

Mr. Mickey and I were on our way out to dinner and then to the Johnson City Symphony's performance.

I wore a Polo Ralph Lauren soutache-trimmed wool jacket from Dillard's with a simple V-neck tank top by Clara Sunwoo supplied by ShopMyFairLady.

Chico's Travelers pants are more than ten years old. They are made from a heavier weight knit with a bit wider leg than what is offered today. I wore them with my "rain boots," an old pair of Nine West boots that I wear when the weather is wet. I don't wear my nicer shoes and boots when it is snowing or raining, and I know I have to walk a long way in the weather.

As we were shooting these photos at a bank near my home, a fabulous blue Jaguar sedan roared into the otherwise empty parking lot. This beautiful lady called out to me, "I LOVE your blog!" Her name is Sally, and she was just returning from the gym. I really enjoy meeting Fifty, not Frumpy followers! They are always the most pleasant people.

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When I posted the "What's in Your Pantry?" video last week, some of you were concerned that I don't go to the gym anymore. That doesn't mean I don't exercise at all! I am very active all day, every day. I do lots of stretches and leg lifts. I have small weights that I use to keep my arms strong, and I often do Pilates at home in the winter. I walk three miles very fast every day when the weather allows. Keeping fit and healthy is very important to me, but it isn't necessary to go to a gym to achieve that. It's your regular daily lifestyle, not what you buy, that makes your health better and your body stronger. I have a friend who often goes to the gym, but she believes that it gives her the right to stop on the way home for french fries before she goes home to sit on the couch and watch TV until bedtime.

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In case it was as cold as the weather forecaster said it would be, I took this Opera coat with me but didn't need it. The wool jacket was warm enough for the evening.

The soutache trim is on the front of the jacket, but it isn't showing up very well in these photos. I will always wear this jacket open because the neckline becomes much too high and round when it is closed.

Seasonal Purge

I get the urge to purge at the beginning of each season. Now that winter is here, I am judging items and determining if they have served me well. Not just the clothing items but everything in my home. Does that candle smell weird? Does that clock keep the correct time? Do those towels feel wonderful on my skin? 

If something I bought in the past was a mistake, I give it to someone who needs/wants it, or I donate it to Goodwill or The Haven of Mercy.

I was allergic to the fabric of that red jacket. Those jeans were too distressed and the seams twisted after washing.

I look awful in khaki pants.

Tops with too much going on at the bust do not give me the desired effect.

Tailored loose-fitting gray slacks (or any color of that style) are not for me.

Print blouses, khaki pants (again!), and shoes that make my feet look wide are gone.

Boxy sweaters and jackets, as well as capri pants, must go!

Memorable patterns, prints, and very bright colors are not for me.

Anything that causes me constant discomfort while wearing is now gone. Jackets that have necklines that choke me can not remain in my closet!

Seeing my buying mistakes over and over again is like getting a poke in the eye. Why would I continue to live with them?

My new rule is simple. "Buy only what captivates you. Purge from your life that which does not."

My purchases in 2015 include fewer mistakes than ever before. That makes me happy! How about you? Are you still honing your style?

Distressed Clothing

When I bought this Ralph Lauren denim jacket online from Dillard's, I was impressed with the unique details, but the distressing level was not so obvious from the photos. I almost returned it but decided it might work with the right combination.

I normally avoid distressed or slouchy clothing. I feel that crisp, clean, highly structured pieces are more complementary to my aging face. After adding the brightly colored silk Ralph Lauren scarf from Stein Mart, I felt a lot better about the combination. I will also wear this jacket with bold silver jewelry, a white silk tunic blouse, and black faux leather leggings for different textures.

The Ralph Lauran bag is one I have been researching for almost a year. If I think more than twice, "I need __________" as I am getting dress, that item becomes the next piece I look for to complete my wardrobe. Identifying a need repeatedly keeps me from acquiring a lot of items I never use. Shopping impulsively never seems to work well for me. I look at the styles, the sizes, the features, and prices. I shop around for investment pieces before making the commitment. This ensures that I will be happy with my purchase and that I will use it often.

The booties are by Gianni Bini from Dillard's.

The black tunic was provided by J.Jill last year. The black Ponte leggings are from Chico's last year.

The leather and mixed metal bracelets were provided by Jewels of the Vineyard.

I hope my tips help you to create a wardrobe that serves you well every day!

Basic Wardrobe Q&A

"Have you posted about building a starter wardrobe? I would like to start buying with a wardrobe in mind instead of on the spur of the moment."

Thank you for your question, Colleen. I have not blogged about a starter wardrobe per se since everyone's needs are different. Your colors and lifestyle might be totally different than mine, but I will list my own wardrobe requirements as an example for this project.

Keep in mind that these are my basic starter pieces. Other colors, patterns, and textures can be added over time, but you first need basics that can be worn every day and with each other without being memorable.

I need blazers in navy, black, and white. Note that I have chosen simple lines with slim lapels and slightly nipped-in waists. Too boxy is the wrong silhouette for my busty figure. If I am standing before an audience to talk, I will button my jacket, but otherwise, I rarely close a blazer or jacket. (I will never close a double-breasted jacket, and that is also not one of my basics.) I look for fabrics that can be worn for three seasons.  

The following elements are three tank tops and/or three nice blouses in silver/gray, white, and black and three long-sleeve simple tees in gray, white, and black, which can be worn with or without the blazers. Note the simple lines and plackets on the blouses. I need simple scooped or V-necklines, small collars (if at all), and no ruffles, pockets, or other details that add volume to the bust area. I often have to buy a size larger in a button-up style blouse to avoid the gap. The neckline should drop below my collarbones because I have a round face, and this trick elongates it.

When I wear a long sleeve tee alone, it will be of a heavier weight knit so that it flows smoothly across my body. However, if I layered a long sleeve tee, it needs to be lighter-weight fabric and more slim-fitting to add no bulk under the jacket. The Simple Comfort Covered Perfectly tops are my all-time favorite for layering.

The trend in jeans or pants might be flares, crops, or wide legs, but I will stay with my straight narrow leg pants because that flatters my body shape. I need three pairs of straight-leg jeans (black, blue, white), one straight black pencil skirt, one nice pair of black dress pants. I dislike wearing dresses immensely, but I do have a couple of black ones just in case. I have a long-sleeved winter weight dress and a simple, lightweight summer dress to wear a scarf or a sheer topper. 

I could have saved a lot of time and money if I had kept these simple styling tips in mind when I started shopping for my new slimmer body a few years ago.

Your colors and lifestyle needs might be totally different than mine, but the following guideline works for everyone every day. 

Dress for the weather, the event to complement your body type and to reflect your personality.

If you went shopping with me today, these would be the items I would buy for my basic wardrobe. I am not fond of bright colors or prints, so there are never any of those in my cart.