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.

White Jacket

Even on a cold winter day, a white jacket can brighten things up. I wear white all year round on dry days.

We were on our way out to lunch when Mr. Mickey snapped these photos. The sun was shining on Sunday, but our temperatures had started to drop.

The gray long sleeve tee and jeggings are old from Chico's. The vintage St. John winter white jacket was a gift from my dear friend Mitzi. St. John is known for knits, but this cotton and elastane jacket is from their Country Collection they did a few years ago.

The sunglasses, Zac Posen bag, and Calvin Klein booties are from Saks Off 5th.

The fun rhinestone mixed media bracelet is from S.M. Bradford Co. on Hilton Head Island.

Jackets are my favorite wardrobe item. They can be new, vintage, or even menswear, but they complete basic pieces beautifully. The fit is essential. If the jacket is too snug in the back of the shoulder seams drop down too far, you will need to pass on that one. The tailoring charges will likely be more than the cost of the jacket.

Double-breasted jackets are in vogue again, but if you are busty like me, you will never close them. Worn open, they look great, worn buttoned, I look like a barrel.

Running Errands

On this day, I had to go to the grocery store and run some other errands, so I wore jeans with a graphic sweater with open-toe booties and threw on a jacket. It wasn't freezing here, so this amount of layering was enough.

The ankle jeans are old from Chico's. The Nine West booties via Saks Off 5th are also from last year. The Zac Posen bag was recently purchased at Saks Off 5th.

The Geiger coat is several years old. I purchased it before I lost weight, so it is two sizes too large. The style is very versatile, and I had invested so much in it I decided to get the sleeves tailored so that the size wasn't so obvious. I was also wearing the coat three years ago here.

I often get comments about my heels and requests to style looks with flats. I have purchased a few flats and will be showing them as options on future blog posts. My posts are not created to show staged outfit ideas. I share what I actually wear with you, and I rarely wear flat shoes.

A Luxury Resort

We took a lovely drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains to spend the day at Primland.

I wore a leather-trimmed black jacket by Helmut Lang via Saks Off 5th. The silver tank is by Erin London via the Marble Lion at the Inn at Biltmore. The pants are Travelers from Chico's. The black suede pumps and the reptile clutch are from Saks Off 5th.

We have been planning to visit this resort for a long while so we decided to drive there, have a late lunch, and take a tour.

The views from every angle include mountain ranges which seem to go on forever.

We saw no bears today but wouldn't that be a thrill to have to wait for one or two to cross the road?

The approach to the Lodge.

The two-story wine "cellar" is located in the main lobby.

Photo from the Primland Website

Photo from the Primland Website

Photo from the Primland Website

Photo from the Primland Website

I am looking forward to spending some time in the observatory. Since the location is so remote there is no light pollution from towns, allowing for an unobstructed view of the night sky.

The views from the library are awe-inspiring! 

We enjoyed our visit immensely!

Leaving the resort, we saw this majestic fellow grazing beside the road. He didn't seem to mind that we stopped to take his photo.

Wild turkeys foraging for food and one of the many stone bridges along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A wall of ice at twilight along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The perfect ending to a perfect day!