Tuesday 9 October 2018

Choosing outfits and other things...

Hello my lovely bloggy friends!

Transitional dressing; (old photo)  light weight dress with cardigan and leggings underneath with ankle boots. Everything charity shopped including jewellery/


Most of these are reservations from the library so I've been on a reading mission to get through them all.  Two are non fiction and the rest are novels. You can only have reservations out for 3 weeks...since first writing this I've read 6 and picked up two more reservations...
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Well, to continue from where I left off in my last post; I did get all my winter coats and jackets out the Monday before last. In the afternoon I went to Newport Pagnell for a rummage and picked up two books and a waistcoat by Country Casuals for 50p. The last of the big spenders that's me!

On  Tuesday, I had to wait in for somebody in the morning and couldn't go to the food bank; so I decided to do the rest of the actual swap over of summer to autumn/winter wear. I don't swap everything over. Most of my shirts, for example, hang in the wardrobe all year round. Nevertheless, it took up most of the morning. The weather had been staying quite warm and sunny at around 16 - 17 degrees but the evenings and mornings were chilly. I even thought we might light our fire but then on Wednesday and Thursday it was 21 degrees plus and very sunny - summer returned! Of course it would as soon as I put the summer stuff away....


Thursday's outfit. Dress bought in Ireland for 3.00 euros ; navy leggings charity shopped; navy ankle boots on line retail. Had my hair cut, too.


Necklace bought in Donegal charity shop for 2 euros. Earrings from Salvation Army bought last week: 1.00.

 I had a black plastic bag full of unwanted clothes and a large shopping bag full of odds and ends  by the end of the swap over so I took them to the Keech charity shop in Great Denham. I'm glad I did as the Barnardo's there had a sale on. I bought two pairs of trousers for 79p each, a pair of cream leggings for the same price and I also bought a lovely pair of Next pyjamas in a very soft material for 3.79 in the same charity shop.  And there I was complaining they had raised their prices recently! One of the first  items I swapped over was my nightwear. Out came the warm and fleecy pyjamas and away went the cotton ones; the short sleeved ones and the short night shirts. The nights are officially cold!


On Friday, I went with a walking colleague to recce the next walk I'm going to lead. It ended up being a mile longer than planned, but it was a very pleasant walk along the river.  Although the temperature was cooler than the previous two days it was still bright and dry. Total distance walked including to and from the bus station (the start and end point of the walk) was 9 miles. So, 8.3 miles for the group as whole; as we'll meet at the bus station.

There was total traffic mayhem on that Friday morning as much of the area in Bedford around the town bridge and the high street was closed off by the police investigating a fatal stabbing. I found out later that day both my daughter and OH got to work pretty late because of the traffic chaos. This unfortunate incident followed another fatal stabbing two weeks ago in Bedford of a 16 year old young man. Thank goodness these are rare occurrences in our town.


Everything charity shopped. Tunic by Tu; leggings unknown no label; boots found in St. Neot's charity shop a couple of years back 2.99. Cardigan; Primarni 9.00. I've wanted a long orange cardigan  for ages but couldn't find one in the charity shops. I'll wear this one a lot, I know.


All jewellery charity shopped.

On Saturday I walked with a different walking group. It was such a lovely day and a fantastic walk. We walked from the village of Great Barford to Blunham to Tempsford to Roxton and back to Great Barford; 8.5 miles. The only thing that spoiled it for me was I tripped over a tree stump and fell flat on my face! I skinned my knee and my hand and on Sunday I had big black and blue bruise on my knee cap. It was okay though I could still walk on it.


Believe it or not this a church - with a thatched roof! It's the Congregational Church in Roxton.


 A beautiful original wattle and daub thatched cottage in Tempsford.

Now to the point of the title of this blog: on my last blog post I got this interesting comment from Karen who lives in Vancouver:

K - "Is part of the ability to put together something more unusual or eclectic taking the time when you're not getting dressed for something to check out what goes with what? I always think I'll do that but then don't. I'd like to know if you take time behind the scenes to put things together or if it just happens for you?"


I did have to think about my reply because I thought I just do it and don't really think about it, but of course there is a lot of thinking involved in choosing outfits! This was my reply below and I'm very glad Karen asked me the question because I now have pictures of the outfit choices I like and want to wear again (or something similar) and have stored the pictures in  'Winter' and 'Summer' albums. I will, of course be adding to them.

V - With regards to outfits I sometimes get inspiration for 'looks' from other bloggers, magazines, the internet, Pinterest, people I see in the street. I want to try wearing tunics over long skirts - a look I saw on 'Advanced Style' so I'll be experimenting with that over the next few months...

Sometimes, an outfit idea will pop into my head and I'll go and hang the garments up together and see if they work. For example, the orange print trousers and blue jacket combo above was one of these. But once it was on and I saw the photo I didn't think it worked. 

I have to plan my outfit for the next day before I get into bed and usually have it hanging up and ready to go for the following morning. If I don't, it can take me ages to sort an outfit out (too much choice!) and I don't usually have time to waste!

Sometimes, I look through my wardrobe for inspiration and other times I'll stick with some tried and tested ones. I did at one point write down my outfits but I didn't keep it up. Ideally, I should have a file with photographs of all my 'successful' outfits and just be able to flick through when inspiration is needed. This would be doable as most of my outfit photos are readily available on my laptop - I just need the time...


It's that cardigan again...I told you I'd wear it a lot. It was much cooler last Monday. I actually wore my winter coat and a scarf (around my neck) to do the school run. Boots - Christmas present from daughter; cardigan retail as above. Black trousers; Lidl. Tunic charity shopped.


Another thought struck me after writing the reply to Karen and that is when I pick an item to buy. I nearly always have a mental image of what I could wear it with in terms of cardigans/jackets/trousers/shoes building a whole outfit around the one item. I remember a piece of style/fashion advice some years ago I read, and whilst I usually ignore most of it this seemed to be so sensible and practical particularly for separates. It was when buying an item of clothing 'to think about 4 or five other items from your wardrobe that you could wear with it and if you can't  - DON'T BUY IT!' i wish I could say I always follow this advice - but I don't;  hence I have a couple of items that hardly ever get worn because I can't think what to wear with them...do you have the same?


All jewellery charity shopped. I'm wearing hoop earrings for a change; I rarely wear hoops. Scarf charity shopped. Another book waiting to go back to the library on the hall table...


I decided I would not visit any charity shops last week or at least not buy anything. I had the walk to recce again as I was leading the bus walk on Friday; I had a walking date with my food bank friend, Lynne, as well as the usual group walk on Wednesday. Things that would stop me buying - I hoped!


Everything charity shopped except leggings;  online retail. Dress bought for 5 euros in Mullingar, Co. West Meath animal charity shop, whilst on holiday. Red brothel creepers (beetle crushers) bought from Wellingborough charity shop for 4.99 a few years back.



Scarf charity shopped; necklace bought in charity shop Co. Donegal for 2 euros; bangles and ring charity shopped.  Earrings bought in Bedford market. I'm so red and shiny as I just finished cooking in the kitchen...


I walked with the group on Wednesday - 7.2 miles. It was another pleasant day; lovely for walking. I had to go to the library to return and collect books (more reservations) in the afternoon; I had a quick look in Sue Ryder as it's near the library. I couldn't resist a grey spotted top for 5.00 (their average price for a top) and a necklace for 2.00.


Everything charity shopped except grey brogues - Primarni sale 5.00.
White jacket from Kettering charity shop 4.99.




Navy pleated skirt and top; charity shopped but can't remember where...



All jewellery charity shopped.


I recce'd my walk on Thursday with my friend from the food bank and then lead it for a small group on Friday. Both days were beautiful walking days; I took this photo on Thursday from the Butterfly Bridge. There are several main bridges across the river in Bedford  (lots of smaller on, too); the Butterfly Bridge, the Suspension Bridge (above) the Town Bridge, the New Bridge and the County Bridge (next to County Hall). Part of the walk route took us to Cardington Village and we stopped at the cemetery to see the memorial and burial place of  the 42 victims of the R101 Airship disaster in 1930. The airships were built and housed in Cardington Hangars. The interiors are also used for filming quite frequently as they are simply enormous. I believe the first Batman movie was filmed in here...

Source - Alamy stock photo. Cardington Hangars.



We stayed and had our break in the cemetery. A very peaceful place.


Thursday's outfit. Everything charity shopped except the boots; on line retail, velvet cardigan; TK Maxx - many moons ago.


Jeans from the Mercy in Action charity shop 2.00. Can't remember where I bought the top.


All jewellery charity shopped.


I have come to a standstill with my Willow square pattern blanket, so began a quickly worked up giant Granny Square blanket to use up my stash of green and blue wool. Every tenth row will be an alternate colour. It continues to grow day by day...


I went to spend the day with my son on Saturday. Everything charity shopped. The coat is by David Emmanuel and I bought it for 7.00 in the Red Cross about three or four years ago.


The spotted top was bought from Sue Ryder in the week for 5.00; the black bootleg cords 1.00 rail in the Red Cross shop. The shirt underneath was bought online in a sale. I had spent months looking for a smart white shirt in the charity shops but couldn't find one in my size. I bought one on line in the end and then began to see smart white shirts in my size in the charity shops every time I went to one! It's the 'Sod's Law' of charity shopping; look for something specific in your size and you won't find it; stop looking and there'll be loads!


All jewellery and scarf charity shopped.



On Saturday evening my eldest grandson and his girlfriend came to stay. It was lovely to see them together and we all sat down for a nice traditional Sunday roast cooked by me. I forgot to take photos...

I believe we have some more lovely weather to come - bring it on, I say!

29 comments:

  1. So many lovely outfits! I'll be interested to see how you do with long over long outfits-I never can seem to pull that look off without looking like a child in the dress-up box of clothes. That's interesting to know you plan clothes the night before. I always think I should, but never do.

    The purple velvet coat is my favourite of the post-it is positively elegant. Your crochet square is growing niceley and can't wait to see it completed. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not too sure about the tunic over maxi skirt look on me, I;m very short but I'm going to give it a go when the weather cools down! You can tell me what you think then...

      Have a lovely weekend.
      xxx

      Delete
  2. Wow! Love your style & the outfits are amazing. I love your blog because these are all looks I'd really wear. I guess I'm lazy or lack talent as far as putting outfits together- I just wear kurtis/Indian tunics over churidars/leggings and dhoti pants. Although they are all bright colors and usually beaded & embroidered. It is too hot here to wear any sort of layers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Bibi.

      I love the whole tunic over leggings/trousers look so we have that in common. Yours sound wonderful with the embroidery and beads.

      I have a lovely long kurti which I've worn over leggings before - I must get that out and wear it before the weather gets too cold!

      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  3. I hope your poor knee is feeling better now.

    Re: not buying a separate if you don't have several things to go with it already - I'm sure that's why it feels like 75% of what I own is, or contains, navy! I should take a leaf out of your book and just buy things I like. But then laying out an outfit the night before is very organised.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mim knee is better but has a beautiful yellowy purple bruise surrounding the knee cap. It's a good job I don't wear mini skirts!

      I'm afraid I am an extremely well organised person; years of working full time, studying part time, running a household and bringing children up on my own made that a necessity!

      Hope you have a great weekend.

      Delete
  4. You've certainly done a lot of walking! My favourite outfit, without any doubt, is the dress you bought in Ireland with that amazing necklace from Donegal! As a full time working girl, I usually put together a selection of outfits for the week on a Sunday night. I try to assemble more outfits than I actually need, so that even by the end of the week, I still have a choice! I do admit that once in a while, I pull something completely different and unplanned out of my wardrobe at the last moment ... xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who gets outfits ready on an advanced basis; Vix does as well! I occasionally do the spontaneous thing too..

      Hope you have a great weekend.
      xxx

      Delete
  5. Yikes on falling! I'm glad you're okay.

    I find that those of us that are naturally gifted at choosing outfits have a 6th sense when it comes to just knowing what will work. We don't think about it as much as we just do it.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Naturally gifted,' eh? I like the sound of that, Suzanne!

      Hope you have a great weekend.

      Delete
  6. Oh dear, hope your knee heals quickly.
    A fab selection of outfits, some lovely details from your walking adventures, great crochet and a whopping pile of books.
    Someone asked me the same question this week. I have a dressmaking mannequin in the spare bedroom adjusted to my height and size. I dress her in tomorrow's outfit before I go to bed! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems we are super organised, Vix. Ann does it for the whole week, too!

      I'd love a mannequin in my bedroom - just don't have the room...

      Have a fab weekend.
      xxxx

      Delete
  7. I don't think too hard about what to wear - I just put tops and bottoms and shoes together and go from there. I do that trick when shopping: I have to think of at least 4 things and 2 pairs of shoes I can wear with an item. However, that goes out the window if I spot something really fabulous! I love your multicoloured dress - looks like a Desigual one? I just love all those pictures of thatched roofs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sheila. Not it's not a Desigual dress; I thought it was when I made a bee line for it. The label is one I've never heard of before.

      I'm glad you like the thatched roof pictures. There'll be more I guarantee; English villages seem to abound with
      them.

      Have a lovely weekend.

      Delete
  8. What lovely outfits - so colourful! I found this post really interesting, to hear about how you put your outfits together. I love your layered look. XXX

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another comprehensive post Vronni and very interesting it is too. I'm so impressed at the amount of reading you do - wish I could find time to read more. My three favourite things are - the blue flower necklace from the start, the red brothel creepers and that pretty spotty top. I always seem to choose things that would work in my wardrobe! I'm always awed at women who can choose their clothes the night before. I have to do it on the day, just to see what I fancy wearing, also I like to see what the weather is doing too. It's good that we're all different though otherwise it'd be terribly boring!

    Have a super week!
    Anna x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, thank goodness we're all different, Anna! I love your outfits and am even more enamoured if you pick them on the day of wearing. I think I'm just anally retentive...

      Have a lovely weekend.
      xxxx

      Delete
  10. Hope the knee is feeling better Vronni. The spotty tunic looks fab on you and I rather like the velvet jacket. I'm trying to be more organised regarding my clothes lately, have donated lots to charity and trying to buy things that coordinate with stuff I already own.
    Lovely crochet!xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Fiona and thank you - long time no hear! Hope you're ok. You sound as if you've been on an organisation mission. I'm going to crochet the giant granny square blanket till I don't have enough wool left to do the rounds. But then of course I'll still have a mini stash of blue and green wool left but I have a plan...

      Have a great weekend.
      xxx

      Delete
  11. I love your spotted tunic outfit the best too, Vronnie. Very spiffy! Here we say "polka dots" and I so love them. I know what you mean about looking for something for months at thrift and when you finally splurge on retail, there it is in plenty everywhere you look. I'm so pleased to see you post about our little side conversation. I've been inspired to enjoy my slightly too extensive wardrobe a little more with your wise tips and have been setting out one or two outfits (so I still have a little choice) the evening before too. I It's very fun to have a kindred spirit on the other side of the world. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes - you can't beat a polka dot, Karen! I even like them on crockery and household linens. I have polka dot curtains in my spare bedroom...

      I'm so glad you've been getting outfits ready in advance if it helps you make decisions. That's why I do it and I;ll let you into a secret I sometimes set out three or four days outfits in advance...anally retentive or what?

      Have a lovely weekend.
      xxx

      Delete
    2. Thank you. And to you. The sun is shining and the trees are glowing here today. I've liked the practice of setting out outfit options for the next day. I never thought of prepping several days. That would be fun... a one woman fashion show!

      Delete
  12. Your haircut looks really fabulous - I just pinned you to my "bloggers looking fab" board! I'm in awe at how well you do headwear and jewellery. I'm trying to buy more from charity shops, you are my inspo!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you, Gail! I am very flattered to pinned to your bloggers looking fab board.

    I'm so glad you are trying to buy more from charity shops; it's a win, win situation all round then.

    Hope you have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Viel verpflichtet für die Post. Güte! Liebe deinen Stil und die Outfits sind umwerfend. Ich liebe Ihren Blog angesichts der Tatsache, dass es sich dabei größtenteils um Looks handelt, die ich wirklich tragen würde. Ich denke, ich bin träge oder brauche die Fähigkeit, Outfits zusammenzubauen. Trotz der Tatsache, dass sie größtenteils prächtige Farben sind und normalerweise perlen und verwoben sind. Hier ist es zu heiß, so dass es unmöglich ist, Schichten zu tragen. Besorgen Sie sich diese Kleidung von Modasto zu einem erschwinglichen Preis.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just love your fashion sense the clothes are just beautiful you look really nice.like my self l buy my clothes from charity shop and some furniture too really enjoyed browsing through your website janet

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just love your fashion sense the clothes are just beautiful you look really nice.like my self l buy my clothes from charity shop and some furniture too really enjoyed browsing through your website janet

    ReplyDelete

A weekend visitor and an exhibition

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