Mature Fashion: More on Role Styling

I mentioned the comfort of the boudoir fashion for my at home roles a couple of weeks ago. I am pleased to continue my satisfaction with this summers "fad".  I love the comfort while at the same time enjoy the little touch of arty glamour that comes with it. I also like the fact that I paid very little for this top; I found this never been worn pajama top  at a thrift store for $3.99.  It still had the tags on it and I have already worn in twice.  I also have serendipity because I already own black silky bottoms from another "boudoir" look.  I doubt I will wear the top after this season as outerwear, but I am almost certain to wear the outfit as pajamas this coming winter.

It is worthwhile reminding myself that trying out new ideas can be very rewarding.  This latest fad is very practical for me, and I actually like the very comfortable look.  It also helps to remind me that being comfortable does not have to mean I can only wear sweats or t-shirts. (actually,. the feel of this top is exactly the same as a comfortable sweat top).

I am still doing some container gardening which I hope to complete today.  I do have to get some more planting mix before I can finish.  Of course, I am wearing the hat to protect me from the sun while I am in it, and also to cover the "hat hair" when inside the store.  I hope to have the job completed after this last trip and planting the one remaining plant in its pot!

Mature Fashion: Too Many Roles

Sorry, Blurry picture

Yikes!!  I no longer have the "role" of salesperson at the furniture store and thought I might be able to enjoy a bit of extra traveling, etc. this summer and have time to catch up on several neglected tasks.  Somehow, I managed to pick up two more "roles" in the mean time, and have been inundated with a few unexpected maintenance issues!!

Our Homeowners association has a librarian who had rotator cuff surgery a few weeks ago.  Obviously, she is incapacitated for several more weeks. In the meantime, library books to be returned to shelves, new donations f books and media have been piling up. I have taken on her duties until she can return. Fortunately, the clothing that I wear for my day to day home maintenance are the same, and I do not have to plan purchase other garments, etc.

The second additional "role" is my exercise mode. I have been used to doing all my planned physical exercise routines at home and at different times during the day.  I most often wore my "bedtime uniform" which doubled for exercise at home in the morning (see April 17th post-RockMyFitness.blogspot.com).  This clothing worked very well for me when I was exercising at home. Now that I am working out at the clubhouse, I do have to be a bit more "covered up" because of the mixed company and the frequent necessity to immediately perform an errand for the library (they are in the same building).

I have taken on another activity; jewelry making!  I absolutely LOVE the idea of creating my own pieces to accessorize new combinations and ensembles.  This activity is also appropriate for the clothing I wore for my role at the furniture store, so I find I really have very few changes to accommodate.

My picture in the upper left hand corner is a bit blurry at the hemline of pants, etc.  The picture does not show the cute buttoned vents at the hem.  I took the opportunity to use this costume as an example of freshening a look by just adding one trendy item.  In this case, the chunky heeled sandals (BTW, they are extremely comfortable). I styled the same top with black pants two seasons ago using a boho look and the same pants with a Chinese inspired top and men's look buckled shoes.  The lay-downs for both looks (taken from my stylebook)  I am proud to say that every item you see in the lay-downs have paid for themselves at least twice over, and I plan on incorporating each of them in at least one more year's stylings.

I have already worn the clunky sandals three times, and the season is just beginning.  I bought them several months ago at Payless Shoe Source.  I usually cannot wear their shoes successfully, however, these did feel good on my feet and I new they were "on trend" for S/S 2016, and ON SALE; two of my favorite words when looking for items that are not expected to be worn that much.  I paid about $15.00 for them, which comes to $5.00 per wearing so far.  I do think I will wear them at least ten more times over the summer bringing them to my projected price point of $1.00 per wearing.  All of the other items have met this criterion except  the blue Makowski purse.  It has about twenty five more wearings before it earns its value, ($200.00) but I expect to have that no later than next year. Obviously, I have had it a few years already.  

All of these new activities have prevented me from getting the closet collections all posted to RockMyRunwaay.blogspot.com.  I do expect to have a new post here soon with the crafting projects I am making for F/W 2016!  You have already seen the Crafty Collars. (I have already created two of them!)

Mature Fashion: Styling for the Role

"Beyond the Boudoir"..perfect for today's at home/errands

I have posted a lot of information on the importance of planning "costumes" for the "roles" each woman plays on the stage of the play called "My Life". Each "costume" is the outside appearance of our actress in her chosen role. The costume tells her audience who she is and immediately conveys the role she chooses to play. This will happen whether she chooses to do so or NOT. I have mentioned many times that this immediate identify is established at a subliminal level and will always create an effect; hopefully, the one the wearer chooses to project.

I have mentioned that the division of my roles has changed significantly this summer.  I need mostly clothing that is practical for all types of household and landscaping chores, suitable for everyday errands like
banking, grocery shopping, dentist, informal meetings, etc.

I also want to be comfortable and fashionable in all these environments without looking "over the top". That is the message I want to send.  This selection from my "Beyond The Boudoir" collection is exactly on target for me today.  I have vacuuming, laundry, re-arranging a closet, writing the post, and paying bills at home.  I do have a trip to both the bank and grocery store also.  I also need to drop some items at the thrift store for re-cycle.  

Although the picture was taken with heels (which I will wear when I do my errands), I will be wearing my whimsical cat house flats. (I always wear flats in the house, never slippers.  

Today is the first time I actually wore this ensemble.  I have to say, it felt wonderful!  It was every bit as comfortable as the flannel pajamas and thermal top when I was at bed rest.  The belt is stretch, but it made me feel very "pulled together", while giving me the same degree of comfort .

I have a feeling that this seasonal "fad" may remain in my style arsenal (yes, it will be updated to keep the look current-or replaced if I find something better!!) 

You have probably noticed that you do not see me in much jewelry in my pictures; I am usually in my "at home" costumes.  I usually only am wearing my earrings while I do household chores. I keep other jewelry off because it usually interferes with my chores. I do put it on, change my shoes, and grab an already prepared purse when I leave the house.(I frequently change my purse every morning to accessorize; it also helps me maintain an orderly purse!)

I have designed a few more at home outfits that I will show from time to time if I find other practical "boudoir" garments for day wear.