Go-to Summer Looks

Every once in a while I like to dip my toes into the fashion blogging pond. I haven't done that in a long time, but this last Spring I had to do a major purge of my closet(s) because of the move, and that has made me think a lot about my clothing choices.

I've realized that I have "go-to" items and looks. I don't "dress up" often, my dressiest time in ages would be when we head out to our favorite Italian place for dinner on a Saturday evening, or when we're in St. Louis with our kids for a night out. Even the churches here have a "dress down" code, so as not to make people feel awkward or self conscious about their clothing. We live in a very casual little city. We dress up our blue jeans for all occasions. I mean come on, we're the home town of Bass Pro and Branson is just down the road.

I totally love this little lacy tee!

I tend to stick with neutrals in most of my clothing choices, white and gray being my two best colors for warmer weather. In the Fall and Winter it would be gray and black. I like to have basic pieces that I can mix and match and change around for a different look; "Garanimals" for the over 50 crowd. The older I've gotten, the more I've leaned toward keeping things simple and "quiet", both in my surroundings, and in my clothing.

LOVE this lacy cardigan.

Don't have it, but would love to find it.

Love these next two totally classic looks...

And...I don't like heels...on me. I'm short and I look really goofy teetering around on them, but I DO like a little "platform" and something fun and stylish. I don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on a pair of shoes, but I tried on my first pair of Jimmy Choo's last year and instantly fell in love; didn't buy them but so so comfortable. And belts...all they do is cut me in half and being short, they just don't work for me.

such a great sense of style...

love her shoes...

and bag

but I just can't get into ripped jeans...

Love my skinny jeans (I'm NOT skinny) and stretchy leggings with a long t-shirt or linen shirt and a jacket, khaki or wheat "boyfriend" chino's with a denim chambray shirt, and if it's not a 110 outside I'll have a scarf...or a chunky necklace. I'm the age when I want to cover up as much of my neck as possible...and I'm a total sucker for anything Leopard Print. Summer or Winter it's my favorite "pattern".

 I don't have a source for this Polyvore collection, but it's just my style.

I don't have a count for all my leopard print items, but let's just say they have their own section of my closet. My fave is a leopard print sweater zip up hoodie from last Fall, kind of like this.

I really love having a few pieces of fun jewelry to spice up a look. A casual outfit can be elevated to something fun and funky with a piece or two of eye catching baubles. And speaking of statement jewelry, I bought this wonderful turquoise piece from my sweet friend Rebecca, HERE. Goes perfect with a white shirt or tee and jean jacket.

 love me some accessories...

I've realized that if I haven't worn something for a few years, then it's time to let someone else enjoy it. I'm trying not to give into "impulse" buying, but keeping a plan in my head. I've been guilty of buying something on a whim and then never wearing it because it just didn't work for me, or I wasn't comfortable in it. That's another subject...if it's not easy to wear and comfortable then it's pushed to the back of my closet. I don't like fussy or restricting or "too tight". When we were packing to move, I took all my clothing pieces that I wore over and over out and then scrutinized everything else. I DID keep a variety of black pants from dressy to casual. A black pant or skirt can take you a million places.

I think I gave away about 3/4's of my closet. My mom attends a small church in an older part of town with many people needing financial help, so I send my things to them. So far I haven't missed anything I've given away, fingers crossed for this winter. I tend to live in jeans, sweaters, and boots in cold weather, so I'll probably be OK. 

Where do I shop? I'm a petite, so I have to shop where they are available. J. Jill, Chico's, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Coldwater Creek...they had the best fitting jeans and pants for me. Hope they reorganize soon, I used them for "the basics". I buy accessories anywhere. My trips to STL have resulted in some great shopping, both my daughter's have great fashion sense so they help me put outfits together.

I think it's fun to see fashion pics and choices of individuals. It helps to "get to know them better", and gives us an opportunity to make some buying and giving away strategies for ourselves. Obviously none of these photos are me. And if you'd like to see more fashion fun, then check out my Pinterest boards Here and Here.

now go clean out that closet,

(but have fun doing it)

joining in at The Scoop

xoxo,