Spring Transition - Layering with a Vest

There are other ways to keep warm in the spring, besides adding jackets, although with our crazy weather, a light weight jacket is a perfect option. This week, however, I wanted to include a vest in the spring transition mix. Wearing a vest is a great way to add a layer, not only for warmth, but to add interest to an outfit. 

There are all sorts of vest options, ranging from heavy weight knits to lighter chiffon styles, as well as those that are more structured. Vests range in size from short to long, streamline to those with extra material made to cascade down the front. For today's post I am using a longer knit vest.

This long, brown knit vest is a piece I picked up at a thrift store. It is a brand called Fever. It has a belt, so can be belted for a different look. I usually wear it open, although, I think it would have worked just as well for this outfit if it had been closed and belted. I keep the belt attached and have one side tied to the belt loop to keep it from slipping out. Doing this keeps the belt with the vest and gives me the option of tying it, should I desire. 

These plaid ankle pants I have styled on the blog before. You can see that post here. I am a firm believer that as many pieces as possible, in my closet, should be able to be worn over and over as different outfits. Obviously a pair of pants is still a pair of pants, but one time it can be styled with a long knit vest and the next time with a chambray shirt. One time it can be worn with boots and the next time with sandals. Try to look at those pieces in your wardrobe as the beautifully versatile things they are, and start imagining all the many ways you can change them up to style whole new outfits. 

The royal blue, short sleeve embellished sweater is a favorite from Christopher and Banks. I like that I don't have to worry about jewelry, although in this case, I did add a simple bead on a leather strap. The bead has brown, gold, navy and bright blue flecks and really pulls the whole outfit together. 

I decided on my ivory Simply Vera Wang cross body bag for my purse choice. It is quality leather and simple enough to go with any outfit. For my shoes I went with my newer Sonoma perforated peep toe heeled sandals. 

Here is another shot of the whole outfit.

This is a great outfit for work, or even for a lunch date with the hubby or friends. What do you think of this outfit? Do you own a pair of plaid pants and you have been wondering how to wear them? Do you like to wear vests? I'd love to hear from you. I always appreciate the input and I always respond to your wonderful comments. I learn a lot from you all so keep up the feedback.

I've included a few shopping links below. Please feel free to click around and see what options are out there. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog. 

Have a great day. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

Pantone Spring 2018 - Ultra Violet, Ash Rose and Sailor Blue

This is the final installment in my Pantone Spring 2018 color series. I love doing this series, because using color as a spring board for putting together an outfit makes getting dressed so much easier. I know not everyone loves color, but I really enjoy the challenge of trying to make each of these colors work for me. After all, if we ladies, who are over 50, are not limited by the styles of the outfits we wear, why should we be limited by the colors we wear? 

This week's color line up features Ultra Violet, which appears on both the New York and London color palettes. You can see my first pairing with Ultra Violet here. Ash Rose is only found on the London Palette and is one of my favorite colors from this spring line up. Sailor Blue is one of the classic colors that appeared on both palettes this season and I feel is a perfect color to ground an outfit to keep it from getting to clownish. I also threw in a touch of Arcadia for an additional pop. You can see how I originally paired Arcadia here. 

If I had a choice, this is how I would dress most of the time. I love my jeans, a fun moto jacket, basic tee with fun details and sneakers. Throw on some easy jewelry and a roomy bag and voila, the writer's outfit. It's comfy, but stylish. I think my daughter did a great job of capturing me in my element. Ha, ha. 

These jeans are my Rock & Republic bootcut pair from Kohl's. Here are a similar pair. 

In this next pic you can see my Arcadia colored beads and bracelet. I love the way the necklace pops against the Ash Rose color of the shirt. Doesn't that green look so pretty with these two very different purples? You can also see the lace detail on my thrifted long sleeve tee. This one is Van Heusen brand It really takes a tee up a notch to have some sort of lace overlay or embellishment. Here is a  Croft and Barrow short sleeve one that comes in many different colors.  

My bag is Simply Vera, by Vera Wang. Here is a really cute one from Kohl's. 

Keds are always my go to for stylish, simple sneakers. I don't wear these when I want to hike or take a long walk, but for just hanging out, going to the mall or shopping, etc. they work great. Here, here and here are three cute pairs that would be perfect for summer. 

These were the last pictures my daughter took that day and we neglected to do a shot of me standing, so this is the best you get. 

What do you think of these colors? What is your go to outfit when you want to be stylish and comfy? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two in the comments section. Or you can leave me some love on Facebook. Also, feel free to check out my Instagram and Pinterest accounts too. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link, I get a few pennies. If you purchase something through one of the links, I get a small commission. Thank you for all of your support. 

If you enjoy reading my Faith page, be sure to check back tomorrow for another Walk with the Psalmist. Check back on Thursday to see how I styled my Eva Trends lace body kimono two more ways in my Ordinary Amy column. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. Thursday linking up with Jacqui of mummabstylish. 

Outside the Box - A Poncho Top

I started this column to force me to try new things. Most of us love to be comfortable, but it easy to get into a routine with our style. We automatically go for that same sweater, or that same pair of jeans because they fit well and we feel comfy in them. How, then, are we supposed to try new things when we are so consumed with remaining in our same comfortable rut? 

Last month I took a pair of pajama pants and showed you four ways you could style them for wearing outside the bedroom. You can see that post here. Today, I am wearing a piece that I recently found at a thrift store while visiting my mom. A poncho is a large piece of fabric with a hole in the center for the head to go through. I call mine a poncho sweater, because the sides are closed. Most ponchos are open on the sides, making getting into and out of them easier. 

This picture was taken at Mohican State Park. We love to stay in their little cabins! 

I have seen other people wear these types of ponchos and I have also looked at various styles on the racks in the stores, but this was the first one I saw and thought, "Wow! I like that." Since it is not something I have ever had before and I have never styled before, I thought this would be the perfect place to feature it. 

I like the neutral color and the black stripe adds just enough interest so that it is not too plain. In the above picture you can see a little bit how the sleeves hang down to almost the elbow and then the entire piece is sewn along the body on both sides under the arm. 

Since it is lighter weight I decided to wear it over my black and white gingham blouse. I liked how the blouse tied in with the black strip on the poncho. I also worn my dark wash, straight leg jeans. I went for my suede SO ankle boots, as they matched the poncho. My bag is the bright pop of color and is Vera Wang. The final touch is the black and gold fringe necklace on red leather. 

Here is a side view to show you the sleeve length, and the way the side fabric hangs. That was also the view of the river, right out our back door. 

I got this necklace on the clearance rack at Christopher and Banks. I love it! 

My conclusion on this piece is that I really like it. I am sure I will be wearing it again, and it will be a nice piece for transitioning to spring....just in case spring happens to come around again. Ha, ha.

What do you think of the poncho top? Would you wear this? How would you style it? Maybe you already have one. What is your favorite way to wear it?

Below are a few shopping links for ponchos. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. 

Have a great weekend!

How to Wear a White Blouse - Under Another Blouse

This is the last installment in my collaboration with Jodie of Jodie's Touch of Style. We have been showing you different ways to style a white blouse. It is so easy to get into a rut, wearing the same clothing piece in exactly the same way. Jodie has a flare for mixing things up and for trying a new idea! I was intrigued when she said she was going to do a series on wearing a white button up blouse in new and innovative ways, so I asked if I could participate and she said yes. 

Monday we styled our white blouses under a tee shirt. Wednesday you can see us all wearing our white blouses under a sleeveless top. Today's post will show you how to wear a white blouse under another button up top.

For my look I chose a tunic. I am sure this particular piece was meant to be worn as a dress and I might style it over leggings as some point, but I thought it was a fun tunic length top that could be worn open or closed, belted or not. For this post, I chose to wear it like a jacket over my white button up.

If you click on the picture below it will take you over to Jodie's blog. Jodie has the joy of styling not just herself but her step mom, Nancy and her mom, Charlotte. I have trouble coming up with one outfit! I don't know how she styles three women. I love these unique takes on how to wear the white blouse. Jodie pretty much has hers only peeking out the top of her pretty floral blouse. Nancy is cool casual in her white and blue. Don't you love those cute shoes and her rolled up jeans? Charlotte looks so stylish and on trend with her white blouse showing beneath her belted chambray. Ladies you do us proud!

I found these bright red pants at the thrift store. They are Worthington brand from JCPenney. Worthington dress pants are wash and wear and unless you cram them in a drawer they don't need to be ironed. They also fit smoothly around the butt and thighs, which I love. Sometimes when I try on pants, they fit around the thighs, but then they gape around the waist. These being a wider leg trouser I am going to be able to style them in some fun ways in the future. 

I decided to cinch my waist in with a skinny belt and also chose brown shoes to match the belt. I think this would have looked better with a higher heeled shoe. For a bag I chose my navy Vera Wang.

If you look closely at this top you will see besides the blues and red, it also has a touch of teal green, so I chose that color for my accessories.

What do you think about this series on wearing a white blouse in different ways? Has it made you rethink that blouse that is hanging in your closet? Jodie and I both agree, this has given new life to button ups of all sorts, as a great piece for transitioning from the colder days of winter to the warmer days of spring. We hope you enjoyed following along.

Have a great weekend! 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something by clicking on a link, I get a little bit more. All your support is appreciated. We couldn't be bloggers without you! 

Friday linking up with Laurie of Vanity and Me, JoLynne in the Fashion Friday link up, and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. Saturday linking up with Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever....

Romance is in the Air - Week 3

As you all know, Valentine's Day is over, but in keeping with the idea that romance is a year round affair, here is another outfit for a date night with your significant other. The last two weeks I showed you two outfits that were a bit more dressy. This week and next week the outfits will be more casual. You can see Week 1 and Week 2 by clicking on the links. 

This J.Jill knee length velvet jacket was a thrift store find. It is a beautifully tailored piece with a full floral lining, which I forgot to take pictures of! The jacket has roomy pockets on both sides and buttons for closure. As soon as I put this on at the thrift shop, I knew I wanted it and for only six dollars who's complaining. 

I decided to pair this jacket with a floral long sleeve blouse with hints of pink and berry. I tucked the blouse into a pair of bootcut jeans and wore a navy belt. For my jewelry I decided on pink an  gold to highlight the pink in the blouse. 

Accessories included a Vera Wang bag that I thrifted and my berry heeled booties. 

This would be a great outfit for a date to a quaint little outdoor shopping area. We have a small town about a forty minute drive from where we live that was built along a picturesque river. It is a nice place to go for lunch and a walk through antique and craft shops, as well as down by the water.

While this outfit isn't as flirty and feminine as the first two, this is one that makes me feel warm, comfy and confident while still looking stylish. What would you wear on a more casual outdoor date? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below. I love to hear from you. 

Also, do me a favor, if you like my blog, but have never subscribed please do so now. I promise not to clutter up your in box and usually only send you an email once a week with links connected to each of my posts. The content will still be relevant to the week, but you won't have a whole bunch of separate email in your inbox. 

Thanks for all your support. Check back on Thursday for this week's Color Crash Course.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a shopping option below I receive a few cents. If you actually purchase something through my site I get a little bit more. However, all opinions are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness Link Up. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah in the Wearable Wednesday link up. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Ada Elegance and Mommyhood.  Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style and JoLynn Shane in the Fashion Friday link up.