Comfort

Casual elegance for Christmas 2020

/ edebock / 2 Comments

LogoAs a detail oriented person and one who makes lists for almost everything,  a couple of years ago I started making a list of all the Christmas events that we expected to attend and planning in advance exactly what I was going to wear to each one. It made getting ready so easy and took a wee bit of stress out of a very busy time of year.

Then came 2020, an oddly quiet Christmas season! The page is blank. There are no Christmas parties, concerts, or programs to attend. Nothing! On December 8, the Alberta government declared a State of Public Health Emergency. All indoor and outdoor social gatherings, public and private, are prohibited until at least January 12.

In spite of the fact that hubby and I will be home alone for Christmas, I decided to pull out a few dressy pieces and add a bit of sparkle to the season. It’s time for a bit of casual elegance even if it’s only the two of us at the kitchen table or dancing alone in the living room!

IMG_1948 2

I’ve worn this sweater several times lately. It was purchased on a Christmas shopping trip three years ago. The shimmering gold sections add a festive touch of elegance. For a casual at-home look, I’m wearing it with my comfy old tan cords. It also looks good with my grey skinny jeans.

IMG_1955

This lightweight blazer with a silvery pinstripe has been in my closet for too many years to count and has been part of many different Christmas outfits over the years, but for a 2020 look I’ve paired it with jeans and a plain white t-shirt from Uniqlo. Perhaps I’ll switch the t-shirt for my green sequinned top for Christmas Eve.

IMG_1957

With Christmas and New Years Day both falling on Fridays this season, Fashion Friday will be taking a two week break. This feature will be back on January 8th with my annual fashion shopping review. In the meantime, I do plan on writing some other non-fashion posts, so please stay tuned!

Where do you find comfort?

/ edebock / 3 Comments

If there was ever a time in most of our lives when we craved comfort, this is probably it. The combination of the upcoming holiday season + a worldwide pandemic is bound to be stressful. For many of us, the shorter, darker days of winter add to our feelings of disquiet. It’s a universal human trait to seek comfort when life becomes difficult, but where do we find that comfort? What do we turn to?

You’ve probably heard people refer to their “Quarantine 15”. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said that they had gained weight since March. This trend is no surprise. Food is one of the most common sources of comfort that people turn to in times of stress. There’s even a physiological reason for this. Chronic or ongoing stress causes the body to produce higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which in turn triggers cravings for salty, sweet, or fried foods; foods that produce a burst of energy and pleasure.

Thankfully, this hasn’t been an issue for me. In fact, in times of distress I tend to lose my appetite. One of my main go tos for comfort is a cup of hot tea which is known to lower stress hormones. Since I drink my tea black, it has the added benefit of being calorie free.

tea-mugs-250x250

Soaking in a hot bath is another favourite source of comfort for me. There’s something about being surrounded by liquid warmth that soothes away anxiety and restores a sense of peace. Perhaps it’s reminiscent of returning to the womb! 

What are some other ways that you can comfort yourself, especially if you’re trying to avoid stress eating? Here are a few suggestions, but I’d love to hear your ideas in the comment section. 

  • Exercise. This one might be challenging if gyms and recreational facilities are closed in your area, but it goes hand in hand with the next suggestion. 
  • Spend time outdoors. 
  • Listen to music.
  • Do something creative… paint, sketch, knit, crochet, sew, embroider… the options are almost endless.
  • Keep a gratitude journal.
  • Practice mindfulness. Focus on whatever you’re doing at the moment. Notice the sights, sounds, and scents that surround you. 
  • Escape into fiction. Watch a movie or read a book. 
  • Work on a jigsaw, crossword, or sudoku puzzle.
  • Savour the routines in your life. If life seems chaotic, work on establishing some routines and focus on the comfort that you receive from that first cup of coffee in the morning, a regular devotional or prayer time, a few minutes of quiet reading or contemplation after work.  

We are living in tumultuous times and there seems to be no end in sight. We can’t see the big picture and have no idea how all this is going to work out for us individually or globally, but there is One who does know. Ultimately, true comfort is to be found in faith in God. Scripture is full of words of comfort. 

2 Corinthians 1-3-4

How to wear a sweater dress

/ edebock / 5 Comments

LogoSweater dresses are a big hit this winter, perhaps because they’re so incredibly comfortable. If there was ever a year when we craved comfort, this has to be the one! I was fortunate to find this one on sale while doing some Christmas shopping recently. I bought it in midnight blue. 

Tall boots and sweater dresses are a very trendy look. They’re often shown with bare legs, but that doesn’t work in our climate, so I’m wearing mine with leggings. Since the boots are dark brown, I chose navy blue leggings rather than adding a third colour.  

IMG_1876

For a slightly edgier look, I switched the tall boots for a pair of black ankle boots and added a pair of cozy knit socks in almost the same shade as the dress.

IMG_1864

As far as footwear is concerned, almost anything goes with a sweater dress. In the remaining photos, I’m wearing a pair of flats, but the possibilities range from stilettos to sneakers. Come spring, I might try wearing the dress with bare legs and one of these pairs that both reside in my closet.

Some knits are loose or chunky and hide your figure, so cinching them in with a belt can be flattering. The heavier the knit, the wider you can go with the belt. Mine is a finer knit, so it looks best with a narrow belt. I’m not sure that it’s my best look though as it emphasizes the fact that I don’t have a very girlish waistline!

IMG_1877

Today’s photos aren’t as clear as I would have liked, so it might be a bit difficult to see that my dress has a split neck. In the next photo, I’ve buttoned it up to form a turtleneck. I haven’t worn turtlenecks much since my extensive neck surgery six and a half years ago because I haven’t found them comfortable, but this one was loose enough and soft enough not to bother me.

IMG_1886

As always, accessories complete a look. The finer the knit, the easier it is to dress up. The V created by a long necklace is flattering and elongates your look. Scarves are another way to enhance an outfit. This worked well enough with my turtleneck, but might look even better with a crew neck or V neck. 

IMG_1897

With Covid numbers escalating rapidly in our province and everyone being urged to stay at home, I probably won’t be shopping again for awhile, but I definitely wouldn’t mind adding another sweater dress to my wardrobe. They’re so versatile!

12 Trends for Fall 2020

/ edebock / 5 Comments

Logo

As we enter a new season and continue to find ourselves caught in this strange Covid-19 conundrum, I wonder how many of us are thinking about fashion trends or even considering adding to our existing wardrobes. I think, more than anything, fashion this fall is going to be all about comfort and some of the trends definitely reflect that.

Before we look at specific styles, let’s talk about colour. Though black and grey will continue to be popular neutrals, bold jewel tones lead the way this fall. Marigold, orange, wine, and rust are very popular and even chartreuse is on trend. Rich, bold blues and deep olive are also highly favoured. Head to toe outfits in warm creamy tones are a new look for fall this year.

ISABEL MARANT Fall Winter 2020 Runway Images Courtesy of ISABEL MARANT

Now for 12 of the most popular trends for fall:

1.  Textured coats  –   Shearling and faux fur are both very popular for outerwear this season.  

2.  Oversized coats  –  We definitely want to wrap ourselves in something comfy as we move into winter! 

Screen Shot 2020-08-31 at 4.36.07 PM

3.  Capes  –  Capes as coats continue the theme of wrapping ourselves in comfort. 

4.  Quilted fashions  –  Puffer coats and vests have been popular for awhile, but this season we’re also seeing quilted skirts! 

5.  Plaids and checks  –  Look for argyle patterns, tartans, gingham, houndstooth, checks of every kind this season. You may not have to look any further than your own closet to incorporate this look into your fall outfits. Vintage shops would be another great source. 

6.  Shoulder reveals  –  Not just the cold shoulder look that’s been around for the past couple of years, but asymmetrical shoulder cutouts, one shoulder, and off the shoulder looks are all on trend this season. 

7.  Puff sleeves  –  Anne of Green Gables anyone? Dramatic, voluminous sleeves are big (pun intended) this fall. 

copenhagen-str-2-rs19-0580

8.  Ruffles and tiers  –  Ruffled skirts and tiered dresses are popular. Look for Victorian-era details, particularly ruffled Victorian necklines. 

victorian ruffles

9.  Skirt suits  –  Summer’s short suits have transitioned into skirt suits for fall. This trend might appeal to many women who’ve been able to return to the workplace and who are looking to amp up their fall and winter wardrobes. Some have pleated skirts, many are seen in bright colours, and some are even all leather. 

10.  Fringe  –  Fringes, sometimes very long fringes, are being seen on hemlines, sleeves, handbags, pretty much anywhere you can put a fringe. 

11.  Metallics and sequins  –  The majority of us probably won’t be going anywhere in the near future that requires anything very fancy, but if you do, metallic fabric (especially silver) or sequins is the way to go. 

12.  Lingerie looks  –  Lastly, for the more adventurous amongst us and perhaps those who live in a warmer climate than I do, is the intimate apparel as daywear look. If you can’t decide which shirt to wear, don’t panic. Just go without one! Bra tops and bustiers under jackets are a trend, though not one that I”m likely to adopt! 

Bra top under jacket

As you can see from the photos, it’s very easy to mix and match this fall’s trends. Think plaid overcoat, cape, or skirt suit, for example. 

As I’ve mentioned in previous seasonal trend posts, some of these may appeal to you and others probably won’t. Don’t ever feel compelled to wear something simply because it’s on trend. Instead, pick and choose those colours that suit your skin tone and looks that fit your personal style. And, before you start shopping for this season’s trends, remember to shop your own closet. Perhaps you’ll find something there that fits right in with the current trends. 

Slippers

/ edebock / 8 Comments

LogoAfter a week during which I published a couple of fairly heavy posts about the fallout from Covid-19, let’s finish off with some fashion fluff! During this time when most of us are spending more time at home than usual, what are you wearing on your feet?

When I was growing up on the coast of British Columbia, we usually wore our shoes in the house. If I remember correctly, that was common in that time and place. Here on the prairie, however, almost everyone takes their shoes off at the door and when I settled here, that quickly became my habit too. Though I live in town, this is farming country and I suspect that taking your shoes off simply developed as a way to keep from tracking barnyard dirt into the house. It was a habit that served us well when we moved to Japan where homes traditionally had tatami mats on the floors and shoes are always taken off at the entrance.

My preference has always been to go barefoot, but since we live in a climate that isn’t conducive to that except for a few months of the year, I usually wear slippers in the house. Until fairly recently, my slipper of choice was a mule; comfortable and easy to slip on and off. Last winter, however, I took part in a falls prevention program put on by our local health authority. One of the topics that was covered was footwear. It was then that I really began to notice that my slippers weren’t very secure on the stairs which I usually go up and down several times a day. Since they were beginning to show signs of wear anyway, I decided to replace them with these.

Screen Shot 2020-04-15 at 1.13.38 PM

The moccasin style is warm and comfortable as well as much more secure on my feet and the rubber sole provides good grip when it’s needed. They’re available in eleven different colours and I notice that they’re even on sale right now.

Screen Shot 2020-04-15 at 1.14.28 PM

Whatever you’re wearing on your feet, I hope you’re staying home, staying safe, and coping well in spite of all the restrictions brought on by the pandemic!

What’s in the suitcase this time?

/ edebock / 22 Comments

LogoI didn’t actually think that there was going to be a Fashion Friday post this week. Life threw us an unexpected curve a few days ago when we learned that my very frail 96-year-old father had taken a turn for the worse. He isn’t expected to live and we’re once again on our way to Vancouver.

There were a lot of details that we had to take care of at home in order to clear our calendars and get on our way. Very little thought or planning went into what’s in our suitcase. Thankfully, we travel a lot and packing has become second nature to me. When I looked at the clothes laying on the bed in our guest room, which doubles as my packing room, I realized that I’d automatically chosen mostly neutrals and that everything coordinated so that I could put together many outfits with just a few items. The latter is a very important key to packing well.

We spent many hours on the road yesterday and at one point I found myself thinking about what was in the suitcase. I came to the realization that, for the most part, I’d packed what might best be referred to as comfort clothes. Comfortable, yes, but also comforting. Clothes like my grey and white Breton t-shirt and my tan cords that feel like old friends. I may not be a shining fashionista in the things that I packed, but in these challenging days, I’ll be dressed in clothes that bring me comfort.

What about you? Do you have clothes that you instinctively reach for on days when you need comforting?

Dressing for an autumn hike

/ edebock / 7 Comments

Dressing for a hike is all about comfort, not style. I don’t want to look terrible when I’m on the trail, but I’m much more concerned about wearing clothes that are comfortable and well suited to the conditions. When we set out last Saturday morning, the sky was overcast and the temperature was 17ºC (about 63ºF). We knew that it was likely going to get warmer as the morning went by, so as always, layering was the key.

I started with a long sleeved grey and white striped Breton tee and a comfortable pair of jeans that used to be black, but are now faded to a dark charcoal grey. (Any tips for keeping black jeans from fading would be much appreciated.) Both items are several years old. Next, I added a lightweight athletic jacket that I bought at our local thrift store back in January. It was like new and was definitely one of the best $3 investments I’ve ever made! It’s been to Mexico and Europe with me and I’m sure its cost per wear is already just a few cents. The final layer was my Uniqlo ultra light down vest.

I wear a ball cap to shade my face. There’s a good reason for that. I have no depth vision. I never have had so I don’t know what I’m missing. My brain has other ways of compensating, but wearing sunglasses removes whatever sense of depth I have and makes walking on uneven ground treacherous. As a result, I never wear them when I’m hiking.

Being surefooted on the trail is important, so good sturdy footwear is vital. My Merrell hiking shoes may not be particularly glamorous, but they’re comfortable and provide excellent support.

One thing I’m not wearing is makeup. Why would I? I admit that I look a little washed out in the photos, but I was hiking! I did wear sunscreen though. Even when it’s overcast, I want to protect my skin.

As the morning progressed, the sky cleared and the temperature rose. Layers came off and by the end of our hike the jacket was tied around my waist, the vest was tucked into it’s little sack and tied to one of my belt loops, and my sleeves were pushed up.

3Cs… classy, confident, and comfortable

/ edebock / 11 Comments

LogoIn one of her most recent posts, Pam Lutrell of Over 50 Feeling 40, one of my favourite fashion blogs, presented her readers with a lengthy list of adjectives and asked us to choose the top three that we would like our wardrobes to say about us. I chose classy, confident, and comfortable.

In my mind, the first two go hand in hand. When I know I look good, I feel like I can conquer the world and to me looking good means dressing with class.

As I mentioned in last Friday’s post, now that I’m retired, I want my wardrobe to be what I would call classy casual.

Screen Shot 2018-01-24 at 3.45.05 PM

So what makes an outfit classy? There are no one size fits all rules, but here are a few tips to help:

Learn how to dress your body type  –  What looks good on some of my curvy girlfriends might do nothing at all for my boyish figure and vice versa. Look for garments that highlight your best features and don’t draw attention to the ones that you’d rather conceal.

Fit  –  In the words of Stacy London and Clinton Kelly of What Not to Wear fame, “If you don’t have fit, you don’t have style.” The key is to try things on and look in the fitting-room mirror with a critical eye. Do shoulder seams lie in the right place? Are armholes sufficiently high without cutting into your armpits? Does the garment pull across your shoulder blades? Is the length appropriate? Is there puckering or wrinkling anywhere? If you’re unsure about fit, try on another size for comparison. Then, if you’re seriously considering buying an item, leave the dressing room and head for the three-way mirror! Don’t buy anything without first checking the fit from behind!

Know which colours look best with your complexion  –  Wearing the right colours can make your hair look radiant, your eyes pop, and your skin glow. On the other hand, the wrong colours, especially worn close to your face, will make you look tired or washed out.

Modesty  –  I’m not talking about hiding under a nun’s habit or a burqa here, but there’s nothing classy about overexposure! Unless you’re at the beach or beside the pool, keep your cleavage and your belly button covered. Underwear is meant to be worn under what you’re wearing, so keep your bra straps out of sight too and please, please remember that leggings are not pants! Make sure your butt and your crotch are covered. ‘Nuff said!

Accessorize, but don’t overdo it  –  Jewelry is meant to enhance an outfit, not overpower it. In my opinion, understated is better than garish or overly ostentatious. Scarves are a great way to add colour and visual interest to an outfit and don’t forget that your shoes are also an accessory. There’s nothing like a cute shoe to add a little class!

When it comes to classy, confident dressing, learn to trust your instincts. Wear what makes you feel like your best self. Think about the outfits that you feel happiest wearing and the ones that you receive the most compliments on. Chances are, they make you look classy. And don’t forget that dressing classy doesn’t have to cost a lot. Yes, you could spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on designer clothes, but you can also find comparable looks at reasonable prices, and if you’re like me, you might even find some wonderful buys in your local thrift stores! Check here for 18 tips to help you!

Comfortable is my final C word and to me, that’s a no brainer! Regardless of how well a garment fits and whether or not the colour suits you, if you don’t find it comfortable or you don’t like the texture of the fabric, you won’t enjoy wearing it.

What words would you choose to describe what you would like your wardrobe to say about you?