Cold, damp cold, the kind that insinuates itself nastily between every fold, burrowing deep into joints, making old injuries whine. And then the other kind of cold, the one that attaches a soggy kleenex to one’s hand day-in, day-out, that threatens to pull one’s lungs out one’s eyeballs with each wracking cough . . . These two ganged up on me last week. I eventually cried “Uncle,” and called in sick, although I dragged myself back in the next day, and then spent the weekend at home hacking over a stack of essays that had to be marked, preparing a lesson for Monday’s class.
Ah, woe is me. Poor me.
And poor me wants comfort. Comfort with a bit of cheer-me-up style. Print that’s whimsical enough to lift my spirits but in tones muted enough that they don’t exhaust my red-rimmed, pestilence-wearied eyes.
Cashmere is the first, and obvious step — so, one Bompard v-neck pullover. And the muted but whimsical print comes in the form of skinny corduroys by Citizens of Humanity. I’m not sure how or why I came to purchase these a size too big when I’d already learned that even my regular size is too big where Lycra is involved. However. While the slouch might not be for everywhere, in a skinny jean, I quite like the effect (while admitting that the photos below show its disadvantages) in these cords. Once again, I assert that not every woman strives to look 5′ 7″ and 107 pounds. For me, that’s so far off the range of possibility as to be ridiculous. . .
Anyway.
The cashmere pull comforts, but the cold is not defeated. First solution, wind a cashmere scarf around my neck — the print-mixing may be a tad too bold to attempt while ill, but again, the colours are muted, and the fabrics so soft. . . .
Add just a bit of shine — because smiles have to come from somewhere, right? — in the form of Fluevog Cha-Cha slipper-loafers, so comfy. . .
Admittedly, this last layer of cashmere (Bompard extra-fine cardi) might weigh the look down somewhat, frump me up more than necessary. But ah, the comfort. . . .
And speaking of comfort. . . . when I’m sitting at work, I get to look down at these subtle jewels of colour in such a pretty paisley. I find that comforting indeed.. .
Not sure what we’ll find in terms of Comfort Dressing over at Patti’s Visible Monday, but it’s always fun to see what others are sharing. So much personal style collected by such a gracious blogger — I’m linking up there today, and I hope you get a chance to check it out.
I also hope you find some comfort these January days, dark here in the Northern Hemisphere. How are you keeping your body warm and your spirit lifted?
It's almost impossible to go wrong with cashmere! The tones all mesh beautifully, scarf is stunning. The pants are a spot of fun I wouldn't have thought to buy, not being a pattern girl, but I love them!! Yes, being 5'7" is a joke for me but proportion fixes all 🙂 Here's hoping you continue to kick the bug's ass!
Jennifer
So you're a shortie as well?
Those skinny cords are truly excellent, and I agree with the above comment that it is pretty much impossible to go wrong with cashmere.
Aren't they great cords? I really like them!
Cashmere the ultimate in soothing when one is under the weather…get well soon.
I have booked off the week as I now have pneumonia so take care it doesn't morph into that with you.
Hope you're starting to build your strength back up — I'd never have guessed this bug could be so serious!
Sorry to hear of the wretched illness, Mater. But you've put together a very warm and appealing look, with cashmere, corduroy and some spectacular shoes! Thanks for sharing it all with VisibleMonday.
Thanks Patti!
I LOVE those pants. They are beautiful and unique, but subtle enough to be comforting.
Thanks, Rebecca — I really like them!
I hope you are feeling much better soon.
Your skinny cords are fab! I think your pattern mixing was perfection. The muted colors in the scarf are picked up in the pants. I don't think it gets better than that. You have an enviable figure and look fabulous!
Thanks! I was a bit skeptical about the pattern mixing, so it's good to know someone else likes it.
I like the whole look – soft and cosy with no edginess. I can only pull off edginess when I'm operating at 100%. I find that I often wear my favourite bright colours on Mondays – somehow they hold me up through the long day.
Exactly — takes too much energy to do edgy!
The tones all work so well together! I really like the print on those paisley pants. Subtle from afar, but a bit bolder close up. The silver loafers are the perfect accent! I'm so sorry to hear that you're still at the mercy of that virus, whatever it is.
Thanks — I'm glad you also find some boldness up close that takes on subtlety with a bit of distance. That's what I find comforting, I guess. . .
I'm crazy for corduroy and there's really nothing warmer. I find denim absolutely freezing and it is my last choice in a cold climate. Along with silk essentially long johns – this is the time of year when I wear wool. Can't stand wool next to my skin but must wear it with layers in between. The print on your pants is fabulous.
It's true — denim offers no cuddle factor at all in cold/damp weather. Corduroy is a different story — and combined with silk longjohns — oh yes!
What terrific pants! I didn't see the rich colours till the last photo. Happy they make you feel better; anything that helps.
I know! They're deceptive, the pants, with the tones looking quite muted from a distance. They do lift my spirits, which have needed the lift!
Now here is a healthcare strategy … let us all wear cashmere while we are ill, and while we may not be less than contagious and miserable, we can still be amazing!
As are you. As always. Wishing you a warm front and an instant return to full health.
I like the idea of a medical prescription that says the Doctor orders Cashmere! Thanks for sharing that! 😉
I started typing and the comment disappeared. The outfit is artfully styled and I love the paisley pants. I do hope you feel better soon. Colds are a real drag.
So frustrating when Blogger disappears the comments — what's that about?! Thanks for taking the time to re-format!
I'm glad you showed the close up of the cords. I love them, and the colors truly came out in the last shot. I'm a cashmere lover myself, and know exactly what you mean about comfort. I have an old oversized cashmere sweater that I sleep in, now that it has a couple of small holes in it.
Oooh, that's a perfect sleep sweater — I can just imagine the comfort!
Yes and yes. Plus wearing all that cashmere people are bound to come and unconsciously pat you on the back:). Love the pants.
It's quite true — one does want to reach out and pat cashmere. . . 😉