A few outfits I’ve worn in the last week or two, as we move closer to the Winter Solstice. . . we’ve had a week of icy temperatures and sunny skies and now if we’ve still got Christmas shopping to do, we’re braving wind and rain and a scarf, hat, and warm coat.
Perfect weather, then, for my new wool bouclé moto-style jacket (Eileen Fisher) and my recently completed cashmere-silk-mohair beret (both featured in my journal illustrations, last post). Worn here with boots I bought in Bordeaux three years ago and continue to find just a bit too tight on my right foot — finally had them stretched by my wonderful neighbourhood cobbler, although I’m not sure that’s going to do the trick. . . Wearing a chalk-striped dress (label: Minimum, also shown here). The zebra scarf I’ve had at least eight years, but too often now find it too high-contrast to wear. . . I think I like it like this, though. . .
And here’s my most recent iteration of a favourite style: Bluestocking Chic (although you’re right, the Chic is debatable).
The purple cardi is cashmere (Bompard), at least five years old, and I’m wearing it with the love-at-first-sight silk scarf I bought in Paris last month. The silk is heavy and sumptuous, but it was the way the print featured a soft pink that could echo/balance my pink Oxfords in an outfit without in any way being too girly. The print leans to the baroque and the colours playing with the pale pink are its older, more sophisticated cousins, who may even have talked it into taking a puff or two of that naughty Gitane. . .
And then my tweedy grey wool box-pleated midi-skirt, which I bought at The Gap about ten years ago — I’m not sure they’ve done anything I liked as much before or since (although I also have a fringed, wildly embroidered slim black midi-skirt they did the same winter).
I’ve decided that I don’t mind the staggered hems that are inevitable with a hip-length jacket (although it took me some time, considerable observation of stylish young women “on the street”). . . but some will find this distracting. (And let’s not even get started talking of the hem problems when it comes to midi-skirts and coats. . . )
One last outfit, and this one doesn’t involve a coat or scarf.
What it does feature is the “little black dress” I bought in Bordeaux two years ago, somewhat against my better judgement (hmm, combined with what I told you above, re the boots, are you seeing a theme emerge here? I promise I’ve been gradually learning these lessons, Brownie’s honour!).
I’ve worn this dress a few times and I still love it — a fine black wool crèpe that drapes beautifully while offering a light warmth — and pockets! The embroidery means I don’t even need to think about jewelry, just pop the dress on over black tights and a simple pair of boots or shoes, and I’m ready to take the granddaughters to a theatre performance or to celebrate Christmas Eve with my huge extended family.
But I’ve continued to second-guess the dress’s length as too short/young for me, and a number of times it’s gone back into the closet after a try-on.
The other day, I popped it on as a nod to the festive season we’re embarking on (truly, all of December is fair game for the sparkles and the colour as ways to brighten these short, darker days — it’s not the time to save the good stuff for special occasions, imho) — and was just lifting it over my head to put it back on its hanger when I remembered something a reader had commented a ways back — that perhaps I could wear it (or another short dress) over jeans, tunic-like.
I’ve done this dress-over-pants look before, but only with a slimmer cut or at leastin a fabric that stays closer to the body I wasn’t sure this more substantial dress could work with jeans, but I love the look I ended up with by cuffing the jeans and pairing with my Blundstones for a solid grounding.
Again, not for everyone, but I’m pleased to be allowing that dress to earn its keep and managing what feels to me a comfortable yet expressive outfit with a bit of edge, a nod to the street, if you will. . . (Ah, please, leave me my Nana illusions 😉
Week before Christmas now, and all is reasonably calm here, although I have a few things I’d like to pick up, still, and I’m trying to decide on a Christmas dessert. I’m also sketching up a little Christmas story (illustrating the memory of a favourite gift) to share with you closer to Christmas Eve. And also making sure to find time to sit and enjoy the twinkling lights of the bare-branched maple tree outside and the small cut fir tree inside (yes, we decided we could squeeze one in).
And what about you — do you celebrate (and if not, what’s that like in a culture that is so focussed on the various Christmas stories)? Are you finding ways to enjoy the days before? Have you found any felicitous combinations of clothes and accessories that make you feel just a bit happier as you’ve grappled with too much Christmas traffic and too-long lineups at the cashier? All comments welcome, as you might know by now. Happy Monday!
Frances,against my better judgement :-), I love staggered hems!!! And wear them a lot
I like the new jacket and your new beret is simply gorgeous
IMO there is no law against your beautiful mini dress,black leggings and boots…
I'm having really very difficult and tiring Advent,but decided to surround myself with twinkling lights and enjoy every minute when at home
I wear my Frankie-like silk chiffon skirt (although she wouldn't approve the colour-it is something between taupe and dirty rose) with black cashmere turtleneck and biker boots (and warm leggings!)
Happy Monday to you,too!
Dottoressa
I love the sound of this skirt of yours! And perfectly styled with black t-neck and biker boots. Must get you and Frankie together!!
I'm sorry you're finding this season difficult, and I hope the surrounding twinkle and the comfort of home help. xoxo
That dress is in no way too short. It looks fantastic.
Bisous et bonnes fêtes,
The French Fashion Police.
The approval of the French Fashion Police means a lot to me. Bises a vous aussi
Francis, you look terrific. I like your various configuration of outfits. Yes edgy, but just enough. You have a wonderful sense of personal style. The zebra scarf is perfect. I think that I need one.
Ali
Thank you! Got the scarf at A to Zebra, back in the day. . . (did you ever get to that shop — on The Big Island 😉
I like your adventures in dressing. Not living in a city means I rarely get too adventurous when it comes to my clothing. Love your beret.
It's very true — much easier to be "clothing adventurous" in a city.
Love all those outfits, personality plus!
Suz from Vancouver
Thank you!
I do like a dress over jeans, especially in the summer. How to be comfortable and cosy all in one. The weather here in the UK is cold and very wet, not at all fun when you are wandering about trying to do present shopping. However, I have given myself until Thursday to get every bit bought and then I am going to surrender to enjoyment, albeit low-key. Re the dessert – making a panettone bread pudding for a pre-Christmas party supper. With extra butter and cream. Tree yet to be bought but twinkling lights everywhere. I have spent a happy time inspecting local decorations via people's front windows. All very satisfactory. My aim: to enjoy every day of the celebrations and without a hangover. Felicitations!
Ooooh, that bread pudding sounds delightfully decadent.
And your pre-Christmas activities are exactly what I love to see, a low-key celebration that's sustained and sustaining. Continue. . .
I love that Bordeaux dress! It's not too short but I understand your uncertainty. You look very urbane in all of your outfits. I have a new style label "academic gypsy".
This is a great style label!
I agree with the other commenters…that dress is not too short, It is very versatile too worn with leggings or jeans.
I'd like to see your new scarf unfolded…
I purchased a similar one as a Xmas gift.
Its been so cold, wet and windy that I've had to dress in layers when leaving the house! The EF jacket looks really gorgeous! That could be dressed up or down…good find. Enjoy your evening Frances
I'll try to get some photos of my new scarf unfolded, eventually.
It has been snarly weather lately, although tbh, I'm just happy there's no snow.
I like staggered hems, especially if they look deliberate. That purple stripe below your new EF jacket looks great. That red hat is divine. "Covet, covet," as a good friend used to say when someone wore something she wished she'd worn. The striped scarf with the dark coat (is it black?) and the red hat is very striking and tres chic, especially with the striped dress. I'm trying to get caught up on my blog reading today, in between arranging and rearranging house and tree decorations, and listening to the new Ian Rankin on Audible:)
Hi Frances, holding my breath, and crossing fingers (difficult whilst typing 🙂 ) that this will actually post! All your outfits really suit you and look well styled. The dress works well over jeans but I also think you'd be fine with thick tights and boots …. It's not too short! I have a grey dress similar to your chalk stripe one …. Such an easy style to wear. Your new jacket is a perfect addition to your wardrobe, as is beret … Such a beautiful colour and yarn mix.
At the moment, I'm enjoying the twinkling of our tree lights and candles, whilst sipping my first coffee of the day. The run up to Christmas has been a lovely balance of enjoying the moment and all the usual preparations, mixed with occasional stress! Overall, I feel I've achieved a decent balance though 🙂 Although I've still some wrapping to finish, I'm looking forward to doing it after a walk and lunch out later today.
As always, I'm enjoying all your posts … love the variety of topics … and the sketches!
Rosie
Yay!!!