While I’ve been sipping and sketching and writing about tea, I’ve been wearing a new pair of pants that I love. Want to see?
Wide-wale cord in a glorious colour — striking, but goes with almost everything. . . Distinctive and, okay, a bit quirky, but just the right amount of quirkiness for me. . .
I bought them early in January in a winter sale and they’re in constant rotation ’round here. . .
Not least because they have an elasticated waist!
And pockets, capacious pockets, front and back.
No, they’re not super flattering, but they’re flattering enough — and I feel amazing in them, which is one of the best accessories going, no? Worn here over that 3/4 sleeve, navy, cotton t-shirt I bought last summer and the Strodie pulloverI knit while travelling, year before last.
Of course, these days, I mostly wear my new cords (by a small Danish company, McVerdi; and bought at a small, independent, neighbourhood boutique) with my slippers, indoors.
But sometimes I pull on a (handknit) hat
throw on a coat (this was also a late winter purchase, and, unfortunately, not on sale. But it was a coup de foudre, colpo di fulmine, lightning strike, love at first sight, etc. — Harris Tweed stock leftovers patchworked brilliantly into a tailored coat by Nygaardsana, again found at my favourite local boutique. And yes, I’m going to stay away for awhile 😉 )
and my Blundstones because it was slushy out there. . . .
And when I’m not inside drinking tea or outside sloshing through rain and slush,
I’ve also been meeting friends at a pub in Ottawa. During these current travel and meeting-outside-the-bubble restrictions, you ask incredulously?
Well, yes, but it’s not what you think. . . No protocols were ignored during the Virtual Pub Night organized by myfriend Sue over at High Heels in the Wilderness. In case you don’t already read her blog, I’ll tell you that she’s organized a number of virtual events during our months and months of confinement (a weekend in Paris, an afternoon at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier, even a glamping evening in her backyard by the river). And for this weekend’s pub night — during which she coaxed me over to the piano to play for a singalong (our group had the pub to ourselves) — I wore my new pants
with a thick black cashmere turtleneck sweater (Vince, had it a few years), because it’s cold in Ottawa in February!
Of course, I wore my new coat as well, and you’d better believe I had gloves and a hat and scarf as well. . .
But I’m back home now, and have shed those, have the kettle brewing as I take this last photo, then take off the boots, hang up my coat . . .
and grab my book as I head over to the couch with . . .
you know it!
A cup of tea. Wish you could join me. . . . and as it happens, next post up here features a cup of tea shared between two friends. Yes, again, a sharing managed without breaking any protocols or bubbles. . . Tune in later this week to see what I’m talking about.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a little diversion, I featured a little “meet-cute” in yesterday’s Instagram post. . . A friendship (even a possible romance?) made in a knitting basket 😉
And also meanwhile, even if we can’t drink our tea together, in the same room, we can chat a bit as we drink our favourite hot brew — from a dainty china teacup and saucer or from a hefty pottery mug, according to our preferences. So leave a comment below, if you would, about whatever’s on your mind. Winter sales or your favourite tea blend or the imaginary event you’d wave a magic wand for these days. . . Whatever, don’t be shy 😉
Love the coat. Have had three pairs of Oska corduroy pants for years, partially elasticated across the back. I love corduroy. Mine are black, taupe, and brown. I get a lot of wear out of them in the winter when I remember to swap them out for jeans. I recently winnowed down my closet contents again, and they made the cut, so I hope to wear them more frequently since I can remember they exist.:)
I am glad you have made peace with elastic waist pants. I have not simply because it is way way too easy for me to have that 'ease' and fill it But you are a runner and would not do as I did at the beginning of the pandemic… I'm posting on that. Not having a scale at home, and with my gym where I weighed closed for good, I am paying the price.
You always have an "artist" vibe going, that those pants rachet it up a notch. Bravo!
I made it to Uniqlo during the soldes and got a few pairs of stretch dress pants, including one with an elastic waist. They are as comfortable as sweats and yoga pants but look so much better, and much classier than jeans. I am just wearing them to work from home, but I feel much more professional in them than in yoga pants. All my other pants are 20 years old (and still look good but they are dry clean and not stretch), leftovers from my office days.
Love your new cords – they remind me of a pair I bought this winter from Everlane in a color they call Acorn which looks very much like the color of yours. Yes, you’re right – they go with just about everything – even pink!
slf
KCJ: Winnowing closets is always a good idea! And remembering to "want what we have."
Duchesse: I'll check that post right after I finish here. I don't run much at all anymore, but one way or another I do try to keep up an exercise routine, even with the building gym closed. But there's no denying that many of us have found more comfort in food and drink during this pandemic confinement than is good for our waistlines. Especially tough for those of you with long hard winters.
Taste: Thanks! I've been wary of elastic waists, but they're showing up in much better cuts these days, none of the clumsy bulk they used to feature. Sounds as if they make a good way to shift from work mode to at-home mode for you — seems important to me to want some markers of that boundary.
SLF: I just checked out the Everlane Easy Pant in Acorn cord — they're cute and the colour looks very similar. I bet you're wearing them often!
Ah… I covet those cords, Frances. And with that grey more tailored coat they hit so many sweet spots for me. I've always admired your style. I saw those cords that slf mentions on the Everlane site, but shied away without knowing how they would fit. I am still leery about returning online purchases that can't be returned to a bricks and mortar store.
Thanks for the kind mention, my friend. I am so pleased to be able to call you that. xo
Sadie went sleeveless! She must be one hot mouse. Cute dress. 🙂
Imagining those cords are soft as butter. Can see why they are in regular rotation. And Harris Tweed is forever. Very stylish combo. Only purchase I've made was a pair of very soft pj's. Living wild. What can I say?
Well, now I want a cup of tea. And I need to dig out my favorite cup, the one my husband doesn't seem to appreciate, that filters its way to the back of the cupboard, and sometimes even to the shelf with the vases. I will think of you as I sip, after I decide between straight green tea and the one with turmeric and other healthy things (I already had coffee today, so I'll go lighter on the caffeine).
Wasn't that pub night fun! So glad to have seen you there. I admired the colour of your pants the moment you arrived!
I'm an avid tea drinker too. Would love to have a cup with you in real life or virtually! I drink green tea every morning and lately my tea of choice in the afternoon has been Organic Blueberry Jam from David's Tea that I was given at Christmas.
I am also mostly a tea drinker, current favorites are Earl Gray and ginger. Awhile back I purchased a couple of pairs of jogger pants for wearing around the house to do chores and such, also a sweatshirt from Everlane made from recycled bottles in a sage green. I am not a cashmere snob so just bought myself two sweaters from Lands End on half price sale. When I was working I bought 5 cashmeres from them and they are still a major part of my Fall and Winter Wardrobe. now more apt to wear them with jeans than trousers. one is a simple v neck in black and the other pastel stripes, very springy looking. I hope the quality is similar to what is was years ago. And I
really like those pants.
Really like the pants. I am mostly a tea drinker, currently favoring Earl Gray and ginger. favorite mugs have pictures of Paris for the memories or creations of my grandson when he was 8. recently purchased a couple of jogger pants and an Everlane sweatshirt made of recycled bottles in sage green for house chores and home yoga practice. also took advantage of half price sale at Lands End and purchased two cashmere sweaters, one black basic and a striped Springy looking pastel. I bought several years ago when I was still working and they performed well and still do.
I really Like the pants. I am basically a tea drinker, current favorites are ginger and Earl Gray. My mug is either one with scenes of Paris, for the memory and for aspiration, or one created by my then 8 year old grandson. recently purchased a couple of jogger pants and a sage green sweatshirt from Everlane made from recycled bottles. also just bought, awaiting delivery, two cashmere sweaters from lands End I took advantage of a half price sale. one is a black V neck and the other pastel stripes. years ago while still working I bought 5 from them which I still consider the basis of much of my Winter wardrobe. hope they perform as well. DARBY
I like those cords on you. The colour is so rich and warm, a cheery shade to energize your walks.
Am knitting again as my tennis elbow is finally on the mend…it has been months! It is a Doocot sweater in a lime green shade…I am at the ribbing stage on the body of the sweater and still have sleeves to knit but am enjoying the process. The techniques are mostly new to me so it has been a steep learning curve, and Beehive is not offering in store tutorials and classes due to covid so I have been relying on You Tube knitting videos and the Vogue Knitting book! Am very encouraged to knit another sweater if this one turns out!!
Sue: Happy to call you a friend as well and thanks for the kind words! (I'm pretty wedded to bricks-and-mortar myself, knowing the chances I'd procrastinate on packaging up a return in time!)
Mary: A pair of soft pyjamas can't be beat! (and it's true: Harris Tweed is forever — as long as I keep the moths at bay 😉
Marsha: Yes! life's too short to drink from any cups/mugs other than our favourite! My own tea-drinking usually involves caffeine, actually — I rarely drink coffee at home but like a pretty decent brew of black tea. . . non-caff from late afternoon on.
Elaine: It was a fun evening! Loved your plaid coat. See my comment, above, to Marsha re tea-drinking 😉
Darby: Tea and cashmere — a combo to delight in! And bottles recycled into sweat pants should be good as well, right? especially in sage green.
Hostess: I remember when you began that sweater — I think you were using Rowan Felted Tweed, which is what I made my own Doocot in (although mine's Rust). If you've made it down to that hem ribbing, you've already figured out most of the techniques — brava! It's tough right now without access to help from our LYS, but it's amazing what's available on line. I look forward to seeing how your sweater turns out.
Very late to the party but couldn’t resist saying how much I like your new cords and that fabulous coat. It’s amazing how some colours seem to go with pretty much everything, especially when it’s a colour you don’t expect to be versatile. I have a yellow Oroton shoulder bag, which I bought after a coup de foudre, thinking it would go with enough outfits to justify the cost but it’s hardly left my shoulder. It goes with just about everything and 3-years later people still remark how pretty it is (it’s been to a wonderful shoe repairer for some maintenace). And the coat is sublime – classic style and fabulous colour.
I recently added a soft blue, 3/4-sleeve, cotton shirt and a summer dress to my wardrobe. The former will be great for autumn but the latter won’t now be worn much until next summer. Both were purchased from brick-and-mortar local shops. We’ve had no community transmission of COVID here for 41 days, vaccinations have commenced and life is returning to normal in many ways. Here’s hoping that things continue to improve here and everywhere.
I do like your new cords and think they are flattering and suit your style. I almost want to get into a long discussion of what we consider "flattering" to mean and the entire bit of cultural baggage that surrounds it, but this is not the time or place. Perhaps someday we can meet over a cup of tea, or wine, and this can be one of many discussions.
Dear Frances,sorry to be so late for the party,but even now,despite Covid,days are a bit hectic. One needs extraterrestial forces to find handymen for some repairs during pandemics AND after earthquake and,when we get them,we have to treat them like royals 🙂
I love cord and velvet very much and your trousers are so nice,beautiful colour and a fit- perfect outfit for the pub evening!
And your charming little knitted characters- lucky grandchildren to have you!
Dottoressa
I LOVE the colour of those pants. Confession: I had a dream last night I was shopping–trying on clothes–something I haven't done for months and months. So–today I went shopping. Alone. With a mask on. It wasn't like my dream. But I enjoyed the largesse–the layers and layers of texture and colour. And I actually bought a few items, including leopard print ankle boots–gasp.
Maria: That bag sounds like a gem! Those true "coups de foudre" rarely steer us wrong, I believe. . . Your low transmission rates, vaccinations on track — so hopeful. We're not there yet, but trying to glimpse that light. . .
Mardel: It's definitely a problematic term for women — and yes, won't that be a good chat!
Dottoressa: I hope you've got your ET's in line, all their crowns comfortable, repairs nearly done 😉 xoxo
Alison: Good for you — following your dream 😉 I know what you mean about largesse, some expansiveness to push the walls away just a bit (no matter how comfy the walls might be). Leopard ankle boots, yep, I'm gasping! Brava you!