Hello! Welcome back!
I’ve missed you, and I’m happy we’re heading into Fall together, but I’ve got a confession. Much as I hoped I’d write a few posts over my month-long break, I found I was completely disinclined to do so. Oh, perhaps not completely disinclined. Occasionally, some small idea or an observation, a memory or an incident, would incline me as far as composing a sentence or two. . . and then the book I was reading would call me back to the terrace, or my fellow would urge a bike ride, or I’d realize I was really tired after the three-day road trip I had thought I’d show you photos of. . .
So here I am this morning, and. . . I Got Nothing!
And I’m picking up my granddaughter and her friend this morning, after their introductory first-day hour at school (parents everywhere scrambling to make this work), needing to get a few errands done before that . . .
Luckily, I remember, my inclination over the break did lean me as far as snapping the occasional photo as I headed out the door in an easy summer outfit that pleased me. Still three more weeks in which I might wear any of these, although the linen frocks might have less time than that — sunny this week, but the temps aren’t going above 23 and the thermometer’s dropping to 15C at night.
The common denominator in all these outfits, you’ll note, is the Stan Smith sneakers, which I bought a few weeks ago and have since taken biking a few times and walked many kilometres — almost no noticeable scuffing.
I’ll probably move them to the back of the closet once the rains start falling, but I’m hoping I can enjoy wearing them a few more weeks. I love them with these two easy pieces, and it’s almost cool enough to wear the sweatshirt again (a few years old, All Saints). I have plans to wear the skirt threadbare, seriously, it’s so good (cotton-linen blend, by Uniqlo, picked up in Bordeaux this spring).
Except that I remember a few other skirts that have been languishing for many months, waiting for their turn. Those skirts that play well with sweaters and boots and burnished oxfords. . . . Their time is coming, say the apples ripening on the trees just outside, on the terrace.
But the pink New Dawn roses are still blooming, and they tell me to enjoy summer. . .
to wear the summer frocks, right up until the Fall Equinox. . .
And don’t you always think you should listen to what a pale pink rose tells you?
That’s all the whimsy and What I Wore I have for you this morning.
We can hope there will be more substance as my blogging mojo gets its groove back. Or something.
Thanks for being here.
Yay! You're back! Love all these looks, especially that tiger t-shirt.
slf
Good to see your blog back. Instagram works well for communication of interesting activities. I'm wearing linen for as long as possible. We're off for to Tucson for 5 weeks in December-January and I'm away to Oaxaca in March so my linen will get worn out.
I'd like a pair of those runners because they really suit the linen boho look. Maybe we'll get away with a dry September. I've got a couple of ponchos (you probably do too) that I could wear over my dresses.
I went in for Stans and came out with Gazelles. Wasn't sure whether I was happy but now have decided I am. They are comfortable. Wore them today with a red dress.
There is a very bizarre/creative podcast called "Everything Is Alive," in which the host interviews inanimate objects (voiced by humans). It's so off the wall. I love it. Anyway, Adidas had the stroke of genius to sponsor the podcast, with interviews of Stan Smiths the shoes AND Stan Smith the real person the shoes were named after. So meta. It just doesn't get better than that.
I just got a linen dress from Uniqlo (in Toulouse) and love it. So comfortable on hot days.
I love the whimsy and of course your style. I think it's hard to get back into the blogging groove after a break – and when the thoughts you have out cycling or whatever seem to vaporise when faced with a blank page ( or maybe that is just me )
Would welcome tips on how to do the OOTD selfies – because you have nailed it.
The sneakers are just the perfect finish to all of these outfits! Our cooler weather is still weeks off, but my summer wardrobe feels too summery at this point.
Sounds like you enjoyed your break, welcome back!
Welcome back Frances! I love the two linen frocks, and I really love the sneakers. I am planning to wear a linen outfit to a party this weekend, stretching out the summer. I purchased some bright yellow Nike platform sneakers at Nordstrom several months ago and have been wearing them around and about. When I first saw them I hesitated, came back to the hotel and asked my guy if I was too old for them. he said "go back and see if they speak to you and if they do, buy them!" I did, and they did and now they are my fun shoes! People comment on them all the time.
I love the fall with its feeling of something wonderful around the corner. I appreciate your posts, even if you feel you don't have much to write. You do! Enjoy the fall. Brenda
Glad you have returned. I think summer is going to hang on for a while longer, only a bit cooler. I feel more me in fall clothes, my sneakers and boots. Looking forward to hearing what your reading.
Ali
Hi! Glad to see you!
I love your summer frocks…would love to get some for myself 🙂
Hellooo. So happy you're back. We used to do that short day for high school students on the first day. But I'm surprised they can make it work for elementary kids. Love your SS sneakers with all those outfits, Frances. Especially the dark skirt and cream sweatshirt. They make every outfit look funky and chic… in my opinion. And they look great on your legs. You have great legs by the way… if you don't mind me saying. 🙂
Happy fall. This is just like going back to school, seeing old friends after the summer. xo
We're 3 days into Spring down here and expecting our first 20+ day his week. So over cold weather.
Welcome back! No worries about the length of the post. Enjoyed the photos of summer wear. Great variety. And Sue is right, you have great legs.
Like you, I had to take my grandson to Meet the Teacher morning last Friday as his parents could not take off. Since it was Kindergarten, it was pretty hard on the parents, but they and their son will meet individually with the teacher today. I told them the morning was pure chaos with everyone there at the same time so they didn't miss much, except the school had arranged for a school bus to take the kindergartners on a short, introductory drive. Highlight of my grandson's day.
So nice that you're back! And you look great,in your new sneakers and other outfits. Sue is right and you have even better legs IRL,just to know ladies
Everyone needs holidays (I'm just on holidays from holidays,having completely lazy two hours a day. I think I'm pretty modest,no?)
Dottoressa
SLF: Thanks! I hadn't realized until your comment that I had two outfits that paired tigers with that skirt! (I only have two shirts featuring tigers, but perhaps I need another? 😉
Mme: Oooh, lucky. Lots of linen weather in your winter! And yes, I think this style of sneakers really suits that look and they're comfy!
TofF: I can see those Gazelles' appeal as well — I was under very strict instructions from a daughter for my Stan Smiths 😉
The podcast sounds fun — I'll check it out, thanks!
MR: Ha! Me, tips on selfies (falls over laughing, but thank you!). . . I know you've got back to blogging a bit and I must get over and read what you've written. . . xo
Susan B: I can guess you'd want to exploit seasonal changes as much as you can, where you are. We, on the other hand, want to exploit the sunshine 😉 It's not a commodity we ever take for granted. . . hence my determination to wear my linen for three more weeks
Brenda: Those sneakers! I just checked them out online and they're so cool! Or hot! Whichever! Your D is a gem for those words of encouragement. . . As are you for yours to me. Thank you so much. Need to plan a visit before too long.
Ali: I have so many memories of teaching in our old building at the uni, pre-airconditioning, sweltering in late September and into October. Holding off on the boots and plaids for now, but I do love them. . .
Susan: Waving, Hi!
Anon: 🙂
Susan Burpee: It's been ever thus here. They only go to school for an hour that first day and in the Grade Sixer's case yesterday, they didn't even go inside, but got organized and did headcounts, sorting, etc., outside. Has to do with late registration, seeing who shows up, making sure teacher-student ratios don't violate contracts, etc. etc. I'm surprised you can get around it in Ontario and I'd say our guys should consult with your guys, except. . . . Well, your politics are not attractive at the moment, are they?
Good morning, lovely to see you again. Sitting in warm September sunshine down in Sussex with a cup of coffee. Glad you enjoyed your break and did all the fine stuff that makes life pleasurable. Sometimes just gently unplugging and picking up a book is the way to calm the soul and the whizzing brain, plus of course, roses. My golden rule is: always stop to smell the roses. I hope to go out for a walk today and do just that. Enjoy the white sneakers. They are such a positive piece of footwear. I may well buy some new ones myself as I have walked my present pair into disarray. And my black ones make me look like a modern nun. Stoutly practical but not necessarily sartorially sparky.
Those sneakers are cool, aren't they? I will be over in Van some time later in the fall, so I will be in touch. I agree with Annie, slowing down and reading is the way to a calm life, as is bird watching. My neighbour has started feeding small birds and they migrate over to my little water fountain. I watched three little chicadees jostling for room so they could get their beaks into the bubbling water, and several more lined up on the railing waiting to go.Brenda
Am I the only one around here to feel rather melancholy at the beginning of autumn/fall? (Brightened, this ysear, by your return to the blog, of course!) Although I promise not to complain if september brings some rain, or even a lot of it. This year has been so dry in this area that the water level of the lake is about 50 cm below normal. Quite frightening.
As for bird watching, it has always been a bit difficult, with my cats casting greedy looks in the direction of future prey. Now I found a new place for the bird feeder, very high up in a bush where the furry ones cannot go. The birds were quick enough to find out that they are safe now.
Annie: "sartorially sparky" may be my new aspiration. But there's much to be said for "stoutly practical."
Brenda: So much delight in backyard birdwatching. And yellow sneakers. And anticipation of a fall visit with a friend xo
Eleonore: You're not the only one. The number of summers potentially available to me jolts melancholy into me, if I let myself think along those lines, and I do occasionally. . . And yet, hard not to appreciate September (Autumn, after all, matching more closely the season I identify with at this stage of my life journey 😉 Happy birds, disappointed cats. . . a good situation. . .
Adorable looks! Just out of curiosity, when do the rains start falling in earnest? (Also, I can never remember how to spell "earnest".)
K: We often have a beautiful few weeks mid-September to mid-October, and if it goes on too long there will be concerns about water levels for the salmon returning to spawn. Then the last few years, the drough exacerbated forest fires. . . I remember one year back about 10 or 15 years, when we had a long run of sunshine, no rain, well into October, and I expressed my concerns to a wise older neighbour who intoned drily, "I have three words for you, Frances. November, December, January." She could have gone on, honestly, all the way up to five or six words but she didn't want to break my spirit. 😉
As for "earnest," I know what you mean — We could remember easily if we thought of it as a compound noun, but that's just creepy, really. . . and btw, I love that you know (of course you do! just that so few do these days) to put "" around a word used as a word 😉 Old English Prof, I find pleasure in odd places 😉
Is the headline of this look "Fresh from the Charity-Bin"?
Really, Unknown? Three times? Twice I've deleted your dated, silly "Charity Bin" comment — and haven't you noticed that no one's reading this post anymore — except You. My legions of followers (ha!) have moved on, but you are boosting my stats so thank you. I'm going to let your comment stand for itself. Hope that makes you feel better. I get the sense you could use some joy in your life.
Opps, late here but what a lovely surprise this Saturday breakfast time to find you back blogging.
How to you wear your tennis shoes – do they need a sock liner or can you wear then with bare feet? So envious of your continuing summer. 15 degrees would be positively balmy here this summer. It truly has been a miserable summer.
I found that these bizarre micro introductory days at nursery and primary school were more unsettling for all concerned than if they just did a proper half day.
Just saw this now, Linda. And it might be too late for you to see it — but yes, I wear the tennis shoes with a sock liner. I might wear bare feet in them in a pinch, but. . . smell and blisters! 😉