I’m working on a post that’s getting away from me, time-wise. The primary intention was to show you a newly revamped corner of our bedroom, but somehow I ended up reflecting a bit on the reality that we’re halfway through our fifth year living here. . . thinking about the adaptations we’ve made and are still making. Rather than push that thinking back into the box, I thought I’d give the post time to steep and share it with you a bit later.
So instead — and in the interest of “just showing up” — I’ll quickly share a few selfies of the dress I bought back in November. It’s by an Italian company Apuntob, 100% wool — crepe, I think, it’s very light, woven, but there’s a give, almost a stretch, to the weave. The only little complaint I have is that there are no pockets, but otherwise this dress had my name written all over it. Couldn’t have left the shop without it, although budget adjustments had to be made. . . .
I’ve worn it with Blundstones
and with these metallic Oxford/loafers . . . and also with a chunky, low-heeled black pump and with my low-heeled “Go, Granny, Go” ankle boots (the ones you see in my most recent post; scroll down to the bottom).
Three photos because I’m hoping you’ll get a sense of the dress’s fluidity. Flat, it can look a bit shapeless, but it’s beautifully cut and the fabric is so satisfying — fun to swish in a bit, and it can whirl too, in a pinch.
I like it with a scarf as well, and since it’s such a versatile neutral, there are many options to bring some variety . . .
Although sometimes I suspect I don’t need much variety.
Evidence:
EDITED TO ADD: Note that this is not the same dress styled with a navy sweater over top, but rather a navy sweater paired with a pleated grey wool skirt, midi-length, that I’ve had for well over a decade. . .
I mean, seriously. . . Executed in two pieces, the neutrals stretched to include navy, cashmere and wool instead of just wool. . . But that Catholic schoolgirl’s uniform obviously exerts a lifetime influence. . .
I even wore this with the same scarf, not realizing the pattern until going through my photos a couple of weeks later. . .
And Sister Superior wouldn’t be needed to check my skirt length with her ruler (ours actually most often got us to kneel and if the skirt didn’t touch the floor, we knew we were in trouble — truly, we knew that as soon as she asked us to kneel!
I see this kind of uniform dressing as at least a notch above wearing my pyjamas or sweats all day, and truly, it’s almost as easy to wear. . . if I manage to ignore the dress’s constant whispering something about making a reservation at a favourite restaurant, and then something else about tickets to the ballet, the opera. . . Patience, I whisper back. Patience. . .
Distract us, would you? A comment or two below? Perhaps to share a uniform or a pattern of dressing you’ve observed this winter. . . or perhaps a pattern you’re relieved to have disrupted. Feel free just to say Hello, as well. If I’m giving myself permission to Just Show Up, I’m certainly granting you the same.
xo,
f
Such a graceful dress–and I imagine that you could add in-seam pockets–just the right size, shape and location–if you chose. Or just enjoy as is:) Witch hazel blooming here, so welcome in January….
I like the detail of the pleats at the bottom. Makes the dress that much more interesting. Nice to have a dress that can adapt to any occasion. Well done! Currently am wearing more jeans and sweaters than dresses but look forward to a time when I can get dressed for an occasion. Right now I can only dream!
slf
I, too, thought that you could probably find a tailor to add in-seam pockets. And yes, having the pleats on the bottom makes the dress so more versatile. I love the look with the sweater & scarf. And, it looks to me that it will be an amazing travel dress when you are released from lockdown and you can travel again to visit your far-flung family.
I don't wear a uniform look any longer. In college during the winter I wore jeans, a flannel button down, a wool sweater (I had several colors), socks that matched the sweater, and boots. Easy-peasy dressing when I had little money and narrow dorm closets.
When I first began teaching art I tried to limit myself to camel pants, white blouses, and added few colorful sweaters in the winter. But I got so bored with the uniform! Now I rotate through different color ways from the items hanging in my closet every month to six weeks. Boredom averted and all clothes worn eventually. Carol in VT
This is the dress of dreams Frances – I have a couple of lightweight dresses I was wearing while working from home but right now I need so many layers to keep cosy when staring into the Microsoft Teams abyss that I have abandoned them for jeans and sweaters.
I love this with just the pendant but also the hyper, scarf combo snd those brogues ❤️, very Frances – stylish and comfortable with a dash of elan.
Now I am getting your posts by email, it’s a reminder for me to ‘just show up’ with my own writing – maybe this will be the week!
Very chilly and slippery here in Edinburgh – so my usual out in any weather rules have been tested to the limit.
So perhaps a weekend for writing …
A bientôt
M
I love your dress, it looks so lovely on you. The different ways you’ve styled it are all great, especially with the neutral sweater on top. I have a black tunic style dress from Roots that I’ve worn with Blundstones on every European trip we’ve taken. It’s so comfortable I dread the day it wears out.
Ha! We used to have to kneel too, but we just rolled up the waistband as soon as we had performed that duty, 'shortening' our skirts instantly. I like these outfits, and wear similar.
I didn't go to Catholic school, but we rolled our waistbands on our skirts too. Then they had to be rolled back down before going home. One friend was not happy when her mother learned to sew and made her several identical skirts and long vests all down to her knees. Lots of daily tolling going on there. Ha.
I love that dress Frances. And that scarf is so beautiful. But I love the dress on its own best. I think your pleated skirt must have inspired me to buy mine.
First, your hair is fabulous.
Second, that dress is a winner. It's just simple enough to be classic and just edgy enough not to be boring classic. If I saw you on the street, I'd guess you were an artist, writer and/or intellectual. And indeed: hat trick!
I also went to Catholic school, but only to 8th grade, so there wasn't much clandestine shortening of skirts yet. But we were strictly forbidden to wear pants, even under our skirts and even with raging blizzards outside. Just insane.
Elle: True, and I never thought of that, adding side-seam pockets. Isn't witchhazel bloom in winter such a joy! (I posted a photo of a shrub in full fragrant bloom on Instagram — sadly, the fragrance didn't come through 😉
SLF: I was doing jeans and sweaters as uniform for weeks, but am finding dresses an easy and welcome change now — and I seem to need the change! Maybe it's my way of dreaming. . .
Carol in VT: I'm going to have to think about those side-seam pockets — not sure if that placement is where my hands want to go, nor whether that would end up unduly stretching out the fabric. But you and Elle are right; it's an easy enough change. Hmmm. Your closet rotation is an interesting (and organized!) plan — switching up capsule wardrobes, essentially. A good way to have constancy and change in balance.
Great styling of a lovely dress. While I love a pocket, I would worry that adding them to that particular fabric/dress might interfere with its beautiful drape.
And yes, I do remember the "kneel" pose for skirt length in high school. Twas just another subservient pose (young) women were required to make back then, eh? Like the employment form I encountered in the late 60s/early 70s for a large insurance company that required women to provide the date of their last period so they could make sure they weren't pregnant–a reason not to hire them. Sigh.
Marob: That's exactly what I thought. It was a bit spendy, but I knew when I saw it that I'd feel good wearing it across a variety of occasions, including reading on the couch at home.. . Be patient with yourself re the writing. I imagine that a day of Microsoft Teams is a big drain on resources. But if you might find some enjoyable diversion — even rejuvenation or invigoration — in scribbling it out . . .
Denise: That sounds like the kind of dress you might get a tailor/sewist to make up in another fabric (or two!) . . . I've never managed to do that in time, and still get nostalgic about a few that eventually wore themselves right out.
Duchesse: Oh, we rolled ours as well (I laugh when I think about that now — I mean, how attractive could that really have been, that rolled-up and telltale bulk under our untucked white shirts). . . but our school wasn't large and her office wasn't far from our classroom and wow, she had very sharp eyes and a strong determination to maintain order against the threatening mid-60s Love Revolution!
Sue B: Ha! The mixed benefits of having a mother who sewed . . .
T of France: Thank you! I must admit, that was a very good hair day, probably why I was willing to snap a few selfies 😉 It doesn't always (often?) co-operated like that.
We could never wear pants either. In fact, I seem to remember that when I switched to public school for Grade 11, the dress code had only recently been changed to allow girls to wear pants, and we definitely weren't permitted to wear jeans (tail end of the 60s. . .
Well I love your outfits Frances and I love your beautiful curly hair! Since you follow me on IG you'll know that my daily attire consists of activewear — and that's it. I have nice clothes hanging in the closets but because California is doing so poorly with COVID, I don't go anywhere! So at home I go out to the garage and workout on our elliptical machine (or go for a socially distanced walk with a friend). I do my weights and stretching and meditating upstairs in a vacant room. And I go out to the garage (again) to paint. Paint paint paint. I use an apron over my activewear.
I'm in the middle of Winter, from the Seasonal Quartet–very bleak, of course, but such a good writer.
Thank you for your generous blog. Sally
Your dress looks so comfortable as well as versatile! Since we're not going anywhere these days, I'm mostly wearing the oldest items in my closet; ones that likely won't be around after this season either because they're wearing out or because I'm just done with them. Hopefully then I can justify buying a few new pieces once things open up again and I'm able to go places.
Dress and hair are amazing.
Yesterday, I wore a dress as well. With thicker tights and suede ankle boots. No harder than pulling on trousers and a jumper and boots and it was cosy and stylish. Mr Green remarked upon this and the fact that it had pockets, something that is so rare. Today I have started planning my spring and summer wardrobe, ordering a couple of items and thinking about sewing some dresses, when I can get hold of material. It is pleasing to look forward a bit. After all, we still have to get up each day, get washed and dressed and move onwards. That, as well as wearing a mask, genuinely the least I can do.
A dress that makes you feel good wearing it is a great investment! Others have mentioned adding in-seam pockets and I second that idea. So lovely to see blue sky these days. We have to soak it in while it lasts.
I always loved that sweater and skirt combo, and the dress looks just a notch more elegant and I love it.
I did actually get out of my "uniform" (yoga pants, long-sleeve merino wool tee, house slippers) and graduate to jeans, a boxy-cut, lightweight sweater, and ballet slippers, as the real estate agent was coming over for a walk-through to and to bring us paperwork, and I did want to look as if I'd put some effort into it! Much as it feels good to step out of my rut and try a new recipe (today's was a delicious shredded Brussels sprout/dried cranberry/pine nut salad), it feels good to step out of my clothing rut, even if I'm not actually leaving my property.
I love your new dress! I can already see that you'll get a ton of wear out of it, as soon as we're all out and about once again.
Absolutely gorgeous dress. Like Sue I like it best perfectly plain. It resonates quality and style! The other day I found myself looking at a photo online of someone wearing jeans and a soft cashmere jumper (sweater) half tucked into the jeans as is the current fashion, and thinking how wonderfully exotic and stylish it was. Perhaps gives a glimpse into my ongoing house renovation attire of lined hillwalking trousers and multiple fleeces, underpinned by thermals. And Marob and I obviously don't overheat our houses, in a very Scottish way. Anything above 18.5 C (65F) indoors and I begin to feel uncomfortably hot! My state school uniform in the 1970s saw alarmingly short skirts on girls, not really policed by the authorities. Now thankfully girls can wear trousers as uniform, tho not I think at my children's former (private) school where girls wear kilts and I think boys could wear a male kilt if they wish – they certainly do in large numbers for formal occasions. Some boys at a school in the south of England turned up to school in kilted skirts one very hot day as a protest at having to wear trousers. It is bizarre the social strictures around what are just bits of cloth.
Another “ skirt roller “ here 🙂 I laugh, remembering how doing so, caused a kilt to bunch up and stick out at odd angles. This leads on to sadder memories of being teased about my oversized gabardine raincoat. The expensive meant it needed to have “growing room” I’m sure you can imagine … All I really wanted was a cheap duffle coat from C&A like a friend had but no, mum had to buy me the dreaded raincoat! She surely must have reflected on what a dreadful waste of money it was as I dashed out of the house, in all weathers, leaving it hanging on the hook …
I remembered and learnt from these experiences when buying my children’s clothes …
Your dress is absolutely gorgeous Frances … no debate, I would definitely have bought it too. It ticks all the boxes apart from pockets but I guess a small and neat crossbody would help or having pockets added to the side seams as suggested.
I think the last time I wore a dress was last summer … I do make an effort when we go out for walks but always wear dark jeans as they’re just so easy to tuck into boots, allowing for walking through mud and water!
Take care Frances,
Rosie xx
Oh,I l-o-v-e this dress! Have to write down this brand (no online shopping so far,I've checked!)The scarf is lovely,too, but your hair is simply gorgeous
Dottoressa
The dress that you feature is really lovely. I like its simple lines coupled with the fluid fabric. It is both elegant and comfortable-looking, the best possible combo! I like the ways you have accessorized and can imagine all sorts of different scarves or jewelry to change the mood.
I also love the pleated skirt. I've had my eye on one recently online and, after seeing yours, I may push the buy button. I've been trying to discipline myself to wait until I can enter shops and try things on again. So many online purchases have turned out to be "not quites." I struggle to find dresses that work for me. With an ample bosom, I'm really a couple of sizes different on top and bottom. If I buy to accommodate my bust, then the shoulders don't fit well. Maybe I'll get brave and try sewing a dress in a cotton knit for spring.
You've inspired me to get out of my jeans and sweatpants more often and play with some of the other options in my closet!
Your hair is looking fabulous, Frances. I love the length, and as I grow out my straight gray, and observe other gray, I find myself drawn to the interest added by curls. I do love my own gray, which is surprisingly soft and shiny, but I'm still getting used to it, and after ten months, it hasn't gotten past the sides of my face. That, I expect, will be a significant change.
Your dress is beautiful. I love the bottom detail. Pockets are a must-have for me, otherwise I spend all my time sliding my hands down my hips into nowhere and wobbling forward a bit with surprise. My dad always had his hands in his pockets, and I seem to have followed suit. I'd definitely have seam pockets added to your lovely dress.
I try to have a daily routine during our more-severe-than-before lockdown. We've been home since March with a brief and lovely interlude of patio dining that ended months ago. Now we go to pick up takeout from our favorite spots to support them, but I miss the Third Places, the buzz, the community exchanges, the human interactions of all sorts.
My routine includes morning coffee with my house host, a walk, a shower, and then jeans and a sweater (or a sweater over a t-shirt, or a t-shirt alone), or cotton leggings and a sweater, and usually one pair of short boots or another. The other day I got what for me now is "dressed up" to go and pick up takeout with my host. I washed my hair, did my skincare, and then put on narrow jeans, moto boots, a Vince cashmere tunic sweater, a long black and white patterned silk scarf I wrapped around my neck multiple times until I could knot it in front, my platinum band rings and platinum hoop baguette earrings, and a reversible light gray and cashmere Vince three-quarter-length sleeve coat worn on the light gray side. Pockets galore. My jeans have pockets, my coat has pockets that connect through each side of the reversible coat. Clever. I felt good, but also as if I epitomized "all dressed up with nowhere to go".
I'm trying to reduce what I own, so no new purchases, but I'm trying to get close to my version of a capsule wardrobe that ensures I wear all my clothing. My dilemmas are the less worn but sometimes needed items. For example, do the items I wore to the opera when I lived in SF and had season tickets stay or go? I've already winnowed. Now does it all go, or do I keep one set for formal occasions?
I'm still trying to buy a condo. The latest unit I looked at is a gem except for it's TINY and has little storage, BUT it's on the top floor of a historic 1920's Georgian on the National Register of Historic Places with an eastern exposure and a view The Peal and Downtown Portland. The previous owner over-renovated it for the building, but I'm drawn to his wonderful work. I may DM you to ask if you'll compare livable square footage with me. My condo in SF was 1200 square feet. It was well laid out with a lot of storage, and I always thought I could live in half the space. The place I'm looking at is half the space, actually just slightly less. It would keep any acquisition tendencies at bay, but I don't know if I can fit in all the basics such as bath towels and coats, even winnowed. Books are my biggest problem, but I'd like the challenge of keeping only my most beloved.
Well, I went off on a tangent as you said I could:), and now I'm going to sleep. Hope all is well for you and yours in Vancouver. Take care.
Thank you for writing your blog. I don't always have time to read it, or to comment if I do, but this evening it feels like a long distance chat with you before sleep.
Well, my Catholic School was in Germany and "only" 40 years ago, so there were no uniforms, no rulers for skirts and no Mother Superior. But there was one Sister Simone who once intervened at a particular short pair of HotPants, which were really very, very short 😉
Dear Frances, I recognized the process you described for your blogging in the last post, because this is where a lot of my comments go, and stay unwritten… But I am making an effort, because your showing up makes my day often brighter! So: I wish you – in the face of all this around us – a *good* year, however it works out.
Mary: I have the same concern about adding a pocket and will probably accept the designer's wisdom for now, at least.
Ugh, to that reminder about ways we were trained up to be subservient. Too much has been forgotten, and many of my female students thought "feminism" was outdated, no longer necessary. But it's really not that long ago . . .
Sally: So glad to hear you're enjoying Winter. I'm looking forward to rereading the quartet soon.
Elaine: Ah yes, that whole question of what we can justify. . . and so many parameters for deciding, aren't there, all complicated right now by this serious interruption to our scheduled lives 😉
Belle: Thank you! How are you?
Annie G: I find dresses easier to wear — and more comfortable as well, now that I've finally found tights without a killer waistband. . .
LOrrie: I think you get the blue sky more than we do, but we practically went out and rolled in it the other day — SO welcome! (as were your delightful photos of the snowdrops in your garden, thank you!
Lisa: Thanks! I actually remember wearing that skirt the first time we went to SF, so perhaps was wearing it when you and I met for the first time xo
Carolpres: We're having shredded Brussels Sprouts salad tonight for dinner — with dates (cut small) rather than dried cranberries — Mmmm!
Linda: I keep wondering how your reno is going — in my experience, winter isn't the easier time for a serious construction project! 😉 I can see why cashmere sweater and jeans might seem (enviably?) exotic.
Rosie: Oh, I know this! My mother was such a stickler for avoiding trends and for sticking to a code which I didn't understand well enough to ascribe to. In retrospect, I grudgingly get it, but like you, I went a different route with my kids. (probably not as much as I hoped — wonder what they tell their friends now 😉
Dottoressa: Thanks re my hair! Yes, I think this brand would suit you well. I've just discovered it — hope they make it through these tougher times.
RK: I've almost never bought clothes online, and I've been lucky to have discovered this small neighbourhood boutique which pays very careful attention to Covid protocols. . . Although there's something to be said for these Covid uniforms of jeans and sweats helping our bank accounts 😉
Katherine: I love your grey hair, and have enjoyed watching you embrace it.
That winnowing process is one that too many neglect, I think, and it's important in clarifying one's style. It's not my strength — I'm drawn to a more (euphemistically) eclectic aesthetic, but that can quickly get cluttered or messy. Our move was good for me that way, and I think you're wise to take your time as you have. Good luck with the quest for a new home. (our place is only 1000 sf, but we have the 500sf patio which makes it feel more expansive. 1200 would be ideal)
Zagorka: I appreciate your comment so much! Thank you for making that extra effort. And yes, let's wish for a "good" year — and let's hope that we know enough to recognize the good that we will find . . .
Love the dress and the skirt. I have been living in jeans because it is cold and I do not have appropriate dresses, although I have thought of layering sweaters with a summer dress….. I suppose this is telling me something, that I am yearning to go back to dresses and even skirts and to think about that.
I love your corner of the bedroom, and that you have created a window and a space where you can take a photo that highlights you and the attractive space. I realize that when I put the mirror in my own bedroom there is no escape excpet a bathroom view or a view of hte bed itself. And why do I worry about that? Well I do. Another project to think about, if I ever start posting selfies or what I wore again. It will happen.
Now to go back and read all the comments.
Mardel: Even when we get a patch of cold weather (admittedly, only down to maybe -5C) I find a pair of wool tights warmer than jeans (wool always trumps cotton for me), but a summer dress wouldn't be enough unless a longer wool sweater were layered atop. . .
I have the same problem as you do with the mirror in my bedroom — plus I can't get any further back than two feet! 😉 — The mirror selfies you see here are all taken in a hallway that turns the corner from the entrance into our open kitchen/livingroom.
I love the dress – that fabric and cut, just perfect.
And your hair! I'm sadly half black and half gray so I am doomed to color it so I don't look like Cruella DeVille
And I had a great time in Catholic school – probably my love for wearing the same thing or sort of thing every day. Jeans or cords and a sweater tneck or crew neck, whatever color, and usually silk undershirt. My hustand gets so hot so it's easier to keep the heat low and wear sweaters. Back to Catholic school – we learned to be inventive and have fun around the rules. Taught me to be creative.