What I Wore (when NOT packing moving boxes!)

Pater is home for a couple of days, so we’re a whirlwind of coordinated activity, but I’m stealing a few minutes to share a few What I Wore photos from the past couple of weeks of changeable spring weather. Packing up my wardrobe reminds me of loved items I somehow don’t or haven’t been wearing, and this JCrew camel blazer is a prime example. With a (coincidentally perfectly matched) scarf, the blazer worked as a coat on a windy but not too cool day last week

I liked that combo so much that the blazer has had a number of outings lately–more in the last two weeks than in the whole year before that! The silhouette is not everyone’s cup of tea with the wide, cropped jeans, but I ❤️❤️ it!!

Another light jacket option made possible by the warmer spring days is my jean jacket. And yes, the kitchen is a mess–packing chaos reigns supreme…

I like this look enough, above, but I like it so much better with my new Vince sneakers…

Liked it so much I snapped some detail shots

And

And even went in for a close-up selfie that I might just use to replace my avatar/profile pics around (cyber)town. And I know, superficial, vain, all the accusations selfies engender. But it’s so rare that I look in the mirror or at a photo of myself and feel good–why not celebrate that when it happens!?

My coffee break should probably be over now. Back to the boxes now…but looking forward to being happily distracted and entertained by your comments.

48 Comments

  1. Marsha
    5 May 2016 / 6:19 pm

    You should, absolutely, celebrate a charming selfie – and I am glad that you do, because looking at it makes me happy too! When I see a woman smiling in the midst of packing up a house, I am inspired that anything is possible.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:19 am

      Glad to inspire, Marsha! (Just as well no one was taking photos of the non-smiling packing-reality moments, right? 😉

  2. Anonymous
    5 May 2016 / 6:46 pm

    First outfit-pure perfection to me!
    And you look happy- Marsha's words say the rest!
    Have a nice weekend,with some happy breaks
    Dottoressa

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:20 am

      Thanks Dottoressa, In fact, I've skedaddled to Vanc'r for the weekend — a long break! Have a nice weekend yourself!

  3. LPC
    5 May 2016 / 8:15 pm

    I love the last outfit, cheeky watch and scarf, and all. Celebrate the good selfie. You look beautiful, and like yourself, and good lipstick to boot.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:23 am

      That's my favourite as well, thanks! Is the watch cheeky because of the colour? Or because Hermes (the watch and the scarf) don't usually get to hang out with sneakers and jogging pants. . .
      It is a good lipstick, isn't it? I'm really pleased I asked for help at Sephora.

  4. Susan B
    5 May 2016 / 9:45 pm

    Love that close-up shot! That last outfit has me tempted to pull some of my silk carrés out again. Great look!! (And I like the wide pants, which IMO add a bit of wit and insouciance to the outfit.)

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:27 am

      Thanks, Sue. I hadn't worn this scarf for ages, but I really love it this way. And I'm so surprised at how much I'm wearing the pants and how sassy they make me feel but not in a too-dramatic way that I'd have to live up to them. I like having any drama be in the cut rather than in colour or print, and even the dramatic cut is — ha! — undercut by the fact that the fabric is so practical, sturdy, down-to-earth.

  5. hostess of the humble bungalow
    6 May 2016 / 1:23 am

    I think that last picture is my favourite!

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:28 am

      Thanks, L., I'm really happy with it, and that's a rare thing for me to say of a photo of myself.

  6. Patricia
    6 May 2016 / 2:22 am

    Hm, I'm still not warming to the wide-legged cropped jeans, but I love everything else you are wearing! And that last photo is a definite keeper – perfect for your profile pic.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:31 am

      Thanks, Patricia! The wide-legged, cropped jeans are not to everyone's taste — and I'm so happy that these days we can pick and choose from a variety of pant styles unlike the old dictatorial days. I'm certainly going to keep wearing my skinnies, especially through the rainy fall and winter, with boots. And I love my boyfriend jeans. So skinny, medium, wide legs, and then I'm also liking a variety of rises. . .

  7. High Heels in the Wilderness
    6 May 2016 / 3:06 am

    Love those Vince sneakers with the joggers, and the scarf with the jean jacket. And a great smile, and like Lisa says, a good lipstick to boot. So… with all those boxes…. instead of a "capsule wardrobe" do you now have a "carton wardrobe?" Okay.. not funny. You look great. Wish I looked as good amidst stress and chaos:)

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:33 am

      Ha! A carton wardrobe indeed! Honestly, I'm in Vanc'r now, surveying the limited wardrobe space in our 500 square foot apartment and hoping we find our next place before too long. . . Otherwise, I'm really going to have to learn to minimise!

  8. Julie
    6 May 2016 / 3:34 am

    The more you get organized, the more you find that you're loving. It shows.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:34 am

      It's interesting, isn't it? Moving toward organisation, I do see what items I'd forgotten about and I'm also happy just honing in on a few things that really work and wearing them again and again.

  9. Ceri in B
    6 May 2016 / 8:09 am

    What a lovely selfie. You look young and lively. Looks like despite all the labour – physical and emotional – you are thriving.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:35 am

      Thanks so much, Ceri! I've felt as if I've been surviving more than thriving, but here's hoping that a turning point's been reached. Fingers crossed!

  10. Anonymous
    6 May 2016 / 10:47 am

    You look happy in the last picture and I think that's key. Glad you haven't thrown away your lipstick! I'm assuming things are going well since you're posting ootd shots. Hope that continues. Mary

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:39 am

      Thanks so much, Mary. It's good for me, for all of us, really, to recognise that the OOTD shots, the effort/achievement of dressing to feel and look good, represents well-being to those who see us. Several of you have commented that I must be managing the move well or that I'm thriving or happy, based on what my outfits signal — and the lipstick, which is a new colour for me, purchased via consultation at Sephora, got a number of plaudits.

  11. Madame Là-bas
    6 May 2016 / 1:01 pm

    I like the last photo. As a person who does not enjoy selfies very much, I certainly
    would take advantage of such lovely photo.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:40 am

      I've already plastered it all over my various Social Media hangouts! 😉

  12. Duchesse
    6 May 2016 / 1:04 pm

    I'm impressed that you can look so pulled-together (and radiant)in the midst of house-packing! Are you looking yet? Have your criteria shifted? Seen anything that is close? Or it might be too early…feel like I'm watching an engrossing series, eager for the next episode.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:47 am

      Because the market in Vanc'r is such that offers don't get considered if there are are any Subject Tos, we need to wait for the house sale to complete before starting to look. We looked at quite a few condos a few months ago as we worked out our plans, and that was really instructive in sorting criteria, realising where we differed and how much we were each flexible about what. . . We saw one place in December I would have pushed for if we were ready, although there were some issues that would have had to be addressed. . . Right now, I'm trying to stay patient, but I'd happily be looking now, and as soon as I have everything ready for the movers, I may do just that, even if Pater is too busy with this contract (ends mid-June).

    • Duchesse
      9 May 2016 / 12:41 pm

      Thanks, I will be patent 😉 We sometimes looked separately and sometimes together, and was ¶that• instructive! Sounds like when you see what you would like, you mighty have to move quickly, and as you said, be ready to submit a pre-approved offer.

  13. Mardel
    6 May 2016 / 7:11 pm

    Happy and a bit cheeky. Save the photo. Love the outfits.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 2:48 am

      Thanks Mardel! I'm thinking that "cheeky" might be a good adjective to own at almost 63. Curious about what prompts it, though. . . 😉

  14. Anonymous
    6 May 2016 / 9:25 pm

    You look radiant! Your complexion glows and your soft curls frame your smiling features perfectly! And your outfits are inspiring for this retired teacher still trying to define "a look".
    I agree with Duchesse…waiting with anticipation for the ongoing saga of your new season of life!
    Charlene H.

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 3:09 am

      Thanks, Charlene. I do feel with these outfits as if I'm hitting some sweet spot that works for my lifestyle right now.

      Next instalment, coming soon (here's hoping it includes our heroes — er, that would be Pater and I — finding a lovely new home at a price they (again, that would be "we") can afford). . . .

  15. Coastal Ripples
    6 May 2016 / 11:34 pm

    Love the close up selfie it's a good one! Love the boots in the first photo that outfit works really well. Back to packing ! B X

    • materfamilias
      7 May 2016 / 3:10 am

      Thanks B! I did get back to packing and will again in a few days, but Pater's sent me off to the city where I'm taking a bit of a break. Happy weekend!

  16. Cherie
    7 May 2016 / 3:13 am

    You look absolutely adorable in that photo! I would post it everywhere! Your hair is looking great!!!

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:38 pm

      Thanks, Cherie. It might be posted everywhere now — I've been busy! 🙂

  17. Rosie
    7 May 2016 / 11:28 am

    Really great photo (last one) you look so happy …positively glowing 🙂 Good to see you like this. The scarf your wearing is gorgeous and goes well with your jeans jacket …I like your camel jacket and Vincent sneakers too.
    Hope you're having a good weekend.
    Rosie

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:38 pm

      Thanks, Rosie. I do love this scarf although I haven't been wearing it enough . And yes, it was a good weekend. Hope yours was as well.

  18. Rosie
    7 May 2016 / 11:29 am

    Really great photo (last one) you look so happy …positively glowing 🙂 Good to see you like this. The scarf your wearing is gorgeous and goes well with your jeans jacket …I like your camel jacket and Vincent sneakers too.
    Hope you're having a good weekend.
    Rosie

  19. Pondside
    7 May 2016 / 3:20 pm

    Great to see that smile and to read that you are taking the odd break here and there – it's the only way!
    I am just coming up for air before plunging back down again, this time into lunch for 16 to celebrate my parents' 65th anniversary. I keep telling myself that there will be calm – perhaps even a little 'nothing to do' in my future. Here's hoping!

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:39 pm

      Oh, just 16! Yikes! But 65 years of marriage is worth celebration and perhaps calm is overrated . . . do you think we'll ever get to find out?! Congratulations to your Mom and Dad!

  20. Raquelita
    7 May 2016 / 9:41 pm

    I'm trying to get a better look at the buttons on that fabulous camel colored blazer. I love the possibilities offered by layering during this in-between time of year for those of us who live in places with cooler springs and summers.

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:41 pm

      You could check the jacket out online at JCrew — it's the Regent blazer… I've always loved the sophistication of camel, but never thought I could wear the colour myself. This particular shade seems to work.
      And I'm with you on the layering which we can do here spring and fall, even some of the summer…

  21. Lorrie
    9 May 2016 / 4:34 am

    The last photo crowns them all – great smile and sparkle in your eyes.

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:42 pm

      thanks, Lorrie!

  22. Linda
    9 May 2016 / 8:15 pm

    Love all of these outfits, and I agree with Lorrie that the last photo is a winner – so natural and happy. Even in the midst of stress.

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:42 pm

      Thanks Linda — photographic proof that I wasn't a basket case for all the weeks before our move. . .

  23. Penny
    9 May 2016 / 10:10 pm

    If you can smile like that, in the middle of packing up your home, really, everything's going to be ok. Honest. X

    • materfamilias
      9 May 2016 / 11:43 pm

      I'm going to believe you, Penny! 😉

  24. Nancy Turner
    9 May 2016 / 11:50 pm

    Oh, I love your selfie — you look adorable.

    • materfamilias
      10 May 2016 / 7:32 pm

      Aw, thank you Nancy. . . you're so kind!

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