Out for dinner

 

I went to a banquet this evening at a posh downtown hotel.  Decided I'd 'push the envelope' and wear the Max Mara dress with tights and my grey boots.  Purchased a new belt to wear with it.  I think the outfit works, I was comfortable in it, didn't feel under dressed.  And I got a compliment from a young woman whose style I admire.

detail of the belt.  I have another black dress that I can wear it with as well, so I'm justifying the full price purchase.

And I think my gift pearls from Hostess of the Humble Bungalow will work with a new shirtdress I purchased.

Further to my last post, they have formed a coalition to coordinate animal rescue in Japan.

http://japanearthquakeanimalrelief.chipin.com/japan-earthquake-animal-rescue-and-support/

gratitude blog

I've just had two weeks without a modem, so no blogging.  I feel restless and tired lately, combination of the spring time change and waking up in the middle of the night wondering if the reactor has melted down, spewing radiation around the planet.  (As an aside, I don't believe anyone has been killed by a solar panel!)

I have a link for animal rescue in Japan. http://www.worldvets.org/  There are animal shelters that will need help also, they can be found on Google.  I know people should get the help first, and I have donated to Doctors Without Borders.   But I'd like someone to help my animal family if anything happened to me, so I'm giving for the four-legged as well as the two.

And I have the utmost gratitude and honour for those brave souls who are at the nuclear power plants trying to get that mess under control.  They have made a huge sacrifice for the rest of us.

Jeans for work

I was out in one of our works yards this morning for a meeting, so I used this as an excuse to wear jeans and a black turtleneck sweater today.  I did accessorize with a wide brown belt from Josef.  I hope it didn't emphasise the cylindrical nature of my body too much!

Note cat - Marcel and I must be channeling Sheila and Indigo!

One can't always know in advance

" One can't always know in advance what clothing will lift your spirits. Nor what pieces will resurface in your wardrobe over and over again."
posted by Lisa from Priviledge on Imogen Lamprort's blog Inside out Style.

This comment points out the problem I have with wardrobe plans,  'must have pieces' and shopping for clothes in general.   I have been dressing myself for a long time but I still am never sure when I purchase something if it will be loved and worn to death or will sit on the hanger, never quite right for my life.   While I have a slightly better idea now of what will have staying power in my closet, I still get sucked in by weird different things I think should work, but somehow they don't.  For example I have these very similar tops:

Never worn either one.  Pictured the dress on the left worn with leggings.  I've seen several stylish women in this type of look.  I have the leggings.  Never had the courage to put it on and wear it out of the house.  At least I didn't spend too much money on them, but still it is a waste of space if they just sit in my closet.

Of course part of the problem is I tend to pick up what I come across while browsing, especially if it's a bargain. Yet sometimes these impulse purchases turn out to be wonderful additions that I love to wear.   If I can get past the self-centered fear of looking 'different'.

Five Things I don't Leave Home Without

 I've been busy the last few days and missed being tagged by Hostess (thank you, this is very exciting!!)  Now I've got a list and even a few pictures together so here you are:

My watch, I've always worn one (old school).  A few years ago I splurged and got myself a nice one.  I have a small wrist and wear it a bit loose, so it feels like a bracelet.  It will probably get scratched and worn, but I'd rather wear it than save it in a drawer.

Earings, I get a pair of studs and just wear them for years, usually until I lose one!   The current silver pair are a replacement for the exact same earing in gold. 

In my purse I always have a mini clothes brush.  Invaluable when you have cats.  More than once I've looked down at work and noticed that a bunch of hair had attached itself to my pant leg.

Kleenex, folded in a little pink leather holder from Guild Design.  It was pricey, but it makes me happy when I use it.  Plus if anyone asks for a tissue, it's more classy than a cellowrap.

House key - one is with my car keys, but I don't drive unless I have to go on site for a meeting.  If I'm  taking the TTC to work or walking the dog I have a little leather key case that holds the dog's licence so we don't get fined.

And that's my five items.  

I just went to see what some others had listed and it's interesting to see the similarities. 

Unnecessary Desires

Noted a blog tittle as above from Chez Danisse (not a blog I follow, I just liked the thought).  Just from trying to simplify my wardrobe and my home I know that not all of my desires are of necessity.  It's more frugal to wear everything I have, than to look for items to add, desire the new, the latest recommendation or sale that other bloggers have found. 

The real trick for me is to not add more. Metscan pointed out some time ago that if I don't go in the store, I won't be tempted. This has worked up to a point. I went into my favourite consignment shop to pick up some cash from my fall clearout and ended up purchasing one item. I never know for sure ahead of time, but I think it will be worn a lot.  So an exception was made, even though I left the store first without it but went back for it!

A cotton tunic top with pintuck detail, brand Y29, too light weight to wear now, more of a spring item.

I have lots more desires.  I was tempted by the Eric Bomben cashmere sweater sale, but I have lots of sweaters already.  I want a Hermes scarf , but I have a whole drawer full of scarves, mostly silk squares, that are enough.   I have one new pair of pants that have been waiting to be hemmed for weeks.  Somehow I've managed with the others I have already, without feeling too deprived.   Don't even get me started on yarn; I've got tons of yarn of all weights and colours but somehow I feel the need to order Schopple Wolle Zauberball Lace for a pair of socks.  What I have isn't quite right, must purchase another colour/weight/size/style.  It is endless!  The lure of the new, the latest (passing) want.
 
I am resisting all of these duly noted desires for now.   The cultivation of Enough feels better.  Not necessarily less, just content with the current amount.

7 things about me

I'm a very quiet person.  I like to comment on a few blogs, so I probably say more to my blog friends than to my in person friends!

On my mother's side I'm seventh generation Canadian. 

I grew up in the country, and would love to retire out of the city, but I also love living in the heart of a multi-cultural city like Toronto.  But I wouldn't want to live in the suburbs.

Baroque music is my favourite, I've been attending Tafelmusik concerts for 15 years.  Sunday I was at a concert with two double harpsicords!  It was wonderful.

I learned how to ride and got my motorcycle license in my 50's.  One of the scariest, most exhillarating things I've ever done.

I only wear makeup on special occasions.

I hate the feel of tomato skins on my teeth.