Decluttering

I was helping my Mother clear out a little on Saturday. She's starting to think about what she would keep if she moved to an apartment. She wants to send some furniture to a consignment shop now, so today I took some photos and we went to the store. While we were in the shop a woman came in looking for a dresser, we showed her the picture of ours and she liked it, so one thing might be sold without even having to go into the store!

Plus another bonus, even though I saw some things I liked, I resisted any purchases. My mother however, bought four pretty plates. Decluttering isn't easy!

New shoes

I was checking out the summer Fluevogs on line as I have a small discount that expires soon.  And I need want some new sandals.  Thought that these might be nice, pretty colour, cutouts for cool feet, nice heel height etc.  

So as I work near the Toronto store the other day on the way home I stopped by to see them in person and may-be try them on.

Then the saleswoman brought another pair over as well - since I was trying on summer shoes and all.

And I immediately abandoned the pretty aqua number for serious platform purple and grey slip on sandals.  I have a very small instep, so usually this style of shoe is too big over the top of my foot, but not these.  Comfort, good fit and an extra inch of height.


These are mine.  Nobody tell me that they are "too young" for me.  I don't care.  These will look amazing with a pair of wide leg jeans that I have.  I am willing to build the rest of my summer wardrobe around these shoes.  I love these shoes. 

Now if the weather would just be more than a few degrees above freezing so I can wear them!

Enough already!

The view from my front door.  That's not my car, but mine will be in the same state further down the block.  The grass was getting green last week, now we have this.   I saw a robin this morning, poor guy - how will he find worms in this?

At least it won't last very long.

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'.