This Week // Settling vs. Dressing & Swedish Hasbeens

(originally posted on Instagram)

What I bought:

Swedish Hasbeens clogs from Shopbop (didn’t spend my credit last month, so now I have about $170 left). I had these a couple of years ago, but in my normal size (38). I got rid of them a while ago, and I was pretty sure it was because they weren’t comfortable, and I wished I’d sized up, as I do for No6. But now that I have the size 39, I’m not sure that was the case. I’m sort of conflicted on whether or not I should keep them. Better too big than too small, and I suppose I can add an insert to tighten them up a bit…anyone with Swedish Hasbeens clogs? Did you size up?

What I Got Rid Of:

Nothing – although this weekend I’m going to take OUT of my closet the things I wear most often and put them on a rolling rack in my bedroom. If I need to dip into the closet for something else, or want to exchange items, I’ll make a note of it, maybe turn the hanger around or something? Just to start really noticing and keeping track of the things I ACTUALLY wear every day. Which is MUCH less than I think…

As you see above, I decided to be the boss of my clothes and take charge of the long denim skirt by Mother that’s been wallowing in the depths of my closet. It didn’t turn out so well, but more on that later, and more on the idea that we are the boss of our clothes. Thanks to commenter Charlotte for coining that phrase in the comments of my DIY Everlane Cropped Sweatshirt post. I’m totally using it!

What I read:

I started reading The Rosie Project this week – it’s very entertaining, and an easy read for summer. And no, I don’t normally like “romance” novels, but I did also enjoy Me before You, and am a HUGE CRAZY OBSESSED fan of the Outlander series, but I think that’s mostly because it’s also historical fiction 😉

I was honored to be featured in a link roundup at l’armoire essentielle (she chose my post on “how often do you wash your clothes”), and then I got sucked into a new-to-me blog, The Gardener’s Cottage – I specifically enjoyed her post on having just enough. Fits with my general mood this week!

Also on the blog front:

I loved Deborah’s corporate look, Jennine’s denim shirt dress, and this evil eye necklace by Michal Golan (love an Israeli designer!!) on The Rich Life on a Budget.

I DEVOURED Doll & Em on HBO, so it was interesting to learn that Dolly Wells is the face of Wendy Mullins’ new line (remember Built by Wendy??) Soft Rock, and of course loved her top 5 on I Want to be Her.

Finally, this is a very long, but interesting post on New York Social Diary (thanks to Kelly for emailing it to me!). Of particular interest is her declaration of the “eileen fisher-ing” of:

everyone dressed in oversized uneven hemmed tunic tops, baggy leggings and oversized blazers

The author posits that since The Row, and Celine’s minimal looks have been knocked off by Zara, et al, the formerly sophisticated and “dressed” minimal look has become boring and shapeless. I don’t altogether disagree with that statement, but I also don’t see what’s wrong with it. I appreciate both a “crisp” minimal look with clean lines and a slouchy, somewhat oversized look – on different days of course.

She also says that “Everyone is merely “settling” instead of “dressing,” which is very powerful, and got me thinking. Isn’t that what’s so frustrating about people wearing yoga pants out and about – not only for yoga? Or pajamas in public? Even with my super-casual lifestyle, that is TOO casual for me. So I can see it also from her point of view; coming from the age and idea that one gets DRESSED to leave their apartment and enter the public realm. Someone like myself, in my baggy leggings, as she calls them, or slouchy jeans and sneakers must look a mess, and like I’m also “settling” instead of dressing. Some interesting food for thought there.

The author also touches on the idea that sizing is moving away from numerical sizing (6,8,10, etc.,) to merely s, m, or large. And spends quite some time talking about Linda Rodin. Anyway, it’s worth a read, and I’d love to hear what you thought about it. Thanks again, Kelly, for sending me the link!

Also enjoyed this post on a femme de un certain age about the care and feeding of Repettos. Reminds me that I desperately need to update my “Where to buy Repetto online” page…

What I did:

Worked a lot. Tried to spend more time posting interesting things on Facebook – do join me there! I need to get out more, figure out a way to meet new people. But it’s very hard. Especially given my new financial constraints! Seriously, they’re not that limiting, but it FEELS like they are. Since I can’t shop, what is there?? *joking, of course.

Also, my mother left this week for her safari in Africa, which has left me somewhat anxious for her health & safety, but has also been a huge inspiration for Leo and I to get our finances on track. You probably know how much we love to travel, and my mother’s ability to travel so often now (I’m pretty sure she’s been to almost every continent since she retired) is a direct result of her being financially responsible while struggling to raise my sister & I.

Oh, and binge-watched all of Orange is the New Black with Leo. SO GOOD.

What I Ate:

Still nothing with corn, wheat, dairy or added sugar. Last Saturday I did eat a little of all of those things besides wheat, and could definitely feel the difference. It wasn’t horrible; I did enjoy the chips and salsa, but I know now why I’m eating this way.

*I’m not posting what I ate for any reason other than to mention interesting things I tried, which this week wasn’t much, but still.

That’s it, how was your week? My step-son arrives today for his summer vacation, so you know things will change around here! There will be more interesting things in the “what I did” section anyway.