That's my new fashion mantra for this winter, folks. Trying to love the one I'm with, so to speak. And I'm not talking about Hubby here. I'm trying to rekindle the love I once felt for some of the older pieces in my wardrobe.
I've been complaining that my closet is so edited it's become a bit boring. And I'm on the hunt for some pieces to take me in a new direction, add some interest, maybe change up my preferred silhouette. Give me something to build on. I love having a goal. I am nothing if not patient with a long term plan. Where's the challenge in instant gratification?
But in the meantime I need to keep boredom at bay. Take the other day, for instance. I was off downtown, to Mountain Equipment Co-op in Westboro, to finish up my Christmas shopping. Hubby needs a new fleece. And I thought I'd stop into a couple of my favourite small independent stores in the area. We'd had a big snowfall the previous day, and it was cold out. And windy. Temperatures would soar to a whopping -15 C by late afternoon. Richmond Road would be messy with salt and snow, and cold. I'd need to be wrapped up.
So here's what I wore. My Vince black wool leggings over my ski underwear. Heavy socks and my freshly waterproofed Stuart Weitzman boots. I unearthed from my drawer this cream wool turtleneck from Gap. Bought back in December 2014 when I was, coincidentally, shopping for Hubby's Christmas present, I think I paid only $30.00 for it. I had a coupon from Gap in my purse, and a niche in my wardrobe for just such a sweater. I also hauled out from my storage box under the bed in our spare room, this cream puffy vest from Max Mara. Do you know, I bought this vest way, way back in 2002. I used to wear it with a long, cream-coloured, corduroy midi-skirt, and boots. The skirt has long gone, and it wouldn't fit if I still owned it. I love the vest with this sweater.
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| Looking very apres-ski for my shopping day |
I'm a fan of black and cream. And the vest, although it doesn't add colour to the outfit, does add interest. Partly because of its shape and length, but also because of the shiny texture.This outfit is just snazzy enough for me. For a day of winter shopping, anyway. In fact, I may take this on our ski holiday in January. Although most of Hubby's and my apres-ski time is spent in the condo, lolling around the fire with a book, I could wear this to dinner at the lodge. Or for driving into town to have a look round the shops when it's too cold to ski. We'll see.
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| Christmas shopping in cream and black, times three. |
I added my burgundy and beige scarf, my burgundy down coat, and suitable layered up, I was off. And I must tell you that my shopping day in Westboro was very successful. I found a couple of great things for Hubby at Mountain Equipment Co-op. A fleece jacket for one. But also a great book about wild edibles that I think he'll love. MEC has all kinds of cool things besides outdoor sporting equipment and clothing. I always find something interesting... camping mugs, ski hand-warmers. It's one of the few places where Hubby and I have actually shopped together. There's nothing like shopping for his and her ski underwear to cement a relationship, I always say. Ha.
After I left MEC I wandered into Green Tree Eco Fashion... now known as Canopy. The lovely Mary was working. I get such a kick out of that girl. She really knows her stuff. And we yak the whole time I'm there. She asked me if I was in a hurry, and I wasn't, so she pulled a ton of things off the rack for me to try. Something to wear with what I already own to my Christmas party tonight. Yep. Maybe something a little different to wear with my leather pants. Yep. Then I tried on a few pairs of cullottes, and some wide-legged pants, and even found a style that I think might work. So I left with a couple of new pieces, and a few new ideas. Can't ask for more than that, eh? I'll tell you about the new pieces, and the new ideas, soon.
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| All bundled up in my down coat for old-fashioned shopping. |
But back to my point. It's good to focus on loving the one we're with, so to speak. Pulling old pieces out of the closet and seeing how we can rekindle our interest in them. Especially if we can't find anything new to love. And speaking of the one I'm with... Hubby says to say that he particularly likes that cream and black outfit. Not that he actually gets a say in what I wear... let's be honest here... still, it's nice to have the spousal vote of confidence every once in a while.
Now, I'd better go do my work-out, then make a final decision on what I'm wearing tonight. It's our big hockey gang Christmas party. There will be lots of food and drink. Lots of laughs. And singing. Followed by more laughter. Ha.
And speaking of singing... I can't resist Dean Martin singing "Silver Bells." How I loved him when I was a kid. Me and Mum.. we're big fans.
How about you, my friends? Do you have to work on loving the one you're with? With respect to your closet, of course.
Linking up this week with: Visible Monday, #IwillwearwhatIlike, Style Me Wednesday, Thursday Favourite Things, Passion 4 Fashion, Fun Fashion Friday, Fancy Friday, Saturday Share Link-Up