I might have done a bit too much over the weekend, and the fatigue and cough pushed me back into a chair, with a book, yesterday.
It was worth it, though. Both Saturday and Sunday’s events — a performance of a contemporary riff on Lysistrata at Bard on the Beach Saturday and dinner at a friend’s on Sunday — called for a bit of dress-up. The dress-up, though, had to keep in mind that we were walking about 4 kilometres to each event, and outfits also needed to consider the cooler evenings we’re beginning to enjoy here at the tag-end of summer.
And this is what I came up with
Saturday evening,
navy lightweight cashmere pull (Bompard) and this skirt — 10 years old now! — is the same one I wore here. In that post, you’ll see I accessorized it then with the same chocolate-gold beads, the same crackle-finish metallic oxfords.
But this might be the first time I’ve ever worn it with bare legs. Probably won’t be the last, though — I rather like the practicality and the look itself, in this transitional weather, anyway — it was just too warm to consider tights.
There are certainly bags or clutches that would have been chicer or more elegant with this combo, but walking comfortably was important so I opted for this small cross-body M0851 that used to be Pater’s. . .
Similar parameters for Sunday evening — it was still quite warm — 21-ish, when we set out, and that scarf/shawl (tissueweight cashmere — Bompard) got unwrapped very quickly, carried over my arm.
But I would have shivered all the way home if I hadn’t brought it. That tunic (All Saints, bought in Paris with my sister three years ago — I wore it as a dress here) is a very light and breezy silk.
The white jeans (One Teaspoon) are not the perfect pair of white jeans, but they’re not bad — I’d prefer no distressing, and I’d prefer not to have little zippers at the ankles, and I debated replacing them this year, but in the end I decided they’re just fine.
For comfortable walking, I grabbed this pair of metallic silver Fluevog loafers that I keep coaxing one more wear out of (five years old with at least 5000 kilometres on the clock ;-). And grabbed a clutch this time, for variety’s sake — this one’s Club Monaco, at least eight years old. . . .
It felt good to be able to pull these late-summer slightly dressy looks out of my closet, I must say. The only things newer than three years old in these photos are the oxfords in the top outfit and the orange watch-strap (in both). It also felt good to move toward the expanded possibilities of Autumn outfits with a wider range of textures and weights and colours.
And I’m thinking about Fall’s expanded possibilities in other ways as well — Two granddaughters head back to school today, and my twin nieces begin their first university year way across the country from each other. I’ve just put together the itinerary for some solo travel late in November, and before that, I think I’m going to sign up for a class or two (right now I’m thinking language and more sketching).
What about you? Fall wardrobe? Fall plans? Resisting or Embracing the transition? Trying to wear as much of your summer wardrobe as you can in Summer’s Last Gasp, like my friend Sue?(Or are you heading into Spring where you live?) Classes you’re looking forward to? Trips you’re planning? New volunteer activities you’re excited about taking on? Do tell. . . .The mic’s all yours. . .
I like both your outfits. I have a pair of white jeans with zippers at the bottom and when there was a flash trend of flared jeans, I unzipped them and voilà, flare.
We have chilly nights and warm days at the moment. Wonderful. But it's late afternoon now and I cannot think about sleeves, much less a wrap. I should look at this again in the morning, when it's cool.
Love Lysistrata!
Voilà flare! I love it!
This was such a fun production of Lysistrata — very sassy and smart and funny.
Hi Materfamilias, I do like your outfits. Hope you feel better. I follow you from Guanajuato, Mexico. I always enjoy your posts¡ Thanks for sharing.
I'm so glad to hear that Cristina, thank you!
I really enjoy your fashion posts…so many wonderful items that you have in your closet are classics with "an edge" they are fun and colourful…infused with an energetic vibe.
September always feels fresh…
with many new opportunities and hopefully some exercising of the grey cells!
I see from your post today we're on much the same wavelength. Still enjoying summer here but also keen to welcome fall's possibilities. Your roses are magic!
Love the navy pullover with the skirt and oxfords. I love that shape of shirt with the big pleats. I envy you your nice weather. We're supposed to have a humidex of 40 here tomorrow. But I'm persisting in wearing everything in my summer closet before we leave for Italy. So I was out in a tee, skirt, and sneakers today. Great to be back in the world.
P.S. Thanks for the shout-out:)
Thanks, Sue — I like that shape as well — surprising comfortable to wear.
Ugh! That Ottawa humidity-heat combo — I'd have such a tough time with that. But it does give you a chance to keep wearing your summer clothes (although only the lightest of layers).
It's so hot right now in the New York City area so maybe I will actually try to wear some of the things I never got around to during the actual Summer. Now that I"m retired its mostly crops and tees time to up my game! Darby
Isn't it great, though, that if you just want to wear crops and tees now, you're in charge of the dress code?!!
I'm off to Paris tomorrow. Back for book clubs, writer's festival and Port Townsend. Monsieur and I just booked an apartment in Mexico for Christmas. We'll meet his sister's family from Calgary. And there is always some substitute teaching as well.
September is a great time for making plans.
Have a wonderful, wonderful time in your favourite city! And lots of good stuff to come back to as well. . . .
Both outfits look great – that's a wonderful skirt. I'm becoming more attracted to monochromatic dressing and the second outfit has me thinking that I need a pair of white jeans!
September's rhythms are rather forced upon me, but I enjoy them. I tend to pick up a stitching project or two in the autumn and spend more time indoors than out.
White jeans are surprisingly versatile. . .
I love the off white tunic; it’s a classic, it would look great with black leggings or black skniiny jeans.
We are off to France at the end of the month. I can not believe that a year has gone by.
Ali
Yes, I've worn the tunic with black skinnies and boots!
How long in Europe this time? I can't believe another year has slipped by and I haven't managed to get to Saltspring — actually, I can't believe I haven't been there for four years now!
Love both outfits,this skirt is beautiful and I like the combination with the navy v-neck pullover (and I love Eric Bompard,too)
White jeans is my non-negotiable wardrobe staple
Lysistrata,wow! Lucky you
I'll try to wear summer things as long as possible
Dottoressa
It was such a fun production — they changed up the words to suit a contemporary, local situation, but lost none of the import. . .
Unlike most folks, I am ready for summer weather to be gone. My lightest summer clothing is in shreds from over-wearing. Humidex of 45 yesterday. On repeat for today. Just thankful for a/c.
Like you, dabbling in a variety of things this fall. Usually do a language lesson at least once a day. Some visitors due in October and possibly a trip out west (NM) in December.
Oh dear, that combination of heat and humidity is killer. . . I can well imagine you're keen for a change.
Fun to hear so many are off on trips. I love both outfits, and I must say metallic shoes really make everything tie together! I am adjusting to the lovely cooler nights and the sudden awareness that I haven't had a teaching nightmare as I am retired. I just went through my closet thinking of what I can wear and what needs to be replaced. Still a little soon for my fall perfume: Jo Malone's English Oak and Hazelnut. Brenda
Isn't it great that those teaching nightmares have retired with our retirement?!
I love the sound of that perfume!! Oak and Hazelnut, mmmm
Well I had to think but in hindsight I have been wearing variations of the same outfit all summer…t-shirt, varying sleeve lengths, usually striped and something loose on the bottom, usually linen. The tops can carry on a while yet but baggy jeans will sub for the linen.
First day back to French class today…this is the third September…I dread it each fall as a clear indication summer is ending but when I get there I remember how I love it. And in two weeks my history-lecture class starts: The European Powder Keg (the days leading to the Great War). What luck this is offered just as I finish a summer of lazy reading on that very subject.
Love both your outfits esp that skirt with the flat shoes, yes please! 🙂
I'm hoping I can get into a French class that works for me — doing a placement test at the local Francophone centre next week and then will see if they have a spot for me in the appropriate class.
That course sounds perfect for a history buff like you — is it for credit (i.e. do you have to write exams and essays?)
This timing's fabulous, isn't it, that flat shoes should be trendy now as we (I, at least) need them more ferociously than ever. . .
Lovely outfits Frances! I really like the style, colours and print of your skirt .. very wearable! Your silk tunic is gorgeous and works well over trousers. We tend to walk whenever we can when we go out, so like you I always need to find comfy shoes that work. Invariably I use a crossbody bag or backpack, while my clutches and smarter bags remain in the wardrobe!
Sorry to hear you’ve had a slight set back. Hopefully you’ll soon be feeling well again. Take care.
Rosie
ps it’s been lovely to read about all your activities with your grandchildren recently … wonderful to have so much time with them … and such fun!
I'm like you — I try out a better-looking bag, a clutch, but then practicality and comfort seems to win over if I'm walking.
So glad to hear the grandchildren news that creeps into the blog doesn't bore everyone away. They're such a part of my life right now that it would be dishonest not to include them here.
I remember when Paul got that bag! Man, time flies.
It does! Since then, he's completely worn out — and I mean, so very thrashed!– a (now-discontinued, to his huge disappointment) messenger bag and replaced it with another M0851 bag that's shockingly similar to one of my own.