All posts filed under: Clothing & Accessories

A Dress for That Occasion

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Since downsizing my wardrobe at the beginning of the year, I’ve noticed a couple of gaps needing filled. Specifically, I had nothing to wear in the event of a somber occasion. And let’s be honest, in the midst of a crisis, the last thing we want to do is shop for clothing we’re going to wear to mark a sad time. So I decided to buy a dress now and wear it at other times so that the garment doesn’t become a symbol of death and sadness. Because I’m trying to be mindful of my purchases, I decided not to simply buy a black dress to keep in the closet. I wanted the dress to be something I could wear in any season and for things other than funerals, so I was delighted when I came across this beautiful linen dress from Gudrun Sjoden. It’s a simple, elegant dress with 3/4-length sleeves and subtle embroidery. The fabric is light-to-midweight, so it can be worn year round here in Scotland. I chose the ash grey version …

What’s Your Kibbe Type?

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I’m sure it was someone effortlessly stylish who said ‘fashions change, but style never does’. I imagine they were tall, thin, rich, and beautiful – and any advice they had didn’t apply to someone like me. I’m a skosh over 5’2″ and I’ve struggled with my weight since my mid-twenties.  I have tried so many ‘looks’ but until recently, I’ve never been able to determine what works best for me. This has meant a lot of wasted money on all sorts of things that didn’t suit me. The fashion and beauty industry is weird, and its nomenclature is bizarre. Am I an apple? A pear? Is my face an oval or a diamond? What colour season am I? Should I wear all black to hide my roundness? Statement jewellery? Balayage? So much to consider and all of it confusing, at least for me, but I recently discovered something that clicked everything into place and I am so sad I didn’t come across it 30 years ago – long before I spent loads money on clothes …

Clothing Reduction

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It was unpleasant realising my clothing consumption was out of control. My wardrobe was full of things I didn’t wear, and I stood many mornings in my dressing gown thinking that today would be the day I finally went to work naked. How did it come to this? Why did I have have garments with the tags still on hanging unloved and unworn in my closet? After a bit of reflection, I began to figure out where I was going wrong.  It was not a nice process. I was doing dumb things. Sales. Yes, that dress is ok, I guess, but knock 30% off and it becomes more attractive. But does it really? No, it does not. It goes into the wardrobe to hang for a year and it never gets worn because I don’t really like it. I just bought it because it was cheaper. That’s the definition of a false economy. Body Denial. Does this garment fit my shape? I am not slim and I’m quite short, and while the outfit looks fabulous …

Gudrun Christmas Picks

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I’ve been eagerly awaiting the Gudrun Christmas Collection, and was delighted when my catalogue arrived.  In the past, I’ve found one or two outfits to covet, but this year’s collection is full of lovely things I’d wear in or out of the Christmas season. Most of my favourites come from the Frida Kahlo collection.  The Azul dress, £69, is at the top of my list.  It’s a pretty print that will look lovely right through until spring.  In colder months, it can be worn with a long-sleeved top underneath and would look great with either tights or leggings.  Available in three colours.  I’ve gone for black. From the Folklore collection comes this gorgeous Froda tunic, £65.  With a pretty print and generous fit, this goes well over a dress.  It can also be worn with trousers, leggings, or tights.  Because it’s sleeveless, you can mix it up with different tops underneath.  It comes in both red and black.  I am looking forward to wearing this on Christmas Eve. Also from the Folklore collection is the Frojda …

Gudrun Winter Picks

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The Gudrun winter collection is out!  With Christmas fast approaching, I’ve not gone too crazy with the purchases, but there are three items I just couldn’t resist. At £99, the Alicia dress is little more expensive that most Gudrun dresses, but the attention to detail is exquisite.  There is beautiful cross-stitching on the bodice, and the pockets and hem are trimmed in a pretty ribbon.  It’s a great item to wear with a long-sleeved t-shirt now, and it can be paired with a warm turtleneck when the weather gets colder.  In three lovely colours.  I went for blue. I always look forward to tights season, and this season’s Cuzco tights will keeps legs warm.  They’re slightly sheer, but also quite heavy, and the pretty floral pattern looks pretty peeping out of boots or paired with contrasting-coloured dress.  They’re £22 and available in three colours. The Ocho skirt is currently £49 at the club price, and a great addition to your winter wardrobe.  It’s a wonderful, warm velour that pairs goes nicely with all sorts of pieces.  I have it in black, …

Sporty Shoes for Older Feet

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I’ve mentioned before that my feet are intolerant to uncomfortable shoes.   I need good support, preferably something moulded to fit the shape of my foot, with a slight elevation at the back to keep my heels happy. I’ve been wearing Superga for about three years and couldn’t be happier with them.  They’re stylish, colourful, and I can walk for miles without a hint of discomfort.  They also come in half sizes which is a must for my four-and-a-half-sized feet. The Classic 2750 style is reasonably priced at £50, but do check the outlet section of the website for some excellent bargains.  If you prefer a leather upper (I do in colder weather), they offer these in a range of cute colours, too. For extra fun, check out the Flatforms to satisfy your inner Spice Girl.  This little dusty rose velvet number is on my Christmas wish list this year.

Patra Bamboo-Cotton Sleepwear

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When you consider how much of your life is spent sleeping, it’s crazy not to have the most comfortable sleepwear available.  For me, that means nightdresses made of 100% natural materials to help keep me cool and happy at night.  I’m extremely fussy about my nightwear – I don’t like thick seams, scratchy tags, or pokey buttons annoying me when I’m trying to sleep.  I also can’t stand anything that binds around my legs, rides up, or digs into my skin when I’m turning over in my bed. In a perfect world, I’d sleep nude, but I’m imperfect, a bit modest and just can’t quite abide sleeping with nothing on, so I was delighted to come across Patra’s Bamboo-Cotton Nightdress, £39.95 , the most comfortable night gown I’ve ever owned.  The fabric is silky-soft, feather-light and imperceptible on the skin, keeping me cool and super-comfortable.  There are no irritating seams, tags, or buttons, and the lovely wide straps don’t dig into the skin.  The cut is simple and elegant, and not too long for us shorter ladies.  It’s made of a …

Hotter Autumn Picks

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One caveat of having feet nearly 50 years old is that they will not tolerate uncomfortable shoes.  If I’m honest, they never have.  I cannot stand any shoes that pinch, bind, or cause me to wobble about, so trendy, spiky heels are out of the question.  I’m not quite ready for granny mules, though, so how do I reconcile fashionable-looking shoes with superb comfort?  Hotter, of course. Hotter have been making cute, comfortable shoes since the 1950s, and their experience shows.  I have several pairs that have literally lasted years.  I think they’re great value for money considering the comfort and quality, and I always try to treat myself to a new pair every other season. The first pair of Hotter shoes I bought were these Shout shoes, £75.  I’ve had them for nearly three years and they still look and feel great.  They have an extremely lightweight sole, so my feet always feel comfortable, and they look terrific with almost any casual outfit.  This season there are three colours from which to choose – black, plum and …

Current Gudrun Favourites

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As I’ve aged, I’ve found it hard to find clothes to suit me.  I’m not very tall and I’m not very thin – and I feel ignored by the fashion industry despite being willing to spend money for good-quality clothes (I detest disposable fashion).  I don’t want to wear black all of the time, and I certainly don’t enjoy the pitiful ‘plus’ size clothes that swamp my 5’2″ frame. Thank goodness for Gudrun Sjoden.  She gets it!  And she makes fun-yet-elegant clothes for people of all ages and all sizes.  Everything is ethically produced and there are organic options as well.  In the two years I’ve shopped with Gudrun, most everything I’ve ordered has been true to size, but they offer a great returns policy for mail order, and the few things I have sent back have been replaced or refunded with no hassle. It took me a little time to understand how to shop with Gudrun, but once I got the hang of mixing her Basics with her Collection pieces, I was off.  Since her colours …

Handbag Storage Solution

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They say admission is the first step to recovery, so I’ll just put it out there: I have a bit of a handbag addiction.  After looking for a storage solution that didn’t involve shoving them under the bed or putting them in a closet, I decided to try a hat rack.  And it’s perfect!  I can now see all of my bags which makes it easier to grab the one I want to go with my outfit for the day.  The hat rack I chose came from IKEA, and it has many hooks for handbags.  

Fashionable

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While out on a walk with our dogs, Magnus the Giant Lapphund pulled me right over. I managed to avoid the giant pile of poo on the ground, but did not avoid twisting my foot in an unnatural way. A trip to A&E and an x-ray later, I came home with a walking stick. I thought I’d need it for quite awhile, but today my foot feels much better. Never underestimate the power of ice!