Facets of Myself : August 2023

Me - 2022 and 1982

Remember in January, when I told you I wasn't sure what I was going to write about every month, but I was going to write...and in June I wrote about purging and downsizing...

well, lest you think I've only been getting rid of things...fear not, I have engaged in some retail therapy over the past few months too, and filled up some of the emptied space.

In one of my very first posts I wrote that my daughter thought my clothes were boring, and called them my "Mom uniform". In her defense...she wasn't wrong.

The truth is my, style really hasn't evolved that much in 40+ years...but by following some fun folks on IG, I've learned it does lend itself very nicely to a "capsule wardrobe". With that in mind, I've had a good time rebuilding my closet with things that work well together.

Universal Standard Geneva dress
Rothy's points

One of the wonderful things about following these well dressed folks is many of them link directly to sites where you can shop for what you see. I also appreciate that these women are real people; they not are six feet tall, in their 20s, rail thin, nor do they all have extraordinary budgets.

The first things they all suggest is to "shop your closet"...and once I'd whittled down my wardrobe to things I could and would wear, I had a reasonable starting point.

After three years of ratty tee shirts, baggy shorts and yoga pants, I had a lot of enthusiasm for new clothes...but keeping in mind that while I was going to be out and about and traveling again, my life really wasn't going to change that much...so I tried to be (mostly) practical.

I also looked for companies with sustainable, ethical practices - which can be expensive - so my other criteria included size inclusivity and affordability.

Tradlands Nico dress
Rothy's flip flops

I've never been a "skinny girl" and appreciate being able to click through a link from Instagram and not be disappointed by the size range.

You'll find links to some of my favorite brands and influencers of all ages and sizes at the end of this post.

Without question, the best thing I've added to my wardrobe is casual dresses...that can be worn with a pair of Rothys or sneakers...one and done. Just add earrings and a necklace and I'm out the door.

To my daughter's earlier point that I have a uniform - it's still true. I own the Universal Standard Geneva dress in four colors, and twice that many pairs of pointed Rothys.

The Uniform with Allbirds

Rothys are my "dress up" shoes; my sneakers of choice are Allbirds (for the same reason I love Rothys - they are comfortable, washable and sustainable). I own them in a half dozen colors as well.

I'm nothing if not consistent.

I'm also a firm believer there is absolutely nothing wrong with a "uniform" (aka a capsule wardrobe) with a mostly interchangeable color palette; mine is khaki, denim, white, navy, black and a pop of pink or red.

Sometimes, just for fun I'll throw in a pattern - floral, stripes or plaid - but solids make up most of what I own.

The thing I definitely change up the most is my jewelry depending on my mood and schedule. Choosing which pieces to wear - and posting them on Instagram - is one of the best parts of getting dressed and going out again.

Until next time.

People I follow:

Abigail Basset

Audie Metcalf (The Candidly)

Dressing Dawn

Elizabeth (Do You Have That In My Size)

Places I like to shop - all are size inclusive

Able