Visible Monday #48: Visiblity Without Labels

Welcome to Visible Monday #48! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.  

Here's a Visible outfit for either work or play that I feel very comfortable in. And going back to my post about my unofficial "uniform", I see that it qualifies. (I'm not trying to dress in a uniform way; I do find myself drawn to this formula).

I love this Tommy Hilfiger navy skirt. It's a crisp cotton and has good weight to it, so it holds its shape. I thrifted it, and it's two sizes larger than my usual, so lesson for me: pay no attention to size labels! In fact, pay no attention to labels at all, and let clothing (and people) unfold just as they are.

The little gray knit jacket is by Limited, also thrifted. I like the drawstring close, even though it's thisclose to being too casual for the office. A thrifted scarf is my belt, and my blue suede shoes are the stars of this look. I think I love them too much, it's not normal  : >

All neutrals, with a dash of cobalt at the feet!

Just playing with the photo editor, and I like the stark, clean
look of black, white and gray.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!


The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Packing for NYC! and Visible Monday Is On

Ever-gracious blogger Pam of Over50Feeling40 asked if Visible Monday was on for Memorial Day - yes! Please come over and post your fabulous, visible selves this Monday, May 28th (the post actually goes up Sunday evening).

Click on the logo for the easy how-to.

This weekend I am starting to pack for our trip to New York City! We're going for our fourth annual World Science Festival. My husband is an engineer/deep thinker and he enjoys the lectures by some of the world's top scientists. I attend, and try to absorb a few ideas, heh. There are also some lectures in the mental health field, for moi.

We've secured a cool little studio in the West Village to stay in for a few days, and of course there will be plenty of time (says I) for thrifting and vintage shopping. I am packing light, and will supplement my wardrobe with some NY finds as I go, like I did last Fall. Whee!

I have followed the guidance of Une Femme, a very experienced traveler, in creating small capsules. I'll be relying on a couple of knit skirts and tops, a Karina dress and one pair of jeans, plus ultra-comfortable walking shoes. The shoes are the key to a happy NYC vacation!

Good old Docs, great for stomping around the city

Fidji makes a very comfortable walking bootie too.

Posting will be light next week, after Visible Monday. I'll be shopping up a storm expanding my mind. Have a wonderful Saturday.

A Simple Uniform That Works For Me

Sally of Already Pretty asked a few days ago about our clothing "uniforms"  - formulas we rely on as the backbones of our wardrobes. It's such a terrific concept, and it takes away a lot of morning stress for me. On many work days my uniform is: Full skirt and feminine top, plus shoes with a bit of personality. Usually I add some kind of light jacket or cardigan for the chilly office.

As I looked over some recent outfit pictures, I saw that I was right-on in my description. Here's a recent outfit that I really enjoyed wearing because it's: 1) feminine, 2) easy to wear all day in comfort, 3) flattering, and 4) got a touch of personality with the black booties.

Black knit skirt and graphic blouse. It fits the "uniform"

Does the uniform concept resonate with you? Take a look at some of the fifty replies Sally received to her post - there's a lot of individual versions of uniforms!

Happy, happy Friday to all!

The Real Difference Between Men And Women

 . . . is  shopping. How I know: this past weekend my husband said "All my shorts are worn out, let's get some new ones." (Note difference #1 - "let's get some."  I have never, ever said to him, "I need some new open-toe wedge sandals, let's go get some.")

So we went to Target, one of his best spots for casual wear. And almost everything he wears is casual because 1) we live in Florida, and 2) he works from home. Target has a great selection of cotton, knee-length cargo shorts in the colors and sizes my DH likes. I like them too, and his tall, rangy frame looks great in long loose shorts.

A handful of these, and he's good for a year. That's my guy!

No exaggeration, ladies, we were in and out of there, groceries included, in 20 minutes. My man had four new pairs of good-looking shorts and a pair of surf trunks. He was really happy. In fact, his quote upon exiting the store was, "Well, that'll do me for another year." In case you didn't notice, that quote exemplifies differences #2 through infinity between him and me with regard to shopping.

Definitely not my guy. No Target bags. This link is to an
interesting article about men spending more on impulse items. Heh.

I don't consider myself a shopping addict, nor a super-shopper, nor even a leisure-shopper. But I do enjoy the activity, and I like to add and subtract from my wardrobe regularly to create new looks. I'll wager most of you reading this share similar tastes.

What about the men in your lives? Can they shop for a year in twenty minutes?  Do you shop for, or with them? Or do they venture out and style themselves on a regular basis?

Visible Monday #47: The Boots Return

Welcome to Visible Monday #47! If you want to participate, it's so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.

I said I had put my boots away, but I brought the bronze cowboys back for a Spring encore. They just felt good with this otherwise light-hearted look.

I am mixing two families of green today, warm olive green and cool spring green. I didn't dare do this a decade ago; it was always warm-with-warm and cool-with-cool. But this looks fresh to me, and nobody laughed, so -- a victory for rule breaking  : >

The blouse is by Ann Taylor Loft and the silk skirt is by Talbots. Boots were thrifted for under $10, and they're by BCBGirls. The beaded necklace was made by a friend.

Boots in the Spring, and color mixing - such a rebel I have become.

I wish I could find more of these silk skirts. This one feels so great.

Now, let's see what you're wearing, Visible Women!!


The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

1. Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the "Next Step", you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you're done!

Trending: Leather Sleeved Army Jackets

The delightful Bill Cunningham features this jacket today in his On The Street video for the New York Times online. It's a military style jacket in army green/tan, with leather sleeves, and he's seeing it all over the city. (Bill's videos are the highlight of my Saturday mornings.)

I haven't seen the jacket here in the 'burbs yet, and I'm not sure if it's for me. It is a little edgy and a little funky, which I like. But maybe too masculine for my style? I'm not buying yet, but I'm watching for Fall.

What say you all?

A very boxy version, ASOS, $217

I like the shape of this one better. Veda Jones, $450 (ouch)

Fab blogger of The Fashion Blanket makes her own!

Have a wonderful day, and don't forget, Monday, May 21st is Visible Monday! Everyone is welcome to participate!

Checklist for a Fab Maxi Dress - What's Yours?

I am hoping maxi dresses are still in this summer. Ah, who am I kidding, I am going to wear them this summer, in or out. Being of a Certain Age, I have guidelines. But I can't resist the ease of a long dress and the wonderful leg-cover it allows.

Here are some of the things I look for:

• A bit of back coverage. I prefer just a nice scoop in the back, not a deep vee that exposes lots of skin.
• A strap that is bra-friendly, or at least friendly to a supportive camisole.
• Clean, simple lines - not a boat-load of ruffles
• Solids, stripes, or simple graphic prints, maybe a subtle floral - but no Hawaiian explosions for me.

Yummy color, forgiving fit, simple cut - is the slit a little daring?
Nordstroms, $78

Simplicity defined! But it would be a fun backdrop for summer
jewelry and scarves. Nordstroms, $118

For my Boho side. I love the airy fabric and Ikat print.
I'd def wear a cami for the neckline exposure.  Amazon, $175

Do you wear maxi dresses/skirts in the warm months? What are your preferences for style, fabric, colors? Or am I already way past this trend?  : o

Happy Friday to all!