A Teal Suede Coat

When I was newly married and planning a move to Massachusetts, I had to purchase a new coat. Living in Southwest Missouri, I was perfectly happy to freeze my tushie off in a denim jacket for style. But I knew a thick and warm coat was needed.
I went to the mall and found a store with layaway. I fell in love with a thick, thigh-length suede coat in a warm shade between light teal and peacock.

The salesclerk tried to talk me into the hunter green coat, but this was the early 90's and the decade of hunter green. I wanted something different. Sure the teal didn't set off my (dyed) auburn hair like the hunter did, but everytime I slipped on that coat I felt warm and rich.

Nowadays, for warmth I would choose a down jacket, and for style something in wool. But that coat was a staple of my wardrobe over the next couple years and well-worth the $160 price tag.
Sometimes we just have to follow our own instincts.

"The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets"

"The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets" by Diane Irons is a great book full of helpful little tips in "beauty, diet, & fashion."

For example, did you know that models use hemorroid cream not only on puffy eyes, but puffy cheeks, and around the jawline, too? Wonder if it would tighten up this double chin o' mine?

Or that a light spray of hairspray (careful, now-eyes closed) can help keep makeup in place?

It also has recipes of good-sounding, simple-to-make food, low in calories. For example, why not try Stuffed Mushrooms, Baked Onion Rings, or Yellow Pepper and Orange Soup? Yum. I can't wait to try out these new recipes.

This book was published in 1997, so you might have to buy it used (used bookstores, Amazon, or eBay, but it's a lot of fun!

Like Classic Clothes

I woke up too early on this Sunday morning, and was flipping through old bookmarks. I came upon this link:
Chadwick's


Right now, they have a special: You buy more than $49 worth of clothing and they DEDUCT $5. No shipping, they pay you back!

Chadwick's clothing styles are fairly classic and affordable. When I was a new (and way too young) bride living in Massachusetts I was on a tight clothing budget. My (ex)husband was attending tech school with the Air Force in Ayer, MA, and we were living in Fitchburg. One day, I found I had made a mistake in the checkbook with over $150 in OUR favor. I picked up my old Chadwick's of Boston (I assume this is the same company) and ordered a pair of white denim shorts, a white cable cardigan, and two silk tanks (teal and turquoise). I added a pair of white casual shoes from them, and I always had a cute outfit that summer.
I also supplemented this with a perfect fitting pair of Levi's, and a couple tops from the PX (it was an army post, I think). I bought my first pair of "real" Keds (with the blue patch), and felt great. Granted nowadays, I wouldn't touch a pair of white loafers, but when you are 19, who cares?

I wore the white shorts and cardigan, with the turquoise silk tank on a trip to the beach in New Hampshire. We walked far out on a mound of rocks and the frothing sea foamed around us, as the wind whipped through my hair. I miss New England.

Isn't it interesting the memories that are tied with clothing?


Love,

Jill

This Blog!

One of my guilty pleasures has been reading books on fashion, wardrobe planning, and beauty. As a sensible woman, I have always felt it was a bit frivolous, especially since I feel my own wardrobe lacks in that extra "oomph" that makes fashion so exciting.
But no more!
This is the place where I (and you) express our love of clothes, make-up tips, and more!

I look forward to hearing from you, and will put up any tips, online sales info. or just a rave about a new style.

Let's get started!

Your friend in fashion,

Jill LaSalle