Our beloved sitter is getting married next weekend, and I’ve been working hard to find suitable outfits for everyone in our family. Dressing for Texas weddings can be tricky, since the weather is a major factor. This upcoming wedding is on a Friday evening, the first weekend in October, and temperatures are still hovering in the 80s and 90s. Children are invited and the event is billed as “kid-friendly,” and that means I will be chasing my little guys around all evening.
Since my wardrobe mainly consists of “mom clothes” now, I went through my closet and couldn’t find a dress that was both comfortable and cool enough to wear to an outdoor, evening wedding. So I did a little shopping at Kohl’s this past week. I wanted something affordable, and since I had a coupon, I started there first. This dress, by Jennifer Lopez, works surprisingly well, and I really appreciate that her clothing is designed to flatter curves. I was hoping to find a simple, black sheath dress, but the few I found did not work well with my mid-section. This dress was actually the last thing I spied before leaving the store, and I decided to give it a try.
It seems to photograph more casually then it appears in real life, and the fabric has a silky sheen to it. The dress is also extremely comfortable and lined, so I won’t need to wear a slip or support undergarments, either. That will help me stay cool if the weather is warm on Friday evening.
Once I got home, I realized I didn’t have a dressy necklace to pair with the dress. I wanted something that would stand out a little, in contrast to the darker hues of the dress, and since my coupon was still good, I returned to Kohl’s the next day and found this necklace for a steal. It’s bright and shiny, and I can wear it with my casual clothes, too.
And even though it’s past Labor Day, I think I’m going to wear these ivory, faux-leather wedges from Ruche (now unavailable). They are dressy and comfortable, and I can chase after James and Rhys easily in them. Plus, the wedding is somewhat casual (I know they are serving pizza!), so I think these will serve me well. Of course, this dress could easily be paired with black or silver pumps for a more formal look. And I even considered wearing a pair of hot pink heels that I love, but they are not as comfortable.
I’m looking forward to our sitter’s wedding on Friday, and it will be fun to get dressed up for such a special occasion.
We might live in the suburbs, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t surrounded by beauty. Here are a few things that caught my eye recently and made me reach for my camera.
Austin is often called “The City of the Violet Crown,” a name O. Henry, the short story writer, possibly gave to the city to describe its stunning sunsets. And since we are just a few miles north, we get to enjoy the view as well.
(Sunset through the trees.)
(Fiery sky.)
When James was nine months old, Ryan planted a Chinese Pistache tree in our yard for him. James’ tree has done incredibly well, and is now about twelve feet tall, with a few gorgeous red berries that sprouted recently.
(James’ tree.)
(Pretty red berries.)
In April, Ryan also planted a tiny Burr Oak sapling for Rhys. Sadly, it has not fared as well and will have to be replaced. I guess that’s nature for you. Sorry, little brother!
(Rhys’ Tree: the little stick to the left of the leaf.)
I have a fairly large perfume collection, and it’s all my mother’s fault. She is a lover of fine perfume and has passed along her taste to her daughters. It’s not a bad habit to possess, and I get a lot of lovely smelling gifts this way.
I know that perfume, itself, is a bit controversial, and people with sensitive noses can’t stand the stuff. I suffer from seasonal allergies, too; but for me, wearing a scent is non-negotiable. It’s as natural and important to my daily routine as brushing my teeth and applying deodorant. And, since I like to change my clothes, my makeup, and even my hair quite often, I think it’s important to have several (or, in my case, many) different fragrances to choose from.
It’s probably no surprise that I prefer classic, floral scents, and my very favorite smell in the world is violet. Though it’s often described as old-fashioned, I adore it, and it has become popular again recently as a fragrance note. I’ve had a gigantic bottle of Marc Jacob’s Autumn Violet Splash (now discontinued) for several years and am getting dangerously close to the bottom. Since it’s technically a Splash, as opposed to a Perfume or even an Eau de Toilette (you can read a great description of each here), the scent doesn’t last very long and can be reapplied throughout the day.
My morning routine includes slathering on unscented lotion after my shower, then applying perfume before I put my clothes on for the day. I always apply perfume directly to my bare skin, because my body heat helps to dissipate the scent and allows it to settle while I am getting ready.
I wear perfume for myself, and I can always smell it on me, but I’m mindful that other people may have sensitive noses, and I never layer it on right before I leave the house. Perfume should be subtle and not overpowering. It’s great to have a signature scent that others associate with you, but you don’t want it to quietly announce your presence before you enter a room. I once had a boss that hated perfume and made sure to tell people when they wore it around her. I worked closely with her for five years, wore perfume every single day, and she never said a word to me.
For me, the scent of perfume is associated with some of my happiest memories. I wore Meteorites by Guerlain (also discontinued) for my wedding and honeymoon in Ireland, and when I smell it now (I saved a bottle), I remember those cold, cloudy days exploring another continent with Ryan. When I visited my sister in England, she gave me a small bottle of Pure Poison Lotion by Dior. Right before James was born, my mother gave me a sample of Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir Cologne, and that scent is forever linked with his birth and Christmas, which came nine days later. And when Rhys was born in the summer, I was wearing Stella by Stella McCartney.
Right now, I’m going back and forth between My Insolence by Guerlain and my tiny new sample of Candy by Prada. I’m also eager to try Jo Malone’s newest fragrance, Blackberry & Bay, and I’m hoping it might show up in my stocking this Christmas. (Hint, hint!)
