Monday miscellany: outfits lately & more…

Happy Monday! We’re almost through the month of January, and it feels like it’s taken me up until now to get caught up and back on track. What about you? Is your 2024 off to a good start?

Easy, “elevated casual” outfits

Comfort has always been a top priority for me, but more than ever, I can’t abide wearing anything that’s tight, stiff, or constricting. But I still want to look neat and put-together. Here are a couple of recent outfits that hit the mark for me.

We’ve been having a warm spell the past few days, and I’m not complaining! While it lasts, I’ve swapped out some of my heavier sweaters for lighter weight layers.

Susan B. wears a collared ribbed cardigan, white tee, brown jeans, beige sneakers
EARRINGS (SIMILAR) | NECKLACE | TEE | CARDIGAN (SIMILAR) | BELT | PANTS | SNEAKERS
My sizes: tee – XS, cardigan – XS, jeans – 28 Petite (probably could have sized down to 27)

Yep, it’s those pants again. I’ve been wearing them a few times a week, and find them both comfortable and a nice alternative to jeans. Collared cardigans are one of my favorite styles currently. I love how a collar adds structure to even a relaxed style.

More collared cardigans

But last week, we had quite a bit of rain, and I wore this out to meet a friend for lunch…

Susan B. wears a red raincoat, leopard print top, cuffed blue jeans, and brown suede boots.
RAINCOAT (SIMILAR) | CARDIGAN | JEANS (SIMILAR) | BOOTS (SIMILAR)
My sizes: cardigan – S, jeans – 27

One item that had been on my wishlist for some years was a lightweight, good quality raincoat. So I’d planned to shop for one in London. After not seeing much that appealed to me in department stores and boutiques, I eventually found my way to the Mackintosh shop on Saville Row.

I knew I wanted a single-breasted style, not a trench, and something lightweight enough for travel in milder seasons. There were plenty of khaki and other neutral coats, but this red one caught my eye and it was ❤️ at first try. (I did have the length and sleeves shortened just a bit.) My friend Alyson of That’s Not My Age was shopping with me, and concurred that this one had my name on it!

I love the swing shape and simple style. This poppy red is a true neutral, so works with everything. Sure a tan or khaki would have been more traditional, but I think this red is really fun and just as timeless. (Unfortunately this one seems to be sold out online; here’s a similar style.) And because I love a red and leopard print combo, wore with this cardigan.

Reader favorites

This week’s best sellers…

Here are this week’s top picks, as chosen by readers like you. See all of this week’s Reader Favorites HERE.

On my watchlist

Ooh, I can’t wait for both of these new series starting soon…

New series of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Feud: Capote vs. The Swans starts Wednesday, and it looks like it will be a real corker! (Author and gadfly Truman Capote befriends a group of New York socialites, only to dish on their lives in his book, “Answered Prayers.” An excerpt published of the book published in a nation magazine destroyed his relationship with them, and some say, his career.)

You can watch the trailer HERE. It looks like the costuming and sets will be fabulous, and WOW, what a cast!

Series "The New Look" on Apple TV, a drama about the great French couture houses during and after WWII.

And after seeing the Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto exhibition last year in London, I can’t wait for this one, “The New Look.” Set during and after WWII, it tells the story of how Christian Dior and his contemporaries (Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, Christóbal Balenciaga) launched a new age of fashion. This is one of my favorite fashion eras. Another amazing cast! You can watch the trailer HERE.

There’s still time… 💪

There’s a new round of Faster Way to Fat Loss starting up today! If you’ve been wanting to get stronger, improve your endurance, boost your metabolism, have more energy and feel great, I suggest giving it a try. I started the program in 2020, and am still working it and continuing to get stronger and leaner. (My weight hasn’t changed much, but I’m more toned and my clothes fit much better. I’m much stronger, have more energy and endurance.)

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22 Comments

  1. The red raincoat and leopard print shirt are gorgeous together. I have a short red rainjacket that I’m going to wear with my leopard print shoes tomorrow. Thanks for the idea! I love the pics. I’m a visual learner.

  2. Oh I LOVE your red raincoat. Bought at Mackintosh shop on Saville Row…my my, that’s the very highest you can go. It will last you a lifetime and will bring you a lot of joy. I agree that the colour red will go with everything.
    Greetje

  3. Hi Susan, Lovely post, as always. A special thanks for suggestions on the two new shows. We’ve been looking for something to watch during the boring, cold evenings of winter. Looks like I’m signing up for Hulu! 🙂

  4. Love your red raincoat. I have a similar one in navy. I have seen so many “influencers” insisting that every woman have a beige trench coat so that they, too, can look like a Frenchwoman. You look chic in this style, and I applaud your individuality.

  5. I just wanted you to know that I started FWTFL after your encouragement in mid 2021 and I have lost 30+ pounds and am stronger and healthier too.

    Thank you so much!

    1. Oh, I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing well with the program! It really does help establish some healthy habits.

  6. I love your rainy day look Susan. I’ve always thought colour lifts the spirits of everyone on a grey day, but have always chosen black or olive for versatility-very happy to hear that poppy red is a true neutral! I don’t know why I didn’t extend that thinking from poppy red lips ‍♀️
    Best wishes,
    Julie xx

  7. That red rain coat looks stunning on you, which now makes me want to get one as well. Read Answered Prayers years ago, so am looking forward to the series. Hadn’t heard about the New Look, but will definitely watch. I recently read a book about Paris at the end of World War Two (by Anthony Beevor). When the models started parading the New Look in the streets, the women were so outraged (due to the lack of food etc) they physically attacked the models. You might enjoy reading the book as it gives a great insight into life in Paris at the time.

  8. Who would opt for a tan Mac when you could have a gorgeous poppy red!! I would have made the same choice. What a standout! Keep the world colorful Susan!

  9. Hi Susan: I got the Athleta cargo pants today. Although they do seem to run slightly big, I think they’d be just the ticket for travel. Comfort is everything! 😉 Being an Autumn, I got the olive green. (I wish the hue were a bit darker). Thanks for the recommendation!

  10. Susan, I’ve only just spotted you in your gorgeous red Mackintosh! So pleased you bought it, what an absolute winner.