Wednesday Miscellany

small leopard tote

I love my Clare V. leopard clutch and how it really pops against a neutral outfit, but have been hoping to find a similar bag with handles and/or a strap. Bingo! This one is also from Clare V, with a top handle and a removable cross-body strap.

Above: bracelet | jacketbag | jeans (DIY raw hem) | shoes (similar)

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My healthy eating plan is going well, though has not budged the scale much, so I’ve begun tracking Weight Watchers points again to keep myself honest about portion sizes and snacking.

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I’ve hired a photographer! She’s a lovely young woman and a student at one of the local community colleges. We did our first shoot yesterday, and I hope to have some images to share soon.

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There’s no escaping that we are living in turbulent times. Though I am a woman of strong and (I hope) informed opinions, I made the decision a few years ago to stay away from politics on this blog and I’m holding myself that decision. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been affected by the last few days and weeks. When anxiety is high and rhetoric gets heated, I find it helps to reconnect with and be guided by my values: kindness, compassion, an open mind, logic and reason, self-reliance, trying to do the most good for the most people, nature, and fairness. I reject bigotry, cruelty or willful ignorance.

Some good ideas for self-care here.

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34 Comments

  1. Thank you for including the self care reference…The best thing I have read today…bookmarked for future reference…

  2. “Miscellany”…I want to thank you for recommending the Land’s End Packable Down Parka in your last travel wardrobe to Paris. I scored a petite size in the slate gray and love it! Like you, I live in the Los Angeles area and when you mentioned you wore it locally, I knew I had to try it. I’m taking it to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia at the end of this month. Plus Cambria next week! Thank you!

    1. Funny — I bought the same because of the recommendation, also petite, also slate. I haven’t gotten to wear it yet (I’m in Texas and it’s been unseasonably warm) but I love it anyway and love the thought of traveling with something so packable rather than lugging a larger jacket or coat. So add my thanks to the list!

  3. Thanks for your comment about how to deal with overwhelming stress and worrisome news we’re getting in our daily feed. And for offering suggestions on how to maintain one’s balance and sanity. Great tips!

    1. I should add that I would never unsubscribe from a blog that presents opposing opinions respectfully. Sadly, I know of too many people who have dropped friends — and family! — because of opposing political views.

  4. Thank you for refraining from the political. I unsubscribed to one over 50 fashion blog yesterday for this reason. Love your writing about travel, fashion, health and much more.

  5. Love that bag, Sue. And those shoes. Really love those shoes. I was shoe shopping with my sister yesterday. Looking for something she could wear to an upcoming conference in Las Vegas. So many lovely shoes for spring. But I MUST resist, at least until we get back from South America. Where it will be spring, and I will be wearing my spring…hiking boots and sneakers! I know it will be a great trip, but I’m already looking forward to being back home and able to wear my real clothes!

  6. Hi Susan — Ditto on your entire post today. Just want to toss in something to consider when working with your new photographer. I worked in front of the camera for over 30 years and I’ve consistently found that photos shot from ABOVE your eye level are far more flattering than those shot from a lower angle. I know that is very difficult to accomplish when you’re doing selfies but now that you have help, do give it a try. Even if you have to carry a little step stool for her, if she’s petite too? I think if you just review your past photos, you’ll see the difference.

    Karen in Santa Fe.

  7. Thank you for holding “kindness, compassion, an open mind, logic and reason, self-reliance, trying to do the most good for the most people, nature, and fairness” as ideals. I too “reject bigotry, cruelty or willful ignorance”, and while I might be up for some politics here, it’s actually quite nice to come here and find a respite from the insanity. 🙂 Gotta find some balance. Thank you again!

  8. You tempted me with the Clare V handbag. I live only a couple of blocks from her store in West Hollywood.

    LOVE IT!

    Thank you for your inspiring words…

  9. A couple of questions: Which jacket is that you’re wearing in the picture with the bag, and is the cuff rolled up?

  10. Most blog readers follow those with whom they feel sympatico. I follow some other fashion blogs that have mixed politics and fashion of late. I still follow them — they’re good blogs written by good bloggers. I think we’ll see even more fashion blogs that cater to mature women’s interests go in this direction as well, if only occasionally.

    Susan, as I’ve recently commented on other fashion blogs (more or less): It’s your blog. You get to decide what you write about and how consistently you hew to your own editorial policies. Heck, you can do anything you want, including “violating” or changing your policies.

    Those who unsubscribe to a fashion blog because they’re offended by discussions of real-world issues are also exercising their rights. Nobody controls our clicks. At least not yet. 😉

  11. Could you explain the DIY raw hem jeans? How did you do it?
    How did you decide on the length, etc?
    They’re very cute and might be worth a try!

    1. Hi Dana, thanks! I just cut around the top of the stitched hem, then washed the jeans to get the fraying. I like a just-above-the-ankle length best, but some like them shorter or longer. I think this works best with either slim, straight or very slightly flared cuts.

  12. LOVE that bag!

    I like your blog more every time I come over here.

    Thinking of yesterday’s post about luggage, I want to chime in with your other commenters regarding packable jackets. My two biggest problems in packing for longer trips (two weeks or more) are comfortable walking shoes, and a warm enough coat. Your recommendation and the readers’ comments on the Land’s End jacket are having me think perhaps one of my problems might be solved. The shoes — sill working on that one!

  13. I always look forward to reading your posts and viewing your photos. It HAS been pretty stressful lately. It’s helped when I’ve forced myself to turn off the TV and limit the time reading the news. Having lived most of my life working in Washington DC, it’s been feeling like I’m experiencing a PTSD-type reaction. So, I go into my music/dance room, play the piano or dance to some uptempo music. If I didn’t travel so much right now, I would surely adopt a pet!! Long ago, it was so easy to de-stress with my little dog. There was nothing like his unconditional love and joy every time he saw me walk thru the front door… (Your spaniels are just adorable.)

  14. Thank you for not posting political views. We are all adults and can make up our own minds regarding these issues. I am so thankful to you for posting a respite in the middle of chaos. We can have an oasis if only for a few moments.

  15. HI! I was driving down Abbot Kinney (the most fashionable street in Venice, CA for non-locals) the other day right around what photographers call the “Golden Hour” and spotted a familiar blond head of hair and a leopard print scarf crossing the street. It was Une Femme being photographed by a young woman….My blogosphere version of the common L.A. phenomenon of a “celebrity sighting.” Thanks for the confirmation that I wasn’t imagining it. I thought to myself “These photos are going to be amazing, can’t wait to see them on the blog.” I will email you soon and see if we can get some yoga or Pilates into your self-care plan.

    1. Thanks so much Alison! I had such good time working with the photographer, and can’t wait to see the results of the shoot.

  16. That bag is calling my name! I am trying not to listen! LOL! I appreciate the no politics. There is so much everywhere these days that it is so nice to get away from the noise for a little while!

  17. Thank you for not discussing political opinions. ‘Bigotry, cruelty, or woeful ignorance’ can be found in ALL political parties because they are comprised of humans.

    I, too, have been unsubscribing from several blogs every day because someone who posts recipes or fashion or decorating advice suddenly decides to post their political views and their views are irrelevant to most of us.

  18. Hello, I am brand new to the blog (today!) and would LOVE to know where I can get those shoes! Thanks so much. I’m really looking forward to seeing all you have to post.