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Coffee Talk 01.15.17

Good morning! Who got snow last night?

We didn’t. I guess it missed us because someone commented from over in Jersey and said they were watching snow fall.

It wasn’t supposed to be that much anyway, but I was hoping for some pretty. It’s so drab outside right now, and it’s cold again. I always say, if it’s cold, it might as well snow! As far as I’m concerned, snow is the only redeeming thing about cold weather. Well, that and cozy sweaters and cute boots! Ha!

Speaking of cozy sweaters and cute boots, I loved all the feedback on my Trunk Club unboxing! Wow, that was fun. Remind me to ask your opinions more often. Y’all aren’t shy! (And I love that.) I decided to keep the pink sweater and grey booties.

I actually wore the sweater around the house yesterday. It is soooo cozy and soft. There is definitely a difference in qualities of cashmere. I have no problem wearing the Halogen brand and other more “budget-friendly cashmeres” (lol, is that a thing?) but when I’ve spent a little more (usually at Ann Taylor, although they have AMAZING sales, so they don’t end up being THAT much more if you shop smart) they have definitely held up better over time — less pilling, less wrinkling, keeping their shape, etc. ANYWAY, I expect this one will be in my closet for many years. I’ve never had anything by the Equipment brand before, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it — especially in the sale section!

And I think the booties speak for themselves. I plan to wear them to church today!

I thought the feedback on the red dress was interesting. SO many differing opinions! I think those who pointed out that the length isn’t quite right, and the jewel neckline along with sleeves that end right at the bustline can look matronly (especially on those of us who are more well-endowed) were very insightful. Because it did fit so well otherwise, and it’s such a gorgeous color (I’ve been wanting to style a red dress), it’s hard to send it back, but I am really trying hard not to settle anymore. I’ve done that too much, and then I end up with a closet full of clothes I don’t want to wear.

I fear I would buy the dress, style it once for the blog, and never wear it again. I do that with some things that I think y’all will want to see and will sell well, but in this case, you’ve seen it, and I don’t think a lot of people have an occasion for it. If you do, I think it would look great on a woman slightly taller than my 5’5″ and with less going on in the chest area. For me, it missed the mark just by a bit.

So we finally got around to taking our second tree down yesterday! I cannot believe we had it up this long. We have NEVER kept a tree up this long before. It is usually Paul who decides it is time for Christmas to come down (and that is often before we ring in the new year) but for some reason, he hasn’t wanted to bother with it this year. We did take the live tree down on New Year’s Day, but the second tree and most of our decorations were still standing.

Last night, I decided it was time. I took all the ornaments off the tree and carefully packed them away, and then I went around the house and gathered up all of our remaining Christmas decorations to box up while Paul disassembled the tree. It seems so bare now, especially since we never replaced the chair that went in the spot where the tree was. I need to get on that!

Nevertheless, it feels good to have my house back, and now I’m in full-on clean-out mode. I cleared out a bunch of stuff last night that was cluttering up the place, and I have more to do. Maybe I’ll tackle it this afternoon after church.

I also boxed up all of my returns from the past few weeks, including the Trunk, and I have a stack of boxes by the door ready to go to the Staples. I love Staples because they take both USPS and UPS boxes, so it’s just one stop. Now that my son is driving, it has become one of his chores to take my returns to Staples. What a glorious thing! (I always hate that task.)

Let’s see, what else?? We shot a few outfits yesterday, I think I did at least 4 loads of laundry, and I also changed the sheets on the beds. I was in bed by 8:30, ha!

All in all, it was a productive day, wouldn’t you say?? I love days like that.

Despite the fact that it’s 25 degrees outside this morning, I really need to get a run in, so I think I’m going to bundle up and git ‘er done. The sun is shining, and it’s pretty out there; but it’s cold. This is when I wish I’d invested in some good running pants to go over my leggings. For some reason, I’ve never made that a priority — I guess because it isn’t ever this cold for very long, but I always wish I had some when the temperature dips below 30.

Have a blessed Sunday!

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41 Responses

  1. Oooh that sounds like a great weekend. Satisfying! I’m getting to the end of holiday time now and starting to think about all the things I want to accomplish and get going with. Nothing like the NY to motivate you. Now I just need to get home!
    Good on you for keeping the sweater and booties. The quest for the perfect red dress continues 🙂
    Happy weekend x

  2. I love hearing from you, hearing your joy and energy inspires me to get r done too! Have a blessed day as well!

  3. I loved your post yesterday and am glad you kept the pink sweater. That is such a pretty color on you! I loved how you went through each piece and described why it worked/didn’t work for you. Would you ever consider doing a blog with general tips on what we should look for regarding finding the perfect fit? I know we all have different body types, but your comments yesterday on the pieces were so helpful and gave me some ideas on what I should look for in clothes. Also wondering if you could do something similar with jewelry. Your pieces are always simple yet elegant. Sorry, don’t mean to create more work for you, but I do love your blog and find it extremely informative and helpful! Have a great Sunday!

    1. I love suggestions! Keep them coming. I’ll try to give more information about fit and why things do and don’t work, but you’re right, since we all have different body types, the same rules don’t necessarily apply. And yes, I should explain more about why I choose certain jewelry for certain outfits. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right thing. 🙂

  4. I’m so glad you have already had a productive weekend! It does feel good to get the house back to normal, but as you said, it can also look bare for a while. Yea on keeping the pink sweater! I can’t wait to see the different ways you style it, while it’s still appropriate temperatures.

    Have a blessed Sunday!

    1. Hope Jo-Lynne doesn’t mind me chiming in. You could try a larger floral print in red, blue and yellow for some pattern mixing or a solid red in a longer version to draw the eye down due to the horizontal stripes. Cute dress!

  5. That sounds very productive ! We have all of our Christmas stuff pack away expect the tree it’s standing in the living room nake. So we may have to tackle that. Today Im so glad you kept the booties they are super cute. I agree about the red dress it would have been better w a v or scoop neckline. I have that same issue you do. I am in Delaware and we had a little bit of everything except ????
    Have Great Sunday!

  6. Loved today’s Coffee Talk. I think we are all in the “clean up…clean out” mode right now. New year, fresh start! I’m glad you kept the booties and the sweater. I really loved those booties! BTW – at your suggestion I signed up for the “Adore Your Wardrobe” program. I was hesitant because of the cost, but I’m so glad I did. The course has just started, but I’ve already learned so much (and I guess I’ll be donating all those skinny jeans I’ve bought…LOL!). Enjoy your Sunday!

    1. Hi! I am taking AYW, too. From your comment, I am guessing you are also a pear. Me, too! Soon, we will be saying, “the length of this shirt doesn’t work for me because. . . ” just like Jolynne. Fun!

      1. I love the course…and you guessed right, I’m a pear. I hope we both will be looking as good as Jolynne when we are done with the course….I’ve learned a lot so far and look forward to each new lesson! It’s been a good investment.

    2. I’m so glad you like it so far! I still haven’t made peace with those skinny jeans rules. Skinnies are so on trend and practical, I feel like there are ways to offset the balance issues they create, but I don’t want to go against the AYW recommendations b/c I think the course is brilliant. I am just so glad I’m a “curvy” and they are part of my wardrobe recommendations. Ha!

      1. I’m not sure how to say this, so I’ll just go ahead. If you’re not too heavy on the bottom but just slightly pear shaped, then you can wear skinnies. You just need to pair it with a long top, slightly loose or a bulky sweater. Never tuck your top in, then the difference between your hips and bust is not brought to attention.
        If you are obviously bottom heavy, then yes, give up your skinnies for straight leg or boot cut.
        Just one person’s opinion. NOT giving up my skinnies and tall boots or cute booties.

        1. You’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this! I will hold off any skinny decisions until the end of the course. We haven’t officially been told “no skinnies” yet, so I may put them on tomorrow for a fare-the-well, born voyage. ???? I am really not bothered by the prospect. We’ll just see how it goes.

        2. Joanna, I feel the same way that you do. I’m definitely a pear, but I have very skinny legs — if I wear a long, flowy top or a long tunic sweater it covers my problem area pretty well. I certainly won’t be buying any more skinnies, but I will keep a few pairs around. I just can’t “let it go”!

          1. I know how you feel. I like my skinnies with tall boots. That extra weight on the bottom of the leg seems to balance out a thicker thigh. I wear mostly straight leg pants, as they look good with all my footwear.
            How about sone feedback on the AYW course?

  7. I live in Denver and on those days when I go for a run and it’s less than 30 degrees I LOVE my fleece lined running tights. Mine are from Athleta, but I’m sure other brands have them as well. I run comfortably down to at least 20 degrees (I haven’t brought myself to go out on days colder than that, but tempted to try down to 15!).

    1. Thanks, I will try those! I do have a pair of Lululemon that are double lined (not fleece) and supposed to be for very cold weather. I wear them when I run in the 20s but if it’s windy, I am always wishing for wind-resistant pants on top. Maybe the fleece-lined would do the trick.

    2. I agree, fleece lined tights/leggings are awesome. They give great warmth without the extra bulk of another layer!

  8. I love when we take down the Christmas decorations that it feels so open & uncluttered in the house! I always take this opportunity to get some of the detailed cleaning done! This year we even moved some furniture around which makes it easy to clean under things I don’t normally!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  9. Hi, I have 2 questions for you when you have a moment. First a comment, I am a “newer” follower and I have to say that I look forward to your emails everyday. I enjoy the fashion tips – they are encouraging me to get out of my “fashion box” a little more and try different things and enjoy reading about life in general! Two questions….any website/store recommendations for a “mother of the bride” dress? Trying to help my friend – I’m the personal attendant for the mother of the bride! HA. We’ve been searching online – the major dept. stores with NO luck. She doesn’t want the matronly looking dress. She is leaning towards a goldish color – not bright. Floor length. THANKS! #2 – I wear dress pants to work every day….typically Express Editor style. Bootcut w/ a shoe/bootie w/a 2-3 inch heel (not skinny heel). Due to a foot injury, I need to start wearing flatter work shoes (per MD). I don’t have flats (work or casual) and don’t know where to start…..need new work pants and shoes! HELP!!!! Any advice is appreciated!

    1. Hey Jill. It’s hard without knowing her body type or coloring or personal style aesthetic to make specific suggestions. I remember my mom struggling SO HARD with this when my brother got married. Eliza J and Adrianna Papell have a lot of gorgeous dresses in the mother of the bride dresses at Nordstrom: https://bit.ly/2jlZcXT

      I’m probably equally as unhelpful with work wear ideas for flat shoes. I think flats are hard to wear with pants, unless they are skinny pants. And I know from having foot issues, that flats aren’t good either, but you’re probably looking for something with about a 1″ heel and some arch support. I had good luck at The Walking Company when I was down with foot injuries: https://bit.ly/2jee34k

      Maybe try LOFT pencil pants https://bit.ly/2jm8DXh or skinny pants https://bit.ly/2jNiW3b

  10. Glad you did a Trunk styling, apparently everyone enjoys them as much as I do! BTW, the red dress was beautiful but, yeah, the neckline wasn’t quite right. Love the booties! Very informative post, thank you!!!

  11. Happy Sunday! I’m so glad that you kept the pink sweater and those grey booties as they are totally you. I’m guessing the thought of pairing them with white jeans is what clinched the decision. I liked an earlier suggestion from Cathy. I would enjoy a tutorial on what necklaces look best with different necklines. It’s cold but there’s beautiful sunshine where I live so I’m definitely getting in a run. Enjoy your day!

    1. I’ll definitely try to address the jewelry questions. Did you have a nice run? I did! 3 miles. It felt great, but now my knees hurt. Boohoo. I think I did too much too soon, after taking a break. Oh well… hoping to get back into a routine and that my body will get used to it again.

  12. Jo-Lynn,
    Just a quick comment on the cold weather running gear: I live in MN, and run outside whenever I can. I recently discovered the cold weather running gear from Athleta. Pricey, but on sale right now and absolutely worth it for me. I have a piece of the Geo Powder Peak 2 in 1 (so cute!), and the Polartec Colorblock Powerlight Tight 2.0 (so cozy on those below 25 degree days!) Might be worth checking out.
    Have a wonderful day!

  13. I laughed at your still having your tree up b/c ours is STILL up! My husband, for some reason this year, keeps requesting we wait another week to take the tree down, and then another week and then another week…etc.. So I decided since my tree already had a beautiful red/white plaid garland with red bows, I’d turn it into a Valentines tree! I know that sounds corny but I replaced all the definitely Christmas ornaments with red hearts and snowflakes and it turned out so pretty. I’m extremely picky about the kind of decor that comes into my house and it’s often hard to find classy Valentine decor but with what I already have and a few inexpensive purchases, our tree looks amazing for Valentines Day! I told him after February 14th, the tree comes down though! I put away all the other Christmas decor a few weeks ago and now the house has a Valentine/Wintery atmosphere. This may become an annual tradition to leave the tree up through Valentines Day. Celebrating love makes sense after the festivities of Christmas, God’s gift of love!

    I think you made wise choices on the trunk! I can’t wait to see how you style those items. I loved the one lady’s idea of white jeans and grey booties with the pink sweater. I’m still contemplating on purchasing those booties! Have a wonderful Sunday!

  14. I can’t wait for you and Cyndi to style a spring/summer dress. We have a summer family wedding and I am ISO a knockout dress:)

  15. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the new slim profile Uggs (my first pair ever!). They’re supposed to arrive tomorrow … but, in typical South Carolina fashion, our temps are predicted to be in the upper 60s/low 70s all of next week. Loved seeing the Trunk unveiling!

  16. And it is 70 here in Atlanta! Good choices on the keepers from your trunk box, they were the only two that I thought really “did it” for u! About to take down my tree too!

  17. Thanks Jo-Lynne for the time you put into your blog. I’m new to following Cyndi and your blogs…..since last Spring and enjoy them so much. I am just catching up on a few emails and just watched your video on how you curl your hair with the curling wand. It was so fun to hear your voice. I heard Cyndi’s voice for the 1st time when she sent a video of her Mother’s Day talk last year at her church. It really adds a different dimension to reading your blogs now, as hearing your voices makes me feel more connected. I had already sensed the love you both have for the Lord and you both make fashion so much fun. I had to laugh about all the comments about people just now putting their Christmas tree/decorations away. It must be one of those years we are trying to hold onto that holiday feeling. I never want my decorations up past New Years Day and this year I put it all away but my Winter village on my piano. We never get snow and we’ve had several snow falls in Oregon already and its been fun to have the Wintery look inside and out still. 🙂 I love the idea of a Valentine Tree, but we do a real tree, so wouldn’t work for me. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and again, so fun to hear your voice. You are beautiful inside and out.

    1. I live on the Oregon coast and we had several inches of snow. Of course, we aren’t equipped for snow on the road, so school was cancelled. I work for the school, so my daughter and I had a great day of playing in the snow and drinking hot coco together. We also have been reluctant to put Christmas away. Our tree died quickly so it went out Christmas night. The nativity is still out though. Like you, I just can’t bring myself to pack it up yet.

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