Match Made In Seven: All Dressed Up And Nowhere To Go

In A Dressed Up Frame Of Mind

Casual can still be a little dressed up!

Hello everyone! It's time for another edition of,"Match Made in Seven," our international blogger's group that meets every month to share our interpretations of styling to a theme which could be anything; a song, movie, color, etc. This month's theme is chosen by Emma and is, "All Dressed Up And Nowhere To Go!" Be sure to stop by the other ladies' blogs which will be listed at the end of this post to see how they interpret this month's theme. Sadly, we have had to say good-bye to Sonja and so there are only six of us posting this month. We'll miss you, Sonja!

                         
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had someplace to go right now where we could all get dressed up?! I know we all may feel a bit stir crazy just staying at home and only going out for the essentials. For me, even my dressed up is still a bit on the casual side since I retired. I think casual can be dressy, though, with the addition of some great accessories like the bright pink scarf I'm wearing in the top picture.

Or a great pair of shoes that gives the outfit some "oomph."

And you can never go wrong with adding great jewelry to take your look to a more dressed up level.

I had absolutely nowhere to go in this pretty blue outfit but, oh, what fun I had dressing up in the long blue dress, wearing my hair up, putting on some heels and adding a fun violet wrap for good measure. 

This was another outfit where I was all dressed up with nowhere to go! That seems to happen a lot! But, the kimono was certainly a great accessory for this dress. 

Yep, all dressed up and nowhere to go. But what a pretty outfit! And the clutch was a great accent piece. 

But alas.....these days this is how you'll find me......

And, that's actually OK with me!

Now, please be sure to check out the other lovely ladies and see how they styled this month's theme! And be sure to let me know in the comments how you would like to be dressed up with nowhere to go!

Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/

Bettye of https://fashionschlub.com/

Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/

Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/

Nancy of https://www.nancysfashionstyle.com

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Wearing Pink and Sewing Blue

Shopping My Closet and Sewing Crafts

Hello everyone! How are you? I've been playing in my closet again and doing a little crafting so I thought I would share the results with you. I hope that each of you, my dear readers, are doing well, staying healthy and finding ways to fill your days with enjoyment! 

I must tell you that I started out with a totally different outfit, didn't like the skirt, didn't like the jacket, changed skirts, changed tops and finally pulled out this lovely pink kimono and put it on. You can let me know what you think. I'm showing the kimono styled both loosely and tied at the waist and you can see the effects are a bit different with each style. Half the fun of playing in your closet is to see what goes together and what doesn't go together. One friend and reader shared that I had inspired them to go through their closet and put tops and pants together. I view that as a compliment that I inspire anyone! 

You may notice that the skirt is tied at the bottom on each side. It is made to do this. There are slits up each side and you can wear it with the slits, tie one side, or tie both sides. I like the "blousy" bottom look with both sides tied. Plus, if I sit down the slits don't fall open and reveal more leg than I like. I had forgotten how much I like these shoes. The heel height is perfect! For some reason these shoes remind me of Mary Poppins' shoes in the original movie. I'm sure they don't look like her shoes but the cut of them and the low heel is reminiscent of her shoes. 

I just love it when the Azaleas bloom in our yard! They are so pretty, but unfortunately, they don't last long. I enjoy them while I can, though. So, that's it for the fashion show portion of this post. I figured I had better dress up at least a little bit or I might forget how! Now....on to crafts and sewing. 

Ta-Dah!  I'm excited with my very first sort-of-quilt wall hanging that I designed and sewed myself! (My dear friend, Sharon, really knows how to design and sew quilts!) It is far from perfect and not that intricate but I love the mix of fabrics and colors and I decided to sew the sand dollar into the middle and add a bow. The sand dollar has a story. Years and years ago my Mom, oldest sister and I went to the beach. It was the first time ever I saw the ocean and, believe it or not, I was in college at the time! It also happened to be a North Carolina beach by the way. I never dreamed, at the time, that I would move to North Carolina to live. Anyway, I saw this sand dollar necklace and admired it but didn't want to spend the money for it. I was saving all my money for college expenses. When we left the gift shop my Mom handed me a bag and she had bought the sand dollar necklace for me. It is such a sweet memory and I am proud to put this
remembrance of my Mom into my creation. 

Here is a close-up of the sand dollar. Don't look too closely at the stitching, LOL!  And now, a couple more miscellaneous items before I close out this post. 

This big bear decided to visit our backyard a few days ago. This is not a good picture but I thought I would share. It has on a collar and a clip in its ear for tracking. 

Some of the ladies from my church group have been putting stuffed bears in their windows or on their front porches with positive messages for folks to see as they walk by. I think this is a "thing" right now with folks social distancing. They have been dressing up their bears and really going all out. I had given my stuffed bears away during a clean out a few months ago so I have dressed up Raggedy Ann a few times and posted her pic online! Here you can see I went all out on the jewelry. A Facebook friend called her, "Bling, Bling, Annie!"

And, finally, I will close with this sweet face. Cassie is looking pensive here. Perhaps she will use this on her book jacket when she writes a book (wink)! Or, perhaps she is thinking about why I keep taking her picture. I can't resist!

Stay well and I look forward to hearing from you! 

Until Next Time,
Debbie

Casual Wear For Staying At Home

How To Look Put Together At Home

Hello everyone!  I've been having fun going through my closets during this stay at home time looking for casual yet comfortable outfits to wear. I see no reason not to look put together during this stay at home time. Today, I re-discovered this purple sweater that I enjoy wearing with my thrifted creme color corduroy pants. 

The pants are just a tad big but that's OK because that makes them even more comfortable. I love the elastic waistband and the loose fit. 

And, I chose these multi-color Skecher shoes to wear for the day. These shoes are so comfortable (have I said that 1,000 times yet?!) and I wear them frequently. They match well with the sweater, also. 

I have heard so many people talk about not washing their hair for days on end or staying in their pajamas all day during these stay at home days. I'm not judging anyone, but I don't think I would feel very good doing those kinds of things. When I stay in my pajamas all day long it is because I am sick in bed, which I definitely don't want to be right now! I feel better about myself when I get cleaned up and put on clothes. Clothes that are comfy and casual, of course, but clothes nonetheless!  Getting dressed daily gives me a sense of routine which helps with all of the staying at home. Our routines have changed enough and keeping up a schedule of sorts helps me to feel better. I was talking with some friends yesterday on a Zoom and we were discussing our hair and what to do about haircuts and/or color. I have colored my own hair for many, many years so that doesn't concern me. I already have bought a box of my usual brand from the grocery store and just need to use it. Cutting is a different matter. I admit, I have already taken scissors to my hair once to trim my bangs and a little bit off the sides and ends. I just couldn't stand the bangs in my eyes! I worked very slowly and just snipped a little at a time. I'm OK with what I did, but I know some ladies get very nervous about this type of thing. I will probably cut more as time goes on. I figure it is only hair and it will grow back. As long as I don't cut a swatch out and give myself a bald patch I should be OK! 

What about you? What are you ladies doing about haircuts, hair color and getting dressed daily? Are you a PJ's and slippers kind of gal or a getting dressed daily kind of gal? Are you doing your own cutting and coloring or holding out until you can go to your hairdresser? Let me know in the comments, OK?

Garden and Cassie would like to let you know that they have no concerns at this time with either haircuts or hair color. They take care of their own coiffures on a daily basis and have no plans to change! Their hairstyles definitely, "take a licking and keep on ticking!" Oh to be so lucky!

Whatever you are wearing today, I hope that this is a good day for you. Stay well and keep smiling!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Styling A New Spring Skirt and I Sewed It Myself!

A Novice To Sewing Makes Good

Hi everyone!  Let's take a break from the "C" word and look at some fashion. Homemade fashion that is. By yours truly. I have to admit that I'm a bit proud of FINALLY being able to sew an article of clothing that I will actually wear without cringing. Namely, this new, daisy covered Spring skirt!

I tried to sew a skirt a few months ago using the same type fabric only in pink. I read online how to make a skirt sans pattern and thought I was doing it right. But, the result was SO BAD looking, the waist was a mess and I used enough fabric to cover the whole state.....or so it seemed. The hem was uneven too and I remember putting it on and the Mr. came into the bedroom and kind of looked at me....you know the look...it said, "Hmmmm, what should I say to her that won't get me in trouble?!"  I ended up cutting up the fabric from that mess and making part of it into an apron. I decided then and there that my clothing sewing was done. 

But, here we are several months later, and I am looking for projects to occupy my time. I kept looking at this pretty fabric thinking, "maybe a pillow, maybe a wall hanging of some kind, maybe a wreath."  And then, finally on Friday, I thought, "maybe a skirt???"

So, I went back online and searched again for directions and, this time, I finally found a site with directions that made sense and worked!  The other sites I had used talked about measuring your waist and then your hips and then adding 10 or doing some fraction and my head swam just trying to figure all that out. Plus, I ended up with my previous disaster. 

The site I used this time merely advocated measuring your waist and then making the width of the fabric, based on your waist measurement, 1.5 to 2.0 times your waist measurement. Now, that info I could handle. I opted for the 1.5 measurement, meaning the skirt would not be as full. Of course, I had to determine the length of the skirt. I wanted somewhere between a midi and a maxi, more of a tea length. So, I used my tape measure to determine the length and then had to take into account an inch and a quarter at the top for the elastic to thread through and two inches at the bottom for a hem. I was planning to use 3/4 inch wide elastic, as that is what I had on hand. So, just to be clear...if my waist were 26 inches (I wish) the width of the fabric would be 26 + 13 = 39 inches wide and the length would be 48 + 1 1/4 +2 = 51 1/4

So, I cut the fabric and folded the top down 1/4 inch ironing it in place and then folded down again 1 inch, ironing in place.  Then, I sewed along the top at the very edge so the elastic could be threaded through. Then I folded the bottom up two inches ironing the fold in place and sewed along the edge to create the hem. Then I put the edges of the fabric together with right sides facing and sewed that together at 1/4 inch. At this point I was ready to thread the elastic through the top and that is where I met my waterloo! But, I persevered. You see, I am not exactly on point yet with making all of my sewing seams straight and perfect. The fabric had pulled a bit when I was sewing the waistband closed so I didn't truly have the whole inch available to thread through with the elastic. I got a bit frustrated when I couldn't seem to thread the elastic and, finally, ended up pulling out the elastic, which was stuck anyway, and cut it down to probably 1/2 inch wide. I was then able to thread it through the waistband. Not perfect, but it worked and, to my delight, the skirt fits!

I decided to put this outfit on for Easter morning. The gold top color looks really good with the skirt but I did fold the bottom of the top under as I felt like a shorter top looked better with this skirt than the longer length. I think once stores are open again I will look for a pretty yellow or gold top that is shorter in the waist to go with this skirt. But, this is fine for now. 

Sorry for the lengthy post but I figured if any readers out there are like me and feel like they can't sew perhaps my post will offer some inspiration! My sewing is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I enjoy trying and as we would say when tuning instruments back in the orchestra, "it's good enough for jazz!" 

Hope you all are having a great Monday after Easter! Let me know how you spent your holiday and what "projects" if any you are working on!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

A Blessed Easter To All

Happy Easter!

The cross in front of our church. 

He is risen!

He is risen, indeed!

Hallelujah!

Dear Readers, today may not feel or look normal to you.  It certainly doesn't to me.  But, Easter is still here and the meaning is still as joyous as ever!  Jesus, our Savior, has risen and we have eternal life. That is a reason to sing praises wherever we may be.  I hope you will join me today in rejoicing and in praying for those who suffer, mourn and feel despair for whatever reason. Blessings to you this day!

Debbie

Are You Going Stir Crazy Like Me?

One Day Up Another Day Down

So, I don't know if you are going through what I am with this isolation business or not. But, one day I'm feeling pretty upbeat and finding things to do and the next day I'm dragging around feeling all kinds of out of sorts! On the day when the above pic was taken, I got out of bed and thought, "I'm sick of jeans and a tee shirt and I'm going to put on something bright and cheerful." Since it was pretty warm I chose a thinner white top that you have seen before and added a colorful infinity scarf for good measure. 

Instead of jeans I wore my thrifted gray slacks that are so very comfortable. It felt really good to be a bit dressier so I decided to take a few pics. The Mr. was happy to oblige. 

This is what I spent the rest of the time doing yesterday. One of my sisters sent me seed packets which I had planted in four containers. Lo and behold they started sprouting and my sister advised me to separate the seedlings into other containers. So, I scurried about the house looking for containers to use. Once it is time to plant these babies outdoors I am going to have to guard them from lots of critters. I have my fingers crossed. The Mr. thinks it will be a losing battle. What do you think?

Today, I have been a Grumpy Gus and rather than bore you with my mood I will continue to share some pics I snapped yesterday. The sky was so beautiful with white fluffy clouds.

I walked around the yard snapping photos of Spring bursting forth. Like the azaleas that are just beginning to bloom.

And the blooms on the Holly are so pretty and light green in contrast to the dark green of the Holly leaves.

My perennials like the Pinks and the Coral Bells are popping out in the backyard garden. 

And St. Francis stands guard over the garden. Are you getting outside and walking around? It does me good to be out in the sunshine and the warmth. Today was much more dreary which may be contributing to my sour mood.

Oh, I did want to share these pretty eggs with you! I had forgotten that I bought these last Easter and luckily, I found them in one of my craft drawers. So, onto the side table they go. A little bit of extra Easter decor for you!

I hope that you are well and smiling today and enjoying your day. Don't be a sourpuss like me! Look for the good in the everyday and remember to smile!

There is a smile in there somewhere!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Easter Decor and Taking A Walk

Sharing My Days With You

Hello everyone!  Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and it certainly doesn't feel normal does it?! This coming week is Holy Week and I, for one, am missing being able to attend church and worshipping with my fellow congregation. But, we must stay away from crowds and that means that our worship will be on our own and online. My church has been creating online worship services since the stay at home mandates started. So, I will look forward to that tomorrow. 

Today, I want to share my Easter decor with you and also some photos from a walk the Mr. and I took yesterday. I'm basically sharing my days with you and I hope you enjoy. It felt good today to put out my little Easter decorations. If you follow my blog regularly they may look familiar! I haven't been decorating the foyer table and have been leaving just the blue vases on display. But, I decided to add my little Easter baskets, made years ago by my Mom and one of my sisters, and a few other items I like to the foyer table to accent the blue vase. 

Here is how the whole table looks. 

And, I added my blue plaid bunny under the wreath on the front door. 

On the side table in the living room I placed an egg and Spring flower candle ring around the faux candle and then added my ceramic bunny next to the candle. 

I know the lighting isn't the best because I'm shooting toward the window, but I want you to see the bunny up close. I think the flowers along the side are so pretty. This is one of my favorite Easter pieces. I can't remember where I got this bunny, isn't that something?! Was it a student gift, something I bought or a gift from a family member or friend? I wish I could remember! Anyway, I enjoy decorating with this bunny each Easter. 

So, these pictures taken on our walk yesterday were shot by the Mr.  We enjoyed getting out of the house and walking in a pretty neighborhood. We practiced social distancing all the way! There were beautiful pink trees blooming and the Mr. asked me to stand in front of them with my purple coat and pink headband for this pic. It turned out well!

We admired this tree as we walked along. Isn't it gorgeous?! The color is so vibrant. 

And this is my all-time favorite house to look at on our walk!!  I LOVE the style of this house. At Christmas time when you drive by you can see Christmas trees through the windows all lit up and they are gorgeous!  I told the Mr. that if we lived in this house I would come out on the balcony and wave at him with a hanky when he came home. I do believe the Mr. thinks I am nuts! The windows are always clean on this house when we drive or walk by. I mean really clean. How do they do that?!

We had a good time getting some fresh air and exercise on this walk and it was good to be out of the house for a period of time. Now, this next picture is to show you how laid back and relaxed things are at our house right now....

Cassie's just chillin' on her perch and she told me to tell you she wants you to chill too. Just relax and take a nap and don't worry about anything. Talk about being a connoisseur of comfort! 

And, finally, I would like to leave you with a scripture appropriate for Palm Sunday. May you be blessed and enjoy a good Sunday! 

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"  Matthew 21:9

Blessings,

Debbie

Shopping My Closet and Playing Dress Up

Which Top Looks Best With This Skirt?

Hello everyone!  I'm coming to you from my kitchen today. It's been a bit of an adventure trying to shoot photos for this post. My camera wasn't cooperating and I couldn't figure out how to set the timer on my iPhone. So, I turned to my laptop and figured out how to set the timer on that. Success! Today, I am sharing a pretty Spring skirt that I thrifted before all the virus worries started. I am showing it styled with three different tops...black, white and blue. Let me know in the comment with top you like best with the skirt, ok? 

This shows you a close-up of the skirt pattern. The pattern in a black background with pretty flowers scattered all over in blues, pale yellow, sort of a creamy light orange and a pale pink. So, there are many choices for colors in terms of wearing a top. I'm shopping my closet, though, so I had to use what I had available in a solid color. I also am not big on tucking in tops right now so that limited me a bit with trying tops, as well. The skirt brand is Southern Lady and has a stretch waist. 

So, first up is a long sleeved black tee. I'm keeping the same shoes on in each pic by the way.

Next up, we have a white top that is shorter sleeves and a lacy front. Sorry for the lighting. 

And finally, a cobalt blue top that is longer and I added a belt. I still have the 2:3 ratio with the length of the top compared to the length of the skirt. The top, by the way, is by Covered Perfectly. See my sidebar if you are interested in ordering from Covered Perfectly. I do earn a small commission if you order from them. 

So...what do you think? Which top do you like best? Please let me know in the comments and also let me know how you are doing! Looking forward to hearing from you. 

May I also share a scripture with you?

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Matthew 6:25

Until Next Time,

Debbie