SNEAKING UP ON FALL
Last night I had a reader reach out to me about an upcoming meeting she would be attending. She was freaking out a little about what she was going to be wearing, and was seeking some advice from me. It was hard for me to be a lot of help, since I couldn’t see inside her closet. But, I asked her to take a photo of what she was thinking about wearing, and to send it to me.
She sent a photo of her in the pants she wanted to wear, and she had on a tank top that she said she would never wear out in public. Then she sent me a picture of the shoes she had in mind. First thing I told her was, “I love that tank top.” Of all the pieces she sent for me to look at, that one was the item that was the star of the show, and she didn’t want to wear it. Her reason was this, she had recently lost some weight, and she felt like the top showed her “pooch.” We can all relate, I don’t like my lumps to show either. But, I never even saw that when I looked at the photo, she was the only one that would see pooch. Her body has changed, but her attitude has not. She is still seeing herself heavier than she is now, and is not yet comfortable with the new body. Just like age is an attitude, so is fashion. You HAVE to think you look good, or else it shows in your body language.
Take this top for example, it was one that I wore a lot a couple years ago. However, I don’t really like the top now. I consider it too short, and it shows my problem area. (aka pooch) I have been wearing orange this week, (see here, and here) so I pulled this out and decided to wear it anyway. The colors are perfect for fall, so I thought I would put together a transition outfit. This top is from Cato Fashions, and it has an elastic banded bottom.
Banded Bottom Top: Similar | Similar | Plus
I have on a mixture of jewelry today. Some of the items are vintage, and the other pieces are Plunder. The long necklace is a perfect fall piece, comprised of seed beads and large bakelite beads.The shorter necklace is the Analese. It is made with a lobster claw hook, for you to add your own pendant. I added my Allison “S” pendant to the necklace.
Both of these bracelets are bakelite. The striped one is called a Pittsburgh style, and the dangle on is called a Vegas style. I just made that last one up, they remind me of chips that you bet with. Hahaha
To make the outfit have more of a fall feel, I added a pair of dark brown skinny jeans. This is another pair of pants that I have had for years and years. This pair is by Gloria Vanderbilt, and they are probably the only pair I have ever had by that brand. I double cuffed the jeans, so that a little skin shows between the jeans and the booties.
Skinny Jeans: Similar | Similar | Plus
Here is a different look. I changed and put on this new set I received from Plunder. The gurls at work went WILD over this set. They had seen the set in the catalog, but couldn’t believe how much nicer it looked in person. In the catalog the colors look like green, brown, and dark brown. As you can see, it is green, rose, and topaz. The necklace is called the Casper, and the bracelet is called Waverly.
This leaf bracelet is part of this month’s Posse set. I like it because it jingles every time I move. Hahaha To order from me, you type www.plunderdesign.com/taniastephens in the address bar, and you should be shopping with me. Or you can go to www.plunderdesign.com and do your shopping, when you go to the checkout, you will type in my stylist number (241007) and I will get the credit. Both ways will work. Also, at the end of your checkout, there is a box that ask if there is a party. If you click on that, you can check Tania’s Party, and that would be great.
This ivory purse is one that I bought in town, and it is not by any brand that I could find. It is just a cheap purse, but I loved the style. The color, the shape, and the tassels are all super cute. I can always use another purse or two. It reminds me of this one, but no where near the price. BTW, the outlet store in town is having a HUGE purse sale tomorrow. All their purses are 75% off the price that QVC sells them for. Guess where I’m going tomorrow???
Ivory Hobo Purse: Similar | Similar | Fringe Galore
These booties are from Old Navy, and they are a recent purchase. I also wore them here. They are the perfect color for fall, and they matched my top almost exactly. This is how I transition from summer to fall. I mix my items, and if I need to, I add a light sweater in the mornings. There is no need to go full blast into fall, I like to sneak up on it. Hahaha
Booties: Similar | Similar | Similar
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When I saw the first picture I just gasped. This is it! You nailed it. The colours light you up, the first set of jewellery and the hair… If I saw you I would say to my partner, check out that babe, she looks fabulous (do it all the time just as a matter of course since learning about styling.) You totally nailed it with this one!! Hope you were going somewhere to make it worthwhile.
Love this outfit. Very youthful and flattering.
Just found your blog and I am THRILLED! I live in FL and love the looks you put together which work perfectly for our mostly warm climate. I’m originally from Maryville, TN and see that you love the Vols – another plus and you love Christmas and that won the day! Just subscribed and can’t wait to see more. Thank you for doing what you do!
I love this outfit on you! and I don’t see any pooch on you at all! Im glad you wore jeans cuffed with the booties because I bought 2 pairs, a black suede and a light buff color suede with a little side fringe and need to get brave enough to wear them with skinny jeans!! do you always need to have the bare skin showing? not sure how to wear them when it’s super cold outside? are socks a no no? can you show a picture of how to do this and not look silly? LOL! I want to be trendy and not look like I’m trying too hard and not pull it off
It looks best to have a little skin showing, or the pants tucked inside the boot. Don’t pull the boot barely over booties. Over knee boots is fine, but a little skin should show with the bootie.
Where is the QVC outlet???
Tania, maybe I could email you a link to my QVC wish list and you could do some shopping for me?! You are so lucky to have that outlet! Recently found your blog and I enjoy your posts very much. I smile daily at your writing PLUS you have such a wonderful sense of style. I am getting lots of ideas and shopping my closet. Have a great weekend and happy shopping tomorrow 🙂
Send me your list, Michelle. There will just be a “small” finders fee. Lol!!!
Very cute outfit.e I’m sorry to see fall arrive, even though I love the season, just don’t like all the white stuff afterward. We average 100 inches. Yuk.
I wanted to share that I received the Plunder Nellie necklace – my first piece in the line. The packaging was very well done and secure, in a box with tissue paper and sent in a pretty butterfly bag. I liked the cross and embellishments when you wore it, Tania, with the gray vest and will try that combo this weekend. The necklace is a bit edgy for me, with what looks like a distressed look, so something different. It’s good to step out of my comfort zone so looking forward to wearing it.
Thanks for recommending it. I’ll post a quick review on the FB site, too, to encourage others to check out the line.
So glad you liked it Audrey. I can tell from your comments, that you have been stepping outside your comfort zone for a while. I hope you are enjoying your new found freedom. ?
You are too hard on yourself, Tania! No pooch visible! The outfit looks great and jewelry choices are beautiful.
Hi 🙂
You look lovely as always! I understand how the lady who asked for help with her outfit feels! I have gone from an 18W to a 6 in 18 months. I have been heavy for over 25 years (14W-18W) and that is the woman who still lives in my head. It seems silly to me that I’m struggling this way! When I see my reflection as I walk to open a glass door or pass by a mirror, I do a double take-it seems incredible that THAT woman is ME. I feel your blog is wonderful and very encouraging! I take you shopping with me all the time-I find your pictures and encouraging advice so helpful! Thank you for sharing with all of us 🙂
Sincerely
Erika Gargis
Erika, you need to share some secrets with the rest of us. I know my readers would love to know how you achieved such great success!
Well, in 2015 I finally learned why I was having so much trouble losing weight (even though I’ve been very active-tennis, hiking, swimming, etc-all my life). I have Metabolic Syndrome. I became a student of my body and learned the way it metabolizes food-specifically sugar and carbs- was making me obese and sick. My liver was more than twice normal size and encased in fat. Since I changed my diet using all I’ve learned, I’ve lost over 50 pounds. I’m still in shock that I am a 6 or an 8 now. I am so thankful I found the right doctor before my liver completely went kaput on me. I feel I have been given a second chance at life and I’m so thankful. Please excuse me if this post is too long! I am on Pinterest and have a “My Journey So Far” board if you’d like to see my pictures.
Erika Gargis
Well aren’t you too cute today. Bring on the fall!!
Hahaha Kim!!!???
I love antique jewelry and I am so happy you have decided to include some of your collection.
I recently started reading your blog and I really enjoy it. You frequently refer to the outlet store in town. I live not too far from there and was wondering which one you are referring to. Is there more than one in town?
You look wonderful in that outfit, Tania! I have a question: Do you wear any kind of socks with the booties? I just bought my first pair, and don’t really like not wearing socks of any kind with regular shoes/boots.
Nope, I don’t wear socks, unless it is really cold outside.
Thanks for your blog! At 51 I’ve decided it’s time I figure out something about style, LOL. I’m working on developing a wardrobe that works for me. (I’m one of those that seems to have a lot of clothes but “nothing to wear.”) Your blog has been tremendously helpful! My biggest problem area is actually shoes–I joke that somewhere I missed getting the “shoe gene.” So I’m really studying your shoes and look forward to more ideas about what kinds of shoes work best with what outfits. Thanks so much!
Now i would say the same thing to you Tania—I don’t see your pooch in this outfit at all! In fact, i think the elastic band at the bottom is perfect.
My mom was saying things like that yesterday when we were taking pictures—“don’t shoot the picture from that angle & blah, blah, blah”—but I rationalize that people in real life see you from every angle and thus why shouldn’t our readers? Besides who among us is perfect? Hah—not me in the least!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You are having a particularly awesome hair day!!! Looks great! Also…I took your advice about changing up your makeup colors for the different seasons. I hadn’t really thought about that before. I swapped out my usual light pink lipstick, black eyeliner and gray shadow for light brown lipstick, brown eyeliner and a shimmery lighter brown shadow. I LOVE IT!!!! So thank you for that tip!!!!
I’m so glad the tips worked for you. ?
This outfit looks great on you! I love it. There is NO pooch. It must be your imagination. LOL
I’m just really good at camouflage. Lol
So true! Sometimes we are our own toughest critics. That top looks great on you!
Another great look! The first set of jewelry you wore is my favorite with this outfit, but it is amazing how changing the jewelry can change the overall look. Love your confidence in trying different and new colors or styles.
I’m enjoying your fall outfits this week and all of the orange! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing the new purses you pick out at the big sale! Happy Weekend….
I love seeing what handbag/purse you have with your styles every day! I am excited for you to go to the sale and get something new for me to see!! I wish I lived closer that would be my kind of sale!! Looking forward to fall and your posts! thanks for what you do!!! You are awesome gurly!!
Thanks for the reminder Laura, I’m off to the sale. Haha
I’m new to your blog. I enjoy it very much and have gotten a lot of cute ideas. I have always been a nice size 10…..until I retired! Now I’ve gone to size 12s, and L/XL tops! So depressing! I never knew how hard it is to get extra pounds off!! Anyway, I read somewhere that you share you size, but I have not seen that. Do you mind sharing that info? I know wearing smaller sizes allows many more cute looks. My legs are particularly short and fat, so the skinny pants don’t look good. I have a long upper body, but that doesn’t seem to be a plus for anything. I also have to have a good, comfortable shoe. How do you wear the Old Navy brand shoes all day? Makes my feet hurt just thinking about it. LOL
Linda, I am a size 10, and I wear a large in tops usually. I am 5’6″ tall, and my weight is anywhere from 150 to 160 at any given time. I would love for it to be around 145, but I am not stressing if it is not. I too am long waisted, but my legs are fairly long also, so I guess it works out. Haha I do wear my Old Navy shoes all day, you just start a little at a time and break them in. I never wear them all day, when they are brand new, but that goes for MOST shoes. There are some that are not that way, but they usually are more expensive. Lol!
I need to work on losing about 15-20lbs to feel good about myself! That was my weight also, and my goal is 145, but 155-160 would be good too….?
Denise from South Florida?
I absolutely agree with you, you have to believe that you look good in what you wear otherwise you send out a different message. I know this for a fact because I have struggle with body image problems for years, mind you I am a size 10/12
I have had a big problem accepting my apple ? shape body but thankfully I have come to the place of acceptance LOL!
Living in south Florida I get to see a lot of curvy woman that are not ashamed to show there assets and I so admire them. Any how once again you look so cute I especially like your affordable handbag and I love that you show us that fashion does not have to be expensive. God Bless you have a great weekend!
The truth is, there are beautiful women of ALL sizes and shapes. And, beauty is not always “physical,” there are some people who are gorgeous, and you can’t say why. It is because they “beam” from within. Love your body, love yourself, and let your light shine.
As someone who struggles terribly with clothes in general, I look forward to your daily posts. What I really appreciate is that your items do not come from places that I cannot afford. I’m single and I don’t have a 6-figure salary that allows me to purchase pants that cost $200, or necklaces that are $300. I also love your comments and stories. They are so uplifting and fun. Reading your blog is a good start to my day – thank you!
Thanks Pam. I don’t spend a ton of money on my clothing items, there are plenty of other options out there. Thanks for following along!
Super outfit! Orange is a very pretty color on you. It isn’t a color I ever cared much for either, but seeing it on you is making me rethink it. I’m liking it more and more. The Bakelite jewelry is perfect and love those bracelets! I’ll be checking out a Cato store next week. I hope they have some cute orange tops.
I love bakelite. It is one of my favorite vintage items. I really love the Pittsburgh style bracelet, but those things are expensive, and hard to come by.
Isn’t it funny?….I would have past this baby right on by had it been hanging on the rack, but I love it on you! BOTH jewelry choices are something I have similar in my stash. Thank you for adapting with the jewels, Tania…You’re the gem!
You’re welcome Mary. It does take me a little more time in the morning, and a little more time when I am writing the blog to offer a couple different looks. But, I like the challenge. I know have to go through my stash of jewelry, instead of picking out what is handy.
It s funny how you think of some items and other people see it different! I think this top is beautiful! I love the hole outfit and that shorter necklace. I also have someitems were I think, neh, and others think it s great! It is very nice that you could help that Lady with advice!
I am not sure how much help I was, it is limiting with just a picture or two.
I’ve said it before, I love just about everything you wear and I think that’s down to the way you present yourself. I see individual items on you that I wouldn’t normally like/wear but somehow the way you pull it all together with your accessories makes me want it all! You are always well groomed with hair and make up done and this all contributes to the overall look. You’ve got a flair! I adore that jewelled necklace, such unusual colours.
Awww, thanks Caroline. I don’t know about flair, but I think if you like something, it shows in how you look. Your posture, your smile, everything.
Yes Yes Yes! These are the colors I love most on you! You look fabulous! And the orange goes perfectly with your hair 😉
http://www.adinajustina.blogspot.ch/
Thanks. That may be the reason I am liking orange better now. My hair used to be darker, and it might not have worked for me then.
Love this top on you Tania – think it’s super flattering!!!
Had another styling event this week I always think it’s so interesting to hear what other stylists have to say…not sure i’ll ever be able to abide by all the regular rules mind you…
this is a recap of the style tips from last week…
http://funkyforty.com/7-top-styling-tips-and-more/
wondering if it’s too much to post another 7 style tips with a look at styling electric blue this week…what do you think?
Have a lovely Friday
xx Yvonne
I tend to like styling similar items in bunches, Yvonne. It appears I have been on the orange train lately.
You look particularly younger in this outfit. Is your hair a little longer. It looks great. The slim jeans make you look taller. Like the vintage jewelry. Great outfit.
Suzanne, I amy wear this outfit all the time now. You think it makes me look younger? Lol!