STYLING A CASUAL AND BASIC OUTFIT THAT ANYONE CAN WEAR
Joe was sooo close to being in the dog house last night. He has always puttered in the kitchen, and he can cook, but he usually chooses not to if he can. But, when I got so busy with the blog, he started fixing himself breakfast which freed up some time for me. Usually, he does a good job in the kitchen, but yesterday he must have had some problems.
Joe is an earlier riser than me, and he loves to eat breakfast. I’ve never been a huge breakfast eater, and I don’t eat until noon now, and that suits me. Some mornings, like the other day, I wake up and can smell that he has already fixed himself something to eat. I didn’t think anything about it, and he never mentioned anything, but later I found a problem.
He had fixed himself some Andouille Sausage that my sister sent us for Christmas, and he used one of my good pans. He had put the lid on it, and I never noticed that he had burnt the bottom of the pan. When I went to clean it, the crud wouldn’t come off, so I ran some water in it and put it on to boil. That will usually loosen anything that is stuck to the bottom, but not this time. He saw the problem, and came over to offer some “muscle,” but that didn’t help either. Finally, as the last straw, I had him try Bar Keepers Friend and it worked! I was afraid that it would take the coating off of the pan, but it seems to be fine and Joe escaped the dog house. It is a good thing too, it snowed today. Lol!
Today, I think that I’m styling a casual and basic outfit that anyone can wear and should have in their closet. Some days, I like to dress simple and a black top and a pair of jeans are one of my favorite looks in any season. In winter, I like wearing a turtleneck and I prefer black over white since they are not as see-through as most white tops.
This black relaxed turtleneck is a polyester/cotton blend, and I didn’t find it as relaxed as I thought it would be. I figured it would be oversized and boxy, but I think it is more form-fitting. I ordered a medium because I thought it would run large, but it seems to be TTS. The top is thin, but since it is black, you can’t see through it. It doesn’t come in several different colors, and it is only $14. Here are a few options if you don’t care for turtlenecks.
I’m wearing two of my favorite silver necklaces with this outfit. The Byzantine Cross Necklace and the Shine Script Necklace are two that I love even though I don’t wear them as often as others. Gold is what I wear most often, but when I reach for silver, these are my first picks. My large hoop earrings are the same pair that I wear all the time, except these are in silver instead of gold. They are just as lightweight and create a huge statement. You probably can’t see it, but I’m also wearing the Abbie Cuff Bracelet in silver.
These High Rise Bootcut Jeans are a nice heavyweight pair and they would pass for a Premium pair if you didn’t know the brand. I’m wearing the Dark Indigo color, and I love the deep rich blue and think the jeans look dressier when they are dark. Even though I’ve lost a little weight, the size 10 was perfect for me. They were a tiny bit tight at first, but they fit great within 5 minutes. But, they didn’t get loose and baggy, so this was the perfect size for me.
I’m wearing a pair of block heel western-style ankle boots by Vince Camuto. These were a pair that I bought last year, and I love the casual vibe of them. Plus, I love that they incorporate the western look but that they aren’t cowboy boots. Since they are no longer available, I found some similar boots for you.
It is hard for me not to add a third piece to my outfit, it is just how I normally dress. Lol! Since I was getting ready to take Lucy Lu outside to potty, I grabbed this long leopard print coat before I headed outside. It looked great with the outfit, so I decided to take some photos of it, even though it is no longer on the website.
I know that you are super disappointed that it isn’t available, but I did find similar versions that I’ll share below. This coat reminded me of Joe’s mom, and that is why I purchased it. She had a HEAVY vintage one that she wore when she was on bus duty (school teacher) and had to stand outside in the cold. When Joe walked into the house, I put it on and asked him what he thought about it. He immediately said, “is that mom’s?”
This coat was way too lightweight for me, so I ended up sending it back. I do have a vintage cheetah print coat that is gorgeous, but it isn’t this long. You can see me wearing it back in 2017 in this post. Boy, I sure have changed!
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Verse of the day
Proverbs 29:25
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
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Tania, where did you purchase the coat even if it is no longer availbl?
It was from Walmart!
I like the shoe options and appreciate you finding them. Black is always a good color choice.
Hi Tania! I know you said that coat was no longer available but could you let us know where it was offered? I would love to see if it may be listed as used somewhere. It is such a classic that can punch up any outfit! I thought it looked awesome on you!
Tania, I have a suggestion if Joe cooks sausage again. Use Dawn Power Wash. Just spray it on the pan, and in a few minutes, the burned residue comes right/ off. It works great!
I didn’t use Power Wash, but I did use Dawn. We eventually got it cleaned up.
I got rid of sweatshirts one year. Going to get classier and wear sweaters instead. Had to go back and buy sweatshirts. So, I’m a sweatshirt, jeans type of girl around the house. But I’m rural, not city.
I love the leopard coat with the outfit. Reminds me of a Kim Novak movie. You look younger and more beautiful than the before picture.
Thanks, Eve. I hardly ever wear sweatshirts, but I will occasionally.
Great coat! So chic with a simple outfit.
I loved the coat, it looked so pretty. I just needed something a little heavier.
So simply but so classy. Looks great.
I thought it looked great too.
Love that outfit. Very flattering. May have to take a chance on the turtleneck andjeans at that price.
It is a great price, so you can’t go wrong.
I know you don’t wear a lot of black, but it looks so good on you, and you look so nice and thin. I started fasting again, WW and working out. Maybe I’ll start looking good too…LOL
Melesa, you already look good!!!
You look great in that coat! You are looking very trim.
Thanks! It is a great-looking coat.
I want to be you! Love your sense of style and how you take your favorite look and change it up to add some pizzazz. You do look different; really beautiful. What is the greatest change you’ve made since 2017?
I know that people don’t want to hear it, but the biggest change is that I started using Rodan + Fields skincare in 2016.
This is exactly how I dress (I don’t have that darling coat though) when I go out … btw, I’m 74. I love your style!
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the blog and still taking pride in the way that you dress.
A black top with jeans is one of my favorite combinations. You look fabulous! I have a long cheetah cardigan sweater that would be great since I don’t have the coat.
That is a great plan, Mary Jo!
I have a leopard knee length coat that I bought from Nordstrom last winter when it was on sale. I love wearing it and appreciate how it can jazz up a simple outfit. Another great look on you!
I love wearing a statement coat since it adds pizzaz and hides a plain outfit.
I love that coat!!!!!!!!!
When I was teaching, I had a faux bearskin coat. It was heavy like you described for your Mom but the fur looked like bear. I too, wore mine for morning and after school duties. I retired and gave that coat to a charity.
Joe’s nephew has the coat now. He took her death hard, and the coat gave him a lot of comfort.
Gorgeous as always!
Thanks! I always love comments like that.
You really have changed your look. I think you are aging in reverse! I love the basic classic look of dark jeans and a black top. You ar also looking so slim and trim.
Thank you, Janet. I think I look younger too, but I thought it was just me. Lol!
Hi Tania, new subscriber here. Love the blog! Do you have any suggested favourite jeans for taller girls? I’m 5’10” and I have trouble finding economical jeans that aren’t too short.
Linda, I understand, my daughter is 5’11” and she has a hard time with jeans too.
I have that cost! I have had it three years and worn it once as it is not warm enough for really cold weather. I do like it, and it looked wonderful on you. It was 6 with snow on the ground here in KY this morning, so a heavier coat is in order.
I thought it was too lightweight for me, but I loved the coat.
Tania, you are crushing it girl! Looking slim and gorgeous. Keep rockin the pointed toe. Takes another 10 off!
I love a pointed toe!
Love your cheetah coat…I remember several years ago when u posted wearing a longish reversable one from nordstroms. I was able to snag it and wear it a lot with huge compliments every time. Everyone wants to buy one like it! Love following your style…really helps me a with my wardrobe. And BTW u r really lookin’ good lady!
I still have that reversible coat too, and I love it! I don’t post it very often since it is no longer available.
Sorry about your burnt pan. Don’t trow it out UNTIL you coat the bottom with Baking Soda add enough water to cover and boil until all contents make a white film on the bottom of the pan. Rinse and scrub, replete if necessary. Works for me, hope it helps you.
Thanks, Carol. We got it cleaned, but I’ll try your way next time he decides to burn something.
Like just the black top. It is casual but a clean look that could be worn anywhere! The coat adds enough interest that is doesn’t over do! Love the boots, too!
Thanks, Pam! I like the simplicity of the outfit.
Love that coat! Yes your look is very different now from 2017. How can I find out if you receive my comments?
Maribeth, all you have to do is check back in later and see if it is there.
Good morning ☀️ this is one of my favorite post, jeans and basic short or long sleeve shirts are my favorite looks.
Do you have any past post of basic black dresses that can be worn to any occasion?
Thank you for your bog also for scripture that you share.
Here was a post that I did this fall about a black dress: https://50isnotold.com/a-little-black-dress-worn-five-different-ways/
You can also type in black dress into the search part of my blog, and it should bring up posts that contains a black dress.
I LOVE this outfit so classic!!! where is the link to the turtle neck? I live in AZ and it’s REALLY hard to find them in stores
Monica, sorry that I left that out. I fixed the issue, and here is the link for you: https://bit.ly/3G5jNqv
You look awesome in this outfit. Loved your story about Joe and his burnt “offerings” to you.
Lol! He is lucky that he didn’t ruin my favorite pan.