Friday, October 27, 2017

A New You & the Petite Plus Apple...Casual Days...




We all have days where we just need to be a little more relaxed in the way we dress. I know some might argue the point, but we can't be Glamour Girls every single day now, can we?
 
I'm grocery shopping today. For me that means a trip to Aldi, wrestling groceries in and out of a trolley, back in again into bags, into the car, then home to wrangle them out again and into pantry and refrigerator. Sigh. A dirty job, but someone's got to do it, right?
 
But hang on. That's no reason to walk out the door wearing a tent. I know. It's hard. Retailers want to sell us tents as Fashion, don't they. It can be darned difficult to find anything that's not either a tent camouflaging as a dress, or a size 6 dress ballooned out to a size 16 with no consideration for whether that's flattering for we older, curvy ladies. Shame on you Retailers, shame, shame, shame.
 
 

 Here is what I am wearing to go grocery shopping today. It's not exciting really, but can I share, that I put just as much thought and effort into this outfit, as any other I've shown you.
 
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Firstly, the purchase. This style of shirt goes against the grain for me these days. In fact it is a bit of a 'tent', isn't it.
 
But here are it's redeeming features:
 

It's gingham, a timeless and fresh print
 
It's neutral, so not too shouty
 
A print will often draw attention to our better features (for me, arms and wrists, hands and nails, and neckline)
 
It finishes at hip length, which is ideal for Petite Plus Apples
 
It's comfortable for the task at hand without having to resort to t-shirts and tent dresses
 
It can be teamed successfully with dark wash bootcut jeans, a black pencil skirt or white pants for hot weather, so it's versatile
 
It has sleeve details that draw attention to dainty wrists and hands
 
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Here is how I styled it to give it a French Chic look. These are all tips I've learned from Marie-Anne Lecouer at The French Chic Academy:
 
1. It has a fussy neckline, so keep hair up and away for a sleek look
 
2. Similarly, keep earrings neat and small. I'm wearing pearl studs
 
3. Wear a long necklace for a elongating effect to the silhouette
 
4. Don't wear matching earrings and necklace...too much
 
5. Keep pants dark wash, boot cut, and full length (no Capris!) for a long and lean look

6. Manicured fingernails and toenails to say 'I care'
 
6. Wear nude shoes to lengthen the leg. Even here, where I am sporting my uber comfy Gizeh Birkis, they are in a nude shade. This gives the illusion of longer legs, even in flats. Frankly, much as I love the Birkis for comfort, they are not a shoe worth making a feature of!
 
 
I think I scrub up okay for an old girl heading off to Aldi.
 
What do you wear grocery shopping?
 
...Mimi...

22 comments:

  1. Very cute and stylish casual look! The gingham top is fab and looks great with your jeans and sandals. Thanks for linking up, Mimi!

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    1. Thanks Jennie. I'm a bit of a fan of the ol' gingham. Mimi xxx

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  2. Love your look, Mimi - very chic and oh, so French! Love the gingham and all the great tips for all of us, ahem, mature ladies! xx Karen

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    1. Hi Karen! Yes gingham always looks fresh! Mimi xxx

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  3. Hi Mimi thanks so much for posting a casual outfit. I really love gingham and the top looks great on you. You look very polished and chic for your trip to Aldi. I wear casual outfits 90% of the time as I don't go out much, so any help with this style is appreciated. Thanks also for the detailed reasons why you choose your clothes, it really makes sense spelt out. I would love it if you shared more pics of your "casual days" styling. You have given myself and I'm sure lots of other followers so much inspiration in outfit choice and styling. I know you've said before how taking pictures of yourself is difficult so thankyou for going outside your comfort zone to encourage us to be the best we can be. Hugs Lorraine xxx

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    1. Dear Lorraine, thankyou! I'm finding it hard to post casual outfits as overall, I'm looking for a more polished 'me'. But I will make a point of it since you ask so nicely and say such lovely things...xxx

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  4. Very nice; very relaxed!! I love it, Mimi!

    Regards,
    Rachel

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  5. It was a 'run around' day today and as it was warm and we were in and out of the car I decided to wear one of my dresses. We weren't far from you, had to pick up some more medication so popped into Strathpine shopping centre to pick up a couple of things from Aldi. Found a place that sells Birkenstocks - didn't have time to try them on but lifted one up and it was feather light. Will have to go back and work out what size I am. Can you remind me where you get yours from please Mimi?

    Fruit and veg shopping followed at Lawnton (still the best quality I have found) and then home.

    Because I go to Aldi in a tourist area I tend to dress way down, not that I wear my swimsuit when doing the shopping like some of them but usually a shirt/blouse or dressy t shirt and a pair of 3/4 cotton pants. I have 1 pair of sandals to my name which I need to sort out because I have had them for a few years and they are getting a bit worn.

    Must tell you that we are going to Room with Roses in a couple of weeks time, have to go into the city for something and it is only a few days after our anniversary so have opted for morning tea there. Can't wait as I have looked at the menu and the gluten free scones are calling me.

    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Lynette, it's hard when it's so hot, isn't it? I get my Birkis from Footshopping.com. It's free freight from Germany if you order enough, so I'll try to remember to ask you if you need any next time I order. I know what you mean about feeling the need to dress down. But I'm finding that by dressing up, I feel more confident going about my day. Enjoy Room with Roses. You know it's my favourite! Mimi xxx

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  6. I love your outfit! I've always been a fan of gingham. It's so summery!

    Myself, I wear dresses/skirts 90% of the time. I wear them shopping, cleaning, hanging out, etc. Probably the only time I don't is when I'm doing yardwork. I have a pair of wonderful sandals that are every bit as comfy as sneakers. The brand is Aravon. They're my errand shoes all summer. In winter, I wear tights under my skirts to keep warm. And some comfy flats. I try and avoid going out when there's ice. I have some of those little slip on spikes for my shoes, but I still prefer staying home! I think I'm going to invest in a pair of boots this winter. Flat heels.

    I laughed at Lynette's post about the bathing suits. The big gym is right next to the market and during the summer, there's always someone shopping in their suit with one of those mesh cover-ups over it. Not me. when I get out of the pool, I dress completely before going out in public. I bare enough skin at the pool. I don't need to frighten the shoppers, too!

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    1. Dear Debby, I love that you wear dresses. I am regretting taking so long to learn to love them again. All because I didn't understand dressing for my shape. I love boots in Winter. So warm and yet dressy! Now, those bathing suits and cover-ups? Not for me either! There are limits....lol! Mimi xxx

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  7. I dress up for grocery shopping. I stay at home with my girls so I use it as my get out of the house and talk with with adults moment....

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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    1. Ruth, that's a lovely approach. I like it very much. Mimi xxx

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  8. You look adorable..........
    I loved your orange jacket over the dress as well, Loved all the tips too.
    You look like you are doing quite well my friend,
    Blessings to you,
    Nellie

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  9. Love your top. It would look great with white pants, so please post a photo if you do that combo. I enjoy your 'casual clothes' posts as I am retired now and 'smart casual' covers my trips to Aldi too!

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    1. Yes white pants would be quite Summery I think! Mimi xxx

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  10. Love, love, love the top...the whole outfit really!! Where did you buy the top? I always dress up when I go out shopping, make up, hair done, the lot....I'm worth it :)!! As always, a wonderful inspiring post, thank you!! Sylvana

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    1. Thanks Sylvana! The top is from City Chic online. It's a real winner, and so versatile. And yes. You are SO worth it. Mimi xxx

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  11. Great tutorial on putting together a simple, smart, fresh outfit that says 'I care what I look like.' I was always taught to honour the work so in other words if it's worth doing, do it properly and that includes grocery shopping. If you don't like grocery shopping, the best thing you can do is fake it by looking like you care and before you know it, it won't be such a drag of a job. Good on you for taking the lead at your Aldi and giving some other grocery shoppers some inspiration...lol Janiebabe

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    1. Jane, you know this all stems from me having such an artistic eye. I am often offended by the things I see at Aldi in terms of dress sense...lol. I can only lead by example, right? Mimi xxx

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx