Hello everyone
Apologies for the delay bringing this to you. Life and a nasty near (so fairly tolerable) migraine got in the way and then a busy weekend. But here I am and no headache – yay!
For those of you outside the UK, did you know that we’ve had continuous grey skies during the so-called daylight hours for many, many days. (I do think my headache was slightly influenced by this weather.) Anyway, a village in Hampshire apparently recorded just 12 minutes of sunshine in the past 11 days – it’s been that bad. Our meteorologists call this an ‘extended period of anticyclonic gloom’, resulting in our small island having nothing but low, dark grey cloud, mist and drizzle. Or mizzle as I sometimes call it when the mist and drizzle combines. Mind you, I know there has been dire and calamitous weather elsewhere so, as ever, as a Brit I am complaining about something that really wasn’t all that bad – but then again, it wasn’t good!
So, you would think with all these grey skies I’d be wearing colourful clothes. Yes? Actually no, as I love my black skirts and have come up with a colour scheme that I rather favour over colour. Not that I stick with it all the time, but it is certainly a favourite way of dressing. Btw, we are expecting better weather through the coming week and, oh, my, goodness, a bit of sunshine! It will be so good to move on from the gloom!
The outfit is entirely black and white, with not a glimpse of another colour. It begins with a plain white long-sleeved top.
This top is old, but I bought it new from Mango. Then there is my favourite black skirt bought new from M&S.
Here I am wearing these items.
Now, what about the tucked in or out debate? Sideways on below. Can I improve the ‘look’ of this outfit?
As you can see the entire outfit looks much better with the top tucked in and then slightly pulled out again.
Then it’s black leggings with black boots. To be honest, I never wear anything other than these boots! These Rieker boots were bought new from a charity shop and cost only £8
And don’t forget the black and white socks.
All of this accessorised with a black necklace (I have many of these – all charity shopped) and a white button bracelet made by Joy Fox who is based in Brighton. Those button bracelets are my absolute favourite type of jewellery.
Out and about I have a charity shop black bag, my favourite very long black charity shop coat, a black and white scarf, also from a charity shop, and I often wear a black woolly hat. I rather fancy getting myself a white hat and will search for one.
That’s all for now, but a very, very big thank you for all the amazingly interesting and, indeed, helpful comments made in response to my last blog. Some of them were incredibly ‘on point’, and for that I am so grateful. I appreciated every single one of you. I am seeing a consultant on Thursday and will let you know what was discussed and what if any next steps I am taking. Meanwhile I’m doing the exercises, walking +++ and my lovely 1-2-1 PT is on my case big time!!!
Thanks again, with love, Penny the Frugalfashionshopper
Hi Penny, glad to hear that you are generally keeping well in spite of mizzle and migraines! Rather like you I am a lover of biker boots and colour but think your monochrome look is really cool! I have the same skirt so will give the look a go 😄 although I expect I’ll have to add something orange round my neckline as white tops make me look very pale.
I’m thinking that you could also rock a wide black/ white/ metallic belt over the tucked in tee shirt!
As my 70th birthday approaches ( and I have been having bouts of FOGO- fear of getting old 🥴) I just want to say a big thanks to you for inspiring me to never give up and to seize the day ! We’re never too old to look stylish 😄
I know, biker boots are fab aren’t they! Followers of this blog will never get much in the way of shoes from me, but coats and skirts, yes!!!
And yes, an orange scarf is great and I’ve got one too, to give a pop of colour if need be.
Absolutely, we are never too old to be stylish 😀 Thanks so much Melanie 😊
You look smashing in this outfit, Penny! All of it goes so well together. If you DID want to change things up, you could try leaving the top untucked, exchange the necklace for something smaller, and wear a belt – solid black, black with white polka dots, or an animal print. Black and white is always appropriate and classic. You look adorable with the socks and boots! They are so unexpected, and that is what makes them fun. Glad you are feeling better. Enjoy whatever sunshine you can get!
Yes, I could definitely wear a belt with the longer look top. And thanks I really like the boots as they are comfortable and safe to walk in, and also give a bit of an edge.
This morning the sun is fully out for the first time for ages – it’s so uplifting to have that light filtering through the Autumn treetops and leaves. Thanks Judith 😊
The Fashion Police, by invitation.
Seems to me your style choices are morphing into a more sophisticated look that suits you well. I have read the word “edgy” many times on your blog. You have used it in reference to outfits that certainly attract attention. Yes, they probably are fun to see in certain venues and at certain times, but maybe not so great for a trip to London, especially when paired with heavy boots. Example: with a tulle skirt. That juxtaposition seems way ‘off’ to me. Call me “old school” and you would be right.
Except for sports wear, fashion trends or not, I don’t care for that style of boot. Ditto for the striped sox. Black tights do the job to go with a look like this. You have slender limbs and long feet so the heavy boots throw off the proportion.
As I feel I have come to know you and experience your inspiring curiosity and adventurous spirit I think your vivacious personality carries the weight of who you are. You could wear a paper bag and that would come through. Sharp outfits like the one I am looking at today coordinate well with how I see you— fun and in good taste. My subjective opinion, of course.
I like the coat and scarf. The white top can easily be shortened by hand. Or a pro can do it to make a clean hem by machine. That would better than the ridge produced by tucking under several inches of fabric as your picture shows. Too much bulk and gravity will win as it comes undone. I wouldn’t add a belt.
Always wear skin-colored underwear under white clothing. Never white. (The same is true for white pants.)
Way off topic: have you considered getting a pair of glasses made with black frames? Simple and understated, not ornate. More of a horizontal shape since it would widen your face. Again, proportion. The focus (bad pun) would be on your face and smile. We always enjoy them.
Hugs from Ecuador.
Thanks so much Elaine – I love hearing your thoughts on fashion and thank you so much for that wonderful compliment about being able to wear a paper bag and coming through – honestly that’s the best thing anyone has said about me! Basically, I think, for me, edgy is another word for ‘never being boring’! Also I just don’t do shoes. I have a huge collection of coats and skirts but shoes and boots? No! In fact the boots I’m wearing are not only my signature look they’re my only look 🤣
In London anything goes, certainly in the summer (in art galleries) everyone was wearing clumpy white trainers with delicate frocks, and in the winter clumpy boots. Same goes for Lewes where a lot of women are like me and don’t use cars to get around, instead we walk everywhere and for that we need sturdy flat shoes. A tulle skirt gets noticed but wouldn’t work for me with a delicate shoe – there’s a particular look of an amazing skirt with boots that I rather like.
Ah ha, glasses. Elaine, in future I am hoping not to wear glasses for distance. But if I have to, a black pair would go nicely with the black and white outfit.
Thanks so much Elaine I love getting your responses from Ecuador 😀
Thanks, Penny. I do understand how hard it is to deal with sore tootsies. Even the sidewalks I walk on here in Macas, Ecuador are perilous. I keep my eyes on the ground as ‘surprises’ loom out of nowhere: rocks, protrusions, holes, wires, iron handles on manholes, glass, and more. It is customary for even strangers to greet each other as they pass so I only look up to do that. A very endearing custom.
I forgot that there may be a possibility you could be free of wearing glasses for distance. If that works out, I will be happy for you as you will not be wiping off raindrops and everyone will see your merry eyes.
I like striped socks and big boots! For someone like me, who has foot and balance problems, they are the perfect solution. I think edgy describes them well, or at least I choose to think so. Re the rest of the look, it is very sophisticated, and suits you very well. Maybe Lewes is influencing you more than Brighton now? I like fun and colour in ‘my fashion’ and mainly dress to suit myself, though I do live in a much more conservative area of the South East, so I have to be a bit circumspect. Re the migraines, I suffer from them a lot, but weirdly wasn’t too bad during the grey weeks, however, bright sunshine often sets mine off and particularly just before storms. Just proves what a weird illness it is. I hope you manage to get on top of them, and find something that mitigates the pain. All the best, Trish S.
Lewes is a strange town as it is very straightforwardly a ‘county’ town so there is quite an conservative look to some of the women, but it is also quite libertarian and free in both its politics and outlook. But sturdy shoes and/or boots is worn by most women I see as a lot of walking is done by everyone, as most people walk into town. This type of footwear is definitely the best for us types with balance issues.
I like colour too and my bright yellow short coat is one I wear often when I feel I need a cheerful outer garment.
I thought I was over migraines – they are such a nuisance, aren’t they! Thank you and all the best to you too Tricia 😊
The black and white outfits are great! you can never go wrong with that combination and the boots are wonderful. They take it into a more stylish and edgy category. I can’t imagine you ever doing sedate.
The weather here has remained much warmer than usual for weeks now. I don’t like cold but this is like nothing I have ever experienced. But the biggest problem is lack of rain. We had not had a drop until last night, for which I am grateful but we need so much more. We are in drought conditions. There have been hundreds acres of fires in neighboring New Jersey. Twice over the weekend I and my family had to drive through the dense smoke, our noses and eyes burning as we drove through the state. Fire trucks along the highways. The experience felt dystopian. And you will not be surprised that my feelings were not helped by the results of the election. I am bereft. Wondering how I will cope. More yoga and meditation, trying to remain centered, more gratitude for that which I do have . Looking at my contributions. giving what I can to to agencies who support the environment, human rights, reproductive freedom,
On a more positive note. I saw my primary care physician today. The results of my bloodwork was normal. My blood pressure good, as was my EKG. Last year there were some problems, but all good today. I told her about my dizzy day but it was probably caused by my lack of sleep the night before, who knows. I know I do not hear as well as I used to, so she referred me to an ENT she recommends for an evaluation and suggested I get my skin checked. We made and appointment for next year. I left feeling better. With love from New York, Darby.
Hi Darby and yes, dainty shoes won’t do it for me now as I need a sturdy boot to counter my weak ankles and the outward roll of my foot, which is one factor in my unsteadiness – so it’s boots and trainers from now on but hopefully ones that are ‘edgy’ 🤣
Very good news about your health check but not such good news either with your weather (too dry) and the election result (too..??). I hope to write down some of my views very soon in My Other Blog. It is necessary I think for Europeans to put forward their views as goodness knows what the fate of some Eastern Europe countries have in store. But yes, we need to protect ourselves from too much despair and bury ourselves in our family, friends, community and giving of as much as ourselves that we can for the future of this planet. Now that is a stance from privilege and that is part of the problem with points of view coming from such privilege. Nevertheless, I will try and put some thoughts down this week.
And always check your skin.
With love from across the pond, thanks so much Darby 😊
This is the penultimate Penny look! It’s sleek, chic, and edgy. Could the tee be shortened? Sure, but by keeping it longer, you have the option of wearing it both ways. When I have a particularly long top, and I want it shorter, I tuck the hem of it into my bra strap…instantly shorter…no cutting or sewing necessary. I absolutely adore those striped socks! I need to get some fun tights because, even though we’re having quite pleasant (but terribly dry) weather, winter is coming! And, I love your boots. I would imagine they are quite steadying as you walk with those laces extending up your legs. Your black coat is superb…love it with the black and white scarf, too. I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better and getting your exercise in. I have been negligent of that and need to just do it!
Have a fabulous week, Penny!
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The boots are very steadying and I love them. And if I get any more shoes or boots they will be rather like your amazing collection of boots that I so admire and love!!
Yes, that’s a good coat and one I shall keep along with many others 🤣 I shall do a coat blog shortly as the weather is getting colder now, which I like, the weather that is.
Did over 11,000 steps yesterday – woo hoo! Have a fab week too, Marsha and thanks so much 😊
This is one of my favourite outfits on you Penny: sharp, edgy and puts you in focus. I always enjoy Elaine’s contributions and agree with her view that the top is too long on you. Before you start getting the needlework box out, or taking it to be shortened, you might try tucking less in the skirt or draping it up on one side – either by tucking it in the skirt or with the aid of a discreet safety pin.
Love Mary xx
PS: wear this outfit on Thursday. It gives a nice clear message: ‘This woman means business!’
Actually Mary I am going to wear my leopard print top and black jeans with the boots – that really does give a message!!!
The thing is I don’t have a fashion stylist, just Mr F as my photographer, and bless him he never really truly ‘sees’ what I am wearing including the rolls around my waist, the tops that need smoothing out or hitching up. And often nor do I because I am not a fashionista just someone who doesn’t want to be boring 🤣
As ever thanks so much Mary 🙂
Penny, just keep our Mr. F around because he is a treasure. Your comment made me chuckle as well as remember I had my own Mr Brad for close to 50 very happy years.
Hello Penny , it goes without saying that I really like your black and white outfit. The boots definitely take it up a notch and they look sturdy, supportive and comfortable.
I have been studying Japanese street style on older ladies , we would fit in well as they favour longer interesting longer skirts. Keep well. Jill
Yes, the boots are exactly what I want to wear – dainty shoes are not me at all! And black and white is king!
And yes, Japanese wear is very stylish – have a great time Jill. Thanks so much 😊
Fab in black and white Penny! Juxtaposition is modern. If one paired refined shoes with this skirt it would look too precious. Rock on with the feminine skirts and clumpy boots! Fortunately we all have different tastes that eliminates fashion boredom :).
I definitely want to rock on! And yay to black skirts and clumpy boots! I never want to be boring!
Thanks so much Lise 😊
I sure hope the sunshine comes! We have had varied skies with some foggy days, some blue skies and then some rainy days (finally). So it’s been fun. I try to take some of my future blog pictures on the gloomy days since it looks more like winter then! I really like the addition of your scarf: I was thinking about my scarves and how I want to write a post wearing them.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
We have some weak and watery sunshine now and it’s getting colder. I prefer any cold weather if there’s some sun!!!
Yes, I have a lot of scarves and should show them off a bit more.
Have a lovely weekend Mireille 🙂
I think there really is something to seasonal affective disorder. All of that gloom and mizzle would be very difficult for me for days on end. I live in the Sun City of El Paso where we have at least 300 days of sunshine a year. Usually more than that. I enjoy the occasional gray day but not weeks of them.
What a perfect outfit. Somehow, although it is black and white, it seems crisp, as you suggest, or light. I think the fun accessories really make the look. Great socks and boots. Never seen a button bracelet. Great fun.
I think we must have 300 days of middling weather 🤣 It’s good that we never get extreme weather, as it never get too hot or too cold, but we do have a lot of rain and grey cloudy weather! Ah well can’t have everything!!!
I’ve got some more colourful coats and I must show them to you. Love my boots and the button bracelets of which I have many.
Thanks so much Leslie – have a lovely weekend 😊
I love your skirt styling posts. Black and white looks so good on you. The Rieker boots add a bit of edginess. It was great to have a few blue sky days last week after those grey days. Getting colder next week. I wonder if we’ll get snow this winter.
Actually I do feel I need to wear another pair of boots – these get worn every day 🤣
Where’s the blue sky today??? And snow is coming – to the midlands!
Thanks Gail 😊
Love the boots and socks, Penny. I, too, love that look and wear similar boots in cold weather, but red ones! And you really can’t beat black and white for a simple but sophisticated look.
Yes, indeed black and white is a great combination! And those boots are indispensable. Thanks so much for commenting 😊