It’s mid-March, which is about the time we get very mixed weather here in the UK. Sometimes it’s freezing and when I read of other bloggers who live in the northern hemisphere having temperatures reaching 70F (that’s 21C to us and a warm mid-Summer’s temperature) I just marvel as it’s far more likely to begin the day here at 1C(33F) and only go up to 10C (50F) plus on the coast there’s that sea breeze that cools temperatures down and, for me, makes a cozy wool hat pulled over my ears an essential part of my outdoor gear. But Saturday brought us the best of those glorious Spring days with no cold north-easterly winds and a warming sun. I sat on a sea-front bench and just revelled in the sun on my face and the warmth.
I also noticed that many people were carrying their coats and winter-wear jackets. As I sat on the bench watching as they walked by I took off my hat, scarf and gloves and thought wow, it’s time to bring out the jackets I wear in the Spring! The title could also read ‘shopping my closet’ as nearly everything I’m wearing is old and mostly bought from charity shops.
I’ve been wearing this yellow jacket a lot lately. It’s very much a transition jacket as it’s long and warm enough to wear during these early Spring days when the sky looks lovely with the sun peeping through the clouds but it’s still a bit cool. Do you see I’ve matched the hat and the gloves? I’ve just finished knitting a scarf the same shade of orange that will go well with the beret, but it’s very long so it’ll be great to wear in the depths of the winter wrapped several times around my neck.
But very soon I shall be wearing shorter jackets like this one.
I bought this in a brocante shop in France in 2017 for not very much. I do love it, but it’s not been worn all that much lately, time to wear it again, I think.
Here’s another brown jacket that needs to come out of the wardrobe and be seen a bit more.
This M&S jacket is made from boiled wool and has a lovely silky pink lining, and was also bought in a charity shop. As was this favourite of mine you can see below, which I also found at the back of my wardrobe and not worn for ages.
And finally here’s that Jaeger jacket that I found in my local charity shop last year.
I always think there’s quite a short window for wearing jackets. At the moment it’s just a tad too cool although I think I could have worn the Jaeger jacket on Saturday when it felt so warm as it’s quite heavy and made entirely of wool. And then all of sudden the weather improves and it’s too darn hot to wear them! But I do love a jacket and I am always on the look-out for them in charity shops, and double yay, as charity shops will open with all other non-essential retail in mid-April. Can’t wait for that!
By the way, I continue to make a once-weekly foray out into the wider world, heavily masked, of course. It was the dentist two weeks ago. Teeth are good but veneers are a must and the question is can I afford 4, probably not, so it will be 2 to be done over the next few weeks. Then it was the opticians last week, and I am getting bright flamingo pink varifocal glasses – they are very wow and in your face! If I’m going to wear glasses they might as well be the best and the brightest (!) until, that is, I can get my cataracts removed, and, of course, the positive to cataract removal will been no more glasses, but that won’t be for another couple of years.
And at the end of this week it’s the chiropodist. Three cheers as my feet do need some attention. The hairdressers will have to wait until they open again (mid April) but rest assured I am not going to get my hair cut short again – ever. But I have been recommended a hairdresser who specialises in putting hair up and that’s the one I shall go to. Speaking of hairdressers, last week I cut Mr F’s hair and made a very good job of it!
And finally, they are not open yet but a visit to the beauticians is more than just a treat, some things are actual necessities like electrolysis, I’m getting really furry around the chin and upper lip, I’m not exaggerating, it’s a year since I last had a treatment! But I’m very sad to say that the beauticians I’ve been going to for years seems to have closed down, so the hunt is on for an experienced electrolysis practitioner. You might say, why not pluck? Well I did when I was young, and it made the hair 100% stronger and darker, so nope, that’s not for me. Or laser removal? Unfortunately, that doesn’t work on fair hair, it’s electrolysis that I need, but, people, it seems that this is not taught any longer on beauticians’ courses or so I was told. So off I go on the hunt for someone who can do electrolysis.
Anyway, overall, I get the feeling that here in the UK we’re on the path towards a slightly more normal life, although I would agree with the view that masks and social distancing will be with us for several years. I mean look at the positive side to this, as a result of wearing masks flu and colds were almost non-existent this winter, well that’s a huge bonus – onwards and upwards, I’d say.
That’s all for now 🙂
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Hello, Penny
Yes, it is lovely to see (and feel) the sun isn’t it, but you know, even though I was born in the Spring, I’ve always reckoned that it’s a treacherous season: turn the wrong corner and the wind can cut you off at the knees! But all the pretty flowers do make up for that, don’t they?
I love your jackets, but those jeans even more! I suspect they are favourites. I’m guilty of wearing and re-wearing favourites over and over again, especially when travelling the back roads in America for any length of time as I try and travel light. That’s not because I’m a savvy packer – that’s my husband’s job! – but because it means that I can fill my boots in the charity/thrift shops over there! Oh speed the day!
You mention veneers. What’s your verdict, please? I understand that once committed, that’s it, because a tooth’s surface is roughed up to give the veneer purchase and should that become detached it means a replacement, pronto. I’m sure it’s not a cheap option so am wondering what the life expectancy is.
Have a good week.
Zepherine
Hi Zepherine, and I agree with you totally as the weather in March and April can suddenly become freezing cold and a short jacket would be far too light a garment to wear. I have the turned up blue jeans in black, grey and a very dark blue and all are favourites and very comfortable to wear.
RE: the teeth, when you sign your treatment plan for veneers it says that veneers can fail, meaning that they ?break and you need a crown. Thing is I have a very transparent front tooth that looks brown in photos so that they often have to be touched up or I look simply awful. To be honest I’d prefer a crown as at least you know they’re there forever, but the tooth isn’t that bad just permanently brown so it’s a veneer and as I consider it has to be done, I’ll take the risk that it fails. Now in addition you can’t do just one, they have to done in tandem with another next to it or they’ll look odd standing proud of other teeth. I have another tooth to the side of the brown tooth that is also going that way, so eventually I need the front 4 teeth ‘done’. Very expensive, so it’s 2 this year, and 2 next year. BTW, my dentist says his veneers don’t fail – fingers crossed that’s true! Hope that helps 🙂
The sun is shining today but at 10 degrees too cold for a short jacket. As you say there is a very limited window for them which is why I have several I hardly ever wear. I have a beautiful real suede one in teal which I bought for a fraction of the original price but has only been on once. Lightweight jackets are good as a smarter alternative to a cardigan and I can wear one of my large collection of brooches- great! Good for covering arms too which despite now having muscles from my work-outs (more Popeye than Olive Oil!) the wrinkly saggy skin is here to stay.
I’m desperate for the hairdresser and think I may go to a beautician for the second time – attempt at eyelash dyeing no good because I just don’t have enough eyelashes. No substitute for mascara. I need to get my eyes tested too but not urgently. I’ve been told that I have the start of cataracts too.
I find the idea of years of masks and distancing abhorrent. I’d rather get my annual cold than do that for so long. I want to sing in a choir again especially. Patience is a virtue……………
I agree with you that the weather is very tricky this time of year, and too cold for shorter jackets and then suddenly it’s too warm! I shall wear that jacket I bought in France tomorrow for a FaceTime call with a friend. That jacket can definitely be worn as an alternative to a cardigan.
Yes, my cataract is developing well in my right eye and hardly at all in my left. Optician says I could get it done privately in about 2 years time which leaves me plenty of years to enjoy the no-glasses, because sadly if I wait for the NHS to agree to them I’ll be in my near 80s and also have quite blurry vision, so it’s 2 veneers this year, 2 veneers next year, and possibly the cataracts in two or three years time, when I’ve saved up enough for the op.
Thing is I never want to have flu again as it had such awful consequences for my health – I’m so much better but it’s taken a year, so I will wear a mask in shops and public transport for a very, very long time and be careful of anything indoors with people I don’t know. But I know what you mean, I wonder when we can stop dodging people as they walk towards you – it’s actually a sad thing to do.
Have a good week 🙂
Hi Lynda
Re your eyelashes: have you tried lash primer? I’ve only just discovered it myself and it works wonders under mascara.
Regards, Mary
Thanks for your suggestion. I think I did try it once but my eyelashes are now so sparse perhaps I’ll give it another go!
Great excitement! My beautician has just rung me and I am booked in for April 13th. Hurrah, hairy legs and cutting myself with a razor will be a thing of the past. She’s not sure about facial treatments yet but yes my hairy chin and furry upper lip could also soon be a distant memory.
Just love that Jaeger jacket!
Oh how wonderful for you – quite envious as I would have loved my beautician to have rung but no it’s closed for good I think. Enjoy!
Thanks re: the jacket – looking forward to wearing it, but it’s still just a tad too cool, I think.
Have a good week 🙂
I like all your jackets but especially the black one with the silky pink lining peeping out. Jackets are a better buy for me these days as I’m not always going out to show off clothes etc. It’s a pity that jackets are only useable for such a short length of time in our climate, however it does make them an irresistible buy at the charity shops as they are usually underused and newer looking.😉. Of the ones you’re wearing the fake leopard skin one definitely has the most pizzazz and you can carry it off. Re teeth, I have a similar problem although I’ve held off veneers, because of cost and also I was told that my bite is so close they could spring off. Yikes! I would love to have regular coloured teeth, as my teeth used to be beautiful and well spaced, but now are grey and dull, not to mention the overly white crown I’ve got and slightly more natural but excruciatingly expensive implant at the front! Oh well, other things to worry about! 😁 Re health, yes, many of us I fear will have to practice more care and distancing going into the future. Flu is not to be shrugged off lightly and as I had a virus that blighted my teenage years and early twenties, I have every intention of taking this and other illnesses seriously. Take care and love the clothes!
I know, with this climate we have we wear jackets for such a short time, and I agree we can easily find them in charity shops – honestly I can’t resist them! I shall make sure I wear that fake leopard skin one very soon but it’s actually quite thin with no buttons to do it up, which won’t do if it’s that cool sea breeze. I shall wear it going into the city or maybe Lewes.
The teeth are going to be so expensive but I can’t take it with me and after this past year with the virus I had with its impact on my health I shall just go for it!
And yes, I shall be like you very careful of viruses – all of them!
Thank you and you take care too 🙂
I use an epilator to remove hairs. Cheaper and quicker than waxing. Works well and can be done at home
I know I could get an epilator for my legs but I still want a practitioner who really knows what she’s doing to have a go at the facial hairs. I’ve been having electrolysis for years now and that’s what I’d like so will be looking.
Regarding cataracts… I had mine done two years ago, and it is easy and painless, apart from the fact that I was allergic to the first antibiotic drops the hospital gave me to put in after the op! However, having ones cataracts removed doesn’t mean that you will not have to wear glasses. I was very disappointed in that as I thought it would mean I could junk them! Ones vision becomes clearer, but if you need glasses to read, the chances are you will still need them, and I still needed my varifocals!
Thanks and yes, I think I probably will have to wear glasses for reading, and even for distance. The thing is my eyesight is quite poor and I need really complicated lenses with special attention to the thickness – they cost an absolute fortune. One time I said, can I not have this lens treatment, just do the prescription without. Oh my word, the glasses arrived and the lenses were like bottle tops, just awful. So if I can do away with the very expensive lenses that’ll do me!
I just wanted to say that I love your plaits. They really suit you. My hair hasn’t been cut since last September so I’m going to try your solution.
Thanks so much Claire. I’m going to try some other styles but the plaits are fun – go for it 🙂
Hi Penny,
I wonder if you’ve thought about a lightweight gilet under a thin jacket or coat? I recently got a black one in M and S and it’s great with all my jackets; thin enough to button up and yet gives the extra layer of warmth like a puffa does.
Btw I love your baggy brown cords! You suit the wide leg look because you seem quite tall. My current go to trouser is the combat style. I’m a bit bored with jeans tbh but I’m only 5 foot 2 so wide legs aren’t a good look! Keep blogging!
Yes, what a good idea – thanks Melanie. And I will keep blogging. Take care 🙂
Oh some lovely jackets there, Penny! I’m a great fan of jackets and wear them all year round as I tend to wear them in place of cardigans quite often…I had to stop buying them as I had too many. I’ve managed to weed some of them out now so there’s room for more…
The weather has been very mixed and I am looking forward to some sunshine and warmth as much as I’m looking forward to the charity shops opening. It never ceases to amaze me how one’s spirit is immediately lifted when the sun shines.
I do hope you find a good electrolysis practitioner – surely in a place like Brighton there must be many? I think one of the positive things about lockdown is how we all have stuff to look forward to now; things that that we used to take for granted.
xxx
I’m going to wear the jacket bought in France today for a FaceTime call. I really must wear my collection more often!!!
You’d think that Brighton would have electrolysis practitioners, but it’s not something that younger practitioners do now and a lot of places are all about quite fancy stuff and of course, laser. But I have found an advert for someone who’s been practicing for 30 years and works from home, so I’ll be trying her.
And yes, there’s so much to look forward to – take care xxx
Here in cherry blossomed Vancouver, I am still wearing ear muffs and goose down, but light jacket season is probably just around the corner. By the way, I think your Jaeger jacket really suits you and well done cutting your husbands hair!
Ah, cherry blossom is so beautiful. Thanks so much re: the Jaeger jacket, that might be the first jacket I wear outside as it’s made of quite heavy wool.
Have a great rest of the week, Judy 🙂
Morning Penny
I love the French jacket. Rather, I love the whole outfit.
BTW – I have a beret the same colour as yours – purchased in a charity shop in Oxford. Isn’t it a great colour? I love berets for ‘the look’ rather than warmth – they never look good pulled over my ears (flat head syndrome!)
All the best, Mary
Hi Mary – I love the French jacket best of all too! Take care and all the best, Mary 🙂
I love a jacket and I particularly like the one you are wearing in the fourth photo. The Jaeger jacket (such a find!) looks so stylish with the jeans, too.
As for teeth, I could write a book about mine. I have a bridge, an implant and I have had them whitened by my dentist. I have had a quote for braces but my both my sons who have had braces as children and, as a result, have great teeth – and no fillings! – say how painful it was. So, the jury is out at the moment. Maybe veneers might be an option but my dentist doesn’t offer them. I will follow your veneer journey with great interest!
I shall wear the Jaeger jacket a lot with jeans – think the two items were made for each other!
I had an expensive bridge bought with retirement money that was meant to last for over a decade – two years later it broke and was not repairable. I’m hoping these veneers will work. I could do with braces on my bottom teeth, as they’re in a terribly crooked state, I should have had braces in my teens bu tthey were unheard of in those days. Ah well, I’ve managed so far. Take care 🙂
Hi Penny
Such a nice collection of jackets. Although I am not usually a big fan of the color brown I think my favorite is in fact the brown with the pink lining, so unexpected. I hope you will get to wear them given Spring’s unpredictable weather. It is the same here as well in the New York area, needing to bundle up one day and the going about in a tee shirt the next. Here although the temperatures are warming there are no flowers to speak of. I did see one garden on my walk today where someone had planted pansies but otherwise not yet.
Last week I could not stand my hair any longer. I often think I will let it grow but it grows in so unevenly and so straggly at the ends that I had to get it cut. I am much happier with it now.
Today I wore a new pastel sweater with a pair of white boyfriend jeans to my lecture series. a friend joked that I was breaking the fashion rules by wearing white before Memorial Day, which is at the end of May here. It was such a nice day and I was feeling Springy! It was good to laugh together and socialize, get out for a bit and learn something new. I hope your dental journey goes well. I had all kinds of issues getting an implant last year but but eventually things worked out well.
Here’s wishing you the best .Darby
In the UK Spring is here with daffodils out now. It does feel Spring like and then you walk outside and there’s a freezing wind – so it’s scarves, hats and gloves plus a thickish jacket for some weeks yet.
Your lecture series with its social connections must be such a boon. I think it’s quite challenging to get back to more normal activities. We’ve been in a very severe lockdown since Christmas – mind you it’s worked so I feel a little anxious at the coming relaxation of some of the rules. And yet we do need that social connection and more cultural activities – I feel starved of those. I’m hoping to get to some exhibitions soon and definitely after my 2nd vaccination, which is delayed here for 3 months. That seems to be working as hospitalisations and deaths are down +++ Onwards and upwards and here’s to the warmer months – take care 🙂
Saw program re: Israel and man was going to a Moslem wedding on Friday and getting haircut, beard trim + facial hair removed with a STRING! Can’t remember the term they used!
I have cords in cream, ecru and pale dusty pink! I wear in April+ May when it’s still quite cold here!
ROCHESTER NY!
I feel like the past couple of weeks have been appointments here and there and not much downtime. But today was my haircut and that was exciting! Love your last jacket the best, what a lovely color. I agree with having a short window to wear them: get too hot quickly here.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
For us it’s the other way around as for a long time it’s too cold to wear short jackets and then you can, and then all of a sudden it’s too hot!
Thanks so much Mireille – have a lovely weekend 🙂
Saw program re: Israel and man was going to a Moslem wedding on Friday and getting haircut, beard trim + facial hair removed with a STRING! Can’t remember the term they used!
I have cords in cream, ecru and pale dusty pink! I wear in April+ May when it’s still quite cold here!
ROCHESTER NY!
Yes, that’s threading – never done that. I love the thought of that pale dusty pink cord – and yes sounds as though our weather is similar as it’s often freezing here in April and sometimes into May!
Thanks 🙂
Hello Penny! I love your photos, the combinations you put together, your plaits, and those perfect rust-color pants! I do love that color and have it in a thrifted sweater that I wear over chambray or navy shirts. I am short (5’) but find if the proportions are correct on the leg, I can wear wide pant legs. I shared on another post that I hemmed an old pair of “trouser” leg jeans. I followed a YouTube video on how to shorten jeans while keeping the original frayed hem. Ingenious! And now, they are my favorite!
Another reader mentioned “threading” as a procedure for facial hair removal. It’s a Middle Eastern procedure and is my preferred method for my face. In fact, my dermatologist recommended it! Unfortunately, with CoVid restrictions, my technician has closed down. I’ve found an esthetician who waxes in an isolated, one-women shop. Not my favorite but it will do for now. I have to smile at my vanity at facial hair removal during these isolated, mask-wearing times!
Our first-born son, daughter-in-law, and 17mos old granddaughter are arriving from Seattle tomorrow. We have not seen them in a year though they lovingly FaceTime us each week. Husband and I are just 12 days and 10 days out, respectively, after receiving our 2nd Moderna shots. They have their first of two vaccines as teachers. We are fudging a little but dil’s MD father seems fine with it. They are here for Spring break, leaving behind 40 degree temps and lots of rain…for 60-70’s here with sunshine. We are looking forward to gathering our two sons’ families together for a few family meals. This will also be during my 72nd birthday and I am so thankful!
Your posts are inspiring as I follow your example and shop my closet. I ended up shortening three pairs of pants which gave them new life! In this casual Southern California lifestyle, I only have two blazers; one brown plaid and one Black Watch plaid and have not worn them much during this season. But my denim jacket and hooded sweatshirts are getting a workout plus my warm sweaters. One is a beautiful “fisherman” knit, bulky cardigan brought back from Ireland by my mother. It’s a treasure even with its moth-hole patches.
Another long chat! Only thing missing is a cup of tea! Please stay healthy. Keep your joie de vivre that is so engaging. With appreciation, Charlene
Thank you so much Charlene for all your kind words. And yes, never tried threading but have heard good things. For me I shall be starting to search for an experienced practitioner in facial hair removal. Covid restrictions have been here since Christmas and many small businesses have closed down – challenging times.
Your son and his family must have arrived by now – I trust you are having a lovely lovely time with them.
All the very best to you and your whole family 🙂
Your collection of jackets are fabulous. Love the brown one as well as the animal print one. Such a statement piece. We have been having warm weather in my neck of the woods too though early mornings are way too cold. The people are also getting fairly relaxed with Covid. I am a bit more paranoid and still wearing masks and social distancing. I hope you find a new beautician soon. It’s a bummer that your old one had to close down.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
It is such a narrow window for jackets isn’t it! A few weeks at the start of spring and the end of autumn. I don’t bother wearing a jacket in the evening in summer because in London the temperatures don’t seem to drop much – particularly if you’re on the tube. But it’s lovely to wear a jacket or poncho. I adore that M&S one, and the Jaegar jacket.
I’m also writing a bit about lockdown in Wednesday’s post – theme can be described as making sure we hold this govt to account!
Have a good week xx