although the country is slowly starting to open back up, we’re still spending a lot, if not the majority of our time at home.  and there’s nothing wrong with wearing blue jeans, tees, and sneakers.  believe me; i’m reaching for that combination a lot more these days.  last week, we revisited jeans after months of athleisure wear.  today, we’re going to build on that post and talk five ways to elevate your blue jeans into a timeless and classic look. we’re gonna start with my base outfit below and build five new ones from it by addition, subtraction, and slight modification.  

girlfriend jeans | shoes | similar shoes | similar tee | sweatshirt

outfit 1 

add a blazer, leopard shoes & belt

in our first look, we’ve kept my original jeans but built the outfit around the mighty blazer.  a blazer will elevate any look, and when you add the leopard pattern with these  (similar) shoes and belt, you’ve got a timeless classic. 

blouse | blazer | similar jeans | similar shoes | belt

outfit 2 

add accessories

for our second look, we’ve kept the blouse but swapped out the jeans for skinny ones.  the whole idea here, though, is to add accessories.  a belt can be an attention grabber and add life to any pair of jeans.  swap out your daily jewelry for something a little more eye-catching. and don’t forget to add a color pop by using a sweater as an accessory. 

blouse | jeans | similar shoes | sweater

outfit 3 

long-over-lean

for our third look, let’s keep the skinny jeans but add a poplin popover for that classic long-over-lean look.  such a simple and clean look, but remarkably comfortable as well.  one of my favorites.  (and you didn’t think i’d forget that pop of color.  how about these (similar) shoes?)

poplin popover | jeans | similar shoes

outfit 4 

with a chunky cardigan

for our fourth outfit, we’ve kept our base but simply added a chunky (similar) cardigan.  talk about reusability.  it looks like we’ve got a few more days of cooler weather here in Athens, and i’ve definitely reached for this cardigan more than once.  super comfy without loosing that timeless classic look.  

jeans | poplin popover | similar cardigan | similar shoes

outfit 5 

add a pop of color

and finally, don’t forget about colored jeans. whether you’re going with black, white, red, or some other color entirely, the fashion possibilities they afford us are endless.   i’ve stuck with a neutral today:  gray jeans. and i’ve built the entire outfit around the safari jacket—one of my personal favorites.  

jeans | safari jacket | tank | shoes

thanks for joining us, ladies.  i hope today’s post gives you some inspiration on how to take your jeans and restyle them in a way that gives you that timeless classic look we’re always striving for over here on the blog.  if you’re looking for more inspiration or want to see how these outfits look in 3D, be sure to check out our new YouTube video.  

 

 

 

we’ve headed towards a cool spell in Athens.  this gives me the opportunity to wear, wait for it:  jeans.  seems weird to say that, but when was the last time you threw on a pair of jeans over the past few months?  with so many, if not all of us at home full time, there’s not the same incentive to throw on a pair of, say, skinny jeans.  i get it.  i was going through some of our more recent posts over here on the blog, and we’ve featured wide leg pants, shorts, and even a little black dress.   but not a lot of denim.  many of you have reached out to me over the past few weeks and have acknowledged that you’re ready for the transitioning from athleisure wear to jeans.  well, so am i. 

transitioning from athleisure wear to jeans

we’re all about timeless, classic style on the blog.  and we feature denim heavily.  in fact, jeans made my top 10 classic essentials that transition to spring.  today, i’ve got on a pair of high waist, ankle cut skinny jeans (low, medium, high).  and you know what?  i’m loving them.  they’re doing a couple of things for me today. first, they’re keeping me honest.  under quarantine, maintaining our normal routines has become difficult, if not impossible.  i’ve made it a point to stay healthy by walking, but as many of you know, i underwent knee surgery recently, making even that challenging.  jeans are less forgiving than athleisure wear, for sure.  so it’s nice to get that gut check every once in while (pun intended).  

also, putting on a pair of jeans gives an indication on how my knee is doing.  my recovery has been going well, but there is still some swelling in my knee.  jeans show me clearly how much farther i have to go.  and that’s not a bad thing:  it serves as motivation to keep pushing during my PT sessions. and let me tell you PT is the most important step in the recovery process.

similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bagsaint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2 

jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high

 

original Breton tee

i love, love, love classic Breton striped tees:  so iconic, and such a staple.  if you don’t own one, i highly recommend it.  did you know that the striped tee started life in the French Navy in 1858? the original sailor tee sported 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories. the distinctive pattern of stripes made it easier to spot a sailor in the sea if by chance he fell overboard. at the turn of the twentieth century, on a visit to the French Riviera Coco Chanel spied the tee on a navy seaman and introduced the Breton tee with her 1917 nautical collection. this look was a breakaway from the heavily corseted fashion popular at the time. Coco originally paired the tee with flared trousers and a trend began. women in trousers? striped tees? separates? it seems so matter-of-fact these days, but waaaay back then, it took one brave woman to change fashion forever.

similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bagsaint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2 

jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high

 

cap-toe slingbacks

and finally, i’m featuring a pair of cap-toe slingbacks.  they’re a classic shoe.  Chanel introduced them almost 100 years ago, and when in doubt on what pair of shoes to wear on any given day, i reach for a pair.  they act as a neutral and will complement virtually any outfit you put together.  love. 

similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bagsaint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2 

jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high

 

it’s been an exceptionally cool spring here in Athens.  so, there hasn’t been too many opportunities to wear shorts.  wear shorts you ask? yes ma’am.  i indeed love to wear shorts on a hot summer day.  shorts can be a controversial topic for women of a certain age, but i have been and continue to be an advocate for them.  so much so that not wearing shorts make my #2 style rule every woman should break. 

today, i’ve rounded up some of my favorite outfits involving shorts over the past few years.  there’s a lot of different ways you can style them and here are just a few ideas.  

with a linen popover

today’s outfit is all about color! punchy, tropical splashes of blue, green, orange and yellow. perfect for spring and summer. i don’t know about you but wearing bright colors and bold prints really brightens my mood and lifts my spirits. it’s hard to feel bad or sad when mother nature’s clouds part and the sun shines warm and bright. 

this linen popover is from J. Crew and like most, if not all, of their prints, this top could boldly go with so many other items in my closet…i’m thinking khaki chinos or white denim. i love to wear shorts when the weather warms up, but they aren’t for you, cropped pants would be a great option. J. Crew has so many that would be perfect with this popover top.  i’ve made sure to link what i’m wearing, as well as some additional similars that will brighten your day. 

i kept my slide sandals neutral light pink suede today, so the focus is my top and shorts. [read the post…]

popover shirtshorts (7″) | shorts (10″) | similar sandals 

 

with a matching cabana blazer

i’ve decided on a shorts suit. a striped cabana blazer with matching shorts. while this ensemble looks fantastic when worn as a suit. each item will mix and match perfectly with my summer wardrobe. the loose fit of the blazer is perfect for those warm Georgia temps that have already arrived. i popped on a gorgeous bamboo tee called dawn draper from Southcott Threads.  [read the post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

similar shorts | similar tee | similar blazer 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

with a military inspired jean jacket

bermuda shorts are a must-have for spring and summer. and beach vacations. this pair is from Talbots. the length hits just above the knee which is perfect. i’m wearing black shorts, but they are available in nine colors.

another classic essential for the coming months is a striped tee. this red striped tee is from Ralph Lauren. it sports a graphic logo. and what goes well with shorts and a tee? why a comfy pair of tennis shoes. this pair is from Ann Taylor that i’ve been wearing non-stop since they arrived at my doorstep.  [read entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

similar shorts | similar tee | similar jacket 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

with a classic summer blazer

if you are looking for one classic summer blazer that will serve you well this white linen blazer fits the bill. dress it up with a tweed dress and kitten heels. or dress it down with drawstring shorts, split neck top, and seersucker sandals. of course, white goes with everything. but this little number comes in island turquoise and flax.

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

similar shorts | similar top | classic blazer

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

so many of you reached out yesterday to check in.  we’re all hanging in there, that much is clear. and we’re all here for each other in the way in which a virtual community allows for.  and that’s so important.  united together, it’s our collective resolve and hope for days ahead that will carry us through the day.  but there are days it can be a challenge to keep our spirits high.  platitudes can wear thin, and there’s only so much Netflix we can actually watch.  so i’ve got an idea to change things up just a little. it’s simple and totally doable:  dress up when you’re feeling down.       

fashion distraction

we talked yesterday about the importance of changing one’s working environment, to the extent possible, as a way to maintain our mental health during quarantine.  my challenge today is very much in the same vein.  tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever you can, try this: get up early.  take a shower.  put on your makeup.  and put on an outfit you’d on an evening out.  something chic.  something elegant.  something beautiful.  wear it all day or take it off immediately.  doesn’t really matter.  the sheer act alone is worth it.  dress up when you’re feeling down

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

dress up when you’re feeling down

here’s my pick for an “evening out” outfit. it’s something i’d wear to dinner at my favorite restaurant The National.  afterwards, i’d undoubtedly catch a movie at Cine.  i put this on the other day, and i’m telling you i felt normal even just for a moment. 

it’s all about Ann Taylor today.  i’ve been loving wide leg pants this spring, and today, i’ve decided to dress them up instead of down like last week.  these wide leg marina pants are ankle length and complemented perfectly by these block heel sandals.  i’m bringing visual interest by offsetting the neutral pants with a striped puff sleeve sweater.

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

wide leg pants

we had a lot of fun last week dressing down wide leg pants.  staying comfy and casual is undoubtedly what many of us are doing right now.  but it’s important to mix things up from time-to-time, if only to feel that sense of real normalcy while we await its arrival.  if you’re like me, a fashion distraction is a good thing and sometimes its worth it to dress up when you’re down.

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

here are some more pics from Ann Taylor that i’m loving right now. 

we’ve spent a lot of time talking about fashion during the “new normal”.  i’ve asked you all whether it still matters at all, and we all seem to agree that what matters most is looking and feeling our best.  i want to take that a bit farther today in the hopes of putting a smile on your face:  during these times, let’s add as much levity to our daily lives as possible.  and one way to do that is through what we wear.  by no means is it the only way, or even the best way, but it is way.  and each way matters.  have fun with fashion.  

today’s OOTD hopefully does just that.  in a lot of ways, it’s a bit of a nod to the era in which i became a young adult:  the 70s. and i have to admit, i was inspired when my oldest son recommended Dazed and Confused.  for those of you who haven’t seen it, it’s a coming of age story documenting the last day of a Texas middle and high-school in 1976 directed by Richard Linklater (Boyhood).  the music.  the cars.  and the fashion!  totally captured what it was like to become a young adult in that era.  i highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good laugh, and possibly, a trip down memory lane.       

this post brought to you by Ann Taylor

more recent memories

it’s always a good day when i partner with a favorite brand. and Ann Taylor has been a go-to retailer of mine for years. when we lived overseas, the boys and I would fly back to the states each summer to visit family and friends. mr. style would join us for several weeks before returning to work. but one of the first things on my to-do list when i was back home in the good old U.S. of A. was shopping. you see, we lived in Asia for the better part of ten years. i was definitely the Amazon woman towering over the major part of the population. i definitely stood out from the crowd due to my height close to 5’8″ along with blue eyes and blonde hair. but shopping was next to impossible for a size six or eight as most of the shops carried zero’s, or even sub-zero’s.

but not to fear. as i mentioned once my feet hit US soil it was time to stock up on clothes for the coming year. and Ann Taylor was one of the first stores i hit. i loved the color combinations that could be mixed and matched with previous years. i adored the way Ann’s pants fit. and i could always count on Ann Taylor to carry an extensive selection of the basics along with a few trends thrown in.

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

wide leg pants 

paisley is fun.  wide-leg pants are fun.  that means paisley wide-leg pants are a must.  if the paisley feels “too much” for you, don’t be afraid to neutralize the pattern with a black (or white) lace ruffle mock neck shell like this one.  and these sandals  are perfect for working from home and will transition into summer perfectly.  today’s outfit definitely put a smile on my face—bringing back all of the memories from 1976.  i hope it brings one to yours. 

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

have fun with fashion

have fun with fashion this spring.  we’ve all got extra time on our hands right now, let yourself get lost in your closet—mixing and matching.  take a trip or two down memory lane and don’t be afraid to recreate some of those memories.  i’m willing to bet that not only will it bring you a little bit of joy, but it will bring some to those around you as well.  after all, it’s gonna bring back some of those memories that i’m sure the people in your life are going to want to hear.   

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

a big thank you to Ann Taylor for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.  and if you’re looking for more inspiration, i’ve put together some comparables and other fun items i’ve got my eye on below. 

i hope you had a wonderful and restful Easter!  did you get a chance to connect with those that you love?   did you make brunch?  what did you make?  (hopefully you had a chance try our baked eggs and popovers!)  now that i’m spending so much time at home, it’s amazing how the little things i used to take for granted have become, well, highlights of my day.  take my daily trip to the mailbox.  simple and totally forgettable a few months ago.  now, it’s something i look forward to.  not only is it a forcing function to get up and out of my house, but it often leads to an impromptu walk around the neighborhood.  and that’s really perfect, because we’ve got a few more weeks of absolute perfect weather here in Athens.  with that in mind, i thought we’d do a fun OOTD:  how to wear a graphic tee. 

 the simple things in life

if you caught my 10 classic essentials that transition to spring yesterday, you’ll know that the classic tee made my list.  and what’s more fun in spring and summer than a graphic tee?  i would say that the graphic tee made a come back a decade ago, but that’s not really true:  they’ve never really went away.  i’ve featuring a fun California-themed shirt from J.Crew in honor of my days past, but the best thing about graphic tees, there’s one out there just for you; and just for the mood you’re in.  

graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings

how to wear a graphic tee 

graphic tees go with anything, literally.  i’ve paired mine today with a pair of girlfriend jeans and an equally fun sweater also from J.Crew.  it’s transition weather here, so layering is important.  but depending on where you are, you may go sans sweater and, say, a pair of ankle jeans.  or bootcut.  or shorts.  or whatever really.  in a moment when fun can be hard to come by, remember, it’s the little things in life.  and that’s what a good graphic tee is really.  

graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings

a sweater for spring 

it’s sweater weather—my favorite.  so many fun options this year.  i’m featuring a cardigan with muted pastels, and it contrasts nicely with the my tee. we’ve featured many cardigans on the blog over the years.  dress them up; dress them down; they’re just so flexible.  and this one is putting a smile on my face today.  i hope it is yours too.  

graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings

can you believe it’s the Friday?  and that this weekend is Easter?! this year, things are going to look a lot different for us all.  and it’s worth taking a moment to think about that.  Easter egg hunts will be postponed.   we’re not going to be attending church services in person; or welcoming guests and family over for brunch.  there is a sadness to that, but we cannot let it get us down.  we have to look upwards first and forward second.  how about attending a virtual service this year? and have your kids and grandkids FaceTime you during their Easter egg hunt. hopefully the weather where you are will be lovely and you can enjoy an Easter brunch al fresco. to that end, we’ve put together a sort of virtual Easter to get you in the spirit and inspire you to do one of your own. we have a brunch recipe today full of bright leafy greens and healthy protein from eggs and beans. it’s an easy recipe that you can customize to what you have on hand. our cocktail today is a brunch classic: the greyhound. 

virtual Easter to get you in the spirit

i am dressing for the occasion today, forgoing my typical casual friday ootd for a shirt dress. even though i am staying put, how nice it is to wear a neutral spring dress. it’s a sunny warm spring day. i have the doorway to the porch open and there’s a lovely light breeze flowing in and my easter decor brightens up my home and table.

poplin shirt dress | sandal | bracelet | earring

baked eggs with chorizo, chickpeas and kale

this is such an easy recipe for an easter brunch. it’s very customizable. the recipe here could go for four people, but can also be for two – with leftovers, and the leftovers keep well for a day or two. if you can’t get a hold of chorizo (spicy mexican sausage) you can do sweet or spicy italian sausage, you could even do breakfast-style sausage if you like. you can use kale, chard, beet greens, whatever you have! if you want to use navy beans or black beans, that’s good too.  parmesan is great but if you wanted to use a different grated cheese, i bet it would work out just fine. 

baked eggs with chorizo, chickpeas and kale

  • 1 whole package chorizo   (or, 1 lb sausage of your liking)
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1/2 bag kale (or about 3 hefty handfuls)
  • 1/2 chopped white onion
  • 1/3-1/5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet, add onions and cook until translucent

  2. add sausage, brown and cook through

  3. add drained chickpeas (add another tbsp of oil if needed)

  4. once the chickpeas are softened, add kale in batches and cook until wilted

  5. transfer mixture to a baking dish (or leave in pan if oven safe)

  6. sprinkle with parmesan cheese

  7. create 4 wells in the mix and crack an egg into each well

  8. bake in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until the egg whites are set

tablescapes

i am getting my easter table set…  aren’t these fabric carrots adorable? i love how they are black and white stripes and polka dots! unconventional, but they fit right in. 

napkin rings | candlesticks | serving bowl | peter rabbit entertaining collection | fabric carrots | fabric carrots 2 | fabric carrots 3 | fabric carrots 4

napkin rings | candlesticks | serving bowl | peter rabbit entertaining collection | fabric carrots | fabric carrots 2 | fabric carrots 3 | fabric carrots 4

napkin rings | candlesticks | serving bowl | peter rabbit entertaining collection | fabric carrots | fabric carrots 2 | fabric carrots 3 | fabric carrots 4

the greyhound

fill an old fashioned or Collins glass with ice, pour in juice and vodka, stir and enjoy! if your grapefruit juice is too tart, add a splash of agave. or if you want to try something with a deeper grapefruit flavor add a dash of grapefruit bitters or grapefruit liqueur. 

greyhound

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz grapefruit juice
  • lemon or lime wedge (garnish)

 

poplin shirt dress | sandal | bracelet | earring

fridays with oscar

since we won’t be gathering together in person for holidays any time soon, i am curious to know what your solutions are for coming together with your family during the holidays this month. let us know in the comments below how you and your family will celebrate upcoming holidays this year. oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a happy easter.  and as always, we will keep bringing you content that is relevant to our current situation, but is also a welcome distraction.

nordstrom sale

if you’re looking for some more Spring outfit ideas, head over to Nordstrom—up to 50% off during their “Better Together Sale“.  i’ve picked out some of my favorites below.  make sure to check them out! 

what were you doing one year ago today?  that’s a question i spent last evening mulling over after all of the comments we received on yesterday’s post:  does fashion still matter?  i read through every single bit of feedback we got, not only on the blog, but on our other social channels too.  first of all, thank you.  i’ve got such wise readership, and i love hearing your perspective on what’s going on.  at a really high-level, there were two major themes in the comments.  1)  it’s not that fashion matters right now per se, but rather it’s looking and feeling our best even in times of uncertainty like these.  such a smart point, and i totally agree.  and 2) the new “normal” isn’t normal nor should it be thought of such.  and it’s this point that prompted my lead question for today.  one year ago today, i was starting to plan for my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding.  had just begun to dress shop, and mr. style was starting to suit shop.  to remind myself—to remind ourselves—of real normal, i thought i’d do something fun today and raid the archives.  i went back to April 2019 and pulled together 3  spring fashion how tos for you.  i hope you enjoy the fashion distraction again today, and let me know in the comments what you were doing one year ago today. 

how to wear a jumpsuit

happy Monday, ladies from the glorious south where the birds are chirping, bees buzzing, and trees bursting with buds. if it’s spring then snowball viburnums are in full bloom. what a glorious sight! and the perfect backdrop for a simple black jumpsuit. every year we try to snag a photo in front of this gorgeous tree. so i’ve vigilantly watched this neck of the woods for the past few weeks. today was the day!

this up for anything black jumpsuit from Ralph Lauren has a flattering bateau neck and tapered legs. it can be dressed up for dinner and a show or dressed down for “let’s do coffee.” for a casual cool outfit that takes sixty seconds to create throw on a denim jacket and white sneakers. voila, instant casual chic

[read the post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black jumpsuit, gold sandals, gold belt, and gold clutch handbag

similar jumpsuit | similar jumpsuit 2 | similar jumpsuit 3 | similar jumpsuit 4 |  sandals | braceletearrings 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black jumpsuit, gold sandals, gold belt, and gold clutch handbag

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black jumpsuit, gold sandals, gold belt, and gold clutch handbag

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black jumpsuit, gold sandals, gold belt, and gold clutch handbag

how to wear a jean jacket

my fling with spring continues! but if there’s one thing we know about this season it’s that the weather can change in a heartbeat. one reason i grab a jacket before i head out the door. sometimes it’s a raincoat other times a denim jacket will do the trick. since today’s ootd is casual through and through a military inspired denim jacket from Ralph Lauren is the perfect companion. details like metallic soutache, epaulets, and silver buttons add a jaunty flair. princess seams and darts at the front and back of the collar update this classic officer’s jacket and give it the spit and polish it deserves.

since the temps are already on the rise i know my denim days are short-lived. typically when the summer heat arrives i transition to shorts, skirts, and dresses. so i grabbed a pair of white denim, chose a lightweight sweater, and decided yellow driving mocs  were the perfect addition to add a pop of color. but the star of this show is the denim officer’s jacket. am i right?! good old ralph takes a classic wardrobe staple and puts a spin on it. which is exactly what we need from time-to-time to stay modern and fresh.

[read the post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Ralph Lauren denim officers jacket, white denim, striped sweater and yellow driving moccasins

similar jeans | similar sweater | similar jacket | similar shoes 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a denim military jacket, striped sweater, and white denim

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a denim military jacket, striped sweater, and white denim

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a denim military jacket, striped sweater, and white denim

how to wear high low

good morning, ladies. happy monday! i hope you enjoyed the long Easter weekend. our spring weather was sprinkled with tornado watches and flash floods on friday and saturday with a high of fifty-something. it was downright cold and dreary! but sunday was a glorious sunshiny day which seemed to make up for the chilly ones. mr. style and i wandered parts of the UGA campus for photos sunday afternoon. hopefully, you can catch a glimpse of the beauty that surrounds these historic grounds. the University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. people always ask why mr. style and i decided to make athens our home. the university had a big part to play. it offers sporting events, concerts, an art museum, and, of course, the energy of the students that abounds for nine months out of the year. and an adorable english bulldog mascot that goes by the name of uga.

there’s been much discussion on the blog recently about fashion price points. so i’m sharing how i wear high low items. of course, on any given day you will see me wearing mid-price brands: Ann Taylor, Talbots, J.Crew, Everlane. their classic styles will always have a place in my closet. but if i’m shopping at Target or Akris Punto and something catches my eye, it has a 100% chance of coming home with me. because if you find something that makes your heart go pitter patter you’ll wear it. isn’t that the point of a stylish wardrobe? and i love to mix luxury items with basement bargains. i’ve always had the mindset that clothes should be worn. and worn regularly. i feel the same way about my home decor. why should my china be relegated to special occasion dining? why not mix and match them with other pieces all through the year? 

[read entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears high low St. John sweater, J.Crew blue jeans, Ralph Lauren button down, Sam Edelman espadrilles

similar jeans | similar shirt | similar cardigan | similar cardigan 2

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears high low St. John sweater, J.Crew blue jeans, Ralph Lauren button down, Sam Edelman espadrilles

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears high low St. John sweater, J.Crew blue jeans, Ralph Lauren button down, Sam Edelman espadrilles

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears high low St. John sweater, J.Crew blue jeans, Ralph Lauren button down, Sam Edelman espadrilles

does fashion still matter in the new “normal”?  it’s hard to believe that in a matter of weeks, our conversations and concerns have shifted so dramatically and profoundly.  the things we were focused on in February are no longer top of mind—not even by a long shot.  as i go through our photo archives, the places junior style and i shot at no more than 6 weeks ago have been totally shut down.  the world, and us along with it, have changed almost overnight.  

it begs the question then, what is the role of fashion?  i continue to believe fashion as a distraction is a unifying force.  it can bring us together as a point of intersection and commonality.  for those of you that joined me on Facebook Live last night, that much was clear.  despite these uncertain times, a group of women were able to gather—separated in some cases by oceans—to enjoy the virtual company of others.  it’s a powerful thing to know that we are united during these uncertain times.  

does fashion still matter?

we’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks shifting our content to accommodate these changing times.  we’ve talked about staying healthy and fit while maintaining social distancing. we’ve also talked about hosting a virtual dinner party—something i wouldn’t have thought to do until recently.  but today, i want to return to the heart of this blog; i want to post a pure OOTD.  a fashion distraction.  i hope you enjoy!  

similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings  

easy spirit 

i’m showcasing one of my classic preppy looks.  it’s composed totally of neutrals. and it’s perfect for those cooler spring days which, here in Georgia at least, are still sprinkled in-between more summer-like days.  i’ve paired a (similar) blazer with a (similar) sweater and a pair of white ankle jeans from Talbots.  white jeans are classic and essential for any wardrobe.  they serve as the perfect neutral base that can be matched with just about anything.  

for my long time followers, you know that i’ve served as an Easy Spirit ambassador.  they’re such comfortable and convenient shoes, that i even featured them in one of my latest YouTube videos: top five sneakers for spring and summer. 

today, i’m featuring a pair of bell dress shoes from Easy Spirit.  use the code Beth25 for a discount at checkout.  

similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings

fashion as a distraction

in these uncertain times, there’s nothing more important than friends, family, and your health.  the focus right now is rightfully on just those things.  however, let’s not forget what has become peripheral: music, literature, movies, comedy, and of course, fashion.  these things, however frivolous they may seem during times like these, are what bring us together.  they foster conversation.  they bring smiles to our face.  sometimes we just need a distraction.  

similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings

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