I tried and tried and tried to put together an outfit with that Christopher John Rogers shirt to remember my mom at my daughter’s casual welcome party. I failed. I moved on quickly, and she would approve. Here’s the new plan. I have bought this Eileen Fisher shirt and pants already; with my long torso that top sits a little higher and hangs somewhat attractively away from my body; make sure you really want to tell me it’s bad before you comment; I may be a tad fragile at the moment; a photo of the full look will follow.
I promise.
I’m thinking high ponytail, vivid lip, gold dangly earrings or maybe diamonds, with either a necklace or a bracelet, and, miracles of miracles, shoes I already own.
Maybe these Gucci flats, or maybe the platform cork sandals I got for my trip to Houston. The flats feel more age appropriate, but should that ever stop us? Diamond earrings and a pearl and diamond bracelet mitigate a myriad of sins.
Thank you for all the reminders on my last post that all will be well. I am only hoping (having at 5am this morning figured out a solution I think will work for our troublesome logistics), that learning how to think about issues of objects in actual space is as good for my brain as ballroom dancing. I do not want to learn the Paso Doble, but I would like my daughter and her fiancé to be well-celebrated.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
42 Responses
Love the vibrant color and the dressy/casual dichotomy.
I thought of that necklace you had made, with gems from unworn jewelry. I looked, and saw the center features a turquoise colored stone. Don’t know how that would lie in the neckline, but I like the idea of it!
7 years ago, both of my children were married, four months apart. All of that while my Mom was in the scary descent into a fast moving dementia.
Now I find that amidst it all, I made too few real memories of those beautiful and joyous weddings.
I hope that you can pause, and make real memories during all of the events to come. Just a moment here and there to soak in the beauty, the perfect bite, some special words, just the right song to dance to.
I am so sorry your mom’s dementia intruded on your childrens’ weddings. Of course it would happen, no way around that, but sad. I am doing my best to delegate, on the day, everything I possibly can, for precisely these reasons.
And yes, I too have thought about that necklace, and I will be trying it on as I figure out just what I’m going to wear:)
So many things. First, the Eileen Fisher is Perfect, may I say Fabulous. Sorry to gush: Sensational! Ahh: Done.
You did not “fail.” Your centrifuge was simply sifting and sorting, and took its time delivering its verdict. Done.
Do I recall you gave us a complete schedule some time ago, saying you’d volunteered to do the floral centerpieces for all the dinner tables? That you’d make them at your house [yourself!], deliver them to the venue the night before [imagine!], then….I forgot the rest, but these synchronized steps must be the logistics you’re talking about. Your centrifuge, again, taking its time until 5 am this morning. Done.
You really carry a heavy realm-of-the-unknown responsibility on your shoulders. You’ve confessed that Sturdy gals may enjoy moments of Fragile from time to time. Think of it as a downtime tuneup for your overworked centrifuge.
I am absolutely positive that all you’re missing in the planning stages is the electric presence of your daughter and her Groom, and the effect of their radiance and joy, reflected in the faces of all the guests. Even though you can’t see it yet, count on it because I know it’s true. Done!
Thank you so much. A centrifuge. I had never thought of it as such, but that feels right. One can’t always look at the horizon and figure out the direction, sometimes we have to whirl, stand still, let the particles settle. And thank you for the EF endorsement. The logistics I was talking about were flowers indeed; the fragility that of a long-time style blogger who usually is good with any and all critique but this weekend just wasn’t quite as thick-skinned as usual. I will settle <3
Perfect choice! Enjoy your daughter’s wedding, it’s both MOMentous and joyous. Give her and her new husband a beautiful sendoff into their new life, and savour all the moments of joy, but it’s normal to also have some twinges of ….je ne sais quoi…it also marks a new chapter in your own life.
Thank you:). MOMentous indeed!
The turquoise outfit is perfect for a casual welcome party! I love the festive color and unique shape of the top. Either pair of shoes would be lovely — maybe the flats lean a little more toward “casual” and the wedges lean more toward “dressy.” Either way, you’ll look beautiful. And I’m sure everyone will have a wonderful time celebrating, including you!
Happy weekend and an extra-big hug for you. All will be well! ❤
Thank you, Jess! All will be well:)
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I LOVE the outfit! I think the Gucci’s aren’t right for it. I do like the nude platforms, and I think they’d be fun and leg lengthening (who doesn’t want that). I also love the shoes I linked, which are fun, festive and “intentional”.
Love the high ponytail and earrings and a bracelet (not sure the neckline is right for a necklace) – now what color vivid lip???
Well thank you! Those shoes are great and kind of perfect, color-wise. I’ve never been an espadrille person, and the day is as likely to be cool and foggy as it is crisp and sunny, but I may succumb to color perfection anyway. And velvet laces! So great!
As for the lip, the only way I’ve ever done vivid is with red. Coral, pink, etc. make me look too Old Woman With A Head Scarf On Cape Cod Beach;) What are you thinking?
I didn’t have any idea – I’m not good with a vivid lip.
The turquoise outfit is okay but the cjr shirt is marvelous, if you can find the right pants. I’d try a pale grey, narrow jean. Nice to have the turquoise as a perfectly good plan b in case you don’t find pants that are wonderful.
We have put the CJR shirt behind us for this event and we will not be looking back LOL.
Only so many moving pieces this not-young brain can hold any more;).
I’m sad that the purpose of the CRJ shirt was “to remember my Mom at my daughter’s party,” and I think it was because of the stripes; I think you once said striped anything was her signature piece. I’ve seen an abundance of striped napkins on all the usual internet tabletop sources. So, if your engine revs up for another twirl through Indecision Land, there’s that.
I love all of these comments— and the supportive warmth of the community that my sister had built through her brilliance, creativity, and commitment she brings to us all.
Xox
Your sister is divine. You’re fortunate to have each other as siblings and friends. She has superb taste, a kind heart, and a wicked sense of humor. Look forward to Saturdays! Always interesting and fun.
Hope you all have a wonderful time at the wedding!
Agree. You sister is a lovely woman. Her commitment to the continuity of this blog moves me. We all benefit from the history and community she has created.
Aw, Sib! <3
And thanks everyone. I really needed this.
Your sister has such a gift/range, of expression. See what I mean: “Coral, pink, etc. make me look too Old Woman With A Head Scarf On Cape Cod Beach…”
Again, see? “And what good is a receding family fortune if it doesn’t leave some diamonds washed up on the beach of family history?”
Love the turquoise. The cropped top is so very flattering and the pants are the perfect cut. I think the colorful loafer slip ons are nice, but the nude platforms with a great pedicure would be just right. Your jewelry choices are always perfect!
Also….your new hair color is great! A little in the style of Diane Jenkins ( Susan Walters) the fictional character on Y&R.
Thank you so much! The hair is a work in progress, but it’s so great to hear I’m getting there. I’ve never watched Y&R (All My Children was my soap back in the day) but from now on I’m showing Susan Walters to the hair person as my inspiration.
https://penelopechilvers.com/products/low-valenciana-dali-sky-blue
Here is the link to the shoes I mentioned. I love them, fun, beachy, and they look intentional.
Cute shoes! Would look nice or the platform sandals
They are gorgeous.
Oh, those espadrilles look fun and a great complement to the turquoise EF outfit !
A vibrant, happy outfit — it looks like you. Enjoy!
Forgot to mention – love the outfit. Very flattering with Lisa’s skin tones, hair, and eyes. Plus a perfect casual for this event.
Thank you both, so much!
You’ll look great in the turquoise outfit – excellent choice. Your thoughts on hair and accessories also sound perfect. I just remembered that you gave me advice about what to wear for our son’s wedding rehearsal dinner – a long time ago now – and not only was your advice perfect, but it brings tears to my eyes to recall it. As Lisa H and Flo suggest, the happiness of your daughter, the groom, and the guests – and you – will light up everything, so be sure to soak it all in.
Wow. That’s community. Thank you so much for being here all along, and for your intelligent contributions. What did I recommend? I vaguely remember the question, but not my answer;).
Really perfect outfit, and you will be comfortable and feel beautiful and relaxed. I love the casual jewelry consideringg (“or maybe diamonds…”).
Ceci
Thank you! And what good is a receding family fortune if it doesn’t leave some diamonds washed up on the beach of family history? ;)
Love your outfit choice. Sending you a virtual hug {{{}}} and sympathy for the feelings of fragility you’re experiencing. I’m picturing you with your hair up, your diamond earrings in your ears, and a pearl bracelet on your wrist, and you look just lovely. That look, or some variation of it, will take you through the joys of the casual welcome party. Enjoy it all.
In my initial message to you I enclosed a turquoise heart within curly brackets, and ended my text with another turquoise heart. Evidently, this environment is not friendly to emojis. Imagine that they are there. <3
I am imagining, with a full heart:). Thank you.
I love this turquoise choice! Perfect, and you will look fabulous in it! Yes to high ponytail and strong lippy and personally voting for the dangling earrings, but you will know what works — as you will for the shoes (and yes, do eschew any Age-appropriate rules!!)
Thank you! Definitely one of the outfit possibilities involves dangling earrings, in that case maybe with a gold and diamond bracelet…
Oh, I love this look and can’t wait to see how you accessorize! I favor the Guccis of the two – I want a shoe with presence, here, and they have a gregarious jauntiness I quite like (the nudes are too retiring for a comparatively practical outfit, I feel). Excelsior, dear friend!
Thank you! Gregarious jauntiness! Friendly sprezzatura! Loving nonchalance! And yes, Excelsior, as specified by the Bliss family’s semi-torturous family motto: Semper Sursum. All will be well.
The turquoise EF looks so good and the color is flattering. I especially like the espadrilles that KSL suggested. Whatever you decide , have a wonderful time celebrating!