Category Archives: PersonalStyle

The quest for perfect basics: Tops and blouses edition

Posted on September 9, 2012 by

In my last post, I shared the imperfections of my wardrobe. I mentioned how difficult it can be to find wardrobe “workhorses” — those practical, versatile items that will serve us day in and day out. Many of my readers … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Folk fest, old lady shorts, and a two-stepping Brazilian

Posted on July 29, 2012 by

Outdoor music, especially the free kind, is one of summer’s great pleasures. I didn’t think it could get much better than last weekend, when I got to hear the Roy Sludge Trio performing “Too Drunk to Truck” and “I Got … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Visible Monday: Outfitting for Oregon

Posted on July 1, 2012 by

Every now and then, I am reminded that clothes serve a practical purpose. Like the rooftops over our heads, they protect us from the elements. Last week, Mr. Frump and I took a special trip to Oregon for our 20th … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Once in a lifetime

Posted on June 7, 2012 by

I recently attended my 25th college reunion. The journey involved a seemingly endless car trip, during which the rocky ridges of Massachusetts gave way to the green meadows of New York and, finally, the wide, open fields of Ohio. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

An apple and a banana walk into a bar…

Posted on March 19, 2012 by

This month’s style-related obsession? Demystifying body types. I thought I had figured this out long ago, but learning is cyclical and recursive, right? Why should I care? Well, there is a very sensible idea out there that, if you know … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Visible Monday: One dress, seven outfits

Posted on March 4, 2012 by

I’m not sure when or why I stopped wearing dresses, but it probably had something to do with my belief that they’re less versatile than separates. While people are much more likely to notice repeat wearings of the same dress, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, OutfitPosts, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Fantasy vs. reality: The closet edition

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

In the fantasy, I stroll into my perfectly organized closet to assemble my perfectly coordinated outfit. My clothes are color-coordinated and organized by type. Outfits assemble themselves effortlessly. After a quick glance in my beautifully lit, 3-way mirror, I smile … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , | 32 Comments

Dressing in the dark (and other joys of fall)

Posted on October 15, 2011 by

We are entering the time, my friends, when leaving the house with one black shoe and one navy blue shoe is a very real danger.  While I’ve never done this myself, I’ve seen it happen.  Lack of natural light in … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Humor, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Friend Friday: A Sense of Place

Posted on August 5, 2011 by

In another life, I think I might have been an anthropologist. When I think about fashion, I enjoy considering all the sociological and cultural factors involved. So I was intrigued when Katy over at Modly Chic invited style bloggers to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged | 10 Comments

The Sensational Seven: Order, Creativity, and Personal Style

Posted on July 29, 2011 by

One of life’s many little dilemmas is how to reconcile our need for order with our desire for creativity. On the one hand, we seek continuity. Predictability.  Cohesive, logical patterns that we can depend on,  with no unpleasant surprises.  On the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | 19 Comments