Category Archives: PersonalStyle

Once in a lifetime

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

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

Fantasy vs. reality: The closet edition

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

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 Anne @ The Frump Factor

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

Wardrobe by Mother Nature

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

For the past few nights, a huge frog has been hanging out on the sliding glass doors leading to our back deck.  From our viewpoint inside the brightly-lit living room, he looks like an otherworldly, frog-shaped apparition hanging there.  I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Rut-Busters: Inching Toward Handbag Sophistication

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

I’ve always loved bags in theory, but not so much in practice.  To me, bags are just like shoes in that we ask them to do a lot of different things for us — some of which are contradictory or … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Rut-Busters: A Party Top Goes to Work

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Just to review: Rut-Busters is my new series, introduced last week, in which I try new things – however small – to dig myself out of the wardrobe ruts into which I so easily fall.  So without further ado, let’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

New Series: Rut Busters!

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

We all fall into style ruts sometimes.  I’m especially prone to them, as I discussed in detail here.  In summary, my primary rut-producing issues are these: My shopping budget is limited, My time for shopping is even more limited, I don’t think I … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Doing the Don’ts

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

I’ve never been a rebel, but there is rebellion in my heart. Just ask my 10th grade English teacher.  She read the journals into which I — straight-A student and card-carrying Good Girl  that I was — spilled all my … Continue reading →

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

seeking…… simplicity?

Posted on September 11, 2010 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Human nature is known for its many struggles with conflicting desires.  One of these is the battle between always wanting more — bigger!  faster!  better! — and the desire to simplify, to be content with less. This conflict plays out … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Chains and Pendants and Beads, Oh My!

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

If you feel accessory-challenged, you are not alone.  I am finally coming to terms with my deep-seated accessory dysfunction, and I’m taking some baby steps toward recovery. Like many women with little money and less time, my approach to jewelry … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , | 14 Comments