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Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Rediscovering Life after Retirement

Categories: My Fashion Haus

Ageless Style 04.2021: Earth Tones

Ageless Style 04.2021

Ladybugs, thank you for stopping in for the Ageless Style Link Up, 04.2021. My friend Carrie from A Simple Lovely Life has invited 7 of her blogging buddies to join her in the revival of this popular series.  As more of an after-retirement lifestyle blogger, I am honored to be a member of this lovely group of fashionistas.

AGELESS STYLE Link Up

 

The Ageless Style Link Up is a monthly series. Each month one of the gals in the group will select a theme and all of us will put together a look or looks reflecting it. Last month’s theme ‘transition into spring’ was selected by Amy at Amy’s Creative Pursuits. Our posts were supposed to go live on Thursday, 03.18.  But…

technology and my laptop and phone all had different ideas. While I had everything ready for creating my post, I couldn’t get my photos to sync from my phone to my laptop. Then my monitor began blinking to the point that I could hardly do anything on it. The last straw was when the person I hired to do a blog facelift seemingly took my money and ran.  He did resurface but my Ageless Style post was lost in the midst of the theme update shortly after I published it.  However, I’m back to try again this month.

Ageless Style 04.2021

 

Our theme for April, ‘earth tones,’ was selected by Cammi at My Happy Place.  Many of the clothes in my closet are earth tones or shades found in nature.  But I am not sure those are the best colors for me to wear.

Lots of my style friends have had their colors done.  And my favorite fashionista Alison from Get Your Pretty On and the capsule wardrobe outfit formulas I love so much offered a color analysis masterclass with the purchase of a GYPO annual membership.  But I haven’t taken advantage of that membership perk…YET.  Have you ever had your colors done?  If so, what season are you?

All this to say, I gravitate toward wearing greens and corals, rusts and browns naturally.  The hardest part of today’s Ageless Style post was deciding which outfit to style.  After some debate, I decided to share a Dress Barn maxi dress I bought last summer mid-Covid.  Then never had a chance to wear.  Decided today was the day.

Just a reminder: Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click or make a purchase from a link provided I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Fig & Flower Maxi Dress

 

The folks at Facebook sure know what they’re doing with all the ads that pop up on your newsfeed.  This Fig & Flower paisley print, lace tiered maxi called my name when it showed up on my Facebook page last summer.  I tried to resist buying it knowing full-well I wouldn’t be going anywhere during the global pandemic worthy of wearing a dress!!  And I still haven’t worn this dress yet!!  But with life returning to normal, I hope to take it for a spin very soon.

earth tones

I paired this dress with a very old pair of strappy Bakers sandals my Prince C. bought for me when we first met.  Have only worn them a time or two because I just don’t go many places to wear a bejeweled sandal.  But I love them.  They make me feel like a girly girl.

And so does this dress.  It checks all the boxes.  Paisley print – one of my favorite prints.  Earth tone palette in shades of green – the best color in the world.  Printed lace over a solid green slip dress – doesn’t come more feminine than that.  It’s smocked bodice emphasizes the waist.  And the round neckline is flattering without being too revealing.

maxi dress

Looks kind of pretty against the drapes in my guest bedroom, too.  But even prettier outside!

Fig & Flower

Dress Barn Fan

 

I am a Dress Barn shopper from way back.  When I first started teaching, Dress Barn was one of the stores I shopped most because they offered an educator’s discount.  And layaway.  Remember layaway?

Our brick and mortar Dress Barn closed several years ago, but I have continued to shop their store online.  I scored this dress during a 50% off sale, making it less than $40.00.

Ageless Style 04.2021

When PC asked what I wanted for my birthday, I told him metal cactuses for our backyard.  Had no idea where to get them, though.  We googled ‘metal cactuses,’ and found this terrific tienda called That Pottery Place in west El Paso.  Bought 3 and planted them last weekend in our rock garden around the pool.  You can see 2 in the photos below.  Aren’t they fun?

Ageless Style 04.2021

Ageless Style 04.2021

Feeling Feminine and Flirty

 

It’s been awhile since since I felt feminine and girly.  Too long.  It felt good to paint my toe nails, put on my magnetic lashes and bright lip color.  Even brushed my hair!!  Need to spend more than 30 seconds getting ready more often.

Ageless Style 04.2021

Going to try to do it at least once a month.  For these Ageless Style Link Ups.  Ha!!  And maybe for date night??  How ’bout that my Prince Charming??  You lucky boy.  Wink, wink.

Ageless Style 04.2021

Your Turn

 

Have you had an occasion in recent memory to get all dolled up?  Or maybe wearing lashes and nail polish are part of your day-to-day look?  If so, I apparently need to up my game!!

Hope you will take a few minutes to visit the Ageless Style 04.2021 posts of my comadres.  Like you, I am anxious to see what they styled for the earth tones prompt.  We can go together….

Ageless Style 04.2021

Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Cammi ~ My Happy Place

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Carrie ~ A Stylish Fit

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Daenel ~ Living Outside the Stacks

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |Twitter |

Jamie ~ No Delusions of Grandeur

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest |

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style 

Blog | Instagram | Facebook |

Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Thank you for stopping spending a few minutes of your day here with me.  And if you have a fashion post to share, please link up with us!  I will be by to visit, I promise.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Hugs and kisses,

leslie

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About Leslie Roberts Clingan

I am an aspiring blogger and children's author, wife, mother, daughter, sister, - in-law, responsible pet owner and recently retired elementary school librarian. I hope to figure out the next chapter of my life as I transition from crazy, busy work world onto totally idle retirement and now to something in-between.

Comments

  1. thisblondesshoppingbag

    April 15, 2021 at 5:32 am

    I love your sexy sandals – so pretty and that is a high heel! You definitely need a night out when you’re looking this good and I sure hope your PC appreciates the effort and having such a beautiful lady on his arm. The Dress Barn by us was so good, I was sad to see it close. Such a shame.
    xo,
    Kellyann

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 7:35 pm

      Thank you so much!! I loved our Dress Barn. Glad to be able to find some cute things through them online.

      Reply
    • Christie Hawkes

      April 20, 2021 at 6:15 am

      I couldn’t agree more. Those sandals are sexy and deserve a night out!

      Reply
      • Leslie Roberts Clingan

        April 24, 2021 at 7:06 pm

        Thank you, sweet friends!

        Reply
  2. notinjersey

    April 15, 2021 at 6:27 am

    What a fun photo shoot! Your dress looks great.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you!! Was glad to take it out for a spin.

      Reply
  3. natashajk

    April 15, 2021 at 6:45 am

    This dress is beautiful! I love it with the heels! I hope you get a chance to dress up not just for photo shoots soon!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you, friend. Me, too!!

      Reply
  4. Lysha

    April 15, 2021 at 7:03 am

    That is a beautiful dress. I love the shoes you paired with it. Just gorgeous as always, Leslie.

    Reply
  5. Amy Johnson

    April 15, 2021 at 7:22 am

    Oh, Leslie that dress is gorgeous and looks so stunning on you! I love your pool shots too!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      Thank you so much, Amy. Felt so good to feel like a girly girl for a bit again.

      Reply
  6. Lisa Elliott

    April 15, 2021 at 7:55 am

    The dress looks great on you and the sandals are so dainty!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you. Love the word dainty!!

      Reply
  7. Juhli

    April 15, 2021 at 8:01 am

    What a lovely glam yet relaxed outfit. The cacti are great fun.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      Thank you. I think we need to get dressed up for a winery or brewery visit in the near future so I can take this dress out for a legitimate spin.

      Reply
  8. Jodie

    April 15, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    First..I have one of those metal cactus right outside our front gate!! How funny!!
    And this dress is amazing on you Leslie. Especially with the sexy heels. It’s good to feel sexy even if we aren’t going anywhere!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      Metal cactus are the best. They don’t stick you!!
      Thank you for the sweet words, Jodie. I loved feeling fancy for a few moments.

      Reply
  9. Carrie

    April 15, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Those are some sexy sandals and every girl needs a pair. That dress is so pretty! Love your outfit, Leslie!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you, Carrie. I felt fancy in these strappy sandals!!

      Reply
  10. mireilleftm

    April 15, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    Wow, you look gorgeous in this dress! Such a pretty dress! I love these pictures in your yard: those cactuses are fun. I do love metal art. We have a metal goat and always think I should add something.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:51 pm

      A metal goat!! I would love that. I always look for a goat that lives on the mountainside near our home.
      Thank you for the sweet words.

      Reply
  11. Michelle Churchman

    April 15, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Leslie that is fabulous dress! So pretty! I’m a big fan of paisley too. I hope you and your Prince can get a night out soon. The metal cacti are so cute! That’s the way to do gardening!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:58 pm

      Metal plants are definitely the best solution for gardening in hot dry west Texas. Thank you for the sweet words. Hoping for a fancy date night in the near future.

      Reply
  12. Lovely

    April 15, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    The dress is beautiful, and you look pretty in them! The sandals are love!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    http://www.mynameislovely.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      Thank you!! Glad to have a chance to play dress up and feel fancy again.

      Reply
  13. Tiziana Olbrich

    April 16, 2021 at 6:54 am

    Wow Leslie,
    I just discovered your blog and it´s so beautiful! You look absolutely stunning!!
    Have an awesome weekend,
    Tiziana
    http://www.tizianaolbrich.de

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Thank you for the kind words and for somehow discovering my little corner of the blog world!!

      Reply
  14. Jennifer

    April 16, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    Did you put your sandals in the pool?!? I was oohing and ahhing over that dress (it really is stunning) but then was completely lost with your shoes in the water. I wanted to yell “hey, your shoes are getting wet” but I suppose you already knew that!!?! LOL Definitely ready for a date night. Go tell PC, just now!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      Thank you for the sweet words!! I did put my tootsies – shoes and all – into the pool. It was a beautiful day and just felt like the thing to do!!

      Reply
  15. Daenel Vaughn-Tucker

    April 17, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    That dress is stunning. I can understand why you had a hard time resisting. The colors, the patterns, everything about it is beautiful. The sandals are pretty fabulous too.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:24 pm

      Thank you, friend. I had fun for a change playing dress up!!

      Reply
  16. IrisOriginals

    April 17, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    LOVE the dress – and the shoes. Great colors.
    Grace & Peace, Iris
    http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:24 pm

      Thank you. That green is my favorite color and sure hard to beat in my book!

      Reply
  17. Mica

    April 17, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    What a beautiful maxi dress on you! So good for spring! 🙂 I am pleased you were able to sort your blog issues and participate this week, how crazy! Technology can be a real pain sometimes!

    I have had my colours done – it’s so worth it! Back when I needed help decluttering and organising my wardrobe after my first son, having my colours done was part of it. It worked so well 🙂 I’m a spring which means bright colours are best for me. I don’t always follow it but it has shaped some of my purchases! 🙂

    Hope that you are having a good weekend 🙂 Thankfully it hasn’t rained as much as predicted this weekend so we have been able to enjoy time outdoors.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you. Anxious to be able to wear this maxi out and about.
      We had about 2 drops of rain. Waaa!! We were hopeful for the first rain of the year.
      I will look into taking advantage of the color program through Get Your Pretty On. I can pretty well guess I am probably whatever season would be plums, blues and rose.

      Reply
  18. laurabambrick

    April 17, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    That dress was a great purchase! It looks amazing on you and your sandals are so perfect with it! Love those metal cactus look really nice in your yard too!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Thank you. I am anxious to wear the dress for realsies!!

      Reply
  19. leannelc

    April 18, 2021 at 5:48 am

    That’s a really pretty dress – I love how the sunlight filters through the top layer. The colours are lovely and the shoes were the perfect match – now you just need to go on a date night to really get some bang for your buck 🙂

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 18, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Thank you. I liked the light coming through the lace, too!! Made for interesting shadows but I had trouble capturing them well with my camera.

      Reply
  20. isthismutton

    April 19, 2021 at 12:17 am

    What a gorgeous dress Leslie! And the sandals are so glamorous. Hope you sort out the blog tech problems. Nothing worse!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      May 13, 2021 at 10:40 am

      Thank you!! Wish I was more tech savvy.

      Reply
  21. patwdoyle11

    April 19, 2021 at 9:12 am

    What a fabulous date night outfit! Or a wedding outfit. I just found out a good friend’s son is getting married next spring here in Cinci, and I’m glad we’ll have an excuse to come back next spring for a visit. Of course, that is not sandal weather here yet, but I’ll be on the lookout for an appropriate outfit! Also like the cactus. Locally (Florida) I’ve seen metal flowers that I’m considering. With my black thumb, it’s not a bad investment.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      May 13, 2021 at 10:39 am

      Thank you so much!! I am so enjoying our metal cactus.

      Reply
  22. Laurie

    April 19, 2021 at 4:39 pm

    Ugh! Those technology glitches. Don’t you just love them? glad you were able to participate this month. I love your earth toned dress. You look so pretty wearing it! We used to have a Dress Barn near me, but they closed. I never thought about looking for them online. Now if I only had an occasion to wear a dress…

    Reply
  23. Christie Hawkes

    April 20, 2021 at 6:13 am

    First of all, you look stunning in that dress. Well worth the $40. I feel there is an opportunity for you to go out in it soon. Also, I want to say I love the look of your refreshed website. Nicely done. I did have my colors done a couple of years ago. I’m a winter. The cooler colors do look better on me, so I guess she got it right. I also got a nice color swatch to help me choose. Still if I see something I really like outside my pallet, I still give it a spin! Your cactuses (or cacti, if you prefer) are beautiful in your yard. We are just starting our Southern Utah landscaping now. With any luck, we’ll be sitting by the pool next month.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 24, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      So glad you are going to be pool side next month. We have been in the pool once and then it turned cool again. I am sure it will be red hot very soon, though. El Paso summers always are.
      Thank you for the sweet words. I think I will investigate my colors just to see what they are. But expect I will keep wearing all the colors I love.

      Reply
  24. kathrineeldridge1

    April 21, 2021 at 5:47 am

    This dress is lovely and dying over the shoes! I long to be in warmer weather after seeing your pics.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      April 24, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you, lovely lady!! I appreciate your sweet words.

      Reply
  25. dousedinpink

    April 22, 2021 at 5:07 am

    First, your blog redesign and logo look so good! And, I absolutely love your earth tone look! This dress is gorgeous on you!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    Reply

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In what felt like the blink of an eye, I have gone from full-time wife to my sweet husband, hands-on mom to my two beautiful daughters and elementary school librarian to a retired, empty nester with lots of time on my hands. Join me on my journey to rediscover who I am. Glad you are here...
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