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Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Rediscovering Life after Retirement

Categories: My Fashion Haus

Ageless Style 05.2021: Double Duty

Ageless Style 05.2021

Honey bunnies, thank you for stopping in for the Ageless Style 05.2021:  Double Duty. This series is hosted by my friend Carrie from A Simple Lovely Life and 7 of her blogging buddies.  As more of an after-retirement lifestyle blogger, I am honored to be joining this stylish group of fashion bloggers.

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 ‘earth tones’ was selected by Cami at My Happy Place.  I had fun playing dress up around my back yard in a Dress Barn maxi that I have yet to wear out in the real world yet.  You can check out that post, here.

The theme for May – double duty – was selected by Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks.  She is a former soldier and something about this theme made me think ‘Army’ or military.  Maybe I am thinking double time.  As in marching.  Yeah, that’s probably it.  Nevermind.  Just glad I didn’t go with my original interpretation…camo!!

What I did decide to feature was a favorite go-to for me practically all year-round…

THE KIMONO

 

Not Just Any Kimono

 

In particular my YouAreNotAlone lace and crocheted kimono with fringed sleeves (similar, similar).  I think I bought mine several years ago on Amazon.   Really put it through the wringer this week when I wore it to help with Lucia and Cami.  The Velcro on their tennies and the fringe on my kimono did not play nicely together.  By the time I got the girls to school, a lot of my fringe had unraveled and wrapped itself around both girls and me and everything in the car!!

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AGELESS STYLE 05.2021:  Double Duty

 

About 5 or 6 years ago, my best friend Sharon in Oklahoma emailed to ask me if I had tried the new kimono trend.  I replied with an emphatic no, and reminded my BFF that I live in El Paso – the very last place for a fashion trend to take off.  My only notion about kimonos was the lovely traditional robes worn in Japan.

kimono

Sharon described the contemporary kimonos – chiffon, flowy, available in all prints and colors – and then in true Sharon fashion sent me one to try.  It was love at first sight.

I now have about a dozen different kimonos in my closet.  They are the perfect almost year-round wrap for our climate.  They can be worn with everything.  Which is why I chose the kimono for this edition of Ageless Style 05.2021:  Double Duty.  They are so versatile that I decided why stop at styling them 2 ways.  I let my Type A personality run wild and am going to share 4 ways to wear a kimono.  Quadruple Duty!!

Let’s get to it.

Kimono with a Dressier Dress

 

A few years ago I first wore this combination for Brennyn’s wedding rehearsal dinner.  The one I wore that night was a slightly different style than my YouAreNotAlone kimono.  Kid-friendlier with no fringe!

Ageless Style 05.2021

Paired my kimono with a Banana Republic midi-length dress (similar, similar).  My dress was sleeveless and I was not terribly excited about baring my then 60 year-old arms.  The kimono was perfect for giving me a little coverage without feeling like I was hiding under a bulky wrap.  One glass of wine in, I forgot all about my arms, and shed the kimono for the remainder of the night.

For this post, I recreated the look with my fringed kimono and added peep toe heels.

Ageless Style 05.2021
Ageless Style 05.2021
Ageless Style 05.2021
Kimono with a Casual Dress

 

As I said above, I wore this combo to help with getting my munchkins to school then breakfast out with my friend Lorena.  Old Navy tee shirt dress (similar, similar) and d’Orsay snakeskin flats (exact, similar).

Ageless Style 05.2021
Ageless Style 05.2021
Ageless Style 05.2021
Kimono with Overalls

 

One of the trends among the outfit formulas for the GYPO spring capsule wardrobe was denim overalls.  I really hesitated before buying this slouchy straight pair of overalls on sale at Old Navy (similar, similar).  Paired them with a MaxStudio cap-sleeve gingham top from TJMaxx (similar, similar) and my trusty Converse.  Looking back at these photos, I am not crazy about the way the overalls look.  But I think some of it is the photographer (me) and the dirty mirror.  The first time I wore them, had lots of compliments.  They are fun to wear.

Ageless Style 05.2021
overalls
Ageless Style 05.2021
Kimono with Shorts

 

This might be my favorite look of all.  I was reminded of it when I was scrolling back through my photos from a year or so ago.  My kimono paired with Loft Outlet distressed denim shorts (similar, similar) and a baseball graphic tee from Etsy that reads “Dirt & Diamonds.”  I prefer shorts with 5″ or 7″ inseams.  But see so many cute pairs of 3 inch-ers in all the stores.  Don’t think the world is ready for these legs in 3″ shorts, though.  Added some very old silver thong sandals for a little bling.

Shorts
Ageless Style 05.2021
graphic tee

YOUR TURN

 

You’ve seen my double quadruple duty kimono…hardest working piece in my wardrobe.  What piece of clothing in your closet gets the most love?  Do you wear kimonos?  If not, I beg you to make this the summer you do!!  I ordered this one in various colors on Amazon for my sister and daughters a few years ago.  You can’t beat the price with a stick!!

And if nothing else, you can use it as a swim suit cover up.  Hey, there’s another way kimonos can be worn.  I could have made this post Quintuple Duty!!  But would hate to inflict pictures of me in a bathing suit on my dear readers.

Amigas Mia

 

Hope you will take a few minutes to visit the Ageless Style 05.2021 posts of my comadres.  Like you, I am anxious to see what they styled for the Double Duty 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

If you have a few free minutes tomorrow or over the weekend, hope you’ll stop back by to check out my spring bucket list update.  Thank you!!

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. Amy Johnson

    May 20, 2021 at 5:31 am

    It seems kimonos were really popular with this challenge, as several of the ladies chose to style a kimono. They definitely are versatile pieces.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Aren’t kimonos fun? I keep adding more and more to my closet. But I do wear them!!

      Reply
  2. notinjersey

    May 20, 2021 at 6:33 am

    I like kimonos though I rarely wear them!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      Try your kimonos with shorts this summer!!

      Reply
  3. mireilleftm

    May 20, 2021 at 8:06 am

    I love mine as they are really a great topper for anything. I do like this shorter one which can be less anyone while going down the stairs and such as my longest trips me sometimes.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      Have really enjoyed seeing how you style your great kimonos, too!!

      Reply
      • mireilleftm

        July 19, 2021 at 4:52 pm

        Great!

        Reply
  4. Deb

    May 20, 2021 at 8:58 am

    I don’t have a kimono! Not even for holidays! You’ve certainly found lots of great ways to wear yours. My favourite look is the first one!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      I think you would enjoy wearing a kimono. You wear a lot of dresses, and a neutral one would be a great wrap to go over your dress on chilly days.

      Reply
  5. madamelbas

    May 20, 2021 at 10:08 am

    I have a pink floral kimono and I wear it with my jeans or a dress. You gave me an idea! I also have some lace toppers that I could also wear with jeans. Maybe, I’ll even buy a pair of longer shorts. Denim and lace…why not?

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      Yes, try your lace topper or kimono with shorts!! Report back!!

      Reply
  6. Joanne

    May 20, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    What a beautiful kimono.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Jodie

    May 20, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    I know what you mean about having a bunch of kimonos now!! They are such a wonderful lightweight covering for the hotter temperatures!!
    And I LOVE how you wore it so many ways!!
    BTW, I’m not sure I believe you’re 60 years old….can you prove it?
    OXOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      You are so sweet. Well over 60…and headed toward 70 years old.

      Reply
  8. Joanne Long

    May 20, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    I really like your kimono . I’ve got a pink floral one that I wear with dresses or jeans. You have inspire me because I also have a lacy topper that I could dress down. Maybe I need some denim shorts. Lots of different ways to combine clothing.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      Yes, get some denim shorts for summer. They come in all lengths and shades of denim!! Then pull out that lace topper and try the two together. Great farmers market outfit.

      Reply
  9. Sharon

    May 20, 2021 at 8:01 pm

    You look so pretty! 🥰

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      Love you, BFF. Thank you.

      Reply
  10. Carrie

    May 20, 2021 at 8:02 pm

    Such a pretty piece! I really like it with denim because it adds a step up. Love your new blog design. Glad it all came together. xoxo

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      Thank you. I like kimonos with denim too.

      Reply
  11. thisblondesshoppingbag

    May 21, 2021 at 3:01 am

    The first time I wore a kimono I was so self conscious – it was about 6 years ago and the trend was just starting. I wore it to an end of the year work party with denim shorts. I still can’t believe I was nervous, my confidence has certainly soared since blogging!
    I love how you have embraced the kimono and worn it so many fun ways – you rock my friend!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      You are certainly more confident now days!! I love your great sense of style.

      Reply
  12. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    May 21, 2021 at 9:03 am

    I just got some overalls this year and I have never thought to pair them with a kimono! Oooh! Now you have me wanting to try that. Your overalls look very similar to mine!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      I love my overalls but it is kind of hot to wear them now. Mine are exactly yours. Bought them after seeing you wearing them!!

      Reply
  13. Jamie

    May 21, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Your kimono is absolutely gorgeous!!!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you, sugar plum!!

      Reply
  14. Daenel Vaughn-Tucker

    May 21, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    LOL I was like you when the kimono trend first started. Now I own several and have yet to wear them. I keep seeing them paired with shorts and jeans and I love the look, but I have a hard time with pattern pairing – so not me. LOL But I am going to wear them soon.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:54 pm

      You are so creative. Many of your great flounced tunics are similar to kimonos. One time when you are about to reach for a tunic, shake things up and try a kimono and tee instead. Break out those shorts with a kimono. I think you will love that look.

      Reply
  15. Michelle Churchman

    May 27, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Leslie, I love all of these kimono looks! Wow! I would have never thought of a kimono with overall, but it looks great!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you, sweet friend!!

      Reply
  16. Mica

    May 28, 2021 at 5:13 pm

    Your kimono is beautiful! i have a very similar one, I need to pull it out again! At over 20 kimonos, while they are a staple for me, each individual one can go a while between wears, ha! I love it with the shorts the most, I often pair mine with shorts 🙂

    Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope you are having a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      Thank you so much!! I need to do style posts more often so I can join your link up!!

      Reply
  17. dousedinpink

    June 1, 2021 at 5:35 am

    Kimonos are my favorite summer topper! Your lace kimono is so pretty! Love all of these outfits, especially with the overalls!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      June 24, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      Yay for kimonos!! Thank you!!

      Reply
  18. natashajk

    July 5, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    I love the kimono and there is a local shop which is always posting pictures of them but I never know how to style them. I like how you’ve worn yours though! And I LOVE the overalls on you. They’re so fun!

    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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