Fashionistas and style sistas, welcome to My Fashion Haus 01.2021. First ‘fashion’ post of the shiny new year. And this one is a 2’fer. Last month’s fashion haus post was an 8’fer. A real bargain because I shared 8 different looks. Most of them started with a monochromatic base to which I added different wraps. But rest assured, in reality there was still a whole lotta sweats and yoga pants wearin’ going on over here.
In addition to opening my fashion haus, I am also participating in my second hodgepodge. Read on!
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My Fashion Haus 01.2021
To be perfectly honest, we have hardly gone anywhere that has required me to brush my hair so far this month. Much less wear real clothes. Just wore today’s SIA outfits to prissy around in my house. The second look for date night took me to dinner and a movie. Almost felt like normal for a minute.
Style Imitating Art
For this month’s post, I am joining the Style Imitating Art gals with my interpretation of the curated piece, Vermeer’s “Girl with the Pearl Earring.”
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Just call me ‘grandma with the (faux) pearl earrings.’ I have on the pair. Not just one earring. This is the interpretation I submitted to Terri for the Style Imitating Round Up that went live today. You can check out the looks of all of the participants, here.
This is Terri’s first time as host and curator. She joins veteran SIA-ers, Daenel and Salazar. If you are looking for a fun style series to join this year, please check out the blog of any of the 3 of these gals for more information on Style Imitating Art.
I am wearing my tobacco colored H&M paper bag skirt (similar, similar), Tommy Hilfiger white Oxford cloth shirt and a very old Chadwick’s of Boston blue boyfriend cardigan. Added my Frye boots and of course, the pearl earrings.
This was actually the second of three interpretations I tried. Really wanted to get all literal with a scarf around my head. But doing so made me look rather like a very old babuska. With a pearl earring.




The color block sweater is one of the pieces in the Get Your Pretty On winter capsule wardrobe. Mine is from Old Navy and so softy (similar, similar).
Confession
The blue blouse was in the basket of my recently purged clothes. Made the terrible mistake of leaving the basket in my room until I could get PC to go through his clothes. Then planned to take everything to Uptown Cheapskate, our consignment store near the university. Should I give it a reprieve?
It is a very old Portofino utility shirt from Express (similar, similar). I love the length and the color but have never needed pockets across my breasts. They – the breasts – are too big without having the bulk of pockets. Imagine if I kept Kleenex or my money (what money?) in there like my grandma did.
Date Night
Our movie theater has been open for a few months now but there just haven’t been any good movies out. I get it, no one wants to make a movie or release it during a pandemic. On Christmas Day, we did go see “News of the World” based on the book by Paulette Jiles and starring Tom Hanks. Very entertaining. And on New Year’s Day, we went to see “Promising Young Woman”. Kind of suspenseful.
Pink and Black
For the New Year’s Day date night I wore this pink sweater and legging look.
A soft pink textured tunic sweater was another of the items on the winter capsule wardrobe. I fell in love with this Lauren Conrad sweater because of its beautiful bow back. Tempted to wear it backwards so the pretty details of the back will be in the front! My Shapermint leggings are becoming my go-to bottoms when I finally have reason to get out of my sweatpants. They are high waisted and provide the right amount of light control.
Added some bow shaped pearl studded earrings and my patent leather pumps.
And Silver
Unless it is really chilly, I don’t often wear my winter coat. But we were going to be out in the evening so thought I better grab a wrap. Picked this silvery Charming Charlie RSVP faux fur car coat (similar, similar) to keep me warm.
Not sure why I look so block-headed!! And check out my fisted left hand. Whoa. Tense much??
We had such a good time. Movie, walk around the mall and dinner. In masks, keeping our socially acceptable distance from everyone. But it was wonderful feeling ‘normal’ for an evening.
Hodgepodge #2
Before I call this a post, I want to link up with Joyce for another edition of hodgepodge. My second. On Tuesdays, Joyce publishes the hodgepodge questions for the week. And then shares her answers the next day. I haven’t peeked at the questions until now, as I prepare to answer them. Here we go!
- When were you last a guest at an event or in someone’s home? Tell us about it. Do you enjoy having guests in your own home? We ran by the Lauren’s house last Friday to drop off presents for Camila’s first birthday. Would that count as being a guest in someone’s home? Standing on their front porch? I am not a comfortable hostess. However, I enjoy having family in my home.



- What has you ‘tied up in knots’ currently or recently? Are you any good at tying actual knots? To some I extent, I stay tied up in knots. Note my fisted hand in the photo above. Tend to be a little anxious at all times. Yesterday I was wound up trying to make calls about my mom’s health insurance policy that has lapsed. Today it was the impeachment vote in Congress. Friday, PC has an epidural to relieve his back pain. There’s always something keeping me keyed up. Nope, (k)not good at tying knots. Or bows. But found this video to help me practice.
- What’s something you’ve been wanting to do and have decided 2021 will be the year you ‘take the plunge’? Declutter. Time to part with some things that I love but that are really just gathering dust around my house. Have learned that taking photos of things to remember them helps me let go. Wish me luck. Following Taylor’s Declutter 365 Calendar. Our home is pretty organized but there are little things in every room that could be decluttered. This month we are working on the kitchen. Check out my junk drawer.
- Something in your home that’s old? Something new? Something borrowed? Something blue? My mother’s ring. It was a gift to her upon her high school graduation. An aquamarine, her birthstone for March, in a gold setting. I believe my mom was given the ring in the mid 1940s. Making the ring around 80 years old. I am not exactly borrowing it – Mom gave it to me – making the ring new to me.
- Share a favorite quote, a verse of scripture, and/or a bit of wisdom for couples getting married in this challenging and seemingly unpredictable season we’re currently/still experiencing. Something that has worked well for us is remembering we are on the same team. And it should always be our team that takes priority. PC and I each have 2 children but our families never blended well even before we married. I was a very hands-on single mom who had to learn to put my relationship with my new (married in 2008) husband ahead of that with my young adult daughters. Whenever life causes something to come between us, we try to remember we are on the same team. We have the same goals and dreams for our marriage and life together. When we disagree, I sometimes tell PC I am not the enemy and that we are working toward the same end.
From the Bible
- Genesis 2:18-24
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”19So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. 20He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.21So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.23“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” 24This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Last Word
- Insert your own random thought here. Looking forward to the 3 day weekend and our forecast temperatures in the low 70s. Would love to have one more snow. We had a surprise snow in October and usually get a dusting in February. But then I say bring on the spring!!
Your Turn
Did you have an excuse to brush your hair and wear shoes this week? Tell me about it!! I have really enjoyed this week at home in my sweats!! But next week I will be going across the mountain to help with my baby girls, so will need to get dressed each day. Might have to open my fashion haus 01.2021 again.
Thank you for coming by, friends. Off to Walmart…
Hugs and kisses,
I really love the first look.It reflects the painting perfectly!
Alec was back at school this week so even though I don’t get out of the car when dropping him off or picking him up I do make sure to get all dressed and ready before driving him. Plus I often have errands to run like grocery shopping, Target, and the library– this week we had a few doctor’s appointments thrown in as well.
Good for you, Joanne. I am going over the mountain to help with my grands this week so I foresee opportunities to get dressed for 5 days in a row!! Ha!! We live in a more remote part of El Paso so I have to drive 20 miles or so to go to Target, the outlet mall, and just about anywhere other than Walmart. Taking full advantage of being out of the house to help with the grands, to then stop at Target (tomorrow) or Hobby Lobby before driving back home.
Thank you for making my debut of a co-host such an enjoyable and memorable experience. Terri
Thank you, Terri! Great inspiration in the painting you selected. So glad you have you in my circle of blogging buddies.
I have an old portofino shirt from Express too, it’s my hot pink one that I use to layer under things that need some happy, bright color. I think they are great shirts, especially for layering so maybe you should keep your blue one? That color is so pretty on you!
I have been wanting to see Promising Young Woman! Your outfit is so pretty, that soft pink and the silvery coat – looks so cozy and soft!
Have a super weekend Leslie!
xo,
Kellyann
Oh I love that pink outfit it is just perfect – the colour of the sweater really suits you!
I know what you mean about not needing the added bulk of pockets in certain areas – and this is why I will never buy a pair of cargo trousers that have those huge pockets on the side of your thighs 😉
That pink sweater is really pretty and I love your interpretation of the painting. I always want to join in the challenge but am never prepared!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi Mireille, thank you for coming by! I am kind of hit or miss with the SIA challenges. Lately, just because I am really not getting dressed much any more. But I love joining the girls when I can remember to put together a look and try it on. Maybe we can encourage each other to join in!!
I love the blue blouse! I think you should keep it. And the pink sweater, legging, and heels… I love!! I also feel like I am constantly in knots. There is always something on my mind for sure. I hope you were able to get the insurance figured out! I don’t think there is anything more annoying than calling insurance. I can only say “let me talk to a real person!!!” so many ways.
Thank you. I put the blue blouse back in the closet for now. Ha! You made me giggle about calling to talk with someone in the insurance office. True, you can only say let me talk to a real person so many ways. Operator, tech support, customer service.
I like the pink sweater! It snowed here last night, not a lot, but enough! Hope you have a good weekend!
Ha, Dara, thank you. I am glad I picked up that sweater, too. I like the idea of ‘enough’ snow! We need a couple of inches in one pretty snowfall and then I am ready for spring. We have 3 days of rain in the forecast so if it gets cold enough…
I’m so glad Terri is the new co-host for SIA, she’s beyond perfect for the job. Ha, I know what you mean about not having to even comb your hair! My big outing has been going to PT. The pink color is so pretty on you–so glad you enjoyed a night out!
Yay! Hi Kim, so glad to see you back at it. Have missed your mug. Hoping PT is helping you get stronger every day. Terri seems a great fit for SIA but I sure hope we will see you participating, too. And we need a tour of your new house! Thank you for visiting. Been worried about you.
You are always just so beautiful with your style & that lovely smile on your face!!!
Aww, Rebecca Jo, thank you so much!
Enjoyed your twofer. You made me laugh about the blouse with buttons. That blue is really good on you. So is the pink – very cute sweater. Funnily enough I did dress up more this week. Just “normal” work clothes but makes such a change from the jeans, fleeces and hiking pants I’ve been wearing for nearly a year.
Hey, Gail!! Boy, you looked smashing in your skirts this week. Loved the colors and rich textiles. I am crossing the mountain for a week of morning child minding so I get to dress up! Looking forward to it. Might even wear a dress!
You always look so fashionable, Leslie. I bet you even look cute in your sweats! I’m glad you got out though and were able to feel a little normalcy for a change. I also love the aquamarine ring–just beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
And that is why I love you, Christie! You make me feel good…even about wearing sweats. Thank you.
Haven’t taken my mom’s ring off since I pulled it out of the jewelry box to photograph if. Figure I
better start wearing and enjoying it now.
Thank you for joining us and giving a shout out.
Your outfit is perfect. I love that shade of blue on you. It makes your eyes pop. But I do understand the whole breast thing. Sometimes I wish we could inflate/deflate them as needed.
Your mom’s ring is stunning. I adore vintage pieces and have several that I’ve acquired over the years. They’re fun but don’t have the story that your ring has.
Thank you, Daenel. I was glad to be reminded of my mom’s ring. Haven’t taken it off since I photographed it. Used to be afraid to wear keepsakes and nicer jewelry for fear of losing them or somehow breaking them. But have decided if I don’t wear them now, then when??
The Girl with the Pearl Earring is my favorite painting! I was able to see it when we went to Den Hague in college. Vermeer was so talented! Anyway, your inspiration outfits are perfection! I love the colors of blue you used. The light pink sweater is such a pretty color on you too!
Thank you, Laura. Isn’t it a beautiful painting. I was reading a little bit about it and apparently there was more to the painting that is no longer easily visible. If only that mysterious girl could talk.
Ooh, you captured the “The girl with the pearl image” painting perfectly! Love it. Love that pink sweater outfit too!
Thank you, Amy!! It was nice to wear something other than sweats for a change!!
I love your first outfit interpretation. You did a great job of capturing the essence of the painting. I’ve been getting dressed to go to work but other than that I’ve pretty much been in my comfy pajama pants.
Thank you, Natasha. If not for SIA challenge, I don’t think I would have thought to put those pieces together. I have trouble thinking outside the box!!
I love your interpretation of the Girl with the Pearl Earring! Such a fun style prompt! Your aquamarine ring is stunning – what a special keepsake! Happy birthday to your granddaughter!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill. I love my mom’s ring. Had a jeweler friend offer to polish the stones right before Covid struck. She hasn’t had her shop open since. I think they might be even more beautiful with a little buffing.
I saw you SIA outfit over on Instagram and meant to tell you how much I LOVE it and then seeing that blue shirt….😍 but I totally get the need to purge. And if you don’t think you’ll wear it because of the structure I would totally toss it. BUT keep that blue color in mind. It looks so good on you!
Thank you, Kristin. I always feel like wearing blue is cliche on me because I have blue eyes. Kind of like it is expected that I would wear a lot of blue. So I tend to shy away from it. The blouse is back in the closet for now…
I love your pink sweater and leggings outfit. So flattering on you. Totally a color I would pick for a sweater too.
Thank you, Bri. I like pink! And if I am not careful, I would wind up buying almost nothing but pink!!
I think that blue blouse is wonderful on you and I like how you interpreted the art with your outfit, it really works! 🙂 it’s nice you were able to get out and enjoy some movies too! We went to the movies shortly before things changed here last year, and then we went again a couple months ago as we got free tickets for a kids movie, but other than that it’s been watching movies on the TV at home, haha! It just feels safer for us right now!
Hope that your week is off to a good start 🙂
Thank you, Mica! If you are looking for a good movie, try “News of the World”. We are thinking of getting movie theater popcorn next weekend and watching something at home…without masks!!
I am following more and more of you beautiful ladies who love to share their fashions. I loved how you copied that beautiful painting. I need to get a full length mirror and start sharing some of my fashion…Ha! I’m not a fashionista like I was back in high school, but maybe sharing some fashions would motivate me.