Keep An Open Mind

When we take photos of what I am wearing, I have no idea what I will discuss, but I know I need images to tell a story or make a point. In almost all cases, I am showing you what I wore for the day.

Today’s photos show what I wore on Wednesday to get my hair cut and run errands. I wore a jean jacket in the morning, but I switched to a lightweight sweater in the afternoon. By the time cousin Elizabeth stopped by after school to help me, it was 77°F.

In an earlier post, I told you that my pale pink summer sweater/jacket from J.Jill would go with all my pants except the Malibu Punch jeans. As you can see, they do go with the sweater! The colors are in the same family.

I often tell Mr. Mickey we need to keep an open mind when starting on an adventure or going to a new restaurant. As we get older, we sometimes become set in our ways and hesitant to try something new. With so much life experience, it is easy to say, “That won’t work.” before we even try. That’s what happened with this outfit combination. I told you it wouldn’t work before I tried it.

I rarely shop or buy anything new these days. When I make a purchase, I look for non-trendy items in solid colors that work well with the other things I own. That’s a workable plan when building a long term retirement wardrobe. I prefer to spend my available income on experiences rather than the latest trend or colorful print top I might wear only twice.

My bag in light fawn is by Kate Spade here. My watch is by Vincero. (Similar here.) My Malibu Punch colored ankle jeans are from Chico’s last year. (Similar jeans here) The white tank is also from Chico’s here. The cardigan is from J.Jill earlier this year. (Similar linen sweater here) The shoes are from last year by Marc Fisher. (Similar loafers here)

If you are one of the many new followers to the blog, you may not know that I do not collaborate with brands. I do not accept products for review or allow popup advertising, nor do I create sponsored posts. What you see me wearing in photos was almost always purchased with my own money. If I receive a gift from my friends who own design companies or boutiques, I will always tell you in the post. When I include a link to something similar to or the same as what I am wearing, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

46 Comments
  1. As you say, keep an open mind. I look at some of my clothes and say there is nothing to go with that item. Then the closet gets reorganised, and hey prest! I find the perfect compliment. You and Mr Mickey have a great weekend.

  2. Hi Susan. You are so good about changing your bag with your outfits. What do you take with you in your bag? I often don’t change them out because it’s a pain to move everything from one bag to another. I obviously need help paring down what it take. Thanks!

    1. When I took a look at all the stuff I was carrying a few years ago, I realized I was ruining my bags and my back by bringing a lot of things I never needed. I keep essentials in small zippered pouches and now carry only the one(s) I will need for the day, my wallet, glasses, keys, phone and business cards.

  3. Hi Susan,
    Enjoy your posts and organization ideas. What is your hair routine? Do you style it every day? The cut?
    Thanks for sharing your ideas.

    1. My stylist cuts my hair with the curl so that it is slightly layered. I always ask for the weight line to be up near my eyes instead of down by my jawline. I wash it about three times per week. I sometimes use a conditioner only and rinse it on the other days. I mostly let it air dry, and sometimes blow dry and shape the front so that I don’t look like Bozo, the clown. (It is naturally wavy/curly depending on the weather.)

      1. I was also not changing over my bags. Then I purchased a liner with lots of pockets that slips into all my day bags (they come in sizes, so one works no matter which size bag. ) They’re made of nylon so practically weightless! Now I switch only one item over and change my bags all the time. Purse liners are available for just a few dollars from amazon, ebay. All the big sites.
        Happy switching!

  4. Susan, your post are still not forwarding to the site you are referring to. Is anyone else having that problem or am I doing something wrong.

  5. Thank you for the good post today, especially the keeping an open mind! Also, I appreciate your being upfront about the clothes you recommend so as not to be swayed. Love your blog and have a blessed Easter.

      1. Received my lovely scarf in the mail and it is absolutely beautiful. I love it. The “gift” scarf is beautiful too. Thank you for making them available to us.

  6. Your posts are always so helpful! I appreciate the pictures you always include of your outfits. Actually seeing someone wearing an outfit helps me so much more than just seeing the clothing. Have a good weekend!

  7. Susan, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your tips, would you consider posting casual wear (think theme parks) for those of us in hot and humid Florida?

  8. Happy Easter Susan. Thank you so much for your wonderful blogs. I have learnt so much from them. Keep up the good work!

  9. I have those same Malibu Punch pants and the jacket. Don’t wear them together but wore both this week in different combinations. I bought them after you showed them about a year ago and have never regretted it. I also have a shirt in that color as it is a good color for me. I do like Chico’s.

  10. Like the Malibu punch pants but it would look better with a flowered sweater with the tangerine colour in it. You need to vary solid colours sometimes.

  11. I think we all appreciate the content in your blog, as well as the lack of pop ups and advertising. I know others have thanked you, but I just wanted to do that today… so, thanks!! Have a great weekend and spring.

  12. I second what Rebecca said! Your blog is a pleasure to read. I appreciate that it’s absent of ads popping up and covering the content. The colour combination is very interesting. I like it, and would never have thought of it. I don’t own many prints, so having more ideas on combining solids is very helpful. Thank you for all you do! Easter blessings.

  13. Hello Susan. I wonder if you would address formal wear. Like you, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on something I may wear only once or twice. But I will be attending events this summer where formal and/or cocktail attire is expected.
    Thanks!

  14. I had that experience with a pair of burgundy pants. I put on this peach sweater with them & it looked good. I have no idea why that worked together but it did. I usually wear neutrals but I got such a bargain on the little peach sweater I couldn’t resist. It always pays to try something different. I can’t wait to read your blog each day. Thank you.

  15. Your post makes me think about hot weather outfits. As I have gotten older, I don’t like to go sleeveless and usually wear some sort of light jacket or sweater; and I never wear shorts in public. I would love to see your hot weather choices.

    1. I enjoy your posts so much and have purchased a few scarves from you.. but I’m sad that the 3 in my cart are now unavailable… have fun on your new adventures and I look forward to your posts!

  16. Susan, I so enjoy your posts. I am retired and am trying to get out of the habit of wearing frumpy clothes just because I am at home (we live in the woods in a rural area). Additionally, we are beginning to downsize so we can travel more in our motorhome. I’m trying to go through closets to pare down my wardrobe. Your tips are so helpful – particularly starting with basic pieces! Have a wonderful weekend.

  17. Susan, do you wear any shoe liners or anything similar with your loafers in the warm weather? Or just bare feet in your shoes? I have tried to find some shoe liners that (a) stay on my feet and don’t get gobbled into my shoes and (b) aren’t ridiculously expensive.

  18. I definitely agree that we need to keep our minds open to new things. So many of my friends only do certain things, go to the same places and wear the same things. They have the same routine and it is difficult to have them change! So your reminder to not get stuck in a rut is a good one.
    I love the colors together! They compliment each other and you! Thanks for blogging. I look forward to having my day brightened!

  19. You always look lovely and put together well in your posts. I’m a shop on sale person and a put with things I already have kind of girl. I will be 70 in October, and I’m 5′ tall. I usually don’t have a problem with my age but I might with this one. I’m always wonering what to wear at my age. I love your style. So I’m hoping you can help.
    –Linda

  20. You are adorable and an inspiration! I have learned so much from your website. You set an example for women who embrace elegance, maturity, and hope. Thank you for your work. I’m sad to see your shop website close, but I honor your decision. Best to you and Mr. Mickey.

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.