Monday, December 17, 2012

Keep it Simple, Stupid



We have all heard of the famous KISS principle.  Some of you are wonderfully able to follow this principle in life.  Some of us, myself included, can struggle with that at times.

All of the fashion magazines and books tell us that a well-edited wardrobe, with key pieces, is the fount of all sartorial happiness.  So why do I often get sidetracked by the over-the-top-item, the item that basically does not go with anything I have and that may or may not be tasteful??

I am the easily wooed.

I am the customer that impulse buys at the last moment when she sees the display of tea towels and other unneeded household items as she waits in line at the checkout.

I am watching the shiny object going back and forth in front of my eyes while my pocket is being picked from behind.


I am excited by the new and shiny plaything.  I am not proud of this and work to change it, but I know it to be true!

But every once in a while, I snap out of it. I dress simply, almost like I am having a palate cleanser kind of day fashion-wise.  Sunday was such a day:



Simple black JCrew cashmere Turtleneck (old) my cole haan loafers, Paige Premium Stretchy Black Overdye Pants (here) and the violet blue wool scarf I bought at J Crew this summer.  Simplicity itself.

Later, when getting ready to go out, I put on my franco sarto outside boots which are so comfy (and a big down jacket - it has been freezing here!)



No fuss, no muss.    Of course tomorrow is office Christmas party, so you know what that means - PLAID PANTS!  Yes, we all need a palate cleanser sometimes!

On a slightly different note.  I went to the nursery and we chose a small floral centerpiece for the centre of our table.  it needed to be low for people to see over it, and pretty.  What we got:




A little sleigh with some roses, white chrysanthemums, pine and cedat branches and a wee bird tucked in to keep the birds company!



Another angle.  We had to put a charger plate under it as it was leaking a bit and we did not want to ruin the antique table top!  It is very pretty and just the right size and will look lovely surrounded by candles.  On Christmas Eve, I always make wee bouquets of holly from my garden to place in front of each person's table setting.  This year we are down a man, but I will place some holly by my dad elsewhere.

On a completely different note, I have to end by saying I am exhausted by last night's episode of Homeland!  While many of the episodes were slow this season, last night's put the viewer through the wringer.  Only nine more months till season 3!

Have a wonderful and safe day out there!

32 comments:

  1. This is my favorite out fit on you. I don;t know if it is because it is simple and I am a sucker for clean lines or is it because that blue is just brilliant with your skin tone and the black is slimming and elongating. Either way, I LOVE it!!! Oh, and I want to peek inside all those boxes :)

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    1. Thanks AJC! We did a mad wrapping on the weekend as I was tired of them all stogging up my closet! You think if I wore black on my head I would look six feet tall? :-) Take a peek - some are nice, a couple are kind of dull!

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  2. Ditto what AJC said :) You look stunning in that! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  3. Hi WMM, another ditto from me! Since I don't work outside the home, this is probably the closest to how I dress, quite simply. Mind you, I still love all the eye candy that you feature!

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    1. Thanks Patricia! I am hoping to reduce some of the eye candy in 2013, but it cannot disappear completely!

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  4. My favorite outfit too!!
    Probably because like AJC said the simplicity and the blue are perfect.

    Have a great day!

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  5. So much for Kate, that is your blue, isn't it! And I love that your socks pick up a similar blue. ;)

    Your centerpiece is beautiful and I love the idea of a wee bouquet for each person.

    I didn't know you watch Homeland too! We're a few episodes behind so don't tell me what happens and if you think some have been slow, oh boy, the cliff hanger is probably going to be a doozie. I don't know if I can stand it, there have been times when I have to leave the room for a bit and have husby fill me in. How will I brave the last for the season?

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    1. Oh and out will come my tartan trousers too!

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    2. Tiffany Rose! I had to look down at my computer multiple times last night. It was too suspenseful! But when you have finished it, drop me a line so we can really yap about it - I am desperate, desperate I tell you!

      Thanks about the centrepiece - I could have made one myself, but this year has been too hectic!

      Maybe if Kate reads this blog she will see that simplicity isn't all it's cracked up to be!! Ah who am I kidding - I think it is!

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  6. DAILY FEAST Hey WMM, maybe there's a kernel of your 2013 wardrobe plan in your palate cleanser phrase and another thing you enjoy? A wardrobe that's like a well stocked pantry: beloved basics so you can always cook up something yummy without stress, favourite combinations of those can't miss flavours that really work, just a few make-the-most-of-it seasonal favourites and a final dash of dessert, frosting etc. Same as going to supermarket with a list and not existing on PopTarts, Twinkies etc. (which would only lead to an exhausted, frustrated slump.)
    Anyway, I clearly need coffee and cereal. I think you look fab. I badly want to pounce on those Indigo bags. And I was just imagining your holly clusters. Thanks for centrepiece, living vicariously until we get to NS on weekend.
    P.S. Rachel Khoo's "Little Paris Kitchen" (not Ina but fun and sweet) is out over here now. P.P.S. Also slightly behind on Homeland.

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    1. I am going to check on that show as soon as I get home - thanks for the heads up!!!

      I agree - I am going to reduce some frosting in 2013 - I may actually just sprinkle with icing sugar!!!

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    1. Oh thank you yippee!

      BTW - I just LOVE typing yippee!!!

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    2. You are quite welcome and if you look at the expression on your face it is truly plain as day that you too know that you have nailed it.

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  8. You look taller in this outfit, especially with your boots. We'd miss the crazy pants if you were this classic all the time.

    Have you made your own centerpieces? I have 2 6-7" x4" containers I fill with the green florists foam ( wet kind); I used a few red roses, green Fuji mum, then filled in with greens, winterberries. Five minutes of pure enjoyment!

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    1. Hey Lane - I have made them in the past and I may do one for new year's - I have been so behind this fall that I took the easy route! I think I would love to be a florist!

      Crazy pants back in tomorrow's post!

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  9. That scarf is stunning on you! Great outfit all around! What color socks are you wearing with your loafers? I just bought some black loafers but I'm not sure how I would wear socks with them, I usually go without in that kind of shoe but sometimes you want socks. Your centerpiece is so pretty, I never think to do things like that. Cannot put presents under the tree because 1) Santa doesn't come early and 2) the dog likes to eat even the non-Santa gifts! Maybe we are making progress this year since she hasn't eaten any ornaments off the bottom of the tree yet. I love Christmas! :-) Have fun at your office party!

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  10. Hi Cate! They are Ralph Lauren black and white socks. They actually looked cute without and it was so cold my feet are freezing!

    We are so jumbled up this year due to lanudry room reno that I had to wrap and place things under the tree. However, Santa also brings the odd thing and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care!!

    Our dog is 12 now. Sometimes he sits beside the tree and just stares at it - it is quite sweet!

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  11. So chic! I love your outfit.

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    1. Thanks A! I wish I had the self-discipline to dress like this always!

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  12. You look happy, comfortable and pretty in these pictures of your simple classic outfit.

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  13. WMM, Paris Kitchen I was referring to book form. (Happy to send you web links to Beeb episodes too.) And I am sure your plaid pants will be life of office party - with your surname you are doubly entitled!

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    1. GF - Little Paris Kitchen has also been featured on BBC Canada lately!

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    2. Oh, thanks Patricia! I try to catch BBCC on Thursdays (Law & Order UK & original Top Gear), but holiday busy so missed on of my fave "life in Paris" peeps.

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    3. Okay, am definitely going to look this up - sounds great!

      Plaid pants loved by all!

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  14. I also absolutely love this outfit on you, WMM! Understated, elegant, and chic. The violet blue of the scarf is such a beautiful color on you, too.

    Have fun at your party! I also love plaid pants, and think you will look perfectly festive for the occasion. :)

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  15. Loving the plaid pants you wore and that deep blue is stunning on you, it's definitely your color.

    It feels so festive just visiting your blog.

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  16. Oh. it's so true about needing an outfit palate cleanser this time of year. I've been holding off from wearing red every day, but for the next week or so I plan to knock myself out with the plaids and red. Love your simple yet chic outfit with the colorful scarf accent.

    And the centerpiece is lovely!



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