WIW to exercise: out of my comfort zone

Since seeing Angie's post on wearing cropped tops, I have been thinking of how to wear the only one I have which I wear to partly cover a tank to go to the gym. I'm not sure this is working. The matching tank and jeans color make it look like really high waist
pants. Also, while wearing black and white isn't a problem, the high contrast of black and citron is not something that I would usually do.
Does this work at all? Should I stick to black and white with this cropped thrifted top? Get rid of it?
Should someone my age avoid cropped tops altogether? ( I'd never wear it without an under layer )
ETA: photo of same outfit with a black tank. Better?

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Packing capsule for Ireland: part 1

Dear ladies,
I'm working on a travel capsule for Ireland in May that will fit into a carry-on and it is not going well. Especially because it will probably be chilly, wet, windy and walking on rocks and possible mud, I'm thinking gearish thoughts. I probably need casual things that can be washed and dried quickly and will keep me warm and dry.
Here are a few photos of some ideas and I'd like your opinions. I'm going more for practicality than fashion. We won't be doing anything that requires dressing up.
5&2: my raincoat. It fits over lots of layers, if needed. I was not planning to take a black one but I could do black instead.
1-6 show the three bottoms I'm thinking of taking...Ponte black and light grey pants and grey-olive nylon pants. All are light weight, quick dry, and I can layer tights and long silk underwear underneath for more warmth. I had thought of taking jeans instead of one of these but am unsure. Jeans are heavier, so would need to be worn on the plane and are not as comfortable.
You also see some tops I'm considering, including a fitted light grey down jacket that can be worn under the coat. It has mint green lining, so I plan to take a mint tee for another layer.
7-9 show the 3 pairs of shoes I'm thinking of taking. 7 is light weight quick-dry slip-on sneakers. I thought of buying new ones but think these will do. 8 shows you a new pair of New Balance flats that are comfy and sturdy but may dress up an outfit a bit. 9 is a pair of low La Cannadienne waterproof suede boots that I've had for years. They support the feet and keep them dry.
Not the best looking outfits but what do you think so far? I welcome your ideas and suggestions.

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Method 1, Using Florals in Subtle Ways

Inspired by Angie's blog today, I pulled out a very old Carol Little silk floral tee and fab Marc Jacobs jacket from Sandy. Half tuck as the tee has side slits. Kut Diana Skinny jeans, SE sandals. I was also inspired by Aida's ankle cuff for the jeans. Gold jewelry including MK gold toned watch; Target leopard belt. Does this work? Suggestions and comments welcomed.

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K/R: Am I Wearing Sale Blinders?

I'm showing you some things that followed me home from The Rack but really want your honest opinion on these for me.
First up is a black lace topper that opens in back. My thoughts were to wear it over my black tank and sheath dresses when I need a little shoulder coverage but not warmth. The lace is matte, not shiny; not exquisite but not too shabby either. I'm showing it with a dress and with a black tank and jeans. It's hard to show the movement and back interest. (1-3).
Next up is a look I love on others but can overwhelm me. The blush shell is voluminous under more soft silky volume of a kimono-esque open topper. It's a great weight for summer and I have a sugar eye for these Citron brand prints. This one has blush, grey and soft black and goes with much I have. If I wear structured pieces underneath, can I pull this off or should I forget about it? (4-7)

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Angie's Trendy Casual Classic Ensemble 2 Ways

I couldn't wait to try Angie's ensemble for my casual day. I found that I don't have much light denim so reversed the formula with light denim bottoms and black jacket (1/2). Photos (3/4) are using silk baggy pants and my most faded jacket. I am doubtful that these pants are working but my black skinny jeans are in the wash.
I welcome your comments and help to tweak the formula. Also, the bag in 2 is a K/R, a big lightweight for summer. Is it too big for me?

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WIW: Lace Bomber with a Midi Skirt

Inspired by Angie's bomber and midi ensemble post, I had to shop my closet and used last year's lace bomber with an EF tube skirt and EF black silk shell. I felt a high happiness factor in this outfit, although I'm not sure that the patent peep toe booties work that well. My bag, not shown, was a vintage black snake clutch. Do the proportions work? Suggestions for improvement are welcome.

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30 comments

Help! what would you pack in a carry-on for Ireland in May?

I've got to get busy organizing a small travel capsule for Ireland in May. This will be mostly exploring the countryside. In fact ANY advice is welcome. Neither DH nor I have been there before. Neither of us can handle any weight with luggage, so it all needs to be minimal and light weight.
It sounds like temperatures will probably be chilly, wet and windy.
I'm almost wondering if gearish wear would be best and just try to be warm and reasonably pulled together. Please, I need some wisdom and ideas. My brain has been in an antihistamine fog.

15 comments

WIW: copying Shannon with wide legged pants and graphic tee

When I saw Shannon's outfit yesterday, I knew that I wanted to try a version with a recent thrifted Fender tee. What do you think? Does this work? I am especially concerned with the proportions. DH thought I looked tall and high waisted, but he's not used to seeing me in high rise pants and 2 inch heels (needed to keep pant hems from dragging.). Over all he did like the outfit though.
Tee: Fender ( thrifted)
Trousers: J Crew light weight wool (thrifted)
Jacket: Wilson's leather
Booties: Impo with pointy toe and very comfortable
Bag: Kate Spade
Should I have used a black or metallic bag? The tee has a neckline that is not too low but wider than I like. I hoped that wearing it under a jacket would help. Is the tee too short? Pants too wide on a 5'3"? This is out of my comfort area and Shannon's fashion is out of my league. I 'd appreciate your thoughts and won't be offended if you decide that this isn't a good look for me.

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WIW: Still Trying to Bring Some Spring into Outfits

This is a mish mash of recent outfits formed from my spring closet. It's still chilly, and you have seen much of this before. I'm not sure that my style is going anywhere. 1 is my copy of Amiable's copy of Suz. It features old trouser jeans. 3 is an open weave pullover over a sheath dress. 6/7 shows tucked and half tuck. Suggestions and comments are welcomed!

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