Eclectic Joy

I have not yet found the right poncho but have some large scarves and would like to try making an over-the-head poncho with at least one of them. Has anyone seen any good tutorials or have advice?

In August my goal was to form a closet with capsules for our weeks of weather in early fall when it is still hot. 

  The goals were:

1:  To appeal to my need to wear fall colors but in outfits that could still be cool to wear on hot days.

2:  To try to keep from getting bored with my summer wardrobe.

3:  To attempt to not shop for or buy more hot weather clothing so late in the season.

I was successful in these goals.

1:  I pulled out autumn accessories and used my small amount of warm weather weight items in fall colors with neutrals

2:  This worked.  I had planned to do this from the beginning of summer so held back on wearing much brown, orange, and even red during the summer, so was happy to see something "new".

3.  I avoided end of summer sales and buying refreshers, telling myself to wait until next spring.  Experience has shown that my needs and tastes can change.

I would do this again although keep more other colors out.  I did get a little bored with this warm fall capsule and long for the weather to cool down.

Now we come to the hardest part of the year, along with the transition between cool spring and hot summer.  The closet gets packed because there are still hot days but more cool ones calling for long sleeves, long pants/jeans and even light jackets.  It's hard to pack anything away without having to pull it out.  I want to transition into a cooler fall closet but usually that isn't practical until November.  What do you who live in 4 seasons do? 

Sterling,thank you for suggesting a personal June challenge. I challenged myself to SYC and post outfits for suggestions. I hoped to up my style, look for ways to evolve my style and to decide what needs editing out. I was also looking for new ways to wear the oldies.
My inspiration came mostly from Angie's blog posts...ensembles for her mother, her77 year old client, color combinations and ROG.
I have come away feeling that my summer closet is too large but otherwise pretty happy with the variety in color, fabrics, and silouettes that it offers. In the last couple of years I have worked on summer footwear that is non-sandal and flat, and on finding things that are cool and somewhat covered. Laundering is more frequent and summers are long, justifying more items in circulation. I did not find much so far to edit out.
Our summer heat started late, so I will continue to evaluate my wardrobe into July. I failed at completely SYC in June and bought a few items on eBay, mostly ankle pants that can be rolled. I had added some weight over the winter and some pants I had. are a little too tight.
Other thoughts are that I still don't seem to have a direction for evolving my style, but am not concerned. I do want to try a higher rise with cropped top but that means probably buying multiple pieces. I had thought I'd want to add more color but, after spring, I'm losing interest with the hot weather...Browns and navy maybe, and more EF "stone" while it is available.
Where do you see me going with my style?

Just when one thinks they know all the humbling and embarrassing things that happen as one ages, along comes the indignity of Old People Smell.
You know what I'm talking about. Not nursing home smell but your granny's house ( or your granny), not wanting to get hugged by the great aunties or have to sit next to Grandpa.
Recent studies have shown ( I can't seem to copy a link but just Google "Old People Smell") that it starts at 40 and there's not much that can be done. It seems that a good 40th birthday gift is scented candles and a decade's supply of air freshener. The article I read says that it's just a byproduct of body breakdown and hygiene, home cleanliness, pets, regular fresh laundry, etc. don't help.
Now, I'm there! In the trenches, determined to fight OPS. I need your suggestions.
I remember older women of my life that seemed to adopt a signature smell...rose, gardenia, baby powder, lavender, BenGay. The old men reeked of Vicks Vapor Rub or Old Spice. What have been successful smells with the oldsters in your life? Should I invest in clean smelling products, strew the lavender and rose petals? What works short of taking up smoking?

I'm only starting this thread as a way to link Shedev's challenge to me to my blog. I don't expect comments as many of you have already done that. It seems to be the best way for me to locate the thread in the future.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....lenges-joy
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....st-1267304

Our Ireland trip is this coming week! The clothing photos include what I plan to wear on the plane. I may still whittle this down more but this is getting close.
1/2 Coats: Grey fitted down sweater and cream rain coat with hood, also a couple of scarves and a little cashmere cap. Right now I plan to wear a ( not pictured) light weight Ponte black that goes with the black Ponte pants I want to wear on the plane (also my heaviest bottoms).
3/4: bottoms and the rest of my scarves: grey-green nylon hiking pants, black Pontes and light grey EF light weight pants that can be rolled to make capris or ankle pants if it gets warm.
5/6: warmer layering tops that could be toppers if the weather is mild: mint gear piece that looks good under the down jacket. Assymetrical zipper closure can be closed to keep neck warm or open for a collar. I also picked up one of these in cream that I've yet to return if you think that would be better than mint. Also on 5 are a grey cashmere crew neck pullover and lighter grey rayon V neck pullover.
7: other long sleeved layering tops: black EF pullover, print blouse and white REI thermal pullover.
8: short sleeved layering pieces: tec fabric green tee and silky poly gold tee. These are in case the weather turns warmer than seasonal. I may remove one or both.
9. Layering tank tops for warmth or possible sleeping. I've already removed the grey stripe. None of these are cotton, so quick dry. I plan to wear the black one under the black EF long sleeved top on the plane..lots of black but I'll add a scarf to lighten it up. Shoes were on the first packing thread...3 pair: black New Balance ballet flats, grey slip on quick-dry sneakers, and the waterproof La Canadienne short boots that I'll wear on the plane (heaviest).
10: my suitcase tote with all clothes in the packing envelope and all underwear, long underwear, socks, etc. in a half packing cube. Shoes are in there in zip-loc bags, as are the down jacket stuffed in a zip-loc.
11: my total luggage for about 2-3 weeks. The backpack holds toiletries, reading material, plane stuff like a neck pillow, scarf, raincoat, iPad, cords, meds, and more. Actually it probably can hold more than the duffle can.
What changes would you make? The weather is expected to be chilly, windy and rainy. What should I leave home? I appreciate your input and wisdom.