Yesterday was stupidly hot. As in, record breaking high of 89 F/31 C. Luckily, this is my 3rd November here, so I've had time to realise that summer weight clothes in autumn colours are important to my psychological well being. It was all cotton again, this time in the form of a dark grey pleated blouse with a pintucks-and-buttons yoke and purple corduroy breeches (the colour wasn't showing up well in the full body shots, hence the awkward detail close up to prove their purpleness). This is their second life; their first life was as giant flares which is probably what got them donated to the thrift store in the first place. This blouse is insanely full on its own; sometimes I enjoy that, but it also belts fairly well, making a little peplum. Yesterday I was in a peplum mood and spent most of the day in mild air conditioning, where the belt didn't make me too hot. I finished off with a pearl ring that picked up the blue grey of the blouse (it was my 16th birthday present from my parents) and a fairly chunky silver bracelet since I thought my normal delicate one would get lost.

I spent most of the day dressed as you see in the first photo, until it came time to go for my walk. The new-to-me grey oxfords seemed like the obvious choice, and as I'm still not feeling great, obvious worked. It was still too warm for a jacket, and I didn't really relish a cardigan either, but I like to have sleeves on when I'm outside to give my arms extra sun protection. So I tried a new to me thing: layering a silk blouse under the woven cotton one. I've never done this before and have no clue if it looks good, or if I've veered too far into Dutch portrait territory. Please let me know! Only my neighbours saw it, so no biggie if I look ridiculous. If not, this would open up new territory for me as far as layering in warm weather, as I stayed comfortable on my walk. If it is too over the top, do you think the blouse layering might work with a simpler trouser style (aka not breeches)? Or lower contrast colours? Or has the unseasonable heat and my not feeling well gone to my brain? hehe I promise not to be offended either way.

All comments and suggestions welcome, especially ones pertaining to my Dutchness or lack thereof.