Apologies disappearing for another week! First I had unexpected family responsibilities, then some health issues, so I just haven't had the energy to participate or take outfit photos. Today I'm feeling a bit better, and so I thought I'd dive right in. Clearly, I've forgotten how to pose and position myself, but it's better than nothing.

Lately, I'm interested in trying out some new-to-me silhouettes. I first experimented with the cardigan/dress waist surrendering a-line look last month and liked it enough to want to try it again! As I mentioned in that post, this style is influenced by Japanese sewing books, which are full of models wearing simple, boxy outfits.

I started with the corduroy dress: I love its medium dark, greyish blue colour and rustic texture. It's not cold today, so I could pick a non-wool cardigan, and this taupe one just called to me. In light of Angie's recent post on extra long sleeves, I must admit this is my preferred long sleeve length, with the cuff brushing my knuckles! As I was grabbing the cardigan, I noticed this sash, which is off of my bridesmaid dress from my sister's wedding last month. I thought the mushroomy pink tone would go nicely, and tying it as a low, loose bow added interesting vertical lines to the outfit. I finished off with my silver rings, both my snake one and my new twig one. No brooch or necklace as the sash seemed enough decoration.

For my walk, I picked my Aurora loafers, partly because I needed something super supportive, but also because the rustic clunkiness and strange in-between colour of them seemed to go with the outfit's vibe. It's warm enough that I didn't need any outerwear or tights!

I felt very comfortable, both physically and psychologically in this! I've been watching these BBC historic farm shows lately, and I felt like I could have gotten up, put on the dress, sweater, & shoes (all practical & sturdy), done some farm chores, and then tied on the bow to feel nicer for lunch. Hence the title. (I'm sure real farmers are laughing at me right now.)

On one of my early WIWs, Angie suggested the phrase "girly tomboy." At the time, I privately had a few reservations about that...it felt a bit contradictory. And I'm not a big fan of the word tomboy. But as I get dressed, more and more I realise how wise she was: my favourite outfits give me full range of movement and have practical elements to them but also feminine touches and details. Gee, I'm sure everyone's surprised that Angie was right!

I'm off to see what everyone else has been up to. I'm still planning on writing a big long post about shopping/making/style/forum participation/etc. Just have to wait until my brain is completely working again!

As always, all comments and suggestions welcome. I realise this is a frumpy look that might not appeal to everyone's eye. I like to think it's intentionally frumpy, which somehow redeems it, but as I said earlier it's not one of my 'uniform' silhouettes, so it's more of an experiment than anything. Criticism/tweak suggestions won't hurt my feelings!

P.S.: Since I used the sash, I thought I'd add a pic of me as a bridesmaid. It's not the best shot of the dress, which had lovely pleating on the bodice, but it's the only one I have until my sister gets the professional pics. The shawl was the bridesmaid gift, and it's the wool/cashmere blend one from Nordstrom's. Very necessary, even in south Texas, for an outdoor sunset winter solstice wedding! Good thing the ankle length dress could conceal my silk long johns.