G’day Beach Cottage ladies, Fashion Friday time, Beach Cottage style
Well another post about fashion. I couldn’t face the whole forty-is-the-new-thirty photography though today, when I took these pics lets just say I was more forty-is-the-new-ninety – ladies, you may well be aware that I am over my shyness with the camera, you may be aware if you follow me on Instagram that, at times, I about roll around in selfies.
However, plastering my make-up free face, neck and more importantly pasty shoulders on the internet today is where I draw the line. Yes I know other bloggers feel quite happy make-up free, whatever their attire, today I am so not in that club.
So I thought, why not a little Beach Cottage fashion shoot on the bed, seeing as it’s all dressed up, it’s actually made and pretty right now. Sound like a good idea to you?
Yep? Well let’s begin.
You know I dabbled with fashion this past couple of seasons? To be honest, I actually view it as a bit of a failure – first of all I was all whoopee-doo, let’s buy a coral coloured t-shirt, let’s buy bright cobalt blue tops with fun trendy big arms, let’s enter a whole other world of f-a-s-h-i-o-n.
It didn’t last long really and it wasn’t long before I looked in the mirror and thought I 1. looked like an idiot and 2. didn’t look like me, and then with this Season’s Autumn colours of green and mustard, that I got wrong the first time around, I swiftly inched myself back into the arms of the beauty of the layering and wearing of neutrals.
And at that time of neutral adoration, was also my disclosure of my dirty little wardrobe secret – the one where, on here I declared to the world that it was beyond a joke on the inside of that white-washed vintage beauty from the 1940’s and that I was going to tackle it head on…(if you missed that you can see here my wardrobe de-clutter with the help of a real stylist – lots of advice if you are feeling the same)
As I did so, oh delights! I found much loved neutrals, I discovered new with tags neutrals and I happened upon rather a few stripes along the way….
And so here today I thought I would share my wardrobe basics, those things I wear all the time, mixed in with good shoes and a big leather bag and a few bangles…
The classic things that last at least a few seasons, some that have been with me for much longer and the things that if I had to start again from scratch would be top of the list…
I just find it too easy with these…no thinking is involved, I wrote about how when I had my third baby, here, how having a ‘uniform’ kept me from falling into that mummy-in-trackies trap…
I guess I am still doing the uniform thing…it just works, and I need that in my life… how about you?
With that, Beach Cottage friends, I will leave you, now tomorrow I am going unplugged, if you remember, no internet & no social media for twenty-four little hours…if you would like to join in go here, or just wing it baby, switch off the phone, internet & get out there and enjoy your forty-is-the-new-thirty new life Down Under
…although I won’t be wired for sound, I have planned a great, out-of-the-ordinary day/night, just for girls, it involves loving on the sweetest girl in the world, aka, Miss Beach Cottage
Now what do you think of my basics, uniform?
What would you go with if you had to start from scratch?
Sarah
p.s. get a daily pic from down my way here & a daily Barley shot here xo
more of my thoughts on neutrals, being forty-is-the-new-thirty and feeling comfortable in your own skin here
Great wardrobe and style, Mrs. Beach Cottage. If I had to start from scratch, this would be it!
I’ve been going minimalist for a little over a year (with help from theproject333.com), and while I’m still adjusting, it is working really well for me. Nothing wrong with a uniform. The best dressed women wear basics.
Have a great unplugged day.
You have such a great style and it’s been fun to see what you call a uniform. I decided when I retired from work that my major wardrobe style would be comfortable. I guess it’s sort of a uniform. I wear jeans or capris everyday that I can with easy shirts and a casual style sweater. I guess you could say it’s kind of preppy for the older generation. My favorite accessory I add are my cowboy boots. I have several pairs. Otherwise it’s flats or Keen’s for this relaxed girl.
Gretchen
You have great style as is. You don’t need to dabble in trends. Your style is just perfect and never goes out of style.
Yeah, I believe in “classic” dressing, which is why I have good quality outfits in my closet that are over ten years old, yet still get worn on a regular basis.
I love a double breasted wool blazer in navy, with goldtone buttons; button down oxford shirt (usually a pastel color – pink, pale blue, pale yellow), and chinos in a sand color. Worn with penny loafers – it’s the kind of outfit that you can wear in the office or out shopping on the weekend, or even out to a casual dinner.
So, if I had it to do-over, I would just do it the same way. :)
Whenever my youngest and I go shopping, I end up finding things for her because, after all, she looks great in everything and I. Do. Not. For me, going into a dressing room is asking for discouragement. I fall back on jeans and easy tops. It’s my uniform for sure. I work with a friend out of her home so I don’t have to worry about dressing for work. A couple of Summer dresses keep me presentable for church, etc., but I could so use a little styling. I enjoyed your wardrobe ideas. It helps to take note of what other people wear to get fresh ideas. I definitely need some. Thanks!
I think your style is perfect for the beach. It’s not hyper-trendy, but it’s not the least bit frumpy either. I love it. I do have some bright colors in my wardrobe, but I wear my neutrals much more frequently. I can’t overstate the value of a good pair of jeans and a good white t-shirt, especially since I wear them with great frequency. :) Not that I’m a fashion expert or anything, because I’m certainly not. :)
You know Sarah, I have also pared down my wardrobe and what I see in your photos is very similar to mine. The difference being I do wear some red and pink (in the “Summer” palette). I had my colours done a couple of years back and it was a huge help as I tend to look washed out in the colours I thought I should wear…I’m about to embark on a no-shopping stint for a while, but I do need a good winter coat first. Lovely post.x
Now that my kids are grown and I am no longer pregnant or breastfeeding I am loving dresses, I still love my shorts in summer and jeans in winter, but a little summer dress and sandals or in winter, boots really floats my boat. I found that the KMart jeans aren’t really a good fit for me but I am loving the Emerson ones from Big W.
Don’t know why I didn’t get a uniform sooner- I stupidly persist in buying tops that ate not blue or black& then get cross I don’t wear them. Thanks to your recent uniform reminder
I do:
black n teal n steel blue t’s
Dark indigo jeans
Cardie
Black or brown boots or in summer sparkle thongs.
Sorted!:)
I think your wardrobe looks right on track!
I love neutrals, much to my mother’s dispair – “what about a bit more colour, something brighter” she often says to me. But then I dont feel like me and I dont feel comfortable. I like to add in accesories or the odd piece to keep me current but those good basics mean a well functioning wardrobe . Im happy to invest a bit more and have a bit less.
What I like about your wardrobe is that you’ve obviously found what works for you and that must surely be the secret to being comfortable, consistant and well presented – its a personal jackpot!
Great style lady xx
Hmmm. Comfy pair of jeans (cuffed to just above ankle), thin hooded top layered over a cami, and some cute driving flats. Pretty much my uniform. Can be dressed up or down. Happy clothes. ❈ I have some super cute fancier things, but feel most like “me” wearing this.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable and natural in what we wear. I’ve tried the glam look, but I always feel so high maintenance and self conscious. I always revert back to my skinny jeans and/or cargo pants with a plain or striped T in winter and I live in shorts and T’s/singlets in summer. It seems I’m addicted to a cute pair of thongs…(mental note: experiment with footwear). I always thought my style was boring and safe, but hey I like it this way.. it’s my uniform!
Thanks for a great post Sarah.. I’m off to buy some flats.
Hey peeps,
Can any of you recommend a good, affordable online site to get some ‘staples’ from.
I have been wanting to find some for a while but seem to get lost!
Thanks so very much
Karen
You can’t go past Emerson at BigW for tees etc x
Hey Sarah. Do you think you possibly have an aussie born forty-is-the-new-thirty twin?!!?? I think I may be her!! I too dabbled in the brights of ‘fashion’ over the summer and now cannot bear to look at them. Oh the loveliness and calming affect of neutrals! Love everything thats lying on your bed (tho where’s Barley?!) and pretty much have nearly it all in one form or another!! Cant wait to try on a pair of emerson skinnies, they look great. Enjoy tomorrow!…xx
Nice uniform and so achievable.
alison
Hi Sarah I love your classic neutral style. I’m definitely needing to start again in the tops department for sure as seriously lacking. I’m totally feeling your not being camera ready today and feel the same on this dull, cool rainy Qld day.
I am on the hunt for a navy top with white polka dots but so far all I can find is black! It is driving me nuts and I love yours by the way… You know I am a big fan of your style… I wish i could just stick to one particular style but I cant…My life is pretty dull so I rely on clothes to give me that bit of spice (? )….It is what keeps me from going carzy with boredom (but only just)… Both little ones are a sleep!!! It is a miracle! The house hasn’t been so quiet in I don’t know how long?! hev a lovely time with your little miss… I hope I get to have wonderful moments too with mine as she grows older (at the moment it’s all about dad, she’s not too interested in me)…
Have fun :)
oh you will x
Love your style, I too love stripes, comfy jeans and I almost always have a scarf, winter or summer. Have a great weekend. ;)
For all the USA ladies wondering what brand, they look very much like the Bongo junior sized skinny jean, which is $11.99 USD online.
Oh Sarah
I have a problem. Its 7am in the morning here (NZ) and I have checked out your site expecting an update (which considering I checked out this post late last night would mean you had to get up with the sparrows in OZ to meet my expection! Then I re-read your post and you have unplugged for 24 hours HOW AM I GOING TO COPE – your blog is part of my daily routine like reading the paper and brushing my teeth….
Hi Sarah,
I follow you for several months, I think you’re one of the best blogs I know … I do not know why, (maybe shame …) Today I decided to write … I love your photos, and everything you tell us in your day to day … Thank you, thank you for sharing with us! I visit every day, is a more routine in my day …
Except tomorrow, I remember you told us you’d be off! I’ll be here for when you return to post!
By the way … I love your style, and shared a similar taste when it comes to selecting our clothes.
Thank you!
A hug from Spain,
Martina.
I am loving more neutral colored clothing too…white shirts especially, with denim, it’s a classic that won’t ever get old I think. During the summer I do love wearing some color tho…but my go-tos are usually grays/whites/and taupes mixed with denim.
Blessings, Grace
you just made me laugh out loud with the anti embrace of fashion – I am sooo with you! love your basics … but can I ask where one little thing is … where is your cross over black dress – that must make it to this list … or did I miss it :) I love a frock / dress … so hassle free .. throw on a cardi and go … have a great week Sarah, best le
Have only just caught up on this post (new blog looks fab btw!) as last Fri I was TURNING 40 is the new 30 and busy celebrating that day with family and the following night with a BIG Partay with friends and family.
Whew, it is has been busy, fun, full on and a wee bit exhausting.
I did think of you when my bff from childhood treated me to getting my nails done on the day of my party. (a first for me!)
I went for black and knew (thanks to you) to ask for the Opi polish! Yay! It looked amazing with my black dress and some bling. So thanks for the inspiration Sarah! :)
As for your fashion post, I tend to agree with the basics of jeans, striped t’s, cardigans a nice jacket and of course adding a scarf (I got 3 new ones for my b’day) or a necklace (I got 6 of those!) and bangles/bracelets.
I am loving your oatmeal cardigan.
Love the neutrals, but must admit I am a red girl and love to add splashes of that too with my grey,white, black, navy and white.
Now I need to be brave for winter and branch out and away from my usual jeans into a few dresses to wear with leggings/tights.
Do you ever wear dresses in winter? I need some inspiration there too!
Great post, as always.
yes I wear dresses more in the Winter and just bought a great new one, I must blog it soon thanks for the lovely comments.
I did see and liked on Facebook your birthday news x
A girl after my own heart! I too always default to neutrals: black, grey, brown, white and navy blue all fill my closet. If I find them in a stripe I am in heaven. Shoes, scarvesm bags, earrings, and bracelets are where I snazzy it up with pops of my personality. Sometimes I feel guilty when I don’t include color from time to time but I love what I love and that works for me.