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Summer style is all about bright colors. But what if you prefer more muted shades? Nature has your back! Here is a wardrobe color palette inspired by a June sunset.  Here’s how you might create different outfits from that color palette. If you mix up the different outfits and are willing to wash clothes more than once a week or to buy duplicates, you could have an entire summer wardrobe right here. This is not a sponsored post. Brands mentioned simply had what I was looking for.
Product images are from the vendors' sites.  Royal Palace of Brussels: Was I traveling or on a vacation? Are the terms synonyms? In early June 2025, I saw a HARO request for industry experts to share their opinions on why people are choosing 10-day vacations instead of two-week vacations. From the details of the request, it didn’t look like the topic was about taking time off of work. Rather, it appeared that the topic is leaving your house and staying somewhere else as a way to have fun.
Is it normal to take a two-week vacation? Beyond the Beginner ESL B2-C1 level version with video here.  I passed the age of 40 without learning to drink coffee, even though I grew up in the United States where everyone, including my parents, drinks coffee. Despite these cultural influences,
All photos are vendor product photos, unless otherwise stated. This is not a sponsored post. The Base Outfit   Read Part 1
The next morning, while waiting for customer service desks to open, I booked the Comfort Inn in Flagstaff. One task down. I went back to searching for transportation options. Maybe I missed something the night before. Nothing.  It was 9:30 p.m. on May 18, 2025. I settled into sleep, looking forward to our trip to the Grand Canyon starting on May 20. Suddenly, a thought occurred and I begrudgingly picked up my phone, typing in “shuttle from Flagstaff Pulliam to Grand Canyon.” Wait! What? I searched again. And again. And again.
 Over 40 and finally in a life situation to dress to reflect my self-perception A quick browse through fashion content gives this message: Wear what you want. Fashion influencers for women over 40 seem to especially declare this, except for when they’re explaining how to dress to meet conventional expectations.
I agree with the “wear what you want” message. I do, however, think there’s a missing perspective. Or at least, a perspective that I haven’t discovered yet or that gets overshadowed.  There's no such thing |
 Eastern Bluebird Nestlings: May 1, 2025 |  Eastern Bluebird Nestlings: May 10, 2025 |
A True Story
The tiny bluet and wild pansy are part of Virginia's natural ecosystem. They come in shades from pale blue to almost white to pale lavender. You'll be doing nature, and yourself by extension, a service to let this grow in your lawn.
Bird's Eye Speedwell is an imported (non-native) plant. If you think this is a weed and want to eradicate it, I won't object.
Bird's Eye Speedwell is an imported (non-native) plant. If you think this is a weed and want to eradicate it, I won't object.
This post is for those who want to have “a style,” but don’t relate to what they see from style influencers. It is for those who dress simply, but also want a bit of quirky without jumping into the middle-aged art-lady archetype. Read the rest of the Background and Disclaimers in the intro to this post.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
On Friday, I went to a game night at the Nelsons’. It was fun.
I woke up at 4:30 on Monday to leave for a 10-day hitch. We’re working on Timberline Trail No. 12. We are near the trailhead and not backcountry like we thought. They have had bear problems and the sponsor didn’t want to tax resources near the lake.
We have been working downtrail, so each day the hike is a little shorter. We are clearing out water bars and building wood water bars and check dams.
It rained last evening. It rained this evening with some thunder and lightning.
On Friday, I went to a game night at the Nelsons’. It was fun.
I woke up at 4:30 on Monday to leave for a 10-day hitch. We’re working on Timberline Trail No. 12. We are near the trailhead and not backcountry like we thought. They have had bear problems and the sponsor didn’t want to tax resources near the lake.
We have been working downtrail, so each day the hike is a little shorter. We are clearing out water bars and building wood water bars and check dams.
It rained last evening. It rained this evening with some thunder and lightning.
This post is for those who basically wear the same thing every day. For those who chose clothing based on comfort and utility. For those who want to have “a style,” but don’t relate to what they see from style influencers. For those who dress simply, but also want a bit of quirky without being twee.
I’m not trying to be a fashion influencer. I wear what I can afford. I like to walk freely and not have my feet hurt or contribute to a deformed body, even for style. Maybe sharing what I wear, or would wear, will help inspire you. Maybe it will help you feel less alone in the midst of Scandi, minimalist, maximalist, granola, 17,000 new names for “preppy,” what-in-the-world-is-that fashion influencers.
None of the brands I mention know I’m writing this. If you sew and are a vertical petite, I can recommend SBCC Patterns. Any other brands are just what happened to have what I wanted at the price I could afford.
I’m not trying to be a fashion influencer. I wear what I can afford. I like to walk freely and not have my feet hurt or contribute to a deformed body, even for style. Maybe sharing what I wear, or would wear, will help inspire you. Maybe it will help you feel less alone in the midst of Scandi, minimalist, maximalist, granola, 17,000 new names for “preppy,” what-in-the-world-is-that fashion influencers.
None of the brands I mention know I’m writing this. If you sew and are a vertical petite, I can recommend SBCC Patterns. Any other brands are just what happened to have what I wanted at the price I could afford.
The Clothes
I’m female and the clothes and outfits reflect that, but I could see this collection easily adapting to a masculine style or body.
The base of this wardrobe is a semi-fitted blue and white plaid unlined vest. I made this vest from SBCC Patterns Sazerac Dress. Search “blue plaid vest” to find similar items on retail. The photo is mine.
I duplicated items in the capsule wardrobe so that you only have to do laundry once a week, but things still stay simple.
I don't use underpinnings in the outfit photos. You can decide for yourself if you want to wear socks or undergarments.
Swap out the jeans for black or navy ponte or twill trousers and these outfits could be fine for more casual business-casual offices.
The base of this wardrobe is a semi-fitted blue and white plaid unlined vest. I made this vest from SBCC Patterns Sazerac Dress. Search “blue plaid vest” to find similar items on retail. The photo is mine.
I duplicated items in the capsule wardrobe so that you only have to do laundry once a week, but things still stay simple.
I don't use underpinnings in the outfit photos. You can decide for yourself if you want to wear socks or undergarments.
Swap out the jeans for black or navy ponte or twill trousers and these outfits could be fine for more casual business-casual offices.
The black long-sleeve ponte t-shirts, the navy long-sleeve double-brushed poly (DBP) t-shirts, and the black cotton-blend short-sleeve t-shirts were made from SBCC Patterns Tonic Tee. The photos are mine.
The purple athletic knit button-up shirt was made from SBCC Patterns Harvey Shirt. The photo is mine.
Sunglasses are Sunki’s Mini Headland model. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Jeans are Lee jeans from Wal-Mart, but similar styles are available from many brands and retailers. In this capsule, I used a loose bootcut in a worn medium wash and a fitted straight-leg in a worn dark wash. The photo is mine.
Black stretch twill jacket is Time and True from Wal-Mart. The photo is mine.
Shoes are Lem’s Chukka Grip. This image is a product image from Lem’s.
Black wool socks are Smartwool. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Bras and underpants are stock photos. You know where to buy what you like and what’s suitable for your anatomy.
The purple athletic knit button-up shirt was made from SBCC Patterns Harvey Shirt. The photo is mine.
Sunglasses are Sunki’s Mini Headland model. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Jeans are Lee jeans from Wal-Mart, but similar styles are available from many brands and retailers. In this capsule, I used a loose bootcut in a worn medium wash and a fitted straight-leg in a worn dark wash. The photo is mine.
Black stretch twill jacket is Time and True from Wal-Mart. The photo is mine.
Shoes are Lem’s Chukka Grip. This image is a product image from Lem’s.
Black wool socks are Smartwool. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Bras and underpants are stock photos. You know where to buy what you like and what’s suitable for your anatomy.
The Outfits
I put together 15 outfits. You can easily imagine creating more looks by changing the jeans style or swapping which item is layered on top. Jewelry and other accessories, hair, and make-up styles can all help change the formality or aesthetic of these base outfits. Have fun!
With Worn Dark-Wash Straight Leg Jeans
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Black stretch twill jacket |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Black stretch twill jacket |
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Black long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black short-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black short-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
With Worn Medium-Wash Bootcut Jeans
 Black short-sleeve tee | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Blue and white plaid vest | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Blue and white plaid vest | Black stretch twill jacket | Medium wash bootleg loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Black short-sleeve tee | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
Thursday, July 26, 2007
On our last night, just before midnight, I heard a mountain lion roar. That made the trip for me.
I spent the day putting together a gift package for my sister, running errands, and cleaning gear.
I slept 12 hours last night and woke up to rain. It was so nice to know that getting out of bed wouldn’t involve putting on rain gear. It poured rain the last night and morning of the hitch, but we got to walk out in dry weather.
On our last night, just before midnight, I heard a mountain lion roar. That made the trip for me.
I spent the day putting together a gift package for my sister, running errands, and cleaning gear.
I slept 12 hours last night and woke up to rain. It was so nice to know that getting out of bed wouldn’t involve putting on rain gear. It poured rain the last night and morning of the hitch, but we got to walk out in dry weather.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Today a year ago I left home to come out west. I spent the night at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. I wish I could have called home on this anniversary.
Rock work and digging trenches is exhausting.
Ten days is too long to work straight through. Thankfully, Wednesday is planned for travel. One day more!
Today a year ago I left home to come out west. I spent the night at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. I wish I could have called home on this anniversary.
Rock work and digging trenches is exhausting.
Ten days is too long to work straight through. Thankfully, Wednesday is planned for travel. One day more!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Our sponsor came out with dynamite to blast out some rock. I got to tape some sticks together and tie on a bundle to the main line.
Our sponsor came out with dynamite to blast out some rock. I got to tape some sticks together and tie on a bundle to the main line.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
We finished the rock bar we started yesterday. We started a new one. We moved giant rocks.
We saw the marmot several more times. We saw two weasel-like critters about 8 inches long.
I ate a few wild raspberries. They were tasty and not tart like most restaurant raspberries.
We finished the rock bar we started yesterday. We started a new one. We moved giant rocks.
We saw the marmot several more times. We saw two weasel-like critters about 8 inches long.
I ate a few wild raspberries. They were tasty and not tart like most restaurant raspberries.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
We worked from 7:00-3:30. I helped Pippa make a rock water bar. We still aren’t done. I was getting a little frustrated because we had to keep resetting a rock and finding the right shape and size brace-rocks was a pain.
We walked to beautiful Rimrock Lake for lunch.
Hiking is the hardest part of the MCC. All my attention has to stay on the trail and keeping myself walking. One or two five-minute breaks in over 3 miles isn’t my style. I prefer mini breaks - say 10 seconds after climbing a slope.
We worked from 7:00-3:30. I helped Pippa make a rock water bar. We still aren’t done. I was getting a little frustrated because we had to keep resetting a rock and finding the right shape and size brace-rocks was a pain.
We walked to beautiful Rimrock Lake for lunch.
Hiking is the hardest part of the MCC. All my attention has to stay on the trail and keeping myself walking. One or two five-minute breaks in over 3 miles isn’t my style. I prefer mini breaks - say 10 seconds after climbing a slope.
Monday, July 16, 2007
I got up at 4:30 today. The crew met at 6:00. Nobody had enough sleep. We were running late. We all were in bad moods or stressed.
I carried 50 pounds on the 3+ mile hike to our camp. It was way too much. I have to cut down somehow. The area is pretty: rocky canyon walls, trees, a lake, river and falls, burned trees with new growth. We started trail work 1.5 miles from camp.
We saw a golden-bellied marmot.
I got up at 4:30 today. The crew met at 6:00. Nobody had enough sleep. We were running late. We all were in bad moods or stressed.
I carried 50 pounds on the 3+ mile hike to our camp. It was way too much. I have to cut down somehow. The area is pretty: rocky canyon walls, trees, a lake, river and falls, burned trees with new growth. We started trail work 1.5 miles from camp.
We saw a golden-bellied marmot.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The BLM Cody office got us free tickets to the Buffalo Bill Museum. I looked at the Firearms and Natural History exhibits.
Dave was the best technical advisor we’ve worked with. I’ll miss working with him and with his horses, Tramps and Tom.
Today I found out that I had no more minutes on my phone. I used to get warnings when I was running low. I wonder where they went? I had to call the Nelsons from a pay phone.
I took a nap this afternoon and woke up to a knock on my door. I opened the door with the chain on to see a slouching man with long grey hair. I quickly shut the door thinking, “It’s that man who’s been sleeping outside all day.”
Surprised, the man asked, “Are you going to open the door?”
Grumpily, I said, “No!”
The man wheedled, “Why not?”
Annoyed, I asked, “What do you want?”
The man began, “I brought you the house key…”
I think, “Why is my landlord giving me a key? I already have one. Wait! That’s Adam Nelson!”
I quickly opened the door and tried to explain.
I was embarrassed, but I think Adam will just laugh at me when we talk next time.
The BLM Cody office got us free tickets to the Buffalo Bill Museum. I looked at the Firearms and Natural History exhibits.
Dave was the best technical advisor we’ve worked with. I’ll miss working with him and with his horses, Tramps and Tom.
Today I found out that I had no more minutes on my phone. I used to get warnings when I was running low. I wonder where they went? I had to call the Nelsons from a pay phone.
I took a nap this afternoon and woke up to a knock on my door. I opened the door with the chain on to see a slouching man with long grey hair. I quickly shut the door thinking, “It’s that man who’s been sleeping outside all day.”
Surprised, the man asked, “Are you going to open the door?”
Grumpily, I said, “No!”
The man wheedled, “Why not?”
Annoyed, I asked, “What do you want?”
The man began, “I brought you the house key…”
I think, “Why is my landlord giving me a key? I already have one. Wait! That’s Adam Nelson!”
I quickly opened the door and tried to explain.
I was embarrassed, but I think Adam will just laugh at me when we talk next time.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Yesterday I was so tired I went to bed at 7:30. I’m not tired tonight and we have an extra hour tomorrow morning.
Today, we built rock dams and a retaining wall. The men moved small boulders for the wall.
There is a robin’s nest with three babies in it near my tent. I was looking for a marshmallow-roasting stick and heard “cheep, cheep.” Then a robin flew out and puffed herself up. I looked, saw a nest, and walked away.
A group of boys, Boy Scouts or some such, arrived today. They have been walking through our camp even though we are sitting right in front of them.
Yesterday I was so tired I went to bed at 7:30. I’m not tired tonight and we have an extra hour tomorrow morning.
Today, we built rock dams and a retaining wall. The men moved small boulders for the wall.
There is a robin’s nest with three babies in it near my tent. I was looking for a marshmallow-roasting stick and heard “cheep, cheep.” Then a robin flew out and puffed herself up. I looked, saw a nest, and walked away.
A group of boys, Boy Scouts or some such, arrived today. They have been walking through our camp even though we are sitting right in front of them.
This is not a paid review. Sinclair Patterns doesn't know I'm writing this post. They might find it after it’s published, but they don’t know I’m writing it.
I am 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but of average-plus width, so I’m always looking for petite sewing patterns or ready-to-wear clothing companies that come in petite plus sizes - bonus points if they’re drafted for a “pear” shape.
Somewhere online, Sinclair Patterns came up as offering a petite pattern range. The Yasmin dress was exactly what I wanted, so I bought the PDF pattern.
I am 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but of average-plus width, so I’m always looking for petite sewing patterns or ready-to-wear clothing companies that come in petite plus sizes - bonus points if they’re drafted for a “pear” shape.
Somewhere online, Sinclair Patterns came up as offering a petite pattern range. The Yasmin dress was exactly what I wanted, so I bought the PDF pattern.
My Thoughts on the Yasmin Pattern
1. Save your sanity and increase the seam allowance.
¼ -inch of knit fabric isn’t enough for the pressure foot to grab consistently when sewing with a normal sewing machine. I can’t comment on how it works with a serger. My fabrics had enough horizontal and vertical stretch that I sewed at ⅜-inch seam allowance without adding to the pattern and nothing was too tight.
2. The bodice may be more petite than a drafting for an average-height torso, but it was still too long for me.
For the green paisley dress, I shortened the bodice by one inch. That puts the waistband under my bustline, as is shown in the pattern photos. It also moves the V up to a place that is comfortable for me.
For the tie-dye and turquoise lace dresses, I did not shorten the bodice. They fit well enough to wear, but I like the look better with the waistband a bit higher.
3. Beginner sewists may struggle.
The instructions come with plenty of photos, but the technical process of putting pleats into knit fabric, especially with a tiny seam allowance, is challenging. Honestly, on the back, I simplified things by using either one large pleat or gathering.
4. Pick your fabrics thoughtfully.
Even as an experienced sewist of knit fabrics, the double-brushed poly was the easiest to work with. I wouldn't recommend a rayon jersey or anything with more than the recommended vertical stretch for your first try.
¼ -inch of knit fabric isn’t enough for the pressure foot to grab consistently when sewing with a normal sewing machine. I can’t comment on how it works with a serger. My fabrics had enough horizontal and vertical stretch that I sewed at ⅜-inch seam allowance without adding to the pattern and nothing was too tight.
2. The bodice may be more petite than a drafting for an average-height torso, but it was still too long for me.
For the green paisley dress, I shortened the bodice by one inch. That puts the waistband under my bustline, as is shown in the pattern photos. It also moves the V up to a place that is comfortable for me.
For the tie-dye and turquoise lace dresses, I did not shorten the bodice. They fit well enough to wear, but I like the look better with the waistband a bit higher.
3. Beginner sewists may struggle.
The instructions come with plenty of photos, but the technical process of putting pleats into knit fabric, especially with a tiny seam allowance, is challenging. Honestly, on the back, I simplified things by using either one large pleat or gathering.
4. Pick your fabrics thoughtfully.
Even as an experienced sewist of knit fabrics, the double-brushed poly was the easiest to work with. I wouldn't recommend a rayon jersey or anything with more than the recommended vertical stretch for your first try.
Is the Yasmin Pattern Good for Petite Plus Sizes?
That depends on your particular version of petite plus. As I said, at under five feet tall, I still had to shorten the bodice.
I can’t comment on how it fits around the waist as drafted. I read the finished garment measurements and graded out two sizes at the waist because I didn’t want negative ease around my stomach. All three knits I used were stretchy enough that this wasn’t strictly needed, but it makes me feel better.
I did find the sleeve pattern to have negative ease in the biceps, no matter what fabric I used. That's not a pro or con since each project and each person's preference is different.
The skirt is a circle skirt, or close to it, so there is plenty of hip room. I have a difference of over 10 inches between my waist and my hips/thighs and had no problems with the fit of the skirt.
I can’t comment on how it fits around the waist as drafted. I read the finished garment measurements and graded out two sizes at the waist because I didn’t want negative ease around my stomach. All three knits I used were stretchy enough that this wasn’t strictly needed, but it makes me feel better.
I did find the sleeve pattern to have negative ease in the biceps, no matter what fabric I used. That's not a pro or con since each project and each person's preference is different.
The skirt is a circle skirt, or close to it, so there is plenty of hip room. I have a difference of over 10 inches between my waist and my hips/thighs and had no problems with the fit of the skirt.
Would I Recommend the Sinclair Yasmin Dress Pattern?
Yes. Caveats are explained above. Otherwise, I love how versatile this dress is and how easy the parts are to customize when you have some sewing and drafting knowledge.
You can see the variety I made and how adding piping or contrasting details changes the look. For the green paisley double-brushed poly dress, I altered the sleeve pattern to be a short semi-flutter sleeve. The blue lace dress is ¾-length sleeves, and the rayon jersey tie-dye dress is elbow-length sleeves.
One of the best parts is that since this pattern is drafted for knit fabric, you can have machine-washable, comfortable fancy dresses, like the blue and white one. The white lining is a cotton blend jersey that is so soft and drapey! Easy peasy, no fuss elegance and no ironing!
You can see the variety I made and how adding piping or contrasting details changes the look. For the green paisley double-brushed poly dress, I altered the sleeve pattern to be a short semi-flutter sleeve. The blue lace dress is ¾-length sleeves, and the rayon jersey tie-dye dress is elbow-length sleeves.
One of the best parts is that since this pattern is drafted for knit fabric, you can have machine-washable, comfortable fancy dresses, like the blue and white one. The white lining is a cotton blend jersey that is so soft and drapey! Easy peasy, no fuss elegance and no ironing!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Not much to say. We drove yesterday to Cody. Camped at North Fork Campground in Buffalo Bill State Park and started trail maintenance.
The man from Cody BLM* had worked for BLM for 38 years and at 66 is a volunteer. He is just the kind of person that we all want to be at that age.
Work has been hiking at least 3 miles up Four Bear Trail, then pounding out rock and doing other trail work.
*Bureau of Land Management
Not much to say. We drove yesterday to Cody. Camped at North Fork Campground in Buffalo Bill State Park and started trail maintenance.
The man from Cody BLM* had worked for BLM for 38 years and at 66 is a volunteer. He is just the kind of person that we all want to be at that age.
Work has been hiking at least 3 miles up Four Bear Trail, then pounding out rock and doing other trail work.
*Bureau of Land Management
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Jill Hames is a writer, musician, and ESL teacher who, at the age of four, said she wanted to learn every language in the world. She hasn’t managed that yet, but is proud to have taught herself enough Swahili to understand context from native speakers. She has a B.A. in Music and Spanish, a Masters in Library and Information Science, is TEFL.org 168-hour certified to teach English as a second language, and is working towards a Master of Divinity.
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Copyright 2025
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Copyright 2025