|
CEFR Level B2-C1 In the summer of 2025, I was introduced to Soma. Unfortunately, their clothing line fits me as poorly as any other ready-to-wear line. When it came to sleepwear, some things I could make work, but what is up with the skinny sleeves? This is a brand for grown women. Grown women have girth around their biceps, at least on average. Good fit relies on proportions more than a S/M/L or even largest/smallest part-measurement size.  After browsing the shop, leaving, changing my mind, coming back, trying on several items, deciding not to buy anything, and wandering the store, I finally purchased the Geo Lace Pajama Cami. I love it! The fit isn’t perfect for my body, but it’s close enough. The fabric, the shelf bra, and the fit are comfortable for sleep. I wish I had another one.
I really wanted the Crinkle Satin matching separates, but they were more expensive. The cami didn’t fit as well as the Geo cami. The pants only fit in the sense that I could get them on my body. Again, proportions.
0 Comments
CEFR Level B2-C1 I was browsing Dick’s Sporting Goods and came across the daypacks/school bags. Curious to see what was new and trendy, I took a look. Bungee cords to hold a jacket seemed popular. As always, colors were gendered, which is annoying for a variety of reasons.
Eventually, I came across the Patagonia Refugio. I’ve had good success with Patagonia fleeces and, as far as I know, the company has a decent reputation. I was eager to see what helpful features this 26 liter backpack offered. I didn’t make it past the first zipper.  CEFR Level A2-B1 While getting in my car for a hair appointment, I saw an ambulance parked in front of a neighbor’s house. Naturally, an ambulance is concerning, even though I don’t know this neighbor beyond chatting a few times when she is out working in their yard. Despite my curiosity, I continued to my appointment, which was in the opposite direction.
Half an hour later, I returned to see the ambulance still there. Would it be too nosy to drive past to see what was happening? 
This is not a sponsored post.
CEFR Level B2-C1
Can you wear lip color as a flute player? When I was in high school and college, I only wore lip balm (AKA chapstick).
Yellow Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) Photo: Ty Smith
CEFR Level C1-C2
Can you tell the difference between a spicebush swallowtail and a black eastern tiger swallowtail?
CEFR Level B2-C1
I walk through the rainforest, well not a true rainforest, but with an abundance of wet leaves brushing my bare arms and humidity so strong my skin is wet, it feels like it should be. I walk and try to avoid poison ivy hiding among foliage with names I have yet to learn.
CEFR Level B2-C1
The Background
When I was in high school and college, I was embarrassed to write on my music. I thought it meant that I wasn’t smart enough to remember something. I was worried that if I wrote an expression note or put in a breath mark, my flute teacher would tell me that I was wrong. They usually did tell me that if I wrote in something on my own. Even though I know they were doing their teacher job, it made me learn to not trust myself.
At a piano lesson recently, my teacher followed the typical pattern by asking me to start with a scale. I groaned out loud and stopped just shy of banging my head on the keys. She looked at me incredulously and asked, “Did you seriously just say ‘ugh!’?”
I went into the new ice cream shop to get a milkshake.
CEFR Level C1-C2 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? 
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,
CEFR Level C1-C2 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
| CEFR Level B2-C1 |
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!
Jill Hames is a writer, musician, biblical studies teacher, and ESL tutor who finds life too interesting to pick a niche. 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. Jill is a member of Delta Omicron.
[email protected]
Copyright 2025
[email protected]
Copyright 2025