Even a style blogger needs a day off…

weekend casual over 40

We all have days when we just don’t feel like it…

Yes, we do. I know, it’s hard to admit, and it sort of goes against everything we believe in. But we’re not perfect, nobody is. And we should just accept that there are days when we’re not at our best, and that’s OK. So what if you just put on the first thing you pulled out of your wardrobe? So what if it wasn’t even clean? Or match the rest of the outfit? Look around, did the world come to an end? Did the world even notice?

NO!!! Am I invisible or something??? I go out my hair undone and with no make up and dressed in something I picked up from the laundry basket and nobody says anything?!?

Oh yes, the world doesn’t say anything because the world doesn’t recognise me. That’s because I’m in disguise. Yep, this is an undercover style blogger gathering intelligence on… well, something, whatever, who cares… The point is, this is not a case of  blogger paranoia, or a style blogger going bonkers; the disguise is intentional, you know, to…

Oh hell, sometimes you just don’t feel like it, that’s all. After all, it’s just clothes, and there are times when your mind is just preoccupied with something else, maybe something more important or more urgent, or maybe you’re just exhausted. And that’s fine.

plaid shirt

casual wear

over 40 blogger

Outfit details:

shirt: KappAhl (old) / trousers: Marks and Spencer (old) / bag: Rebecca Minkoff / 

sunglasses: Chanel (old) / shoes: Clarks (old)

Thank you for your encouraging comments and support on my Brexit rant

It means a lot to me.

I can’t deny that I’ve been quite depressed lately, and haven’t really been into blogging as a result. You see, I’m a bit of a glass-half-empty (make that glass-two-thirds empty) kind of gal, always imagining the worst case scenario (or rather, half a dozen versions of it), and this really hit me hard. I’ve never been an optimist (quite the contrary), and I’m prone to worrying about  and overanalysing just about anything. You could say I’m one of those people who live in constant fear of the sky falling, and want to be prepared for it… 

Of course, this attitude isn’t exactly conducive to reducing stress, which is why I work really hard at being a more upbeat and shallow person, trying to focus on anything fun and frivolous and see the positive side of things (yes, I’m aware how odd that sounds). This blog is part of that ongoing process. That’s why, when I started this blog, I made a conscious decision to keep it light-hearted in tone and focus on topics that I find not only interesting but also relaxing. In other words, the blog was also my escape from my own mind, helping me focus on the good things in life. 

I’ve never been politically active, but now I’m beginning to realise that I have a lot to say, on a range of topics not related to style or travel. And when shit happens (as it inevitably does, as any pessimist knows only too well…), I don’t want to just sit and wait to see how it will play out but do something about it, even if it’s just to rant. I realise that this blog is not the best platform for that, but at the moment I feel that I need to indulge the more serious part of my personality, too. Maybe I need to start another blog, call it ‘What the F**k is Wrong with the World?’ or something… In the meantime, I need to warn you to expect an occasional rant every now and then… 

Tiina

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Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en RoseFashionably Employed,The Fabulous JourneyLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleSheela WritesShelbee on the Edge

22 Comments

  1. Connie
    6 July 2016 / 10:13 pm

    Actually this would be considered a nice outfit for me! The cute blouse and the well-fitting jeans, the matching ballet flats and the nice shiny purse. You look adorable. Hang in there, Baby.

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 5:43 pm

      Thanks, Connie!

  2. Suzanne Carillo
    7 July 2016 / 1:54 am

    What a shot with that fabulous mural! Plus it goes with your whole theme that the world is going to shit. I agree, clothes are just clothes in the end. It's how you feel inside that is the most important.(((((Tiina))))) bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Suzanne! Well, clothes also reflect the way we feel, don't they? when we feel good, we want to look good. And we are depressed, we don't care what we wear. At least that's the way it seems to be with me.The fabulous mural is the rear of a silk factory, in the neighbour town, about 15 minutes' walk from where we live. We often pass it when we go for a walk in the neighbourhood.

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Isobel.

  3. Nancy's Fashion Style
    7 July 2016 / 10:56 am

    In The first lady I laught because I always do when I read your blog. I like your humor! And the second part…..first I think ,its your blog write whatever you want, but personally I like it when a blogger tells a bit more about herself. Also when its not funny at all, youre only human. Never would have guest you are an pessimist. I would think you arevery laidback!www.nancysfashionstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 6:09 pm

      Thanks, Nancy! Humour is important, it helps us get through all sorts of messy situations. And I think it's better not to take life, or myself, too seriously. Or at least pretend that I'm not taking life too seriously…Oh yes, I'm a pessimist, I'm the mother of all pessimists, deep down, I'm just very good at hiding it… I tend to keep my problems and worries to myself, so I suppose a lot of people get the impression I'm a real Pollyanna. I don't like whiners and negative people, and I certainly don't want to be like that myself. But it takes quite a lot of effort, believe me.

  4. Nancy's Fashion Style
    7 July 2016 / 10:58 am

    Twice???why?? And Lady?? I meant ,,part,,! Autocorrection! I hate it!

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 5:51 pm

      I know what you mean. That's why I seldom comment on blogs: I usually read blogs on my mobile, but trying to write something on the mobile is hopeless and takes ages…

    • Tiina L
      7 July 2016 / 6:09 pm

      Yes, I think I could use a break from all sorts of things now…

  5. Shybiker
    7 July 2016 / 10:38 pm

    I hear ya, sister. I get that way, too. Sorry for the blues. Ranting is okay. When I get down like this, I find it helps to turn my attention to something else, something inherently joyful like walking in nature or looking at art. Things that raise your spirits can pull you out of a funk and back to your normal self. Big hug!

    • Tiina L
      8 July 2016 / 9:19 am

      I've never been able to distract myself from the blues, it just doesn't work for me. I can only enjoy art and nature and all those things supposed to raise my spirits when I'm calm and relaxed. When I'm feeling down, I just wallow in my misery for a while, rave and rant, and then come up with a game plan and take action.

  6. Shelbee On The Edge
    9 July 2016 / 12:54 pm

    Rant away, my friend. It's your blog and you can cry if you want to! No need to even start a new blog for that purpose. This is your space to do what you want, say what you want, wear what you want. If someone doesn't like, then they can just go click that little x in the top right corner! And you still look lovely in your cute casual outfit even in the midst of the mean reds! Here's looking up! Thanks for linking up On the Edge of the Week. I hope to see you again next week with or without a rant. Have a great weekend.Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      10 July 2016 / 9:22 am

      Thank you, Shelbee, for your kind words.

  7. Kristin Kohler
    9 July 2016 / 10:05 pm

    As much as I love fashion, you're right. They are just clothes. That doesn't mean that it's selfish to buy fancy ones, or to even enjoy looking nice, but at the end of the day—they're just clothes. I have to remind myself of this every once in awhile. -Kristincountdowntofridayblog.wordpress.com

    • Tiina L
      10 July 2016 / 9:29 am

      It's never shelfish to buy nice clothes. We all need to wear clothes, anyway, so might as well wear something that looks good. My policy has always been: if I plan to spend money on something (e.g. clothes), I want to get maximum value for my money. And even though we wear nice clothes and want to look good, we also need to think about more serious issues. We can talk about politics dressed in whatever we like, the important point is that we engage politically.

  8. Sheela Goh
    16 July 2016 / 11:18 pm

    How timely that I should be reading this now, Tiina. The day after that horrific massacre in Nice, I was (quite literally) glued to my keyboard, at the Kylie Cosmetics website, hoping to finally lay my hands on some of the shades. After I purchased them, I wondered at how trivial it all seemed, in comparison with the state of things around the world. I was busy chastising myself when I stopped. Hello. Yes, trivial lipsticks may be but sometimes, it's these precise "unimportant" things which help us stay grounded. And appreciative of the life we (still can) lead. So too the case with clothes. There has to be some semblance of balance in how we live our days, I feel, for how else can we stay sane? And not be completely overwhelmed with depression and sorrow and a general sensation of doom?And in a similar spirit, I must add that your off day look is 10 times far more cool than mine xoxo

    • Tiina L
      17 July 2016 / 12:21 pm

      Yes, often it's the 'trivial, everyday things' that can restore a sense of normalcy in a crisis, or give us a break from our all-consuming problems. Far from trivial, then; something that allows us to rest and recouperate and cling on to life as we know it.

  9. Shellie Bowdoin
    20 July 2016 / 3:41 am

    I agree…we all need a break sometime. I hope things are looking up for you. I am a little slow getting around to visit the blogs who linked to the July My Refined Style Linkup. Thanks for adding your post to our over-40 party!Shelliewww.thefabjourney.com

    • Tiina L
      20 July 2016 / 12:20 pm

      Thanks, Shellie.

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