When life gets busy…

casual style over 50

A simplified wardrobe 

I’ve been practically living in this cashmere cardigan recently, wearing it with jeans or cords, or this denim skirt. Actually, I’ve been rotating the same set of 10-15 items for a few weeks now. Getting dressed is simple and fast: I just put on the first (reasonably clean) thing I find and rush off.  Doesn’t do much for my style, but hey, sometimes there are other priorities… 

No, this is not some sort of a capsule wardrobe experiment. In a way, this is my version of the Steve Jobs / Mark Zuckerberg way of prioritizing: save your time and energy by eliminating the small, trivial decisions and focus on what’s really important. As most of my clothes can be mixed and matched, there’s minimal planning required, and I can get dressed in a hurry.

But doesn’t that take all the fun out of dressing?

Yes, I suppose it would, if  this was a long-term lifestyle choice. Which it isn’t: it’s a stop-gap measure to reduce stress.  The thing is, I’ve just been incredibly busy all month, working long hours and sleeping way too little. The flat is a mess, and my clothes are piling up on the kitchen chairs. I haven’t done the laundry for ages, and I seem to be living on chocolate and takeaway food.

over 50 blogger

Yes, I know, I should probably take better care of myself: do yoga and eat proper food and meditate… The truth is, my brain is wired so tight right now that it would simply reject all that as just more stress-inducing chores.

So, I prioritise and simplify my life (as well as my wardrobe) as much as possible: I tell myself that all I need to focus on right now is work and sleep. In that order. My ‘self-care routine’ at the moment consists of trying to get to bed at a reasonable hour (not easy for a night owl), and eating (something, never mind what) at regular intervals. Everything else will have to wait.

It’s always like this in November. There are courses ending and new courses starting, and all the marking and planning involved. It will slow down in December, though.

casual cashmere

Outfit details:

cashmere cardigan: Brora (old) / denim skirt: KappAhl (old) / 

shirt: Next / belt: Diesel / bag: Chanel / boots: Bronx (old)

What do you do when life gets busy?

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 Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots 

19 Comments

  1. Monica P
    19 November 2016 / 3:59 pm

    Adorable outfit! I have similar items so will have to give this a try.Monica.

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:00 pm

      Thanks, Monica!

  2. Shybiker
    19 November 2016 / 4:02 pm

    I get it. My life often gets busy like this from the demands of my job. As you're doing, we need to prioritize when that happens. Hope things ease up for you during the holidays.

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:00 pm

      It's always like this in November, it will get easier in December, though.

  3. Sheela Goh
    19 November 2016 / 9:40 pm

    When life gets busy, I go a little mad. Well, perhaps a smidge more than a little. I dash about, trying to get things together, and lose my sanity in the process. I have this thing about being superwoman all the time which is fairly detrimental to my emotional and physical health, and that of my family because when I've lost it, they feel the brunt of it. So lately, I've tried very hard to remember that it's quite alright for superwoman to take a break every now and again. That if I can't cook dinner tonight and have to call for takeout, no one will die. That if I eschew vacuuming because I have a work deadline, it's not the end of the world. People don't die from inhalation of dust overnight, it takes time for that to happen. So yes, I have a pep talk with myself when things get out of control and/or when I feel I'm spiralling. It tends to help. Aside from that, I go to the gym and beat the hell out of something for 2 hours every day. That helps a lot too 🙂 xoxo

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:03 pm

      I get that… I get a bit mad, too. Except that I don't seem to find time to go to the gym. Maybe I should, that might be the best thing right now, really. I admire you for having the discipline, for me that's the first thing to go by the wayside when things get busy.

  4. Patti
    20 November 2016 / 11:54 pm

    I think this is a healthy way to reduce stress! (I tend to get crabby and eat junk and drink wine.) and your look is smart and pulled together. Hope life smooths out a bit soon. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:04 pm

      Oh, I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one to do that! Eat junk and drink wine, I mean…

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:05 pm

      Oh yes, snow comes and goes… Thanks, Isobel.

  5. Mummabstylish
    21 November 2016 / 10:09 pm

    Lovely outfit Hun, Nice to link up with you. Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:05 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui.

  6. Jill James
    22 November 2016 / 9:45 am

    Hopefully things will soon settle down , I'm all for doing whatever makes life easier in times of stress. You seem to have it sorted in the dressing department, you look comfortable but still your stylish self.

    • Tiina L
      23 November 2016 / 5:06 pm

      Thanks, Jill. Things will start to sow down quite a bit in December, and I can't wait to have some time off!

  7. Nicole Mölders
    24 November 2016 / 5:47 pm

    Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style linkup party. That lipstick color looks great on you!

    • Tiina L
      24 November 2016 / 6:43 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

  8. Jessica Jannenga
    26 November 2016 / 2:54 pm

    You are a busy lady! I feel swamped a bit right now too and certianly like the idea of making dressing, things a bit easier. Love the burgundy with the plaidthanks for linking up with turning heads tuesdayjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  9. Garaytreasures
    26 November 2016 / 11:34 pm

    I love great versatile pieces, what a pretty cardigan. Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me" link upRachel xohttp://garaytreasures.com

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