We keep a huge suitcase of dress-up clothes at our house for the grand kids. It is usually reserved for days when they can't play outside. Most of the time, this means rainy, housebound days. But this month, when every day has been over 100 degrees, we've had it out. Both of these ensembles were put together by them, with NO prompting by the adults, perhaps putting to rest theories about children's gender boundaries.
By day 19 of the challenge, I had worn the reversible shell a total of 12 times and decided that I needed to give it a rest. When I looked at the possibilities, I decided to layer my tees, reasoning that so long as I was indoors grading, I might get away with it. But the effect is more than a little wonky.
The boys have been excavating a dinosaur skull and are covered in a very fine dust...which I'm trying hard not to get on my white skirt and tee. The necklace is a cinnabar elephant my folks home for me from a trip to China years ago.
Forgive the repeat outfit, but the "shoes" are new to the challenge.
The skirt is a stand out I like it everytime. I don't think 6 items are practical- but I bet when you return to your full wardrobe you'll be able to create a capsule wardrobe in heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteBella--I have to agree that the woven skirt was the wisest of my choices for the challenge. And, yes, I've begun to think about what the first item I'll wear might be once I have the entire array to work with again.
DeleteHope you have some knee pads and elbow pads to go along with the skating outfit! ;-))
ReplyDeleteDiane--Hm, that's a good idea. I wonder if the grandsons padding will fit me?
DeleteAaah! I love the black fishnet sleeves. The tighter knit on them. You make me want to hunt down a pair of micro fishnets to turn into another layering piece. Thanks for trying this out.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin and I used to have spur of the moment "plays" and costume parties. We occasionally talked the adults into dressing up too. It's quite exciting. I miss dressing up for no reason.
MeganMae--I love the fishnet sleeves too--way more than wearing fishnets on my legs, which I've tried exactly once. I thrifted this pair of fishnets. And, I suspect, that all of us have a "dressing up" gene.
DeleteCostumes trunks are the coolest. I used to sew a trunk of costumes for the Coop preschool auction, but that was in Seattle where most days are spent inside. Have fun with the skates - both you and your husband. (Change of "shoes". You crack me up!)
ReplyDeleteBeryl--You sewed costumes! Please show off a few of those you've made! I'd love to see them.
DeleteBargain roller skates, hooray! Mind you, we have paving stone and cobble sidewalks, so I'd end up with a broken neck, but I do envy you your skates; they look like big fun.
ReplyDeleteReally should try that fishnet sleeve thing myself one of these days, since I freeze in all but the hottest weather with bare arms, but love my tanks all the same.
Ana--Yikes, I wouldn't want to roller skate on your sidewalks! And these are actually made for a wooden rink, although we'll use them on smooth concrete.
DeleteAnd the fishnet thing is so easy, I marveled that I hadn't figured out the trick sooner.
You are a brave woman to do this challenge, and to choose 2 white pieces, with kids around!
ReplyDeleteThe multicoloured skirt always looks lovely, and I am impressed to see you in roller skates, let's have some action shots next time please!
As you know, I like to play dressing up on a fairly regular basis, for no good reason othre than it makes me, and hopefully others, laugh. So I LOVED seeing those gorgeous boys as a clown and hula girls, good for them! xxx
Curtise--I have probably laundered the white skirt 4 or 5 times during the challenge and every time, the minor stains have come out. I'm dumbfounded! Action shots?
DeleteAnd one of the reasons I love your blog is the "dressing up"
I forgot how good layering can look.
ReplyDeleteLove the grandkids style.
Jane--I've never really layered much...and this month of 100+ degrees temperatures is not the time to start.
DeleteThe layering is great.
ReplyDeleteThe skates also! White and red. Classic but also funky.
Jaljen--thank you. And, yes, the skates are definitely funky!
DeleteI would gladly risk a limb just for a pair of roller skates and 75% off - bargain!! I've been looking for a pair that fit for age - second hand of course:) You look so frisky leaning against the balcony, like "hey fella, when you gonna take me for a whirl?" Oh those gorgeous boys, I think we have the same ideas about gender boundaries - I have none. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteDesiree--Sometimes our bargains get us in trouble. No broken bones yet. I don't think I have many gender boundaries either, although I don't display that too much on Rags.
DeleteLooks like the boys are wishing for aloha days with a cool ocean breeze.
ReplyDeleteRoseAG--the older one, who has visited Hawaii, was indeed doing a hula...and the swishing of the skirts did suggest a cool breeze.
DeleteRoller skates! Couples roller skating!
ReplyDeleteYou two are gonna have SO MUCH FUN. and so will eerynody who gets to watch probably, if you are that out of practise! :D
EXCELLENT buy. My sweetie's a bit nervous aboutconibg skating with me as he'd only skateboarded (and not for years) - race you to world standard doubles skating accolades?
Claire--Yes, we've joked about the husband twirling me around in circles on one skate! Doubt that ever happens, as we are a bit more fragile than we once were. I say, let the sweetie skateboard!
DeleteGreat pictures! Love the hula shot.
ReplyDeleteApril--thank you. The older grandson's father remarried in February in Hawaii. I think this grandson was quite impressed with the hula dancers he saw there.
DeleteThe white skirt/top with the layers and the converse shoes...so adorable.
ReplyDeleteAs a young girl, I had a lovely wardrobe trunk with lots of my Mom's old 50's style prom dresses to play with. I used to get the neighborhood boys to dress up with me and play beauty pageant!
Love the boys hula costumes!
Lisa--Oh, that dress up trunk sounds marvelous! And did you always win the beauty pageant?
DeleteI love seeing your boys dress up - the pure joy on their faces makes me smile. And I really like your layered tees look - it makes me ready for slightly cooler weather, when layering is de rigeur : >
ReplyDeletePatti--As a midwesterner, who has baked and baked for over a month now, I am DEFINITELY ready for cooler weather, if not for fall. If this is indeed, global warming, our clothes are gonna have to change.
DeleteYou are really inspiring me with this challenge. You look so elegant and chic - and fun in the roller skates. I can't roller skate but can roller blade. I miss the days when The Teen wanted to go to the skating rink every weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love the pic of the boys in the hula skirts. When I was there age, our family lived on an island about 500 miles away from Hawaii. We loved to hula dance :)
Lynne--Do not, I repeat, do not, attempt such a challenge if you have to get up and go to an office every day. I'm working totally from home this summer...and can get away with it.
DeleteI want to see you on the roller blades. And hear the story about living on an island...
You must be a fun grandma! How sweet are your boys. I think I'm almost ready to be one but neither of my kids are anywhere close to getting married....sigh.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing such a good job with the challenge! Have fun roller skating!!
~Jeannie
Jeannie--Yes, I suspect that we have several adult children who may never have children of their own...and that's okay. They take their aunt and uncle responsibilities seriously. A child can never have too many loving adults around.
DeleteYour grandsons are a joy to behold, I love how little boys have no inhibitions with wearing frocks, my friend's nephew is the same, he loves the maxi dress she wore as a child bridesmaid in the 70s and wears it at all family gatherings.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing admirably with the challenge, well done! x
Vix--I actually had other photos of the oldest, wearing women's items that were NOT in the dress-up collection. I didn't publish them for fear of what his father might have to say about that. I love the story about the nephew!
DeleteGreat perseverance with the challenge!! And you still look great. What I love most about this post is the last photo of you looking happy, tired, and fearless in those one-buck roller skates! Your grand kids are charming - I can feel their energy from here.
ReplyDeleteMelanie--thank you! I think I've started to "hit the wall" with the challenge. I wish that I got out of bed with their energy in the morning...no such luck.
DeleteI am so glad to see your grandsons clowning around, my grandsons are here and had a laff at their outfits....altho Jalen said he would not wear the Hawaiian skirt (and I do have some). I have dress up clothes /Halloween clothes for the kiddos too.
ReplyDeleteI love the black/white skirt combo, so clean and classic.
Linda--I'm glad my grandsons and your grandsons have "met." You've been busy with those boys of yours I see...fun outings you're having.
DeleteYes -- what Bella said: that colorful skirt catches my eye every time, too. Love it. Those little black shoes are adorable, too. And the dressed up grandchildren go without saying! Thanks for the smile.
ReplyDeleteAnne--The colorful skirt is the ONE item of my six that was MADE in AMERICA, and it is probably the sturdiest piece of the bunch as well.
DeleteWhat a cool grandma you are!! I love the costume idea...I use to have such a box for my own children. They look like they are having so much fun!!! I really like the top you have on in the first picture! Happy Sunday, Terri!
ReplyDeletePam--What ever became of your costume box? Sometimes there are useful things in them for modern-day ensembles.
DeleteLooks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteFashion Hour--Welcome to Rags! And, yes, we polished off the skating session with huge chunks of watermelon, a hot weather staple.
Deletelook at you in the roller skates! Looks like the grandkids keep you very young. I love your all white outfit
ReplyDeleteMeri--Grandkids DO keep one young and they are much "easier" than raising one's own children.
DeleteI love the white look with the red accents (and that necklace is beautiful!)! Your grandkids look like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteChalkdust--Yes, the cinnabar necklace is a treasure to me, as I'll likely never visit China myself.
DeleteOh wow! that was brave with the roller skates! I've haven't done that in years.
ReplyDeleteMy fave outfit is the white skirt with black and white t-shirts!
StyleAgent--I was never very fancy at skating although I could go around and around in my day. I've been surprised to see the skills my husband has on wheels.
DeleteThe boys are adorable!! love them in the coconut bra's and hula skirts!!
ReplyDeleteLove the white top and skirt outfit!!
Rock those skates (carefully!!!)
Tamera
Tamera--My daughter has sort of taken over the skates. She's a bit better at them than I am...less cautious.
Deletesome of my favorite memories are from the dress-up box at my grandma's house. how fun for the boys! i am intrigued by this fishnet idea...very interesting! as for those skates. what a great buy! i hope you and the hubbie have many days of roller skating dates ahead!
ReplyDeleteTwoBirds--Thus far, I haven't seen hubby on his except inside his workshop. We keep discussing "safe" places to skate.
DeleteAww, the boys in the hula outfits are too cute!! I like the way the layered tees turned out, but I'm sure it got pretty steamy when you stepped outside! And roller skates!! What fun!
ReplyDeleteShea--I had plotted out nearly a week of layered looks, none of which can work in the heat we are having. I'm really scrambling for ideas now...
DeleteThe coconut bras! Ha ha ha!
ReplyDeleteWendyB--Yes, I think the bras reveal that those of the male gender have an EARLY and ABIDING fascination with breasts. No?
DeleteBe careful on those skates! I love your expression in that last photo. Your little guys are TOO adorable. I love their freestyle approach to dressing up.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to pray but I'm gonna pray you get some cooler weather asap.
Susan--Yes, the beauty of grandchildren is all the adventures they lead you on...
DeleteThanks for the positive thoughts--crops are lost, foundations are cracking, and trees are dying, all for lack of water.
Cute kids :) I've been in enough hot weather to know that 100 degree days are about the same as rainy, stormy days. You just have to stay inside and hope nature doesn't get in, haha.
ReplyDeleteI really like the layered tees. It's a great casual look. The Converse go perfectly, too.
Catie--I like the layered tees too, but the weather is not cooperating with many of the layered looks I'd hoped to sample.
Delete$1 for roller skates - that's the best deal ever! You are very brave Terri, I am a complete klutz myself balance wise. I really like the cinnabar outfit with the red converse shoes. Your grandsons look like they are having a great time with you.
ReplyDeleteNarda--Yes, I know that the skates were a steal. We thought they were a bargain at $4. And, yes, I have my "moments" with the grandsons.
DeleteI feel like it would be pretty hard not to repeat with only six items - and those skates look fun!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Lyddie--Well, I've tried to be creative with all the accessories, but many of the ideas I had plotted out won't work because of the heat...
DeleteYay for roller skates!!! Sarah xxx
ReplyDeleteSarah--Do you skate?
DeleteOh to have you as a grandmother! Endless fun! The last photo captures your playful and spontaneous side. I admire your persistence with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteJudith--Because of the weather, I've felt like a "dud" of a grandma lately. I need all this encouragement to keep going...it gets harder and harder!
DeleteRollerskates! You are so fun and so brave! Have you been loving them? I bought tap shoes at a thrift store once and it took me five years to sign up for tap lessons afterwards, but I'm proud to say those $1 got used!
ReplyDelete--Vivienne
Thrifted Shift--Yes, the skates are fun and they are scary. The grandsons believe they are "teaching" me to skate--although they have in-line skates. And, you've just reminded me, I have tap shoes too!
Deleteoh my...rollerskates!! I so wanted to beable to skate when I was a kid but alas it appears I have zero balance....well done!!
ReplyDeleteYoungatHeart--I'm more than a little worried about my own balance at this age. When I was young, we had skates with metal wheels that clamped on to our shoes.
DeleteGrandma on roller skates and the boys as hula girls - you're having a great summer! I love the look of the layered tops, definitely something I'll try as soon as our hot summer weather allows!
ReplyDeleteTerry - what cute photos of your grandkids playing dress up - you have a dress up box and go roller skating! What a fun grandma!
ReplyDeleteYou do black sheer so well - it's my favourite look on you!
I can't decide who looks like they are having more fun. The kids in their outfits or you in your skates.
ReplyDeleteDarla
What a great post! I love the picture of you in the roller skates. I love skates, not blades! Take it slow, bend your knees and keep your arms out for balance! BTW, you look great in the black sheer-sleeved top. XO, Jill
ReplyDeleteMy sister bought us some skates last year...it's not as easy as I remember!!
ReplyDeleteThe thing that makes this blog really fun, for me anyhow, isn't really so much all the clothes as getting snippets about your life and family. I think you are either really brave or quite insane to have purchased roller skates, then again perhaps you are more coordinated than I am. We skated at the rink every week when I was little. We took all the neighbourhood kids and I remember Mom made the girls a little sleeveless dress with a v. short full skirt as a reward for managing to skate all the way around the rink without holding onto the rails. Boys got a little brightly coloured vest to wear. I can remember that Mom could skate - I still have her ice skates somewhere - and she must have been in her 40s when she was doing that. Thanks for reminding me of this!
ReplyDelete