monday is the new friday
when was the last time you played hooky and took a day for yourself? went to a movie? got a massage or a mani-pedi? called up your daughter for an impromptu lunch? self-care is one of the most important things and something we’re all guilty of not investing enough in. today, i’m throwing on on a pair of fall flared jeans, a suede jacket (similar here), and my snakeskin boots and heading out for a day to and for myself. come join me.
when my kiddos were growing up, i would periodically let them stay home from school and take a “mental health day”. my mother was the first to coin that phrase and it stuck like glue. thanks, mom! a mental health day was always unannounced—a total surprise. to get to sleep in late on a monday. to get to go out to lunch with your kiddo or mom on a tuesday. to get to watch a movie in the early afternoon on a wednesday. theses are all little things, but go such a long way to rejuvenate ourselves. in this crazy mixed up world, the weeks can feel like and oftentimes are an endless source of anxiety. there are now entire industries built around mindfulness and centering to help us combat the stress of modern living. no doubt these are good things—extremely helpful to be sure. but sometimes the simple act of playing hooky helps just as much.
some kind of flared blue jeans
i’m stepping into monday with high waisted flared jeans, a suede jacket (similar here) that screams fall has arrived and an affordable pair of affordable snakeskin boots. but i would be remiss if i didn’t point out the adorable sleeveless blouse that keeps this ootd on its toes. the blouse from Nic & Zoe available at Nordstrom is appropriately called mark your calendar. guess who couldn’t resist adding it to her wardrobe? the neutral color scheme has versatility written all over it. and i loved the addition of a ruffled collar that adds a hint of femininity.
who thinks the flared blue jeans are the star of this outfit? besides me? i’m just so happy to see a variety of denim silhouettes available this year in addition to our long-time favorite straight legs, boyfriend, or skinny jeans. there’s certain to be a pair of denim that suits you to a T.
walk all over monday (in snakeskin boots)
last week on the blog, i showcased a variety of different purses and luxury bags of varying price points. there’s no need to break the bank with the sticker shock that comes with a luxury handbag. don’t forget luxury handbags retain their value and are so well made that they’re worth every penny. but a few of my favorite brands’ Coach, Tory Burch, Brahmin, Michael Kors or Patricia Nash also produce well-made handbags that will last a lifetime.
denim | blouse | (similar) suede jacket | snakeskin boots | (similar) belt | (similar) handbag
in our first episode of style secrets over on YouTube, i first showcased this wonderful snakeskin boots from JCPenney. (video below.) animal prints, shoes, and bags are a big part of my fall wardrobe. i can’t get enough of them. snakeskin is big, big, big this year. but leopard or zebra print are shown in abundance. so lots of choices this fall and winter to add texture to your outfit and give it a one-two punch.
heels are the perfect combination with flared denim—not only from an aesthetic perspective, but a functional one as well. this pair of high rise denim flares from Frame run loooong so heels are a must unless you want to visit your local tailor to alter the length. i’m wearing a size 29 which translates to my typical size 8.
suede operator
this suede jacket (similar here) has been a go-to of mine for the past several years. take a look here, here and here for different styling ideas.
denim | blouse | (similar) suede jacket | snakeskin boots | (similar) belt | (similar) handbag
all right, gang! the week is officially underway. i hope you had a wonderful weekend, and i hope that if you find yourself stressed or anxious, you will carve out a little bit of time for yourself this week. before you sign off, make sure to say “hi” in the comments below. let me know the last time you played hooky. where did you go? and what did you do?
I have this J Jill jacket and it’s one of my favorites. I also got it on a fabulous sale one year, so it was a 1/4 of the cost. I felt like I’d gotten a real steal. I wear it constantly come fall/winter. I remember wearing jeans like this–I haven’t tried ’em yet, but they’re great for boots and booties, too. Nice fall look.
Played hooky last week and went to an afternoon movie with girlfriends to see Judy. By the way, the movie is so good and Renee Z. is an absolute star.
Thanks for a great blog! Have a day off today and going to steal your ideas!
Hi Beth! It’s been too long since I took a day for myself & with your nudge, it’s happening tomorrow! Have a lovely week!
Geez, I haven’t played hooky in so long, I think that I may have forgotten how it is done. Good reminder that we all need a mental health day now and then.
Yes! A big advocate of playing hooky and leftover birthday cake for breakfast the next day, even if it was a school day! It made their birthdays special and last longer…
Loved this post!
Beth,
So glad that you are taking a self-care day. Enjoy every minute!
Today is Canadian Thanksgiving so am enjoying a day off. No laundry on this Monday. I enjoy your blog a lot. I’m a classic girl too, always have been. Enjoy your day!
Hi Beth,
I love your blog and videos. This morning I was all set for the gym and read your blog. You’re right, I needed a hookey day. I enjoyed a lovely morning of shopping. The gym will still be there tomorrow and I’ll look back fondly on my relaxing Monday. Thank you for the good idea. Marlene
Great fall outfit Beth! I too am happy to see the long flare jeans this year! Sexy boots! – I agree that an occasional hookey day is a mood booster! Who needs all – business Mondays without a break now & then! 😊
I WOULD GIVE MY KIDS DAYS OFF TOO. I AM NOT TO GOOD ABOUT GIVING MYSELF A FULL DAY JUST A PORTION. Love the outfit tips.
I love the idea of “stolen moments”!
I would treat myself to a late night and a sleep-in morning.
I’d put something in my crock pot, spend the day doing little things or just resting.
Now that I’m retired I try to do this. While I was still in the workforce, taking a day off was highly problematic. No one did my work while I was gone and coming back to work for a day of double work erased all pleasure and benefits of a day off.
Dear Beth, I play “hooky” by allowing myself the JOY of reading your blog when I can. My heart goes out to you and your family since the recent passing of your dear husband to cancer. I feel like I can relate to you from a distance in soon many ways. I am 61 married 40 years to my high school sweetheart. I am the mother to two sons..and Grandmother to 3 grandchildren. I live in Omaha, NE so feel like we are connected. I also have the been the 24/7 caretaker to my elderly parents along with my brother. My Dad sadly passed from cancer last December…three days before Christmas and 9 days away from celebrating 62 years of marriage…he fought for 4 years. Now my Mom is suffering from dementia and the vibrant Mother that was there is fading. YOU are a wonderful inspiration to women of a certain age… you are sooo BEAUTIFUL in courageous way you have continued forward and your wonderful sense of STYLE….PLEASE continue on because you make so many people look forward to your blog posts!!! I can ESCAPE by reading your style suggestions, your Fridays with Oscar and all the other wonderful advice you give!!! THANK YOU>>BLESS YOU SWEET BETH!!