OOTD: Pretty for Power

This is what I'm wearing today. At home, and nowhere to go but walk Sam four times a day in our GLORIOUS Spring weather. I can't remember a Seattle Spring as beautiful as right now. Daytime highs of 16C - 20C with lots of sun and blue sky. It HELPS in all this uncertainty and anxiety. 

I was stressed early this morning. My Dad is still unwell, and recovery is not fast. But his spirits are good, he never complains, and he's getting good care in hospital. He has a small village looking out for him, for which I am VERY grateful. Hopefully, he'll feel better soon. 

One way I combat anxiety is by choosing a bright, playful and pretty outfit. Some people choose neutral tough hard edge to feel powerful and strong - and I choose soft, pretty and bright to feel powerful and strong. Horses for courses, always :)

Hence, I chose my favourite swooshy Spring skirt, a top in a happy colour, and a denim jacket with pretty pink embroideries. I am ALWAYS comfortable, and don't wear clothes or shoes that are not. 

The daily drill for my AT HOME LOOK: shower, hair that is harder and harder to style but effectively trimmed by Greg!, some make-up, an outfit that panders to my feelings when I get dressed, at home only sneakers, and some important accessories.

Mask for outside, and I swapped out my bag for Sam's afternoon walk because it was already downstairs. 

I'm feeling much calmer! My chin is UP. I’m strong and centered.  

#wegotthis

Thanks for looking. I'm off to bake another flourless apple cake because the one I winged last week was a huge success - was gone fast - and we want another! I hope to get the recipe out soon. Sam needs his third walk, and then it's back to sanitizing....

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50 Comments

  • anne replied 3 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your dad's slow recovery, and very glad you got to talk to him. Pic 4 is my favourite!

  • catherine replied 3 years ago

    Sending positive thoughts to you. It’s hard enough having an ill parent when you’re right there, but having him far away must be so worrying. I hope he gets better very soon.

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Anne, thank you. Keeping my chin up in #4 :)

    Catherine, thank you. 

  • rachylou replied 3 years ago

    High energy outfit! Sam is looking very Sammy. I didn’t realise your dad was staying in hospital, altho at this moment in time... would not want to be home alone...

  • CarolS replied 3 years ago

    Sending healing thoughts for your dad, Angie. Glad he has so many people looking out for him. I thought this outfit was killer before the denim jacket. Then I saw it with the jacket and it went to -- killer plus?! So pretty. And I love that you're showing with sneakers. My biggest challenge is always trying to figure out what to do with the darned fussy feet. Trying to internalize this look for myself. :-) 

  • Katya replied 3 years ago

    I have loved all of your outfits but this might be my favorite. You wear color so beautifully! It’s very difficult to not be with loved ones right now. You are a role model for staying positive and centered.

  • Helena replied 3 years ago

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! And Sam is soo cute, I could gobble him up!

    Sending love and light to your dear Dad. So stressful to deal with from afar, so sending lots of love to you too! xx

  • Christina F. replied 3 years ago

    Looking good! Hello from the east coast lockdown :)

  • AJ replied 3 years ago

    Gosh, each outfit with that yellow sweater gets better and better!  Love that pic of little Sam by the doorway.  

    Lifting up prayers for your sweet Dad!  His smile is probably making the medical staff's day.  :)

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Thanks for the compassion and best wishes for my Dad, ladies. I appreciate it. 

    Rachy, YES it's an energy outfit!

    Katya, what a sweet thing to say. Thank you.

    Helena, of course, Sam steals the show :)

    Christina, hope you are safe and strong in NYC!

    AJ, I have five yellow sweaters! They all work hard in my wardrobe....

  • slim cat replied 3 years ago

    Beautiful outfit - spring in bloom! Sam is so sweet in #6. 
    Your fab picture in #8 with "some make up" just shows what kind of "full make up" I'd like to accomplish some day :) ( perfect eyes with flawless skin tone ). No jokes - you look great!
    Enjoy the spring weather in Seattle.

  • Elle replied 3 years ago

    You look amazing in this. I love the yellow - so cheerful.  I've been heavily into neutrals and you've inspired me to dig out my (very few) colorful tops.  

    I'm so sorry about your father's illness but I'm sure he is receiving the best care in the hospital. I know that it is unbelievably stressful dealing with an ill parent when you are far away. 

  • Runcarla replied 3 years ago

    Best outfit!  I LOVE that skirt.  Was looking for something similar when I got my red one.  Can’t wait to wear it.  Not tomorrow.  Possibility of SNOW!

  • Jaime replied 3 years ago

    I am glad your father is in good spirits and receiving care. It is very frustrating not being able to visit. You look marvelous though! Yellow is such a bright and optimistic color - at least when you wear it!

  • replied 3 years ago

    My heart aches for you , Angie . In another time I know you would be there with him . I hope you can trust in the care he is receiving . Your outfit is simply amazing - one of my favourites yet . That skirt is so beautiful . Keeping a positive outlook is hard right now for everyone and however we have to do it is what we need to do .

  • kellygirl replied 3 years ago

    You're a ray of sunshine, Angie. So glad your dad is in good hands. You look amazing and Sam is so lucky! Looking forward to your apple cake recipe!

  • Suz replied 3 years ago

    Angie, I'm so sorry about your Dad. REALLY glad he has excellent care, but I know you would much prefer to be nearby. And how hard it is to deal with, from a distance. 

    You look extraordinary in this bright, happy, outfit, and I'm sure it does help to lift your spirits and the spirits of all who encounter you. The skirt is so much fun, especially paired with sneakers. 

    And Sam is just hilarious. What a scene stealer he is! 

  • Brooklyn replied 3 years ago

    You look gorgeous. Absolutely radiant.

    I’m copying you by trying out sneakers at home. Question: I take it you switch to another pair when you walk Sam? Is it a duplicate or a different pair?

  • Bonnie replied 3 years ago

    You are so gracious and positive even through these tough times. You lift my spirits with your attitude and outfits. Because of your inspirational daily photos, I, too, have been dressing in my Out and About Outfits even though I'm staying home. It helps. A lot.

  • cindysmith replied 3 years ago

    Angie, so sorry your dad is having a rough go of it right now, and so sorry the coronapocalypse is preventing you from traveling to him. That is rough so I'm sending (((hugs)))

    The outfit is sassy and bright and I love it. Also? Sam is adorable :-D

  • nemosmom replied 3 years ago

    Angie, you look positively radiant!  I am so sorry to hear your dad is still unwell. I know how difficult it feels to be so far away and limited in how you can help him. Please send some of your sunny weather (and disposition) this way! ;)

  • kkards replied 3 years ago

    Angie, sending hugs...it’s so hard to be away from a loved one when they are sick, to know that  all you want to do is sit with them and hold their hand but your stuck miles (or in this case continents) away. 

     But you’ve got the power of positive dressing down pat...the colors and the twirling skirt, and CEO Sam as  the ultimate accessory. Perfection 

  • Staysfit replied 3 years ago

    Angie, I am sorry to hear about your fathers continued illness.  I hope he recovers fully and can return to his usual routines.  It is nice that he has community support but I am sure you would like to be there with him.  


    Your use of happy and energizing colors for power is genius.  Since I am spending long hours on video, my energy boost has come from bright lip colors.  I also make sure to dress and do hair and makeup daily.  

  • Bijou replied 3 years ago

    Like Bonnie, your OOTD’s have helped me dress up whilst being at home and it does help. Really hoping that your Dad makes a good recovery and you can travel to be with him soon.

  • sarah replied 3 years ago

    Oh, Angie, somehow I missed that your dad is not well. I'm so sorry. How incredibly difficult to be unable to be there with him. Sending you big virtual hugs.

  • Inge replied 3 years ago

    I love your outfit, of course, and I love how much fun you are having taking these pics:-)))
    I bet Sam is enjoying it too!

    Thinking about your darling Papa every day! xxx

  • lyn67 replied 3 years ago

    Sorry to hear your dear Papa is in hospital at the moment- and I can imagine how hard is for you to keep your chin up-but this outfit is worth a million bucks for keeping you and your crowds positive! Are video chats allowed for patients there? Think  your smile and sunny colors could  help heal him earliest possible!! Big hugs and my best healthy wishes for both of You!

  • pil replied 3 years ago

    So festive and springy - like your Dutch tulips!

  • Janet replied 3 years ago

    I love that skirt and you wear it so beautifully!

    I’m continuing to send good vibes your dad’s way. I can only imagine how stressful and worrisome it is to be so far away at a time like this, with him in the hospital. I’m glad he has good care, but there is nothing like being there. It must be so very hard, and I applaud your strength and resilience.

  • Joy replied 3 years ago

    So sorry to hear that your dear Papa is still feeling poorly but it sounds like he is in a good place for care. Sam looks like he does not understand the mask wearing or wants one too. I love the power skirt with your bright daffodil sweater. Send that lovely weather this way. The whole week will be record-breaking cold with lots of new snow, but today the sky is blue and the sun is out. Maggie is limping badly this morning so no walks.

  • Joyce B replied 3 years ago

    I hope you dear Dad recovers soon and is back to his routine.
    Lovely outfit for strength. Your yellow is my red, that is what I wear for strength.

  • replied 3 years ago

    Love this- it's one of my favorites :) Best wishes for your dad's recovery too!

  • Mainelady replied 3 years ago

    I’m wishing your dear dad a smooth and complete recovery.  Healing does take time.
     I love your cheerful and energetic outfit!  The denim jacket with the flowers is the perfect topper to match your skirt and the fabulous spring weather!

  • texstyle replied 3 years ago

    Just a quick note to say I'm thinking of you and your Dad and hoping he is feeling better soon. Your lovely outfits lately full of color would certainly lift his spirits. :-).

  • JAileen replied 3 years ago

    Wonderful Spring outfit.  I hope your dad gets better soon!

  • Marilyn replied 3 years ago

    What a gorgeously bright and uplifting outfit!  Looking fab as always, Angie. :)

    So sorry to hear about your dad.  I can commiserate.  My MIL is 93 and her legs have just stopped working.....progression of dementia/alzheimers.  She can't remain in the home she is in because they require their residents to be ambulatory.  The timing couldn't be worse and we have no idea what's going to happen with her and how.  Also, we're in different provinces and the border is closed.  Stressful!

    Would love to see some of your favourite healthy recipes posted. 

    Also, what is on your condo floors?  I admire it every time you post WIW's.  The colour is gorgeous....looks like wide strips of something.  My home needs new flooring.  Of course I can't currently shop but I can plan. :)

  • Christina F. replied 3 years ago

    Angie - we are still okay here. Miraculously. everyone I know is well, as far as I have heard. I hope your father is out of the hospital soon!

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Oh, my word. Thanks SO much for the compassion and empathy for my Dad. Your soothing and kind comments mean a lot. If my brother and I were allowed to travel -  of course, we'd be by his bedside. Obviously, that is impossible with COVID-19. I hope to see Dad in the Summer.


    UPDATE: All things considered, Dad is doing okay in hospital today. He is receiving great care.

    Slim Cat, you are sooo gracious. Good light does good things for your skin in photos. I have dermatitis!

    Elle, yay!

    Carla, god away snow. Aren’t pleated skirts fun!

    Jaime, I’m with you on optimistic yellow…..

    Lisa P, you are right. We all have to do WHATEVER keeps our spirits up. I found my outfit helped quite a bit.

    Kelly, you are sweet, and the apple cake recipe is live in Off Topic.

    Suz, of course, CEO Sam steals the show! Yes, the blush sneakers are especially matchy-matchy :)

    Brooklyn, YES. I’ve designated THREE pairs of unworn duplicated sneakers to AT HOME ONLY. The sneakers that you see in the outfits do not go outside. I change into these sneakers when I go out:

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    bonnie and Bijou, I’m humbled to have inspired your quarantine styles. WOOHOOO!

    Cindy, YES, Sam is sooo adorable, I can barely stand it….

    Nemosmom and Janet, you are as gracious as ever.

    kkards, if we can’t stay positive, what is the point, right? Thank you!

    Staysfit, from one colour gal to another - HIGH FIVE! Like the sound of you fun video lippie :)

    Sarah, virtual hugs back.

    Inge, thanks my sweet and wonderful friend. Your support is a gift.

    Lyn67, no video chats unfortunately, but what a sweet suggestion. I can phone the ward, thankfully. The nurses are GREAT.

    Pill, I LOVE TULIPS! My fave.

    Joy, go away snow! AWFUL. Hang in there! The mask gets in the way of kisses, and Sam is not impressed….

    Joyce, YES. I also happily bat for Team Red. 

    Suntiger, a skirt to make you happy!

    Mainelady, I can see you in the denim jacket!

    Texstyle, my Dad does like a colourful outfit - and dresses and skirts. He’d like this one!

    JAileen, :)

    Marilyn, OH NO! How stressful :( REALLY hope you find a solution for MIL. Sorry the timing is just so blasted rotten.Good luck! Flourless apple cake recipe posted. As for our floors - the loft came with them. Some sort of wooden tile? We will replace it all when we remodel.

    Christina, you are blessed. Keep it that way! 

  • Jane replied 3 years ago

    Thinking of you and your family Angie. I am so sorry for the separation that the virus is causing.

    It is a gorgeous skirt! And I wore a pleated skirt too today, following your lead. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • Laurie replied 3 years ago

    I am sure that your Dad must be so cheered up by pictures, and live video, of you looking like this every day. A tonic!

    There is literally no one more bright and cheerful than you in any aspect of my current life. Grazie!

  • Sal replied 3 years ago

    Thinking of you Angie during these times.  Definitely tough with your Dad being unwell and I am pleased he has great care.

    This skirt and outfit is just lovely on you.  As others have said - a ray of sunshine.

  • The Cat replied 3 years ago

    You really look fabulous--and young! I can't believe you are 50 this year ... And Sam is ever adoring.

    Best wishes for your dad, Angie. I know how frustrating it feels to be unable to be with loved ones when they need you. I am worried for my parents (87 and nearly 90). They are having a difficult time now with mimimal help, but are so brave and never complain. Somehow, it seems to me that many from the oldest generations manage the present situation better than younger ones. Having been through World War II and many other difficulties in life seem to have made them stronger.

  • Cee replied 3 years ago

    My very best to your dad, Angie and to all going through health concerns during this bastard of a time.

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Jane, you are so nice. Go Team Pleated Skirts!

    Laurie, if only I could send my Dad pics. No cell phone. Thanks for the gracious words!

    Sal, you are so lovely :)

    The Cat, you are SOOOO right. The generation of our parents - Papa is 88 - is very, very tough. They lived through WW2 and had nothing for a long time. My Dad never complains. I hope your parents find enough support and care. It's very worrying. Best of luck to you and them. xo

    Cee, thank you.

  • Cee replied 3 years ago

    Go, Team Dutch !  

  • Becky replied 3 years ago

    What a wonderful, cheery look to pull you out of the doldrums! Thoughts and prayers for your Papa's speedy healing.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 3 years ago

    Beautiful Angie! Hugs to you.

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Thanks, ladies. You are fabulous :)

  • Zaeobi replied 3 years ago

    Here's hoping your dad is doing OK.

    Maxi skirts & long or 3/4 sleeved tops is becoming a key silhouette in my wardrobe - need to track down more pleated ones like yours! I love that shade of yellow (on you) but for some reason I don't have it in a long sleeved top - will add it to the list for a post-virus shop!

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