Back to Black

[TxZen]

After trying to rebuild just about everything in my life, my wardrobe is back to basic black. Mix in a few pair of jeans, some brown leather pieces (shoes, belt, purse), 2 white t shirts, sneakers and 1 pumpkin orange fleece, I am back to black with everything else. SOOO much easier!!! I have bought about 12 pieces in my wardrobe, 1 pair of Birkenstocks and 1 pair of tall black boots, I am all set for now. I will be adding a winter coat later on. I was lucky my winter hat, scarf and gloves were not ruined.

I am finding I am loving finding quality pieces. I found the most comfy, soft black v neck sweater. I think it's part cashmere. So soft and comfortable!!! I also found this dress on sale for $59...

http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection/ShopByCategory/Dresses/PRD_S5HOC-D3254M/Deep+VNeck+ElbowSleeve+Layering+Dress+in+Organic+C otton+Hemp+Twist.jsp

I love it!! It has some weight to it but not so heavy it's uncomfortable.

The boots I found are Ralph Lauren, again, on sale.

[JaneV2.0]

That's a wonderful dress--infinitely accessorizable!

A great song, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJAfLE39ZZ8

[TxZen]

That's a wonderful dress--infinitely accessorizable!

A great song, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJAfLE39ZZ8

+1

[freshstart]

love the dress!

Black was my go to color for almost everything with a colorful purse, so easy. Then I had this ancient old lady as a patient for 2 yrs and every visit, "why so much black? Just because I'm dying, doesn't mean you have to dress like it! color, girl, color!" 2 yrs is a long time, and I had gained weight and needed new tops anyway, so I got a few colorful ones for her. She was so funny, "that's progress. Now, about the hair...." She despised clogs, asked me my shoe size, gave me a garbage bag full of her old high heels that were 2 sizes bigger than what I wore, "close enough!" She told the chaplain, she couldn't die, she had to "fix" me!

she kinda needs to come back, lol

[TxZen]

Freshstart, that is funny.....

I do try break it up. I have a 2 denim shirts that I had with me (1 in the car, 1 in my suitcase), jeans, a touch of white and wearing some brown leather helps it from being so morbid. LOL I would like to get something in hot pink, as it's my favorite color. Perhaps a new scarf and a purse. I would love to do the whole colored heels thing but with knee surgery and arthritis, not happening. :) I was looking at some nice silk blend tops, perhaps a nice blue or something. I don't want to add a lot.

[freshstart]

I think Garnet Hill carries Eileen Fischer and they have other modern yet simple pieces

[TxZen]

And some added extra stuff outside clothing items:


Update:

Black Tall Boots
Brown tall boots
black birkenstocks
2 white t shirts
3 pairs of jeans
black dress
V neck sweater
1 black t shirt
1 camel trench coat with removal liner
2 striped french sailor shirts- one black and white, one light pink and white
2 chambray button down shirts
1 pink fleece
workout gear and sneakers


I like this idea..without the high heels..maybe one pair of kitten heels
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145874475407746570/

And this one, again, no high heels:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/370491506822948021/

I returned the pumpkin orange fleece and 1 black shirt that wasn't quite right. I also ordered a leather jacket online and I think it will add to the whole ensemble. OH and I have some local who is going to knit me a scarf like this..heavy chunky but in pink...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/245283468/oversized-scarf-knitted-scarf-oversized?ref=shop_home_active_16


I still have to find a nice white button down, ballet flats, black purse/bag and a bathing suit.

Make up- I simplified tremendously. I bought my favorite mascara in carbon black, Revlon lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon, some bb cream/light color "foundation" (it is VERY sheer and I love it), lip balm/conditioner, cheek stain and some light finishing powder. I found they had opened my top drawer to my dresser and threw bleach in there and again, I didn't know if they had done something to my makeup. I also bought some beautiful perfume. I feel so French and lovely!!!

Skincare- I purchased my favorite cleanser, toner and moisturizer, add in a nice mask (love me a nice mask), yummy body lotion, deodorant, pretty nail polish in light pink, and I purchased all I need to make my homemade body scrub. I also replaced a majority of my essential oils- lavender, vanilla, orange, peppermint and rose. I bought some body wash that matches the perfume scent and some fancy shampoo. Yes I am indulging but at this point, I am worth it!!! Oh and I got myself a pedicure, which I hadn't had one in over 6 months.

And I bought a HUGE bottle of bubble bath- for my son and hubby. Never too old for a fun bubble bath. :)

I bought 3 sets of fancy under garmet sets. SO worth my sanity!!!

[Radicchio]

TxZen, As I read this I have two thoughts: (1) It sounds like you are going about this very thoughtfully and are really using this opportunity to start over very effectively. (2) I realized the vandalism of your home was extensive, but now that I read about all you have to replace I'm amazed that the destruction of your home and its contents was so complete---it appears that nothing was unscathed.

[TxZen]

Radicchio- they dumped out 2 bottles of bleach from my laundry room on anything that was soft- furniture, curtains, clothing, rugs...it was bad. They also think they had dumped some products from the garage. :( There were a few things that made it out- mostly the safe items, some of my hubby's uniforms that were tucked behind some other clothes, my son's play station of all things (I don't think they saw it). I feel so skeeved out with other people touching my stuff, I dumped EVERYTHING!!! My OCD has kicked in BIG Time and I didn't want to sleep in my bed or with my blankets. They broke all the mirrors and dishes. Here is where simple living got the best of us...we don't have much stuff, so it was easy to go through. This has been their MO...destroying everything they can get their hands on. It's my understanding in the newer houses they destroyed walls and pulled up tiles and spread glue of some sort all over the windows. Yep..crazy...

All I can describe it as is when we my parents used to by fixer upper houses and it looked like someone trashed it out and left it for years. They also think it happened on a Friday and we came home on Sunday night..so it had a few days to marinate.

I am trying to be more purposeful and thoughtful in all we bring buy and bring in. It's been quite an exercise in patience and being more conscious. I could write a lot more because it's been so fascinating to work through my own thinking about stuff and life.:)

[freshstart]

turning such a tragedy around with sound thought processes is amazing to watch. You're doing great!

Do they think this is one group of burglars doing all this damage, do they have an idea as to who it could be? It's one thing to break in take the cash and jewelry and tv, what they did is sick, sadistic and cruel

[TxZen]

They think it is a group of former workers. I guess something happened between the home builder/planner and the actual workers. I know at one point there was some protesting that made the news. We also have a lot of issues with illegal immigrants working the labor jobs. The town made the police cracked down on the hiring contractors and it was such a big hub bub. I don't know a lot, but they think this group has stolen equipment and tools from other sites and I do now know I am not the only house to be hit. I think it was a perfect storm, because we always take our dogs when we travel. Had they been here, they would have had to get passed 200lbs of dogs. :) This case might be going all the way up to a higher level (sorry I don't know legal terminology) because they are trying to say this is a result of the actions of the original home builders. I don't know about all that, but it sure is crazy.

As far as attitude, my life has been a roller coaster and I have learned to live now, laugh now, don't sweat the insane. I am glad my family and furries are ok and hey, I got my house painted again. :)

[freshstart]

all good things and I am glad your dogs wren't home, in case they hurt them. Best wishes in your starting over

[Radicchio]

Just want to say, having had a house broken into but no deliberate vandalism (just a huge mess as they upturned every drawer and went through everything including dumping out food everywhere---evidently looking for cash hidden away somewhere). Anyway, we did come home to a huge mess but nothing like the complete destruction you found. Nevertheless, I felt the same feelings of being violated and somewhat insecure. I, too, reacted in a very OCD manner. Any food they had touched was thrown away. All of the clothes in drawers and closets that they dumped out were washed repeatedly before I could wear them again, etc. You're doing a great job starting over and focusing on the positive. That will be a reassuring model for your son, as well. I hope your next step---selling that house and getting out of the crazy neighborhood---goes smoothly (and quickly) for you guys. Then you can really put it all behind you and enjoy the future.

[TxZen]

Thank you!!! Yes, they dumped everything but like I said, we don't have the normal amount of stuff, so they didn't get anything from us. I think they were more bent of destroying stuff.

[Tina B]

'my 89 year old mother always tries to tell me what to wear, too. She's been doing it all my life. Tina

[TxZen]

Update:
In light of the events, I have been trying to be kind to myself. This means simplifying my wardrobe and a few other things. I have found it easier to get ready and with all the travelling I have been doing, packing has been super simple. Everything I need for a few days fits into a carry on bag.

I have been wearing the dress I first mentioned and I returned the Ralph Lauren boots and bought a pair of kinda edgy but not too scary looking mid boots. Much more comfortable and a little bad arse for me. I need that edge right now. I added 1 other Eileen Fisher piece, on sale...

http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection/ShopByCategory/Dresses/PRD_F5HOC-D3030M/Ballet+Neck+ShortSleeve+Dress+in+Organic+Cotton+He mp+Twist.jsp

2 pairs of jeans- one blackish, 1 denim, 2 black tank tops, 1 black v neck t shirt,1 oversized t-shirt, 1 sailor stripe shirt, 1 black long sleeve t shirt, 1 chambray shirt, 1 oversized sweater, 1 fleece, 1 pair loose yoga pants, 1 leather jacket, small cross body purse, backpack, wedding ring, 2 pairs of earring- diamonds and rope studs, 2 bracelets and 1 necklace, sneakers, Birkenstocks, 1 pair Cowgirl boots, undergarments and socks and 2 sets of tighter workout gear for around the house.

It's supposed to get colder next week, so I will be adding 1 camel-colored fuzzy sweater, hat, gloves, puffy jacket and leggings. Still waiting on my chunky scarf.

Make up- been wearing just a little blush to liven me up and some lip balm. Crying too much for mascara :( I have been indulging in baths and really taking care of my skin. I took coconut oil and some brown sugar and rubbed it all over my body from the neck down and then washed off. HINT- make sure you have cleaner in the shower to clean down the coconut concoction and steaming in the shower keeps it liquid enough to not clog the drain. :) Been doing that 2x a week and it's so nice.
Still getting my pedicures. Again, they have been very helpful, more emotionally than physically.

[freshstart]

this post feels consciously reassuring, hugs.

I really can't spend pedicures now, so I got an electric callus smoother well rated on Amazon for less than 1 pedicure. I'll give it a whirl.

[catherine]

I listen daily to a really great motivational guy, Brian Johnson, and one of the things that popped up in his summary of a Dan Millman book was "Treat yourself the same way you would treat an honored guest." That's a great thought for people who tend to put themselves on the back burner. TxZen, sounds like you're taking that approach--good for you! Such great therapy. Enjoy those pedi's!

As for the black simplified wardrobe, I'm a huge wearer of black. That's one reason I love to shop at White House Black Market. They sell almost all black and white clothes, but every season they bring in one accent color. I love it. Cuts down on so much decision-making!

[Ultralight]

I listen daily to a really great motivational guy, Brian Johnson

I too get great motivation from Brian Johnson!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA

http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1539&stc=1

[Gardenarian]

TxZen, it's really inspiring to see how you are serenely putting your life back together. You have tremendous strength!

Question: I'm looking for a reasonably priced, good quality, puffer down packable jacket for dd. Have you come across any? Everything I see is in the $200 range.

[freshstart]

Macy's- I just had to buy a winter coat. Found one 50% off the price no one pays, then 20% off. Two days later it was down $11 more, I called and they adjusted it down to $77. It fits me well for once, so I'm keeping it even though it's a bit high. It's nicer than the ones I ordered from Kohl's and Lands End and in the end, cheaper! All the coats at Macy's had great prices yesterday. Lands End had some packable into a pouch ones, but I don't need that so I didn't look at Macy's for that feature.

[catherine]

I too get great motivation from Brian Johnson!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA

http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1539&stc=1

Haha, that's not the Brian Johnson I listen to, but whatever floats your boat!

[TxZen]

I bought mine from LL Bean during a sale. The great thing is, if it rips, breaks, or otherwise, you can send it back and they will refund or replace for free.