Ageless Style Linkup: Valentine’s Day for One
I’m pleased to have been invited to join 10 wonderful women over the age of 40 in the Ageless Style Linkup. The linkup runs the first Monday of each month and features an outfit based on a single theme, with a different theme each month. Each month, one of the co-hosts invites a guest co-host to join us for the linkup.
This month’s theme, Valentine’s Day & Date Night Looks, was chosen by Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag.
I’ve always loved holidays. I love my birthday. I love any day that is different from all the other days. One gift my parents gave me was the gift of celebrating holidays. There were always cards and gifts. There was always an appropriately-shaped cake. Some decorations. No holiday was to be ignored.
But when you’re single and live alone with no family nearby, holidays can be very solitary. Over the years I’ve come to do less and less. In a busy life, it can be hard to make the time for decorations or special food or activity when you’re the only one to experience it.
And Valentine’s Day can really be a tough one for singles. All that love and romance floating around that day and none of it coming your way (<- depressing Valentine’s poem right there).
But…it’s hard to give up altogether. I’m off from work on Valentine’s Day this year, so I think I’ll take myself out to a decadent breakfast, maybe buy myself a little gift at a favorite shop in town…some flowers…and definitely dress in Valentine’s colors!
I do love a good pink and red mash-up. This is my super soft chenille kitten paw sweater I got a few years back that I generally don’t wear out of the house because…(stay with me here)….yes, it’s SUPER soft, literally like you’re wearing velvety kitten paws next to your skin (and not in a gross way). BUT it has weird “design holes” in the knit, little peekaboo holes. That if I were wearing it to work or anywhere out in public, would not be that appropriate. So, obviously you need to wear something underneath it – tee shirt, turtleneck, whatever. But THEN you don’t feel the velvety kitten paw softness next to your skin, so what’s the point?! So I really only wear it at home where I can enjoy it.
Phew!
However, I did make an exception for today as I don’t have much pink in my winter wardrobe.
Do you have things like that – that you’ll only wear certain places or under certain circumstances? I had a friend many years ago that always told me I kept myself in a very small box. Hmm.
ANYWAY. I hope everyone has a happy Valentine’s/Galentine’s/Friday the 14th, whatever you wish to celebrate…or not!
And I hope you’ll take a look at the other ladies of the Ageless Style Linkup…I can pretty much guarantee their posts will be less depressing than mine!
P.S. Fun Fact: I’m wearing my worn-out and torn-up jeans! I’ve found no cropped length skinny jean replacement and it has really left a hole (ha ha, no pun intended) in my wardrobe! But as long as I keep my coat on you can’t see the tear, so…here I am, just living on the edge.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest
Bettye ~ Fashion Schlub Blog, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Daenel ~ Living outside the stacks Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter
Debbie ~ Fashion Fairy Dust Bloglovin, Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter
Jennie ~ A Pocketful of Polka Dots Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter
Julia ~ When the Girls Rule Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram
Kellyann ~ This Blonde’s Shopping Bag Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Twitter
Shelly ~ The Queen in Between Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Facebook
Shugunna ~ Nzuri N* Simplicity Blog, Pinterest, Instagram
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Amy Johnson
I didn’t think your post was depressing at all rather I found it very uplifting and encouraging. I think it’s great that you still celebrate the holidays and that you do something for yourself. I think many of us can be in a similar situation whether we’re married or not. My husband and I are empty nesters and a lot of holidays we have to spend alone, and it’s hard. But rather than sit home and mope we try to do something special just for us. Anyway, it’s nice to formally meet you and I love your look. It’s a perfect casual valentines look!
bettyewp
Thanks, Amy! Nice to meet you, too!
Well, I’m TRYING 🙂 Last year (2018) I got a small artificial Christmas tree, deeming it ridiculous to keep spending time and money on a live tree every year when, mostly, I’m the only one around to enjoy it. And I was miserable! This year, back to the expense and effort, but boy did I enjoy it!
Have a good week!
Iris
Love that outfit. The red scarf with the pink sweater – and the coat – all compliment each other. Love the jeans too, they look SO comfortable. What kind of problem did you have with them – I can’t remember? Is it fixable? Sometimes that would be worth it if they’re really comfty – but sometimes they’re just worn out.
The sweater sounds delightful to wear – looks good with the white turtleneck underneath, even though you can’t feel the softness. BTW, I was jealous just reading your description of it.
And I sure hear you about holidays. My family always made a big deal of them too – parents, husband, kids. Now they’re all gone or moved far away, so I have to make my own big deal 🙂
Happy early Valentines…
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I think they’re too far gone. The fabric in the seat and inner thigh have worn SO thin…the seat is what finally wore through…and it’s sort of two big holes connected by a tiny bridge of fabric. I really considered taking them to a tailor…but I just think they’ll spring a leak somewhere else really soon, so…not really worth the $$ risk 🙁
Kimberly F. Malkiewicz
You look great, Bettye! I love a good red/pink mashup, too! It is so sweet that you have those fond memories of your parents making special days. I really like the store front you found for your photos–so cute!
bettyewp
Thanks, Kimberly! I live near a charming town that is great for holiday decorations (and holiday themed photo shoots!).
Thanks for stopping by!
Ellibelle
This is such a great outfit on you! I’m loving that shade of pink on you and how well it coordinates with the red scarf! Beautiful coat too and loving the neutral colored shoes!
Ellibelle’s Corner
bettyewp
Thanks, Ellibelle!
I wait all YEAR to wear a pink top with that red scarf. I also have a similar pink scarf to go with a red top, if I find myself with one of those! I used to wear the pink and red color combo more throughout the year but there were always a couple people at work who would always comment “you look like Valentine’s Day!” and I was just like UGH. So I decided to just wait for Valentine’s Day, ha.
Thanks for stopping by!
Nicole of High Latitude Style
Love the combination of pink with red. It nicely lightens up the neutrals. Nice move to go with flesh color shoes. Thanks for hosting the party.
bettyewp
Thanks for stopping by, Nicole 🙂
When I bought those shoes last summer it was cuz they were pink. But ever since I got them home, they’ve definitely seemed more “flesh/nude.” Weird. You ever get something home and find it’s NOTHING like what you thought??
Deborah Stinedurf
Lol…your post isn’t depressing and mine might have you beat anyway in regard to the lack of hearts and flowers! Welcome to the group my friend, I’m so excited you joined us. I’m like the opposite of you. I think that holidays and my birthday have always been so important to me because as a child none of it was ever really celebrated at all. Valentine’s Day though? It’s never really been on my radar much for whatever reason. Forget my birthday cake though? You’re looking for an a$$ whoopin’! xo
PS…Definitely get yourself flowers!!! I always always have fresh flowers in my kitchen, they just make me happy.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
bettyewp
Oh, my birthday is THE DAY and no one better forget it! All these “it’s just another day” nay-sayers, BOO. It’s not JUST ANOTHER DAY. It’s MY day!
You know, there are spaces I’m motivated to bring flowers into…and spaces I’m not. This apartment just doesn’t lend itself to flowers somehow…even though it’s all the same furniture as the last apartment – which DID lend itself to flowers…and the same as in the apartment before THAT, which, again, did NOT lend itself to flowers. I’m thinking back through like the last 6 places I’ve lived and I’m definitely on an alternating “flowers yes/flowers no” schedule. Weird, right?? I can hear my “you keep yourself in a small box” friend’s voice in my head, ha ha.
I’m happy to be part of the group and looking forward to making new friends!
jodie filogomo
I’m so glad you’re part of the group Bettye, and we should celebrate every holiday. Valentine’s day is all about love and that’s for everyone.
And you basically distressed your own jeans….you’re turning into a DIY girl…ha ha.
OXOX
Jodie
ps…I do concur with the small box thought, then again we are all different. It’s not a bad thing!! It’s not for me, but it’s not a bad thing!!
bettyewp
Ha ha, yes, I distressed my own jeans 😉
Yeah, some things I’m “in the box” and kinda like it that way. And other things I’m NOT in the box!
Kellyann Rohr
Your plans for Valentine’s Day sound perfect! I have a husband at home but honestly I pick out and buy my own gifts – hahahaha!!! You deserve to spoil yourself a little and show some self love! Pink and red look so good together. Welcome to Ageless Style!
xo,
Kellyann
bettyewp
Thanks, Kellyann!
julia
So my parents never celebrated the holidays. Only did what was absolutely necessary. No one day (not even a wedding!) was worth the hassle. New dress? Why? Wrapping paper? Why? Needless to say even though I’ve tried to make holidays magical, especially when my kids were small, I don’t put much effort into them. And also you know you’re part of the permanent group now right? No guest-blogging. Just commitment commitment commitment! Ha ha! You were getting a lot of love when they decided to ask you just so ya know. Who needs dumb Valentines day?
bettyewp
Ha, yes, I know I’m an “official” Ageless Styler 🙂 I’m happy to be part of the group!
“You were getting a lot of love when they decided to ask you just so ya know.” Well, that’s nice to know, thanks for sharing. Made my day!
Shelbee on the Edge
Bettye, I love this pink and red mash up outfit! So cheerful and fun. And what a bummer that you can’t feel the softness of that beautiful sweater and be appropriately dressed to leave your house. I have actually bought sweaters like that for myself with the sole intention of only wearing them at home as well. Silly impractical designs sometimes! I love your attitude about holidays and treating yourself. I was just having a conversation (literally about 5 minutes ago) about how much I love my birthday, too. For as long as I can remember, I just get so excited that I survived another year of life and that is a worthy occasion for a celebration, in my opinion! Valentine’s Day, I can take it or leave it. But I do try to get a little festive just for the fun of it.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
bettyewp
Oh yeah, birthdays. I have one friend who wants nothing to do with her birthday or anyone else’s and another who wants to celebrate All the Birthdays All the Time! We’re the two singing happy birthday along with the waiters at a restaurant even when we don’t know the people. UP WITH BIRTHDAYS!!!
Shelly
Welcome to the crew Bettye! I remember my days as a single mom and how hard Valentines day (or heck most holidays) felt. I’m hoping to do something special for a few sweet single girls here in town who I know have struggled with reaching their 30’s and not being where they thought they would be in their love lives.
bettyewp
Oh, that is really thoughtful of you, Shelley! Now I want to do something like that, too! I guess if I googled “single girls Long Island” I’d get a personal ad site!
Shugunna
So glad to have you on board Bettye, love the post especially about the pants! Great sence of humor. You take really nice photos, love the pink and red with nude shoes combo.
bettyewp
Thanks! I’m happy to be part of the group! Can’t wait to hear what next month’s theme is.
Ruth Josey
Well I think you’ve chosen the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day and there’s nothing depressing about that. Since it’s a day that’s all about love, don’t forget the fur baby, too! Your outfit is wonderful and I love sweaters like that, too. It’s just too bad it’s not a piece you’re comfortable wearing out in public. Maybe just wear a camisole under it so you can feel it against all of the parts the camisole doesn’t cover? I’ll look forward to seeing what everybody else from the group has come up with. And thank you for hosting the link-up!
Ruth
https://voguefauxreal.com/2020/02/06
bettyewp
I will definitely include Janey in the Day of Love. She’ll be quite happy for me to lay on the sofa to read and/or nap, so she can lay on top of me. She’s not interested in food treats (whose daughter IS she??).
I’ve never met a camisole I could get along with. It’s a “wearing things under things” issue…which is NOT the same as “wearing things OVER things,” even though it sounds like it!