Today, I want to share a comfortable but chic black and caramel outfit for women over 50. It includes a tunic dress with tights and a bit of animal print, how to care for your cashmere sweaters, and keeping houseplants hydrated when you are away.
And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
Also, I’d love to hear from you regarding what you would like to see more of here. There is a link at the bottom of the post.
1. Keeping Indoor Plants Hydrated
Here is my secret weapon for keeping our finicky fiddle leaf fig trees hydrated when we are traveling.
Terracotta Watering Stakes from Amazon. And now since I’ve disguised them with realistic Boston faux ferns at the base, we keep the stakes in the pots all the time. We like the spot lights on the trees at night.
2. Comfortable Black And Caramel Outfit Of The Week
Here is a relaxed but pulled together ensemble for going out to lunch or dinner.
The Pintuck shirt dress/tunic is from Anthropologie. I ordered a petite medium after my friend, Liana said it would be a good look for me (I trust her) — comes in Petite, Standard and Plus) •
Chunky Toggle Link Necklace • Affordable Italian Leather Bag By Quince • Spanx Tights* on Amazon • •Tasseled Cheetah Loafers On sale at Talbots • Fave Cashmere Wool Poncho (44% off) • Anthro Tortoise Shell readers (I get compliments on these) J. Crew bangle
*these are rated the #1 tights according to InStyle magazine.
3. Caring For Cashmere
Four easy tips according sources:
- Hand wash. Turn your sweater inside out and let it soak in cool, soapy water (use a small amount of mild soap) for about five minutes, then rinse.
- To dry: Lay cashmere flat on a towel. Roll the towel and cashmere up together to gently squeeze out any excess.Unroll and lay the cashmere on a new towel. Let it air-dry completely.
- Cashmere sweaters should be folded instead of hung. Store them in a dark, preferably airtight spot with cedar chips and dried lavender to ward off moths and prevent mustiness.
- Pilling from day-to-day wear is pretty much unavoidable, which is why I use a sweater comb that my sister gave me. To remove excess pills, comb your cashmere in a single direction with light short strokes.
I’m still wearing this Cashmere Wool Poncho (44% off now in lots of colors). This photo was taken three years ago (I still have the Birdies tasseled loafers but the skinny jeans were donated). The poncho looks better using the sweater comb to de-pill.
For de-pilling: J. Crew sell cashmere sweater combs for $19.50 but my sister found ours above on Amazon for $11.75.
4. Cindy Hattersley On Wearing Camel And Black
Cindy has such great style. I loved her post on one of my favorite color combos, camel and black (which includes some cashmere items).
5. What To Watch: Bank Of Dave
Bank of Dave is a 2023 British biographical comedy-drama film. It’s a true story and it hooks you with the charming cast of characters.
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann,
I’m going to try those terracotta watering stakes for my Monstera plants! Love that poncho and tips on washing cashmere! I hang mine outside in the cold air, but I think I may need to wash a few too.
I have not heard of that show…but we are in need of a new one!
The house must seem so quiet without Louisa running around…but I’m sure your next trip is already planned!
xoxo
Francesca B says
Ooo we so love the same things Mary Ann. I am saving the film to watch with my mum who is flying out to visit at 90 bless her heart. She loves the California sunshine especially now after Christmas. Lovely outfit too!
Happy New Year !!
Mary Ann Pickett says
That’s so great you will see her soon!
holly says
Thanks for the viewing tip especially one from the UK! Seems the only things I watch lately are those with British accents! LOL!
Happy New Year to you and your family.
cindy says
What great plant watering tips! Cute outfit of the week and I always love your tv recommendations! You guys find the best stuff!