WIWS: A Talbot's Happiness-Spreading Dress, with a Holiday Sweater

I just read a thought-provoking blog post called "I Miss Blogs."  It was written by Christy, whose site is called Fountains of Home, and it really resonated with me.  Christy talks about how much things have changed in the world of Catholic mom blogs in the past few years--and even I have noticed the difference.  So many people who used to post daily or almost daily (myself included!) have turned to other forms of social media, like Instagram, to get their writing fixes.  Some of the bigger blogs (like Camp Patton) have closed up shop altogether (and Grace, we sure do miss you!).  It seems that more and more blogs are filled with sponsored posts--which is a good thing for many moms who need to help with the family finances and are able to earn money from home, while caring for (and often homeschooling) their children.  But all these things have changed the flavor of the blogosphere a bit.

Amelia, from One Catholic Mama, made this comment on Christy's post: "I miss the old days as well. This past Sunday, I thought about linking up with WIWS, but then never did, because I felt silly linking up when not many other bloggers linked up either."  And it made me realize that I haven't really been that excited about the whole link-up thing lately, because I've had trouble even keeping up with my little old blog, to say nothing of trying to remember the fun weekly blog gatherings that I used to enjoy being a part of.  Truth be told, I haven't been a very diligent blogger in the year of Our Lord 2015 (this year, my output is about 1/3 what it's been each of the previous years since I started in 2011).  There are good reasons for this, of course; I've been on the road almost constantly, traveling about to visit my large and ever-growing family--which includes six grandchildren to date.

But like Amelia, I used to feel so energized by connecting with my fellow Catholic bloggers.  I used to get a kick out of linking up for What I Wore Sunday, and seeing the fashionable outfits all my blogging friends had put together to wear to Mass that week.  So because like Christy and Amelia, I miss the way I felt about blogging when I started out, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I'm going to do a WIWS post today.  Don't even try to stop me; I'm doing this.  I got my favorite fashion photographer out of retirement to snap some pictures for me.  So here we go.

The main component of my Mass outfit yesterday was a sleeveless knit sheath from Talbot's, purchased at an after-season sale last year for a whole lot less than the [much too high] regular price.  It's a beautiful purple color, one of my favorite shades.  (Confession: I got this dress in bright red and yummy green, too, because my husband insisted.  No lie, he insisted.  He's the best.)  My husband's sister, a Talbot's shopper from way back, has a theory about their classic, well-tailored clothing: she vows that it makes you feel so happy when you wear it that you end up spreading happiness wherever you go.  Everyone wins, you see. 

I love getting dressed up for Mass.  I adhere to the time-honored tradition of putting on your "Sunday best."  So even though we're not quite into the holiday season yet (despite the decorations that you're seeing at your local mall), I paired my happiness-spreading dress with a 3/4-sleeved black holiday sweater, embellished with sparkly beads at the neckline.  The sweater was a bargain-priced TJMaxx find.

I promise you, I am not four feet tall.  I tend to look extremely short and Hobbit-like in these WIWS photos.  I am wearing comfy flats (my go-to black ballet flats)...but still.

Completing the outfit: black opaque tights, a staple of mine.  Unless you're getting up there in years like I am, you may not be able to relate; but for this Grammy, there isn't a better varicose vein-hiding wardrobe item in the world than a pair of nice thick tights.

Let's take a close look at that holiday sweater, shall we?

Okay, my hair is hiding most of the gems, so let's try again.  (Thanks, honey.  I'll take it from here.  It's selfie time!)

Look at the way those beads reflect the light.  They make me as happy as my dress does!

There was one last accessory to complete the ensemble: my new Grace Kelly-style glasses, which my husband loves but which I still avoid wearing most of the time, because I can't get used to the old-school look of them.

I feel like this is how they look on me.

Although that's not so bad, I guess.  I mean, who is happier, or spreads more happiness, than SpongeBob?  (His duds must be from Talbot's.)

One thing before I go.  If my daughters-in-law are reading this: what are your thoughts on holiday cardigans with sparkly embellishments?  No reason.  I was just curious.

Now if you'd like to see what other [much younger, much hipper, less veiny] fashionistas were wearing this Sunday, head on over to Fine Linen and Purple.

(P.S. I just checked in this morning, and their link-up for this week isn't posted yet; so I may be on my own here after all...but I'll keep checking, and as soon as it's up, I'm there!  Because, you know, be there or be square[pants]!)