Reminiscing about WIWS—and Navy Blazer Day!

Remember the good old days of blogging, when there was a link-up called What I Wore Sunday (WIWS for insiders) on a site called Fine Linen & Purple?  And people would share their Sunday Mass ensembles, sometimes with funny stories about their kids acting up in the pews, sometimes with touching essays about their deep faith experiences during Mass, and sometimes just with attached links for buying different components of their outfits?  Some of the posts were pure faith and others were pure fashion, but either way, it was a lot of fun.

But that was back in the days when everyone and her sister was a blogger, and no one had discovered the more alluring world of Instagram.

Rosie over at a blog for my mom was hosting a similar link-up in recent years, both on her blog and on her Instagram page, called My Sunday Best.  That was fun, too.

If I wasn't such an old dog, I would try to learn the new [for me] trick of hosting a link-up here at my little ol' blog. But I'm not sure I have it in me to tackle that.  (To tell you the truth, it is practically a miracle that I figured out how to set up this blog in the first place.)

So in lieu of becoming a link-up host, I'm going to give you a WIWS (make that WTWS: What They Wore Sunday) post that's guaranteed to make you smile this Monday morning, as you start your week in this crazy new era of life on planet earth.

Our daughter-in-law Ginger (wife of son #2), texts us photos every Sunday, with her boys—four of them now, aged 6 months to 5 years—in their Sunday Mass get-ups, usually sitting on their front stoop.  I look forward to these pictures every week.  Yesterday’s photos showcased only the three oldest boys sporting their Sunday best, and her comment was "today was a navy blazer on WIWS."

So I hereby give you this special episode of WIWS: Navy Blazer Day!  Featuring three of the handsomest little suit coat models you'll ever see anywhere (no exaggeration, folks!).

Is your Monday less gloomy now?  Thought so. 

Bring back WIWS, I say!  Ummm....but I'm not going to be the one to do it...[she grins sheepishly]

Have a great week!

What I (Make That WE) Wore Sunday: Princesa's Baptism

I've been a bit of a blogging slacker lately, because I've been too busy traveling about the country visiting with the kids and grandkids.

The weekend of April 17, my husband and I flew down to VA to witness the Baptism of our newest grandchild, Princesa (or more accurately, not to witness it, per se, but to be in the vicinity when she received the sacrament--more on that later). Afterward, we left VA together and flew to Atlanta, where we parted ways; from there, he went on to NYC to fly an overseas trip and I hopped on a flight out to MI to visit with son #1 and his family for a few days.  It had been five months since we'd seen his four little girls, when they came to our Oyster Haven lakeside home in upstate NY to spend Thanksgiving with us, and Grammy was having severe withdrawal symptoms.  (Papa, too, but...you know, work.  Work really gets in the way of life sometimes, doesn't it?)

And now we're back at Oyster Haven, trying to get some projects done so that it's ready for a June 1 opening on VRBO.  It's a busy life!

Anyway, when I was packing for my sweet little granddaughter's Baptism, I chose a raspberry-colored sheath dress by Jones New York (via Dress Barn) to wear on her big day--because I thought I ought to wear some shade of pink...because she's a girl.  I have this weird habit of feeling the need to wear occasion-appropriate colors for events.  At Notre Dame, I always wear blue, gold, and Kelly green.  For G-Man's pre-birth "gender reveal" party, I wore both blue and pink, because I didn't have a strong feeling about which color was hiding inside the cupcakes.  And I also wore both of those colors for Ginger's baby shower, because she and son #2 had decided not to find out the sex of their firstborn baby ahead of time; I chose a navy blue Danny & Nicole dress and matching jacket, an old stand-by that I'd snagged at JC Penney years earlier for less than $20, and pinned a hot pink fabric flower on it.  So, all (or should I say, both) bases were covered, you see.

With Preciosa, Ginger, and Braveheart at Ginger's shower.

Here's the then father-to-be, now the doting father of
a lookalike son (minus the facial hair) named Junior.

But what am I telling you all this for?  I'm supposed to be telling you what I wore Sunday (not this Sunday, but LAST Sunday, for Princesa's Baptism).  So here goes, readers.  (And bless you for reading, really, because I haven't given you that many reasons to stop by lately.  But I'm determined to keep at this blogging thing, as tempting as it is to use only Instagram to get my social media fix.)

Okay, then: I had on my raspberry-colored sheath, as I said; but I decided I needed a touch of white in my outfit as well, since that's the color that symbolizes the pure, clean soul of the newly baptized.  So over my sheath I wore an off-white lacy sweater (shrug?) from Dress Barn, one that I've had for years and can be worn over a thousand different dresses.  Not that I have a thousand dresses, but it really could.  I decided to close it in the front with a brooch, but you can't see it in the picture because it's obscured by the much prettier accessory I'm holding in my arms.

Princesa wore a beautiful white Janie & Jack sundress, both before and after the Baptism.  Not to mention a headband embellished with a white flower almost as big as her sweet little noggin!  She looked absolutely adorable.

Her 18-month-old brother, G-Man, looked quite dapper as well.  He had on a seersucker suit I'd made over 30 years ago, an outfit which his daddy had worn as a toddler.  My daughter-in-law Preciosa dressed both of her men in navy blue-and-white striped seersucker for this special day, and they looked like two peas in a pod.

But when you have a toddler, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that there will be some sort of disaster just as you're trying to head out the door; and sure enough, while we were all distracted with last-minute picture-taking, G-Man found a half-drunk cup of cold coffee on a low table and dumped it all over himself, ruining his outfit.  But never fear: he still ended up wearing a vintage ensemble that had once been worn by his daddy; and he still looked pretty stinking cute!

On to the church now.  For her christening, Princesa wore the same gown that her big brother had worn, one that I made using some linen-'n-lace pillow shams that had belonged to my late mother-in-law.  (I made Princesa a new more feminine-looking cap than G-Man's to wear with it.)  She looked like a little angel from Heaven.

Papa and Grammy were on G-Man duty for the Baptism.  Our little buddy was being a bit of a wild man at the church (that is to say, a totally normal 18-month-old boy who had no understanding about the seriousness of what was going on and had no intention of sitting quietly).

While we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, Papa tried to keep him entertained with his favorite "upside-down boy" game; but eventually, it was necessary to take him outside and let him run around.  I decided that if my best guy was going to miss Princesa's Baptism, then I would miss it with him.  (We are nothing if not a united team.)  So we weren't there for the big moment, for the pouring of the water and all of that good stuff.  But that was okay.  We were there to celebrate with Princesa's parents.  We were able to spend the weekend with three of our boys and their wives, and with our three VA grandchildren.  It was enough.  More than enough, actually.

I don't know why I've been so very blessed--to have so many people in my life whom I love so much, and to have the opportunity to see them as often as I do, despite the distances that separate us.  I'm pretty sure I don't deserve it.  But boy, am I ever grateful.

Son #3, Preciosa, Ginger, Son #2, Braveheart, Son #4 (the VA gang).

That's it for the Pearl family fashion show.  If you're interested in seeing other stylish peeps wearing their Sunday Best, head on over to Fine Linen and Purple.

WIWS: The Coffee Drinking and Clothes Shopping Edition

On Thursday, I had a lovely time strolling down the walking street of the small, sleepy German town where I've been staying with my son.  It was sunny and warm, a perfect day to be out and about.  My first stop was at a nice little café on the marktplatz (marketplace), which is sort of the town square, where I ordered a große Tasse Kaffee (large cup of coffee).

This coffee was so large that it didn't really come in a cup.  It was more like a bowl--a big soup bowl, with no handles.  I had to pick it up with both hands to drink it.

Here's what I love, love, love about the way they serve coffee in this country: they always put a little cookie--usually a crisp, Biscoff-style cookie--on the saucer.  Is that the best tradition, or what?  Why don't they do this in the US?

My only complaint is that with every regular-sized cup of coffee that I've ordered over here, I've gotten a regular-sized cookie; so one would think that with this  große-sized cup, there would be a große-sized cookie as well.  Wouldn't one?  But look at that tiny cookie on the spoon, and note how disproportionately small it is next to my VAT of coffee! 

But I really can't complain.  A tiny cookie is better than no cookie at all!

I leisurely sipped my coffee, while reading my Kindle book and taking breaks to people-watch.  (It was very busy out on the square.)

After I left the cafe, I stopped in at a little clothing boutique and spotted a pale green crepe blouse on sale for 2.99.  (1 euro = 1.13 US dollars these days, so that's still pretty cheap!)  It was St. Patty's Day...and the blouse was green...and I would have lost money if I hadn't bought it at that price...so guess who has a new blouse?

And then I passed another boutique and spotted a pashmina-style scarf that matched it perfectly, for 10 euro.  Although it was not quite as much of a steal as the blouse, I decided that the two pieces worn together would make a nice Sunday Mass ensemble, paired with my trusty black knit traveling skirt (a Dress Barn wardrobe staple of mine).

The blouse is so soft and loose and flowy.  Just my cup of tea.

It hangs a little longer in the back.

And as I said, it's definitely loose-fitting.

It might look like I bought the wrong size, but I think this is the way it's supposed to fit.  The sleeves and shoulders on the smaller size were very tight.

I really love these new additions to my wardrobe.  I think they make me look very European, don't you?

Well, maybe not.  But I think I'm going to get a lot of wear out of them all the same.  I wore them today for Palm Sunday Mass, as a matter of fact.

Did you see what I did there?  That's right, this here is a What I Wore Sunday post!  And if you'd like to see what some other lovely ladies wore, head on over to Fine Linen and Purple!

WIWS: European Traveler Edition

I used to link up from time to time for the What I Wore Sunday fashion party over at Fine Linen and Purple.   Remember that?  (Of course, I used to do a lot of things...like blog daily...ahem.)

Apparently, the gals at Fine Linen and Purple have closed up shop.  But never fear, the link-up lives on: I'm happy to report that Rosie over at A Blog for My Mom has picked up the baton.  (I have long admired the fashion sense of this adorable young mom of five, so I can't think of a more perfect host!)

Before I begin this WIWS post, however, I must make two confessions: 1) I did not wear the outfit I'm about to show you on Sunday, but rather on Saturday; and 2) I did not wear it to Mass (although I did wear it in a place where images of our dear Catholic Faith abounded and filled my soul with delight!).

I call this get-up, worn yesterday on a day trip with my son to a lovely and historic German city called Bamberg, my European traveler ensemble.

Here's the breakdown:
Liz Claiborne black trench coat with removable lining--a perfect all-season traveling coat, in a perfect color for hiding dirt and spills; a steal from JC Penney, bought when it was 60% off.
Dress Barn black knit skirt--very full at the bottom and swingy, packable, wrinkle-resistant, and as comfy as jammies; bought on sale for about $20.
Cliffs by White Mountain black ballet flats--with great support for walking miles over cobblestones, uphill both ways; bought at a shoe outlet for $30 (wish I'd bought a few extra pairs--best flats I've ever owned).
Travelon brand black travel purse--small, yet large enough to hold credit cards, cash, passport and phone, with very long straps making it so that you can hang it from your neck (my favorite way to carry it); a TJ Maxx $10 jackpot find.  (Note the zip tie attached to it, which I'm using as a sort of lanyard for my keys.)
Reusable shopping bag--a must-have over here, where they don't give bags out at the cash register; bought recently for one euro at the local Dollar Store Euro Shop.
Purple knit gloves--for that pop of liturgical color; bought at an actual Dollar Store back in the US of A.

Lest you think I'm Goth or something, dressed from head to toe in all that black, I thought I'd add that under my trench, I was wearing a salmon pink short-sleeved cotton sweater and a 3/4-sleeved denim cropped jacket (both from JC Penney, a store that will always be dear to my heart, as it was where I got my first real job shortly after my 16th birthday and where I worked every summer afterward).

So that was what I wore on Saturday, and as I said, I didn't wear it for Mass.  But I wore it to feast my eyes on soul-stirring images such as this one.

I wore it to visit an enormous, spectacularly beautiful cathedral wherein the remains of Pope Clement II are entombed.

It was a day that this traveling woman, in a serviceable and forgettable all-black ensemble, will not soon forget.

(Now head on over to Rosie's, you faith-filled fashionistas, you!)

What I Wore Sunday: A Royal Ensemble

I used to link up from time to time with other Catholic bloggers, for a fun little fashion show called "What I Wore Sunday."

But I don't think they're doing the link-up anymore.  And in fact, I don't believe the blog called Fine Linen and Purple--at least the one I knew with that name--even exists anymore. 

I was a tad disconcerted when I went to check on this blog and it was nowhere to be found; it makes me wonder if it's true what I've been hearing: that the blog is a dying breed.  Oh well...I really feel like doing a What I Wore Sunday post anyway.  So here goes.

But never mind what I wore Sunday, dear readers.  I'd rather show you what my three-month-old grandson wore!

Junior sported a classic look befitting a wee royal such as England's little Prince George: a navy blue velveteen "Jon Jon" romper that I stitched up for him (remember this post?), along with a matching Grammy-made boy's bonnet.  (In spite of the fact that Junior's dad, my second-oldest son, doesn't believe that the words "boy's" and "bonnet" belong in the same sentence.  Ever.  Ever ever ever.)

When my husband saw his dapper little grandson in this get-up, he exclaimed, "He's Little Lord Fauntleroy!"

My daughter-in-law Ginger was hoping to complete Junior's "Sunday Best" ensemble with some white knee socks and saddle shoes; but she was unable to find socks in his size, and the shoes she bought are still a bit big for him.  Having seen superblogger and fashion trendsetter Grace Patton's little guy Bosco sporting tights with short pants in an Instagram photo, she decided that they would work with Junior's romper as well.  (Two other words my son doesn't believe belong in the same sentence are "boy's" and "tights"--or as he called them, "nylons."  If I could insert the laughing-so-hard-it's-crying emoji here, I would.)

Can you even stand it?  Isn't this about the cutest thing you've ever seen (said Junior's besotted Grammy)?

What I wore Sunday was not nearly as noteworthy as what he wore, but I guess I'll show you anyway.  I wore a polka-dotted black and white knit Dress Barn frock that I've worn about a bazillion times already (it's practically a uniform for me, especially when I'm traveling), with a black cardigan, black tights, and black ballet flats.  I also wore my purple lace mantilla, a Christmas gift from my husband a few years ago that's a liturgically correct color to wear to Mass during the Lenten season.  My only accessory, besides the veil, was my always-worn gold Miraculous Medal.

And speaking of Miraculous Medals, I am hoping to give away 500 of them during Lent, to aid the Association of the Miraculous Medal with their goal of distributing 1,000,000 medals by the feast of Mary's birthday in September.  If you're a teacher, religious ed instructor, homeschooler, parent or grandparent who is interested in getting some of these medals for your class, group, or loved ones, you can contact me and I'll send them to you.  (Just go to the "EMAIL ME" button on the side bar.)  I am thrilled to report that I have already gotten requests from some schools and have found homes for about 250 of the medals I have.  But there are plenty more where those came from.

Have a great week, everyone!  (Now one more dose of cuteness before I sign off...)

What I Wore [Gaudete] Sunday

It's Gaudete Sunday--the third Sunday of Advent, the day when we light the pink candle.

What is the significance of Gaudete Sunday?  This explanation that I found online answered that question so clearly and succinctly, I thought I'd just quote from it:

Like Lent, Advent is a penitential season, so the priest normally wears purple vestments. But on Gaudete Sunday, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest may wear rose vestments. The change in color provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation—especially prayer and fasting—for Christmas.

The word gaudete means "gladden or rejoice"--for very soon, we will be celebrating our dear Savior's birth.  (Where has the time gone, by the way?  How can it be that close to Christmas ALREADY?  Someone needs to inform NH about this, because we are having unseasonable balmy spring-like weather this December!)

To celebrate Gaudete Sunday, I thought I'd wear liturgically appropriate colors to Mass today.  So I donned my purple knit Coldwater Creek dress (one of my favorite go-to dresses, bought about five or six years ago--during an after-season clearance sale, of course).  But then I accented it with a pink pashmina (one of many that my husband brought home from Istanbul, back when he used to fly there fairly often).

The lighting was poor here, so the dress looks black.  But I assure you, it's purple.

See?  It's very purpley (as Elf would say).

I love the swingy cut of this dress.  It's a perfect dancing dress.  Look what I can do with it.

Look what I can do with my chin, too--I can double it!  (I can't seem to remember my daughter-in-law Preciosa's trick for avoiding this phenomenon in pictures.  "Out and down," she says.  You throw your chin out and down.  But my tendency is more "in and up.")

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I thoroughly enjoy getting dressed up for Mass.  I look forward to putting on my "Sunday best" skirt or dress and my lace mantilla; to wearing tights and pretty shoes, and sometimes even adding a piece or two of jewelry to my daily-worn Miraculous Medal.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade, I went through a stretch where I didn't put much thought into my Mass attire.  I remember my grandmother complaining to my mother about the 70's-awful hip-hugger bellbottom jeans I had on, paired with a stretchy bodysuit (a popular wardrobe item of the day that was basically a sort of onesie for women).  I was pretty much a rule follower throughout my childhood, not at all the rebellious type; and yet I chose to wear something that casual and borderline inappropriate in God's house. I cringe now when I think of it.

Within a few years of Grandma's disappointment in my Mass fashion choices, I had fallen in love with vintage styles, having rescued my mother's old plaid wool kilts and twinsets from the attic, along with Peter Pan-collared blouses from the 50's and 60's.  (I think I instinctively realized that my generation could learn a lesson or two about feminine fashion from the generations that had come before us.)  During my high school years, we didn't have a uniform at our Catholic school, but we did have a dress code.  We had to wear skirts or dresses of modest length, and I never minded that a bit.  Yet I still didn't really think that how I dressed for Mass was all that important; I figured that what was important to God was just that I was there.

When our boys were young, we always made them wear dress pants to Mass (i.e., their gray school uniform pants), along with polos or button-downs, and my husband and I took care with our appearance as well.  But quite a while ago, he and I decided that we wanted to put more effort into it.  He switched from wearing polo shirts to wearing a suit coat and tie; I switched from dressy trousers to skirts and dresses.  For us, it just felt like the right thing to do.  Whenever a person is faced with an important job interview, he or she dresses up to give a good impression; whenever a person goes to a party or big social event, he or she dresses up for that, too.  Why would we put that kind of thought into our attire for those sorts of occasions, we asked ourselves, and then throw on any old thing on Sunday when we are going to actually receive Our Lord?  (As I said, it just felt right to us; I'm not judging here.)

That's one of the reasons I love the What I Wore Sunday link-up: it's about fashion, sure; but it's also about being a woman whose Faith is of utmost importance to her, a woman who shows her reverence and appreciation for God's great gifts through the way she dresses and comports herself in His house. 

Note the Gaudette Sunday color scheme in this meme--

how apropos!

Okay then, that's it for me--but if you'd like to see what other bloggers (mostly younger than I, with sharper jaw lines and fashion instincts than I'll ever have) wore this beautiful Sunday in Advent, head on over to FLAP.

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]!)

WIWS: Little Black Dress Edition

I feel like a genius!!  I have figured out how to navigate through the labyrinth of convoluted pathways Windows 10 wants me to travel now, just to perform the simple task of inserting pictures into blog posts (something that used to be a lot easier for a technologically-challenged human such as myself). 

But I did it.  I right-clicked on the photo I wanted to add to this post and I chose a prompt I didn't recognize.  Suddenly I was looking at a new-to-me and therefore scary-different screen that was asking me to pick from a long list of unfamiliar-looking buttons...and wonder of wonders, I figured it out.  I pushed the right button, don't ask me how.  And after days--literally, days--of trying to figure it out, I unlocked the secret.

Excuse me, I need to go and do a happy dance, and then I'll get back to blogging.

Phew!  I'm really relieved.  I wanted to get over to Best Buy to ask the Geek Squad what in the world I should do, but my husband and I have been so busy here at home the past couple of weeks, doing a DIY bathroom renovation project.  (More on that coming soon!)

You can call me a geek, I'm proud to be one.  Go ahead, I assure you I won't be offended.

Okay then, I'm going to celebrate being able to blog on my laptop again by linking up with the fashionable faithful over at Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday (something I haven't done in ages).

For 9:00 a.m. Mass this past Sunday, I basically wore an LBD, a sleeveless black sheath dress that I got years ago at Wal-Mart (don't judge me--I love Wal-Mart!).  It's by their George brand, and it's just the greatest, most versatile little dress.  It's a perfect length (just below the knee), and it has just a touch of stretch to it so it's super comfy.  I've worn it with jackets, cardigans, pashminas, or just alone with a string of pearls.  I can dress it up or down; it's definitely a staple of my wardrobe.

I wanted to cover up my shoulders for Mass, so I paired the dress with a short-sleeved cropped sweater from Dress Barn, and then used a brooch to close it at the front.  My husband always seems to notice and comment when I'm sporting something bright red, so it's one of my favorite colors to wear.

After Mass, I asked my husband to take a picture of the Mary garden just outside our parish church, St. Mary's.  I had--gasp!--left my cell phone at home, so I needed to use the camera on his.   (I think this whole Windows 10 nightmare, from which I've just awoken, had rocked my world so thoroughly that I was beginning to turn my back on technology altogether!!)

Well, my husband was more than willing to play paparazzi, but he wanted me to sit in front of the garden.  "You can use the pictures in your blog," he said.

"No I can't!  I can't figure out how to use pictures in my blog anymore, remember?"

But I did as I was told, and I sat on the nice granite bench in this beautiful garden dedicated to Our Blessed Mother--a spot I love so much, and which was the inspiration for that first scene in Erin's Ring, when Molly McCormick finds an old Irish Claddagh ring poking out of the dirt near the statue of Mary.

Besides my LBD, I'm wearing a gold Claddagh ring

on my right hand (it's a little hard to see in this picture!). 

I've had it since 1979, and I wear it always!

And I'm wearing my gold Miraculous Medal,

which I also wear every day, not just on Sundays.

I know I'm really late, because it's Tuesday and this link-up is for Sundays...but I tripped on a rock...and the sun was in my eyes (it was!  Do you see the way I'm squinting in these pictures?!)...

And oh yeah, my best excuse of all: I upgraded to Windows 10!

If you want to see what other [better-dressed, younger] ladies wore Sunday, head on over to FLAP.