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May 1, 2020

Fashion Over Forty: A Basic T-Shirt and Jeans Look, Plus Beach Photos of Myrtle Beach

Happy May! It's hard to believe that it's May already, the quote "the days go slow but the years go fast" comes to mind. We did find lots of things to keep us occupied around the house last month during the "stay at home" order, and we planted a couple of new trees and some flowering shrubs. I also started on my vegetable garden work sooner than usual. For the first time ever I planted some potatoes .... we'll see how that goes! 

All that said I am soooooo ready for life to go back to being somewhat normal (as I am sure all of you are as well). But sadly we're looking at another month of a shelter in place order here in Illinois....... and starting today it is required here to wear face covering when inside a store. Call me dramatic, but I purchased over 2 weeks worth of groceries ahead of time so I don't have to step a foot into a store. I can't tolerate wearing a mask very well. Luckily we live only one hour away from Iowa, so I will most likely plan a trip there in a couple of weeks to stock up on food again. Or maybe I'll order online. (I've never done an online order for groceries.) 



*Please note, some affiliate links are used in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, this is at no extra cost to you.


Today's casual outfit includes a basic tshirt I picked up from Walmart a couple of years ago and boyfriend jeans I've had for a few years. Looking at these pictures I can tell that both pieces are one size to big on me and this outfit is so not blog-worthy, but oh well...I'm sharing it anyway :)


I do so love this dusty pink color and it's a good quality, but Walmart never has a size XS in their women's department in store (which is what I need) and so I ended up buying the size Small hoping it would shrink, but it never did. I'm not seeing this tshirt anymore on their site, but I did find this Henley Rib Tshirt in a similar color and even available in XS online. It's tempting because it's less than $8, but I just ordered this one from LOFT...


Related Products:

Henley Rib Tee // Henley Linen Tee (I have this one on order)



These jeans are by NYDJ, the Leanne style boyfriend jeans. I have them in 2Petite and could use a 0P. I've styled them before in couple of other posts, most recently HERE and also HERE last September. While I can't find a direct link to these NYDJ jeans, I do like these boyfriend jeans from Target in a mid rise slim fit. I really don't need another pair of jeans but these are tempting! I have a pair of this brand in a low rise and whenever I wear them I wish the rise was higher.

Related Products:





My sneakers are by Taos, the "Retro Star" style which is being retired. A couple of sizes of this style (different color) are still available at 50% off.  As recommended on the site, I went up 1/2 size. These are so comfortable right out of the box with a removable footbed. Otherwise more style options are available HERE directly at Taos and also available at Zappos.



To finish off today's post, I'm sharing a few more mostly nature pictures from Myrtle Beach, the beachfront. No, we are not currently here (I wish we were!!), these were taken last Summer. It's so much fun looking back at vacation pictures. I really need to make an actual photo album, it's just so time consuming and somehow I never seem to have any time.


Love taking pictures of wildlife! This guy must have been hungry.

I wonder what kind of bug this is?? He was sitting on the railing in the parking garage. Strange looking creature! Not something I've ever seen here in the midwest.


A double rainbow after a storm. Having an ocean front room/condo is so worth it!



I'm not really a morning person but made it a point to get up before the sunrise daily.




Evenings at the pool (that's my husband and daughter). We stayed at the Island Vista which I highly recommend. Unfortunately this is an expensive hotel and we were only able to stay here because of last minute booking. Their pool area is open until 10pm. We're not huge fans of crowds so the evenings are the perfect time for us to enjoy the pool area and also the beach. (The beach - which is public in Myrte Beach - is open late as well but with no lifeguards after 5pm when they also take down the rental chairs, but we didn't bother renting them anyway.)




I know many of us had to cancel vacation plans this year, but in case you're interested, I've linked one of my must  haves for travel below. These packing cubes come in so handy! We have a set for each family member.

Packing Cubes - more color choices available too.

Also on Amazon linked below....



Since I talked about the Myrtle Beach area in my last 3 friday posts, I do want to mention that this vacation spot doesn't always get the greatest reviews due to safety concerns. Personally I felt very safe while visiting, but both times our hotels were at the northern edge of town, meaning we were away from the 'hustle and bustle' of downtown Myrtle Beach. I highly recommend a hotel either south or north of downtown Myrtle Beach, unless party time is your thing. We've stayed at the Dunes Village Resort on our trip in 2017. The location there was great but were a little bit disappointed with the appartment (it was ok). We absolutely LOVED the Island Vista Resort. My blogging friend Amy stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites on her visit, which is a little bit south of down town Myrtle Beach and I would have loved to stay there as breakfast is included in their price. We needed a suite and they were not available during our travel dates.

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog. Hope you're having a good weekend.

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Inspire Me MondayThe Happy Now Blog Link-Up; Tuesdays on JENerally Informed and From Play Dates to Parties!

31 comments:

Maureen said...

I hear you on the face mask. We have had to wear one since the beginning of April whenever we went in to any store. It's a little inconvenient that's for sure. Anyway, I love looking back at your Mrytle Beach photos. It's nice to get away and nothing better than when scrolling through someone's vacation. That little buggy you captured looks pretty interesting. I have never seen one like that either but how cool you were able to get a good photo it. I hope your Friday is off to a great start and wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!

Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

the 4 M's said...

I haven't worn a face mask yet and am not sure if they will try to implement that here. Georgia is starting to open up, my hubby got his haircut and they made the customers wait in their car until it was their turn.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Fonda @Savvy Southern Chic said...

That pink color looks great on you and I love NYDJ jeans! I hear you on the mask. We wore them on the last grocery trip and I didn't really like it. We have been getting groceries for three to four weeks at a time and that's not much fun either. It kills meal planning and calls for a lot of creativity near week three or so. And there's no guarantee what you are going to get in the store either. Many meats have been sold out each time. I'm still thankful for what I can get.

Jennifer said...

The beach looks amazing!

Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated

Ellibelle said...

Thanks for stopping by, Maureen. The only time I've ever tried wearing a face mask was last year when I was sanding some furniture. I had to complete the job without the mask, it was just not possible for me to keep it on.
Have a good weekend as well!

Ellibelle said...

Good to hear he was able to get a hair cut. I have an appt. scheduled at the end of the month but it's not going to happen...
Hope they won't enforce the masks there, personally I think they create a false sense of security and I feel extremely bad for those who have to wear them all day during their shifts. I can't imagine breathing in that much CO2.

Ellibelle said...

Wish I had a bigger freezer to fit more food into it! I'm just planning smaller sides of meat and bigger sides of veggies.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Jennifer!

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

I order my groceries always online, even before Corona. So we are so happy not to have to go to the shops. That beach is gorgeous. I love the sound and smell of the sea. Enjoy your weekend!

Joanne said...

I don't think it's dramatic at all; I hate wearing my face mask. But even the two other states near us require it so I have no choice but to suck it up I guess especially since they are talking about making it a "thing" even once they begin opening our state back up. We vacationed in Myrtle beach and stayed at Dunes village a few years ago. I loved walking out on the beach around sunrise each day and again just after dinner each night!

MELODY JACOB said...

I have worn face mask downstairs to go pick up my items from Glovo and sometimes briefly. Its uncomfortable but its just for now. I followed your blog, you can visit mine.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/04/goli-nutrition-world-first-apple-cider.html

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

I'm with you on the face mask thing! Gives me the willies!! I have always enjoyed grocery shopping, cause I like to wander the aisles and find 'new to us' foods -- but lately I have been ordering online for pick up .... totally sucks in my opinion, cause I ALWAYS forget something .... lol!! I love your outfit and LOVING those vacay photos!! It is always fun to look back on those!!! :)

Mica said...

That is a cute tee and I like the slightly oversized look - slouchy tees are my fave, and you can't beat a classic jeans and tee outfit! :)
We don't have to wear masks here but it is a bit scary seeing some people wearing them in the grocery stores - I'm so thankful that they have opened up online shopping again, it was overwhelmed and they closed it down at the start of things. But now it's open I've been using it a few times, it's helpful although frustrating if I can't get what I ordered as the shelves are bare - it's still an issue getting things sometimes. But I do like not having to go out to the grocery store!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend :)

Away From Blue

Reidland Family said...

Beautiful photos! That is one weird looking bug and your tee combo looks very nice.

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Nancy. I've never done online grocery orders, but think will definitely be giving it a try soon!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks for stopping by. The Dunes Village is so perfectly located on the beach as well! We loved the location!
Hoping they don't plan on keeping the mask order for much longer....

Ellibelle said...

Thanks for stopping by, Melody!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks for sharing, Mica. I've ordered lots of things online but never groceries. Will give it a try soon!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks so much. He's interesting looking for sure!

Tonia said...

These photos are lovely. A simple look is amazing during this times. https://kaynuli.com/albina-dyla-dresses/

Shelbee on the Edge said...

I love the color of this tee shirt on you, Ellie! And I am with you on wearing a mask. I am not very tolerant and my glasses fog up so I can’t see. As a result, my husband does about 99% of errand running these days. Your beach pictures are so much fun! Thanks for linking up.

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Laura B said...

I don't think I knew you lived in Illinois! I'm in Naperville, but grew up in Rockton and went to school in the Quad Cities! I've been trying to shop 2 weeks at a time too. The produce gets slim towards the end, but it has been working and I feel much better about going less!

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

We don't have to wear masks yet in the UK and I'm hoping we won't have to. Love your dusky pink tee and jeans. Lovely casual style. The packing cubes look a great idea. Great to see you again at #WowOnWednesday.

Jessica Jannenga said...

Pink is a lovely color on you and I lvoe the jeans you are wearing. Pretty pics too! We have taken some by my rose bushes. I love seein the pictures of your beach trip, havn;t been to Mrtyle Beach in awhile.
thanks fo rlinking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Mica said...

Hope it works for you! I've found it really easy, although it's also easier to forget things when you aren't walking around the store to jog your memory, haha! Luckily I haven't forgotten anything urgent so far, and the things being missing from my orders is happening less as stock gets back to normal!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Julie! I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this about the face masks. I feel silly at times making such a big deal out of it, but I just can't help it...

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Tonia!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Shelbee! I too am glad that my husband can tolerate the masks and will be sending him when I need something. It really is awful wearing a mask with glasses. I see these instructions on what to do so glassed don't fog up, but I have a non-relective coating on the lenses and I'm not about to ruin them. Glasses are too expensive!!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks for stopping by Laura. We lived here for over 20 years, glad we're so close to the Iowa border. We used to visit the Quad Cities quite a few times and also visited Naperville on a few occasions. 2 week shopping is a must these days!

Chrissy R said...

I've heard a lot about those packing cubes - we did cancel our travel plans but hopefully we will still be able to go some day soon. Love your wildlife pics as well. It's so peaceful to observe nature doing what its designed to do! :)

Chrissy
Granola & Grace

mummabstylish said...

Nice post Hun - thanks for sharing. Have a super week. Jacqui x