Tuesday, March 10, 2015

My Mojo Calls Home

Thanks so much to all of you who wrote and expressed sympathy for the loss of my mojo. I wanted to let you all know that she finally called very late last night!  She was happily inebriated and all giggly, declaring loudly that she was okay but not coming home until the weather warms up a lot, and that I'd just have to manage by myself for a while. She wouldn't tell me where she was calling from, but I could hear raucous laughter and steel drums and what I thought might be crashing surf in the background.  Of course, I checked caller ID but the number was blocked. Bitch.

What I want to know is where she got the money for a plane ticket.

So, I'm on my own for a bit but you deserve an update.

The weather here, like so many places, has been too rainy, snowy, windy or just plain cold to photograph outside.  So I finally got a bit of blank indoor wall space cleared where there is some decent light.  I sort of like the effect of the natural light, but I see that I'll need to devise some kind of fill light-reflector-thingy as the shadows intensify my wrinkles facial flaws a bit more than I'm thrilled with.  I'm comfortable with the better focus in my new camera showing more of them, but I'll be damned if I let them be exaggerated.  I'm getting better with the camera as well, so I haven't completely wasted the time away from the blog!



As you know, we mostly take these on our way out of the house when we head into the Big City for supplies.  This was on a miserably cold day, and on top of this I wore a big old coat, big old scarf, and fleece lined gloves. 



Photographing indoors invites more dog bombs.  Here you see our elderly boxer, Sophie, wondering why Mom is standing here all weird and posey-like.  She's also asking to go with us, but it was not to be.



Last weekend it warmed up considerably, and we had a very mild, 60ish-degree Sunday, so I decided to go all peep-toe in a pair of Ralph Lauren mules I lucked into.  Some recent closet diving netted my old minty trench ... I'm sorry that I wasn't able to capture its elegant, slightly shiny texture.
I have to remember to wear this outfit again.  Salespeople were amazingly attentive, like I had money or something. Had to be the coat.




.As one does this time of year, I've been feeling like the Goodyear blimp, so I'm pleased that these monster plaid pants don't look too bad.  Especially with my perfect-for-me, curvy and crisp white shirt.  I had a nice day wearing this outfit.

I'm off to begin catching up with all of you over at the Incredible Patti's Visible Monday !  I'll be over to check in as soon as possible.




38 comments:

  1. Patti_NotDeadYetStyleMarch 10, 2015 at 7:39 PM

    Come home, Mojo - although maybe we should be going wherever *she* is. Love your sassy trousers, and your sweet doggie. Thanks for linking up to Visible Monday, xox.

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  2. Glad you're back. I love your pants

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  3. I need to go back and read the mojo post cause I think I'm missing something....but on another note I'm loving these photos and the lighting. Very crisp....love that floor too. The dark grout with the natural tile is a favorite of mine.
    You look great in all that "big old stuff." Seriously, love the plaid pants a lot!

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  4. Woman, if that's what you call "facial flaws", may the gods grant us all such similar flaws! You look glowy and gorgeous and super sassy in both outfits! The hiatus was well worth it because these two ensembles are knockouts, for two different reasons. I love the first for the classy pairing of neutrals that you make fresh and au courant with those boots. I love the second because PLAID!

    And huzzah for dog bombs. They're great accessories, aren't they?

    Pssst! Your mojo sent mine back two weeks early, and mine was giddy and raring to go when she got back. Patience, young Jedi. Your time will come.

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  5. What's not to love about photo bombing dogs? LoL. Love your plaid pants! Very stylish!


    Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  6. I missed seeing your pretty face & gorgeous outfits. I honestly see no flaws in your face and loving your photo bombers. I love your trench, the color is really unexpected.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

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  7. Oh hello there mojo, nice to hear from you! would love to receive a card! ;) I can't see that you've lost mojo. She must be hidden somewhere. At least that look with the trench coat (awesome piece, like it a lot, just like that red version from your last post) shows me that you still got it rockin. Can understand those sales people! Such an awesome outfit!!

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  8. Lovely to see your smiling face again. Those tartan pants, white shirt and minty trench are winners!
    Sorry your mojo is playing up, the minx! Maybe Spring will kick her into line :-) xo Jazzy Jack

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  9. It is so nice to see you're back! Even with half a mojo, or mojo still AWOL... and that coat is perfect (I'm addicted to trench coats...), and a great length! And it goes so well with your trousers.

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  10. You are back!! Yippee. The first outfit is very elegant and compliments your hair. The proportions are good and the boots awesome.
    The second outfit: wow. I can understand that the shop assistants were attentive. What a perfect coat. Wouldn't mind it myself. And so nice with the plaid trousers (so in fashion) and those high fashion shoes. You do impress.
    I love the way your collars stay up. Mine never do and I like that look.
    Dog Sophie is cute. But hey, all dogs are cute.
    Greetje

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  11. Well there you are! Looking good, Jan. Glad the mojo's put in an appearance; your readers have missed you.

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  12. Your mojo ran off with my get-up-and-go. They must be on that beach together. The weather has been stupid. If I wanted a real winter I'd move back to New York.
    You don't look any plumper, nor are your wrinkles (laugh/life lines) that prominent. You're just as beautiful as always. I do love the pic of Sophie. Can we please see her face sometime? I think the turned up collar in the bottom photo just screams classy and expensive.
    I can't wait for Spring! I've got new sandals begging for wear :-)


    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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  13. Jan,so good to see you back,both your smiling face and your clever writing have been missed.
    I agree with Alicia neither your expression lines or winter padding is evident to me.You look great in both outfits.Love that trench, so classy, no wonder service was good. The shoe queen has surfaced with those boots and shoes, now she has not lost her mojo.Hope Spring comes in all her glory to your part of the world soon.

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  14. Both really great outfits. Have a good time and enjoy the week
    Sunny

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  15. After my extremely long day, reading your post made me laugh out loud. Bitch, indeed. How dare she vacation without you! Anyhoo, I'm glad she's back. She was missed. There's something truly fascinating about the trench. Isn't there? It has the uncanny ability to make us look ultra chic without trying to hard. And, can I give you an amen to those mules? Amen!

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  16. I think my mojo is sitting on the bar stool next to yours, and she hasn't even bothered to call me! I love both outfits. Your trench coat is absolutely divine, and the shoes!!!! I wish I could wear a heel. So glamorous!

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  17. Aren't you looking super chic?


    Glad your mojo decided to finally show up. Even if she did just "call it in".


    I couldn't agree more with your comment that you wrote on my blog about age appropriate dressing on the post about wearing cute dresses over 40. It truly is about each of us being individuals.


    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  18. Yay, you found Mojo! I thought I saw her on Dubai beach sipping Pinacolada but maybe I was mistaken. Anyhoo, love the chic, collar up, trench happy look! It's seriously a WOW! Just love it. I have always wanted to do the collar chic look but somehow none of my shirts could produce that! Am I missing something or I need a new shirt?

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  19. Well, that's a fun phone call, bless miss Mojo's heart. You do know, you were a born writer, right? Photographing indoors is a tricky tricky thing, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with the coloring. I do so love your plaid outfit, that coat is absolutely devine, what an amazing color.

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  20. Jan! There you are, I've missed you.
    I think looking classy and expensive is your trademark, so I can completely understand the sales assistants treating you like royalty! Very chic in black and camel and those fabulous boots, and the green trench coat is a twist on a classic.
    Glad you're back, love. xxx

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  21. I have missed you! You are just so so chic, my dear. Sophie is adorable and I am sure she thinks you are very chic too. I'm glad you have heard from your mojo even if she does seem to be a cheeky brat. By the looks of things you can manage just fine without her anyhow. You have style, sass, a fantastic sense of humour and wonderful writing skills. Who needs mojo? xoxo

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  22. I love that trench coat, such a pretty color! And it goes well withe the black and white. We have gotten really warm here too, but should be back to normal by next week. :)

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  23. Shelley@forestcityfashionistaMarch 12, 2015 at 6:53 PM

    Isn't that just the way with Mojos? Just when you need them, they're off getting shit-faced in some dive bar, and then drunk-dialing you to gloat.

    Love the white shirt and plaid pants combo topped with the minty trench - very Spring! Now if only the weather would settle down.

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  24. Girl, I think my mojo must've joined yours somewhere. I tell you it's been tough with this winter we have had in NYC. I never want to see a flake of snow ever again. You look gorgeous (such good hair!) and I like the previous post featuring the kitties! XO, Jill

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  25. I take my mojo w/me to the opera. She's always at her best among the divas. Last weekend in NYC we still had piles of snow on the ground, which made navigating the city by car and on foot even more difficult than usual. This weekend (more opera and great restaurants), instead of snow, we will be dealing w/rain. I guess you just have to pick your poison, n'est-ce pas?

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  26. I know it's no laughing matter, but you had me cracking up talking about your mojo! I hope when she shows up, tanned and tattooed, that she brings you lots of lovely gifts. She's missing out on some fab plaid pants and peekaboo toes, so it's her loss.

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  27. I am happy to read that everyting is ok with your Mojo! Cats are very independent souls and love leading their lives freely...
    We ( fashion ) bloggeres are all waiting for warmer temperatures and light days!! Taking photos inside is not an easy task for me, but I find your photos are sharp enough to see your outfits...the second one has caught my attention for its spring tones. I love the pale green of your trench matched to those nice trousers and, of course, your fab mules!!!

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  28. Looks like you're having a high ol' time without that biatch of a mojo! Looking fabulous and sassy, no wonder the shop assistants treat you like royalty. Love those shoes and dying to see Sophie's face. xxx

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  29. Jan, it's soooo good to see you again! And you look FANTASTIC - gorgeous chic lady! Love this trench coat on you, you wear it with just the right attitude! Thank you so much for your kind words, with love xxx

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  30. Well Hello there! You are being photo bombed by your pup! Happens to me all the time. That coat is very impressive. Very chic. But you won't be able to wear it much longer because I have it on good authority that Spring is on it's way and soon you will be all bare toes and sun dresses. You mojo is certain to be front and center!

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  31. Dear Jan,

    I am happy to see you again and happy to see Sophie. Your winterly look is amazing, but the springlike I love even more. The checkered pants are fantastic and the trench is very classy. You look fabulous. Your haircut is great!

    I appreciate that finally spring decided to come, at least for some days. I hope in your part of the world too. That will bring back your mojo, by plane or on a witches' broom (mine also hopefully).

    Sabine xxx
    http://achtstundensindkeintag.blogspot.de

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  32. It was so great to hear from you Jan! I missed you. I kept checking in with your blog hoping for a new post, but I totally get the loss of mojo. It can be elusive that's for sure! The important thing is you are back and you look fabulous!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

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  33. I, for one, am pleased as punch that Sophie photo-bombed the shoot! We haven't had the pleasure of meeting her previously I think. I remember meeting two? of your small dogs.


    So, from these photos, I gather your mo-jo was off gallivanting in Paris! Yeah-uh! You do have the 'je ne sais quois', 'style comes to me so naturally', look Jan! You are proving that less is indeed more. Minimal accessories with the plaid pants = just right! Even the white shirt, with the strong V neck left bare is perfect!

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  34. Hi Jan, great to hear your mojo is back and lovely to see you. Great outfits, love the boots and mules. xo

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  35. Debbie Baker BurnsMarch 17, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    Happy to hear you have located her! I can see why you got good service in that outfit...very nice! You are doing what I should be doing...learning more about my camera. The weather here has been a winter like no other. We had one beautiful day yesterday then back to cooler temps today. Maybe Spring will bring your Mojo back home since she obviously prefers warmer climates. Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com

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  36. Welcome back!!!!! I LOVE the trench coat and those plaid pants...HELLO!
    Darlene
    http://whosaprettygirl.com

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  37. So apparently I had a full comment typed out and then went to bed without actually posting it. I think my mojo might have went to the same place as yours. That said, I think it's a good sign she called in, at least now you know she has intentions of coming back. You can do it :)

    It's funny how much your outer appearance counts, they obviously learned nothing yet from various movies where the rags dressed person wants to spend 49658456$ in their shop ;-) Not sure it was just the coat so, the whole outfit is very nice, very chic. It might have been the mules too :P

    Have a nice day!

    Alex - Funky Jungle

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  38. Highland FashionistaMarch 22, 2015 at 4:55 AM

    I LOVE that Ralph Lauren mules look with the trench! SO chic! That is a look that will last you the rest of your life...so classic!

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