Oh, That Yellow Jacket!

Prior post.

Tonight walking home from the bus stop, I saw a neighbor lady on 81st Street (she organizes the annual neighborhood rummage sale, a huge undertaking) talking to the "twins" (sisters) and their cute little doggy, Dixie.  I stopped by to say hello and chat for a few minutes before heading on -- the sun was headed down down down and I knew my squirrels would be waiting for their evening nut hand-out!  Not much time these days before sundown - before 6:30 p.m. now although on a clear day the sunlight lingers below the horizon until about 6:45 p.m.  We're losing more and more minutes of daylight each day, and it's just damn depressing!

Anyway, today I wore the yellow jacket and the neighbor lady complemented me on its color and cuteness.  The sisters had complemented on it about 4 days earlier when I came across them walking Dixie about 7:20 a.m. on my hike to the bus stop; usually they are not out quite that early; I am more used to intersecting them, as in the summer, about 7:25 a.m.  Five minutes doesn't sound like all that much, does it?  But it's about 2 blocks walking distance, the difference between seeing someone and saying hello, or missing them completely.

So, tonight I determined to hang up the yellow jacket where I could take some photos of it.  These aren't the best - and the jacket needs a good pressing :)  The front photo affords a tiny peek at the inner flannel lining of light blue and yellow print.  It looks much better on me than hanging against the closet door.  These photos were taken with an overhead light on, about 6:15 p.m. (not much natural light left) and without the flash. 




















The jacket has a detachable (button off/on) hood but it's not what I consider usable since there is no way to "cinch" it tight against a breeze -- it would blow right off! So, right now it's off the jacket. Yes, a "cinched up hood" would not be very flattering; on the other hand, it would be warm and keep my hair dry, two primary concerns when the weather is nasty! So, I need to check out whether I can have some cording added to the hood to tie it closer to the head/face, or perhaps a band and some snaps added beneath the chin so the hood can be secured around the hair and face. That will be a project for later on -- the time is fast approaching when this jacket won't be warm enough, and it will be washed, ironed and tucked away to await the spring...

I have to say, seeing this bright yellow color just makes me smile all over again, darlings :)

Colors That Make People Smile

Please see the post below :)

After I posted it, I realized that the outfit looked really cute with my sunshine yellow waterproof "walker" jacket purchased this spring from an L.L. Bean catalog that I wore this morning. 

I don't remember the exact price, I think it was under $100. It has a printed pattern fully-stitched in flannel lining which gives an extra layer of warmth for cool days and the outermost shell is 100% cotton glombed on to some kind of waterproof but breatheable material. I found it too warm for spring but it's perfect for right now, and the sunny yellow color makes me - and other people - smile. I've received four (4!!!) complements on that jacket from complete strangers since I started wearing it this fall, off and on, over the past few weeks -- because it was threatening and sometimes even actually raining.  I also received a complement on the coat on a cool but sunny day, so I think it's the color during this time of year that is cheering people up.

Good Fashion Tip:  Wear colors that cheer you (and others) up!

Fortunately, I look good in the jacket.  I discovered two winters ago that L.L. Bean's Women's Petite XL fits just right on my current figure, although I can't wear belted looks (the belt loops are too high instead of being at my actual waist); otherwise, the sleeve length and width across the shoulders is right, the girth (for a generous mid-section) is right, and the length is right.

I tried to find a photo of the jacket but had no luck.  I will attempt to take a usable photo of the jacket, but not tonight, I've got shoes to shop for.  It has five large yellow buttons down the front, buttoned epulats at the cuffs, and a buttoned belt accent across the back.  It covers my butt and ends a few inches longer, and is cut loose, a sort of A-line look but not a swing coat.  It has a button-on hood that I took off.  I tried to and failed to be able to save a "gif" from the L.L. Bean website of a coat with a different style but a similar color :(