Can you feel the tension in the air?
Much of the world is suffering through a massive heat wave in addition to political, social and economic uncertainty. It’s not easy. People’s nerves are frayed, they’re hot and uncomfortable. We’re all anxious and unsettled.
I try to balance my day by limiting the amount of time I spend reading depressing and worrisome news stories and keeping cool with some air conditioning. CBC comedy and pug videos are one of my coping mechanisms.
At times like this it seems frivolous to consider writing or talking about clothing.
We still need to get dressed though so as a girlfriend said to me, ” A style distraction isn’t a bad thing”.
To keep cool and comfortable I’ve resorted to a favourite thrifted silk kimono I’ve had in my closet for years.
Silk Kimono For Summer
You may remember this from about five years ago when I was in Holland visiting Anja, Sylvia and Greetje.
That’s Anja in front, wearing my dress. We had a very fun day of dressing up which you can read more about here.
I did little essays on each of the ladies, Anja is here, Greetje is here and Sylvia is here.
I was hamming it up in one of Anja’s wigs below.
Ahhh…sweet memories : )
When I thrift I always look for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linen and silk.
Tags often claim that silk has to be dry-cleaned but I wash my pieces by hand and air dry them without issue.
Nothing is quite so fine as wearing silk when the temperatures head north of 30 C.
This kimono has an empire waist and large, open sleeves. It’s as comfy as wearing PJs all day but substantially more attractive.
My beret is made of light cotton.
I thought I’d share a laugh with you from Ivan Decker, a Canadian comedian.
Stay cool and find some positive things to focus on.
How do you cope with the heat and rising tensions in the world?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
The fabric of your kimono is especially beautiful. The unique geometric border is great with the more traditional floral print of the main body of the garment. The beautiful prints that often include exotic Asian florals is really what I love most about this style! They’re just so much more colorfully, delicious than a basic cardigan!!
Humor has always saved the day for me in troubled times. Oh gawd!!! We must tell Melanie that she needs to fark a kimono!!! Imagine the colorful drawings, wisdoms, and delightful quips!! A therapy kimono!
A therapy kimono is a GREAT idea!
That kimono is gorgeous. I’m a sucker for prints on a black background and this is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. As far as the heat, I try to stay in during the highest heat of the day with the A/C running full blast! I counter the negative effects of the increasingly depressing world news by going to comedy shows, practicing yoga and meditation and drinking wine.
Theresa
Ah…wine…I have great memories of it. It seems the older I get the fewer pleasures I can enjoy. Allergies mean that I haven’t been able to drink for over four years.
Although I’ve tried meditation has never stuck. I need to try it again.
I love a kimono and you look Fantastic in yours. Enjoy. . .
Thanks Neti : )
I hear you and I feel you. This political and physical climate is indeed very tough to navigate. Living in Manhattan near Trump Tower feels very strange. I sometimes do not recognize the country that I live in.
I, also, have to balance my news consumption with other more trivial things. I do think the creative aspect of style does help me though.
I really love this kimono on you, and appreciate the little snippets of time gone by. By the way, you certainly do rock a boa !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Ha! Yes, I’m not a stranger to working the boa. ; P
What a wonderfully fun post! I like everything about it, including your attitude. I’ve lived a lifetime of stress from work that is unnatural to me; a main way I’ve handled that is by turning my attention to blissful subjects, like women’s fashion. We need happy things to give us strength to handle the unhappy ones.
I know that lawyers are one of the top professions for alcohol and drug abuse. I’m glad you’ve found other pleasures that allow your mind to relax away from work.
This kimono looks so beautiful on you! Love it! 🙂
Xoxo Babita
http://travelhues.com
Thanks Babita : )
I understand what you are saying. When my mom was visiting I told her sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with the state of the world and our society. It can get you down, but like you said, fashion/creativity. A good distraction.
Love this kimono dress on you! Wow, great pattern and that it is as comfy as pj s is a win win!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
So many people feel the same way. I think everyone is stressed.
mmmhhhh….silk kimono!!!
love silk – even more with such beautiful prints. you look cool and chic in the dress with the beret and this fab shoes!!
like you i try to avoid the news – stay in the shade, enjoy my garden and its crops – and hug the cat 😀
last 2 days we had some rain and it cooled down a bit – this is helping too……
xxxx
We could use a bit of rain here.
I am highly sensitive, so I try to avoid reading too many depressing news stories, as it they can haunt me for days (and especially nights!). In my book, it’s exactly at times like these that we need some frivolity in our lives, and what better way to express ourselves that by dressing in clothes that not only makes us feel good by wearing them, but put a smile on other people’s faces too. We are currently having a reprieve from the heatwave, and I feel I can finally dress like myself again. Hurray! I’ve tried to keep cool in cotton, but I’ve never thought to try silk, for some reason. Your silk kimono is a sight for sore eyes. It must have been amazing meeting Greetje, Anja and Sylvia in Holland. So close to Belgium too 😉 BTW did you get my link and were you able to make something of the article? xxx
I never got that link Ann. Can you send it again? Thanks. Contact@suzannecarillo.com
That did make me laugh. My coping mechanism is much the same. You will read about it on my blog later on today. And kimonos are the best.
Greetje
PS do you have to fill in all your detail on my blog too? Or is it still prefilled?
I don’t think your comment form has ever had my information stored to be honest.
You mean, you fill in your name and email address every time you comment? That is ridiculous. I really have to put my IT guy to work. My avatar didn’t show this time either. Strange.
With “older” templates like Melanie’s blog or Sheila’s blog, my details are still prefilled when I visit.
Hah, my avataris back when I fill in my website details.
Silk is the perfect fabric for a hot day, although I admit I only have one silk dress and I haven’t worn it yet this year as it is fairly fitted on top and I haven’t been able to stand wearing anything close fitting this summer.
I can’t believe the current world situation, especially the latest Canada-Saudi Arabia spat. Countries are not sticking up for one another anymore, and the States has become everyone’s least favourite neighbour. I’m very worried about where this is all going.
Loose fabric is also important when the temps are too high.
Did you see all the road rage incidents lately in Toronto? People are stressed. It is scary.
Gorgeous kimono, Suzanne! Staying comfortable and feeling good about how you look can go a long way in maintaining a cool head when it’s hot outside and the news is terrible.
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Oh that is a fabulous kimono my friend! Uniquely beautiful and fabulous as always! You are so right…we’re living in rough times. I’m torn because I feel as if I need to stay on top of the news due to the rapid unraveling of sanity in my country, but it’s that very same thing that terrifies me & makes me avoid the news for days on end. My coping mechanism? Puppies. Lots & lots of puppies. xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
PS…while I could see Zoe being a Chloe, I definitely feel like Zoe suits her better…
Puppies could solve all the of the world’s problems. Soak up all that fresh puppy love you have in your house with your new grand-puppy.
I live in a bubble over most of the summer, no internet, no tv and no newspapers, just us and thousands of people out for a good time. It is so good to escape reality.
Your silk dress looks gorgeous on you, nothing beats silk on a hot day, does it? xxx
Your festivals are a wonderful respite. I feel for you having to be out when the weather is bad though.
Style distraction is a great thing! It doesn’t fix the world but it certainly helps balance out all that negativity flying around. And that kimono dress definitely works overtime in spreading positive energy. How could anyone see you in that and not smile?
The video, HAHAHAHA!!! I love that guy. CBC has the best comedy. I try to minimize my news intake and then look to comedy on ways to process it. Great post.
Yes, “bring me the machine!” ; P