I live in a very hot climate year-round, so the easy casual look is something I have learned to master over the years for my own sanity. It’s great to see all the layered styles on social media, but they just don’t work when it’s hot outside and you’re boiling inside.

Over the holidays, my husband, daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a day exploring old Manila. Today’s pics were taken at the historic Ft. Santiago, which is in the heart of the old walled city. Ft. Santiago was built in the 16th century inside the old walled city of Intramuros. It was also the site where hundreds of Filipino and American POW’s were held and eventually killed toward the end of WWII.

For this day out, I chose a simple t-shirt and cropped jeans. The aubergine color gave me a color boost and it really stood out against the brilliant color of the Philippine sky and the weather-worn stone of the fort.

Here, I used the partial tuck-in to keep the proportions in check. When wearing cropped pants, it helps to keep an eye on the hemline of your top. If the hemline falls too low, you risk making your legs look short and squatty…and those are two adjectives none of us want to hear about our outfits.

The fort is situated just down the lane from the Manila Cathedral. If you look closely, you can spot the two domes of the cathedral in the background.

It was a great time spent with family and an awesome opportunity to explore a place we’d never visited before. Actually, this was our first time to visit this area even though we’ve lived in the Philippines for 11 years.

But then, isn’t that how things often go? We get so bogged down in our everyday routines that we fail to appreciate what’s right outside our door.

I guess that’s what I’m trusting God for in 2020…fresh eyes! I want to see Him in my everyday and open my eyes to the many blessings that I typically overlook in pursuit of the next deadline or project.

How about you…what are you trusting God for in 2020?

~ Shellie

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The post Easy Casual Look – A Day Exploring Old Manila appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.

Last Friday, I enjoyed one of those rare opportunities for a solo day to hang out. My husband left early that morning with his t-shirt, ball cap and a fisherman’s dream. So, I was left to my own devices…ohhh, what to do, what to do?!

In all honesty, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do…head right over to the Home Goods store to spend hours strolling the clearance aisles. Next to clothes, home decor is my biggest weakness and cheap home decor is even better!

Crisp White Blouse

I thought it was time for another addition of “What I Really Wore” and unfortunately, the pics also ended up pretty “real” as well. Still, I decided to share because this type of outfit is one of my favorites.

Every girl should have a crisp white blouse in her closet. A white blouse adds instant polish to any outfit. I like this one because of its light, sheer quality.

Of course, a sheer blouse calls for a camisole, which raises an interesting consideration. Does anyone besides me hate the feeling of a tight camisole? I know they are meant to fit that way, but this girl just can’t take the feeling. So, this little dilemma sent me on a search for the perfect camisole. Believe it or not I found the perfect solution by purchasing a cotton camisole from Wal-Mart that was three sizes bigger than my normal size…and thus perfect!

I used my favorite partial-tuck technique (wore it with jeans and patterned pants) to keep the pulled-together feel and help balance the lines.

I finished off the look with skinny boyfriend jeans and lace-up leather loafers.

Featured Looks From My Refined Style #13

Last week we had our biggest linkup ever and it was packed with fabulous over-40 style…thanks girls!

Kirsten – The LIFB Issue

Bogi – Red Reticule

Nicole – High Altitude Style

Pam – Over 50 Feeling 40

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing with your email in the right side bar of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Also, check out the other fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Crisp White Blouse – Featured Looks From MRS #13 appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.