Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Styling At The Hardware Store

How Daily Life Unfolds


Hello everyone! I'll warn you ahead of time, this is going to be one of those random thought posts where I start thinking about things that make me go, "Hmm..." and before I know it I have a blog post. I'm also looking at the pics I'll share with you and re-evaluating some styling. Including how big these sunglasses look on my face! Yikes!


So, I'm following the Mr. through Lowe's today and I begin wondering to myself if I could add up all of the hours I have spent in hardware stores in my lifetime, I wonder how many hours that would be? And, I have to tell you that after renovating three houses as a couple, with the present renovation still very much in process, I can imagine that those hours would amount to quite a large number! The Mr. refers to Lowe's and Home Depot stores as "toy stores" and believe me I have spent MUCH more time in these stores with him than he has spent in clothing stores with me! LOL!


Our mission today at the toy store was to look at stairway railings to replace the present ones we have in our house. This is a good thing as the present ones are pretty outdated. It also is a good thing because it means we have come to the point in our renovation story where this type of cosmetic touch is ready to be done. The Mr. has been working diligently on strengthening the treads and filling in places with wood filler that need it. This is laborious work and he makes it look easy. Anyway, as we were walking down an aisle I whipped out my phone and asked him to take a picture of me. I mean, why waste an opportunity for a blog photo, right? Don't all bloggers do fashion shoots at Lowe's and Home Depot?! I must tell you that I show this photo with some trepidation. I really thought I had the pattern mixing thing down but, after looking at this photo, I'm thinking, "Maybe not!" I'm doing lots of layering with a brown turtleneck, a thin print blousey top over the turtleneck and then a long cardigan/coat for warmth. I think perhaps the blousey top with the other pieces is too much pattern difference. What do you think? 


This is the style staircase we are planning to do in our house, although our steps will not be carpeted. 



And here is a "blast from the past" picture of what our staircase looks like now. Although, I no longer hang pretty quilts over the bannister since a certain gray tabby came into our lives and likes to climb! You'll notice the baby gates on the steps to keep our kitties from sliding through. This should be eliminated once the new stair design is completed. (Paws and fingers crossed that it will work!) That was a pretty dress I have on in this photo from four years ago. Shoes were cute, too.  I don't own either pieces anymore. Hmm....four years is longer than you think isn't it?!


So, just a few random thoughts on the blog today. Nothing monumental. Hardware stores that are toy stores to some. And the hours I have spent in them over the years. Changes to our stairwell. Changes in my stylings from four years ago. Change....it's the one thing we can count on, right? 

Is anything changing in your life?  And, what would count as your "toy store?"  Do tell me in a comment.  One thing that never changes is that I love hearing from my readers!

Until Next Time,
Debbie

9 comments:

Clearissa said...

Love your inspiration staircase. I am looking at one very similar. The difference, my hubby isn't that handy and I will have to find a carpenter to install. So we are saving. :) Looks like you and hubby had a fun day. TFS

Sharon said...

I enjoyed this post, Debbie, with a few chuckles along the way! The style of your new railings is beautiful. I can't wait to see photos of the railings after the Mr. installs them. I understand about those "toy stores". I follow my husband to greenhouses and plant nurseries as you follow your Mr. to hardware stores. My own "toy stores" include fabric stores and book stores!

Susan said...

I really liked the lowes photo shot. You look comfortable and I think the patterns go fine together. That sweater is wonderful. I know if it were mine it would be worn often and would be my favorite. Both stair banisters are very nice but the one you are putting in is really extra nice. And, that's a great picture of you in the red dress. Between my Dad (Who could make or fix anything.), and my husband (Who could make or fix anything.), and my crafts, I have spent numerous hours in "Toy Stores" too.

Karen Anderson said...

I like the new style of your stair railing! That will be beautiful and I trust you'll show us the end result! That dress is so pretty Debbie. I get rid of things too and sometimes wonder why. I also like the shoes with the dress. I just really like that style of dress. But anyway.... I have also spent years in hardware (toy) stores, counting up the hours. Sometimes it was even my own idea when I've been doing projects! But truly...years. Now for me, I think of clothing stores as my version of a toy store, or a book store. Or something like Williams Sonoma. I guess not every trip to the toy store has to result in a purchase, right?! I think your print mixing is really spot on. The two prints work really well together. That sweater looks really cozy!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks for your comment Clearissa. The thing about having a "handy hubby" to do the carpentry is that it takes longer! If you hire out, usually once they come and get started the job is completed much sooner. It's kind of a trade-off, but I love my guy and think I'll keep him! (Wink)

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Sharon. I'm glad I gave you some chuckles! As you know, I dearly love book stores and they are my "toy stores" too!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Susan. It sounds like between the two of us we have both spent plenty of hours in "toy stores" ie. hardward stores!!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks so much, Karen! I do love that sweater and wear it as often as I can. And I will certainly share pics when the stairwell is completed. Fingers crossed it will be fairly soon!!

Joy said...

I like the pattern differences, personally, and think that they go well together, although I agree that you do have to be very careful about mixing and matching. I particularly love the long cardigan - that's my sort of thing.
xx