Iron On Jean Patches

Since the pandemic began over three years ago neither my husband nor I have bought any new clothes. Maybe a pair of walking shoes - but no clothes. My husband has a very old pair of jeans that he wears around the house. They are so old that there is a hole in the left knee area. Before we moved to northern Virginia almost four years ago we bought iron on jean patches for the same reason. Before we went out and got more patches we looked around in the closet and found them there. My husband didn’t want to buy a new pair of jeans if we could repair these. So we got out our little portable ironing board and the iron and set it up on the kitchen island. We read the instructions and followed along. He wanted to do both knees and to put the patch on the top of the fabric rather than underneath. It really didn’t take long to do the first one. Then we did the second one. It’s probably not the most stylish thing to do, but the only place he might be seen wearing the jeans would be to remove the trash which is just across the hall. I have a feeling this remedy may not last very long. In that case we may need to find a replacement. 

LLBean Pants and Boots

It seems we go to LLBean at least once a year. We rediscovered LLBean when I retired almost three years ago. My professional work wardrobe was swapped out for every day walking gear. My husband needed to get a couple pair of pants and I needed some winter walking boots - for rain and snow. My winter snow boots are over fifteen years old and I can’t get the zipper up or down - the insides are so shredded. They are one of the last reminders we have from our thirty years in the frigid Midwest. We started in the men’s department and my husband quickly found a really nice pair of jeans and corduroy pants. Then we went over to the shoe area and found a really cute pair of snow boots that looked very different from my ugly black numbers. The trick is to find anything in my size. But luckily for me, this shipment had just arrived that week so they were stocked up in size eleven. I wanted to get the same rain boots my husband got last year, but the lower cut option hit my ankle in just the wrong spot. So I tried the shin high boot and it felt okay. Hopefully with some wear and tear the top will loosen up around the same ankle area. I had a chance to try them out this week in the torrential rain and one foot was perfect. The jury is still out on the other. Why do they have to rub in the wrong spot!? So now I’m stretching the top out sideways and hopefully it will help the fit. Otherwise it will be a bit uncomfortable. I am always ecstatic when there is a shoe available in my size. But it’s a rare find to get the kind that fit just right. As for my husband’s pants? Perfect!

Iron Patches from Oregon

Since we are both retired our wardrobe looks much different than it did. The work clothes were either pushed to the back of the closet or donated. Because we walk every morning rain or shine, the outdoor clothing options increased to cover just about any circumstance. Before, if a pair of jeans were starting to wear down, my husband would buy another pair. Now, he uses iron on patches to keep the worn area from getting worse. After all, if you’re just walking around the neighborhood or sitting around the house you could argue - what difference does it make? So the last time I was doing a routine Amazon order for household items, my husband reminded me to get him his patches in anticipation for the next time. The blue patches came all the way from Bend, Oregon from what looks to be a mom and pop shop called Iron Patches. I’m not really sure if they will ever be used as I think my husband deserves a decent pair of pants. He eventually comes to that conclusion too. In the meantime his patches will be available just in case. 

The Retired Person's Wardrobe - What to Toss? I Miss My Walk In Closet!

One of the things I miss most about our Milwaukee home is the walk in closet we had. It was't that large, but did allow me to have all my clothes in one spot. One of the first things we did when we moved to this tiny place was have California Closets do whatever they could to make the already tiny space a little more useful. But even with that, stuff is located in several places, but I don't have to walk very far to get to it all. Since I retired in February I have been meaning to clean out the closets and get rid of anything I knew I wouldn't be wearing any more - work skirts and suits, high heels, stockings! So yesterday - with my husband's help - we went through just about everything, leaving the sock and underwear drawers for today! I can say I made some progress and filled two large garbage bags with worthwhile clothing, purses, and shoes to take to Goodwill. But I didn't go as far as I could. I think I need to rethink it all in another year, once we get through all the seasons. What I ended up with was a lot of extra hangers, everything now has it's own hanger, the hall closet area is mush less cluttered, and everything is in a little better order. I also have an idea of what I actually have. I also realize that my wardrobe is quite neutral and tends to be the same bland colors. There is still too much, but I'm having a bit of a problem discarding leather jackets and other things that still look good. I do know I don't need to get anything else right now. The heels were just switched out for walking shoes. That should do it for now. 

NYDJ Jeans

I really haven't had a good pair of jeans for quite some time. Since we were going to England and France we thought it would be a good time to invest in some pants for travel. I am very short waisted and have difficulty finding slacks that fit well, particularly around the hips and thighs. There is always more room than I need and I am too lazy to get every day wear altered. So I ended up getting NYDJ jeans, based on the recommendation of the salesperson we know and trust. I'm not used to a snug fit anymore,  but was assured these would do the trick. One pair was a lighter color grey and the other dark. I didn't notice at the time the sticker that was placed inside the garment that read "NYDJ cannot be held responsible for any positive consequence that may arise due to your fabulous appearance when wearing our jeans." I can only say that they felt good enough, but I did not sense any particular reaction about a fabulous appearance! Just as well. When we flew home yesterday from London on United, I successfully ended up spilling my dinner on my new pants. Hopefully the stain will wash out. Then I will really know how fabulous they are.