A widely recognized pattern of repeating checks, gingham was first popularized in the 18th century by the Dutch and English although its origins date back to the 1600s. It’s the typical contrast of white against a bright color that makes this print so iconic.
Quick, what’s the first thing you think of when you see gingham? I’ll bet it’s a picnic. A relaxing day at a park with a checkered tablecloth spread out on the grass, a basket full of yummy food, and lots of sunshine. Whether it’s a little or a lot, gingham is one of those patterns that’s timeless as well as modern. I’ll get back to this topic in a bit but for now, let’s do a little recap on last week.
Monday
Our HOA had scheduled the annual fire-sprinkler system and termite inspections for our complex which were to happen in the morning. The fire-sprinkler system check took all of two minutes and it was just making sure each unit had its sprinkler head tool. However, I wound up stuck at home for most of the day waiting on the guy from the pest control company. Not knowing the specific time that the inspection would happen, I’d planned to shower and dress to go out after. By the time the inspection was done, I decided to just stay home so no OOTD.
Tuesday
I was due for a pedicure so that was the key item on my to-do list for the day. After these photos were taken, I switched out my sandals for flip-flops and off I went.
Wednesday
The Husband had a poker game in the evening so I headed out in mid-afternoon on a few “miscellaneous errands”. I had a couple of items to return as well.
Thursday
We needed to do some grocery shopping but first, The Husband needed to make a stop at one of those large home improvement stores. It seemed like a fitting photo locale. Do you recall these jeans that I’m wearing? They’re my self-made Statement Pants I created last Spring.
Friday
Another poker game for The Husband in the evening (a one-off, he usually doesn’t play two nights in the same week) so I headed out for the afternoon/evening as well. This time I dropped off a couple of bags for donation at one of my favorite thrift stores near where we used to live (and of course, I did a bit of browsing but didn’t find anything remarkable enough to buy). I had gingham on my mind when I put together my OOTD.
After the thrift store, I went to the mall in that area and since it was dinner time, I decided to treat myself by eating at my favorite chain restaurant. It’s not the first time that I’ve eaten by myself in a restaurant and since it was earlyish, there weren’t a lot of people in the place either so not that awkward. However, it wasn’t until after I’d ordered I realized that I’d left my phone in my car.
If I was with someone, I wouldn’t have thought twice about doing a quick dash to retrieve it which is kind of funny now that I think about it. If I was not alone, why would I have needed my phone other than to have it as a security blanket or to ignore my companion with mindless scrolling? Faced with the challenge of being by myself, I was stymied by questions like … who would watch my table while I wasn’t there? What if my food came out while I was gone? So instead, I resigned myself to sitting there without my phone for the duration of my dinner. I didn’t even have any paper with me on which to make notes. Obviously, I survived but I did find it ironic that when the server dropped off the check after I finished eating, she mentioned that I could pay my tab using my smartphone if I wanted.
Saturday
It was these gingham sneakers that sparked the idea for the title of this post (as well as the story about leaving my phone in my car). I’d first spied them in the store but they were out of my size and briefly considered checking for them online which I did the following day. They arrived a week later and all I could think was “check, please” and figure out an outfit for their first wearing. The rest of my ensemble was shopped from my closet.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week’s link-up is Nicole, the blogger over at High Latitude Style, who writes about fashion, science and life in Alaska.
Are you a traditionalist when it comes to gingham, preferring red, or blue, or pastels? Have you ever sported a two-tone version? What other iconic prints do you associate with Spring and Summer? And please do share a tidbit about some adventure you had last week as well.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
17 Comments
Good of you to go have dinner on your own. And without a phone! Lol.
I love those jeans and remember when you posted that! As for the phone- we’ve become so dependant!! But then again, I remember when I’d go to lunch out on my own (before cell phones), I always brought along something to read. So…maybe things haven’t changed all that much with our need to be busy! Fun post to read! Have a great week xx
I like your maxi dress and statement pants. And the gingham sneakers are super-cute . . . I know how much you really needed more shoes (ha,ha). Thanks for hosting the link-up.
Carol
http://www.scdribblingboomer.com
The floral cardigan + check sneakers print mix is super cute and really takes a simple white shirt + jeans base outfit to the next level.
When I think of gingham, I almost always think of the South, specifically Charleston. My oldest granddaughter was born there, and she had many gingham smocked dresses! I absolutely recognize that home improvement store…I spend lots of time in ours! My big adventure has been picking out flooring for the new condo we are building! It’s a bit overwhelming picking out everything! It would be more fun if Nigel were a little freer with the budget! I am going to have to go back and read about your jeans…I’m now inspired to do something maybe! Thanks so much for the link party! Please come visit on Friday for the Weekend Traffic Jam!
https://marshainthemiddle.com
Your gingham shoes are cute! i don’t have any gingham in my wardrobe surprisingly! it’s not a print you see a lot of here in Australia.
i think a solo dinner with no interruptions even from a phone sounds heavenly right now, haha!
Thanks for the link up! Hope that you are having a great week 🙂
I’ve never felt comfortable dining by myself without something to keep me occupied like a phone or book. Good for you for being able to relax and go with the flow!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Fun post and super cute outfits, Rena! I have a special fondness for gingham as well. I actually don’t necessarily think of picnics when I see gingham, but rather I envision a simpler time when picnics were an exciting adventure and get all the nostalgic feels for a time when I never even lived. Oh, I do love the long story that gingham can tell. Your sneakers are simply adorable and the perfect footwear addition for the season!
Shelbee
I love gingham, but don’t own any. It’s often a bit too pastel for my coloring. But I love both your gingham sneakers and your gingham dress. Fabulous outfits both! I hate waiting around for service call people unless I just plan to stay home that day. Ugh on leaving your phone in the car. Frustrating.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
That skirt in Friday’s outfit: I love it, it is so pretty! And your little gingham sneakers are so fun. Can never have too many sneakers. I love seeing the variety of your outfits. Inspiring to switch it up!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
When you said what do you think of when you first think of gingham, and I recalled the little outfits little kids often wear for nursery school!! They always look so cute in their gingham outfits!
I would’ve probably been lost without my phone. I always use it to scroll through when I’m eating alone!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Hi Rena
It is so funny, when we don’t have it , it feels weird, but when hubby has it and scrolls during dinner, Its a no-no. 🙂 Love the tiered floral skirt – the jacket is a pretty, structural element that looks great with it. Those gingham sneakers are cute! and love the red print, red is so good n you!
My first party here – adding this one to my weekly list!
Alexandra
OnRockwoodLane.com
EyeLoveKnots.com
Gingham reminds me of summer. I had a lovely black and white gingham skirt a few years ago. I would have been so bored on my own without a book or phone to divert me, it’s my worst nightmare.
Love the floral skirt and denim jacket, looked great on you Rena, you’ve had a busy week too, hope you can have a relaxing weekend. Thanks for hosting the #LINKUP. Jacqui x
I love the skirt you wore on Friday with the denim jacket! Fab checked sneakers too. I do sometimes eat out alone but I like to have my phone to avoid the boredom.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Love that Friday skirt, thank you for sharing!!!
Love and Wellness
https://wellnessshopland.com