A Regal Cardigan

Lightweight, thin layers can be warm and flattering.

I am always happy to find a new source for stylish elements that add a different silhouette to my wardrobe.

When the Project Manager for the designer, Ronen Chen, contacted me about featuring one of his pieces, I found it difficult to choose. All of his items are so elegant and timeless.

When this cardigan arrived, I knew right away that it was going to be worn many times. The details, the neutral plum color, and the perfect fit make it a great choice for staying warm in style.

When I wear leggings, I always wear a sweater or jacket that falls below my bottom. This Amber Knit Cardigan fits the requirement perfectly.

Bundled Up!

We don't get much snow here in East Tennessee, but we did wake up to a light dusting on Thanksgiving day.

When the cold weather comes, you will find me in lightweight layers, including a hat, a scarf, and an overcoat. Winter and I are not friends.

 

I must tell you about this hat. I was inspired to find my own version after seeing a similar fedora on a high-end shopping site for $195! 

I found this one at T.J.Maxx for $24.99. After removing the colorful ribbon and leather braid that it came with, I added this gray grosgrain ribbon and two gunmetal colored buttons to the back to create the look for less.

Below is a photo of the hat's back showing how I folded the ribbon ends over, glued them down, and then sewed two on small silver-gray buttons.

The over the knee boots are by Vince Camuto via Belk. They are perfect for muscular calves because only the front is leather. The backs are a stretch material that makes them very comfortable to wear.

Tip for putting long boots on over leggings. Put your knee socks on over the pants legs, then pull the boots on.

I found the coat at Ann Taylor Loft earlier this year, but it is now sold out. The scarf is by Vince Camuto via Saks Off 5th.

Dinner At The Orangery

The Orangery is a legendary French restaurant in Knoxville, TN. We always make plans to eat there when we are in town.

The Orangery story began in 1971 when a young enterprising businessman named Kristopher Kendrick realized that Knoxville's elegant ladies needed an equally elegant place to enjoy lunch. Kristopher named his restaurant The Orangery (after Marie Antoinette's greenhouses in France).

The Lobster & Mushroom Crepes was one of our top five meals ever!

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed performances by Judye Russell Brackner on a Steinway piano in the lobby.

This lovely lady with me is Glo, the manager. 

The building includes other businesses, as well as the restaurant. The common area reminds me of a small street in Paris.

I am looking forward to visiting again when Décor is open for browsing.

The Orangery features a large spiral staircase from a pre-Civil War mansion, marble from Park Junior High School, paneling from the board room of United American Bank, and gates from the former Fulton Mansion on Lyons View Pike.

The BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket is from Saks Off Fifth. I am wearing it with a silver-gray long sleeve tee with black coated jeans from Chico's. The Nine West shoes are from Saks Off 5th.

Mr. Mickey and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Wear It Wednesday, Get Dressed

On a recent weekend getaway, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel as we normally do when we go to Knoxville.

On Sunday morning, we dressed to go down to the hotel restaurant to have tea and enjoy the breakfast buffet, which includes many fresh fruits.

The dark rinse jeggings are from Chico's. I wore them with a black long sleeve tee from Kohl's. The vintage St. John Country jacket was given to me by my dear friend Mitzi. The calf hair d'Orsay animal print shoes are by Sam Edelman via Nordstrom.

Fabrizio Gianni Trench Coat

I've wanted a trench coat for years.

The typical tan color trench coat is certainly not the right color for me, so I tried on red, but that was limiting and memorable. A black trench turned out to be the right choice for me.

This Kelly Trench Coat was recently sent to me by Fabrizio Gianni. It is on sale right now at their site. I love that this clothing is made in the USA!

Mr. Mickey recently attended a Knoxville meeting, so we decided to make plans for a long weekend getaway.

The temperatures were mild, but the sky was overcast, and it rained for much of our time away. That doesn't stop us from exploring and enjoying the architecture.

The rainy weather gave me the perfect opportunity to wear my new trench coat.

We enjoy looking at the buildings in the old part of cities, and if any interesting shops or restaurants are open, we will often stop in for a visit.

Not very many places were open this Sunday morning, but the facades were unique, and the windows were decked out for the holidays.

One of my favorite rainy day things to do is drive through older neighborhoods to admire fabulous homes surrounded by beautiful lawns. (Now that I no longer have to maintain one of those lovely lawns, I can admire them happily from a distance.)

When we left my home earlier on Saturday morning, it was much colder, so I wore the trench coat with my suede and reptile boots. When the fall weather is mild, I enjoy wearing my cut-out and lace-up booties, but I go for the closed-toe versions with warm socks when it is freezing.

Did I tell you Mr. Mickey went shopping again? This is his newest baby. Isn't she a beauty?

This fabulous weekend tote was also sent to me by Fabrizio Gianni.

Before I started showing you my recent gifts from Fabrizio Gianni, I wasn't aware of this company. Now that I have some of their products I must tell you the quality is superb. I am a big fan of this company and have already placed an order for a jacket.