Monday, May 30, 2016

Accessories Change The Basics

You have likely noticed that I often wear a similar base, including a tunic or tank with narrow leg pants in one color.



This silhouette flatters my shape and height and fits my personality, so I often rely on this basic combination when getting dressed. 

Today I want to show you how I change the attitude and set the tone for different looks by changing my accessories. The same top and pants are worn in each of the examples shown here.

This fabulously comfortable tunic top was a gift from Covered Perfectly. This style is Fit and Flare. The flattering wide waistband pull-on dressy black pants are by Tribal, and they were a gift from Copper Penny.



For this around-town look, I added a black and silver and gold necklace, flat sandals by DV Dolce Vita last year, and a picnic-style wicker bag from J.McLaughlin to achieve a classic look that is appropriate for almost any event.



This top is very soft and comfortable for traveling. Just wash it out and hang it to dry. If you pack it, hang it up when you arrive and when you get up the following day, the wrinkles will be gone. 

For a comfortable travel look, I added flat loafer style shoes from BCBGeneration via Saks Off 5th. The scarf can be draped around my neck if I get cold on the plane. It is several years old.


I draped a Michael Kors chain detail silk scarf around my neck for a more uptown look and switched to a gold chain bag from Express. The cork and gold detail wedge sandals were by VANELi via Marmi Shoes last year.




I added a bold medallion necklace and an old cropped moto-style white jacket from White House Black Market old reptile embossed booties to achieve a more downtown urban vibe. I always use a jacket as an "accessory" to set the tone for looks. Also, the Calvin Klein bag is old from T.J.Maxx.



I hope these examples help you see how you can change your basic looks by wearing different accessories. A follower once commented that she could never put together a look when she shopped at a particular store that I often visit. I never think of putting together a specific look when I am shopping. Instead, I think only of adding elements that appeal to me and can be worn in different ways with what I already have to build appropriate looks for any event.





Sunday, May 29, 2016

The Perfect Summer Day

Spending a beautiful sunny day in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is pure bliss for us.


I wore my version of a tee with jeans and sandals. 
"Personal style is the interpretation of a trend." 
You may quote me.




This fabulous asymmetric hem top from Birdie James was a gift from the owner Michelle Taylor. Birdie James Authentic Chic is a new store opening this weekend at 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 111, located in the Shelter Cove Towne Centre on Hilton Head Island. I am so excited to visit this store on my next trip to Hilton Head. From everything I have seen, this will be the perfect place to find upscale styles with a nod to comfortable ageless classics.




The necklace is a vintage estate piece from Finely House Couture in Blowing Rock. The Lilly Pulitzer straw clutch with gold accents is also from Finely House Couture last year. The Vince Camuto sandals were from Belk last year. The sunglasses are by Balmain from Saks Off 5th. The perfectly comfortable lightweight white jeans are by Tribal.


There are many great stores and boutiques to visit in Blowing Rock.




One of Mr. Mickey's favorite stores in the world is Kilwin's. The people in the photo below are not walking down the street... they are standing in line to buy ice cream!


The line was not nearly as long when we visited earlier in the day. At least we started inside the store!




Kilwin's is also world-famous for its many flavors of fudge, which they make right there in the window on giant marble tables.


My personal reasons for loving Blowing Rock reach all the way back to my childhood. I spent many happy hours with my beloved great-grandmother Phoebe, wandering around in her seemingly endless flower gardens. Hummingbirds and butterflies danced around us as she showed me new blossoms and explained the plants and why she planted them in the sun or the shade.
































The village of Blowing Rock is surrounded by abundant gardens, winding paths, and shady lanes that beckon me to return again and again. It is a place where I can almost hear Phoebe's gentle voice telling me about the sweet, heady fragrance of the giant irises that return to the garden each spring.







Saturday, May 28, 2016

Newberry

Last Sunday, we traveled to Hilton Head from Johnson City, so I wore soft, comfortable layers.


The denim jacket is lightweight and comfortable in air conditioning. It is from White House Black Market. The tank is by Peck and Peck via Stein Mart. The cute khaki pants are by Lior Paris, and this is the Lize style. ShopMyFairLady.com sent these to me. (I am so glad they started carrying these pants!)


I have written before about my frustration with finding a cute, comfortable pair of khaki pants for warm weather. I rejoiced when I tried these on! I tire of white pants every day in summer, so it is nice to find a khaki pair that will work with most of my casual tops. Be sure to wash these in cold water and hang the pants to dry. They will look great and wear well for several seasons if you take care of them. I have been wearing my black ones very often for the past year.


The faux bamboo handle bag was a summer favorite by BCBG from T.J.Maxx last year. The sandals are old by Jessica Simpson.



We love to stop in Newberry, South Carolina, when we are traveling to the deep South. It is a delightful town with a more than one-hundred-year-old Opera House and a great variety of antique shops. Carter & Holmes Orchids is also located in Newberry! We have only stopped in Newberry for brief visits, which always leaves me longing for more time to explore the town and all it has to offer.


On this Sunday morning visit, we thoroughly enjoyed a fabulous brunch at Figaro. We highly recommend it and can not wait to have dinner there. The food was superb, and the service was excellent!












I feel right at home in Newberry, so we are planning a long weekend there very soon.




Friday, May 27, 2016

Dinner At Red Fish

At the end of our first perfect full day on the island, we had a wonderful dinner with some of the Hilton Head Island members - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce at the Red Fish. It is one of the top-rated restaurants on the Island.


I wore a blue lace swing jacket by Damee NYC with Lior Paris Sasha pants, both provided by ShopMyFairLady. (I have to tell you that these are the most comfortable dress pants I have ever worn.) The layered V-neck tank is from White House Black Market. I carried a clutch bag from a few years ago and wore black suede fringe trim sandals by BCBGeneration via Saks Off 5th.

The water on Hilton Head Island gives me the best hair of my life!



The view from our terrace at the Marriott Resort and Spa was spectacular!




















I was on that beach walking as the sun came up as often as possible!


I hope you are enjoying seeing the photos from our mini-vacation on the beautiful Hilton Head Island. More tomorrow!