Giving back to the community is imperative to me. That community includes the pets that become a part of our family and also those that get discarded.
Last evening we attended the Dogwood and Cattails Ball to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County.
It was great to see so many of our friends who also came out to help support the animal shelter. Our shelter is a no-kill organization. No matter how long it takes for an animal in our foster program to find a home, it will remain in our program until the best possible home can be found. Thanks to this program, 1300 healthy, happy animals have been adopted into loving family homes.
The Oustanding Animal of the year was awarded to a special dog named Arabela, who serves our country by disclosing improvised explosive devices (IEDs are simple bombs made and used by unofficial or unauthorized forces).
I fell in love with a sweet pitbull named Chloé!
Chloé was rescued from a very inhumane breeder situation and given a loving forever home. She showed her gratitude with kisses, snuggles, and a tail that wagged non-stop.
Rather than buy another ball gown that I will never wear again, I used old items I already had in my closet. This year's ball's theme was based upon the Great Gatsby, so I went with separate pieces that sort of reflected that theme.
The simple knit tank dress with a side slit is a couple of years old. The tuxedo-style jacket is old from the Travelers Collection at Chico's. The little evening bag is many years old. The shoes are old by French Connection via Saks Off 5th.
As always, you look great! I know exactly what you mean about the heels; 95% of the time I am in heels (I wear nursing clogs during the week as I work in a medical office but while they are comfortable they are not the most elegant looking shoes) because I find them to be more comfortable. So take comfort that there is at least 1 follower who feels the same way.
ReplyDeleteGreat riff on a Gatsby outfit. Perfect. I love how you use something you already have. I would have been out shopping and found something I'd never wear again. And regretted it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a heel wearer but I think you look great in heels. Each to his own. Haters really need to stop.
This is one of my favorite of your posts. I love helping animals and especially no kill shelters. Thanks for sharing.
Jan
Great looking couple and I am certain you had a wonderful time. This is one follower who has never faulted you (or anyone else, for that matter) for wearing heels. Flats are just not as dressy and I love my heels (though most are wedges now, but they count). Keep on doing exactly what you feel is right for you (as if I have to tell you that!!).
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely, Susan! And this looks like such a great event!
ReplyDeleteYour outfit certainly fits the theme. That Chico's tuxedo jacket is so versatile...a good wardrobe staple. Perhaps you need to adopt a pup to accompany you on your walks! LOL Have a lovely Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI live in Canada and we have a rescue dog from an Ohio kill shelter. We got her 5 years ago from a charitable group of young women who rescue dogs from the US. And I meet other dog owners quite often who also have rescue dogs from there. So happy we can help our friends
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your yourself with your viewers and subscribers. It is sad in the internet world so many people find it so easy to be critical and unkind and "have a go" at people. I read your blog daily and it is one that I look forward to reading. I enjoy your ideas and tips for dressing. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, you are simply stunning! As I've stated before, people just need to modify for themselves. If you can't wear heels, modify a flat to give the same look. I bought a pair of flats that you wore with really pointy toes. I would have NEVER even looked at those before this blog. They are so comfortable and I get TONS of compliments every time I wear them. Thank you for getting me to consider things that I would have never before even tried. I love it when stepping out of my comfort zone, something new is discovered.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, just got in from a 2 mile brisk walk, drinking my protein shake and enjoying my new body after losing 80 pounds. Last year, went zip lining for the first time and this year I will be jumping from a plane...tandem, of course. I turn 63 this year and after surviving a scare of breast cancer, I decided to just go for it. Loving my life and I thank you for your encouragement to be our very best, whatever that is.
I am a recent follower of your blog, and I look forward to reading every entry. I love heels! My current job does not allow me the luxury of wearing them often but your blog provides me the opportunity to admire your choices. Please continue to share your life and ignore the haters, it's obvious that your heel choices are not for everyone, however there is much more to be taken from each post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSusan, lovely post on a terrific very special celebration of animal life.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing you and Mr. Mickey sharing and enjoying life. We are blessed. L'chaim to life.
Susan, your stunning shoes are one of my favorite reasons for reading your blog. Since when do we have to wear 'em to love 'em? (I'd wear them if I hadn't broken my foot and ankle this year.) They're just lovely, as are you. What's even more daring than the heels is wearing black at an event where you're loving up the furry friends, ha! I recently came away from a shelter with black leggings covered in cat hair, and I didn't mind one bit. Thank you for supporting such an important cause.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous. Thank you for your time and effort. I appreciate that putting yourself out there can be both scary and uncomfortable. I for one am really glad you did. Reading and seeing an alternative view has been good for me both emotionally and physically- never mind how much money you have saved me since I now consider my purchases before I make them , they have to go with at least 3 things in my closet. About the heels I Love them. I also Love flats. Oh wait I Love shoes. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI admire and enjoy your sharing Susan! You are an inspiration in so many ways, beautiful inside and out. Do what I tell the preschoolers I'm blessed to work with: ignore. You look fantastic in heels and I'm determined to try and find some that work with my wide feet and tendinitis!
ReplyDeleteYour love of Mr.Mickey, animals, fashion and service shine through always! ❤️
As always, you look really well put-together. It's sad that people feel so free to criticize, but you have a great attitude. Yesterday I enjoyed your very good post on how you apply your daytime makeup. It was very helpful, and I appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration, and so is your blog. You inspire me to feel better by taking care of myself inside and out. Please keep on doing what you're doing and being true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to work with a theme, without wearing something that looks like a costume.
My little furry companion came form a shelter, too. She's found her forever home. This is a good cause. Animals deserve our compassion.
It sounds as if someone was Iof the content or fashion choices you present on your blog, which is sad since it is YOUR blog. If someone doesn't like what you share, they certainly don't have to follow you. And regarding your choice to wear heels, while I don't hardly ever (and appreciate seeing an outfit presented with flat of low heels) I certainly would never be critical of someone who chooses to wear heels. Since I'm retired, they just don't fit into my lifestyle and foot surgery over 30 years ago prevented me from wearing the ultra high heels that so many like. Continue just the way you are and don't let the naysayers get you down.
ReplyDeleteYou always look stylish and chic. I look forward to your blog every day even though I am now a rancher in jeans, t-shirts, hiking shoes, sun hat, and dirt or mud pretty much all day every day; I grew up in San Francisco and still have a special place in my heart for style and chic, including heels! Your blog inspires me for the rare times I do "get back to civilization"! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I enjoy reading your blog because you present such a POSITIVE outlook and give tips in a friendly way, not preachy or opinionated at all. There are unfortunately so many people who can't allow others to be who they are or want to be without criticism. Wear heels and show them on the blog. Anyone who is paying attention would know that you offer other options frequently and have even been showing more times when you wore flats or low heels. It is indeed sad that any of your followers would try to make you feel bad about your choice. I wear heels less frequently than I used to because they simply don't fit my lifestyle now. But I still love my pretty high heels and wear them when it fits the event I am attending. I am one of very few who wear them to my church, but I wear them because I like them. So as the young ones might say, "You go girl!"
ReplyDeleteAs always you look fabulous and I love to see you re-use existing clothing to meet new style requirements. As to the shoes, I don't often wear heels myself as they are not always practical for my lifestyle, but always enjoy what you wear. As you say I get inspired by your blog to take what I have and make it work for me whether it's heels or flats. It's always easy to criticize others and it is unkind.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a lovely lady and inspiration to us. If you wear heels or something else that I don't or can't wear, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate and learn from your outfits and tips. Keep up the good posts and ignore the negative comments. And I think you Gaysby ensemble was perfect and for a worthwhile cause.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog from searching the interweb high and low! Thank Goodness for your blog. I was lost and now feel like I can find inspiration through your reflection. Now I see I'm going to have to step it up a bit and give back like I see you doing. BTW, you look amazing and props to Mr. McDreamy. He knows he's a lucky man, right?
ReplyDeleteSusan, I love looking at your shoes, although I cannot wear heels like those I think thy are killer! I admir your blog because, although you show some things that are pricey, you also show reasonably priced clothing items. I can afford to buy any clothes or shoes I want, but would rather put my money into helping family, some charitable causes, and environmental causes. So therefore, when you show me something that is fashionable and reasonably priced (not a $700 arty item!!) I can feel good about myself in many different ways.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. You are a lovely woman, and inspiring too! Pay no attention to haters. They need to find another blog to read.
Another Susan
I read your blog always and love it. I don't wear heels because for me, flats are more comfortable. I am envious of you for being able to wear them🙂 You always look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that people feel the need to criticize someone who is such an inspiration. I love your shoes, wish I still had a reason to wear heels every day but your blog gives me my shoe fix. Your outfit pictures too are a wonderful tool for a me, I can see a look on you, go to my closet or the mall to see if I/they have anything like it, try it on and either get it or leave it. I'm very grateful that you do this for us. Today's pictures with you and Mr. Mikey and the dog were so cute. Thanks for what you do for us. Since I discovered your blog the frumpness in my wardrobe is almost completely gone. Trish
ReplyDeleteAnother terrific post! I love that you wear heels, and although I can no longer wear heels as high as I could when I was younger, I love seeing you in them, because
ReplyDeleteyour choice of stylish heels always inspires me, and I absolutely loved the video you posted the other day, walking beautifully and confidently in heels. Not all of us want to wear flats and drape ourselves in black once we turn 50 and older! Thank you, Susan, for continuing to show us there are stylish options available for all ages.
Susan, I agree with Jan (above) that this is a favorite post. Although I cannot wear heels, I really enjoy seeing your choices. Why on earth do people feel the need to chide others? I think we know: they feel it somehow reflects badly on them and is a criticism of their own choices or possibilites. Once again, what people say about others really just reveals more about THEM. Pay them no mind and carry on, Susan! As a former teacher, I know how easy it is to ignore all the good comments and focus on the bad ones. You have helped me so much in the few months since I've found your blog. You do more good than you know. Brava!
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning! Great outfit and make-up Ignore anyone who comments negatively on the heels - you're entitled to wear what you want and they look smashing on you. Thank you for sharing your life and fun with us!
ReplyDeleteAs a long time follower I have never even given any thought about the fact you wear heels, as wear them so well. Enough attention to the negative comments. You don't owe anyone any explanations. You prefer heels. I understand others may niot. Maybe others are trying to tell you they feel excluded by your heels. Showing flats from time to time might make them feel included in your style selections. Sadly it won't stop the haters, i do think when you have a presence on the web it does open you up to criticism. Can you imagine how it must feel to be a celebrity and deal with it on TV and in magazines? Keep in keeping on!
ReplyDeleteSusan, you always look stunning! You should (and do) dress the way you like and feel comfortable. I would love to wear heels occasionally but it's not to be. If anyone looks at my shoe board on Pinterest, they would think I have a closet full of stilettos! Just because I can't wear them doesn't mean I can't admire them on someone else. You have inspired more women with your posts and I for one appreciate all your efforts on curating fabulous outfits. That said, you and Mr Mickey do so much good in your community. My oldest daughter works with Dallas-Fort Worth Pug Rescue and she said you just want to bring every dog home with you.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the outfit you put together for this occasion. I just don't have the "eye" to look at items of clothing and see an outfit. Your blog helps me by giving me ideas of how to put things together.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could wear heels like you do but I am not able to. That doesn't mean that I don't love to see all the different shoes you find. Thank you for taking us along to your social activities.
As a long time follower I have never even given any thought about the fact you wear heels, as wear them so well. Enough attention to the negative comments. You don't owe anyone any explanations. You prefer heels. I understand others may niot. Maybe others are trying to tell you they feel excluded by your heels. Showing flats from time to time might make them feel included in your style selections. Sadly it won't stop the haters, i do think when you have a presence on the web it does open you up to criticism. Can you imagine how it must feel to be a celebrity and deal with it on TV and in magazines? Keep in keeping on!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us to shop our closet if we have an event to attend. You look beautiful and your heels are the edge to your outfits. You remain true to your style but those heels kick it up a notch. Wear the heels and ignore the nay- sayers.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit, you look great. Black is my go to on almost all occasions. lol I love your shoes even though I can't wear anything taller than an inch and a half. The last time I wore higher heels I fell off of them and broke my foot, so it is more of a fear thing, but I have family and friends who feel like you about heels.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I loved your last sentence - the women that fashion almost forgot. I have been looking for something special to wear to my son's upcoming college graduation for months and have been unable to find what I want. Not what the stores tell me I should be wearing but instead what I know looks good on my body. Sleeves ,whether 3/4 or cap, V-neck, mock wrap dress in a solid "pretty" color and not adorned with large bright pink flowers and most importantly, dress lengths that end just below my knee. Everything seems to be geared towards the 20-30 year olds. Yet, I'm at the age where I can finely afford to spend money and no one is designing for me. I came across a brilliant book in a used book store a few months ago - "Fashion is Spinach - How to Beat the Fashion Racket" by Elizabeth Hawes. Written in 1938 it is an eye-opening read about how we are manipulated by the fashion industry. "Fashion exists only to perpetuate sales." After reading the book and your blog I've decided to wear only the things that I love and know work for me and I'm free to choose whether to buy something or not. Lately it's been a lot of not buying and I'll patiently wait until what I love is available.
ReplyDeleteI *love* your high heels, Susan, even though I could never wear them myself. Anyone who criticizes you for wearing them doesn't have enough imagination to figure out how to get the same sort of look in a lower-heeled shoe. Right now I'm wearing my beloved Paul Green Prague sandals, which look almost identical to the cage sandals you're rocking in this post -- but with a lower heel. Keep on doing what you do and being true to yourself. That's the best lesson you're giving to all your followers.
ReplyDeleteYou know, Susan, I guess picking apart other women makes some of us feel better, but I for one thank you! Your blog has been a life-changer for me, not because I let my appearance define me, but because I FEEL good when I look my best. A little over a year ago I also had a mid-life food epiphany and body change and found myself with a whole wardrobe to replace and no idea how to start. I began with smaller versions of what I'd worn before - loose pants, dresses and tunics in lots of prints. Oddly enough, hardly anyone even noticed my (very gradual) 40 lb weight loss (from a size 12/14 to a size 4/6) until I abruptly changed my entire look -- after discovering your blog! Turns out fitted pants paired with well-shaped, solid colored tops and statement accessories look best on me, too. And those shoes - they MAKE the look! But as much as I wanted to, I couldn't manage anything higher than a 3" inch heel. I was inspired, though, and went on an all-out expedition to find the same profile on a lower heel -- and I did! ANA, Vince Camuto and Sole Society are some brands that make edgy, feminine, leg-lengthening caged sandals on 2.5 to 3 inch heels. I wear them all the time, and guess what? I also get comments about "those heels" at my age. And I don't care either. I look better, feel better and I'm a happier, more confident, more productive woman than I was before - again, not just because I improved my appearance but because one productive change leads to more productive changes. My husband is happier because I'm happier and healthier. My 10 year old son is happier because I feel better and can do more with him and for him (and don't dress like his grandmother!). I have more energy to enjoy our 2 grandchildren, care for our aging parents, invest in my friends, serve in ministry and community projects, and just participate in LIFE. It's funny how much more I enjoy going out with friends and on dates with my husband now that I don't agonize over what to wear. But you learned all of us this long before I did... so again - thanks so much for sharing with the rest of us! I'm sorry for those who don't get it and glad you don't let them get you down. Can't wait for the next blog :-) God bless!
ReplyDeleteI have finally popped into the Off Saks 5th in hopes tof finding
ReplyDeletesome of the shoes you've posted about and to my delight have found 2 pairs so far! Thanks for the information!
You look gorgeous and Mr. Mickey very dashing! And those are my favourite shoes!!
ReplyDeleteI always love to see what you're doing and what you're wearing. Even though I know I could never wear what you do --- simply because I'm short and more pear shaped....even with that, I'm always encouraged to keep fighting the frump at 61.
ReplyDeleteI think you look stunning. I am a recent follower of yours, so glad I found you. I'm in my mid 50 and I would love to wear heels now and then. Can you suggest how I could train my feet back into them again. Thank you for your great inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWear heels around the house as often as you can. You can always take them off when they become uncomfortable. What you wear is what your feet get used to. I have two friends who have ruined their feet by wearing flip-flops all the time. I can wear heels all the time because I wear them almost every day; not pumps but multiple straps caged sandals. Those are much more comfortable because they support your whole foot.
ReplyDelete