Classic Casual, My Way

Give me the perfect white shirt and a softly faded pair of jeans, and I am ready to attend any casual event.

It's no secret that I am a lover of the classics. From music to home decor and handbags, I am drawn to the elements that withstand the test of time.

When I began my search for the perfect summer handbag, I knew it needed to be classic, versatile, and durable. I am not interested in disposable fashion. I prefer to invest in one timeless, well-made piece that I can carry for several summers. When I saw this one from J. McLaughlin in Town and Country magazine, I knew it was the one for me right away. I was thrilled to learn that they had just opened a store in Blowing Rock, North Carolina!

Sometimes all you need is the perfect white shirt to get the day off to a great start. This one has enough substance to be worn layered over a slim-fitting tank, which is the perfect way to wear a classic white shirt with my button challenging figure.

The blended, smooth fabric looks crisp and feels comfortable. Sheer, lightweight fabric isn't as forgiving or soft flowing over a tank. I like that this shirt holds its shape to keep me looking freshly turned out all day.

No jiggly bits in sight! Success!

The cuff and faded ankle jeans are old from Chico's. The BCBGeneration sandals are from Saks Off 5th.

Today I am using my new light tent for the first time. This lighting system was a gift from my friends at Fabrizio Gianni. Now I can shoot detailed accessory close-ups for you even at 4 am! I am grateful to the whole Fabrizio Gianni team for this very thoughtful gift.

The earrings and dome ring are both from B'Dazzled in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Cali and York sent me the perfect white shirt. I am wearing a size medium over a white Clara Sunwoo tank top supplied by ShopMyFairLady.

Cali and York Animal Print Bag

Animal print continues to be extremely popular for all seasons but especially in fall.

This animal print Blingiton Bag is from Cali and York.

My love of animal print is no secret. However, I limit myself to one piece per outfit. I also wear it with solid neutral basics most of the time.

Animal prints with many golds in them are not good with my cool complexion, but I do love a belt, shoes, or bag as interesting additions are worn away from my face.

I am wearing it here with black jeans, a gray long sleeve tee, and a white trench coat for a late day lunch with Mr. Mickey.

Be sure to check out all three Wear It Wednesday posts for today!

Wearing White

Wear white all year long!

From the early nineteen hundreds, an old etiquette rule that you should only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day still persists today. That is an outdated idea from wealthy women who lived in the city during the winter and summered in their second homes by the sea or in a lodge on a mountain. Most people now dress for the weather, not the calendar.

Straight leg off white jeans are paired with an off white tank and a fabulous metallic white Cali and York sweater.

When you wear one of these delicate sweaters, you get the added bonus of coverage without the weight and formality of a jacket. This one was perfect for an early casual dinner at a new local cafe'.

Since the sweater is almost sheer, I opted to wear the same pale creamy white colors underneath for a long, lean unbroken line from the metallic sandals up. 

Another tip: Pushing or rolling up your sleeves and wearing a scoop or V-neck top makes one appear taller and more slender. 

The bold statement necklace stands out, so I kept all the other accessories minimal.

Wearing jewelry or bags that tend to pick or snag can be disastrous with a delicate sweater such as this one.

These photos were shot by Mr. Mickey in Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee.

 

Being small business owners who are also very involved in the political process, Mr. Mickey and I always try to support new businesses in our area. We visited a new cafe' in Jonesborough called the Black Olive last evening. It is a lovely family-style Italian restaurant with great service and a huge menu. We wish them success!

Into The Wind

Sometimes the early evening lighting is perfect for a photoshoot, but this wind blows way too much.

We visited Gourmet and Company for dinner this evening and attempted to take photos to show you these great pieces from Cali and York, but the wind quickly changed our plans. 

Later we sat in their lounge for an after-dinner drink and visited with friends. This is the sofa that Mr. Mickey and I sat on until the wee hours of the morning talking and getting to know each other when we first met.

The following photos were taken in my home after we returned from dinner. 

The tank and pants are part of a previous color offered in the Travelers collection from Chico's. The shoes and bag are old.

I am always happy to find a lightweight shirt that can be worn as a jacket with a pair of slacks and a tank when the weather is warm.

White Shirt and Jeans

It's a classic combination... a white shirt with blue jeans.

This fabulous white San Francisco Shirt from Cali and York has gold trim buttons and three-quarter length sleeves.

The jeans are old from NYDJ. The bag is from Coach. The shoes are from T.J.Maxx. The silver, gold, and gunmetal chain necklace is from Chico's.

More Cali and York!

I am wearing the tunic over a plain white tank and old Levis. The DVF shoes are old and they are from Nordstrom. The Alberta di Canio handbag is from T.J.Maxx.

You can find many more high-quality classic pieces like this tunic at Cali and York.

Cali and York

The top was a gift from Cali and York. Three quarter length sleeves and a boat neck are so flattering in this casual top. The length is perfect to wear with straight leg jeans. I love that the knit is a heavier gauge so that every bump and mark of time is not on view to the world. I am very impressed with the quality and timeless design of all the items I have received.

Find your fashion lifestyle at Cali and York.