It's All About That Base!

An overwhelming number of selections in my closet is just that, overwhelming. A carefully edited version of my wardrobe serves me well. When I add something new to my collection now, it is only to replace something starting to look worn.

A simple tank top and straight-leg pants in crepe knit fabric fit in beautifully with my edited version of a wardrobe that works for every season and all my life events. They replace the two similar pieces I have been wearing for three years. 

I can never find the right thing when I go emergency shopping for a particular event. I prefer to have on hand the pieces I can mix and match to create the appropriate look.

Necessities for me include a great fitting pair of pants and a black tank top. That is often my starting point for any look, other than in the blazing heat of summer. 

It's All About That Base!

When you start out with a great base, you can add a scarf, a vest, a cardigan, or any jacket style. Even a jean jacket and flats can work with your base pieces. Black serves me well, but perhaps brown would be a better choice for your coloring. My point is that if you have great fitting base pieces made from high-quality fabric, you can wear them many times and in an endless variety of ways.

I knew these pants, and this tank was perfect for me the moment I slipped them on. Don't you just love that feeling when you put on an item of clothing, and you know without any doubt that it is right for you? My new rule is that I have to feel confident about something before it gets added to my wardrobe.

One of our favorite traditions includes joining friends for dinner, as we often do on Friday evenings. It is so good for the soul to enjoy a perfectly prepared meal and visit those we love.

For me, the evening is even better because I did not have to prepare the meal and clean up the kitchen or stress about what I was going to wear. That is why we so often entertain at Gourmet and Company.

My necklace and the box clutch are both old from S.M. Bradford. The string jacket is old from Chico's. The shoes are old by French Connection via Saks Off 5th. 

Navy and White

Navy with white has been one of my favorite color combos since childhood.

Classic, simple pieces that can be layered and endlessly accessorized are the essential elements of my wardrobe.

As a young girl, I saved all of my babysitting money to buy my school clothes at the beginning of each year. This practice taught me always to invest in separates that could be worn together and in different ways. I rarely stray from that formula.

I have a roundish face, so straight lines are my friend. That means I love the square neckline of this new top from Covered Perfectly.

A dressier look for this top includes nude heels with a small chain bag and simple jewelry.

For a casual look, I changed the accessories to flat sandals, a hook belt, and a fun handbag.

I will also wear this top with scarves, jackets, and vests this fall. Khaki, gold, silver, white, gray, green, tan, orange, or peach are some of the colors that combine well with navy.

Many of the items I show you on my blog are old. If the items are current, I will always provide a link so that you can buy them. This fabulous top can now be purchased online at Covered Perfectly in several colors.

Saturday in The High Country

Monique Jutras Carr is a very talented artist whom we are lucky to count as a dear friend. Her work is being shown at Alta Vista Gallery, located in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Saturday, we decided to take the beautiful drive to Valle Crucis on our way to dinner at Rowland's in Blowing Rock.

Our visit to this gallery was a joy from the moment we stepped onto the manicured grounds. Located in a stunning valley surrounded by verdant green mountains, even the drive to this location is a pleasure.

"Mystere"
Monique Carr
Oil on Canvas

We will not miss Monique's show in October. I have my eye on the piece above! Many pieces in this gallery caused me to take a long pause to enjoy the work's intricate beauty.

We look forward to revisiting the gallery and Valle Crucis. We are now planning to stay in one of several Bed and Breakfasts to relax and enjoy a full weekend there.

There are many unique properties in the surrounding area. Boone is only about eight miles away, so it is a very short drive to many excellent restaurants and shopping.

Dinner reservations were the only reason we cut our visit to Valle Crucis short.

We always look forward to our meals at Rowland's with great anticipation!

The restaurant is named after the owner's father.

A selection of salts from around the world is offered at your table.

Each course was paired with Gary's best wine selection, the very knowledgeable manager, and sommelier.

Divine heirloom tomato salad!

Superb mushroom bisque.

That's grilled wild salmon over roasted corn and lobster potato salad. Mr. Mickey couldn't wait to dig into his favorite entree!

We can't resist sharing a decadent dessert occasionally.

My jacket is by Damee NYC. The pants are the Jana style Lior Paris pants. Both are old from ShopMyFairLady.com. 

The white layered tank top is from White House|Black Market. The shoes are old by French Connection via Saks Off 5th.

Without rain, you can never see a rainbow. 

Five Years!

On July 16, 2011, I started a Facebook page to share what I wish I had always known about nutrition and style. I was so excited when I reached one hundred followers! Today there are more than twenty-eight thousand of you.

I was a lifetime yo-yo dieter whose weight might fluctuate by as much as fifty pounds in one year. There were times when even my extended family members didn't recognize me if they hadn't seen me for a while. Reading the book "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Furhman taught me what to eat and why. 

After my weight and health issues were under control, it was time to tackle my frumpy style. That is still a work in progress, but it is fun to share what I learn with you.

To celebrate my fifth blogging anniversary, Mr. Mickey took me out to dinner last evening. I wore a new tunic by I.C. Collection over old Mesmerize pants; both are from one of my favorite places to shop, ShopMyFairLady.com.

The bag is old from Saks Off 5th. The shoes are old by Nina New York. The necklace weighs about fifteen pounds (only a slight exaggeration!), and I bought it at S.M. Bradford at Harbour Town Yacht Club on Hilton Head Island last year. The nail color is OPI "Dutch Tulips."

Even though I have several red tunics, I wanted this one because it reminds me of a mullet hairstyle, all business up front, and a party in the back.

We visited Gourmet and Company, which is our favorite restaurant in Johnson City.

My dinner was the fabulous heirloom tomato salad with grilled peaches.

Mr. Mickey had the spring garden salad with benne brittle and grilled wild salmon.

Here is what happens when I see a tiny baby praying mantis on the wall during a photoshoot and totally forget what I am supposed to be doing.

Mr. Mickey says that he no longer kills bugs because of me. Great compliment!