Strictly Casual

If you stop by to visit me on my day off or join me on the walking path in my neighborhood, this is what you might find me wearing.

The hoodie is from J.Jill, and it is the perfect summer weight layer for those who are always too cold in air-conditioned spaces.

Add a tank top, cropped jeans, and slip-on canvas shoes, and you have my favorite look for lounging at home. This is also the type of look I wear while walking around the four lakes in my neighborhood during the early morning.

J.Jill has been my favorite source for comfortable casual clothing for several years. I have many tops and jackets from them in coral, red, raspberry, and similar colors. I gravitate to these colors because they go with every pair of pants I own, which equates to easy casual looks I never have to think about.

A Beautiful Day!

When the weather is beautiful and the sky is crystal clear, I get an overwhelming desire to head for the mountains.

On Saturday afternoon, we drove on Blue Ridge Parkway, where we stopped at the Moses Cone Manor for some photos. It was 67 degrees there! 

This handsome fellow enjoyed his lunch so much he didn't care how close I got to him!

This red lightweight button front tunic worn as a jacket and a casual tank from J.Jill was just the right thing to wear for a ride through the mountains in a convertible.

Don't you just love well-placed pockets in tunics and jackets?

Sandals by Guess via Belk. Pants by Fabrizio Gianni. The necklace is old from Chico's.

Keep Learning!

Have you heard the saying, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”?

In high school, I convinced myself that I had to make my hair as straight as possible or else keep it very short to not look like a wild woman. So all these many years later, I was still clinging to the belief that I needed to make my hair straight.

Recently I decided to let nature take its course because our weather has been so humid it was a losing battle. The result has been that every person who knows me tells me, "Your hair looks so much better like that!" So I have surrendered my blow dryer and flat iron.

Today I am wearing a cool, comfortable casual crinkle cloth tunic from J.Jill. The perfect summer bracelet is also from J.Jill. They have some really great accessories as well as clothes! I have owned many pieces from J.Jill over the years, and I am always pleased with their well made classic styles.

Yesterday I found these Rampage sandals on the sale table at Belk. They are perfect to wear with these white jeans, which are old from Kut from the Kloth.

I often get the question, "What do you wear every day?" This is my favorite look for ease and comfort during summer. In cooler weather, I will wear this tunic with a white tank and faded jeans.

Along with my natural curls, you will also see me in brighter lipstick in the future. Being flexible enough to try something different can be so liberating! Have you changed your thinking about some long-held personal style policy recently?

A Dress!

When the temperatures climb into the 90's, a nice cool linen sundress is the perfect look for a visit to the Farmer's Market.

This beautiful hibiscus linen sundress is one of my favorites. It is from J.Jill, and it is on sale now!

The wedge sandals are old from DV Dolce Vita. The necklace is also old. It is from Chico's. The tote bag is from T.J.Maxx.

J.Jill is one of my favorite sources for high-quality, comfortable casual clothes that last for years.

Casual Elegance

Casual items from J.Jill are among my favorite pieces because the styles are so classic and elegant.

This is the most comfortable tank I have ever worn, so I got the black one too. It is part of the Pure Jill Collection.

The drape front cardigan is also part of the Pure Jill Collection. It is the essential summer cardi for all those freezing cold air-conditioned spaces. It is lightweight and comfortable to carry or wear with anything all summer long.

The cardi comes in two other colors also.

The other items in my look are all several years old, but the clutch is recent from T.J.Maxx.

If you build a strong basic wardrobe that reflects your personal style beautifully, the pieces work together over the years.

When you buy higher-quality pieces, they look better, keep their shape, and last a lot longer.

Another great thing about J.Jill pieces is that I still enjoy wearing the pieces I bought years ago because the styles are classic, not trendy. Many of you have told me the same thing.

J.Jill's Linen Collection

As the weather gets warmer, our search for comfortable clothes always becomes more of a focus.

This beautiful linen big shirt from J.Jill will be worn very often this summer.

It can be worn alone or with a tank as a lightweight jacket.

The shell buttons, rounded hem, and gusseted side vents make it very updated and feminine.

While I lived at the beach for twenty-five years, I wore J.Jill items frequently. They have so many perfect pieces for an easy casual lifestyle, and the quality is always excellent.

J.Jill's May Collection

What do you wear to a pool party?

Whenever I know I will be outside in the warm, humid air of the south for any length of time, I wear a hat, sunglasses, and loose-fitting, soft, lightweight garments. Tip: When wearing a hat, keep all of your other accessories minimal and away from your face.

This beautiful navy and turquoise knit maxi dress from J.Jill is perfect for a party by the pool or sightseeing on a hot day.

The side slits offer comfort and ease of walking without showing too much leg.