Cashmere Forever!

All these years, I thought cashmere was itchy!

I obviously owned something with too much wool in it in my youth because I have long believed that cashmere worn next to my skin would itch. Last year I bought a sweater that changed all that! Now I am a big fan of all things cashmere.

I adore this tunic I got from J.Jill recently. It can be dressed up or down and worn with jeans or leggings or a black skirt, tights, and boots. It is so soft and not at all itchy! I have already worn it a couple of times.

I wore it for the first time to the social hour at the Innisfree B&B last Friday with black jeans and boots. It was the perfect low-key, casual elegant piece for the informal gathering with the other guests. 

Wearing a variety of subtle textures has always appealed to me. I like the idea of wearing a mink scarf with this tunic along with animal print booties to a holiday party.

I could remove the scarf and wear animal print flats for a similar but less dressy option. The wide gold cuff with faux pearls from Chico's is the perfect accessory for an elegant finishing touch.

I have several pieces of cashmere from J.Jill, and there are others I have my eye on. I am so glad I gave cashmere another try!

A Dress Three Ways

Do you also enjoy wearing well-made classics that can be worn in a variety of ways?

This very comfortable and versatile corduroy shirtdress is from J.Jill.

I can casually wear the dress with black tights and over the knee boots from Vince Camuto. The crossbody bag was from Ross last year. The opaque black tights are by Yummie Tummie.

This dress can also be worn with a low slung hook belt and high heel ankle boots. Style tip: Never button all the buttons. The clutch is from Express. The belt is from Chico's. The boots are from Saks Off 5th.

For a more continental look, I can pair the shirtdress with a silk scarf and flats.

The sunglasses are by Tommy Hilfiger via T.J.Maxx. The scarf is so old I don't recall its origin. The bag is Italian made via T.J.Maxx. The shoes are by Rockport.

I have always been a fan of shirtdresses! This one will certainly get worn a lot this winter. It comes in two colors, balsam, and walnut which is the color I am wearing. 

You can find similar dresses and lots of other great classics at J.Jill.

Leaf Peeping in North Carolina

Finding a great pair of jeans with just the right amount of fading and a fit that lasts all day makes the search worthwhile!

I wore my new smooth-fit slim ankle jeans from J.Jill for the first time On Sunday. I paired them with a faux suede jacket from Chico's, an old long sleeve white tee, and a large square scarf.

Each fall, we look forward to a long ride into North Carolina's mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the changing of the leaves.

We stopped in Blowing Rock for lunch at the Six Pence Pub and then sat in the park with our scoop of ice cream from Kilwin's. (That is a requirement if you are visiting Blowing Rock!) On this Sunday, there was a live concert by the Watauga Community Band.

We were joined by at least a million other people who had the same idea on this beautiful fall day. That means parking was almost impossible! We had to resort to one of our secret spots off a side street.

Halfway through the day, and my new jeans are holding up to my fit-test really well! No sagging seat and constant pulling up of these jeans! 

After lunch, we continued our journey toward Grandfather Mountain and Linville.

Grandfather Mountain has its own weather. It can be covered in clouds when the rest of the area is enjoying clear blue skies.

The Linn Cove Viaduct was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from every angle as you travel across this marvel of engineering.

Going for a walk in the woods in the fall has been a joy for me ever since childhood.

This scarecrow in Newland was made from lampshades! Mr. Mickey said to tell you he has never ever worn one of these on his head at a party. I don't believe him, do you?

At the end of a long day of traveling, the J.Jill jeans still fit the same as they did this morning!

You can tell from this photo that I just folded the square scarf into a triangle and then draped it across my shoulders. When I put the jacket on, it holds the scarf in place to not have to tie it at all.

Port Corduroy Tunic

Believe me when I tell you port, merlot, wine, burgundy... any of these colors can be your new best friend.

The deep color reflects nicely against most skin tones and makes your face look rosy and healthy. The trick is to find the right tone.

It is the perfect neutral because it goes with almost every other color. (Except maybe red.)

I especially love this port corduroy tunic from J.Jill. It has structural details in the seams at the sides, and it buttons all the way down the front. I can also wear it as a light jacket with a long sleeve tee or a turtleneck when our weather is cooler.

Corduroy is a great texture to add with suede, and the port looks wonderful with animal print. Style tip: Turn up the cuffs and button only the three buttons in the middle to look more current.

Fringe sandals from Macy's by Steve Madden. Jeans from Chico's. Bag from Express.

J.Jill has long been one of my favorite sources for casual classics. These pieces last for years!

The White Tunic

A simple white blouse or tunic can be a palate cleanser.

If you get bored or overwhelmed with trying to put together a unique look every day, don't. Take a day off from the complicated. Slip-on a crisp white blouse and a comfortable pair of jeans.

A simple silver cuff and a pair of cognac sandals were all I needed to complete this comfortable look.

The jeans are old by Chico's.

The fabulous soft, comfortable white button front tunic is from J.Jill. The front placket hides the buttons. The back is longer than the front, so it could easily be worn with leggings and boots.

Running Errands

What do you throw on to run errands?

A pair of jeans and a cute top are almost always the two pieces I reach for. Add a piece of jewelry and some cool shoes, and you are ready to go in minutes.

This J.Jill knit tunic is one of my favorites. It has slight gathers under the bust at the sides and a seam across the back. Three-quarter length sleeves are always appreciated. I also like a simple neckline that allows me to wear a necklace.

The necklace is from Monkee's of Johnson City. The sunglasses and the Cole Haan bag are from T.J.Maxx.

The cognac color shoes are by Jessica Simpson via Belk. The jeans are old from Chico's.

Even if I am just running out to the grocery or the Post Office, I still get dressed. You never know who you will run into!

Let's Go For A Walk!

Do you go to the gym often?

I used to go to the gym almost every day, but these days, I find that a brisk three-mile walk around my neighborhood and a few stretching exercises work best for me and my currently very hectic schedule.

Have you have noticed that athletic attire has become very popular as streetwear these days? I see women wearing leggings and slip-on sneakers and tunics to do their shopping or to run errands all the time.

So today, I thought I would show you one of my favorite casual sporty looks. The boat neck tunic is old from Cali and York. The leggings are also old by RBX via T.J.Maxx.

These minimalist design slip on casual shoes are from Rockport. That means they are super comfortable. I love to walk in shoes that work with my movement to remain comfortable for the whole three miles. I have worn Rockport shoes in many styles over the years, and I have always found them comfortable and very well made. These are also the perfect stay at home shoes for me since I am not a fan of going barefoot.

Many of my favorite casual clothing items are from J.Jill. This black windbreaker is part of their new line for fall 2015. I love to wear it on my early morning walks and whenever I am just running out for errands. It looks sharp with jeans or leggings. Our temps are dropping a little more each morning.

Saturday Adventure

It was the perfect day for taking a long drive into the beautiful mountains of Virginia to visit with dear friends who moved there a couple of years ago.

Our weather is a bit cooler now, so I am wearing jeans, a tank, and a necklace from Chico's with a white denim jacket from J.Jill. The bag is from Finley House Couture in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The sandals are by Rampage via Belk.

I was glad I wore the jacket. It served me well on the long drive through the country in a convertible.

I was so happy to see my sweet friend Vicky. We are pictured in her fabulous new store called Missing Pieces, located in Damascus, Virginia. I had so much fun shopping there! She had some beautiful antique pieces and unique treasures from all around the world.

Vicky and her husband have been lovingly restoring this fabulous one-hundred-year-old home by the river for a couple of years.

This is the screened-in porch entered from their elegantly appointed kitchen. The view is of a large wooded island in the middle of a river. Vicky has done such a great job decorating their beautiful home.

We did, indeed, feel welcome!

This is the seating area, including a fire pit and a grill out by the river. That island makes the perfect neighbor!

The fountain is original from the early 1900s!

I can't wait to sit by a crackling fire while listening to the river rushing by.

To my utter delight, these wild baby ducks and their mom came running to me because they knew I had crackers in my hand.

When they finished eating their cracker crumbs, they sat down at my feet!

If you would love to spend a weekend in a beautiful town that is almost as it was a hundred years ago, I highly recommend Damascus, Virginia. 

Several hiking trails pass right through the town, including the famous Appalachian Trail. A unique biking experience can be had on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is also located here. For these reasons, this is known as a Trail Town. 

Many quaint Bed & Breakfasts are found here. There are also several lovely places to eat and shop. It is located just a few minutes from Abingdon, Virginia, which is also one of our favorite towns to visit.