The Progressive Dinner

One of our favorite holiday traditions is attending the Progressive Dinner in Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough. This event is sponsored by the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

This year we visited five different historic locations while having one course in each location.

Each of the buildings has been lovingly restored and decorated beautifully for the holidays.

Musicians performed at each location.

At least one beautifully decorated tree was always part of the decor.

The main course was served at the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School.

Mr. Mickey and I always request a vegetarian entree.

The students are so talented!

We shared our table with a lovely family from Knoxville. Both parents are physicians, and the daughters were so delightful.

Some of the homes we visited were built in the late 1800s.

We adore the Jonesborough Novelty Band!

For an exceptional treat this year, we heard Jonesborough Mayor Kelly Wolfe perform "I'll Have A Blue Christmas." Elvis would have been proud of him!

More holiday events to follow!

This evening I wore a black jacket by French Connection from Saks Off 5th. The leggings are by Fabrizio Gianni. The boots are by Nine West via Saks Off 5th. I also wore a long-sleeve red tee from Kohl's with a red scarf from Target.

Dinner At The Orangery

The Orangery is a legendary French restaurant in Knoxville, TN. We always make plans to eat there when we are in town.

The Orangery story began in 1971 when a young enterprising businessman named Kristopher Kendrick realized that Knoxville's elegant ladies needed an equally elegant place to enjoy lunch. Kristopher named his restaurant The Orangery (after Marie Antoinette's greenhouses in France).

The Lobster & Mushroom Crepes was one of our top five meals ever!

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed performances by Judye Russell Brackner on a Steinway piano in the lobby.

This lovely lady with me is Glo, the manager. 

The building includes other businesses, as well as the restaurant. The common area reminds me of a small street in Paris.

I am looking forward to visiting again when Décor is open for browsing.

The Orangery features a large spiral staircase from a pre-Civil War mansion, marble from Park Junior High School, paneling from the board room of United American Bank, and gates from the former Fulton Mansion on Lyons View Pike.

The BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket is from Saks Off Fifth. I am wearing it with a silver-gray long sleeve tee with black coated jeans from Chico's. The Nine West shoes are from Saks Off 5th.

Mr. Mickey and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan's Tips

We all have favorite pieces in our wardrobes that make us feel good when we wear them. It could be because of the fit, the color, the fabric, or the style.

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorites and telling you why they serve me well.

1. Jeans are almost a uniform for some women. When I buy jeans, I look for a dark wash with plain pockets and a straight leg. It is not a skinny leg but a smooth straight line that fits nicely down to the hem. A waistband that sits at my natural waist is more comfortable—no low rise jeans for me.

2. Tank tops are part of many of my casual outfits. I like the fact that they help to give a smooth line under jackets and sweaters. White is a good choice most of the time, but I look for a white that isn't brighter than my teeth.

3. Jackets are a great transition piece for this time of year when the weather is starting to change. I look for slightly fitted styles rather than boxy ones. Breast pockets are not a good idea for me since I'm already a couple of sizes larger on top than on the bottom. I look for a flattering color for my skin tone and one that can be worn with jeans. A simple neckline that forms a V is always a good choice for my round face.

4. I adore the animal print, but the print's normally warm tones are not a good mix with my cool coloring. Shoes, handbags, or other items worn away from my face are better choices for me. One piece of animal print per outfit is usually enough. If I wear flat shoes, I look for pointed toes and a fun color or pattern. Rounded toe ballet flats look ridiculous because I have thick calves and smaller feet compared to the rest of my body. The pointed toe helps to make me look taller and thinner. 

5. Handbags can make or break your look. I don't wear bulky shoulder bags because they alter my clothing line too much and make me look sloppy. A structured bag with top handles in a size that is in proportion to my height is what I normally look for. I am always amazed when it is so difficult to find a full-length mirror in some stores' handbag department.

6. Sunglasses are almost always part of my outfit for the day. I have several shapes, styles, and colors to fit my face shape and the mood of the day. There is always a pair in my handbag if not on my face.

7. Jewelry is a statement piece that can express your personality. I like to wear button earrings with a drop or a nice fitting pair of hoops in white gold or sterling silver because I have cool coloring and gray hair. When I say nice fitting, I mean the wire or post doesn't accentuate a sagging pierce. I wear either a statement necklace or fun earrings, not both at the same time. 

I hope these seven tips help you to put together a fun and comfortable outfit for today. Have a great Saturday!