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. 

Cool Little Number

Dressing in this hot weather is a challenge for me. We don't usually have temperatures in the 90's for more than a few days. However, this summer has been very different.

Thankfully, I bought a few pairs of Clara Sunwoo palazzo pants from ShopMyFairLady.com earlier this year. They have gotten a lot of wear this summer. These are the coolest and most comfortable pants I own. I always go down in size because they do run large. These are extra-small.

This Covered Perfectly top with a square neckline is the right proportion to wear with palazzo pants. I have tried many other tops with them, but this one is cool and comfortable and slimming simultaneously. I am wearing a size medium.

The sunglasses are old from T.J.Maxx. The sandals were from DSW earlier this year. The bag is old from Express.

Friday Night Adventure

Friends recently bought one of those luxurious Weekender Mercedes Campers. They have nicknamed it "The Beast." Three couples got together on Friday night to enjoy a long drive in the camper so that we could have dinner in Banner Elk at the Chef's Table.

I wore a crepe tank dress with a waterfall cardigan for this evening's adventure. The bag is old from Saks Off 5th. The shoes are old by Vince Camuto.

The fabric of these dresses is so soft and lightweight. It is also very stretchy. I love this dress's basic design, which allows me to wear it with so many other items in my wardrobe. 

There was some question as to whether I would be able to climb into the "Beast" while wearing heels and a dress, but I showed them it could be done.

Almost every vista in the Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain communities includes the Sugar Top condos.

We visited a fun gallery along our stroll to the restaurant located in the village of Banner Elk.

The Chef's Table is a third-generation farm-to-table restaurant located upstairs in the village square.

Everyone's food was excellent!

Sea Bass

Shrimp and Grits

My Own North Carolina Trout

Mr. Mickey says I am the only woman he knows to make a cardigan and pearls look sexy. Thanks, Mr. M!

Styling notes: I chose to wear a short necklace that just filled in the bodice instead of a long necklace because I needed something to lift the eye with all the other long proportions. Also, I wore nude shoes since black would create a visual break on my legs and make them look shorter.