The Opera Coat

Season tickets to the Johnson City Symphony are one of the gifts I give Mr. Mickey each Christmas.

It is a long-standing tradition for us to have an early dinner at our favorite restaurant before attending the concert. This performance featured the beautiful guest artist Chee-Yun from Seoul. Her first public performance was at age 8! On this night, she played the Stradivarius "Ex-Strauss" (Cremona, 1708).

I wore items from Chico's, including a silver cardigan and tank with a long double strand crystal and silver necklace. The skirt is a straight black knit pencil style. The Assets hose/tights are from Target. The Anne Klein shoes are at least eight years old.

I bought this velvet and faux fur trimmed Erté inspired coat from one of my sales reps in 1990 when she also represented my jewelry line. I call it my opera coat because it has a rhinestone encrusted closure, and it has a theatrical shape and texture. On the rare occasions when I wear it, I feel like I have stepped out of the Art Nouveau-inspired 1920s.

Thank you for joining me on this fun journey through midlife and beyond.

Christmas Symphony

One of the highlights of the season for us is attending the Johnson City Symphony Christmas concert.

Having dinner at our favorite restaurant, Gourmet and Company, before the concert is also a tradition we enjoy. Mr. Mickey loves bread pudding above all other desserts. This one is apple cinnamon with blueberries and French vanilla bean ice cream.

The marble staircase at the Seeger Chapel is splendid. The Chapel was beautifully decorated with greenery, poinsettias, and tiny white lights. It was such fun to visit with friends and singing carols during the audience participation segment.

I am wearing a Chico's jeweled sweater with Chico's Travelers pants over black pantyhose with a mink vest that was a Christmas gift from Mr. Mickey a few years ago.

The black and white sweater has jet beads and stones. I chose a hematite colored metal to complement the beading. The color is repeated in the earrings, the buckles on the high heels, and the clutch bag's beading. Except for the sweater and hose, all of my outfit elements are several years old.

I hope your holiday season is filled with friends, family, and laughter.

Ming Wang at the Symphony

Saturday date night included dinner at our favorite restaurant and a night at the Symphony. I wore a fabulous jacket from Ming Wang.

Founded in 1986, Ming Wang is named for the designer and co-founder, Ming Wang, who has been designing knitwear exclusively for over 30 years. She strives to create garments that flawlessly transition from day to night for many years to come. I am now a fan! This jacket was so comfortable to wear and beautifully made with individual square stones sewn on the edges.

Ming Wang pieces are crafted with a specialized yarn so that the entire collection is wrinkle-free, machine washable, fade-resistant, and travel friendly. Their signature product, structure knits, and dresses, pants, and other accessories, are available in hundreds of boutiques all over the US, as well as Dillards, Von Maur, and online at Nordstrom.

Dinner at Gourmet and Company included a dessert of apple bread pudding for Mr. Mickey and a Grand Marnier for me.

The Symphony performance was fabulous, as always, but I must confess, I was so tired after two weeks of moving and cleaning I may have taken a small nap during it.