Layer Like a Boss

Multiple thin layers keep me warm without running the risk of looking like the Michelin Man.

On a recent Saturday, we visited old downtown to see some of the new projects. An exciting renaissance has begun in Johnson City!

From November to April, I am usually wearing a minimum of two layers. I started this look with a thin gray tank camisole from Saks Off 5th. Next, I added a great looking striped button front tunic from J.Jill. The cashmere scarf/wrap is old from J.Jill. 

I bought the distressed faux leather jacket from my friend Myra's boutique, The Charlemont in Kingsport, TN. The ankle jeans are from Chico's. The bag is by Zac Posen, and the boots are by French Connection, both via Saks Off 5th.

I once avoided wearing longer layers under shorter pieces, but I learned that if I use a soft, unstructured longer piece under a more structured shorter piece, it always seems to work out well.

Each time I go to the J.Jill website, I find it difficult to narrow my selections to stay within my budget. I want them all!

I decided on this top because I know I can also wear it in warm weather without a tank, white jeans and sandals.

Shown below without the outer layers.

Cranberry Season

Cranberries are so good for you! Did you know they have Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B-6, and Magnesium? The moment I saw this cranberry-colored cardigan, I knew it would be good for me too.

I have to admit I have gone a little crazy for J.Jill items lately. Their December collection includes so many items that fit with my personal style.

I have already worn this cardigan a couple of times. The color is so rich, and the fabrication is exquisite. I can literally wear it with almost everything in my wardrobe.

It is shown on the J.Jill site with a turtleneck in the same color, but I love that it looks good with almost every top I own.

Sweater Weather

I have gone a little crazy with red sweaters. Black is suddenly being overtaken by red in my closet.

Do you go through stages of being drawn to a certain color when you shop? I love shades of red because it goes with every pair of pants in my wardrobe.

At the end of the season last year I bought this sweater from Chico's. I am glad I did because I love the length of it with these Fabrizio Gianni leggings.

The bag is by Zac Posen via Saks Off 5th. The shoes are by Vince Camuto via Dillard's.

A Break

Do you ever feel exhausted after a long trip? 

I must admit I was not very productive yesterday.

Mr. Mickey took me out for an early dinner after I finally woke up from my nap, so I had to get dressed. Otherwise, I think I would have stayed in my pajamas all day.

I wore turquoise glass earrings with a navy high-low tunic from Chico's last year and white jeans from Chico. The shoes are from Macy's. The bag is from T.J.Maxx. 

This video shows you all the clothes I packed for my trip to the Covered Perfectly photo shoot.

A Break

I will be in Los Angeles for a while, so I will leave you with this casual look.

A lightweight chambray shirt with slim-fitting white jeans is a timeless look that works for me on almost any casual day.

I paired this Chico's chambray shirt with white J.Jill ankle jeans and Rampage tan platform sandals from Belk. The darker brown belt is from Calvin Klein. Large silver hoop earrings, a silver statement ring with a blue tourmaline stone, and a silver and gold coin charm bracelet complete the look.

Have a wonderful week!

Dinner on the Terrace

This was our view from the room at the Inn.

On the first evening, we had a light dinner on the terrace.

The view from our table.

We ordered the artisan cheese board and a couple of glasses of wine.

Mr. Mickey is a happy man!

Birthday creme brulee with fresh berries!

The staircase in the lobby.

I wore a flowing black and white duster, tank, and necklace from Chico's to dinner on our first evening at the Inn at Biltmore. 

The white pants are from Fabrizio Gianni. They are so soft and comfortable! They do not look or feel like jeans, but they do have that casual five-pocket styling. I love that I can wear them with a nice blazer or a jean jacket and they will still look great.

The Biltmore House

A magical way to enjoy a beautiful spring day in Western North Carolina is to tour the Biltmore House and Gardens.

My sweet friends Dottie, Patricia, Mary Jane, and I spent part of the day viewing more than 45 costumes from the popular PBS Masterpiece series Downton Abbey® showcased in America's largest home. The Dressing Downton exhibition displays costumes in groupings throughout the house inspired by the fictional show and real-life at Biltmore. Ranging from servants' uniforms to lavish evening gowns, the award-winning costumes reflect how world events—the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Jazz Age, and women's evolving roles—influenced fashions.

The Conservatory left us in awe! We were not allowed to take pictures inside the house, so I made up for it in the gardens.

I wore an asymmetric hem black knit top from Chico's with white jeans by Kut from the Kloth via Dillard's. The necklace is from Belk. The shoes are by Rockport.