The Black Dress

If you only own one dress, it should probably be a dark color, such as black.

I found this mesh sleeve dress with ruching at the waistline at Chico's earlier this year. This might be my go-to party dress for awhile. I do not wear skimpy cocktail dresses to parties (or anywhere for that matter!), so the hint of skin showing through the mesh is just sexy enough for me.

STYLING TIPS: Balance the top and the bottom. If you are wearing a sleeveless dress, do not wear dark hose. When you do wear dark hose, always wear dark shoes. When I see someone wearing gold shoes with black hose, I always think of Minnie Mouse.

I wore the dress out to dinner on Saturday night for the first time. Mr. Mickey loved it!

I topped it off with a black faux leather-trimmed ruana from Carlisle Per Se and old silver and crystal necklaces. The suede heels are from Saks. The gray clutch is old by Kenneth Cole Reaction.

An Evening of Wine & Roses

We attended the 2014 American Cancer Society Hope Gala last evening. An Evening of Wine & Roses.

While we were in downtown Johnson City, we took a short detour before the gala to visit The Lady of The Fountain.

The event was held at Orchard Place, the fabulous home of our friend, Valda Jones. 

Photo credits for images above and below: Kingsport Times-News

Our beautiful friends Valda Jones and Caroline Scharfstein chaired the 2014 American Cancer Society Hope Gala of the Tri-Cities, "An Evening of Wine and Roses," in Tim and Ben's memory.

It's always a treat for me to meet followers of Fifty, not Frumpy. This beautiful lady is Diane Hollifield Cupp.

The evening included live entertainment from "Kids Our Age" and a buffet dinner catered by Main Street Café & Catering.

One of the best things about attending fundraisers is getting to visit with friends we may not often see. We dined with our dear friends Natalie Bailey and Von Bailey.

I had dessert with sweet friend Lori Caudell Fatherree.

The outdoor fireplace is a lovely new addition to the property.

The pool is blue. However, the dim lighting makes it appear green.

Another fire feature on the property was this one by the pool. That's glass!

Mr. Mickey was the most dapper gent there!

A wine display at the entrance.