Pop of Red

We had to run a few errands on this cold and windy Valentine's Day, so I added a red scarf to celebrate.

The black Geiger coat looks great belted with a wide braided black leather Michael Kors belt. It was so much warmer worn this way with a slimmer silhouette.

I bought the felted wool hat in cream color from the artist who made it while shopping in Asheville a few years ago. I love that the brim can easily be formed into various shapes, and it can be folded to pack.

The boots are old by Vince Camuto via Nordstrom.

The boyfriend jeans and a red long sleeve tee underneath the coat are from Chico's.

Bundled Up!

We don't get much snow here in East Tennessee, but we did wake up to a light dusting on Thanksgiving day.

When the cold weather comes, you will find me in lightweight layers, including a hat, a scarf, and an overcoat. Winter and I are not friends.

 

I must tell you about this hat. I was inspired to find my own version after seeing a similar fedora on a high-end shopping site for $195! 

I found this one at T.J.Maxx for $24.99. After removing the colorful ribbon and leather braid that it came with, I added this gray grosgrain ribbon and two gunmetal colored buttons to the back to create the look for less.

Below is a photo of the hat's back showing how I folded the ribbon ends over, glued them down, and then sewed two on small silver-gray buttons.

The over the knee boots are by Vince Camuto via Belk. They are perfect for muscular calves because only the front is leather. The backs are a stretch material that makes them very comfortable to wear.

Tip for putting long boots on over leggings. Put your knee socks on over the pants legs, then pull the boots on.

I found the coat at Ann Taylor Loft earlier this year, but it is now sold out. The scarf is by Vince Camuto via Saks Off 5th.

Party At The Farm

Mr. Mickey's lifelong friend, Ben, celebrated his 80th birthday this week.

We always enjoy the drive down to the farm to visit with our dear friends. The Nolichucky River's rolling hills are met with the majestic mountains rising up beyond to frame the horizon.

The celebration was held at the couple's weekend getaway in the country.

Guest parking was across the street from the farmhouse our friends have lovingly restored over the past few years.

One of Ben's hobbies is collecting and restoring antique Jaguars. He keeps them in his car museum.

That's a working vintage traffic signal mounted on the wall above my head.

Natalie's potting shed is below.

A guest house on the property provides additional space for the many visitors and family members who come to stay for a weekend at the farm.

Ben is retired from Piedmont Airlines, and he and Natalie have two adorable white Shih Tzus, which explains the fabulous cake.

Happy birthday Ben! May you have many more.

The fabulous band This Mountain played into the night.

At the end of the evening, I was thrilled to reconnect with an old friend from elementary school. Marty and his beautiful wife, Bebe, live only a couple of doors away from the farm. We hadn't seen each other for more than forty years!

Whenever we attend an outdoor function, I always take a hat. One never knows if it will be necessary, but it's good to have it if you need it. The hat is from one of my favorite stores in Blowing Rock, NC, Finley House Couture. The red blouse is from Express. The white cropped jeans are from Chico's. The shoes are from T.J.Maxx.