One Color Dressing

I decide what to wear based on the weather first and then what is appropriate for the event. Finally, to complete the look, I added my personality with accessories.

The day after returning from Los Angeles, we went out to dinner. I was still in a Southern California state of mind, so my makeup was minimal, and I wore cool shades of soft gray and white with sandals. 

When the weather is hot and humid, I wear minimal makeup because I know it will become smudged little rivers running down my face within a few minutes. So instead of my usual liquid foundation, I blot on a bit of loose Lancôme powder down the middle of my face and on my cheeks near my nose (not in the eye area!). My eye makeup is also minimal in warmer weather.

The best place to match your foundation is on your upper chest (décolleté area). If it blends and becomes invisible there, you have the right color. Don't you just hate it when your foundation makes your face look like it belongs to another body?

This effortless, breezy style includes a high-low hem tank top from White House|Black Market. The long, almost sheer silver-gray cardigan is old from Chico's. The white light-weight jeans-style pants are old by Fabrizio Gianni.

Accessories include sunglasses by Kenneth Cole Reaction via T.J.Maxx, an oversized face silver watch from Michael Kors, with a small silver link bracelet, which was a gift from Mr. M.

The bag is old from Express. The shoes are old by Calvin Klein.

When I shop, it usually replaces something that is starting to look too worn, not because I want the newest trend. Instead, I look for classic pieces that look good on my frame, in colors that flatter my complexion and can be mixed and matched with what I already have. Those are my secrets for a successful and carefully edited wardrobe that works all year round.

Goodbye Summer

The fall season is fast approaching. That means layering and jackets, but I am creating the illusion of layers with this fabulous tunic from Chico's for now.

The asymmetric hemline and alternating layers work very well with these NYDJ cropped jeans. I always look for a longer tunic to wear with these slim-fitting soft pants since they fit almost like leggings.

The necklace is from Monkee's of Johnson City. The shoes are by Kenneth Cole Reaction via Dillard's.

Spirits of the Season

One-Stop Wines & Liquors was the proud underwriter of the Spirits of the Season event so that 100% of the ticket price went to the American Cancer Society.

I chose a silhouette of long over lean, meaning the top and the jacket are longer and fuller and the pants are snug fitting with high heeled ankle boots to elongate the legs.

To achieve this look I chose a pair of black leggings worn with black suede and snakeskin short boots with a black animal print lace overlay tunic. For the accessories, I added a couple of silver and crystal accent necklaces and small crystal earrings along with a crystal accent dinner ring.

The black top and leggings are from Chico's. The black topper is by Geiger from Masengill's Specialty Shop.

We enjoy attending these fundraiser events because it gives us a chance to visit with friends we don't see often enough. The American Cancer Society events are a favorite because they give you the chance to do just that without speeches and auctions.

I always enjoy visiting with my beautiful friend Dottie.

There were many spirits to taste and great foods to enjoy in the elegant Johnson City Country Club ballroom.

The Vince Camuto booties are from Nordstrom. The clutch is old from T.J.Maxx. The ring is old from Stein Mart. The necklaces and earrings are several years old. That's the beauty of buying classic basic elements, you can wear them for many years and in many combinations.