Animal Print is a Neutral

I ventured outside for the first time in days!

I have adored animal print since the '80s. Each season, I think it might fall out of fashion, but it keeps coming back stronger. It is now considered neutral. While most of these prints are too golden for my cool skin tone, this top seems to work well for me. I find that some earthy neutrals will work if they have a reddish hue. The black and white tone animal prints are much more within my comfort zone. I usually reserve the brown animal prints for accessories only.

This animal print dress/tunic by Tyler Boe is from Monkee's of Johnson City. I modeled it in a fashion show last year and later purchased it.

I rarely buy them now, but a few animal prints and geo prints can still be found in my wardrobe.

I only wear this dress as a tunic with leggings. These reptile texture black leggings are labeled "Jack," and I found them in a small boutique on Hilton Head Island. The over the knee boots are old by Vince Camuto. They have a knit panel in the back, which makes it possible for me to wear them. My muscular calves mean most boots and all skinny jeans are out of the question for me.

The necklace is old from Chico's. The bag is old from Finely House Couture in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

The faux leather-trimmed black ruana is old from Carlise/PER SE. I enjoy wearing ruanas since you can layer them over a coat or any other item to provide stylish extra warmth when needed. Toss one side over your shoulder to look more polished.

Saturday Adventure

It was the perfect day for taking a long drive into the beautiful mountains of Virginia to visit with dear friends who moved there a couple of years ago.

Our weather is a bit cooler now, so I am wearing jeans, a tank, and a necklace from Chico's with a white denim jacket from J.Jill. The bag is from Finley House Couture in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The sandals are by Rampage via Belk.

I was glad I wore the jacket. It served me well on the long drive through the country in a convertible.

I was so happy to see my sweet friend Vicky. We are pictured in her fabulous new store called Missing Pieces, located in Damascus, Virginia. I had so much fun shopping there! She had some beautiful antique pieces and unique treasures from all around the world.

Vicky and her husband have been lovingly restoring this fabulous one-hundred-year-old home by the river for a couple of years.

This is the screened-in porch entered from their elegantly appointed kitchen. The view is of a large wooded island in the middle of a river. Vicky has done such a great job decorating their beautiful home.

We did, indeed, feel welcome!

This is the seating area, including a fire pit and a grill out by the river. That island makes the perfect neighbor!

The fountain is original from the early 1900s!

I can't wait to sit by a crackling fire while listening to the river rushing by.

To my utter delight, these wild baby ducks and their mom came running to me because they knew I had crackers in my hand.

When they finished eating their cracker crumbs, they sat down at my feet!

If you would love to spend a weekend in a beautiful town that is almost as it was a hundred years ago, I highly recommend Damascus, Virginia. 

Several hiking trails pass right through the town, including the famous Appalachian Trail. A unique biking experience can be had on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is also located here. For these reasons, this is known as a Trail Town. 

Many quaint Bed & Breakfasts are found here. There are also several lovely places to eat and shop. It is located just a few minutes from Abingdon, Virginia, which is also one of our favorite towns to visit.

Coral Red with White

On Saturday, we drove over to Asheville to do some shopping and have lunch. 

I wore white ankle jeans and a white tank along with a coral red casual jacket, all from Chico's.

The shoes are by Kenneth Cole from Dillard's. The bag is by BCBG from T.J.Maxx.

I bought the necklace at Chico's a couple of years ago. The main coral red bead in the necklace matched the color of the jacket exactly. I love it when that happens! Great planning, Chico's!

Lunch at the Bistro at Antler Village at the Biltmore Estate was great as usual.

We drove the little blue convertible this weekend and rode with the top down most of the day until a threat of rain came rolling down the mountainside.

We stopped at one of the first Ranger Sation/public rest stops they ever built on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were literally on the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina, just before a huge rainstorm came. I was approached by this beautiful lady named Amanda, who said, "I follow your blog!" That made my week! I love it when I get to meet those of you who enjoy what I share. Thank you for coming up to say hi, Amanda!

Here comes the storm! Time to put the top up and nap for most of the way home. Thanks for driving safely, Mr. Mickey.