THE BROTHER BOYS

Yesterday's weather was a bit warmer during the day. 

My daytime outfit included a pair of khaki ankle jeans and an almond color tank from Chico's with a lightweight turquoise sweater from Dillard's a couple of years ago. The necklace is from Chico's last year. The sandals are from T.J.Maxx earlier this year. The handbag is from Stein Mart last year. 

For our evening out with friends, I switched to a warmer sweater and a different necklace both from Chico's. The bag is from Stein Mart a few years ago.

We joined two other couples at The Down Home to listen to the Brother Boys and Ed Snodderly.

The Down Home was founded in 1976 and has become a mecca for music lovers in Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The primary emphasis is on quality music, and the performance atmosphere promotes listening rather than socializing. I was last there in 1977 so this was a fun revisit to one of my college time occasional hangouts. 

Ed Snodderly is a legend both here and abroad. He just returned from a tour of Europe to reunite with his friends the Brother Boys. 

A Week of Sweaters

Our evening temperatures are now dipping into the low sixties, so I am starting to see women wearing jackets and sweaters when I run early morning errands.

I love the look of lightweight layers whenever possible. Summer clearance racks are a great place to find those featherweight sweaters that can be worn almost all year round. Add cute shoes, a scarf or long pendant necklace, sunglasses, and a nice bag to look great for any errand, even if you start out with a tank top and jeans or khaki pants.

Sweater from Chico's

This week I had the last of my summer Doctor appointments. I get all the tests we should have done at this stage of life in July because I am too busy to sit still that long at any other time of the year. 

As I was waiting for my turn in each office, I kept looking up to see women studying me. I noticed that almost all the women I saw in the near sixty age group wore a "uniform" of Mom-jeans, a dull-colored tee shirt, and shoe muffins (tennis shoes). I was wearing the first outfit idea above yesterday. I will be turning 57 next month, but I refuse to wear the "uniform"!

Travelers Sweater from Chico's

One Button Knit Sweater from Ross

Chanel Inspired Cardigan from Dillard's

Knit Jacket from Coldwater Creek

Navy Cardigan from Target

Waterfall Cardigan from Ross

Waterfall Cardigan from Ross

Spring Fever

Do your sleep patterns change with the seasons?

Mickey snapped this photo of me as we left for dinner before going to the symphony last evening. I am shocked at the dark circles under my eyes. This is a result of sleeping for only three or four hours per night this week. When Spring approaches, my body emerges from my winter hibernation with zest. A little inner voice keeps telling me it's time to get up! I wish it would wait until after 2 AM to speak up.

This is the same teal jacket I wore a few weeks ago to brunch. Tonight I paired it with a black tank and lined silky black chiffon Chico's pants from a couple of years ago. We always have to walk quite a long way from the parking lot to the building, so I wore my low heeled Ros Hommerson shoes and carried a small leather-like clutch. 

Thank you for all your recent comments on my blog posts. I love hearing from you! 

Someone asked what I wear when I am just lounging around at home or working in my flower gardens. This is a good point. It may seem that my life is filled with dressy occasions; however, the truth is, I only have one or two special events per week that require me to dress up a bit. 

My normal attire is jeans and a shirt for working in the yard. My daily attire might be jeans or pants of some other type and a sweater, shirt, jacket, or blouse worn mostly open over a tank top. A friend stopped by unannounced early one morning to bring something I had forgotten at her house. She was in yoga pants and running shoes. When she saw me fully made up and wearing a jacket already, she asked, "Who are you dressed up for?" My answer was "Me!" 

Even if I am not feeling well, I get up, shower, and get dressed. I always feel much better afterward. 

I wear jeans often. They may be white, red, khaki, black, or dark blue, but the smooth, simple styling and wash and wear comfort of jeans fit my lifestyle perfectly. Mickey snapped the photo below when we stopped at the top of the mountain on our way to Asheville last fall.

 
It's important to get dressed for yourself too! I regularly purge clothing that is stained, ill-fitting, or unflattering from my closet. Even if I am writing my blog at 4am I am dressed in cotton, flannel back, or brushed back satin pajamas.  My favorite ones are by Miss Elaine. You can find these at most department stores. Pictured below is a style from Serene Comfort.

Thank you so much for reading. 

I hope you have a sunny, happy Sunday!