Tribal Favorites

Warm weather casual looks have always been a challenge for me.

I am much more comfortable in my jacket and jeans with a tank combo, but I must create a cooler look to work with my figure challenges when the temperatures climb.

The perfect fit for my personal styling formula includes looks like this one.

The kick pleat detail on the back of the leg is so creative.

Wearing these wedge sandals from Dillard's a couple of years ago helped to visually elongate the chopped-off look that crop pants sometimes give my short lower legs. These stop at the point that my leg starts to get slimmer rather than on the widest part of my calf. That detail is always important to me when I wear any dress or cropped pants.

This look would also be great for a woman who has a pear shape. The zipper pocket details of the shirt lift the eye up and, if tucked in, would define the smaller waist of the pear shape. In addition, the black pants with simple lines are very flattering, and the dark color on the bottom formula is perfect for the pear shape.

Because I have an inverted triangle shape with a wide waistline, I rarely tuck in a top. This hemline is slightly lower in the back, which makes it very flattering for me. The fabric is whisper lightweight, so I can wear it even when our hot weather arrives.

The old clutch bag I found years ago at T.J.Maxx brought in the fun pop of red I really like with black and white.

If Only It Had Sleeves Part II

The crepe tank dress is a versatile and classic piece that many women have in their wardrobe.

I  have found the perfect tank dress with a not too high slit on one side and an effortless body-skimming design. When my tuille sleeves arrived later from If Only It Had Sleeves, I knew this would be the perfect marriage.

Tank dresses look great with jean jackets and fun little cardigans. The lack of sleeves means that I always layer in some way. This dressed-up version worked for a more formal evening.

I posted earlier here about the lace version of these perfect solutions for the problem of "If only it had sleeves."

Below is the model from the site showing how the sleeves look without the tank dress. Thankfully, they don't add any bulk under your clothes.

This look's accessories include a fabulous handmade clutch, which was a long-ago gift from a wonderful Fifty, not Frumpy follower. (Thank you!) The rings were gifts from Mr. M.

The shoes are old by Gianni Bini via Dillard's.

The sleeves were designed and are made by a company located in the United Kingdom, but they are happy to ship worldwide. You can see all their other products and colors here.

Classic Casual, My Way

Give me the perfect white shirt and a softly faded pair of jeans, and I am ready to attend any casual event.

It's no secret that I am a lover of the classics. From music to home decor and handbags, I am drawn to the elements that withstand the test of time.

When I began my search for the perfect summer handbag, I knew it needed to be classic, versatile, and durable. I am not interested in disposable fashion. I prefer to invest in one timeless, well-made piece that I can carry for several summers. When I saw this one from J. McLaughlin in Town and Country magazine, I knew it was the one for me right away. I was thrilled to learn that they had just opened a store in Blowing Rock, North Carolina!

Sometimes all you need is the perfect white shirt to get the day off to a great start. This one has enough substance to be worn layered over a slim-fitting tank, which is the perfect way to wear a classic white shirt with my button challenging figure.

The blended, smooth fabric looks crisp and feels comfortable. Sheer, lightweight fabric isn't as forgiving or soft flowing over a tank. I like that this shirt holds its shape to keep me looking freshly turned out all day.

No jiggly bits in sight! Success!

The cuff and faded ankle jeans are old from Chico's. The BCBGeneration sandals are from Saks Off 5th.

Today I am using my new light tent for the first time. This lighting system was a gift from my friends at Fabrizio Gianni. Now I can shoot detailed accessory close-ups for you even at 4 am! I am grateful to the whole Fabrizio Gianni team for this very thoughtful gift.

The earrings and dome ring are both from B'Dazzled in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Cali and York sent me the perfect white shirt. I am wearing a size medium over a white Clara Sunwoo tank top supplied by ShopMyFairLady.

Happy Anniversary!

Three years ago today, a new clothing line was created with the woman over forty in mind. That has happened only a few times in history!

As a reasonably new blogger in 2013.

Covered Perfectly was one of the first companies I worked with during the early days of my blog. Above, I am shown in one of my first posts wearing the red Simple Comfort.

 

I am wearing the Simple V top above.

The cascading vest is a genuinely great accessory since you can wear it as a scarf or in several ways as a flattering third piece. I have layered, wrapped, tied, and belted under and over these vests.

The fun Color Block top is shown below.

Three years later, I am still wearing that red simple comfort top, and it has kept its shape and color beautifully.

I love how the draped front top can be dressed up for a great evening look or worn with a pair of leggings for a classic daytime look. I have also worn this one many times over the past two years.

The Simple V tunic is another great style. I love the fact that the neckline is not too low. 

The layered design is so adorable!

One of my blogging career highlights came when Pauline Durban, the owner and designer of those fabulous Covered Perfectly tops, invited me to come out to Los Angeles to model for her company.

With Pauline Durban and the talented author Mary Ann Simonetti at a photoshoot last year.

Below, I am wearing the Top with Piping.

The white simple comfort top is basic for me. It looks fabulous under all my jackets and vests or worn alone with a cool necklace. Notice that it is not see-through!

The cold shoulder top is a tank top with a sleeve. Just what we need to stay cool but covered at the same time.

Below we are together for another photo shoot. I am wearing the draped front top, and Pauline is wearing the wrap-over style.

Turquoise is one of my all-time favorite colors! Here I am wearing the simple comfort in turquoise.

The new Henley-style has the most flattering neckline! I love to wear this top with jeans.

From the most recent photoshoot.

I was thrilled to be at Pauline's recent sixtieth birthday celebration. She has such a great group of supportive and loving friends. I am truly honored to be among them.

Happy anniversary my dear friend! I wish you many more successful years for you and your company.

Pauline is wearing the black floral cascading vest over the white simple V. I am wearing the drape front top in black.

New Jeans

We recently spent the weekend at the Inn at Biltmore Estate.

We had a delicious brunch in the Dining Room on Saturday. I wore a Clara Sunwoo tunic sent by ShopMyFairLady.

These Klaveli ankle jeans with a split hem were discovered while I was shopping at the Paris Apartment Boutique in Knoxville last month. This style of pant is available in about forty colors and different styles too. I appreciate the simple flat front zipper, which makes them great to wear under smooth fitting tops.

The shoes are by Vince Camuto from last year. The bag is also old by BCBG via T.J.Maxx. The Balmain sunglasses are from Saks Off 5th.

We enjoy the elegant decor and the fabulous gardens on the grounds of the Inn.

A fresh rose on every table is a very nice touch!

We spent much of the day exploring the grounds of the Estate and shopping in the village.

To Necklace or Not

My friends at ShopMyFairLady have discovered a new casual line for us.

They sent me this navy blue crinkle cardigan by Focus recently. I am wearing a size medium over a size medium Clara Sunwoo mid-length tank top. The ankle skimmer jeans are old from Chico's. The BCBG bag is old from T.J.Maxx, as are the Kenneth Cole Reaction sunglasses. The Jessica Simpson sandals are old from Nordstrom (I think).

I wore a short necklace rather than a long necklace because this look needed a more structured lift to counterbalance the length, texture, and form of the jacket and the longer hip-length of the smooth tank. 

Many people ask me about the rules for wearing a necklace. What length? When to wear a necklace and when to not? What style? I base that decision upon the item I am wearing near my face. If the jacket is structured and dramatic like the jacket I wore in the post for yesterday, I let it stand alone. I wore a simple pair of small wide crystal hoops paired with bracelets and a bold watch to finish the look because a necklace would have detracted from the jacket. Accessories should complement, not clutter, your look.

I wore this necklace, which is structured and bold, for the same reason I didn't wear a necklace yesterday. It complements the texture and flowing nature of the cardigan. The same flowing shape and length in a necklace would have been too much flowing in one look. It would have visually pulled down my face, whereas this short more structural necklace lifts the eyes to my face.

I got dressed in minutes right after my morning run because I had to be at my warehouse on concise notice, thanks to my adorable accountant. I am wearing practically no makeup, and my hair is still wet from the shower. You will likely never see a more unplanned photoshoot! I got out of my car, handed Mr. Mickey the camera, and said, "Quick, take some pictures!" We were both super busy. (Conveniently, our warehouses are side by side, and we share a back parking lot.)

This Focus cardigan is light as a whisper! I love that it can be worn with any of my jeans and a tank top to look polished and put together while remaining cool and comfortable. It will become a summer staple for me this year.

Later in the day, I went to my favorite sushi place for a quick lunch after all the urgent tasks. There is a beautiful young Japanese girl who is often our server there. She barely speaks any English at all, and yet she told me, "You look so elegant!" I hugged her and almost cried. I certainly did not feel elegant, but her sweet comment made my whole day.