New Flat Shoes

When I mentioned in an earlier post that I was starting to wear flat shoes more often for daytime, I was amused at the howls of protest from some of you. I have worn heels for most of my adult life, but now, two and a half years away from my sixtieth birthday, I am starting to invest in flats because my feet recently started letting me know it's time.

I found these Enzo Angiolini® Liberty Loafers at Appleseeds. They were one of the first pairs of flats I purchased. Not all flats are created equally. These looked like just the right style for me, but I will be wearing them around the house for quite some time to break them in. They are a bit narrow where they are stitched together at the ball of the foot.

These Hush Puppies Dalby Moc Flats are super comfortable. (I used my Christmas money from my parents to buy three pairs of shoes from Macy's. Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

I also bought these Alfani Women's Allegra Step N Flex Flats from Macy's. Love them!

These Aerosoles Clean Slate wedge heels in brown are also from Macy's. I haven't worn them yet, but they feel comfortable from just trying them on.

These are Vince Camuto animal print flats from Nordstrom.

A Family Gathering

For a very casual gathering of extended family, I wore jeans and a long-sleeve tee.

The tee, jeans, and necklace are all from Chico's. The boiled wool jacket is from Appleseed's. 

The Coach bag was purchased at their outlet store in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, last summer. The shoes are from Macy's, and they are worn with beige Hanes pantyhose from Target.

The gathering was hosted by my beautiful cousin Rhonda in her fabulous new home by the lake. My mother and I enjoyed watching the gulls and blue herons and geese from the huge windows that offer a panoramic view of the lake. 

Mickey and I had to stop on the road leading away from their home to wait for about forty whitetail deer of all ages and sizes to pass in front of and around us. I was thrilled to be part of that surreal scene.

I hope your new year is filled with happiness and great style.

Rain in Abingdon

That's Rain the restaurant, not the weather. Last evening we had dinner with my sister and her husband at a wonderful restaurant in Abingdon, Virginia. 

 We had temperatures in the seventies today!

I was captivated by this view along the way, so Mr. Mickey stopped so that I could snap a picture for you.

I wore a Ming Wang jacket with black crepe pants and a black tank from Chico's. The shoes and bag are old.

Santa Makes His Rounds

Santa Mickey completed all of his "performances" during the past few days.

Last evening we first visited the beautiful home of our dear friends and neighbors, Don and Millie.

Then on to our next stop...

Our favorite Sunday afternoon hangout is Carrabba's in Johnson City, so we stopped in for a quick visit with the very busy Proprietor, Colin Baker. 

These children will never forget the night Santa came to their table at Carrabba's. They were so thrilled!

Then back to Mr. Mickey's home for a few shots of my outfit for an evening as Mrs. Claus. I wore a red wool jacket and long sleeve tee from Talbots last year with old straight leg black pants from Stein Mart and old Madden Girl short boots from Belk.

The beautiful bracelet was a gift from my sweet friend, Millie.

Behind me is Mr. Mickey's study area. All those trophies and medals are from winning tennis tournaments and competing as an Army Sharpshooter.

Our last stop of several this evening was with our sweet friends at our favorite restaurant in town, Gourmet and Company. We are pictured with proud new Papa, Chef Jacob Berry.

Mr. Mickey and I hope that your Christmas is filled with joy.

Christmas Symphony

One of the highlights of the season for us is attending the Johnson City Symphony Christmas concert.

Having dinner at our favorite restaurant, Gourmet and Company, before the concert is also a tradition we enjoy. Mr. Mickey loves bread pudding above all other desserts. This one is apple cinnamon with blueberries and French vanilla bean ice cream.

The marble staircase at the Seeger Chapel is splendid. The Chapel was beautifully decorated with greenery, poinsettias, and tiny white lights. It was such fun to visit with friends and singing carols during the audience participation segment.

I am wearing a Chico's jeweled sweater with Chico's Travelers pants over black pantyhose with a mink vest that was a Christmas gift from Mr. Mickey a few years ago.

The black and white sweater has jet beads and stones. I chose a hematite colored metal to complement the beading. The color is repeated in the earrings, the buckles on the high heels, and the clutch bag's beading. Except for the sweater and hose, all of my outfit elements are several years old.

I hope your holiday season is filled with friends, family, and laughter.