Cool Spring Weather

Thankfully the sun was shining because it was quite cool here yesterday.

In fact, it was downright cold during the night time... so much so that I dreamed it snowed!

We had dinner with friends at Carrabba's Italian Grill, but we ran some errands earlier in the day.

These photos were taken at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce building. 

Mr. Mickey was on the board of directors of the Chamber when this building was built.

I am wearing pants and a tank from Chico's. The navy jacket is my old favorite. The shoes are Kenneth Cole Reaction via T.J.Maxx. The mixed metals necklace was found in a gallery in Asheville last year.

Ruanas Are Great For Warm Weather

A ruana is a poncho-style outer garment or wrap. I found this sheer blue animal print one on sale at Chico's a couple of years ago.

I like the fact that this one is sheer and can be worn in a variety of ways as a bit of cover when you want to dress in cool sleeveless tops and white ankle pants or Capris. (Ruanas are also great for winter in fabrics such as wool and cashmere.)

As you can see there isn't much construction to a ruana but they are so versatile.

This is my favorite way to wear them in both winter and summer. I think they look so chic!

Saturday Afternoon

Readers often ask me what I wear on a casual day when I am just staying home or running out for errands.

On this windy, rainy day, I wore red slim leg pants with an animal print sheer tunic from Chico's and a nude foundation tank from Carlisle. Even though the tank is technically a foundation item, it is so pretty it can be seen peeking out from beneath a sheer blouse. The Kenneth Cole Reaction sandals in gold are from T.J.Maxx.

The old Post Office and Custom House in Bristol, Tennessee, is one of my favorite local buildings. It was constructed in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture and opened in 1901. It is now a private office belonging to friends Joe and Cindy Gregory, who began restoring it to its full glory in 1999.

Artisanal Opens For The Season

We love to take a long drive into the North Carolina mountains to have dinner at Artisanal in Banner Elk.

Do you redecorate your home for the summer season? I changed to a light color entry rug and changed art objects on the library table to include lighter colors, white orchids, and some of my collection of unusual seashells gathered from beaches on the far side of the world.

This is the first time I've worn this jacket from the Travelers Collection at Chico's. It is made from black and ivory satin and sheer black ribbons. I paired it with an ivory tank and sleek black side zip ankle pants, also from Chico's. The necklace was a gift from Mr. Mickey. The shoes are BCBGeneration via T.J.Maxx. 

I apologize for the blurry photo, but I really wanted you to see the first turn on the entrance to the property of the Artisanal. These life-size horse sculptures are made from pieces of found wood. There is another similar sculpture in the foyer. 

The flat area on the lawn near this building is the landing for helicopters bringing very special diners to the restaurant. Many well-known people such as Michael Jordan and Don Shula dine here often. They either have homes nearby or come to play golf at Diamond Creek adjacent to the restaurant.

This was our budding spring view of the creek and the woods beyond our table on the terrace.

Mickey's toast is often... "A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread, and Thou" as we are about to begin another splendid meal. (From a translation of an Arabic derivation by Edward Fitzgerald's 5th edition, Quatrain XII.)

I hope you enjoyed sharing another lovely Friday date night with us. Have a wonderful weekend!

The Covered Perfectly Cascading Vest

You already know that wearing a long scarf makes you look taller and thinner but what to do in the summer?

The answer, wear a sheer cascading vest from Covered Perfectly!

The smooth back is perfect for camouflaging bra bulge.

They can also be worn as a scarf. Just thread the whole thing through an armhole and slip the loop over your head.

Tie them high on your hips to show off your bottom half.

I like mine tied with a low slung knot to give me a long V-neck that slims and elongates. I can also wear my long bold necklaces with them.

The Cascading Vest is going to be one of my favorites this summer! I love the versatility and sheer weight of these great vests. How will you wear yours!

Use this code to get a 20% discount... FNF20 at Covered Perfectly.