Wear It Wednesday

Many of you have asked, "What do you wear when you aren't going someplace special? What's your go-to look for every day?"

I work from home, so I literally could work in my PJ's all day, but I wouldn't be very productive. I shower after my walk and get dressed for the day, even if I know I won't be going out. If I run to the grocery or over to my warehouse to meet with my staff in this look, it is acceptable. 

My summer casual daily wardrobe includes white, khaki, black, or lightweight denim cropped pants or ankle-length pants. (No shorts.) I normally wear a sandal with low wedge heels with cropped pants such as these pictured above. If the pants were longer and looser, I might wear a flat sandal. (No flip flops.)

I also wear earrings, one ring, and a watch. I don't feel dressed without accessories and a lovely handbag. Details make a big difference in looking well put together.

Pictured above are Aerosoles sandals found at Ross, an Anne Klein bag found at T.J.Maxx several years ago, Kenneth Cole sunglasses from T.J.Maxx, and silver small hoop earrings, and a Seiko watch found at Belk many years ago. 

I really like a lightweight tee such as these I found at Belk on sale for about $12 this week. They are roomy and soft without being so thin that every bump and lump shows through them. 

I chose the V neck version, but they did have other necklines available. 

I bought several colors, including the purple I am wearing and navy, white, black, blue, red, teal, and pink. These tops are 100% cotton, so they are very soft and comfortable even when in the heat and humidity. These are the Belk brand "Kim Rogers."

These clothes can also be worn when I go for my early morning walk in the neighborhood each day. I prefer to buy regular clothes that I can wear for other functions rather than work out clothes which I see way too often in public. Could it be that work out knits are the summer version of sweat pants? 

If the day is cool and rainy, I can throw on a lightweight jacket like this one from the sale rack at Chico's. My goal is to be comfortable when I am going casual but still look nice.

Happy 60th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

 

Mr. Mickey and I joined my beautiful sister and her husband to attend church with my parents on Sunday. Today is their 60th wedding anniversary! My sister created that fabulous bouquet displayed at the front of the church during the service. Their special day was announced, and they received a round of applause.

I wore a red dress which is so old I can't remember where I got it. The suede and reptile shoes and plain tan leather clutch were from Belk a couple of years ago. The hat has large wooden beads and animal print ribbon trim around the crown. Mr. Mickey bought it for me in a shop in Blowing Rock a couple of years ago.

Mr. Mickey was his usual dapper self!

My sweet father was so very proud! My mother was so tired that she was ready to go home and rest by the end of the service. She is feeling much better but is still very weak. Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes a few weeks ago when she had double pneumonia.

The Blue Plum Festival

We rarely attend a festival, but this one is local and I wanted to visit with one of my clients, so off we go to Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City.

Knowing that we would be walking in the hot sun for an undetermined amount of time, I decided to wear a hat to this event.

There were so many booths and activities it would have taken the whole day to visit all of them. 

As we searched for my client's booth, we ran into my beautiful friend and neighbor, Lori, who was doing volunteer work for the Rotary.

It was a thrill to run into the fabulous Abby Hathorn, who is also a blogger at VintageInspiredPassionista.

Abby has just moved to the area to attend school, so we planned to get together. Even though we had never met in person, we immediately recognized each other and shared a big hug. Mr. Mickey couldn't believe that we weren't already old friends.

At last! We found my client's booth. Jessica Klaaren is the daughter of one of my classmates, so I was really looking forward to meeting her.

Jessica is an acclaimed designer of contemporary jewelry, but her booth and the presentation of her product was also a work of art. It was such an inspiration to see all she has accomplished.

You can see more of Jessica's work at her website JessicaKlaaren.com.

Jessica is shown here with her helper for the weekend, Leigh-Ann Appleton.

I was so happy to get to meet Jessica at last. I have long been an admirer of her talent, and of course, I always look forward to meeting my clients whenever I get the chance. There is a special bond between artists that can't quite be explained. Once again, Mr. Mickey couldn't believe that we didn't already know each other as he watched us visiting with each other like old friends. 

Our busy day came to a close at my sister's beautiful home and her husband for Mr. Mickey's birthday dinner. It is a tradition in our family that my sister prepares a special birthday dinner for the celebrating family member. It is an event to look forward to!

When I put on the hat for the second half of the day, I removed the necklace and bracelet I wore during the garden party earlier in the day. Wearing too many accessories with a hat can make you look very cluttered... as if you wearing a costume. I am also wearing white pants and a tank from the Peck and Peck collection at Stein Mart. The very lightweight sweater is from Chico's last year. The shoes are from T.J.Maxx. The hat is several years old and from Betmar.

Mint Juleps In The Garden

Saturday was filled to the brim with a variety of activities.

A garden party brunch for the Symphony Guild was the first event of the day.

Don't you just love cucumber sandwiches?

Would you have imagined that this special secret garden existed in the back yard of this home?

Today I wore white pants and a tank from the Peck and Peck collection at Stein Mart. The very lightweight sweater and necklace are from Chico's last year. The shoes are from T.J.Maxx. The bag is also from Stein Mart.

80th Birthday Dinner

Last evening we joined our dearest friends to celebrate Mr. Mickey's 80th birthday at our favorite restaurant Artisanal in Banner Elk, NC.

I wore a Covered Perfectly draped front top in black with brocade black pants from Chico's last year. The sandals were purchased at the last big Dillard's sale. The bag and earrings are from Stein Mart.

Knowing that the evening temps would dip into the low sixties, I grabbed this royal blue jacket on the way out the door.

Best friends are the greatest gift of all. This is my dear friend Mitzi. Isn't she beautiful?

The restaurant owner surprised Mr. Mickey with a birthday dessert. We had such a lovely evening!

The face of Grandfather Mountain was visible in the clouds as we were leaving.