The Red Carpet

Wednesday date night included having dinner on the veranda at The Blackthorn Club surrounded by beautiful flowers and rolling green hills of the golf course.

The flowers at the entrance are always breathtaking.

A send-off party for Miss Tennessee Teen USA was being held in the main dining room, thus the red carpet.

I have to tell you about this jacket! It is from Chico's as are all the clothes today. The jacket has an almost sheer body with trim that looks like black leather. I love the fact that it is almost weightless. The perfect summer "leather jacket"!

The clutch and sunglasses are from T.J.Maxx. The sandals are DV by Dolce Vita 'Safia' from Nordstrom.

Wear It Wednesday... Tools

There are a few tools of the trade that keep me and my clothes looking their best. Today on Wear it Wednesday I'll share a few.

Don't you hate it when your iron is too hot and you cause a shine on the seam of your new black pants? That's why I use a steamer so often. If you have ever worked in a boutique or almost any retail store you may remember steaming the clothes before you put them out on the floor. I have had a steamer in my home for many years. It saves on taking items to the dry cleaner when all they really need is to be steamed. I use it on all new clothes to freshen them up and for things like a new shower curtain, rugs that have gotten crimped while in storage, and new dust ruffles. You can buy this steamer at Macy's.

I use neutral shoe polish to protect and clean wallets, handbags, and belts as well as shoes. If you have one of those studded leather cuffs that are so popular right now, you should polish it before you even wear it. Get leather pants and jackets professionally cleaned at least once per year.

If you have curly hair use the diffuser tool with your hairdryer. Get out of the shower and scrunch your hair in a dry towel to get out excess water. Don't brush or comb it out. Use your fingers and the diffuser to style and dry your hair. Scrunch it in your hands as it gently dries. This will keep the max amount of curls.

Here's a quick video to show you how.

Do you have a favorite tip or tool to share? Just add it in the comments below. You are welcome to participate in the conversation!

The High Country

We always enjoy our drives into the high country of North Carolina.

This evening we were traveling to the Artisanal restaurant for dinner.

The small town of Banner Elk does a beautiful job with the border of flowers that continues for almost the whole length of the town.

The Eagle's Nest private gated mountain community has a beautiful new welcome lodge.

Flowers and trees always seem to thrive in the high country.

Of all my evening bags this is Mr. Mickey's favorite. I bought it on a long-ago buying trip in Atlanta at the apparel market.

The sateen jacket is from Dillard's. The black brocade pants and blue top as well as the turquoise necklace are from Chico's. The Steve Madden heels are from Nordstrom.

White Linen Moto Jacket

Friday date night was a rainy one, which explains why we are inside, and my hair looks like I styled it into a bouffant. Big hair is what naturally happens in humid weather. 

I love the edgy look of sleek pieces worn with an attitude, but I am too soft and rounded to carry this look off with authority.

I wore the white linen moto jacket from Stein Mart over a black tank from Chico's and a black pencil skirt from T.J.Maxx. The shoes are from Nordstrom. The bag is from T.J.Maxx. The bracelet is an old favorite.

New Hair Style

My hairstyle gets changed about every six months so yesterday I asked Allison to give me a shorter tousled style that does not need to be blown out straight.

I look a bit rumpled because these photos were taken at the end of a busy day.

I am still getting accustomed to styling my hair differently, but this is much easier!

I wore this Chico's blue tunic and white jeans to have lunch with my sister today. The shoes and sunglasses are from T.J.Max.