#CosmopolitanChic

What do you pack to go on vacation?

I pack the same capsule wardrobe I normally wear, including three colors that work together.

Black and white with accents of blue include pieces that can be worn together in various combinations that will serve me well for a three-day stay at the fabulous Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

I may be having dinner at Scarpetta, a modern Italian restaurant by award-winning chef Scott Conant, shopping at All Saints Spitalfields, or attending one of the shows at Marquee, but I will always be comfortably dressed in items that reflect my personality and taste.

MarketPlace

I recently learned about a wonderful organization that helps low-income women in India learn how to run a business.

MarketPlace: Handwork of India is an innovative fair trade, not-for-profit organization that combines the experience of running a business with various support programs designed to effect real, meaningful, and lasting change in the lives of low-income women in India.

The organization works with 480 artisans organized into 14 independent co-operatives, which produce high-quality women's apparel and home decor. As they learn to be in charge of their own businesses, women learn valuable skills and earn a living and support their families. Programs offer educational and enrichment opportunities designed to help the artisans overcome personal, cultural, and financial obstacles.

In MarketPlace's comprehensive and creative organization, economic development is only the first step for these brave and resourceful women.

This beautiful jacket is from their current collection. You can see the whole catalog by clicking here.

This short video shows how the lightweight jacket looks from every angle.

Cinderella's Black "Crystal" Slippers

One of the reasons we love to go to Artisanal in Banner Elk is that you can be dressed to the nines while blending in with the other patrons.

In my late 20s, I started collecting key pieces in black to wear to special events. The reasoning is that I have always felt confident and stylish in black, but moreover, the items work together so well.

I'm wearing items purchased over a span of about twenty-five years.

The Draped Front top is Covered Perfectly. The sheer layered asymmetric skirt was found at T.J.Maxx about ten years ago. I bought the velvet and faux fur trimmed Erté inspired evening coat from one of my sales reps in about 1989 when she also represented my jewelry line.

These Sam Edelman shoes are my most recent purchase. They are undoubtedly the most fabulous pair of shoes I have ever owned!

The clutch is from T.J.Maxx a couple of years ago. The earrings and ring are old from Stein Mart.

Winter blew in on sporadic gusts of wind during the night. We awoke to the first frost of the season in the mountains today.

I was a little girl in 1965 when I saw Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella with Lesley Ann Warren for the first time. I dreamed of the day when I would find my own Prince and go to the ball wearing a beautiful gown. Nearly fifty years later, I have at last found my Prince, and I get to wear my black "crystal" slippers if not to a ball, then certainly to dinner.

Patterned jeans and a leather jacket?

I feared that the two items of clothing that would no longer work for me are skinny patterned jeans and leather jackets. As soon as I saw these flocked animal print jeans at Chico's, I wanted them, but they had already sold my size.

Alas, it was meant to be! When I stopped in there yesterday to see what was new and have a look at the sale rack, there was a size smaller than I normally wear. I decided to give them a try, and they fit!

The white tank and faux leather-trimmed cardigan/jacket were purchased at Chico's earlier this year.

The woven leather belt is by Michael Kors via T.J.Maxx. The cuff is old from Chico's. The ring is old from Stein Mart.

Now for the exciting news! We have worn out several digital cameras during this blogging adventure, including the one we are using now. We have a new up to the minute camera on the way! Better quality pictures will be showing up soon.

Mr. Mickey took me to the Blackthorn Club for a relaxing dinner on Friday Date Night.

A Special Evening

As the sun was going down, the top-level of a parking garage was a great place to shoot photos on this beautiful evening.

We visited Wellington's at the Carnegie Hotel for dinner last evening.

My go-to look for eveningwear is a black tank over black pants with some sort of interesting jacket. As mentioned in the post from yesterday, the pants' cut and style dictate the cut and style of the jacket I pair with the pants. Opposites are more attractive.

All clothing is from Chico's. The jacket is from last year.

The satin evening sandals are by Kenneth Cole Reaction via Dillard's last year. I wish all shoes were this comfortable!

The bold statement necklace is from Chico's earlier this year, and the small hoop earrings were from Target last year.

The ring is old from Stein Mart, and the bag is so old I don't remember where I found it.

My tips for getting dressed for a special evening include not wearing too many colors or accessories. If black isn't your color, wear one color that flatters your complexion with a jacket or wrap in a color that contrasts but complements the base color. 

I hope my suggestions help you to easily get dressed for the special events of your life. Mr. Mickey and I never wait for a special day to celebrate. Our reason to get dressed up and celebrate this evening? It was a beautiful fall Wednesday evening, and we are alive and well.