Wear It Wednesday - Choices

A few years ago, I was about fifty pounds over my ideal weight, and I was ill quite often. My fashion choices were plunging into the depths of frumpy old lady styles. I had given away all of my jeans and cool shoes because I was convinced I should start dressing in a more mature style.

A print knit top with ugly khaki slacks and a strange summer weight scarf to top it all off was my look for our tour of the Barnsley Garden ruins in the early spring of 2010. Check out those sensible shoes.

In 2011 I read the book "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. It gave me the information I needed to help me make healthier choices at mealtime. 

Over the next few months, I lost more than forty pounds and found my confidence again. My health improved dramatically. I returned to wearing my lifelong favorites, including jeans and solids in neutral colors. I now have many styles and colors of jeans and wear them with attractive shoes almost every day. I am honoring my true self.

The top photo was taken when I was four years younger, but the extra weight and clothing style makes me appear ten to fifteen years older.

The choices we make at every meal, and each time we get dressed, reflect our self-image. Your clothing selection is silent communication with those who see you, but those clothes also send messages to your inner self. Each time I saw myself in a picture or caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror during that earlier time, I was filled with self-loathing. My inner voice would always say, "What has happened to you?" 

It makes a monumental difference when I am at or near my ideal weight and wear clothes that feel comfortable. Not just comfortable on my body but also clothes that reflect who I really am. I grew up on a farm in western North Carolina, so I was always a bit of a tomboy. Floral prints, dresses, and ruffles are entirely against my nature.

The moral of this post is, wear what makes you feel comfortable. Wear what reflects your true self. Don't try to fit anyone's perception of what is right for you. Be your best self, and celebrate who you truly are every day.

The black jacket, white tank, and jeans are from Chico's. The belt is from T.J.Maxx. The shoes are by Nine West from Ross. The bag is from Finely House Couture in Blowing Rock, NC.

Sunday Drive

The weather was beautiful on Sunday so we drove out to the country to view the changing leaves against a clear blue sky.

I wore a vintage St John Country white jacket which was a gift from my dear friend Mitzi. The long sleeve gray tee is from Kohl's. The straight leg jeans are from Chico's. The reptile and suede short boots are by Vince Camuto from Nordstrom.

The earrings are old from Stein Mart. The ring is one of my favorite gifts from Mr. Mickey. The pony hair belt is from T.J.Maxx.

White, orange, and green pumpkins in a huge field along the way.

A stream runs through the Laurel's Recreation area.

Shopping With Mr. Mickey

When Mr. Mickey takes me shopping, we go to Chico's or perhaps Kohl's, Stein Mart, or T.J.Maxx.

I shopped in Stein Mart on Friday, where I found this fabulous faux leather jacket in a plum color.

On Thursday, I found this black leather belt with silver hardware in T.J.Maxx.

A few weeks ago, I was shopping in Asheville, NC. I wore pointed-toe black flats that day because I knew I would be walking a lot. Halfway through the day, I had to stop in Ross and buy these strappy black shoes with a heel because the flats were so uncomfortable.

The black jeans were purchased at Chico's earlier this year.

The bag is perhaps ten years old. I think I bought it at T.J.Maxx. The long sleeve white tee is from Kohl's.

We stopped by the MeadowView Marriott to have a late lunch after our shopping day for Mr. Mickey. Above is a view of the entrance rotunda looking up. Below is the entrance hall to the convention center part of the hotel.

Behind me is one of two waterfall features near the entrance.

The ring and earrings were special gifts from Mr. Mickey.

You may ask, "What does Mr. Mickey buy when he goes shopping?"

Congratulations, my dear! 

May your new purchase take us on many wonderful adventures.

Animal Print Heels

Friday evening is the perfect time to unwind and relax over a leisurely dinner with good company.

The long jacket with a black tank and leggings are from Chico's. Normally I would not wear leggings with heels, but these have a texture like the heavier Travelers material from a few years ago.

The Chanel inspired bag is from Express.

The Guess animal print and leather shoes are from T.J.Maxx. The ring is from B'Dazzled in Blowing Rock, N.C., and the octagon shape sterling silver with clear stones earrings are old.

Ming Wang at Dinner

Our weather is still cool and rainy so for Wednesday date night I brought out the mink scarf and a Ming Wang jacket worn over my Adea tank.

The jacket is from the 2013 Ming Wang collection. The wide-leg slinky knit pants are from Evan Picone via a great sale at Dillard's earlier this year.  The mink scarf was a long-ago gift from Mr. Mickey.

The Steve Madden heels are from Nordstrom and the small evening clutch is from T.J.Maxx. The rings are from Stein Mart. (The square stone is purple like the jacket.) The black and silver earrings are from B'Dazzled in Blowing Rock, NC.