Airport Style

Flying is one of my least favorite things, so I am using Mr. Mickey's beautiful daughter, Robin, as an example for today's post.

Robin, who is 51, lives in New York but was here for a funeral earlier this week. She is on her way to the airport in this photo.

Robin has a really great style of dressing all the time, but her airport style makes so much sense to me. She layers on very thin items that add no bulk but keep her warm/cool as she passes through different climates. Lightweight layers allow her to remove items as she needs to, but her look remains very modern, and she looks well dressed at all times. Her small carry-on bag held everything she needed for her short stay.

The long black coat from Ronen Chen has lots of details around the hem, but it did not add bulk to her look. The pieces she wears always include interesting details such as asymmetric hems or necklines so that something else underneath with different lines or a different color might be peeking out. She is very trim and in great shape, so this style of dressing suits Robin very well. She always looks stylish and sporty. Never overly fussy or like she put a lot of effort into her look. I love that!

As you know, I am a big fan of effortless dressing. I much prefer a look that takes four minutes to put together so that you can get on with your life. A well planned and edited wardrobe can allow just that. Robin has mastered the art of owning pieces that flatter her shape, work with many other items in her wardrobe, and fit her lifestyle. That is the key to effortless dressing.

Previous posts have included Mr. Mickey and also his beautiful daughter Regina.

Bag Color Tip

My Tahari by Arthur S. Levine jacket was found at Dillard's during their end of season sale last summer. It has become one of my favorite dressy jackets.

I once read a style suggestion that went something like this. "Buy a handbag the color of your hair, and you will carry it more often than any other." I really do carry my gray bags most often! This one by Calvin Klein is one of my daytime favorites. I found it at T.J.Maxx last fall.

The slacks and the shoes are from Saks Off 5th, and I am wearing a long sleeve black tee from Chico's. In case the weather turns cooler, I have a black trench coat by Fabrizio Gianni thrown over my arm.

The Black Dress

If you only own one dress, it should probably be a dark color, such as black.

I found this mesh sleeve dress with ruching at the waistline at Chico's earlier this year. This might be my go-to party dress for awhile. I do not wear skimpy cocktail dresses to parties (or anywhere for that matter!), so the hint of skin showing through the mesh is just sexy enough for me.

STYLING TIPS: Balance the top and the bottom. If you are wearing a sleeveless dress, do not wear dark hose. When you do wear dark hose, always wear dark shoes. When I see someone wearing gold shoes with black hose, I always think of Minnie Mouse.

I wore the dress out to dinner on Saturday night for the first time. Mr. Mickey loved it!

I topped it off with a black faux leather-trimmed ruana from Carlisle Per Se and old silver and crystal necklaces. The suede heels are from Saks. The gray clutch is old by Kenneth Cole Reaction.

Cashmere

Last fall, I purchased my very first cashmere sweater from Ann Taylor.

I probably had a bad experience with itchy sweaters in my earlier days because I have never felt the need to own a cashmere sweater.

Now that I have worn this elegant fabric, I must have more! It is warm but not bulky and oh so soft. It isn't itchy at all. I will wear this one for three seasons, so it is well worth the investment.

The black jeggings are old from Chico's. Both the ombre scarf and the suede and reptile texture boots are by Vince Camuto.

Staying at Home

Many of you have asked what I wear when I am just staying at home.

Staying in my pajamas all day is not an option. I would not be as productive, nor would I have a very positive attitude. I look forward to getting dressed for the day and going to work... even though my office is in my home.

Even on the days, I don't have anything planned, I get dressed as usual.

On this day, I wore a red long sleeve tee from Chico's last year with wonderful jeans from the Loft (modern fit straight leg). The jacket is from Express. The black woven belt is by Michael Kors, but I removed the charms hanging from the buckle. The Franco Sarto boots are from T.J.Maxx.

I normally wear something similar with a cardigan or a jacket when the weather is cold. If I need to run an errand or if someone stops by, I am presentable.