An Elegant Dinner

My favorite evenings include getting dressed up to share an elegant dinner and fine wine with wonderful friends.

As yet another rainstorm was looming, we prepared to drive over to Banner Elk, North Carolina, to spend a lovely evening with our dearest friends at our favorite restaurant, Artisanal. 

I couldn't wait to show you this stunning asymmetrical front jacket from MyFairLady! It is by IC Collection, and it is perfect for summer. It also comes in white, so I had a difficult time deciding! I love the sculptural quality and texture of this mesh jacket.

The tank is also from MyFairLady, and it's reversible! You can wear it as a scoop neck or a V-Neck.

The Travelers pants are from Chico's. The bag is from Saks Off 5th. The suede shoes are by Sam Edelman via Nordstrom.

I will be in L.A. during the first week of September, so you know I will have Uber drop me off at MyFairLady as soon as possible. There are so many unique things there that I am excited to add to my basics.

Strictly Casual

If you stop by to visit me on my day off or join me on the walking path in my neighborhood, this is what you might find me wearing.

The hoodie is from J.Jill, and it is the perfect summer weight layer for those who are always too cold in air-conditioned spaces.

Add a tank top, cropped jeans, and slip-on canvas shoes, and you have my favorite look for lounging at home. This is also the type of look I wear while walking around the four lakes in my neighborhood during the early morning.

J.Jill has been my favorite source for comfortable casual clothing for several years. I have many tops and jackets from them in coral, red, raspberry, and similar colors. I gravitate to these colors because they go with every pair of pants I own, which equates to easy casual looks I never have to think about.

The Weekly Q&A Segment

This is the first of a new segment suggested by a reader named Shannon. She sent me a picture of animal print shoes asking for help on what to wear them with. 

Above is my first suggestion for her. She wears a lot of black and only pants and jeans, no dresses or skirts. She also wants to add more color to her wardrobe.

Later I learned she wears a size 14 and has a large bust, so she felt the fitted jacket might not be a good match with her figure. My next suggestion includes a little more dressy burgundy blouse with black pants and a tan bag.

Another option would be to wear them with softer toned neutrals. A long necklace creates a flattering V-Neckline.

Another option would be to wear a flirty royal blue jacket and a white loose flowing blouse with an orange handbag.

Perhaps my personal favorite way to wear animal print shoes is with worn jeans and a white shirt, an elegant bag, and chunky jewelry.

Animal print is considered neutral, so you can wear it (in small doses) with almost anything. I limit myself to one item per look.

A Beautiful Day!

When the weather is beautiful and the sky is crystal clear, I get an overwhelming desire to head for the mountains.

On Saturday afternoon, we drove on Blue Ridge Parkway, where we stopped at the Moses Cone Manor for some photos. It was 67 degrees there! 

This handsome fellow enjoyed his lunch so much he didn't care how close I got to him!

This red lightweight button front tunic worn as a jacket and a casual tank from J.Jill was just the right thing to wear for a ride through the mountains in a convertible.

Don't you just love well-placed pockets in tunics and jackets?

Sandals by Guess via Belk. Pants by Fabrizio Gianni. The necklace is old from Chico's.

Fashion Show for Monkee's Part II

It was an honor to be asked to model for the new Monkee's of Johnson City yesterday. The audience included beautiful ladies of all ages! I am happy to share these inspiring photos with you.

This colorful lunch was served as we modeled all the new fabulous styles.

I hope to see you at the Grand Opening of Monkee's In Johnson City!