Weekly Q&A - Foundations

Wearing the proper undergarments can make a huge difference in the way clothes look on your body. 

After I posted the photo below, I was asked many times about the bra I wear style. The one that supports and fits my body best is this one from Soma. Click here for more info on this bra.

Do you keep bras too long, washing and wearing them too many times, as well as purchasing the same size year after year?  Your bra size can change with as little as a five-pound weight loss or gain. 

When I found the great fitting hard-working bra pictured above, I went to a Soma store and tried on about seven different styles until I found the one that fit my body shape, including my breasts' actual shape. This bra has a tiny bit of padding at the top of the cup to fill where I need it, not at the bottom of the cup where I certainly do not need it. I continue to get fitted for bras every year. Our bodies are constantly changing.

Yo-Yo dieting throughout my life has given me skin that is less than taut. When I wear clothes that are more body revealing or fabrics such as jersey knits that are less forgiving, I always wear a body slimmer such as the one shown above from Macy's. Control and contouring are not my goals. I wear this garment simply to give me a smoother look under my clothes. These also come in a longer thigh length style like the one shown below.

Visible panty lines are never acceptable. This style of panty from Soma is the one I wear every day.

My legs are not going out in public in a dress without stockings at almost sixty years old. I don't care what the trends are!

My favorite stockings of all time were a gift from a blog reader who sent me 8 denier pantyhose from Paris. This style from Wolford is a close match.

Foundation garments are possibly the most important part of your look. For example, an ill-fitting bra can ruin the look of a very expensive blouse. Wearing beautiful lingerie makes you feel confident and elegant. Great fitting lingerie that smooths and lifts is not a luxury; it is imperative for me. I will budget for the right pieces to make sure all of my other clothes look and fit the way I want them.

Clara Sunwoo Tunic

I fell in love with this cut-out sleeve tunic from Clara Sunwoo as soon as I saw it. 

All the Clara Sunwoo pieces have styling details that make them stand out. The colors are vivid, and the line is made in the USA.

The fabrics have movement, and they flow across the body without bringing attention to those jiggly bits I would rather not share with the world. I felt so confident when I wore this tunic with white pants and nude sandals to brunch on Sunday.

A Splendid Day

September is right around the corner, but our weather is already turning much cooler. Bring out the jackets!

 

Mr. Mickey and I took a drive up to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to do some shopping and have lunch at the Six Pence Pub. We love their vegetarian black bean nachos. 

The flowers in the park draw the most beautiful butterflies, which have my attention below.

Today I wore white jeans and a silver tank from Chico's. The biker-inspired jacket is old from Stein Mart. The necklace is by Erica Lyons from Belk. The shoes are by Ralph Lauren from Dillard's. The bag is from Express.

I also stopped visiting my favorite guys at Finely House Couture, where Mr. Mickey bought the crystal and silver hoops for me. This clutch by Lilly Pulitzer got my attention immediately.

I love shopping in this little pedestrian alley off of Main Street. There are lots of flowers and benches to take a break on.

We took a drive north on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a change of scenery. We landed here at the beautiful Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. Wild ponies roam free here, but we didn't see any during our stay.

Quintessential Style

How many books do you read in a week? 

I normally read at least one book, but I have been known to read as many as five in a week. Reading is my favorite escape during my downtime. Since the early '90s, I rarely watch TV.

I must tell you about a book I recently read, "Quintessential Style" by Janna Beatty with Sharon White.

Some of you know that I have been working on a book of my own; however, after reading this one, I realize all of the things I wanted to share with you have been succinctly stated here. It includes everything you need to know to create the right style for you and your unique personality and body.

I enjoyed this book so much I put it back on my nightstand to read again. It is worth a second read as I slip off to sleep.

You can purchase the book at any of the links at the bottom of this page of their excellent blog.

Marmi Shoes!

I recently wore these MARVA VANELi cork sandals to dinner, and I got so many compliments!

They are so comfortable and lightweight as well as very feminine. I am happy I decided on these sandals because they will be the ones I wear each time I know I will be walking or standing a lot. I love my high heels, but I don't wear them for the whole day anymore.

You can find these and other cute, comfortable shoes at Marmi Shoes.

The tank, pants, and necklace are from Chico's. The cardigan is old from Stein Mart.