Sunset From The Loggia

We celebrated my birthday at the fabulous Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Panoramic views of meadows and distant mountains greet you as you approach the Inn.

Fall is starting to arrive here in the mountains. It is quite cool in the evenings now, so I wore a tunic from Monkee's of Johnson City with Mesmerize pants from My Fair Lady. The shoes are old by Sam Edleman from Nordstrom.

At the end of a wonderful day, we watched the sun go down from the Lobby Bar's loggia while enjoying a bit of fresh fruit and artisan cheeses.

Later in the evening, we sat in the Library and listened to the pianist play beautifully before it was time to turn in.

Chico's Event!

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday greetings! I spent the weekend being spoiled by Mr. Mickey.

On Friday afternoon, we arrived in Asheville just in time for lunch at Carmel's in the Grove Arcade.

During the first part of day one, I wore denim jeggings, a winter white tank, and a long jacket with three-quarter sleeves and zipper details with a multi-color stone necklace, all from Chico's. The sandals are by Sam Edelman. The bag was made in Italy. I found it at T.J.Maxx a couple of years ago.

You are invited to visit Chico's near you this week. I will be modeling in a fashion show at our local Johnson City store on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 PM. Several other stores across the country will also have special events this week. On Saturday, September 19th, I will be available from 2 until 4 PM in the Johnson City, TN location to share customized style tips with you. Check with the Chico's near you to find out what fun they have planned.

Hieroglyphic Jacket

In Los Angeles last week, I shopped at My Fair Lady, where I found this great looking IC Collection asymmetrical front jacket. It has an artsy single black large button closure, which makes the jacket even more interesting.

If you saw this jacket on the rack, you might think it was only for dressy occasions. I decided to give it a bit of an edge by wearing it with a black fitted tank, wax-coated black jeans, and strappy high-heeled sandals with studs on them.

Long silver geometric earrings, a smooth wide silver cuff, and a small silver mesh evening clutch completed the look. We joined some of our friends for a fun birthday celebration dinner, where I received lots of compliments.

Do you ever mix up your look by wearing pieces in totally unpredictable combinations?

Let's Go For A Walk!

Do you go to the gym often?

I used to go to the gym almost every day, but these days, I find that a brisk three-mile walk around my neighborhood and a few stretching exercises work best for me and my currently very hectic schedule.

Have you have noticed that athletic attire has become very popular as streetwear these days? I see women wearing leggings and slip-on sneakers and tunics to do their shopping or to run errands all the time.

So today, I thought I would show you one of my favorite casual sporty looks. The boat neck tunic is old from Cali and York. The leggings are also old by RBX via T.J.Maxx.

These minimalist design slip on casual shoes are from Rockport. That means they are super comfortable. I love to walk in shoes that work with my movement to remain comfortable for the whole three miles. I have worn Rockport shoes in many styles over the years, and I have always found them comfortable and very well made. These are also the perfect stay at home shoes for me since I am not a fan of going barefoot.

Many of my favorite casual clothing items are from J.Jill. This black windbreaker is part of their new line for fall 2015. I love to wear it on my early morning walks and whenever I am just running out for errands. It looks sharp with jeans or leggings. Our temps are dropping a little more each morning.

Preparing for a Cruise

From My Itchy Travel Feet, Donna Hull has agreed to help me with another blog post today as I continue to get caught up after being away from my office for a week. 

Preparing for a Cruise 

Earlier this summer, I shared my cruise packing tips with you. Today, Susan has invited me back to show Fifty, not Frumpy readers, more about how I prepare for a cruise. I hope you’ll find my tips and tricks useful for your next sailing.

Before you go

Since I cruise about once a year, I use the trip as a reminder to replace old makeup—a healthy practice for your skin. And I also make an appointment with a skin expert or cosmetician for a makeup lesson to learn new trends. When making the appointment, explain your style and emphasize that you are looking for makeup tips for a mature woman.

If you’re going to change hairstyles, do so a couple of months before the cruise so that you’re practiced at maintaining the style. For longer cruises where you’ll need to schedule haircuts or color, take a photo of your hair looking; it's best to show the ship’s stylist (or one onshore if you choose to have your hair done in port). If you color your hair, bring the formula with you.

Who doesn’t try to lose a few pounds before a cruise? Raising my hand high here. But don’t forget about getting in shape for all of the fun excursions. You’ll enjoy walking the streets of Rome a lot more if you’ve been following a walking regime at home. And don’t forget about light strength training and stretching. You’ll be the one hopping in and out of tenders, zodiacs, and bounding up the stairs without any achy muscles.

Traveling with a partner? Cross pack. When my husband and I cruise together, I make sure that each piece of luggage contains items for both of us that cover all of the dress codes on the cruise. And we each pack a carry-on with an outfit for each dress code—even formal night—so that if our checked luggage is lost, the cruise isn’t ruined for us. 

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: write down items as you pack them. If your luggage is lost, it will be easier to make a claim. And you’ll know what needs replacing.

Must takes

When you’re anticipating wearing your favorite outfits, it’s easy to forget the practical side of things. Yes, I have forgotten these, so here’s a reminder for all of us:

The weather won’t always be perfect so bring a raincoat. I prefer one with a hood. Umbrellas only get in the way and drip water on other people. Use a hooded raincoat instead.

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: If you’re traveling to a gloomy or snowy climate, a bright-colored coat or raincoat will help you stand out in photos.

Everyone needs a break from all the fun. Bring your favorite comfy outfit for hanging out in the cabin.

Pashmina is one of my favorite multi-purpose clothing items. Use one as a blanket on the plane or to wrap around your shoulders in over-air-conditioned rooms. I bring two: a casual version for travel and a dressier pashmina that takes a basic black (or other neutral) outfit from ho-hum to wow.

I find that shampoos and conditioners provided by the cruise line dry out my hair so does the ship’s water. Consider having a keratin treatment to protect hair before leaving home or schedule one in the ship’s salon if you’re traveling on a long cruise. 

Fifty Not Frumpy travel tip: pack a shoe bag to hang over the bathroom door to hold toiletries. This puts items in easy reach plus frees up counter space in those small shipboard bathrooms.

Stay organized

A good organizational system keeps me from losing things when traveling. This applies to a cruise or any other type of travel. I keep the same items in the same place every time, whether in my purse or on the cruise cabin's nightstand. If you follow this practice, you won’t leave anything behind when it’s time to go home.

And my last tip for getting ready for a cruise—have a plan of attack when it comes to eating healthy and exercising on the ship. Stay tuned because that’s the next article that I’ll share with you here at Fifty, not Frumpy.

Donna L. Hull writes about active travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. Going on a road trip? She’s currently offering a road trip checklist to new subscribers.