Comfortable Stylish Shoes

Flat shoes are rarely comfortable for me; however, these Rockport shoes are winners. They are cute and very comfortable.

This is a regular workday look for me. You may find me in a sweater even in summer because air conditioning always seems too drafty—cashmere sweater by J.Jill.

These Rockport shoes offer style and comfort that will take me wherever I have to go during the day. I do not go barefoot very often, so even when I am at my desk, I am wearing shoes. These shoes are perfect for airports and grocery store visits or any other time I need to walk a great deal. They have the support and cushioning that makes them very comfortable for the whole day, even when I will be standing or walking a lot more than I usually do.

The black tank and necklace are from Chico's. 

The bag is by Zac Posen via Saks Off 5th. 

The pants are by Fabrizio Gianni.

Sweater Weather

I have gone a little crazy with red sweaters. Black is suddenly being overtaken by red in my closet.

Do you go through stages of being drawn to a certain color when you shop? I love shades of red because it goes with every pair of pants in my wardrobe.

At the end of the season last year I bought this sweater from Chico's. I am glad I did because I love the length of it with these Fabrizio Gianni leggings.

The bag is by Zac Posen via Saks Off 5th. The shoes are by Vince Camuto via Dillard's.

Brunch in a Blazer

Getting dressed for the day can be quite a challenge at this time of year. It may be thirty degrees in the morning and then seventy degrees in the afternoon.

My solution to the widely fluctuating temperatures is to top off my look with an elegant cashmere wrap. This luxurious dark grey heather one is from J.Jill.

I wore it across my shoulders during the coolest part of the day. I appreciate that it stays where you put it.

We spent the day in Asheville on Sunday, where we enjoyed a fabulous brunch at the Omni Grove Park Inn's Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet.

While we were having brunch, I didn't need to wear the wrap. The blue blazer is by Tahari via Saks Off 5th. The silver lace tank top is from Chico's. The ivory pants are from Fabrizio Gianni. The bag is from Express. The suede shoes are by Vince Camuto.

My jacket was draped on the back seat so that it wouldn't wrinkle on the long drive over the mountains to Asheville. Wrapped in cashmere is a great way to travel! I will always take this one with me when I travel by plane. The neutral color goes with everything, and it isn't bulky, but it is warm.

I am often asked about wearing white pants in winter. I do wear white pants and blazers at any time of year if the weather is dry. That old rule of no white after Labor Day is, thankfully, outdated now.

Whether you just drape the wrap around your neck once or cross it over your shoulders, it is perfectly comfortable and elegant.

When I get dressed, the weather is my first consideration. Appropriate for the event is my second. Third, on my checklist is if the look is attractive on my body type.

Elegant Color Combinations

Some color combinations exude elegance and sophistication.

When I want to take a step up from my usual jeans and tee look, I often reach for ivory pants, and a black jersey knit 3/4 length sleeve top. Both these great pieces are from Fabrizio Gianni. They are made in the USA.

This bag is by Ralph Lauren via T.J.Maxx. The shoes are by Halogen via Nordstrom.

The wire wrapped cuff was purchased while on vacation in Hilton Head at S.M. Bradford Co.

I have always had a passion for rich color and texture. This elegant jacket by IC Collection fits my requirements for fit, texture, rich deep color, and a style that can be worn in many ways. I got it from ShopMyFairLady. I enjoy shopping with them because I get such great service and they never suggest things that are not right for me just to make a sale. 

I appreciate the versatility of brown, but it isn't always the right hue for my skin tone. This rich caramel brown is perfect. I will also wear this with all black, white, denim, and even red.

The hem is slightly longer in the back, making it perfect to wear as a jacket or a shirt partially tucked in. 

The buttery faux suede fabric is so soft to the touch. I know I will be wearing this classic for years to come. Those are the only types of pieces I am interested in adding to my wardrobe now.

Combat Boots

I recently wore my black linen biker jacket from Express over a striped tee with three-quarter sleeves, gray jeans from Chico's, and new boots by French Connection from Saks Off 5th. (My Mom called them combat boots.)