Layer Like a Boss

Multiple thin layers keep me warm without running the risk of looking like the Michelin Man.

On a recent Saturday, we visited old downtown to see some of the new projects. An exciting renaissance has begun in Johnson City!

From November to April, I am usually wearing a minimum of two layers. I started this look with a thin gray tank camisole from Saks Off 5th. Next, I added a great looking striped button front tunic from J.Jill. The cashmere scarf/wrap is old from J.Jill. 

I bought the distressed faux leather jacket from my friend Myra's boutique, The Charlemont in Kingsport, TN. The ankle jeans are from Chico's. The bag is by Zac Posen, and the boots are by French Connection, both via Saks Off 5th.

I once avoided wearing longer layers under shorter pieces, but I learned that if I use a soft, unstructured longer piece under a more structured shorter piece, it always seems to work out well.

Each time I go to the J.Jill website, I find it difficult to narrow my selections to stay within my budget. I want them all!

I decided on this top because I know I can also wear it in warm weather without a tank, white jeans and sandals.

Shown below without the outer layers.

Styling Tip

I fell in love with this fabulous J.Jill tunic as soon as I saw it!

This top was provided by J.Jill.

I have a weakness for soft, easy pieces that flow across the body and look great with jeans. If the item can be worn for three seasons, even better!

This color is called Gala, which will go with every pair of pants I own. That makes this tunic a very wise purchase.

The ankle jeans and the wide silver cuff are both old from Chico's. The boots are old by Ralph Lauren, and the bag is old by Cole Haan, both from T.J.Maxx. 

Buying classic items with a simple design means that you can wear the pieces for years to come and in many combinations.

I will wear this top with white jeans and nude sandals many times this summer. It looks great with most of my scarves and all of my fun cuffs and bracelets. I can also wear it with the sleeves long and layer a jacket or cardigan over it. 

We moved the furniture around a bit to shoot this short video and take these pictures for you. I hope my tips inspire and help you get dressed with ease.

Be My Valentine!

Time for a Q&A post! 

"What are your tips for mixing and matching unrelated pieces to create successful unique looks?"

There are a few tips I always try to remember when I am mixing unrelated pieces. 

First, I limit the colors to no more than three. When wearing two or three pieces that are all the same color, I always mix the textures since the colors will rarely match exactly. 

Don't be afraid to mix modern with classic. That is one of the secrets to keeping your looks current. If I am wearing something trendy, I keep all the other items very traditional and classic.

Learning which colors and proportions look best on your body shape makes it a lot easier to mix and match pieces with confidence.

We had not planned to go out to dinner for Valentine's day, but when our dearest friends called to invite us to join them, we gladly accepted.

I found this brocade jacket on sale at Chico's recently. This was the perfect evening to wear it for the first time. Considering that it is so ornate, I kept the other accessories to a minimum. The small reptile embossed box clutch is from S.M. Bradford in Hilton Head. The faux leather front Ponte knit back leggings are also from Chico's. The short boots are by French Connection via Saks Off 5th.

The Covered Perfectly long sleeve simple comfort tunic has the best neckline for layering I have ever worn. I also love that they are sleek, fitting to keep me warm, but they don't add any bulk under my jackets. More black and also the white tunics will be back in stock soon. They are selling so fast that the USA maker of these tops is having difficulty keeping up with the demand.

When I answered the door, Mr. Mickey handed me a dozen roses, Godiva chocolates, and cards. I count myself very lucky to be his lady!

Choosing A Winter Coat

Do you have a great winter topper? It has been at least twenty years since I purchased a nice full-length winter coat.

Our East Tennessee weather is not often harsh, so I don't need to dress for sub-zero temperatures.

A stroller or some other type of jacket over layers is my usual cold-weather look. While that works most of the time, it can be rather casual.

I have been doing research for a few months to make a wise decision about this purchase.

I didn't want a bulky coat that would visually add pounds to my frame. I looked for a sleek style without a large collar, belt, memorable buttons, or other details that might date it and me. While I love black, I wanted this coat to be another color. Having one that can be dressed up or down and worn with scarves was also a priority. This coat could also be belted if I ever magically acquire a waistline.

The rest of my look includes a black vest and knit turtleneck top by Fabrizio Gianni. The reptile embossed black leggings are labeled "Jack," and I found them in a small boutique on Hilton Head Island last year. The boots are Saks Black Label from Saks Off 5th. The bag is also via Saks Off 5th. The hat and scarf are both old from T.J. Maxx.

I am confident that I can wear this coat for several years, with any type or color of attire, and to any event. It is by Cinzia Rocca via Saks Off 5th.

Daily Basics

This is an easy combination that always seems to work for me.

I put to use some of the tips we covered in a previous post here. Those are ankle jeans from Chico's, which work so well with short boots or the caged sandals I like to wear in warmer weather.

The Chico's tank is tucked in to give me a slimmer look, and I used a belt in brown. If I had used a lighter color belt, it would have made my upper torso look longer. (I need that!) The navy blazer is by Tahari via Saks Off 5th. The large square scarf is several years old from Ross.

The bag was from Saks Off 5th. I like the more modern look of not matching your bag to your shoes. The Vince Camuto boots are several years old from Nordstrom.