Slash

After seeing me in this top, Mr. Mickey gave me a new nickname.

He says I need a stage name to go with my "Rockstar" image. (Judi Mancuso told me on Facebook this week that I was a Rockstar. LOL!) Alas, my most outstanding musical talent involves listening, so I will not be headlining for any rock bands under the name "Slash."

We joined a large group of dear friends for dinner on Friday evening, where the top was a big hit. It shows a little skin while remaining fully covered. The fit is just loose enough not to show jiggly bits, and the asymmetric neck and hemlines are clean, modern details.

I wore my most enormous crystal hoops, no necklace, and a stack of related but different silver-colored bracelets and a bold watch only.

The shoes are by Charles Jordan via Saks Off 5th. The studded grommet leather box clutch is old from T.J.Maxx.

Purple Poppy provided the Last Tango black top. It is a size medium. I paired it with smooth fitting side zip white pants provided by Fabrizio Gianni last year.

Nothing New

Do you style items in the same way each time you wear them?

I have tried this IC Collection jacket closed in the past, but it looks better with my face shape when worn open. The convergence point creates a high round mandarin collar when it is closed, which is not a good look for me. I am wearing it here with a low scoop neck tank from Chico's. The jacket would also look great with a column of white or gray as the base. 

The IC Collection jacket was provided by ShopMyFairLady. The IC Collection line is made in the USA.

The fabulous pants were provided by Fabrizio Gianni. They are the perfect pants for travel. The fit is comfortable, and the fabric looks fresh even after a long car ride. The pants are also made in the USA.

I wore these shoes with this look because they relate so well to the jacket design. The shoes are by Bar III via Macy's last year. The watch is by Michael Kors via Nordstrom. The clutch is old from T.J.Maxx.

IC Collection jackets are works of art. I appreciate the architectural elements such as high-low hems and asymmetric fronts with ornate focal point buttons. The luxurious fabrics are comfortable and flattering. These are the pieces that stay in my wardrobe for a long time. I wear them again and again. 

These flowers were in the Crown Plaza lobby, where we stayed on our recent visit to Knoxville. I wore this repeat look to dinner at the Orangery.

Layered Look!

One of my favorite tops for easy casual dressing is this new style from Covered Perfectly. I have worn it many times already!

It appears to be the perfectly coordinated layering of two tops, but it is one very flattering lightweight piece.

This top is one of the new styles that sold out so fast, I never even got the chance to tell you about it.

The details of a piping V-neck and bell sleeves along with the layered hem make me feel ten pounds thinner and that many years younger. The first time Mr. Mickey saw me in this, he said, "Oh that one is my favorite!"

On this warm spring day, I wore it with black jeggings from Chico's and flat sandals with a gold chain detail by DV by Dolce Vita from Saks Off 5th last year. The clutch bag is old from T.J.Maxx.

Salon Visits

Do you dress up a little to visit your stylist?

For my most recent appointment with my friend Myra, who is also my stylist, I wore jeans with a nice jacket and a layered tank top with animal print booties.

My logic has always been that if you dress nicely in attire that represents your style well, you will be more likely to get a cut that makes you happy. This holds true, especially if the stylist has just met you.

Hairstyles are the accessory we wear every day. Never underestimate the power of a good cut and a color that is complementary to your coloring.

I always arrive on time or even a few minutes early, considering my stylist and everyone else who has scheduled time with her for the day. Respect for my stylist and the other patrons includes dressing for the visit, showing up on time, leaving my cell phone in the car, and always speaking in a low voice. For many of us, this is one of the few times we get to relax and be pampered. I never want to interfere with a woman getting pampered!

The BCBGMAXAZRIA Bowie jacket is from Saks Off 5th, as is the draped crossover top and the French Connection animal print ankle boots. The ankle jeans are old from Chico's. The chain bag is old from Express.

Styling tip for the day. Wear a short jacket with a longer top to look more slender.

Page 700

We spent a lovely weekend away at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

On one of the evenings, I wore a black Clara Sunwoo tunic with Lior Paris straight-leg pants to dinner.

The Clara Sunwoo tunic has a sheer mesh panel down each sleeve.

I carried the white trench coat by Evan Picone via Stein Mart because I inevitably will be cold before the evening is over.

The suede fringe sandals are by BCBGeneration via Saks Off 5th. The reptile texture box clutch is from S.M. Bradford on Hilton Head Island.

Mr. Mickey purchased a new friendship ring for me while we were shopping in the village.

I am always captivated by the fresh flowers and plants in the lobby of the Inn.

The blog now includes seven hundred pages. It has been a pleasure sharing with you what I have learned over the past five years.