Fabrizio Gianni Pants

It was time for a night at the symphony, which means Mr. Mickey and I had an elegant dinner at Gourmet and Company before attending the performance.

This evening I wore a really fabulous pair of pants from Fabrizio Gianni. I was unaware of this company until they offered to send me a few pieces to try. When I opened the box, I was immediately very impressed with the quality of both the fabric and the superior design details. Their items are made in the USA and created for women who value quality and fit above trendy.

These top-stitched legging pants have a wide waistband and are made with comfortable stretch fabric with spandex so that they hug you close without appearing too tight.

I will be wearing these pants often during the holiday season since they look great with either my favorite short boots or the black pumps I enjoy wearing so often.

It is freezing for East Tennessee at this time of year, so I am wearing several thin layers. I know from experience the concert hall is normally a bit cool and the long walk to the parking area at the end of the performance can be bone-chilling. 

I wore layers, including a long sleeve black tee over a thin black tank top, a cobalt blue boiled wool jacket, and finally a faux leather-trimmed ruana as a topper. The bottom half of me also remained snug and warm in these knit legging pants. The quality of the fabric makes a huge difference!

The shop windows are already dressed in Christmas decorations!

My favorite long over lean look worked well for me again. I received many compliments and remained warm even on the long brisk walk to the car at the end of another perfect evening with Mr. Mickey.

You will see more items from Fabrizio Gianni on this blog. I am now a big fan of their quality and timeless style that will last through years of wear.

Santa Fundraiser

You may remember that Mr. Mickey has played Santa to a group of children who might not otherwise have much of a Christmas in years past.

A dear friend started the tradition of hosting a Christmas pizza party for some local needy children and their parents or guardians. Each child receives a coat, school clothes, a pair of shoes, and a toy.

Over the years, other friends have joined in to help fund the project. Last evening all those friends gathered to enjoy a wine and cheese fundraiser for next year's project, including an evening with "Santa."

Since I am Santa's date for the evening, I always wear something red. This year I wore a vintage red St. John Knit jacket, which was a gift from my dear friend Mitzi. I paired it with faux leather ponte jean leggings. The BCBGeneration zipper shoes from Dillard's were a big hit!

When I wear a piece that makes a bold statement, such as the jacket with the trademark St. John gold buttons and the zipper shoes, I let those items take the limelight. Adding a necklace or bold earrings would have been too much clutter.

The season of excess is upon us. In addition to numerous all you can eat buffet dinners, I will be avoiding glitzy sweaters, bright red lipstick, too much blush, and big sparkly matching earrings and necklaces.

Cali and York Animal Print Bag

Animal print continues to be extremely popular for all seasons but especially in fall.

This animal print Blingiton Bag is from Cali and York.

My love of animal print is no secret. However, I limit myself to one piece per outfit. I also wear it with solid neutral basics most of the time.

Animal prints with many golds in them are not good with my cool complexion, but I do love a belt, shoes, or bag as interesting additions are worn away from my face.

I am wearing it here with black jeans, a gray long sleeve tee, and a white trench coat for a late day lunch with Mr. Mickey.

Be sure to check out all three Wear It Wednesday posts for today!

Saturday Afternoon Casual

I'm on a long cardigan kick this week.

I found this gray lightweight cardigan with a fringe edge at Saks OFF 5th last week. It is from their own Saks Blue Label. I wore it on Saturday afternoon with animal print flocked jeans and a white tank from Chico's. The boots are by Nine West, also from Saks OFF 5th.

Mr. Mickey and I had a light lunch of spinach dip with pita bread and a glass of wine at Label, a new restaurant in Johnson City.

We are planning to go back for dinner later. They are getting rave reviews from everyone we have talked to, and this dip was delicious.

The decor is rich with reclaimed wood and a very high ceiling.

This beautiful lady is Arianna. I asked to take her picture as she was walking by because I admire her awesome casual look.

A green space park is beside the building. It is at 112 Tipton Street. The upper level has loft living spaces.

Spirits of the Season

One-Stop Wines & Liquors was the proud underwriter of the Spirits of the Season event so that 100% of the ticket price went to the American Cancer Society.

I chose a silhouette of long over lean, meaning the top and the jacket are longer and fuller and the pants are snug fitting with high heeled ankle boots to elongate the legs.

To achieve this look I chose a pair of black leggings worn with black suede and snakeskin short boots with a black animal print lace overlay tunic. For the accessories, I added a couple of silver and crystal accent necklaces and small crystal earrings along with a crystal accent dinner ring.

The black top and leggings are from Chico's. The black topper is by Geiger from Masengill's Specialty Shop.

We enjoy attending these fundraiser events because it gives us a chance to visit with friends we don't see often enough. The American Cancer Society events are a favorite because they give you the chance to do just that without speeches and auctions.

I always enjoy visiting with my beautiful friend Dottie.

There were many spirits to taste and great foods to enjoy in the elegant Johnson City Country Club ballroom.

The Vince Camuto booties are from Nordstrom. The clutch is old from T.J.Maxx. The ring is old from Stein Mart. The necklaces and earrings are several years old. That's the beauty of buying classic basic elements, you can wear them for many years and in many combinations.

Jacket With An Attitude

Wearing one edgy item with basics shows you know what is going on in fashion without looking too trendy.

I found this biker style faux leather jacket embossed with a reptile texture at Stein Mart a few weeks ago.

Mr. Mickey and I went out to dinner to celebrate eight years and eight months of dating.

The black ponte skirt is from Chico's last year. The earrings are from B Dazzled in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and the ring was a long-ago gift from Mr. Mickey.

I found the shoes at Saks OFF 5th. They are very comfortable, so you will be seeing them often.

Wear It Wednesday - Textures

You already know that leather is a big fashion statement this fall.

Have you seen people wearing three or more leather items at once? Too many leather pieces at once can come off as very harsh for most of us. Especially if those items are black.

Combining lighter and darker pieces in suede, leather, fur, or animal print calf-hair is a much more flattering look for most people.

For example, a long cozy sweater with leather leggings would look great, but the same leggings with a leather jacket would be too harsh. Mix up the textures for a more interesting and wearable look.

Island Time

It was a rare long weekend for us. We were able to get away and visit with our dearest friends at their beach house on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

We dressed for dinner and went out to a nice restaurant every evening.

Afternoons were spent sitting on the patio talking, having a glass of wine, and watching the wildlife across, on, and under the pond beyond the pool. No close visits from gators this time!

Our friends Bryan and Nancy surprised us all when they showed up on Halloween ... dressed for the occasion.

I took with me a variety of jeans, jackets, tanks, and tees but I had a wonderful time buying even more on our day of shopping.

Leaving for a day of shopping at Chico's on the island and at the Tanger Outlets!

This sculpture in the landscape by the pool is a tribute to all the critters we see around the pond.

Dressed for cool weather and lots of walking at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.

Mr. Mickey's favorite.

My favorite! Sporty little number isn't it?

I hope you had a great weekend too!