In The Wine Cave

We had a wonderful time with our Wine Club friends at a tasting held in the Wine Cave at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City last evening.

It was great to visit with my friend Vicki again.

Mr. Mickey is also known as Santa at this time of year.

The BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket is old. The old straight-leg pants and the black sheer sleeve top I wore as a first layer are both from Chico's.

Our temperatures were mild with no rain this evening, so I am still rocking my lace-up booties.

The shoes are by DV by Dolce Vita from Nordstrom. The nail color is Thrill of Brazil from OPI. (In honor of my friend Spencer, who is returning home for a Christmas visit from his ongoing project in Brazil.)

The silver and onyx John Hardy hoop earrings were a gift from Mr. Mickey. The silver and quartz ring was purchased during one of my travels (designer unknown). The very old beaded edge chiffon scarf is my touch of holiday cheer. The favorite Kenneth Cole Reaction clutch is old from T.J.Maxx.

Wear It Wednesday - What Was I Thinking?

In my late forties, I suddenly became fashion-challenged as I struggled to dress appropriately for midlife.

Honestly! Why did I even buy that top or skirt... much less put them together. I was close to my heaviest here, so wild prints and a gathered gauze skirt were the last things I should have been wearing.

This is my Queen Mum look. All that's missing is a pillbox hat.

This is another type of "What was I thinking?" That five-bedroom house and all that landscaping were way too much for me to maintain. I am so delighted I sold it earlier this year!

When Mr. Mickey and I first started dating, I was forty-nine and wanted to dress appropriately for my age and circumstance, but I had no idea what that meant. I was wearing a chartreuse green wool jacket from Talbots with a brown mock neck sweater AND a ribbed white sweater vest. What was I thinking? Green is a horrible color on me! My hair color didn't complement my skin tone either.

This was a sad attempt at casual attire gone woefully wrong. I put so many hours into my company during those years, I didn't take time to think about how I dressed anymore.

At last! I found my fashionable voice and now feel comfortable in my skin and my clothes. I learned a lot in the last decade. 

I'm happy to share my experiences (even the mistakes) in hopes that it helps you.

Covered Perfectly Faux Fur Vest

On a recent, very windy Sunday, Mr. Mickey and I took a walk down to the lake.

Covered Perfectly sent this beautiful faux fur hooded vest and coral tunic for me to showcase here on the blog.

I paired the pieces with black jeggings and animal print trimmed shoes. The combination of faux fur with just a touch of animal print gives any look instant glam.

This is the back view from Mr. Mickey's home.

I wore the vest belted with a wide woven black belt, but it looks great unbelted.

Fifty, not Frumpy readers receive a 20% discount using FNF20 at  Covered Perfectly!

Holiday Dressing

Do you feel at a loss when it comes time to get dressed for holiday parties?

We have as many as three events in one evening planned for December. It is a good thing I have collected so many interesting textures and shapes in black. Those pieces can all work together to create different looks to wear for any event, but this formula works especially well for the evening.

I found the close-fitting V neck long sleeve tee at T.J.Maxx last year. The wide-leg, very soft, thin knit pants are by Evan Picone from Dillard's. The black knit ruana is from Chico's last year. The suede Sam Edelman pumps are from Nordstrom. The statement faux turquoise necklace is from Chico's.

When wearing all one color, it is important to mix textures. It looks much richer, and the variations in depth of colors matter less. Always wear a black bra under dark clothing.

The closeup below shows the textures and details of each item. The ruana feels like a luxurious silk sweater.

A Regal Cardigan

Lightweight, thin layers can be warm and flattering.

I am always happy to find a new source for stylish elements that add a different silhouette to my wardrobe.

When the Project Manager for the designer, Ronen Chen, contacted me about featuring one of his pieces, I found it difficult to choose. All of his items are so elegant and timeless.

When this cardigan arrived, I knew right away that it was going to be worn many times. The details, the neutral plum color, and the perfect fit make it a great choice for staying warm in style.

When I wear leggings, I always wear a sweater or jacket that falls below my bottom. This Amber Knit Cardigan fits the requirement perfectly.

Bundled Up!

We don't get much snow here in East Tennessee, but we did wake up to a light dusting on Thanksgiving day.

When the cold weather comes, you will find me in lightweight layers, including a hat, a scarf, and an overcoat. Winter and I are not friends.

 

I must tell you about this hat. I was inspired to find my own version after seeing a similar fedora on a high-end shopping site for $195! 

I found this one at T.J.Maxx for $24.99. After removing the colorful ribbon and leather braid that it came with, I added this gray grosgrain ribbon and two gunmetal colored buttons to the back to create the look for less.

Below is a photo of the hat's back showing how I folded the ribbon ends over, glued them down, and then sewed two on small silver-gray buttons.

The over the knee boots are by Vince Camuto via Belk. They are perfect for muscular calves because only the front is leather. The backs are a stretch material that makes them very comfortable to wear.

Tip for putting long boots on over leggings. Put your knee socks on over the pants legs, then pull the boots on.

I found the coat at Ann Taylor Loft earlier this year, but it is now sold out. The scarf is by Vince Camuto via Saks Off 5th.