Wear It Wednesday ... The Skin You're In

Looking your best starts with glowing skin.

When I posted this photo a few weeks ago, there were numerous comments about my skin and my courage to be in a closeup with a woman who may not even be twenty yet. That's me with Abby Hathorn who is also a blogger at VintageInspiredPassionista. (There is no filter on the camera and I do not even know how to use Photoshop.) My skin is not as firm and smooth as Ms. Hathorn's, but I will be fifty-eight in three months and is about twenty years old.

I have also been asked many times about my skincare routine for the whole body, not just the face.

Our skin is constantly shedding and flaking off as new cells replace old ones. We often add oils and lotions to our skin, which also produces its own natural oils. The cells that should flake off can't, which leaves our skin not looking so smooth and clear. The skin can look a bit ashy instead of clean and bright or even break out because of trapped oils.

The secret weapons for my best skin include a natural bristle body brush, clean washcloth, olive oil, or coconut oil.

This natural bristle brush comes with a detachable handle and can be found in most drug stores as well as Walmart. I use the brush on my body before each shower. Sit down and relax while gently rubbing the brush in small circles over your whole body except for the face. Start with the feet and always work toward your heart. This sloughs off dead skin cells but also helps with circulation.

Hot water on a clean washcloth massaged into my face each morning feels wonderful. I use hot tap water as warm as my hands can tolerate and massage my face with the cloth until it starts to cool. Repeat this eight times. Follow with eight cold massages. Splash with cool water and then dry. 

Before bed each night, massage olive oil or coconut oil onto your face and body. After about five minutes, it has been absorbed, and your skin will feel smooth and soft. 

I use many items from the kitchen for skincare because I experience the least amount of reactions, such as redness and puffiness. A great exfoliant for the face (avoid the eye area) is sugar or salt mixed with your favorite cleanser. I often wear a hat when I am outside for long periods.

What you put in your body is important too! 

This pretty cut glass pitcher full of spring water and the juice of two organic lemons or cucumber slices is the first thing I see when I open my fridge. This is the water I sip all day.

Other items in my fridge are what contribute to healthy skin and body. Fresh fruit, unsalted natural nuts, seeds, and plain Greek yogurt are other items you will almost always find in my fridge. (Lower right corner... I wash grapes and keep them in a colander with a wet paper towel over them to keep them crunchy and fresh tasting.)

Get six or seven hours of sleep each night. Drink a glass of wine occasionally if you wish. Eat mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Go for a brisk walk each morning for about a half-hour.

Now you know all my secrets!

Snapshots from Paris ... of the south.

Mr. Mickey's daughters gave him a weekend at the fabulous Windsor Boutique Hotel in Asheville for his birthday/father's day gift. Lucky me! I got to tag along.

The first stop along the way was the Johnson City Farmer's Market to pick up a special order from a local glass etching artist for Mr. Mickey's wine room.

I am always drawn to the flowers.

Our next stop was at the top of the mountain for a rest stop. The views along Interstate 26 are awe-inspiring. We never tire of this journey.

My look for the first part of the day includes a lightweight cardigan, tank, and cropped pants, all from Stein Mart's Peck and Peck collection. The shoes were found at T.J. Maxx. The necklace is from Chico's. 

We took a break from shopping and walking at the Grove Arcade to have some of our favorite spicy pimento cheese at Carmel's. It was great weather for visiting a sidewalk café!

At last... it was time to check into our room at the elegant Windsor Hotel. The two girly girls are reunited! With me is Laura Cousins, the Creative Art Director for the hotel.

A bottle of local wine was Mr. Mickey's birthday gift from the hotel management!

A beautiful Paris note pad from Laura was a gift for me!

The city of Asheville has many buildings that date from the 1800s.

We visited Art in the Park in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park.

For our afternoon stroll through the city, I changed into a lightweight tie-front blouse from Chico's.

No surprise here! I am checking out the jewelry.

More street performers at Pack Square.

This is a new place we plan to try for dinner the next time we visit Asheville. Rhubarb has a sidewalk dining area and a newly decorated inside exquisite dining area. We had a glass of wine and a delicious cheese plate as we took another afternoon break from walking about and shopping.

Cheers!

These street performers were probably the best we've ever heard. They are the Carolina Catskins.

After a short rest, it was time to get ready for dinner at the fabulous Strada. 

I am wearing a long white tunic blouse and a silver and white long, lightweight cardigan with white ankle zip jeans from Chico's. The turquoise and silver necklace and silver cuff are also from Chico's.

Another landmark across from our hotel. Tressa's has been around for many years.

On Sunday, we had brunch at another favorite place, Posano Café.

I wore a black and white sheer, lightweight top and black jeans from Chico's for the trip home.

I love visiting with dogs on the street. It seems everyone has a dog or two. These were so cute!

Another great street performer. He made this hammer dulcimer himself.

One last treat for the afternoon. We have wanted to visit Old Europe for a long time. It did not disappoint!

I thought you would enjoy seeing Mr. Mickey's socks. Shows his sense of humor, don't you think?

Lunch With Friends

On Friday afternoon, I joined three of my closest friends for lunch.

I wore an unstructured top from Chico's that is a mix of knit and rayon materials.

Black and Khaki are a favorite combination. While tan and khaki colors are not good near my face, but the pants are a great casual neutral for my bottom half. These are from Chico's earlier this year. 

The shoes were by Vince Camuto via Nordstrom last year. Yes, I wore them all day.

The handbag was by Tommy Hilfiger via T.J.Maxx several years ago. The cuff and necklace are also from Chico's. 

If you know what shapes and colors work for you, it is easier to hone in on only those pieces that might work with the wardrobe you have at home. Don't get excited only because it is a great price. Think about how often you will really wear the piece that is now 50% off. If you can only think of one way to wear it, it might not be such a good deal after all.

Wear It Wednesday

Many of you have asked, "What do you wear when you aren't going someplace special? What's your go-to look for every day?"

I work from home, so I literally could work in my PJ's all day, but I wouldn't be very productive. I shower after my walk and get dressed for the day, even if I know I won't be going out. If I run to the grocery or over to my warehouse to meet with my staff in this look, it is acceptable. 

My summer casual daily wardrobe includes white, khaki, black, or lightweight denim cropped pants or ankle-length pants. (No shorts.) I normally wear a sandal with low wedge heels with cropped pants such as these pictured above. If the pants were longer and looser, I might wear a flat sandal. (No flip flops.)

I also wear earrings, one ring, and a watch. I don't feel dressed without accessories and a lovely handbag. Details make a big difference in looking well put together.

Pictured above are Aerosoles sandals found at Ross, an Anne Klein bag found at T.J.Maxx several years ago, Kenneth Cole sunglasses from T.J.Maxx, and silver small hoop earrings, and a Seiko watch found at Belk many years ago. 

I really like a lightweight tee such as these I found at Belk on sale for about $12 this week. They are roomy and soft without being so thin that every bump and lump shows through them. 

I chose the V neck version, but they did have other necklines available. 

I bought several colors, including the purple I am wearing and navy, white, black, blue, red, teal, and pink. These tops are 100% cotton, so they are very soft and comfortable even when in the heat and humidity. These are the Belk brand "Kim Rogers."

These clothes can also be worn when I go for my early morning walk in the neighborhood each day. I prefer to buy regular clothes that I can wear for other functions rather than work out clothes which I see way too often in public. Could it be that work out knits are the summer version of sweat pants? 

If the day is cool and rainy, I can throw on a lightweight jacket like this one from the sale rack at Chico's. My goal is to be comfortable when I am going casual but still look nice.

Happy 60th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

 

Mr. Mickey and I joined my beautiful sister and her husband to attend church with my parents on Sunday. Today is their 60th wedding anniversary! My sister created that fabulous bouquet displayed at the front of the church during the service. Their special day was announced, and they received a round of applause.

I wore a red dress which is so old I can't remember where I got it. The suede and reptile shoes and plain tan leather clutch were from Belk a couple of years ago. The hat has large wooden beads and animal print ribbon trim around the crown. Mr. Mickey bought it for me in a shop in Blowing Rock a couple of years ago.

Mr. Mickey was his usual dapper self!

My sweet father was so very proud! My mother was so tired that she was ready to go home and rest by the end of the service. She is feeling much better but is still very weak. Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes a few weeks ago when she had double pneumonia.