Monday, December 1, 2014

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.



Saturday, November 29, 2014

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.






Friday, November 28, 2014

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.






Thursday, November 27, 2014

Dinner At The Orangery

The Orangery is a legendary French restaurant in Knoxville, TN. We always make plans to eat there when we are in town.









The Orangery story began in 1971 when a young enterprising businessman named Kristopher Kendrick realized that Knoxville's elegant ladies needed an equally elegant place to enjoy lunch. Kristopher named his restaurant The Orangery (after Marie Antoinette's greenhouses in France).





The Lobster & Mushroom Crepes was one of our top five meals ever!


Throughout the evening, we enjoyed performances by Judye Russell Brackner on a Steinway piano in the lobby.


This lovely lady with me is Glo, the manager. 


The building includes other businesses, as well as the restaurant. The common area reminds me of a small street in Paris.



I am looking forward to visiting again when Décor is open for browsing.









The Orangery features a large spiral staircase from a pre-Civil War mansion, marble from Park Junior High School, paneling from the board room of United American Bank, and gates from the former Fulton Mansion on Lyons View Pike.








The BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket is from Saks Off Fifth. I am wearing it with a silver-gray long sleeve tee with black coated jeans from Chico's. The Nine West shoes are from Saks Off 5th.





Mr. Mickey and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wear It Wednesday, Get Dressed

On a recent weekend getaway, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel as we normally do when we go to Knoxville.




On Sunday morning, we dressed to go down to the hotel restaurant to have tea and enjoy the breakfast buffet, which includes many fresh fruits.






The dark rinse jeggings are from Chico's. I wore them with a black long sleeve tee from Kohl's. The vintage St. John Country jacket was given to me by my dear friend Mitzi. The calf hair d'Orsay animal print shoes are by Sam Edelman via Nordstrom.