Sunday, February 8, 2015

Old With New

Few items in my wardrobe have survived my various closet purges after weight gains and losses over the years.


About twelve years ago, I lost a lot of weight and bought this tea-length chiffon fully lined skirt at T.J.Maxx. A couple of years later, I gained the weight back, but I kept the skirt because it has an elastic waist, so I thought it might still work when I needed to dress for an evening event.



I have worn the skirt several times, but this sequined pullover from Saks Off 5th is my favorite. The pullover is from their private label Saks Fifth Avenue RED.



This Gieger of Austria black coat is another oldie but a goody. I bought this when I was heaviest, so I had the sleeves altered and will hold on to it for a few more years. When I invest so much in a piece, I have difficulty letting go of it. Thankfully I have kept the weight off for several years by eating primarily fruits and vegetables.




These earrings arrived in the mail just minutes before I started getting ready for date night.


They are indeed works of art! One of my highly talented clients, Victoria Timm, created the earrings. She makes the most fantastic jewelry! You can see more of her work here at her Etsy store.


We saw this well-dressed, beautiful lady as we entered our favorite restaurant, Gourmet & Company. She graciously allowed us to take her photo. 


We always skip the big going out to dinner nights such as Valentine's Day. This was a special going out night for us instead. After a fantastic dinner, we attended the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra performance. Dr. Chih-Long Hu performed with the Orchestra and received three standing ovations for encore solo performances.


Mr. Mickey loves these shoes, so he kept saying, "One more." He was afraid he didn't get a good shot of the shoes. (He is so dedicated to creating an exciting blog for you.) The shoes are suede from Saks Off 5th. I am wearing Hanes hosiery.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Sunshine In Winter

When we have sunshine and sixty degrees in February, we must go out and enjoy every moment of it.















We stopped to snap some photos in Blountville, which is a small nearby historic town.






















I am wearing ankle jeans and a red military-inspired blouse from Chico's. The French Connection black blazer is from Saks Off 5th. The calf hair ankle boots are also from Saks Off 5th. The Michael Kors bag is from T.J.Maxx.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Making New Friends

This week, I read an article stating that one of the most difficult things for people in their fifties was making new friends.



At this time in our lives, there can be many changes that take us away from familiar environments. It might be that we retire from a job we have had for many years. Perhaps children leave home, and you become an empty-nester. A marriage may end by choice or by the passing of a partner. It may be that you move to a different neighborhood to downsize or a different state to escape the cold.


As you enter into this new phase of your life, how will you make new friends?


As always, I will use myself as an example. I have experienced several start-overs in my life, and I am an introvert, so it was even more daunting to make new friends.



Just last year, I moved into a new neighborhood when I decided to downsize. During the first month, I was invited to attend a neighborhood women's breakfast. At first, I thought, "I don't have time to do this!" but I put my chores aside, got dressed, and went to breakfast. I met several ladies who have become friends that I look forward to often seeing during our frequent get-togethers.


Volunteer to help. You will meet like-minded people. For example, if you are interested in music, volunteer to help your local Symphony, get involved with a school program, or start one at a nursing home.


Go to a place of worship. Talk to people and attend any other classes they offer there. Get a part-time job at the place you like to shop most. Even if it is for only one evening a week, that is one night you get to dress up a little and be around people. Make the most of every minute! Smile and talk to everyone you see.


When you are speaking to someone, give them your undivided attention. Ask about them. Look at them, not around them. Don't plan what you are going to say when they stop talking.


It isn't all about you. I see this a lot! As a blogger and as a woman who is very active in my community. I interact with people every day who only talk about themselves, and everything they see relates only to them. This makes me want to run away screaming!



Drop all negative thoughts. You know that person who, when you say, "Isn't this a gorgeous day?" will respond, "Yeah, but tomorrow it is supposed to be cold and rainy again." Look at the positive side. If you don't have anything positive to say, be silent and move along.


To have a friend, you must be a friend. Be someone that people are happy to see and talk to. Get out of your house and be a part of something greater than yourself.


Find a project that helps those who are less fortunate than you. Make a difference in someone else's life. Share what you know. Share what you have. Be a mentor. Read to people in nursing homes or write letters for them or just listen to them. You may learn important things about yourself in the process.


Before the end of the month, you will have met new people and helped many people. Soon you will start to be included in more and more events. Friends will come along with your efforts, and you will have a full life again. True friendships are like a good marriage. They develop over time if you give them a chance and your best efforts.

Please share your own success stories in the comments below. You may be helping someone else who is struggling to adjust to a new way of life.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Modeling For Chico's

Occasionally my friends at our local Chico's ask me to model for them. I enjoy these events very much!


I always bring various colors and styles of shoes with me when I am asked to model. As you know, shoes make the look.


The spring merchandise has already started to arrive at Chico's. I bought several of the pieces I wore today. I just had to have these ankle-length Platinum jeans.




I always enjoy getting to meet Fifty, not Frumpy followers when I am out and about. This is Patsy Davis, who also lives in Johnson City. Thank you for coming out today, Patsy!
























An award-winning management team!

















This pale blue top has a sequined front, so I added a long crystal and silver necklace and suede pumps to make it more appropriate for the evening.



I always find something in the Travelers Collection that I love.



Jane Street and Susan Street... no relation, just long time friends.


There was a great turnout throughout the whole day!



As I was about to dress in my own clothes to leave, a guest asked me to model these palazzo pants. They are so comfortable! They would be perfect for taking with you on a cruise.


An extra thanks to Mr. Mickey for spending the whole afternoon being our photographer. (I was told several times today that it would be great if we could clone him!)