Dressed For Dinner

Do you find that you take too much with you when you travel?

In warm weather, I normally pack black pants, white pants, and a pair of jeans along with a few tops and a jacket that can each be worn with any of the pants. I take no more than three pairs of shoes.

All the pieces in my look are from last year. The pants and the necklace are from Chico's. The tank is by Adea. The split-back shirt is by BCBGeneration. The shoes are by Guess.

We stayed at The Martha this past weekend. We had most of our meals there so that we wouldn't have to send for the car. It's the perfect way to relax for us. We love to stay at a hotel with a couple of restaurants, a nice Spa, a great view, and live entertainment or a library.

My stylist tells me that if you are going to let your hair go gray, you must always have a crisp style and great cut; otherwise, you will look unkempt. It's time for a trim!

Before dinner, we took a stroll through the angel garden.

We shared Mr. Mickey's favorite butter pecan bread pudding for dessert.

After dinner, we sat on one of the Inn's huge porches to watch the sun go down.

Long Weekends Are Great!

We really enjoy a long weekend away from the regular day to day life that keeps us so busy most of the time.

I don't mind if we do nothing more than sit in a wicker chair on the front porch of a Bed and Breakfast for two days watching the world go by. Sometimes I just have to unplug and unwind.

Mr. Mickey snapped these photos as we were leaving for a long weekend stay at The Martha.

I often look in my closet and think, what have I not worn yet? It becomes a challenge to wear that item today. I am determined to use every item I purchase or else give it to someone who will enjoy it. Leaving items in the closet for years with the tickets still on them seems very wasteful.

I bought this light blue sequined front top with tab sleeves at Chico's a few months ago, but the weather had not yet been warm enough to wear it. The fun Sam Edelman sandals have an artistic sculptural heel with lots of straps in a copper color. Today was the day for both items to be worn for the first time. The white ankle jeans are also from Chico's.

Portugal Wine Tasting

On a recent Friday evening, we got together with our Wine Club friends to enjoy tasting some great wines from Portugal.

I wore white jeans and a white tank with a lace front Travelers jacket and a necklace, all from Chico's. The black pumps are by Steve Madden.

We always look forward to seeing Rick and Sandy Jelovsek again because we learn so much from them, but we also get to meet new friends each time we get together.

Larry and Debbie England graciously hosted this tasting event at their beautiful home.

Rick is discussing what regions of Portugal the featured wines are from.

~~~~~~~~~~

I have worn this topper with all black in the past here, but I like the contrast with the white much better. Try combining some of your wardrobe pieces differently. Sometimes you can find a new favorite outfit you never considered before.

The Biltmore House

A magical way to enjoy a beautiful spring day in Western North Carolina is to tour the Biltmore House and Gardens.

My sweet friends Dottie, Patricia, Mary Jane, and I spent part of the day viewing more than 45 costumes from the popular PBS Masterpiece series Downton Abbey® showcased in America's largest home. The Dressing Downton exhibition displays costumes in groupings throughout the house inspired by the fictional show and real-life at Biltmore. Ranging from servants' uniforms to lavish evening gowns, the award-winning costumes reflect how world events—the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Jazz Age, and women's evolving roles—influenced fashions.

The Conservatory left us in awe! We were not allowed to take pictures inside the house, so I made up for it in the gardens.

I wore an asymmetric hem black knit top from Chico's with white jeans by Kut from the Kloth via Dillard's. The necklace is from Belk. The shoes are by Rockport.

Wearing Long Tunics

There is always a trick to wearing trends and making them work for your body type.

I love wearing white pants since I do not wear shorts or skirts. That being said, not any old pair of white pants will always work. I have several lengths and fits of white pants, and each serves a purpose.

Nothing makes me feel more feminine and well put together in summer than a long flowing tunic in a vivid color such as red, turquoise, fuchsia, cobalt blue, black, or white. Add the punch of a few pieces of bold jewelry, and I am ready for any event.

The trick to not being overwhelmed by a long tunic is to wear slim fitting jeggings or cropped pants that are not too short. They should stop at the narrow part of your calves. A nude shoe with a bit of wedge or heel always helps to balance out the longer top.

The top is from Chico's. The pants are from Ann Taylor.  The shoes are by Nine West. The earrings are from Stein Mart.

Balance and proportion are always key when putting together a look. If you are petite (5' 4" or under) and want to wear a tunic, it should not be longer than your fingertips while your arms are straight at your sides. A little shorter will likely be even better. Never wear wide-leg pants with a tunic.