The Engagement Party!

Our dearest friends' son is getting married! The fabulous engagement party was held on the patio at the Blackthorn Club last evening.

The dress code was casual for this outdoor party, so I wore the lightest weight white jeans I own with a sheer watercolor print top over a slim-fitting cotton tank.

The top is from Chico's. The tank is by NikiBiki from the Charlemont. The perfect white lightweight jeans are from Fabrizio Gianni. The shoes are by Kenneth Cole from Dillard's.

The flowers at the Club are always spectacular!

I love my sweet friends! 

Aren't they beautiful?!

With me are Mitzi, Nita, Jen, Dottie, and Rose.

And here is my sweet friend Nancy with her husband, Bryan. She is a beautiful bundle of energy that never stops. She danced all night!

Here is Mitzi, the gorgeous mother of the groom, dancing with one of his lifelong friends.

We wish Kerry and Wes a very long and happy life together!

Out On The Town

When I wear red, I feel powerful and radiant.

Have you noticed a cold shoulder trend in tops this summer?

I have several of these tops, and they are surprisingly cool and comfortable on warm summer nights.

This elegant top is by Clara Sunwoo from ShopMyFairLady. It is made in the USA from the most comfortable and flattering knit fabric.

These great-fitting pants are by Mesmerize, and they are also from ShopMyFairLady. You will love these pants! They have a perfectly smooth fitting waistband so that there are no loops or button closures to show under tees and tunics. The fabric is perfect for dressy or casual, unlike leggings, which are often more casual and rather hot in the summer months.

The shoes are from Macy's by BCBGeneration. The bag is from T.J.Maxx. The necklace is old from Chico's.

Both the top and the pants are made in the USA! You can find these and many more great pieces online at ShopMyFairLady.

Basic Wardrobe Checklist

I received a great question this week. "Hello! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your site. It is classically fashionable for mature women. I was wondering if you have a "basic wardrobe checklist" for beginners. I love what I see but am still overwhelmed as to where to begin. Thanks so much!" Vicki S.

The answer is unique to every woman, but I will share some tips with you today. 

Your core wardrobe will be determined by your lifestyle, where you live, and what looks good on your body.

As always, I will use myself as an example.

My core wardrobe includes white jeans, classic blue jeans, black pants, tank tops in white, gray, and black, as well as red and blue tunics. A black blazer, a white blazer, and a leather jacket round out my clothing necessities. 

A nude pair of shoes, a strappy black pair, and a pair of black boots are the basic footwear options for me. Add a touch of animal print in a small clutch and a great looking gray bag, and some square dark sunglasses and I could travel through Europe for the next month and always look appropriate. 

These colors, shapes, and textures work for my body shape and my personal comfort level. All the pieces work together and can be combined to create a look appropriate for anything from a walk in the park to an evening on the town.

Accessories add personality and flair. I enjoy long cardigans and consider them an accessory since they can be tied around your shoulders or draped across them if you need them later. You can always wear them with a tank and jeans to finish your look in style.

The secret to being able to walk into your closet and pull out two or three great pieces and being ready to go anywhere in five minutes is knowing what works for you. Appropriate for the weather and or the event is your next consideration.

Classic doesn't have to be boring.

My lifestyle is casual, with a few special functions each week. So these cornerstones of my wardrobe get a lot of wear.

If my work life were more structured, there might be dresses and skirts in my wardrobe. I do not enjoy wearing them, so I rarely buy a dress.

I hope these tips have been helpful in your efforts to build a workable wardrobe for your lifestyle.

Thick Waistline?

Even when I was young and thin, I had a thick waistline. Dieting and exercise can not change your body's basic shape, but it certainly can make you look and feel your best.

In addition to being in your best physical shape, you can use fashion to look more balanced. One of the magical things about fashion and being aware of your body is that you can camouflage or obscure the bits you aren't pleased with.

The pale aqua poncho above is by J.Jill. This one is light and airy, so it can be worn even in summer. Wear it with a slim fitting pair of slacks and a pretty pair of wedge sandals.

A low slung belt worn below the natural waistline can also elongate and disguise a thick waistline.

One of the reasons I love Covered Perfectly so much is that many tummies hiding very comfortable tops, and cascading vests are offered in the line.

The simple comfort tunic from Covered Perfectly looks fabulous alone or with a jacket or vest. The black vest below is old from Chico's. Wear an animal print belt a little below your natural waistline, and it will appear you have an hourglass shape.

Tunics have always been one of my favorite items of clothing. A high-low hemline makes me really happy, but I must wear them with heels.

Loose-fitting cotton tanks such as this one from J.Jill worn with a long duster from Chico's last year, along with slim-fitting pants and a long necklace, make a great combination. 

A Dress!

When the temperatures climb into the 90's, a nice cool linen sundress is the perfect look for a visit to the Farmer's Market.

This beautiful hibiscus linen sundress is one of my favorites. It is from J.Jill, and it is on sale now!

The wedge sandals are old from DV Dolce Vita. The necklace is also old. It is from Chico's. The tote bag is from T.J.Maxx.

J.Jill is one of my favorite sources for high-quality, comfortable casual clothes that last for years.

Celebration!

Every gathering is made special with the sharing of traditional food.

Our friends and family always celebrate every occasion with food. Last evening, Mr. Mickey and I were guests at our dear friends Jennie and Edwin at the stunning home.

There was a grand buffet of homemade dishes of every type. I remained true to my vegetarian self and brought a huge basket of red, white, and blue grapes. A giant barbeque grill was set up on the side lawn, where people lined up to load their plates.

This fabulous vista overlooking the city provides an excellent view of the fireworks display to follow.

I was in my element as I walked around the fabulous home, enjoying both the decor and the couple's vast art collection.

My red, white and blue look for the evening included a sweater, tank, and jeans, all from Chico's. The Erica Lyons necklace is from Belk. The wedge sandals are old from DV Dolce Vita.

I hope your celebrations were all magical.

Happy 4th!

We drove over to Asheville yesterday to shop and have lunch.

We have season passes to the Biltmore, so we had a late in the day lunch at the Bistro in Antler Hill Village.

I wore a red high/low tunic from Chico's Black Label and a pair of Platinum jeans from Chico's. The bag is by Cole Haan via T.J.Maxx. The shoes are old by Vince Camuto.

Dillard's is having a big sale right now! Their shoe department was one of our first stops.

Can you believe the enormity of these leaves?

Downtown Asheville is always a fun place to visit. On Friday evening, it is especially entertaining!

You never know what you might see around the next corner!

We literally drove through the clouds on our way home.

I hope you have a peaceful and restful 4th!