Sunset From The Loggia

We celebrated my birthday at the fabulous Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Panoramic views of meadows and distant mountains greet you as you approach the Inn.

Fall is starting to arrive here in the mountains. It is quite cool in the evenings now, so I wore a tunic from Monkee's of Johnson City with Mesmerize pants from My Fair Lady. The shoes are old by Sam Edleman from Nordstrom.

At the end of a wonderful day, we watched the sun go down from the Lobby Bar's loggia while enjoying a bit of fresh fruit and artisan cheeses.

Later in the evening, we sat in the Library and listened to the pianist play beautifully before it was time to turn in.

Chico's Event!

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday greetings! I spent the weekend being spoiled by Mr. Mickey.

On Friday afternoon, we arrived in Asheville just in time for lunch at Carmel's in the Grove Arcade.

During the first part of day one, I wore denim jeggings, a winter white tank, and a long jacket with three-quarter sleeves and zipper details with a multi-color stone necklace, all from Chico's. The sandals are by Sam Edelman. The bag was made in Italy. I found it at T.J.Maxx a couple of years ago.

You are invited to visit Chico's near you this week. I will be modeling in a fashion show at our local Johnson City store on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 PM. Several other stores across the country will also have special events this week. On Saturday, September 19th, I will be available from 2 until 4 PM in the Johnson City, TN location to share customized style tips with you. Check with the Chico's near you to find out what fun they have planned.

Hieroglyphic Jacket

In Los Angeles last week, I shopped at My Fair Lady, where I found this great looking IC Collection asymmetrical front jacket. It has an artsy single black large button closure, which makes the jacket even more interesting.

If you saw this jacket on the rack, you might think it was only for dressy occasions. I decided to give it a bit of an edge by wearing it with a black fitted tank, wax-coated black jeans, and strappy high-heeled sandals with studs on them.

Long silver geometric earrings, a smooth wide silver cuff, and a small silver mesh evening clutch completed the look. We joined some of our friends for a fun birthday celebration dinner, where I received lots of compliments.

Do you ever mix up your look by wearing pieces in totally unpredictable combinations?

Let's Go For A Walk!

Do you go to the gym often?

I used to go to the gym almost every day, but these days, I find that a brisk three-mile walk around my neighborhood and a few stretching exercises work best for me and my currently very hectic schedule.

Have you have noticed that athletic attire has become very popular as streetwear these days? I see women wearing leggings and slip-on sneakers and tunics to do their shopping or to run errands all the time.

So today, I thought I would show you one of my favorite casual sporty looks. The boat neck tunic is old from Cali and York. The leggings are also old by RBX via T.J.Maxx.

These minimalist design slip on casual shoes are from Rockport. That means they are super comfortable. I love to walk in shoes that work with my movement to remain comfortable for the whole three miles. I have worn Rockport shoes in many styles over the years, and I have always found them comfortable and very well made. These are also the perfect stay at home shoes for me since I am not a fan of going barefoot.

Many of my favorite casual clothing items are from J.Jill. This black windbreaker is part of their new line for fall 2015. I love to wear it on my early morning walks and whenever I am just running out for errands. It looks sharp with jeans or leggings. Our temps are dropping a little more each morning.

Preparing for a Cruise

From My Itchy Travel Feet, Donna Hull has agreed to help me with another blog post today as I continue to get caught up after being away from my office for a week. 

Preparing for a Cruise 

Earlier this summer, I shared my cruise packing tips with you. Today, Susan has invited me back to show Fifty, not Frumpy readers, more about how I prepare for a cruise. I hope you’ll find my tips and tricks useful for your next sailing.

Before you go

Since I cruise about once a year, I use the trip as a reminder to replace old makeup—a healthy practice for your skin. And I also make an appointment with a skin expert or cosmetician for a makeup lesson to learn new trends. When making the appointment, explain your style and emphasize that you are looking for makeup tips for a mature woman.

If you’re going to change hairstyles, do so a couple of months before the cruise so that you’re practiced at maintaining the style. For longer cruises where you’ll need to schedule haircuts or color, take a photo of your hair looking; it's best to show the ship’s stylist (or one onshore if you choose to have your hair done in port). If you color your hair, bring the formula with you.

Who doesn’t try to lose a few pounds before a cruise? Raising my hand high here. But don’t forget about getting in shape for all of the fun excursions. You’ll enjoy walking the streets of Rome a lot more if you’ve been following a walking regime at home. And don’t forget about light strength training and stretching. You’ll be the one hopping in and out of tenders, zodiacs, and bounding up the stairs without any achy muscles.

Traveling with a partner? Cross pack. When my husband and I cruise together, I make sure that each piece of luggage contains items for both of us that cover all of the dress codes on the cruise. And we each pack a carry-on with an outfit for each dress code—even formal night—so that if our checked luggage is lost, the cruise isn’t ruined for us. 

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: write down items as you pack them. If your luggage is lost, it will be easier to make a claim. And you’ll know what needs replacing.

Must takes

When you’re anticipating wearing your favorite outfits, it’s easy to forget the practical side of things. Yes, I have forgotten these, so here’s a reminder for all of us:

The weather won’t always be perfect so bring a raincoat. I prefer one with a hood. Umbrellas only get in the way and drip water on other people. Use a hooded raincoat instead.

Fifty not Frumpy travel tip: If you’re traveling to a gloomy or snowy climate, a bright-colored coat or raincoat will help you stand out in photos.

Everyone needs a break from all the fun. Bring your favorite comfy outfit for hanging out in the cabin.

Pashmina is one of my favorite multi-purpose clothing items. Use one as a blanket on the plane or to wrap around your shoulders in over-air-conditioned rooms. I bring two: a casual version for travel and a dressier pashmina that takes a basic black (or other neutral) outfit from ho-hum to wow.

I find that shampoos and conditioners provided by the cruise line dry out my hair so does the ship’s water. Consider having a keratin treatment to protect hair before leaving home or schedule one in the ship’s salon if you’re traveling on a long cruise. 

Fifty Not Frumpy travel tip: pack a shoe bag to hang over the bathroom door to hold toiletries. This puts items in easy reach plus frees up counter space in those small shipboard bathrooms.

Stay organized

A good organizational system keeps me from losing things when traveling. This applies to a cruise or any other type of travel. I keep the same items in the same place every time, whether in my purse or on the cruise cabin's nightstand. If you follow this practice, you won’t leave anything behind when it’s time to go home.

And my last tip for getting ready for a cruise—have a plan of attack when it comes to eating healthy and exercising on the ship. Stay tuned because that’s the next article that I’ll share with you here at Fifty, not Frumpy.

Donna L. Hull writes about active travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. Going on a road trip? She’s currently offering a road trip checklist to new subscribers.

A Break

Do you ever feel exhausted after a long trip? 

I must admit I was not very productive yesterday.

Mr. Mickey took me out for an early dinner after I finally woke up from my nap, so I had to get dressed. Otherwise, I think I would have stayed in my pajamas all day.

I wore turquoise glass earrings with a navy high-low tunic from Chico's last year and white jeans from Chico. The shoes are from Macy's. The bag is from T.J.Maxx. 

This video shows you all the clothes I packed for my trip to the Covered Perfectly photo shoot.

The Covered Perfectly Photo Shoot Week

Being a model for Covered Perfectly is such an honor.

I recently traveled to Los Angeles for the fall photo shoot. I always try to take the minimum amount of basic clothing pieces to mix and match looks without having to take a large bag to have to check and possibly lose.

I spent almost the whole week in L.A., so I got to meet the beautiful Susan Blakey from the blog Femme d’un Certain Age while I was there.

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Ca Del Sole in Toluca Lake. 

The photoshoot was on Friday, which means I got to have my makeup done by the extremely talented Lex Mejia.

My sweet friend Pauline Durban owns Covered Perfectly in the royal blue Boatneck, and Mary Ann Simonetti is in the black and malt Color Block top. Mary Ann was the winner of the contest sponsored by Covered Perfectly. The winner got to spend the day with us at the Covered Perfectly photoshoot, have her makeup professionally done, take home the top of her choice, and have a page on the Covered Perfectly website dedicated to her. Isn't that a great contest? I enjoyed meeting Mary Ann so much. I hope we can get together again in the future.

I love being with this hard-working group of women. Everyone is so professional and kind. It is a special sisterhood that I feel very honored to be included in.

I am wearing a cute Piping design. Kristen, Pauline's assistant, is looking at the computer screen, checking the pictures as Nichole, the photographer, is taking them. Pauline is making sure that the top hangs perfectly.

After the busy week of working hard to prepare for and completing the photo shoot, it was time for a day of sight-seeing and rest. Pauline was such a great tour guide and hostess!

Above is the boardwalk at Venice Beach, and below is the entry to the Santa Monica Pier.

Rodeo Drive!

Beverly Hills!

The L.A. skyline from Mulholland Drive.

A Break

I will be in Los Angeles for a while, so I will leave you with this casual look.

A lightweight chambray shirt with slim-fitting white jeans is a timeless look that works for me on almost any casual day.

I paired this Chico's chambray shirt with white J.Jill ankle jeans and Rampage tan platform sandals from Belk. The darker brown belt is from Calvin Klein. Large silver hoop earrings, a silver statement ring with a blue tourmaline stone, and a silver and gold coin charm bracelet complete the look.

Have a wonderful week!

Shake Rattle and Roll

Whenever we are in Abingdon, VA, Foxglove Antiques is one of the first places I visit.

There are so many items here for the home and garden that make my heart sing.

I am visiting with Karen McClanahan, the beautiful owner of the shop. I only purchased a couple of books today. After downsizing a few years ago, I now have to curtail my purchases. Otherwise, I would have needed a truck today.

As Karen and I were chatting, another store owner popped in, and the conversation turned to shoes.

All of the items offered at Foxglove Antiques are top-notch and include many periods and styles. It is such a pleasure to see all of the elegant pieces. 

My look today includes a silver necklace and a long cardigan in silver and white from Chico's. The jeggings are from Ann Taylor. The tank is by Peck & Peck from Stein Mart. The bag is from Express. The sandals are by BCBG from Macy's. The sunglasses are by Tommy Hilfiger from T.J.Maxx.

We were in Abingdon to attend "Shake Rattle and Roll" at the Barter Theatre. This show is a fabulous tribute to Elvis Presley by Scot Bruce and his extremely talented musicians. This was such a great performance! It was a packed house, and everyone had such a good time.  Scot did an awesome and respectful tribute that was funny at times but brought tears to my eyes at others. Just as Elvis did so many years ago, I saw him perform with my girlfriends as a teen in the seventies.

We attended the matinée performance of "Shake Rattle and Roll" and later had a wonderful dinner at Figaredos Bistro on Main Street.

Choosing Accessories Tips

How do you decide which accessories to wear with your look?

My method of getting dressed follows. I often wear white pants and a white tank in summer because it is the coolest base color to wear. Next, I decide which shoes look best with the pants I am wearing, keeping in mind where we are going and how much I will be walking. I often wear heels if we are going out to dinner or to some event that involves mostly sitting. I do enjoy my heels, but I don't normally wear them for a full day of shopping, for example. 

Next, I decide which jacket I will wear. This light-weight Travelers jacket from Chico's is a couple of years old. It has strong Asian inspired details such as a Mandarin collar and bamboo-shaped buttons. Even the fabric makes me think of a beautiful hand-painted silk kimono. These details led me to this Asian inspired silver and black tassel necklace, which is also old from Chico's. Because this necklace is such a bold statement piece, I wore smaller silver and crystal hoop earrings and two silver and crystal rings only.

Wearing too many accessories can take us in the wrong direction. Simple, understated items with one or two bold dramatic pieces can pull your look together and show your personality.

The jacket colors include black, white, silver, gold, and taupe, so I chose this evening clutch via Saks Off 5th, black and gold hardware with a burnished gold/taupe color body. I always carry a small clutch to dinner as opposed to a bulky daytime bag.

The nude sandals are old from Belk. The color continues the unbroken line of white/pale tones from head to toe, making me look taller and leaner. For example, if I had worn a pair of black platform shoes, they would have been too bulky in scale for the delicate jacket and pants. The black shoes would also have visually cut me off at the ankles, making me look shorter.

  

The fabulous slim-fitting smooth front pants are by Mesmerize from My Fair Lady.