Summer Style

I am the first to admit I don't have a strong summer dressing game.

My sister and I recently spent the day at The Biltmore Estate having lunch and touring the gardens and the conservatory.

From earlier this year.

I wore a Foxcroft tunic from a blog post earlier this year, with dark wash jeans and flat sandals. We planned to do lots of walking, and the weather person predicted cool temperatures for the day. However, instead of seventy degrees, it was more like ninety degrees that day.

Even though I was wearing a long sleeve tunic, I was still reasonably comfortable. I live in an area that isn't normally very hot, and I do not spend time outside during the heat of the day, so I don't have a separate wardrobe for summer. 

I am certain that those who live in areas with long hot summers may laugh at my choices. Even when the tops have sleeves and wear them with white or light wash jeans, I am still fairly comfortable. I wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light color natural fabrics during our hottest weather.

Sundresses and sleeveless tops are not my favorites, regardless of the heat.

The High Country

Saturday was the perfect day to be in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

I was dressed up a bit because we were in Blowing Rock to enjoy dinner at Rowland's at the Westglow Resort and Spa later in the evening.

Blowing Rock is one of my favorite places in the world! The panoramic views of mountains always fill me with a sense of peace and wonder. When we explore neighborhoods there, we always find a house or a garden that takes my breath away.

The tank top is from White House | Black Market. The shoes are old by Gianni Bini from Dillard's. The wicker clutch bag is by JMcLaughlin. The Balmain sunglasses are from Saks Off 5th.

I was beyond thrilled to see this beautiful owl along our way down the mountain! 

Easy Pieces

At the end of a twelve-hour workday, I just want to take a long bath and go to bed. On this particular evening, I had a date with my favorite gentleman, so getting dressed in five minutes was next on my busy agenda.

You rarely see me in full makeup and a well-planned look here on the blog (or in my daily life). This look is certainly no exception!

These days, I feel a strong urge to simplify and uncomplicate my life, so I have been clearing clutter from my home and closet this year. Do you do that too occasionally? It feels great to look around and see only the things that bring me joy or that I actually use.

The rings were gifts from Mr. Mickey. The earrings are from Target.

My white jacket and the belt are old from Chico's. The scoop neck black tee is from White House|Black Market. The Tribal pants were a gift from Copper Penny in Hilton Head. The bag is old from Express. The shoes are old from Vince Camuto.

Pedicure Day

Do you get manis and pedis?

I look forward to this time, which allows me to forget all my responsibilities and put my to-do list aside for a couple of hours. I did my own for most of my life, but now I really enjoy the luxury of having a professional take care of my nails year-round.

Today I am sharing tips I have found helpful for finding and visiting a nail technician.

I looked for a space that was exceptionally clean, neatly organized, and peaceful. I do not enjoy getting any services where there is clutter, loud music, or lots of chatter.

Finding a tech who has the same level of perfectionism that I do and a pleasant personality to visit while the services are being provided is definitely a plus. 

Now that I have found the perfect fit for me, I will remain loyal to her regularly scheduled appointments. I respect her time and always arrive a few minutes early or let her know with a phone call more than twenty-four hours ahead of time if I travel during my appointed visit time.

I dress in loose, comfortable clothes. The legs and arms of what I wear should be easy to roll up. I have appropriate flip-flops by OkaB, which are worn only on pedicure days. I take a shower a few hours before my visit, but I shave my legs the day before, which gives any small nicks a chance to heal a little before the visit. I skip perfume on the day I visit any service provider or Doctor's office. They may not enjoy my fragrance as much as I do.

Your service provider should always use fresh towels, disinfected, or new tools only, and space should be operating room clean. I never allow my cuticles to be cut or a razor to be used on my skin, which tricks your skin into producing more thickening. The truth is, you need thicker skin in some areas for a reason. I walk and run for three miles almost every day. When too much skin is taken away, it makes my feet very tender.

I have short fingers with a small nail bed, so I always choose a nude color and a square-oval nail shape to elongate. This color is OPI's Tickle My France-Y.

My signature is neat square red nails on my toes. I switch to a brighter, lighter color like OPI's Cajun Shrimp or Dutch Tulips in the summer.

The top I am wearing here is by Last Tango. It was provided by Purple Poppy. The pants are several years old by Evan Picone via Dillard's. The fun, colorful clutch bag is from Carriage Trade Antiques next door, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The ring is from B'Dazzeled, also located in Blowing Rock.

Comfy?

I enjoy discovering new lines to share with you.

I had never worn pieces from the Comfy line until Purple Poppy recently sent me this top. The tunic is very much in keeping with my style. The striped knit fabric is designed to flatter the waistline and flow softly across your curves.

I am wearing the tunic with Renaur cigarette leg ankle pants, which are also from Purple Poppy.

The sandals are old by Ralph Lauren. The bag is old by Nine West. The sunglasses are by Balmain via Saks Off 5th.

When I wear these long tunics, I pair them with pants that pull on, which means there are no loops, buttons, or zippers to create lumps and bumps under the smooth fabric. A great foundation is also imperative with smooth-fitting tops like this one. The Ultimate Shapeez bra is the coolest and most comfortable option I have found, and it gives you a nice smooth line under your clothes.

This type of look can be worn for business casual, out to lunch with friends, or anytime you want to look appropriate but not too dressed up. Accessories can be used to change the look and attitude to something more dressy. You could also wear this top with sleek black trousers and black heels. Add a turquoise necklace and bag to create an entirely different look. I love the versatility of neutral pieces!

Proportion is Key

You may notice that I dress in a lot of neutral solids.

Owning lots of patterns or prints limits the possible combinations. Solids are also more pleasing to my eyes and less memorable. 

When I add new pieces to my collection, they must be ones I can wear with the items I already have. Owning a wardrobe of components that work together makes my life so much easier. I am all about ease and comfort!

That only leaves me with the task of matching up the correct proportions. For example, long straight-leg jeans might require a more cropped, close-fitting jacket or top.

When the summer heat settles in, I switch to layers of sheer fabrics that flow across my body but add no volume or weight. The linen blend J.Jill cardigan I am wearing here is almost light, but it gives coverage and balance to my look.

I experienced 100% humidity at 100 degrees last week while in Memphis. I saw women of all ages in sundresses and sandals. Dresses are not my favorite thing, so I had no hesitation in slipping into a loose-fitting tank top, white slacks, and strappy sandals when I had to go out during the day. I dress for the weather, the event and then add the accessories that express my mood.

Cropped, close-fitting jeans can be worn with a loose flowing, more extended top. I pair shoes according to the cut of the pant leg. I always wear a higher heel with cropped style or ankle pants because they make my already short legs seem shorter. I usually wear flats with long straight-leg jeans that stop at the top of the foot.

If you are petite (5' 4" or less), you may find that longer tops are never a good look for you. Tops that end at your fingertips are usually as long as you would ever want to go.

We joined friends after work for drinks, so I wore this look. These jeans are a couple of years old by NYDJ. The layered V-neck tank is from White House Black Market. The bag is old by BCBG via T.J.Maxx. Finally, the shoes are by Sam Edelman from Dillard's.

Drive Your British Car Show

We recently attended the annual Drive Your British Car Show in Johnson City.

This year, Mr. Mickey drove his friend's vintage Bentley. There were many great cars there, but the show was cut short by rain this year.

I am always so happy to see my sweet friend Natalie. As the rain started to fall, we retired to the restaurant Gourmet and Company for dinner and many fun conversations.

I followed my formula for dressing on this busy day. Knowing silhouettes flatter your shape and which colors look good near your face helps you get dressed in two minutes.

A blue top and white slim-fitting jeans are an all-time favorite summer look. Nude sandals visually extend my relatively short legs. Throw on a long necklace that gives me that deep V-neckline, and I am ready for just about any event.

The perfect bra for these smooth-fitting tops is the Ultimate by Shapeez. Soma offers panties that do not show lines under your clothes.

My shoes are old by Gianni Bini via Dillard's. 

I hope that these posts give you some ideas for putting together looks that help you feel more confident and get dressed fun again.

Dearly Beloved

We have returned safely from a most beautiful wedding!

The youngest son of our dearest friends was married to the love of his life this weekend. We were honored to be guests during this weekend of celebrations.

The wedding was held in the fabulous gardens at Heartwood Hall.

I wore a top by IC Collection over a tank by Clara Sunwoo and pants by Lior Paris. All these items were provided by ShopMyFairLady. The shoes are old by BCBG. The clutch is old from T.J.Maxx. The silver link bracelet was a long-ago gift from Mr. Mickey.

The handsome groom dances with his beautiful mother.

All of us gals dancing with the groom!

We wish you a lifetime of dancing together, Kerry and Wes.

Never having had my own children, I shower my love, concern, and pride upon the two sons of my best friend and, of course, their chosen mates. My heart was overflowing with joy and pride as we shared this special weekend with the family we love so very much.