Thinking out loud

March 23, 2017

I have been watching a pair of Canada geese dwelling alongside I-10 for the last several weeks. I’m not sure what kept them in Florida this long. I imagined one of them may be injured or nesting… most nest in March, April or May. Canada Geese mate for life unless one of them dies. I imagine one of these geese has headed back to it’s place of origin today.

I don’t know a lot about them, but I do know that they are no match for speeding vehicles and careless drivers. This morning I saw one of the geese lifeless on the side of the entrance ramp that I take to work. Not the way I want to start my day. Dear Lord, I said, take this image from my mind. I don’t want to think about this. Still… tonight I’m seeing the same image.

Goslings following behind a Canada Goose

This is no way to start a fashion Blog

That is what the name of it is

March 22, 2017

“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Detective

I was driving to work today and as usual passing through a community that always (even in winter) has the most beautiful landscaping any HOA ever ordered. There were (maybe) six landscaping professionals bent over in the flowers and shrubs keeping the area so extraordinarily lovely that it made my heart ache! I would love to work in my own yard every day (well maybe that’s a stretch)… every week… planting flowers, keeping weeds at bay, being the ‘Clark Griswold’ of suburban, head-turning, lawnscaping.

Shortly thereafter I arrived at my destination…

And everything else began to ache.

Yes my ‘normal full time job’ is nothing I would call fun, nor would I recommend it to anyone… but it does pay the bills and my heart is thankful.

It seems that I am running late in the morning these days, possibly due to the spring fever, and have little time to put together an outfit that it work appropriate, comfortable, and cute. This morning I grabbed my new White House Black Market blouse, black jeans, xoxo shoes, Brighton chain (similar), white tote (not pictured) and called myself dressed

Spring 2017 – Day Two

March 21, 2017

Today I’m styling a Candie’s outfit from a recent 30% off shopping trip to Kohl’s.

Candie’s is a brand featured in the junior’s section, but if you size up a bit… not a problem. Of course, if you have qualms about bringing home sizes that are 2 or 3 higher than you are accustomed to, it may be mentally disturbing.

Deal with it… Cute Stuff

My white tote is a Michael Kors is a Jet Set Travel Saffiano Leather Small Tote and is one of my favorite bags to carry.

Happy First Day of Spring!

March 20, 2017

This is my Papa

George Sutton Duckworth, Sr

He went to be with Jesus on the first day of spring 1996.

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

SATURDAY Night

March 20, 2017

The Bay City Rollers said it best…

“Gonna keep on dancin’ to the
Rock and roll
On Saturday night, Saturday night
Dancin’ to the rhythm in our
Heart and soul
On Saturday night, Saturday night”

Saturday night is a night to look forward to all week long. LB and I follow a few cover bands and will plan to pick a Saturday night spot based on where these groups are performing. This past Saturday included a trip to St. Augustine to visit The Cellar Upstairs at the San Sebastian Winery where they offer rooftop dining and entertainment.

This is a plate of dressing with a salad under it.

The featured band was a group of four guys who call themselves “Ain’t Too Proud” and they are always entertaining. They didn’t play Bay City Rollers’ Saturday Night but there were other oldies such as Hey Baby and and Oh Pretty Woman and some more recent hits like Shut up and Dance and Moves like Jagger. Of course you can depend on a Cupid Shuffle and/or Electric Slide while the band takes a break. And the dancers never disappoint!
What did I wear? Black knit top, camouflage pants, leather – ish jacket, and black booties/shooties. Picture? Nope. I forgot, but here is look #336 from my Stylebook

Spring 2017 Trends

March 19, 2017

Until today my disdain for winter has seemed to be the driving force of my blog. The time has come to put the past behind and spring ahead! Today is the first day of spring and I am so looking forward to enjoying the lighter clothing and shoes that this weather calls for. According to Neiman Marcus, the world of fashion will be seeing more of the following this spring:

Ruffles & Flounces

This blouse from one of my favorite shopping sites, Shein meets the criteria for several of these trends as it is a neutral and off the shoulder. In contrast to the Neiman Marcus styles, it has a tiny little price tag… $9. Here is another beauty that is priced at $7.98

Shirting Redefined

Blouses and shirts that are just slightly over the top… Although I don’t consider this to be over the top, I especially like the Caroline Constas shirt for $395.

Persephone Décolleté Shirt, White

More easily affordable is this shirt for $16, although not quite as cute.

Peekaboo Styles

Of all the Neiman Marcus items I mention in this post, this Kobi Halpern blouse would have to be my favorite. With ruffles and shoulder cut-outs (hence the peekaboo), it is made of silk and so very girly! Okay. I REALLY want this

Another more affordable option which is similar is this

In addition to blouses, peekaboo style includes items that reveal the legs, like this

Slips & Slides

Not much to say about this trend… I’m all for it if you like slip on shoes. I enjoy slipping on my Old Navy flip flops for a quick walk out into the yard, or over to Mama’s house, but most of my shoes have a strap on the back. Here are some trend pics… actually the first pair are kinda cute and would pair nicely with the ‘ruffles and flounces’ at the top of this post:

Intrecciato Napa 40mm Slide Sandal, Mist img_2491-2

Stripes

Covering the stripes spring trend, as well as the peekaboo and shirting redefined… I love this cold-shoulder striped top by Parker

Maureen Cold-Shoulder Striped Combo Top, Powder Blue

I would totally buy this if it weren’t $220…

but am more likely to purchase this blue striped blouse

or this grey and white top which offers interest with the split back and is only $13.00

Everything Embellished

Beads, Tassels, Feathers, Embroidery, Patches, Sequins, Lace! Pop some of these items on a pair of shoes, a handbag, or any item of clothing and you’re on trend! Here is an example of an embellished blouse and these red leg-wrap flats are embellished with fringe:

The Mini Bag

This one I have covered, starting with the kitty cat bag that my daughter Stephanie gave me last Christmas. There are several other wristlets and cross body bags in my closet so I will likely not be purchasing any new mini bags to participate in the mini bag trend (although this leather elephant bag is adorable).

Neutrals

White, Cream, Beige and Khaki take center stage with these nonpartisans this spring. Check out this ribbed crewneck pullover sweater.
Head-Turning Earrings

My new go-to earrings are the Kate Spade infinity and beyond hoops my Mama gave me for Christmas. Neiman Marcus spring trends include earrings that are HUGE and will no doubt make a powerful statement. This will be a trend that will take me some easing in to possibly with these blue stud hoops

The Hi-Def Lip

My thoughts on the Hi-Def Lip… Check this…

“For the whole world is Irish on the seventeenth o’ March!” – Thomas Augustine Daly

March 17, 2017

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17. The day honors the patron saint of Ireland with celebrations around the world. There is no exception here in North Florida where we have celebrated St Patrick’s Day for as long as I can remember. Most recently at the block party in Five Points which ended this year with the closing of O’Brothers Irish Pub

The block party was great fun and it is disheartening that I now have no place in which to wear my green wig. But alas…

All is still well… I may have no where to go on St Patrick’s Day but I still have baking skills.

Since I make preparations to have a dessert of the month for my LB (pictured above in the green top hat) March typically calls for the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake. LB loves his evening dessert… whatever it may be it must have Reddi Whip and a maraschino cherry on top.

This cake is right out of the oven before glazing. Boy Oh Boy is it tasty! (hence the smile)

Every March 17th I’m styling a green wig, an “Irish for a Day” tee, green star sunglasses, countless beads and other paraphernalia , and my everyday jeans and shoes. Surely most of you have collected these things in your travels.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Here’s a tasty Irish treat:

Reuben Sliders

~

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