Posing in Italy!

June 9, 2017

My life is exciting, but I haven’t been able to make time to visit Italy (source)

I have just recently started my blog… only three months ago TODAY! It has been a lot of fun and more work than I imagined… more like a second job than a hobby or pastime. Last week I enjoyed a summer vacation trip to Captiva Island which I covered in this blog, and wrapped up with a visit to the ER. It was at some point during the ride to the hospital that I realized how SHORT life really is. My thought during that ride was that I was on my way out, like my Daddy who was just slightly older than me when he left this world on November 23rd 2001. I am much like him, so it is no wonder that I assumed I would meet the same type of end. I may still do that, just not on June 3rd 2017. I am proud that I am so much like him. But I am pleased to say that I’m not finished here yet.

As I was flipping through Instagram during my lunch break today, I noticed ANOTHER person that I follow posting photos of herself in Italy. It seems to be a trend to pose for a picture of yourself in Cinque Terre.

Happily, I am taking shots of myself in my bedroom! Alive and well

… and wearing my beautiful White House Black Market blouse that LB purchased for me in March of this yearalong with my FAVORITE black sandals

and all the Brighton jewelry any red blooded American girl could ask for

my bracelets are retired. The above pictured are similar

Thank you Jesus

50 Shades of Red

March 28, 2017

Actually there are only 43, but 50 sounded better.

And my jeans are labeled “wine”, but are still considered a shade of red. Anyway wine, maroon, burgundy are all shades of red so we’re keeping it in the family. As I’ve mentioned before, these jeans are a favorite of mine. They fit like a glove and are as comfortable as can be. I wear them a couple of times a month and usually with a black top. They are great for wearing to work and for date night. Here I’m wearing them with my animal print heels and a black cold-shoulder blouse

I’ve seen several articles and blog posts on “how to wear red pants/jeans”. Here’s my tip: Buy the jeans, take them home, try them on with all of your tops until you are happy and comfortable. I typically wear a black top/blouse with my wine colored jeans, but any neutral will work including black/white strips, dots, animal print. And they can be styled up or down depending on the occasion. A tee shirt and sneakers for a casual look or dressed up in heels.

If you’re interested in a great buy, check out this $11.99 deal from Style & Co, Petite Slim-Leg Tummy-Control Jeans, Only at Macy’s:

One of my next purchases will be a bright red pair of jeans or pants like the ones pictured below

From Old Navy, Pixie Mid-Rise Ankle Pants for $27:

From White House Black Market Curvy Body-Defining Ankle-Grazing Pants:

I really like the Petite Modern Skinny Jeans from LOFT:

I’ll take them all… there’s still a little room in my closet!

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 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…

First Timer

March 12, 2017

Yesterday was a splurge day and I loved every minute of it. My shopping excursion in the Golden Isles ended with a stop at White House Black Market. We walked past several store windows without feeling the draw to enter, but when we saw the featured window items, LB knew that I wanted to go inside.

The prices are what I consider to be high i.e. $98 for a blouse. But when it draws you into the store and your man tells you to “go try it on”… how do you respond to that?

OKAY!

I LOVED IT!

And LB bought it for me.

It can be worn on the shoulders as well as off. The blouse shown above is paired with ivory dress pants, but it was shown in store with a light colored blue jeans. This will look great with my black skinny jeans, winter white skinny jeans, black cropped pants, and ivory skirt… The possibilities seem endless and I can’t wait to wear this blouse!

The next eye catcher was…

How lovely is that?!

This was on sale but is still featured on the website here. I was tickled pink to be able to wear it in a size 2, but purchased the 4 just because.

Last but Absolutely Not Least was the white blouse I found on the 50% off rack. I may have heard the angels sing when I picked up this blouse. Reason being, last year LB and I went away on a cruise. On day two, due to a last minute change of plans, I removed my beloved white blouse and opted for something more casual. Instead of hanging it in the closet, I hung it on a hook in the dressing area then quickly left the cabin. When I returned, I found that the cabin had been cleaned, bed made, and the towels taken away to be laundered… along with my white blouse. [TEARS]. After several months searching for a replacement…

The search is over. I have found my white blouse!

Yes… I’m a happy girl!

Weekend Road Trip

March 11, 2017

Today is a perfect day for a road trip to celebrate the weekend! LB and I decided to pack an overnight bag and head to St. Simon’s Island Georgia for an afternoon of shopping and an evening of music and fun. The weather is clear and sunny with temperatures reaching the low 70’s… not a good day for shorts. Being a native Floridian, it doesn’t take much to make me chilly.