Perfect Ponte

Perhaps you've noticed, as I have, that black is the lead fashion color this season.  I'm a fan, we wider girls usually are.  But this post is to sing the praises of this ponte pencil skirt. I can't say enough good things about this skirt, the fit, the weight, it's quite simply perfect. And it's been and will remain my go-to black skirt.

The V-neck sweater in this garnet red shade adds a bit of color.  Add pearls, tights, black pumps and the ponte knit jacket to accommodate the cool temps and it's done.

It's a simple look that works for most any situation.  Have a great day.

Outfit details:  V-Neck Sweater - Ann Taylor; Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt - Talbots; Tights - Talbots; Glen Plaid Jacket - Talbots; Shoes - Calvin Klein via Macy's (old); Multi-strand Pearl Necklace - Talbots (old).

Blue Suede Shoes

Warm, sunny days made a fast exit several days ago and now we have clouds, more clouds and rain.  Temps are cool with periods of downright chilly. I made vegetable soup yesterday.  Ah, it's layering weather and dressing is easy. 

The jeans are a basic wardrobe replacement and if I try on enough pairs, I'm always able to find a pair that fits at Talbots.  The leather trimming this Banana Republic sweater provides an updated twist to a classic Chanel cut sweater. If you're a longer-armed girl, this one's for you.  And if you're not, the untrimmed sleeves make it easy to turn up.  It's a lovely, warm non-wool layer.

Throw in a little animal print and a color punch with cobalt and there you go. It works.

Outfit details:  Sweater - Banana Republic (sold out, similar here and here; Blouse - Talbots (old, but I love this one if your not looking for animal); Jeans - Talbots (ankle); Shoes & Belt - Talbots (old), loving these and they are 40 percent off today ; Bracelets - Banana Republic, JCrew.

In Search of...

No matter the size of my wardrobe, when the seasons change, my heart just yearns for new things.

The catalogs come, window displays and merchandise changes and no matter the temps outside, I'm on the hunt.

Hard work at the gym and more attention to diet has paid off and this season I needed to purchase some smaller sizes. 

In September I scored this great paneled ponte knit skirt.  Easily dressed up or down it's a core piece that will work in all except our hottest months. 

A second piece I'm in search of is a leather jacket. I've been looking for at least two years without results.  Being a wider petite has yielded no well-fitting results.  If you, too, are looking. you might want to give this Banana Republic jacket a look.   It's a very deep chocolate, butter soft, with zippered cuffs and a nice waist seam in the back. Banana has a Wednesday 40 off promo that makes it very affordable. I loved it.  I'm sad that it doesn't work for me.   The sleeves are way too long for my short arms and it's about two inches too long in length.  Worn open, as I show it here with the sleeves rolled, it works.  But I want to be able to zip it and I'd prefer not to have to roll the sleeves.  If you're a missy, this could be perfect for you!

Outfit Details: V-Neck Jersey Top -  Talbots; Skirt - Talbots; Belt - Banana Republic, old (similar here Banana Republic ); Shoes - Joan & David (very old, lusting for these ); Jacket - Banana Republic, only available in stores.

Wardrobe Classics

While fall doesn't officially arrive until Sunday, Sept. 23, our temps and my wardrobe selections have already made the transistion.

I love brown and it's many shades from taupe to cognac paired with black.  This Talbots' dress with its three-quarter sleeve and its color combination of British Khaki and black stripes was a must-have.

Our cool temperature made this Banana Republic sweater jacket trimmed in faux leather the perfect layering piece.

As I love to accent with a belt, I added this old, but loved stretch number from Ralph Lauren.  And, never one to shy away from a bit of pattern mixing I pulled out these old favorite animal print, kitten-heeled pumps.  The shoes are about to be retired and replaced by these from Banana Republic.

Both BR pieces can be snagged online today at 35 percent off using code BRSHOP35.

Happy Monday, make it a great day and week.

The Master Piece

I've discovered in the last few days that some of my fall pieces no longer fit properly, evidence that my gym efforts are reaping more than just health benefits. No question, that's a good thing, but it means either a trip to the tailor or the acquisition of some new core pieces. 

Talbots' tiered sale was perfect timing.

I've been wanting a new black jacket that was on the longer side.  I've found that a slightly longer silhouette is more flattering if I am wearing a lighter color on the bottom.  The widest part of my hip is my thigh and a longer jacket which hits just below this point works best.  This all season, three-button wool suiting piece from Talbots is perfect.  Because Talbots offers so many pieces in a wide range of sizes, I'm almost always certain to find the correct size and fit.

I've heard it on good authority from CK, one of my personal style Gods, that white is okay after Labor Day (and I'm NOT listening to the voices in my head saying otherwise).  The jeans are a sale find and fit, our temps are still very warm, black and white is a favorite color combination and the addition of the animal print shirt adds texture.  Seems like a win/win. 

Are you still wearing white?

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots; Shirt - Talbots (available in store); Jeans - Talbots Sale (pickings are pretty slim, but if you can find your size you can't beat the price.); Shoes - Jessica Simpson (old, very); Necklace - JCrew; Watch - Movado

Summer Blues

This unusual cool, low temp and humidity weather we've been experiencing has made it far too easy to look toward fall fashion.  In fact, it's been difficult to resist both purchasing, revisiting and wearing fall favorites.  But I know that fall and winter will seem endless come February and then I'll be yearning for temps warm enough to break out spring things. 

The grass is always greener...whether it be the forest green of fall or the bright green of spring.

So for now, I'm making myself hold off on wearing fall color combinations and new fall purchases.  It's an endurance test, one I hope to win.

Talbots came out with a blue and black collection in July and as it's a color combination I love, I scored a few pieces. It's also provided me with the basis of my August fashion strategy.  Mixing the new with the old and revisiting some spring pieces is helping me to weather these last days of summer. Combinations of  blue, white and black--with an occasional white and black thrown in for variety-- are seeing me through the month.  What's your strategy?


Outfit Details:  Jacket - Talbots (old, similar here and here); Blouse - Talbots (old, similar here ); Jeans - Talbots (old, similar here ); Belt - Talbots ; Shoes - old Jessica Simpson via Macy's.

Seamless Transitions

 

 

 

We've had a little more than a week of unseasonably cool, humid-less weather. Folks who chose the last week of July or the first week of August to visit our Nation's capitol,  won the weather lottery.  For we year-round residents, the weather has presented a preview of fall.  It is tempting to just bring out something more fall-like, but I  know that all too soon I will be packing away my bright, light and cheery summer frocks and pulling out my fall duds.   With that in mind,  I put a layered spin on my much worn Talbots aqua tee dress.  Easy to dress up or down, this one has been a wardrobe home run.  Happy Thursday...I see a return to the lazy, hazy, sweltering days of summer just ahead.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots (old); Dress -  Talbots; Scarf, Belt, necklace - Talbots (Scarf and Necklace old); Shoes - Jessica Simpson via Macy's (old). 

It's all about Coral

When I went outside this morning, it felt much more like mid-September than the beginning of August.  But, it's still summer, I've another month at least of tropical colors, sandals and all things summer. 

I picked up these sandals during my trip to Blowing Rock, NC, last week.  A day spent wandering the boutiques there always yields great finds.  I've been looking for a pair of heeled sandals all season, but wanted them without the strap that winds around the ankle.  These seemed the perfect neutral and the platform tames the height to comfortable.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots (old but similar here); Top - Ann Taylor (old); Denim -  Talbots; Scarf - Talbots; Shoes - Tweeds - Blowing Rock, NC.

Not Just for Dress Up

This spring and early summer I've added a number of dresses to my wardrobe with an eye toward being wise in my selections. 

It was love at first sight for this aqua lace sheath dress and my girls and BFF gave it to me as one of my birthday gifts.  In an aside,  a wish list on Pinterest can generate some fabulous gifts.

It's solo appearance to date was at my May birthday celebration.  But lace isn't just for dress up anymore.  So for this look and to make it more day friendly I added this tropical scarf.  It's now perfect for the office or lunch or both.  I added this cardigan to stave off frost bite once I get inside. 

Outfit details:  Dress - Talbots (currently on major markdown); Scarf - Talbots (also on sale); Cardigan - Talbots; Belt - Talbots; Shoes - Michael by Michael Kors via Lord & Taylor.

Classic Combos

During the dog days of summer, it perks me up to put together an outfit that makes me feel 'cool' even when I know it's just my imagination.

This light weight, V-neck black tee is a summer sale steal from Old Navy.  It will work now and well into fall under sweaters and jackets.  Paired with khaki shorts and my new leopard skinny belt from Banana Republic, I recharged existing wardrobe pieces. Banana Republic has its "We Love Wednesdays" promo today which gets you 40 percent off one full priced item, card holders get 40 off two full-priced items.  Great time to pick up things to wear now and into fall.



Outfit Details:  Tee - Old Navy;  Shorts -  Talbots old (similar here); Necklace - Banana Republic old (similar here); Belt - Banana Republic; Tory Burch

Orange Crush

I can't seem to get enough of orange and aqua this season.   Two of my perennial favorites for summer, this year there's such a variety of choices and hues.

This orange dress from two summers ago is a great knit fabric.  I also love the V-neck and bloused waist. 

When I saw this scarf at Talbots a couple of weeks ago, it was instant love.  It was the inspiration for me to add  my aqua belt, necklace and earrings -- all in slightly different aqua tones-- to provide a punch of color to the dress.

If orange is one of your favorites, here's a link to a bevy of orange dresses.  Happy hunting!


Outfit Details:  Dress (old) - Talbots; Jacket (old) - JJill;  Scarf and Belt  - Talbots; Shoes (old) - Michael Kors; Necklace - Baltimore boutique.

'cause it’s summer

Days like today just call out for a cool, summer dress.  Humidity is over 75 percent and just walking to your car can produce a sweat.  Of course, inside office buildings and shops are more likely to be frigid.  It just begs for layering and cardigans and jackets are a necessary layer here. 

This dress, which is washable, cotton voile, is the perfect summer dress.  I've already worn it twice in the last few weeks.  It's breezy and cool and lends itself to being dressed up or down. 

The jean jacket, necessary to avoid hypothermia in our air conditioned spaces, keeps it casual.

If you need to fill out your summer wardrobe or spring wardrobe or want to stock up at bargain prices, check out the sales at Talbots, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, JCrew, Piperline, Nordstrom and more. A meander through your mall or some online looking could reap huge savings.

You may need to shop with your early fall/next spring needs in mind, but there are great deals to be had.

Happy Friday!

Outfit Details - Nautical-Stripe Dress - Talbots (currently on sale); Jacket -  Talbots (old Any of these colors would work);  Belt - Macy's (old Similar); Shoes - Munroe (old - Like these).

Welcome Summer

It's a beautiful, clear day here in DC, with weather more appropriate for spring than for the first day of summer.  But, hey, I'm not complaining, I see the beastly days of heat and humidity lurking just around the corner. 

I enjoy reading several fashion blogs and regret that I cannot find one I like by a women in my age group. There are several women who I follow on Facebook who are closer to my age and I'm grateful for their inspiration.  

One blog I love, but often can't emulate, is that of ThirtySomethingFashion.  I love Carly's style and always find her posts interesting, if sometimes inapplicable to my own life.

Earlier this week she styled a hot pink maxi skirt for both day and evening wear.  I'm not a fan of the maxi skirt or dress and only own one dress in black knit.  It's great for the beach.  But I do own a pair of hot pink slacks I picked up at the end of the summer on RH sale from Talbots.  I haven't worn them much and when I did I paired them with the safe black and white.  I adapted Carly's daytime styling for my pants and used a navy striped tee, pink patterned scarf and shoes already in my closet. The tee and pants are from last year with a scarf, earrings and shoes I purchased in March and April.

Thanks Carly for the inspiration.  What do you think?

Outfit details:  Shirt - Talbots (old); Slacks - Talbots (old); Scarf - Talbots; Earrings - Talbots; Shoes - Tory Burch.

Loving Linen

So it's overcast and warm, but not sweltering.

I've been in search of some tops in non-polka dot or striped patterns and stumbled on this linen number at Banana Republic. No pattern but a beautiful shade of blue that reminded me of skies just after a rain.  I love linen, wrinkles and all, and know that this will wrinkle, but also soften with wear and washing.

It's a warm but overcast day here, so this is the perfect pairing with a boyfriend jean.

Banana Republic has a promo today that gives you 30 percent off your purchase.  Not sure this shirt qualifies, but there are lots of other goodies available. Try BRPRESALE.

Happy Tuesday!

 Outfit Details:  Linen-Cotton Shirt - Banana Republic; Boyfriend Jean - Talbots; Belt - Talbots (old); Straw Flats - Talbots (old); Bracelets - Various-Brighton, Last Call, JCrew; Necklace - Lord & Taylor (old).

What I Learned in Paris

There is a relationship between the title of this post and today's outfit.

On my last night in Paris while dining al fresco on Rue Montparnasse my purse was stolen.  Stolen right off the arm of my chair while I was sitting in it, stolen in such a smooth move that I didn't realize it was gone until I went to pay my part of the bill.

So the teacher in me is going to list some lessons I learned this trip.  Some of this I knew, but chose to ignore.  Bad idea, lesson learned the hard way.   I'm going to post them one at time so that the post don't go over long. 

Lesson ONE - Monday, June 10: Never, never, never --no matter how relaxed you've become--let your purse leave your person.  Put the strap over your body, place it in your lap, place it to your right on the tabletop, put your leg through the strap and place it between your legs.  But never place it over the back of your chair.

Despite the hiccup at the end, it WAS a fabulous trip, the Loire Valley, Versailles and Giverny were spectacular.  Shopping in St. Germaine was fun, the prices were high, the fashion lovely, the choices vast.  I'd return in a New York minute.

Now for the outfit connection.  If you have a body and age appropriate sense of style, you've made some effort to coordinate your outfit and you wear comfortable, but NOT gym shoes, you will look as if you belong.  If you wear oversized, poorly fitted, very casual, gym or gardening appropriate clothing along with your socks and Nike's, you will appear as the poorly outfitted tourist you are.  Many city dwellers, for the most part, whether they be from Paris on NYC, are stylish and chic.  Others are just nicely dressed. Tourists from many countries appear to just wear their most comfortable clothing, ill-fitting, poorly coordinated though it may be. Americans certainly embrace the gym shoe as their sightseeing shoe of choice.  I do think there are lots more beautiful and comfortable shoe choices in Europe, but even here in the US you can find a comfortable flat shoe suitable for walking that isn't an athletic shoe.  So while I might have not taken this dress along to Paris, thinking the print was perhaps too much, had I done so, it would have been perfect and comfortable.   

Outfit Details: Dress -  Talbots; Belt - Tory Burch; Shoes - Michael Kors (similar); Necklace - Banana Republic (old - similiar); Bracelets - Personal collection, nothing new. 

 What TO Wear

Paris Takeoff - six days, five hours and counting. 

So these aren't today's  OOTD, but rather four of the outfits I've put together for Paris.

The weather there is forecast to be cool, low 60's, and rainy.  So layers are a must.  Walking is the our most used mode of transport, so comfortable, stylish shoes are also in order.

I'm sticking to a black and white palette.  It's easy to mix up and Paris is the black clothing capital of the world.  And while it is my favorite city, it's the only one I've visited where I feel badly dressed, no matter what I wear.  It's fashion sense intimidates me, but I love it nevertheless.

Core pieces for these four outfits include black denim trousers and side-zip pants paired with three jackets and black and metallic flats. 

Outfit Details: Cole Hahn Flats and Moto Jacket  - Nordstrom, both currently on sale.   Straw Belt  -Talbot's.  Black Peplum Back Jacket  on sale - Ann Taylor.  Slacks - Talbots (old) and both pair have been tailored.  Tops - Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor, Talbots.  Jewelry is old and from Talbots, Last Call and Limited.

Happy Hump Day!




 

Feeling Green

I am just in love with this minty green color.  Got the top a couple of weeks ago at Banana Republic and have already worn it three times.  I love it's elbow length short sleeve and the back has a low scoop neck that will be cute when warmer weather arrives.  Spotted the sweater on the Sale rack at Ann Taylor last weekend and knew it would look great mixed with the smaller green stripe of the top.  As our weather seems to continue to lend itself to the need for sweaters and jackets, this combo makes a perfect weight.  Happy Sunday!

Outfit details:  Striped Cotton Snap Front Sweater Jacket - Ann Taylor; Striped Elbow-Sleeve Tee - Banana Republic; Belt - Talbots; Amanda Demi Wedge Shoes - Tory Burch; Watch - Movado; Bracelets - Last Call, Kopecilla; Necklace - Banana Republic.

Triple Play

I love black and white and this season there is more than ever to chose from.  Last week during a 30 percent off promo at Banana Republic, I picked up this black and white vertical-stripe top.  I'd seen a look on Pinterest that utilized this vertical stripe in a jacket and I thought it was a terrific switch-up on the much more common horizontal stripe.

The top is silk with a bit of spandex, so it fits and feels wonderful.  I'm thinking of things and looks I want to take on my Paris trip at month's end and know this top will make the cut.

Outfit one contains mostly new items in the jacket, shoes, skirt and top.  The necklace is more than a year old.  I know both the jacket and skirt will pack well, resist wrinkling and are the perfect weight.  The skirt's already traveled to Florida.  The jacket looks more polished than a cardigan, but has the same comfort of a sweater.  Look three changes up the skirt for a pair of black matte jersey pants and changes out the pink peep-toes for nude pumps.  I untucked the blouse and added a black/white patterned belt from Ann Taylor.

I know this blouse will get a lot of mileage on its own and as a layering piece.  The matte jersey pants are an all-season travel essential.  I'll be able to wear them overnight to Paris and not walk off the plane a wrinkled mess.  They're the perfect travel pant. 

All these pieces were purchased either on sale or with a percentage off offer.  The striped top is not currently available on the BR website, but can be found in stores. 

Outfit Details: Ponte Knit Skirt - Talbots;  Knit Jacket - Macy's; Striped Top - Banana Republic; Peep-toe Wedge - Talbots; Matte Jersey Wide-Leg Pants - Talbots.

Mother's Day Blessings

Mother's Day Blessings

So fewer blog posts the past few days.  I'm having trouble being motivated and the weather is driving me slowly crazy.  This past week we (like much of the country)  have been dealing with weather temps that go up and down faster than my weight.  And we've had  (at least for me) an excessive amount of gray skies and cool days.

It's taken the umph out of any desire to wear much of anything except yoga pants, long-sleeved tees, warm socks and sweatshirt jackets.  When I have put together a decent outfit so that I can venture beyond my yard, I've snapped a pic and just posted directly to Facebook.   

Friday was a lovely day and in the evening I did the Talbot's fashion show.  I did pull myself together before I arrived for that, but as I was running late, didn't get a photo.

Saturday most of the day was spent in gym clothes until we ventured out for some late afternoon errands.  Then I just threw on  that comfy Talbots knit dress from about three seasons ago.

Mother's Day dawned sunny, but breezy and on the cooler side.  We were able to eat brunch outside in the early afternoon, but dinner had to be moved inside. 

Plans to snap my Mother's Day ensemble went awry and so this shot, taken before dinner and sunset has to suffice.  Here I'm joined by Princess the Younger. She and her husband did a terrific job putting together a fabulous dinner.    

Outfit Details:   Though the BR top is current, it isn't showing online.  All other items are no longer available.  Sweater - Ann Taylor; Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Limited; Cropped jeans - Talbots; Shoes (dark blue suede flats) - Talbots; Belt (black and white mini dots)  - Ann Taylor.

 

Black & Blue

It's another gloomy day here and still a bit on the chilly side.  Needed to break out of the jeans, but dresses, skirts or shorts don't work for me on rainy days--except, of course, in the stifling heat of July and August when they are a welcome respite.

But here and now, I'm over this chill spring with its intermittent sunny days.  So while there isn't much blue in the sky, I can put some 'blue skies' in my outfit with these cobalt pants. I lighten up the look with this, now on sale, cap sleeve blouse from Loft.  It's a great piece that will travel well, can be dressed up or down and should work well into the summer because of its sleeve.  I jazzed up the neckline a bit, and should have taken a close-up, with two rather than one necklace.  A multi-strand pearl and chain from Talbots a few years back and a two-strand gold and pearl necklace from JCrew. Another tip from Mr. Kelly was to mix your metals.   A basic black jacket finished the look, both for warmth and polish.  Had to go with flats--I'm breaking these in for Paris wear at month's end--it's a walking and standing kind of day.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots; Blouse; Colored Denim - Talbots; Belt - Ann Taylor; Shoes - Miz Mooz; Necklaces & Bracelets - Personal collection. 

These Short Were Made for Walking

Saturday's Clinton Kelly Style event featured a number of outfits featuring shorts. The models ranged in age from teens to 50ish and selected ensembles reflected trends appropriate for each age group.  Shorts went from very short and casual for the teen and to progressively longer the older the model.

I know many women of a certain age think they can't wear shorts because their legs have issues.  From wrinkled knees to varicose veins our legs change as we age. My own legs have never been my best feature--they are short, I'm hippy and I don't have trim ankles.  I'm not beating up on myself, they get me where I want to go--they are sturdy.   So despite their imperfections, I like the comfort and freedom of a pair of shorts if they are the appropriate length.  I'm loving all the length choices out there.  There is a length out there--more flattering than a crop pant.  If you wear skirts and dresses, you can find an attractive and flattering pair of shorts. 

I love the corals and oranges out this season, but I don't care for them with black.  That combination just screams Halloween to me--sorry if it's one of your favorites.

I do, however, love orange and navy (despite the fact that they are the school colors of dreaded athletic foe UVA).  Adding a wedge gives the outfit a bit of polish and for even more polish, you might substitute a jacket for the sweater.

Outfit details:  All Talbots - Charming Cardigan in Pink Flamingo; Paisley Slub Knit Tee; Twill Bermuda Short; Belt (old); Shoes (old); Necklace (old); Bracelets (old).

A Tale of Two Jackets

On Saturday I was touched by Clinton Kelly, it was only a handshake, but nevertheless, I've been touched by a fashion God.  AND, he complimented me on my jacket (Talbots Tweed Jacket - currently available on sale).  I may wear it at least once a week going forward, right after I have it tailored.  All of this took place at a Clinton Kelly Style Event on Saturday at Macy's Towson (Md.).  He's hilarious, snarky but not mean, as cute in person as he is on TV, hyper-energy, and down to earth.

He pulls no punches when it comes to identifying and critiquing fashion faux pas.  One brave soul--a very busty mom who had had twins, her first children, at age 40-- volunteered to be his subject for a style critique.  She was wearing a horizontally striped tee, elastic pants and crocs!  His first words to her, "Get a professional bra fitting."  It's a sore point with him that far too many women aren't wearing a correctly fitted bra.  Don't know if you've heard this before, I had not, your breasts should rest half way between your elbow and your shoulder.  So if you've got girls, go to the mirror and check yourself out.  I'm not sure where to find a professional bra fitter, which is who Clinton wants you to see, but I'm going to try to hunt one down.  I think I'm okay, but just want to check it out. 

Now about the jackets...if you follow Clinton on What Not to Wear or have read any of his books (I got 'Oh No She Didn't on Saturday and was able to get it signed), you know he thinks a jacket just completes an outfit whether it be casual or dressy.  He also expounds the need for tailoring.  He did a bit during the Q&A on fashion designers and fit models and why we need tailoring.  So right along with my hunt for a bra fitters, I'm going to search for a better tailor.  That is, better than the lady who does alterations at the cleaners who isn't really a tailor.

It's been cool enough to need a sweater or jacket over the last few days, low 60's weather with a breeze.  The jacket on the left was one modeled during the Style Event.  It's a great knit and was under $40.  It will be perfect for travel.  The denim jacket, which is actually what I wearing out and about yesterday, is from Old Navy and was around $35. 

Which look do you like best?

Outfit details: Right:  Macy's - Alfani Collarless Jacket; ;Banana Republic -Striped Elbow-Sleeve Tee; Polka dot scarf - Old; Jeans - Talbots - Old; Shoes - Tory Burch
Left: Old Navy - White Denim Jacket

It's a Crop

These three Talbots' looks all include the pervasive crop pant.  The first two are the super crops and the last is their five-pocket crop which features a 'slim leg.'  That becomes legging-like on my body type. 

While no fan of the crop, I've a thicker calf and ankle and feel they shorten my silhouette and emphasize the wideness of my hips, these looks all work.  

If you love crops, and many do, you might want to try the monochromatic look to lengthen the silhouette and add a great scarf or jewelry to draw the eye upward. 

I'm in love with the beaded stripe cardigan in the first look and think it will make a classic and useful addition to my wardrobe.   

Do you feel the love for any of them?  Which one might you wear?

Outfit details, all Talbots, left to right:  Beaded Stripe Cardigan; Signature Fit Twill Skimmers; Wrinkle Resistant Shirt in Pink Flamingo. Middle - Charming Cardigan in Lapis; Wrinkle Resistant Shirt in Palm Frond; Signature Fit Twill Skimmers in Palm Frond;Fleur-De-Lis Floral Wrap.  Right - Ponte' Knit Jacket; Cotton Crewneck Tee; Signature Seaside Dot Crops Seaside Sea Glass;Lexa Crisscross Espadrille; Striped Straw Tote

Mellow Yellow

This is one of my very favorite color combinations that I don't wear enough.  And while pattern mixing may not be for everyone, done well, I love it, believing it takes ordinary to extraordinary.  This skirt caught my eye in the Talbots May catalog, but sometimes I shy away from patterns on the bottom--I've a lot of real estate in that body area.  They are also more of a styling challenge, once worn with the easy solid color top look where is there to go?

On the hanger, this look made me go, "hmmm?" Once on it was love at first sight. It's a great summer mix of colors and the individual pieces can work so well with other existing wardrobe pieces.  The yellow in the skirt is a beautiful tone--bright sunshine captured in pattern, what's not to love? The blue and black in the sweater works beautifully with the skirt, but the sweater is lovely on its own.  The scarf adds a lovely extra dimension with its bandana print. And  there's a darling tee tucked up under the sweater that has a sweet bit of cut-out lace at the top. 

Outfit details:  Floral Sweater - Talbots; Skirt - Talbots; Tee - Talbots; Scarf - Talbots; Necklace;  Shoes - Michael Michael Kors via Macy's.

Black, White & Bold

I love this cotton voile dress from Talbots, love it.  The classic black and white is timeless and a fit and flare is my favorite fit for summer. It's a dress a girl can twirl under the stars in...or a girl's mom.  It's easy to wear now by throwing on a jacket or cardigan while its sleeveless cut allows it to still work in the heat of full summer. 

I had the opportunity on Sunday to try on some fabulous looks put together for me by a Talbots stylist.  Can't recommend this service enough.  Here we added a color punch with the fushia denim jacket and the cobalt necklace.  We added a narrow black belt and a scarf that provides a bit of pattern mixing while providing a great vertical line. 

Outfit details: Nautical Stripe Dress - Talbots;  Denim Jacket - Talbots; Scarf, belt and Necklace - Talbots; Shoes - Michael Kors via Lord & Taylor.

The Mother of the Bride Dilemna

So the good news is that our oldest daughter Meghan is marrying her soul mate on March 24. She is very happy, her Dad and I are happy, we're pretty sure he is happy. There is a great deal of happiness going around.

The wedding is being planned in a short time frame, only four months from engagement to ceremony and reception. Meg landed a dress on her first visit to the bridal salon and her sister, Julie, had the same good luck when she went shopping for her maid of honor dress. Meg purchased a sample dress and her first fitting is this week. Jule's dress is in stock and will be here in two weeks.

Dad gets to wear the custom suit he had made before Julie's October 2009 wedding.

So everybody's ready to roll except for me. It's the story of our wedding life.

This post was written in November of 2011, but only published today.