Tailor-made Perfect...

Life sometimes isn't perfect... Take for instance the lighting in these photos--not the best, but that's okay.  Small, first-world problem, right?

Like my python-print maxi dress?  It's vintage Liz Claiborne.  I spied it at a local thrift shop a few weeks ago.  Initial problem: it was a couple of sizes too large. Major imperfection, right?

My solution? Take it to a tailor, and have it modified just for me! Perfect, huh?

Locally, there's a very talented tailor who has an adorable shop located in our quaint, historic downtown.  I hired her to hem and resize my dress (which only took a couple of days!).  Now, I have a lovely new-to-me dress that fits perfectly--and, was quite reasonably priced (from purchase to alteration).

Maxi Dress:  Liz Claiborne (thrifted)

Jean Vest: Old Navy

Jade Necklace: Vintage (antique store)

Fair Trade Bracelet: Bought at a boutique in Evergreen, Colorado

Shoes: Converse

Handbag: Kate Spade Saturday

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

So, tell me... Do you have a talented tailor that you use for clothing alterations--or, are you sewing savvy yourself (If so, I'm in awe!)?

Joy + peace, T.

Newfound, Old Treasures...

I'm wearing a newfound, old treasure... Actually, I'm wearing two newfound, old treasures...

Can you guess which pieces they are?  If you guessed my enamel pendant, you are, indeed, correct.  I bought it last month at a local antique shop. I adore enamel jewelry--especially vintage pieces.

Did you guess the other newfound, old treasure I'm wearing? It's my shoes!

I have owned these Teva sandals since 2000.  I enjoyed wearing them the first year or so after I bought them. Then, they were "shelved." The other day I pulled them out and enjoyed donning them on my day trip to Lake Huron.  They kept my feet comfy, and they paired perfectly with my outfit.

 Top: L.L. Bean

Shorts: Jones New York

Enamel Pendant: Vintage (bought at local antique store)

Sandals: Teva (and. a newfound, old treasure)

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Handbag: Fossil

Newfound, old treasures are great--whether they are thrift shop purchases or things we bring out of storage (from our own collections).  Share with me a fave newfound, old treasure of yours--with me.  I'd love hearing about it!

Joy & peace, T.

I Heart Resourcefulness...

These pics were taken en route to last week's local Zonta Club's Solstice Wine Tasting event (read more about this fab event in this past post).  Yup, I featured these shorts in a post only the week prior... Yet, that's okay; I'm thrilled to do so.

You see, there was a time (a few years back) that I felt I needed to always don something new to special events. Not so--these days--as I've found the grace of resourcefulness.

Resourcefulness is me finding great ways to style what's already in my closet (everything I wore (that night) was already hanging in my closet).  Makes me feel creative, empowered and responsible.  These are all things I adore!

Resourcefulness is also found in gleaning inspiration from others.  Uh huh, both stylings of these shorts were inspired by others' styling of their shorts.  I love the pairing of a dress blazer with these linen shorts--don't you?

Blazer: Peace of Cloth

Blouse: Forever 21

Linen Shorts: Liz Claiborne

Shoes: Target

Handbag: Vintage Coach

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

I bought the lovely painting above at a silent auction during the wine tasting I attended (Huge hugs to my friend Mona--who stopped bidding when she found out I had my "cap" set for this painting!).  The proceeds from last week's auction will benefit a local scholarship program for non-traditional women college students; plus, it's going to be perfect for our recently-remodeled master bedroom.  Now, that is what I call resourceful (smile).

Share with me your thoughts on what it means to be resourceful.  I would love hearing them!

Joy and peace, T.

My New Journal...

You may not know this about me (or, you might)... I am an avid journal writer.

One morning last week, I realized only a few blank pages remained in my current journal. Shopping for a new journal is a super-huge deal for me. Often, I'll plan a special "artist's date" with myself to browse book stores and gift shops--with a goal of finding that special, new treasure.

This past weekend, Mark and I enjoyed a day trip with our oldest son and daughter-in-law; exploring quaint villages and lovely sites along Lake Huron.  At a general store in a sweet lakeside town, I unexpectedly spied and purchased what will soon become my new journal.

Featured below are pics of my current and soon-to-be journals...

Current (I adorned this one, myself--using a hardcover notebook)...

Soon-to-be current...

T-shirt: Crown Jewel

Scarf (worn as belt): Liz Claiborne (vintage)

Jeans: J Crew

Sandals: Payless (older)

Handbag: Sole Society

Sunnies: Firmoo

Men's Diamond Watch: Elgin (bought at yard sale!)

Bracelet: Fossil

Art Deco Glass Pendant: Vintage via Etsy 

Do you journal?  I would adore hearing how this practice has enhanced your life (or how you think it might--if you don't currently journal).

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this blog post (on Monday) to the Two Birds' Blog.

Style: What Inspires You?

Sure, at times, I'll stand inside my closet and quickly fashion a day's outfit.  Often, however, I'm inspired (on how to dress) by a photo I've seen online, or by one I've seen on a movie or in a magazine.

Turns out that the outfit featured in this post was inspired by one I'd seen on another blog.  Check out what inspired me by clicking here.

Ever see something that inspires you, but later forget exactly what you saw?  That happened to me one time too many...

Now, I often use my art journal to craft seasonal and themed style boards.  To view one of my own style boards, click here.

 Blouse: Forever 21

Linen Shorts: Liz Claiborne (have had these for years)

Belt: J Crew

Shoes: Charming Charlie

Handbag: Juicy Couture

Polka Dot Bangle: Vintage (bought at an antique shop in Michigan)

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Goldtone Bracelet: Fossil

Sunnies: Firmoo

What inspires your style? Would adore hearing about it!

Joy & peace, T.

The Joy of Paying It Forward...

One day last week, I treated myself to a soy smoothie from Starbucks.  Actually, someone else did--unexpectedly...

You see, it was raining that day. So, I went through the drive through for my purchase.  When I pulled up to pay, I was told the woman two cars ahead of me had already paid for my treat.  There wasn't anyone behind me that day, but I vowed to pay it forward--somehow...

A few days later, I did.  I offered to do something for someone I know, professionally.  This individual has had an incredibly difficult year, and I wanted to lighten her load a bit--to pay it forward.  Feels good, too...

    Jean Shirt: Fossil

Embroidered Skirt: Chico's

Heels: Nine West

Belt: Chaps via Kohl's

Handbag: Marc Jacobs

Sunnies: Nine West

Stone Bracelet: Gift Shop in Nassau, Bahamas

Men's Watch: Hubby's (reclaimed)

Pull On Bracelet: Vintage (and consigned)

Necklace: Purchased from Talented Artist Friend

Share with me a recent pay it forward experience you've enjoyed.  Would love to hear about it!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post (on Monday) to the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday blog post.

My June Artist's Date...

Last Saturday, I embarked upon a yummy artist's date. If the term "artist's date" is not one that's familiar to you, please feel free to check out this past post.

You see, we're in the process of doing a bit of renovation at Bradley Manor (smile) this summer (No, the building in the background is not my home. It's the local Courthouse.).  Since we're freshening things up, my quest focused upon a search for a few finishing pieces for the master bedroom (comforter, throw pillows, decorative bureau top items, etc.).

As a result... I journeyed to a quaint, historic little town about 10 minutes from where we live. Enjoyed browsing at an artist's sculpture gallery and antique shop before heading to the mall (to search for bedding items).

I am honestly amazed at the creative, energizing benefits I reap from these solo dates I take with myself.  As I left the antique shop, and headed to my vehicle, I spotted a lovely cluster of pale pink peonies (faves of mine) blooming a few blocks away.  I strolled over and snapped a few photos.  I plan on having one printed and framed for my workplace office (where I've already displayed a collection of peony photos I've taken over the last few years).

 Lace Shirt: Lucky Brand (consigned)

Tunic: Vintage via Etsy

Skirt: Tailor B Moss (I've had this skirt for 10+ years--still love it!)

Leather Belt: Thrifted

Handbag: Kate Spade

Shoes: Zara

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Stone Bracelet: Gift shop in Nassau, Bahamas

Sunnies: Firmoo

Featured below, is one of the peony pics I took.  I've also included a photo of an item I purchased for our dresser top (we've hung black and white photos of trees in our bedroom--thought the leaf sculpture was a perfect piece!).

So, tell me... Do you take artist's dates?  Share with me one that's recently brought you happiness!

Joy & peace, T.

Life Always Appears Calmer on the Other Side...

One day, last week, I had a sacred day off from work... Well, sort of...

You see, we scheduled an appliance repair and the installation of wood flooring--both on the same day.  My duties that day was to simply "be here." The real fun began at about 8:30 a.m. That's when both the repair person and installation folks arrived within minutes of each other.

Here's my big takeaway: there's more calm being in the office on the most "chaotic" of days than in one morning when dealing with two different home repair teams at once.  Literally, I had three people asking me questions or requesting that I handle something (e.g. back my vehicle out of the garage) all at the same time.  Add to that various instances of oops (including the fact that a final visit is needed to install the finishing pieces around the doorways (total surprise to me!)).

Happily, the next morning, appliance in top working order and lovely wood floors in place, I glided off to work--quite thankful for both the newness in my home environment (post a home renovation); but also feeling gratitude to be headed to my office (versus repeating the day before).  Funny how life always appears calmer on the other side, isn't it?

Jacket: Talbots

Camisole: Chicos

Linen Pants: Chicos

Heels: Candies via Kohl's

Sunnies: Nine West

Silk Scarf: Oscar de la Renta (consigned)

Faux Pink Pearls: Vintage via Etsy

Mother of Pearl Bangle: Vintage (antique store)

Handbag: Milly

Joy & peace. T.