The Power of Focus...

I gotta admit... Focus doesn't come naturally to me--that is--without specific effort to do so...

That's where my journal comes into play... It helps me to discern where it is I most want to concentrate my efforts.

There's something else, though... Over time, I've learned to only focus on a couple of priorities at a time.

For someone with scads upon scads of ideas, honing down my priorities can truly be a challenge.  Nevertheless, time has taught me I'm most effective when I only select a couple of key areas where I want to expend my efforts (versus trying to implement many goals at once).

 Top: Talbot's (thrifted)

Jeans: DKNY

Scarf: Handmade via an Etsy Vendor

Handbag: Vera Bradley

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Shoes: Charming Charlie

Bracelet: Vintage and Consigned

Watch: Geneva

Pendant: Bought at a Jewelry Party

What helps you gain focus?  What are your secrets for attaining focus?  Would love to hear!

Joy & peace, T.

Luxury via an Elabore Silk Stole and Evening Stroll...

Recently, the folks at Elabore asked if I'd like to feature one of their glam silk stoles on my blog.  Doing a bit a research, beforehand, here's what I learned about Elabore: Established in 1974, Elabore is an utterly appealing luxury brand of sophisticated and well-groomed shawls, foulards and scarves for every generation.

A lover of all things extravagant, I quickly accepted their offer. So glad I did, too!

This lovely silk stole (featured in today's blog post) is part of Elabore's upcoming December 2014 collection. Softly silky, high quality, and so easy to style, it's a luxurious accessory I will cherish for years to come.

My sweet Elabore stole is elegant and worthy enough to wear to a special dinner date out with Mark and an early evening stroll afterwards. And...yes, that is exactly what I enjoyed--post the taking of these pics (smile).  Luxurious, yes?

Elaborestore.com offers free shipping.  This, no doubt, is something I adore, too.

 Silk Stole: c/o Elaborestore.com

Hat: Nine West

Maxi Dress: TranquiliT

Armwarmers: TranquiliT

Handbag: Tommy Hilfiger

Heels: Nine West

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Joy and peace, T.

A Moment of Gratitude: Lovely Summer...

Perhaps it's due to the extreme winter weather we had here in northwest Ohio (only a few months ago), but I truly cannot remember a more beautiful summer than the one we are having this year.  Every day seems like a "walk in a garden" sort of day--breezy, mild, gorgeous...

Even when it rains, it's lovely... Yup, amidst the wet stuff, I find myself grateful it's not snowing or icing.

Beautiful summers simply make me happy--all on their own.  When I actually take time to mindfully acknowledge what I'm thankful for...well, the joy just triples.

 Chambray Shirt: Fossil

Belted Skirt: White House Black Market (thrifted (had original price tag still on it))

Shoes: Anne Klein

Handbag: Michael Kors

Watch: Geneva

Enamel Bracelet: Kohl's

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Glass Art Deco Beads: Vintage via Etsy

Share with me your thoughts of gratitude.  I'd truly enjoy hearing them!

Joy & peace !  T.

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

Style Musings: Pairing White + Cream

Ever pair white and cream?   It's a color combo I find to be so rich, chic and elegant. Don't you?

Cream and white pairings work well regardless of the season.  Yet, coupling cream with white jeans creates an exquisite summertime look.

What about you?  Do you ever pair cream with white?  Yay or nay, please let me know!

 Scarf: Louis Vuitton (consigned)

Top: J Crew (consigned)

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Shoes: Zara

Handbag: Marc Jacobs

Sunnies: Vera Bradley
Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)
Bracelet: Fossil
Earrings: Vintage Monet

Joy and peace, T.

What I Wore: Evening Garden Party...

A dear friend recently invited me to attend an evening garden party fundraiser at Schedel Gardens.  Without hesitation, I eagerly accepted her sweet invitation...

Although I didn't take any pics in the garden or at the party (too busy having fun there), I've sprinkled nature/art photos I took at that same garden (on my last visit there)--amongst the photos featured here (in this post) of what I wore that night.

One morning last week (while writing in my journal), I vowed to increase my efforts at cultivating community.  Interestingly enough, the invite to attend this community-based event with a friend materialized the next day...

No doubt, I am a firm believer in the power of telling the universe what I need/want.  Often, that's done via my beloved journal...

And...my lovely floral skirt... Well, post invite, I visited a local thrift shop--in the hopes of finding a fab floral dress or skirt--one perfect for a garden party.  This one was my size, a J. Jill and in mint condition... Sold (smile)!

 Linen Top: Flax

Maxi Skirt: J. Jill (thrifted)

Shoes: Zara

Hat: Consigned (and vintage)

Sunnies: Target

Pearls: Vintage (antique store purchase)

Bracelet: Vintage Monet (antique store purchase)

Belt: Banana Republic

Share with me your thoughts of what to wear at a garden party, journal writing and/or asking for what you want/need to thrive.  Would love to hear about it!

Joy & peace!  T.