Reflections on October Faves...

What a great month it's been! Yes, I've been super-busy at work--with deadlines hitting left and right. Nevertheless, I'm thankful for those challenges--along with an assortment of super-fun times that have come my way this October.  Today, I've featured a few of those within this post.

Celebrating at Andrew & Amanda's baby shower

Receiving this adorable little witch (an unexpected gift from a co-worker)

 Enjoying local ghost lore and Movie Night

 Wine trailing in eastern Ohio

Historic Roscoe Village

Self-nurturing + getting this lovely gifted black cat scarf (Thank you, Karolanne!)

Attending a local play: Night of the Living Dead (It was awesome!!!)

Opening my workplace office door (one morning) to find this

Boss's Day Gift from a sweet employee (Mini Pumpkin + Vintage Thread Spools)

Savoring a Halloween-themed Beer Tasting (Scary Beers)

 Jacket: Vintage

Sweater: Zara

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Banana Republic (thrifted--still had original price tag on it!)

Tights: No brand

Booties: Nine West

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Skulls Scarf: Consigned (shop along Newbury Street, Boston, MA)

Skull Gloves: Yak & Yeti

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff

Watch: Geneva

Stone Bracelet: Gift shop in Nassau, Bahamas

Black + White Bracelet:  Vintage (and consigned)

Share with me your October reflections. I would adore hearing about them!

Happy Halloween! Joy, grace & peace, T.

This post will be linked (Thursday) to:  Treasure Tromp  * Let Your Light Shine  * Spotlight Weekly * Over 50 Feeling 40 * Simply Just Lovely and on (Friday) to: Simple Sequins  * Style Elixir *Rachel the Hat * Favorite Fashion Friday 

What to Wear: Autumn Baby Shower...

This weekend, Mark and I attended a baby shower, held in honor of our very first grandchild (due to arrive sometime prior to the close of this year!).  Yes, a little more than two years ago (this month) we gathered to celebrate the nuptials of my oldest son, Andrew, and his lovely bride, Amanda. Mark and I are fifty-something empty nesters--who adore being parents.  Imagine the joy in our hearts as we await our little grandson's arrival!!!

I have to admit... I truly didn't know what to wear, though, to an autumn baby shower. A spring or summertime baby shower--that, I believe I could have figured out.  Fall, though...I was (at first) clueless on what might work. The "old school" in me was initially thinking "pastels."

Nevertheless, my true inclination was to don my two black cat scarves.  You see, they are seasonally appropriate, but there's another reason... From the time my oldest son was a baby, I've lovingly referred to him as "my little kitten."  He's a cat lover, too; hence, the scarves seemed to be a perfect choice. These scarves cry out for pairing with other black pieces; which left me asking, "Will this work for a baby shower?" I decided it would!

Interestingly enough, I later came across this great Pinterest board on what to wear to a baby shower.  There, a cat print (and black) dress featured prominently displayed!

There was another issue at hand, however: how to incorporate both scarves (the darker of the two was gifted to my a few weeks ago from my gorgeous baby sis, Karolanne) into my ensemble... After perusing a few websites, I came up with an impromtu "hybrid" of my own. I'm not even sure I could replicate it again, but the lesson I learned, is that there's always a way to make it happen--if there's the will!

Hat: August Hat Company

Lambswool Sweater: T.J. Maxx (older)

Black Cat Scarves: Beige one from local boutique; Taupe one gifted (Thank you, Karolanne!)

Black Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature

Heels: Nine & Co.

Lace Top: Jones New York (consigned)

Handbag: Coach

Sunnies: Firmoo

Share with me your thoughts on what to wear to an autumn baby shower.  Would love to hear them!

Joy & peace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me (link up) and Confident Twosday. On Wednesday, linking to: What I Wore: The Pleated Poppy.

Loving Now and Tomorrow...

Mark's got a phone app that alerts him of breaking, headline-worthy news. One evening last week, as we were watching a movie at home, he told me, "Honey, Oscar de la Renta passed away."

Solemnly, I vowed to pull out my treasured Oscar de la Renta scarf the next day--in his memory; which I did. Then, I got to thinking...

What do I know about Oscar de la Renta--other than the fact he was a talented fashion designer? It's a question I'm glad I asked myself.  I came upon this great article, where I learned he was not only a doting husband, animal lover/rescuer, and generous philanthropist, but a person with solid values that are rarely found within the business realm these days (look at the article's comments, you'll see what I mean).

One personal take away from the article was something Oscar de la Renta, himself, told the interviewer.  It was about his not being caught up in the past--but rather--focusing on "loving now and tomorrow."  Isn't that a lovely thought?

So many times it's easy to pine away over how great things used to be, or to painfully relive things gone wrong in the past.  Loving now and tomorrow holds so much more promise and purpose, doesn't it?

 Suede Jacket: Coldwater Creek (older)

Silk Blouse: Banana Republic (consigned via Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)

Silk Scarf: Oscar de la Renta (consigned)

Enamel/Goldtone Necklace: Vintage (local antique shop)

Tights: Simply Vera Wang

Leather Skirt: Vintage (Vintage Vogue)

Booties: Nine West

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Handbag: Vintage Dooney and Bourke (Capital Antiques, Frankfort, KY)

Tell me what you're loving about now and tomorrow.  I'd love hearing about that--or your thoughts on the late + great Oscar de la Renta.

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style on Sunday and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday on Monday.

Blissfully Enjoying Seasonal Fun...

One of life's greatest joys is indulging in each season's unique splendors.  Although I'm not ready to officially commit, fall might be my fave time of year...

Tonight, Mark and I are headed off to watch a play on the local college campus: Night of the Living Dead. How's that for a bit of seasonal fun?!?

Since it's going to be a late night, I scheduled vacation leave for myself tomorrow. Think I'll enjoy a walk outdoors at some point during my special day off--enjoy the lovely season's brilliant foliage...

Going to bake some pumpkin brownies, too, for Friday evening's movie night.  Check out this past post to find out more about this Bradley family Halloween tradition. It's definitely my idea of seasonal fun.

Denim on denim is a look that is perfect for fall. I've always loved the combination, but wasn't sure if I could "pull it off." Decided to "go for it" by making it fun (via zebra print pants and a brightly-hued belt).   Glad I did, too! Doing so has inspired me to don this pairing more often.

Jean Jacket: American Eagle (older)

Jean Shirt: J Crew Factory

Pants: Chaps

Belt: Banana Republic

Handbag: Kate Spade

Heels: Candies via Kohl's

Headband: Dollar Tree

Sapphire Pendant: Gifted

Sunnies: Firmoo

Okay, now it's your turn... Share with me some seasonal fun you've got brewing!

Joy, big fun and hugs, T.

This post will be linked (Thursday) to:  Treasure Tromp  * Let Your Light Shine  * Spotlight Weekly * Over 50 Feeling 40 * Simply Just Lovely and on (Friday) to: Simple Sequins  * Style Elixir *Rachel the Hat * Favorite Fashion Friday 

Enjoying a Life More Present...

My quest for a more mindful existence is one I embarked upon roughly six years ago...  Am I there yet?  Um, no, I'm not--at least, not fully.

And, you know, I've began to wonder if such a thing as being fully mindful--one hundred percent of the time--is even possible.  After all, humans' minds wander.  To some extent, that's what they were meant to do, right?

That's okay, though. The efforts I've taken these past few years have made me much more mindful and present than I've ever been in my life.  That, I adore! Sipping my morning java and truly savoring its taste, stopping at a traffic light and soaking in the gorgeous skies before me, carefully choosing my response (versus responsively reacting) when asked that "interesting" question... Yes, it's all good stuff...

 Field Jacket: Old Navy

Top: J Crew (consigned)

Belt: Vintage Michael Kors (Etsy)

Maxi Skirt: J Jill (thrifted)

Boots: Vintage Kinney (Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)

Handbag: Anthropologie

Sunnies: Firmoo

Watch: Michael Kors (gifted)

Jade Necklace: Vintage (antique shop purchase)

Share with me one transformational quest you've embarked upon.  Would love hearing about it!

Joy and grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me (link up) and Confident Twosday. On Wednesday, linking to: What I Wore: The Pleated Poppy.

BTW, I'm over the moon to be featured on today's Garay Treasures' blog post!  Check it out!!! :)

Style Fun: Mixing Times Three + Other Goodies...

This post actually has three purposes...  Can you guess what they are?

1. To demonstrate (yet another) way to style argyle.  See this past post for other ways to don this great classic.

2.  To show it's indeed possible to mix "times three." Here, I've mixed two different polka dot pieces along with a treasured argyle sweater my son and daughter-in-law gifted me.

3. To convey that being perfectly matched is no longer the goal.  These dark pink tights aren't a precise match to my sweater; yet, they are the perfect compliment and make this outfit far more interesting (in my opinion!).

Cashmere Cardigan: Gifted

Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: Target

Tights: Dillards

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Milly

Sunnies: Nine West

Share a style goody with me.  I would love it if you did!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style on Sunday and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday on Monday.