Style: Understated Equals Elegance...

Less so often means more.  Coco Chanel, herself, once said, "Elegance is refusal." In fact, she is known to have recommended women remove at least one accessory before leaving the house.

What time is teaching me about style is that understated equals elegance.  Here, I've paired a simple pair of blue jeans and sweater + blouse combo with a cashmere menswear-inspired coat and understated (yet, quality) pieces to get a look that I think is surprisingly elegant.

Keeping things somewhat simplistic allows the statement pieces (like the coat and scarf) to stand out.  Plus, it's such a classic way to style.  Don't you think?

Cashmere Coat: Neiman Marcus

Cashmere Scarf: Cashmere Boutique

Jeans: Aeropostale

Boots: Mountain Lake (older)

Handbag: Vera Bradley

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Striped Chambray: No Brand (and consigned)

Sweater: No Brand (and older)

Gloves: Vintage Coach (gifted)

Share with me your thoughts on what elegance means to you.  Would adore hearing them!

Joy & grace, T.

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

My Friday Commitment...

Friday is my favorite day of the week. And, it's not just due to the reason you might think.

Friday is special because (for more years than I can remember) it's been a dedicated date night for Mark and me.  Sure, we generally go out on other nights during the week, but Friday is different...

You see, Friday is "all ours."  Barring rare (and very special) occasions, we commit not to make plans with friends or pursue solo activities (e.g. yoga class).  Our dedicated evening is well worth it...

Friday...it's dinner out; then, a walk outdoors or a great movie--cozied up at home.  Nothing fancy + lots of "chill" + a commitment to dedicated couplehood time= the most memorable day of the week.

Faux Fur Coat: Ann Taylor (consigned)

Cashmere Turtleneck: Consigned (still had original tags on it)

Lace Scarf: Chico's

Diamond Pendant: Gifted

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Black Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Milly

Bracelet: Vintage Tiffany (Etsy)

What's your favorite day of the week? Why?  Would love to hear about it!

Joy & peace, T.

DIY Skull & Roses Leather Bracelet

Love my new leather cord bracelet?  I made it myself, and I am so excited to spotlight it!

You see, the folks at endlessleather asked if I'd be interested in designing + crafting my own creation and featuring it on the blog.  I adore leather cord bracelets and was excited to make my own--especially after perusing their website (endlessleather's selection was fabulous!).  What I came up with was a "Skull & Roses" black leather cord bracelet.

I'm a novice at bracelet making, so my design is one anyone can replicate!  Here are the items I used (courtesy of endlessleather): 

Round leather cord, high quality, 4,0mm (black)

Connector for charms/beads

Closure #A, stainless steel, polish, inside- 4,0mm

"Skull with white crystal" charm

Big hole bead rose, 4,5mm (I used 12 of these. You can use less--if desired)

These are the "tools" I used from home: a scissors and two different types of pliers.  

I first slipped on the smallest end of the connector to the leather cord; along with the beads (6 on either side of the skull), charm connector and charm (skull).  Then, I crimped that end of the connector using pliers.

After sizing it on my wrist, I trimmed the leather cord down to where I wanted it--using a scissors.  Afterward, I slipped the larger end of the connector to the leather cord and crimped that end's connector using a larger pair of pliers.

There's nothing more exciting than designing and creating a lovely piece of jewelry I'll wear for years to come!  This project was both fun and empowering.  That's right--I'm already strategizing over the sweet leather cord item I will make next...

Do you love to create beautiful things?  Is it an empowering process for you, too?  Would love to hear your thoughts on creative joy!

Joy and peace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me (link up) and Confident Twosday. 

Time with Loved Ones...

Sorry for my absence this past week...  Mark and I just returned from a precious getaway to Indiana...

The first couple of days, we enjoyed time together in Bloomington, Indiana.  Our visit there was marked by lots of walking outdoors (both on campus and around town), shopping, dining, craft beer sipping, and viewing a couple of fab sports matches (football and basketball).  The selfie, below; I took in our hotel suite.

The remainder of our time away was blissfully spent with our families. Great food, treasured loved ones, and the chance to visit a few old "haunts" while back in our hometown.  The pics featured in this post were taken at the County Courthouse.  Isn't this a stately building?

A bittersweet note... We brought home Mark's mothers' cherished china from our trip.  Her love of family, cooking and gathering with those near and dear will be fondly remembered--each time we use these beautiful dishes.  The photo, below, includes a few of the pieces from the set.

 Scarf:  Old Navy

Leather Jacket: No Brand (and older)

Top: L.L. Bean

Black Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature

Boots: Nine West:

Gloves: Coach

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sunnies: Firmoo

More time with loved ones awaits us this week.  I adore the Thanksgiving holiday; largely because it affords us quality time with our dear family... Share with me your thoughts on time with loved ones. I'd love hearing about it!

Joy and grace, T.

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

My Dreams for Fall's Last Days...

Outside my office window, snow adorns the neighborhood rooftops. Soon, this lovely fall will be nothing but a splendid memory. Before she departs, I've a few final things I'd like to do...

I want to walk the breathtaking campus of my beloved Alma Mater; afterwards, browsing the many unique shops in the town of my former residence, Bloomington, Indiana...

I envision an afternoon in my sweet flower gardens; clearing the beds for the winter season that will soon be upon us...

I dream of giving thanks while in the treasured embrace of my beautiful family. Every moment of this precious time, I want to mindfully savor...

When I take time to write out my dreams (big and small), I'm more likely to actualize them...

Leather Jacket: Vintage J Crew (Etsy)

Sweater: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Skirt: Old Navy (thrifted)

Tights: ?

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Kate Spade

Faux Pearl Necklace: Vintage (Antique Shop)

Men's Watch: Pulsar (Gifted)

Sunnies: Firmoo

What are your dreams for the lovely season you are enjoying right now? Would love hearing them!

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. 

Art in Life

Art is in nature. It is architecture; even in its most insignificant form. Art is perfectly imperfect.

Art is the spoken word, the songs sung. It is my journaling practice. Art is whatever I want it to be.

Art is the style I carefully don. It's my day's agenda; when done with mindful purpose. Art is the actions lovingly taken; those things thoughtfully said.

Art sways my spirit. It makes my soul dance from deep within. Art is joy incarnate.

 Blazer: Ann Taylor (thrifted)

Cashmere Scarf: Cashmere Boutique (gifted)

Dress: Eddie Bauer (older)

Sunnies: Firmoo
Fleur De Lis Brooch: Vintage Weiss (Etsy)

Tights: ?

Heels: Nine & Co.

Handbag: Coach

Share with me your artful thoughts.  I'd love hearing them!

Joy + peace, T.

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

What I Wore: Rock Concert

If you read Tuesday's blog post, you know that Mark and I ventured off to Columbus (last weekend) for an overnight getaway.  These pics share what I wore for an evening out (which included dining and shopping in the Short North District and a Ryan Adams' concert at the Palace Theater).

From the day I bought it, I've always worn this dress as a tunic.  Last Saturday, however, I donned it as a dress.

It's a bit shorter than I typically like to wear.  But, hey... I was headed off to a rock concert (smile).

Wool Beret: Vintage (and Consigned)

Lace Top: Jones New York (Consigned)

Leather Jacket: No Brand (and Older)

Leopard Print Dress (worn as skirt): Vintage (Etsy)

Tights: Simply Vera Wang

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Boots: Nine West

Gloves: Coach

Handbag: Coach

Black Cat Scarves: One from Local Boutique; One Gifted

We had a fab weekend of play last week!  This week, we're homebound (painting our dining room and installing a new chandelier).  Honestly, life is all about balance, isn't it?

Joy and 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: Style Elixir *Rachel the Hat * Favorite Fashion Friday