Inspired Style

Being inspired is akin to receiving a gift--one wrapped up in the prettiest of paper and adorned with an amazingly-luscious bow.  In short, inspiration is that fabulous little spark that leads me to creatively put my own spin on my art, writing, work and wardrobe stylings.

The inspiration for this outfit was gleaned from Two Birds, a fab blog I enjoy tuning in to read.  My beloved trench and blue jeans are two items I wear frequently--just not together.  I loved this unusual pairing of items from first sight.  You can check out others' renditions of this pairing (alongside mine) on today's Inspiration Monday link-up.

Friday eve, as I left work, I saw a young woman walking along the sidewalk.  Right away, I though, "Great look!"  Interesting enough--I realized a moment later--she was sporting a trench paired with jeans.  Hmmm... Might be a look that's inspiring more than just a few of us!

 Trench Coat: Townhouse Petites (vintage)

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Chambray Shirt: Fossil

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Lambswool Sweater: Cambridge Dry Goods via TJ Maxx

Shoes: Target

Handbag: Vera Bradley (gifted)

Texting Gloves: Gifted

Statement Necklace: Consigned (Reinvent Boutique in Saline, MI)

On a side note... This added bit of info may inspire others to begin building a wardrobe comprised of quality, basic staple pieces... The trench coat I'm wearing is one I purchased in the fall of 1986.  It was a huge splurge at the time, but it was one I believed I'd wear for years to come.  Turns out, I have!

Share with me your fave style inspirations! I would adore hearing them.

Hugs & joy, T.

Lesson Learned from Nature: Graceful Endurance

Amidst a busy yesterday, I came across the most glorious sight... Cold--despite the sweater, jacket, gloves and other assorted items of clothing I had thrown on--I paused in awe... There it was--standing bold and proud--despite chill temps in the lower 40's...a lovely purple iris.

So graceful--despite her age, and regardless of the adverse environment all around her.  Her proud stand in this world was merely a natural condition...

Still in a state of amazement, post snapping a few pics, I began to place my cell phone in my handbag.  That's when I caught a glimpse of these lovelies--only a few feet away... Yes, they are November roses!  They, as well, affirmed to me the possibilities graceful endurance can bring...

Joy, peace and hugs to you this gorgeous Friday! T.

The Fine Art of Self-Negotiation...

Ever make a deal with yourself?  I do; somewhat frequently, actually.

Take--for instance--last evening... After sitting at my desk all day, I knew I needed to engage in a spot of exercise after work.  Yesterday, however, was this chill, gray misty day--the kind that makes you want to go home and curl up on the sofa for a nap.

Guess what?  I ended up bartering with myself a bit, and allowed myself time to do both (smile).

You see, the older I get, the wiser I get.  This means I'm also getting better at realizing I can (oftentimes) "have my cake and eat it, too."

Yup, rarely are there instances of "it's this way or not at all." Unfortunately, it's taken me years to understand this, though.  Oh well, better late than never, right?

Cardigan: Ralph Lauren

Silk Scarf: Oscar De La Renta (consigned via ReVue in Columbus, OH)

LBD: I.N. Studio via Dillard's

Belt: Chaps via Kohl's

Tights: Apt. 9 via Kohl's

Booties: Nine West

Statement Necklace: Vintage (bought at an area antique shop)

Sunnies: Nine West via TJ Maxx

Do you engage in the art of self-negotiation?  Share your thoughts. I'd love hearing them!

Hugs & joy, T.

Self-Care: Treat Yourself!

Monday, I took myself out on a solo lunch date.  Nothing fancy--just enjoyed a chocolate-banana soy smoothie; then picked up a to go java to sip back at the office.  It was a treat, though--nonetheless.

This past weekend, while poring over the coming week's calendar, I realized I have a salon cut + highlights scheduled for Thursday evening.  Although some may view this as "basic maintenance,"  I prefer to see it as "a luxurious block of time to treat myself."

Remembering Thursday's salon expedition spurred me to pencil in a few more dates for next week: a pedi on Tuesday and a massage on Wednesday. Yum, yes? Both these treats are long overdue, BTW!

Bomber Jacket: J Crew (vintage via Etsy)

Cardigan: Liz Claiborne (10+ years old)

Linen Dress: J Crew

Gloves: Coach (vintage via Etsy)

Silk Scarf: Consigned (Cactus Flower in Bloomington, IN)

Tights: Simply Vera Wang via Kohl's

Booties: Mountain Lake (oldies)

Pull out your calendar and schedule a few treats for yourself.  Would love to hear what you come up with!

Joy, peace and happy Wednesday! T.

Creative Style Expression: Cat Woman

"Style is based on who you are." --Isabella Rossellini

Mark and I are the proud pet parents of a lovely diva tabby cat we adopted from the Lucas County Humane Shelter a few years back.  Her name is Tabitha, and you can read her story, here...

I believe how I dress should express who I am.  Clearly, from what I wore last Saturday...I am, indeed, a cat woman (smile). Proud of it too!

These pics were taken Saturday morning, downtown, following a breakfast date with Mark.  Saturday evening, we headed to a local sports bar to watch the Indiana University Hoosiers play football on the big screen.  Normally, I'd have worn red or one of my Hoosier-themed pieces of clothing.  I just wasn't "feeling it" this past week; so, I didn't go that way...

Leather Jacket: No Brand (and a closet fave for some time)

Hat: Target

Gloves: Target

Scarf: Local Boutique Purchase (Calico, Sage & Thyme)

Cashmere Sweater: No Brand (and over 10 years old!)

Boots: Nine West (my fave brand--I own three pairs of their boots)

Jeans: Chico's

This brings me to another important point... My personal style expression should be representative of what I'm feeling the day I don it.  One day, that might be via a Hoosier t-shirt and matching beanie--the next a cashmere sweater paired with an assortment of feline prints...

What are your tips for personal style expression?  Please share! I would love hearing them!

Hugs & joy, T.

A Departure from the Norm...

Normally, I wouldn't go dressed this casually to work.  After all, I'm a manager--I'm an administrator, actually...

I did this past Friday, though... And, it turns out, shaking things up a bit ended up feeling pretty good!

Something else about this past Friday... Normally, Mark and I dine out for dinner, downtown, at a fave restaurant of ours.  Last Friday, though, we departed from our standing Friday night routine.  Traveling to a great pizza pub in Perrysburg (about 10 minutes from where we live), we joined up with a wonderful group of folks to celebrate the engagement of one of Mark's co-workers.  It was an amazing departure from the norm!

I'm all about switching up the "day-in-day-out" from time-to-time.  Some of the most revolutionary turning points in my life have been a result of making little changes--that eventually resulted in larger ones.  Case in point: In the summer of 1988, working full-time as a secretary and feeling somewhat disenchanted with my work life, I decided to change things up a bit by taking a university class in the evenings--after I got off work.  Next thing I knew, I had made the decision to quit my job and enroll full-time in college.  Four years later, I had completed my Bachelor's Degree.  A few years after that, I was holding the diploma for my Master's Degree. You see, one little change led to many others!

Beanie: Urban Outfitters (clearance!)

Jean Shirt: Piace Boutique (Bloomington, IN)

Cashmere Sweater: Michael Kors (vintage via Etsy)

Pants: Chaps Ralph Lauren via Kohl's (bought with Kohl's Cash!)

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Booties: Mountain Lake (oldies)

Mother-of-Pearl Pendant: Vintage via Etsy

Speaking of a departure from the normal... Due to last Thursday's severe storms, Trick-or-Treat was rescheduled until last evening.  The pic below is a scene from our dining room--where we enjoyed listening to Halloween music between visits from ghouls and goblins (smile).

What little shifts can you implement into your routines this week?  I dare you to try them! Never know what treasures they will lead you to, right?

Hugs & joy, T.

November Reflections...

I snapped these pics last weekend on a day trip to Michigan.  The sight of these waning blooms affirmed the fact that summer has truly passed. They've brought me to a more reflective state of mind...

In this past few days, it's fully hit me... Not only is the summer over; another sparkling-fresh new year has nearly expired as well.  Since 2012, I've selected a mantra for the coming new year; shortly before the old one draws to a close.  Doing so, has yielded amazing results.

In 2012, my mantra was "No Regrets."  With it came a greater sense of courage.  This year's was "Self-authored," and it has brought about an almost effortless feeling of self-empowerment.

This month, I hope to carve out time to further reflect upon what I hope to manifest in 2014.  My chosen mantra (once selected) will serve as a great guidepost in getting me there.

Are you (like me) suddenly realizing 2014 is fast approaching? Do you also enjoy engaging in deep reflections this time of year?

Wishing you a fab weekend! Joy, hugs & peace.  T.