My Reflections on This Past Fall...

These pics were taken a few weeks ago; when there were still a few leaves remaining on the trees.  Fall is almost a memory now; it's a happy one, however.

Some of my faves from this season (nearly past) include:

• welcoming our first grandchild
• savoring a Thanksgiving visit with our youngest son
• venturing off for a mini-vacay to Indiana
• enjoying a rock concert in Columbus
• visiting the college campus recently named "the second most beautiful in the U.S."
• sipping wine at a 1800's schoolhouse turned winery
• cheering my beloved Hoosiers on at a local stadium
• attending a play featuring zombies in it
• participating in a "spooky beers" craft beer tasting
• volunteering at an area school

A few other faves of mine include:

• speaking up for myself
• feeling self-confident while doing public speaking presentations
• enjoying a sense of creative pride
• journaling, journaling, journaling
• lunching with gal pals

Leather Jacket: No Brand

Sweater: Zara

Gloves: Coach

Jeans: Aeropostale

Sweater Vest: Coldwater Creek

Belt: Coach (Consigned)

Sunnies: Firmoo

Handbag: Coach

Boots: Vintage Kinney

Share with me your fave reflections of this fall nearly past. Would love hearing them!

Joy & grace, T.

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

Post-Thanksgiving Gratitude Reflections...

My Thanksgiving holiday is long over; yet, my gratitude abounds...

You see, a few days after the holiday, we welcomed our first grandchild into the world.  He's a beautiful baby boy, and so very sweet natured. Plus, there's always the cutest little grin on his face... He's truly beyond adorable!

Daughter-in-law and grandson are back home, now, and doing fine. And, our son... He is certainly one proud father!  We've enjoyed daily texted photos every day this past week. It's hard not to be continuously thankful.

This past weekend was fabulous.  I enjoyed a couple of dinner (and one breakfast) dates with Mark, and we finished decorating the house for the holidays on Saturday afternoon.  The most memorable thing we did, however, was to head to Michigan (on Sunday) to enjoy a visit with the newest member of our family and his fab parents (smile).

 Trench Coat: Target

Sweater: Talbots

Scarf: Local Boutique

Black Jeans: DKNY

Booties: Nine West

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Handbag: Vera Bradley

Gloves: Isotoner (gifted)

Statement Necklace: Purchased from Talented Artist Friend

Tell me what is making you thankful, today.  Would adore hearing about it!

Joy & grace & peace, T.

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

Style How To: Faux Fur Vest...

The faux fur vest is a trend that's here to stay--at least, for a bit...  I purchased mine about two years ago, and it's the ultimate "go to" clothing item.

The secret to styling a faux fur vest is not to over-style it.  In other words, I'm more likely to pair it with a pair of jeans than with anything too fussy (e.g. a formal gown or frilly dress).

That being said... Even when wearing it with jeans, a treasure such as this deserves to be combo'd with elegant items such as a cashmere sweater (or silk blouse) and a statement piece of jewelry (or two).  Here, I'm donning mine with a strand of pearls and a vintage bracelet.

Check out this past post to view another way I recently styled my vest.  It demonstrates how a monochrome outfit also provides a fab backdrop for this chic piece.

 Sunnies: Firmoo

Faux Fur Vest: Handmade by Etsy Vendor

Pearls: Family Heirloom

Cashmere Sweater: No Brand (and older)

Rose Gold Link Bracelet: Vintage (Etsy)

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters (older)

Suede Booties: GC Shoes (boutique purchase)

Handbag: Kate Spade

Share with me your secrets for styling a faux fur vest.  Would adore hearing them!

Joy and peace, T.

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

Self-acceptance First...

Recently, I was asked to deliver (as a volunteer) a program at an area high school on the topic of "human rights."  I was given "free reign" in how I'd structure my presentation; so, I went with what I knew to be true in my heart: everything begins from within.

My belief is that when we accept, love and refrain from judging our own selves, it enables us to be more  accepting, loving and non-judgmental toward others.  Fashion blogging has forced me to "put myself out there" on a regular basis.  I firmly believe it's allowed me to better accept, love and not judge myself, and, as a result, others.

Contemplative practices such as journaling, mindfulness in daily living, meditation and yoga have also strengthened my ability to accept, love and not judge myself.  As a result, I included an overview and exercise in journaling with the students that day.

I was shocked that none of the students had ever journaled before.  If even one individual is able to use any of the principles I shared to better accept, love and not judge herself or others, I have accomplished what I set out to do!

 Jean Jacket: ChiQle Denim Architect (boutique purchase)

Pants: Chaps

Sweater: Vintage

Sunnies: Jennifer Lopez

Boots: Nine West

Eiffel Tower Brooch: Vintage (Etsy)

Leather Backpack: Anthropologie
Opal Bracelet: Tidebuy (see it featured in this past post)

Share with me your thoughts on this matter.  Would love hearing them!

Joy, grace and peace, T.

BTW, take a moment to check out this recent interview of me on this fab blog dedicated to hosiery!

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

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.