Sunday, May 31, 2015

Recent Insights...



Ever stop, and suddenly say, "Hmmm?" The last few weeks, I seem to be doing a good deal of that.


It's not a bad thing, mind you. It's actually good.  Means I'm self-assessing; paying attention more; heeding life's little messages.

 Top: Talbot's (thrifted; similar + very affordable alternative)
Skirt: No brand (similar)
Peep-toe Booties: Steve Madden
Jasper Beads: Vintage
Sunnies: Ray Ban
Handbag: Coach (love this similar option)
Watch: Coach (gifted; adore this one, too)
Stone Bracelet: Resort Gift Shop (Nassau, Bahamas)


Here are a few of life's recent insights I've received:

  • just ask; the response may be one that benefits;
  • when it's right, act; don't wait;
  • never underestimate the value of "big picture" thinking;
  • it never hurts to expect the best; and
  • self-praise is the only variety that truly matters.


Share with me your recent insights. Would adore hearing them!

Joy & grace, T.

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

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Day Trip: Hayes Presidential Center + First Ladies' Go Red Exhibit



I don't remember my mother reading "Mother Goose" to me (that often) as a child.  Don't feel badly for me, though...


Instead, she generally read stories to me from a reference book--about the U.S. Presidents; providing me with a true love of history. My undergraduate degree is in History and my graduate degree is in Public Administration, so I think her selection of story reading had a favorable impact upon me (smile).


As an adult, I've begun to visit the homes of the U.S. Presidents--one by one... See a related post here.


This past Saturday, Mark and journeyed to Fremont, Ohio (not far from where we live).  We enjoyed a tour of President Rutherford B. Hayes' home (It was gorgeous, and more of a mansion than a mere "home.") and the Rutherford B. Hayes Museum/Library.


What's truly fascinating is that the museum was hosting a special exhibit in cooperation with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign (see why this is a cause near and dear to me here). The exhibit featured red dresses worn by a select number of American First Ladies and various celebrities (on behalf of the Go Red for Women campaign).


The lives and apparel of the American First Ladies have become a recent fascination of mine as well.  See a related post here.


My fave celebrity dress was Emmylou Harris'...


This red dress was once sported by First Lady Lucy Hayes...


These pics were all taken onsite at the Hayes Presidential Center.  And, yes, this is what I wore. It was still a bit cool and breezy; plus, we did scads of walking that day. So, this ensemble worked quite well.

Top: L.L. Bean (love this one)
Scarf: Coach (gifted; updated version)
Gray Jeans: Forever 21(majorly affordable)
Sneakers: Converse (very similar option)
Sunnies: Vera Bradley
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff
Watch: Kate Spade (gifted)
Garnet Bracelet: c/o Anjolee
Siberian Jade Bracelet: Vintage Tiffany (Etsy)
Nails: Essie Angora Cardigan
Lips: NARS Scarlet Empress


Joy & peace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style SessionsGaray Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday

Monday, May 25, 2015

Review: RBX Active Brand's Patterned Capri Legging



When the folks at RBX Active asked if I'd like to take their patterned capri legging out for a test "run," I eagerly accepted the offer to do so.  You see, exercise is essential to my well being. It's one of the many ways I care for myself.


Also important, is that I like to look/feel just as "pulled together" when I work out as I do at any other time.  I adore the fact these leggings were patterned as they easily matched with pieces I already owned.  


I tested RBX Active's patterned capri legging out on an hour-long evening power walk this past weekend, and I was not disappointed.  I move at a pretty fast clip and experienced no rubbing of my skin (something I cannot say about several other brands I've tried).


Another impressive feature is these leggings wick well (meaning they pull the moisture from the skin; keeping me nice and dry).  In fact, they beat out my Nike shirt in that regard.


I threw these leggings in the washer afterwards... Happily, they didn't stretch or fade; which is another important hurdle to transcend--in my opinion.


I'm impressed enough with RBX Active's patterned capri legging that I am comfortable sharing with my blog readers a coupon code for a 25% discount (good through 7/31/15). There will be free shipping added for purchases over $50 (after coupon deduction). The code is: Active25 and you can access their website at: http://www.rbxactive.com/t/power-collection



Joy & grace, T.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Style: Summer Holiday Weekend Wear



How's your weekend going?  Mine's been wonderful, and the best thing is that it continues with Monday's Memorial Day holiday!


Just a quick post--as I enjoy sacred time with loved ones this weekend. To me, there's nothing that says, "Summertime," more than a fresh white tee.  Paired with a vibrant-hued circle skirt, a sweet pair of sandals and a classic handbag, it's a great choice for kicking off summer's first official weekend. 


Mark and I stopped and snapped these pics at a local tennis court prior to heading downtown for dinner this past Friday evening.  An outfit like this is perfect for a lovely, early-summer night out.



Tee: Petit Bateau (similar and on sale)
Washable Silk Skirt: Thrifted (another lovely option)
Belt: Coach
Sandals: Franco Sarto (similar)
Handbag: Kate Spade (love this one)
Sunnies: Vera Bradley (older; updated option)
Watch: Coach (gifted; similar)
Bracelet: Fossil
Pearls: Vintage


Well wishes to you on this beautiful, extended weekend!

Joy & peace, T.

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

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Leopard Print Made Summer Perfect


I've said it before: "Style is a great launching place for honing one's personal creativity levels." Through style, there are also many opportunities for stress reduction through fun, creative play.


Case in point:  One of my fave ways to de-stress is to block out "playtime" for myself; pulling different pieces from my closet and pairing them, creatively.  It's within these times, that I enjoy finding ways to maximize the wardrobe pieces I already own, let my imagination reign freely, and emerge with a real sense of satisfaction from what transpires.


As a result of one of those recent endeavors (smile),  I discovered an adoration for blush paired with leopard print.  It is summertime perfect, and reminds me of something that would have been worn in a glamorous, bygone era. Here, I added a fave vintage brooch to this ensemble to heighten that feel.   Black pumps and a classic pair of sunglasses complete the look.

Jacket: Talbot's (love this blush blazer on sale)
Dress: Jones New York (adore this leo print dress)
Tights: c/o Kushyfoot
Shoes: Michael Kors
Brooch: Vintage (Etsy)
Watch: Coach (gifted)
Bracelet: Fossil
Sunnies: Ray Ban
 

Share with me your thoughts on the color blush, leopard print and the benefits of mindful styling.  Would love to hear them!

Just a note, I will be collaborating with Dresslink; featuring this stylish blazer and this sweet dress sometime in June. Stay tuned...

Joy and grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style SessionsGaray Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday


Monday, May 18, 2015

About Kushyfoot...

Recently, the folks at Kushyfoot asked me if they could send me several of their products to feature on the blog. Kushyfoot offers an array of fashionable foot and leg wear for both men and women.  Here's what they sent, and my personal thoughts as well...


Opaque tights (with massaging sole): Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I often sport tights. I actually wore the pair featured here for the first time to work last Tuesday. Happily, I was quite impressed by the thickness of these tights. No doubt, they will hold up for some time to come. This, I like--a lot.


My favorite thing about them, though, were the massaging soles (see photo below). The ribbing on the soles of these tights produced an amazingly fabulous feel on my feet.


Yes, this is me donning my Kushyfoot tights last Tuesday; post a full day at the office.  Will feature a blog post on this outfit in the near future...


Flats to Go: According to Kushyfoot, "Flats to Go are a girl's best friend after spending a long day in heels or uncomfortable shoes. These light and foldable ballerina shoes can be stored in your purse so they will always be in reach when your feel need it the most!" The Flats to Go were comfy and soft., and the concept of having a pair of ballet shoes always within reach is one I find highly palatable...



I will definitely enjoy slipping these on (back home) after a busy day in heels. I also believe these would be a chic alternative to wearing my flip flops to yoga class. They could be a real luxury when traveling, too.  A pair of these in my carryon, and I could slip off the shoes during a long flight... 


Fleece tights:  Spring has sprung here in northwest Ohio, so I didn't wear these to work for an entire day (as I did the tights).  I did try them on and adored them, though.  These fleece tights were thick, warm, and the lining was quite soft.  They are akin to a pair of leggings with feet in them.  Next fall, they'd be great paired with my favorite tall boots and a tunic. And, I can't even begin to tell you how treasured these will be when winter arrives next year...


Sheer anklet: In the last year, I've worn knee highs on several occasions; mostly, when I want to wear dress slacks and heels without tights or hosiery underneath.  These anklets are umpteen times better than knee highs any day! Thick, with elastic that stays put, they were far higher quality than any I've encountered thus far.



And, just like the tights, I adore the massaging soles!

Joy & peace, T.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

What I Wore: Home Remodel Errands


A much-needed family room redo is on the horizon for the Bradley household...


Happily, some of the more daunting tasks have been accomplished.  Namely, the painter has been secured, and the hardwood flooring purchased. 


Some of the more "fun" elements of the process have been checked off the list, too. New artwork has been framed, and we used a gift certificate from my parents to buy a lovely area rug. 


This past Saturday, we ramped up our undertaking a bit more; embarking upon a search for new furniture. As one might imagine, it was nearly a daylong endeavor. 


This casual, comfy ensemble is what I wore.  Despite being new, these shoes were a great choice for a day laden with standing and walking.


Best news of all... We bought some great lamps, that day, and even zeroed in on the other furniture pieces we will purchase.  Now, we only need to get through the furniture delivery, painting and floor install (wish us luck!).

 Denim Shirt: Piace Boutique (very similar)
Tee: Loft (very old; similar)
Belt: Thrifted
Jeans: Loft
Sandals: Franco Sarto (similar option)
Sunnies: Vera Bradley
Handbag: Vintage Dooney & Bourke (adorable updated option)
Statement Necklace: Vintage 
Bracelet: c/o Tidebuy


How was your weekend? Would love to hear about it!

Joy & peace, T.

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