Style Views: Leggings...

Leggings... Folks seem to either love or hate 'em.  I like them; truly.  I just don't always believe them to be styled (well...um) properly.

These pics display what I wore to my standing Saturday morning breakfast date (downtown) with Mark.  It was raining and the snow was melting (which equates to messy, still-cool weather). Plus, I was not headed into the office.  Hence, it was a perfect time to don the leggings.

I (personally) do not ever see myself wearing leggings to the office or a business function.  The exception to that is I have seen women wear them under dresses and skirts for added warmth in extremely cold weather.  They're peeking out between the dress or skirt and a pair of tall boots.  There are some great sweater versions of leggings--I've seen styled this way. That (in my opinion) works fine in a professional setting.

Even in a casual environment (e.g. a breakfast date on my day off), I always make sure my shirt falls no shorter than the top of my thigh (for me, the longer the better).  It's likely difficult to see, but I have even added a long cardigan to this outfit for additional coverage (it's peeking out in a few of these photos).  For a better look at my cardigan, check out this past post.

Umbrella: Target

Sunnies: Nine West

Boots: Relativity

Handbag: Coach (vintage via Etsy)

Infinity Scarf: Handmade via Etsy Vendor

Cardigan: BCBG via T.J. Maxx

Long-sleeved (and oversized) T-shirt: Old Navy

Leggings: Chico's

Pendant: Tiffany (vintage via Etsy)

Gloves: Isotoner (vintage, gifted)

Trench Coat: Target

Do you like wearing leggings?  What are your opinions on how to best style them?  Would love to hear! P.S. I'm linking this post (on Monday) to the Two Birds' blog.  Check out others (likely) wearing their leggings there!

Joy and peace, T.

The Glory of Switching Things Up A Bit...

There's truly nothing better than retreating to the comforts of home following a busy, cold winter's day on the job.  Sometimes, though, it's necessary to balance that all out--brave the cold and snow--and avoid holing up.  That's what I did this evening...

The local Zonta Club that I belong to held a lovely fellowship event in a gorgeous historic mansion located a few blocks from our quaint downtown.  H'ors d'oeuvres, vino, atmosphere galore and lively, admirable women I adore... Wow!  Exactly the "switch up" I needed.

I even had a driver.  Yup, snow flying, Mark dropped me off and picked me up (smile).  He also took these pics, at home, before we headed out.

Another thing I've switched up (in this last week) is that I've begun journaling in the morning--often with a cup of java at hand--in front of my lit (gas) fireplace.  It's been absolutely magical--relaxing, too! This means I'm now blogging in the evenings.

Change opens new doors, allows for exciting opportunities, and sets into motion a domino effect of other worthy shifts within our lives.  Next week, I'm venturing out one evening for a massage; another for yoga class.  Of course, Mark and I like to dine out a few nights a week...  But, I also plan on having several sacred evenings at home (yum!).

 Velvet Jacket: Norton McNaughton Petites (vintage)

Beret: Urban Outfitters

Sweater: Sportables (vintage)

Scarf: Local Boutique

Skirt: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Tights: Simply Vera Wang via Kohl's

Booties: Nine West

Belt: Vintage

Share with me your most recent "switch ups."  You know I'd love hearing about them!

Joy and peace.  T.

Recycled, Downton Abbey Style

Hello, All!  Here, in northwest Ohio, we've experienced four days' worth of heavy snow, high winds, and sub-zero temperatures.  Needless to say, it's not the sort of weather for fashion blog photo shoots!

As a result, I'm "recycling" portions of a post written last winter (I've added a few new pieces into this post). The impetus to do so follows Sunday evening's premiere of Downton Abbey (which I am totally hooked on, BTW!)! 

Featured below, are a few of my fave pieces of vintage jewelry (recycled stuff--so to speak).  I adore anything that hints of being Art Deco.  How about you?

Czech glass, Art Deco (via Etsy)

Sweet glass beads I purchased from an antique shop "down the road" from me

Lux glass strand (hand-knotted) purchased from a British Etsy shop owner

(May have been what a real Downton Abbey femme would have worn, perhaps!)

Sparkly Eiffel Tower pin I purchased from a French Etsy vendor

(Makes me think of the movie Midnight in Paris!)

This brooch definitely looks early 1900's...

Purchased this lovely during an artist's date taken last fall.

Of course, I love anything pink!  What do you think about these brooches? 

The larger one is from Etsy; smaller one I bought at an antique shop in southern Ohio.

Mourning jewelry... All were purchased at area antique shops.

Sparkly beads (more antique shop finds)

What's your fave piece in my collection?  Would love to hear!

Joy & hugs, T.

Creatively Styling on a Cold Winter's Day

At first glance, there's nothing truly novel about what I'm wearing in these pics... Readers of this blog will likely recognize several pieces, here--as I've styled them before.

My creative expression is hidden under my coat--thanks to the sub-zero temps we began experiencing late last week.  You see, weather like that simply demands I bundle up when outdoors--even if only for a moment.

Cold aside, I did unbutton my coat for a few minutes. Yes, I'm simply wearing black and winter white--paired lovingly together.

Look a bit closer, though... Appears I'm wearing a skirt and sweater. Doesn't it? I'm not, though...

I'm actually wearing a black shift dress that's been topped off with a cashmere sweater and blazer.  I simply added a belt at the waistline to give the appearance of a belted skirt. I love finding creative ways to pair what's already in my closet (especially on a cold winter's day).  Don't you?

Coat: L.L. Bean

Gloves: Moschino

Beanie: Asos

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Infinity Scarf: Handmade via Etsy 

Cashmere Sweater: Michael Kors

Belt: No Brand

Dress: I.N. Studio

Tights: Apt. 9 via Kohl's

Booties: Nine West
Blazer: Ralph Lauren

Wishing you an awesome day!  Joy and peace! T.

Journaling Insights...

It's no secret.  I'm an avid journaler.

As of late, I've uncovered a few insights--thanks to my journal.

Thought I'd share several...

• I seek to spend more time magnifying the bliss in my life and less time blowing little "issues" out of proportion;
• Most of what I deem to be "problems" are first-world annoyances, and I should be thankful that they are merely that (versus far worse).
• Yes, life can (sometimes) be stressful, but I am truly without any major challenges.  My loved ones are healthy, and we are happy.  Truly, is there more than this?
• Life's simple moments (laughing with my children, preparing a meal with my husband, walking outdoors in nature, catching a glimpse of the moon from my window at night) bring me the greatest joy.
• When concerns arise, recognizing what's really "at issue" is always a step in the right direction.

Cashmere Coat: Neiman Marcus 

Faux Fur Scarf: Gifted (xo, Andrew & Amanda!!!)

Turtleneck: Target

Poet's Blouse/Tunic: Chico's

Leggings: Chico's

Boots: Nine West

Gloves: Isotoner (vintage)

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Handbag: Coach (vintage via Etsy)
Beanie: Happy Badger Trading Post (local)

If you dare, share your life's most recent insights.  Would adore hearing them!

Joy and peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking today to Two Birds' blog.  Join me and others there!

Embracing my French This New Year...

Over my (now passed) holiday break, I enjoyed reading Debra Ollivier's What French Woman Know: About Love, Sex, and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind.  Post reading, I have decided I'm gonna make an effort to mindfully embrace my roots in 2014...

You see, I'm French American.  I smile when I say that--as my mother used to constantly remind me, "We're French."  My great-grandmother actually was. She immigrated to the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century from France's Alsace-Lorraine region.  I barely remember my great-grandmother, but I do have fond memories of my grandmother (her daughter).  Fiercely independent, outspoken, artistic and always impeccably groomed and dressed, she embodied her French heritage quite well.

From everything I have read (and, I've begun to devour a lot on this subject matter), the French culture (generally) disavows perfectionism, prizes leisure time, looks for simple joys in daily life, heralds artistic endeavors and values femininity as a power source. I find all of this to be highly appealing. How about you?

I've ordered two more books about French culture. Both are by Jamie Cat Callan:  Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day and Bonjour, Happiness!  Can't wait to dive in and give them both a read.  Perhaps I'll do so (as time permits) in front of my lit fireplace--with a pot of hot tea at hand and my feet propped up...

Fisherman's Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger (consigned)

Silk blouse: Charter Club (thrifted)

Dress Pants: Ralph Lauren

Gloves: Target

Blue Topaz on Silver Chain: Gifted

Booties: Nine West

Sunnies: Firmoo

Share with me your thoughts on Parisian style, the French culture, good reads you've encountered as of late, or anything else you'd like to share.  I would truly love hearing them!

Joy and peace! T.

My 2014 Mantra...Revealed

For the past several years, I've cast away even the thought of a New Year's resolution.  Instead, I've adopted an annual mantra. Gotta say, I'm lovin' the results--far more than I ever did with resolving to do or not do whatever it was I was trying to actualize or avoid...

In 2012, my mantra was, "No regrets."  Last year, it was "Self-authored."

This year, I seek a greater sense of being able to handle whatever life throws my way--gracefully, mindfully and confidently.  Recently, I heard someone tell another, "You got this." In essence, what they were saying was, "You can do this.  I know you can."

My 2014 mantra is: I got this.  I've taken the liberty of trying it on for size in the past few weeks.

Quite honestly, it's given me one of the greatest feelings of "can do" that I've ever experienced.  I got this.  I do!

Silk Blouse: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Sweater Twinset Shell Worn as Vest: Liz Claiborne (vintage)
Pencil Skirt: Dillard's

Pearls: Antique Shop

Belt: Chico's

Tights: Apt. 9 via Kohl's

Boots: Nine West

Gloves: Target

Sunnies: Nine West via T.J. Maxx

Handbag: Marc Jacobs

Do you establish an annual mantra?  How about New Year's resolutions--do you set those?  Please share your thoughts on what you envision for yourself in 2014.

Joy, peace and Happy New Year!  T.