My June Artist's Date...

Last Saturday, I embarked upon a yummy artist's date. If the term "artist's date" is not one that's familiar to you, please feel free to check out this past post.

You see, we're in the process of doing a bit of renovation at Bradley Manor (smile) this summer (No, the building in the background is not my home. It's the local Courthouse.).  Since we're freshening things up, my quest focused upon a search for a few finishing pieces for the master bedroom (comforter, throw pillows, decorative bureau top items, etc.).

As a result... I journeyed to a quaint, historic little town about 10 minutes from where we live. Enjoyed browsing at an artist's sculpture gallery and antique shop before heading to the mall (to search for bedding items).

I am honestly amazed at the creative, energizing benefits I reap from these solo dates I take with myself.  As I left the antique shop, and headed to my vehicle, I spotted a lovely cluster of pale pink peonies (faves of mine) blooming a few blocks away.  I strolled over and snapped a few photos.  I plan on having one printed and framed for my workplace office (where I've already displayed a collection of peony photos I've taken over the last few years).

 Lace Shirt: Lucky Brand (consigned)

Tunic: Vintage via Etsy

Skirt: Tailor B Moss (I've had this skirt for 10+ years--still love it!)

Leather Belt: Thrifted

Handbag: Kate Spade

Shoes: Zara

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Stone Bracelet: Gift shop in Nassau, Bahamas

Sunnies: Firmoo

Featured below, is one of the peony pics I took.  I've also included a photo of an item I purchased for our dresser top (we've hung black and white photos of trees in our bedroom--thought the leaf sculpture was a perfect piece!).

So, tell me... Do you take artist's dates?  Share with me one that's recently brought you happiness!

Joy & peace, T.

Life Always Appears Calmer on the Other Side...

One day, last week, I had a sacred day off from work... Well, sort of...

You see, we scheduled an appliance repair and the installation of wood flooring--both on the same day.  My duties that day was to simply "be here." The real fun began at about 8:30 a.m. That's when both the repair person and installation folks arrived within minutes of each other.

Here's my big takeaway: there's more calm being in the office on the most "chaotic" of days than in one morning when dealing with two different home repair teams at once.  Literally, I had three people asking me questions or requesting that I handle something (e.g. back my vehicle out of the garage) all at the same time.  Add to that various instances of oops (including the fact that a final visit is needed to install the finishing pieces around the doorways (total surprise to me!)).

Happily, the next morning, appliance in top working order and lovely wood floors in place, I glided off to work--quite thankful for both the newness in my home environment (post a home renovation); but also feeling gratitude to be headed to my office (versus repeating the day before).  Funny how life always appears calmer on the other side, isn't it?

Jacket: Talbots

Camisole: Chicos

Linen Pants: Chicos

Heels: Candies via Kohl's

Sunnies: Nine West

Silk Scarf: Oscar de la Renta (consigned)

Faux Pink Pearls: Vintage via Etsy

Mother of Pearl Bangle: Vintage (antique store)

Handbag: Milly

Joy & peace. T.

What Matters Most...

Life's amazing, isn't it?  Those things that once seemed so very important (status symbols, notable achievements, popularity) have taken a back seat on the figurative bus...

They've been replaced by what matters most (the love and well-being of those near and dear, simple joys, good health...). Give me a gorgeous summer evening and quality time with those I cherish, and I'm the most prosperous woman on the planet.

Ever feel excited for no apparent reason at all? I do.  More so--as of late--than ever before.

Truly, I think it's because I've come to understand what matters most in this life.  And, I realize that's pretty exciting--in and of itself.

 Jacket: Coldwater Creek

Dress: Chico's

Lace Camisole: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Zara

Handbag: Fossil

Scarf: Albert Napon (consigned)

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Necklace: Vintage (antique store)

Watch: Anne Klein

Rose Gold Link Bracelet: Vintage (Etsy)

What matters most to you? I'd love to hear about it!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post (on Monday) to the Two Birds' blog.

Summer and Friday Love!

Not sure about you, but I adore the summertime!  There's simply something about it that makes every day a bit more festive--even weekdays.

These pics were taken last Friday (post a dinner date, downtown, with Mark).  Generally, unless I've got a meeting or other significant event scheduled, I dress casually for work on Fridays.

 Sunnies: DKNY

Vest: J Crew

T-shirt: Chico's

Skirt: Norma Kamali (vintage via Etsy)

Shoes:  Zara

Handbag: Kate Spade

Bracelet: MNG by Mango

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Of course, I try to keep it reasonably casual (smile).  Dark jeans, paired with a nice top and blazer (or cardigan), work well. But, jean vests are fun, too; especially, when paired with a dress or skirt + top combo.  Style I avoid on casual Friday: boyfriend style jeans, leggings and skirts that hit way above the knees.

Share with me your thoughts on summertime and casual workplace dress.  I would adore hearing them!

Joy & peace, T.

Kendra Thornton Fashion Challenge

Dress; Sunglasses; Bolero; Clutch; Sandals; Earrings; Lipstick; Nail Polish.

Recently, I was contacted by travel expert, Kendra Thornton.  She invited me to participate in an exclusive project entitled, "Kendra's Miami Fashion Challenge!" The challenge: design and submit a proposed style board for her upcoming romantic getaway (sans children and with hubby) to the historic hotel, The Biltmore Miami-Coral Gables. 

Here's what Kendra told me: 

"As an avid traveler, I know that the right look can help make a vacation special. Thanks to Gogobot's firsthand reviews, I was able to find the perfect luxurious hotel in Miami for my upcoming romantic getaway. Now all I have to do is find a wardrobe that blends chic sophistication with trendy timelessness. A focal point of our stay in Miami will be the historic Biltmore Hotel. In 1994, the hotel became the first, and so far only, hotel in Florida to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Fully restored thanks to a federal program, the hotel has regained its status as a preferred destination for heads-of-state, dignitaries, and other members of the jet-set.

While I can't wait to take advantage of some of the hotel's more than 100 weekly exercise classes, I'm equally excited to experience the spa's incredible couples' massages and relaxing saunas. Of course, while I can't wait to get a makeover and have my hair done by top beauticians, my husband can't stop talking about spending time on the well-known hole-in-one golf course.After a day of relaxation, my next outfit needs to be perfect for enjoying the fine dining experience at the hotel's Palme d'or restaurant.  Afterward, it's off to the wine cellar club to choose from more than 100 wines and a variety of interesting cocktails. Thanks to Gogobot, I know my trip to the Biltmore is bound to be a fabulous experience. Just as importantly, I know that with the help of your awesome fashion blog, I'll be able to look my best while enjoying everything the hotel has to offer!"

Given my adoration for dressing up, I designed the board above (via Polyvore) for Kendra's dinner at Palme D'or (yum!) and wine sipping afterwards at The Cellar Club. This ensemble is exotically festive (perfect for Miami!); yet, it has "chic" written all over it.  Don' you think?

A huge thanks to Kendra for extending me an opportunity to participate in this design challenge!  Lovely readers, please let me know your thoughts on what I have crafted.

Joy & peace, T.

Wish List Item: Jean Jacket

Perhaps you read my previous post about owning "grown-up girls'" clothing.  That one featured a lovely investment-level blazer that I'd found on clearance while in Indiana a few years ago. It's always good to have a "wish list."  Case in point: my blazer find (smile).

Someday, I'd love to own a "grown-up girl's" jean jacket.  Don't get me wrong, I adore the one featured in this post--as well my treasured Duck Head jacket (which I've owned for years now).

Any readers out there with suggestions on an investment-level ("grown-up girl's") jean jacket?  I'd love to hear them!

Jean Jacket: American Eagle (older)

Boyfriend Style Jean Shorts: Old Navy

T-shirt: Talbots

Sneakers: Converse

Men's Watch: Hubby's 

Bracelet: Vintage Tiffany & Co. (Etsy)

Handbag: Michael Kors

Headband: TranquiliT

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

A few that caught my eye included these:

• Paige Vermont Jacket-Westward
• Anthropologie
• Fossil

For now, though, I'm happy with the two jean jackets I already own.  Someday, however... Who knows? I may stumble upon another great bargain (like I did with my blazer purchase). It's always fun (and practical) to dream, right?

Joy & peace, T.

Sustainable Fashion...

I am a strong believer that what I wear can be environmentally friendly.  Buying clothing that's thrifted and consigned means I'm saving unique + fabulous clothing items from landfills (while personally reaping the benefits!).

 

Even new clothing purchases can be environmentally friendly, too.  My intention is to buy items I'll wear for years to come.  Doing so spares me from frequent consuming; making this a "greener" choice as well!

Much of what I'm wearing in these pics is either consigned or quality pieces I've had for some time now.  The jeans I'm wearing... Well, I found these amongst my son's discarded items from his undergrad college days.  I'm pretty certain one of his former gal pals left them behind a few years ago.  Guess that makes them my "rescued" jeans, now...

Like the grain bins?  Our local university is HUGE on supporting environmentally-friendly practices. They even have a strategy for sustainable dining.  Cool, huh?

 Sunnies: Firmoo
T-shirt: Crown Jewel (softest cotton tee I've encountered yet!)

Jeans: Aeropostale ("rescued")

Heels: Nine & Co. via JCP

Handbag: Vintage Coach (via Etsy)

Cardigan: Liz Claiborne (a closet fave for years)

Watch: Michael Kors (gifted)

Stone Bracelet: Gift shop in Nassau, Bahamas

Wooden Bangle: Vintage (and consigned)

Necklace: Vintage Monet (via area antique shop)

Talk to me about environmentally-friendly fashion practices you employ.  I'm listening (smile)!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post (on Monday) to the Two Birds' blog.  Check it out!