it sure feels like summer here in Athens.  and summer means blazers.  “wait, what?” you’re asking.  yes, indeed.  i love wearing blazers all year, including the summer.  last week, on my YouTube channel, i posted a video 1 white blazer 5 ways.  i wanted to pick up on that topic, today, and talk how to wear a blazer this summer more generally.  i’ve gone through the archives and pulled some of my favorite summer outfits featuring a blazer from the past year. 

pink blazer

and so it goes with fashion. vivid colors give us energy. subdued colors keep us relaxed. today’s ootd is a perfect example of how to add bright colors to your wardrobe. pink is known for its feminine qualities and approachability. does anyone remember the nursery rhyme sugar and spice and everything nice? a preppy gingham blazer would fall into that category. so i toughened the blazer up a bit by adding a graphic red t-shirt that adds a little power into the mix. white is a neutral that goes with everything. i love how these white chinos tone down the outfit and add casual ease.

[read the entire post…]

pink gingham blazer

pink summer blazer | pink herringbone blazer | pink textured blazer | pink double breasted blazer | pink linen blazer

pink gingham blazer

pink gingham blazer

pink gingham blazer

 

pink gingham blazer

a classic summer blazer

if you are looking for one classic summer blazer that will serve you well this white linen blazer fits the bill. dress it up with a tweed dress and kitten heels. or dress it down with drawstring shorts, split neck top, and seersucker sandals. of course, white goes with everything. but this little number comes in island turquoise and flax.

here’s a tip i learned at the fashion show. pin a brooch on your blazer pocket instead of your lapel. i liked it. i really liked it. so i pinned my brooch on the flap pocket. have fun with the placement. feel free to position it lower. 

[read the entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

summer blazer stripe | summer blazer madras | summer blazer madras 2 | summer blazer solid

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

 

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

i know, i know, there are many of us who complain about ladies room duties when wearing a jumpsuit. if you can get beyond that particular drawback, jumpsuits are an easy way to put a little FUN into your wardrobe and an evening out on the town. what caught my attention about this cute little number was the double buckle belt detail along the bodice of this wide-leg blue jumpsuit. and it has side slant pockets which are always a plus for me. the bodice is lined, and the belt defines the waistline. the one thing jumpsuits have in common with dresses is that they are both one and done. and who doesn’t love easy?

[read the entire post…]

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

one-button white blazer | white linen blazer | jumpsuit | jumpsuit 2 | jumpsuit 3

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

 

blue jumpsuit and white blazer

blazer and berms

i chose a pair of bermudas i picked up last week at banana republic. it looks as if the online inventory is low so take a look at this pair or this one. recently, i suggested popping a blazer over the top of a pair of sporty shorts. and that’s just what i did. j.crew is one of my favorite stores to shop for blazers as they typically are well-made with workable button holes and nice finishing details like striped linings or brass buttons.

[read the entire post…]

bermuda shorts | paperbag shorts | perfect chambray shorts | boardwalk shorts 

 
blazer and berms
 
 
blazer and berms

well, gang, another friday is here, and with sunny skies here in Athens, i’m looking forward to enjoying the patio updates we have been working on the last few weeks. today’s post is all about the meat lover’s in your life.  (including… woof woof.)  we have a wilted kale salad with peppery flank steak and a fun twist on a margarita on the menu, so pull up a chair, fix yourself a drink and enjoy the day with us!

outfit of the day

today’s outfit is all about casual comfort. favorite outfits are like comfort food to me and y’all know i love a graphic tee! a few weeks ago, i wrote about how to style a graphic tee. this graphic tee (old similar here) sets the stage with its pink elephants. but i  like to elevate my look by pairing it with something like a blazer or cardigan.  so today i couldn’t resist pairing it with a navy sweater blazer (old similar here) with pink piping. 

straight leg jeans (old similar here) are perfect for a relaxed look and feel. sneakers complete my casual outfit today, but you could pair this outfit with loafers, ballet flats…it’s a very versatile outfit. 

similar tee | similar tee 2 | similar tee 3 | similar tee 4 | similar tee 5 | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar blazer 3 | similar jeans | similar jeans 2 | similar jeans 3 | similar shoes

midori margarita

if you’ve been with me on the blog for any length of time, you know i love a margarita. this recipe calls for Midori, which is a melon-flavored liqueur. it has an electric green hue which looks fun and spring-y. the Midori is not overwhelmingly sweet and the melon flavor doesn’t overpower the drink, you still have your sour notes from the lime and the bite of the tequila – don’t forget the salted rim!

Midori margarita

  • 1 1/2 oz tequila
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Midori
  1. combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. pour into ice filled, salt rimmed glasses.

cocktail glasses | hurricanes | platter | serving bowl | plates

wilted kale salad with flank steak 

this might just be the easiest, fancy-feeling meal you can whip up! adding perfectly cooked steak slices to any salad elevates it to a main course. whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this is one satisfying salad not loaded with dressing or extras, it’s just the basics. 

wilted kale salad with flank steak

  • 1 bunch kale (stems trimmed)
  • 1 3/4 inch thick flank steak
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  1. Preheat oven to 425°. Chop kale. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. Cook steaks in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes on each side. Place on a wire rack in a jelly-roll pan, and bake 6 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, wipe skillet clean, and melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender.

  3. Remove steaks from oven, and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Add kale to onion mixture, and cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until kale is wilted. Stir in vinegar and honey; season with salt and pepper. Serve with sliced steak

cocktail glasses | hurricanes | platter | serving bowl | flatware | plates

fridays with oscar (and pax!)

similar tee | similar tee 2 | similar tee 3 | similar tee 4 | similar tee 5 | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar blazer 3 | similar jeans | similar jeans 2 | similar jeans 3 | similar shoes

 

thank you for stopping by today, everyone. we have another weekend ahead of us and as spring is in full swing, i hope you have a chance to get out there and enjoy it. oscar, ollie, pax, and i wish each of you a lovely weekend. 

although the country is slowly starting to open back up, we’re still spending a lot, if not the majority of our time at home.  and there’s nothing wrong with wearing blue jeans, tees, and sneakers.  believe me; i’m reaching for that combination a lot more these days.  last week, we revisited jeans after months of athleisure wear.  today, we’re going to build on that post and talk five ways to elevate your blue jeans into a timeless and classic look. we’re gonna start with my base outfit below and build five new ones from it by addition, subtraction, and slight modification.  

girlfriend jeans | shoes | similar shoes | similar tee | sweatshirt

outfit 1 

add a blazer, leopard shoes & belt

in our first look, we’ve kept my original jeans but built the outfit around the mighty blazer.  a blazer will elevate any look, and when you add the leopard pattern with these  (similar) shoes and belt, you’ve got a timeless classic. 

blouse | blazer | similar jeans | similar shoes | belt

outfit 2 

add accessories

for our second look, we’ve kept the blouse but swapped out the jeans for skinny ones.  the whole idea here, though, is to add accessories.  a belt can be an attention grabber and add life to any pair of jeans.  swap out your daily jewelry for something a little more eye-catching. and don’t forget to add a color pop by using a sweater as an accessory. 

blouse | jeans | similar shoes | sweater

outfit 3 

long-over-lean

for our third look, let’s keep the skinny jeans but add a poplin popover for that classic long-over-lean look.  such a simple and clean look, but remarkably comfortable as well.  one of my favorites.  (and you didn’t think i’d forget that pop of color.  how about these (similar) shoes?)

poplin popover | jeans | similar shoes

outfit 4 

with a chunky cardigan

for our fourth outfit, we’ve kept our base but simply added a chunky (similar) cardigan.  talk about reusability.  it looks like we’ve got a few more days of cooler weather here in Athens, and i’ve definitely reached for this cardigan more than once.  super comfy without loosing that timeless classic look.  

jeans | poplin popover | similar cardigan | similar shoes

outfit 5 

add a pop of color

and finally, don’t forget about colored jeans. whether you’re going with black, white, red, or some other color entirely, the fashion possibilities they afford us are endless.   i’ve stuck with a neutral today:  gray jeans. and i’ve built the entire outfit around the safari jacket—one of my personal favorites.  

jeans | safari jacket | tank | shoes

thanks for joining us, ladies.  i hope today’s post gives you some inspiration on how to take your jeans and restyle them in a way that gives you that timeless classic look we’re always striving for over here on the blog.  if you’re looking for more inspiration or want to see how these outfits look in 3D, be sure to check out our new YouTube video.  

 

 

 

it’s been an exceptionally cool spring here in Athens.  so, there hasn’t been too many opportunities to wear shorts.  wear shorts you ask? yes ma’am.  i indeed love to wear shorts on a hot summer day.  shorts can be a controversial topic for women of a certain age, but i have been and continue to be an advocate for them.  so much so that not wearing shorts make my #2 style rule every woman should break. 

today, i’ve rounded up some of my favorite outfits involving shorts over the past few years.  there’s a lot of different ways you can style them and here are just a few ideas.  

with a linen popover

today’s outfit is all about color! punchy, tropical splashes of blue, green, orange and yellow. perfect for spring and summer. i don’t know about you but wearing bright colors and bold prints really brightens my mood and lifts my spirits. it’s hard to feel bad or sad when mother nature’s clouds part and the sun shines warm and bright. 

this linen popover is from J. Crew and like most, if not all, of their prints, this top could boldly go with so many other items in my closet…i’m thinking khaki chinos or white denim. i love to wear shorts when the weather warms up, but they aren’t for you, cropped pants would be a great option. J. Crew has so many that would be perfect with this popover top.  i’ve made sure to link what i’m wearing, as well as some additional similars that will brighten your day. 

i kept my slide sandals neutral light pink suede today, so the focus is my top and shorts. [read the post…]

popover shirtshorts (7″) | shorts (10″) | similar sandals 

 

with a matching cabana blazer

i’ve decided on a shorts suit. a striped cabana blazer with matching shorts. while this ensemble looks fantastic when worn as a suit. each item will mix and match perfectly with my summer wardrobe. the loose fit of the blazer is perfect for those warm Georgia temps that have already arrived. i popped on a gorgeous bamboo tee called dawn draper from Southcott Threads.  [read the post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

similar shorts | similar tee | similar blazer 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears striped shorts, striped blazer, white tee, nude block heels

with a military inspired jean jacket

bermuda shorts are a must-have for spring and summer. and beach vacations. this pair is from Talbots. the length hits just above the knee which is perfect. i’m wearing black shorts, but they are available in nine colors.

another classic essential for the coming months is a striped tee. this red striped tee is from Ralph Lauren. it sports a graphic logo. and what goes well with shorts and a tee? why a comfy pair of tennis shoes. this pair is from Ann Taylor that i’ve been wearing non-stop since they arrived at my doorstep.  [read entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

similar shorts | similar tee | similar jacket 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a military inspired denim jacket, red stripe tee, black bermuda shorts, and white tennis shoes

with a classic summer blazer

if you are looking for one classic summer blazer that will serve you well this white linen blazer fits the bill. dress it up with a tweed dress and kitten heels. or dress it down with drawstring shorts, split neck top, and seersucker sandals. of course, white goes with everything. but this little number comes in island turquoise and flax.

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

similar shorts | similar top | classic blazer

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a classic summer blazer, drawstring shorts, seersucker sandals, and striped linen top

happy Easter from our family to yours!  it’s a holy weekend for many of us of different faiths, and this year, we cannot celebrate in the way in which we traditionally do.  there’s a sadness in that, but that does not mean we cannot celebrate.  true celebration begins with an inward thankfulness that itself leads to a sort of peacefulness that radiates outwards.  and that’s what we need right now:  a sustaining peace throughout this storm.   

10 classic essentials that transition to spring

today, i’m refreshing a post we published earlier this year.  it’s relevant for spring, but in addition, we cut a new YouTube video to accompany it.  so make sure to watch.   

we are going to revisit the timeless classics:  the wardrobe staples everyone needs in their closet. i cannot stress enough how important it is to have at least one of each of these items because the ability to pull together a classic, chic, on point outfit is priceless. in addition to wardrobe items, i’ve included a few classic accessories as well. sometimes, it’s the perfect accessory that can really set off your outfit: think pearls, a leather handbag or a fabulous pair of sunglasses! i’m going to show you how to build a timeless wardrobe, and to that end, i’ve included past posts for you see how i have styled each of these items over the years.

little black dress

it’s important to always have a little black dress in your closet. the go-to, always appropriate LBD that you can reliably reach for when you need a dress for date night. i think it’s good to have at least two LBDs—one that is fun and flirty, and one that is a little more conservative. a conservative style will get a lot of use for day to day as it can pinch hit for the office, church, or any kind of meeting when a more reserved style is appropriate.

little black dress

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post...]

prescriptives

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[read the entire post…]

michael kors dress

[read the entire post…]

pearl necklace

pearls are absolutely my favorite go-to jewelry. they add instant panache no matter if you’re pairing them with a casual denim outfit or an LBD. i love to mix them with jeans and a blazer. the classically chic style of pearls make them an easy choice for anyone, since they go with every style, anytime. even if you don’t normally wear jewelry, you can always try a pearl necklace and rest assured, they look great on you! 

beth at Style at a Certain Age wears an Ann Taylor tweed military jacket, Everlane crewneck cashmere, J.Crew cropped flare denim, pointy-toed boots and strings of pearls

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

how to wear pearls

[read the entire post…]

happy new year 2020

[read the entire post…]

going to the chapel

[read the entire post here…]

white blouse 

this one is an obvious choice for a timeless classic. much like pearls, you can elevate any outfit by wearing a crisp white button up – but this is also true for a soft silk white blouse. it’s also true for more trendy styles, like collarless tuxedo shirts, or tie-waist kimono styles. while some styles and cuts will fade in and out of fashion, the idea of a classic white blouse keeps this classic relevant.

classic black and white

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Ralph Lauren blazer, Helmut Lang winter white blouse, J. crew Maddie pant, Ann Taylor suede pumps, and Gucci handbag

[read the entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a lemon print skirt, eyelet blouse, pointy-toed flats and o-bag

[read the entire post…]

back to basics

[read the entire post…]

leather handbag 

a leather handbag is a timeless classic because if you go for a well-made classic design, like a satchel or tote, and if you choose a color that is versatile with items in your closet you will definitely get your money’s worth in use and it will last for years to come. a well made leather bag is something worth spending a bit more on, if you can. with brands like Everlane, you can get a quality, beautiful bag without spending your whole paycheck! 

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

traveling with accessories

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

winter whites

[read the entire post…]

ballet flats

like many of the items in this list, ballet flats can go from casual to dressy with ease. and like the leather handbag, it’s worth searching out a well-made pair in a neutral color. you will reach for them everytime you can’t decide on what shoes to wear with those wide-leg jeans, or when you know you’ll be on your feet all day at the office. i highly recommend Everlane’s Day Glove ballet flat, they are affordable, well made and very comfortable.

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain goes shopping wearing a Lafayette 148 white shirt, St. John Sport sweater, girlfriend jeans, and ballet flats

[read the entire post…]

sunglasses

sunglasses have been an iconic fashion staple for ages. sunglasses are often a very personal expression of style because you wear them on your face. many factors play into how we choose sunglasses: face shape is probably the biggest factor and mostly we tend to stick with sunglass styles that work best with our face shape. but this is where you can really have some fun! there are certainly sunglass fads, but for the most part, classic styles remain so. think: aviators, oversized, or Wayfarer styles. within these iconic style groups there are myriad variations and designs that make them more or less trendy. i recommend having multiple pairs, so you can choose for your mood!

airport style for wiinter

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

traveling with accessories

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

happy new year 2020

[read the entire post…]

blazer

if you have followed me for any length of time you know i regularly sing the praises of the mighty blazer. my personal style is decidedly preppy and the blazer is the cornerstone of preppy style. having a few blazers in your closet is not excessive at all! a well-fitting, well-made black blazer will see you through office outfits, date night outfits, over jeans for brunch – trust me you cannot go wrong with a black blazer. but consider a tweed blazer for fall and winter when you need an extra layer. a tweed blazer over jeans and a sweater is a picture perfect outfit for any day of the week. and what about summer? yes, indeed – a lightweight linen blazer for summer is a dream! check out my blazer blow out post to see how i love to style the mighty blazer.

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

black leather jacket

maybe you stray from a black leather jacket because you don’t think a motorcycle jacket is your style. well, let me tell you that black leather jackets come in all sorts of styles! from the typical  motorcycle jacket with zippers and pockets, to the more streamlined cafe racer style, to bomber styles, to blazers! whatever style best suits you and your wardrobe, i bet you can find a black leather jacket.

vince camuto leather moto jacket, everlane cashmere sweater, j.crew skinny toothpick, talbots riding boots, michael kors handbag

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a floral jacquard sweater, black skinny jeans, black leather moto jacket and pink suede pumps for date night

[read the entire post…]

tees

tee shirts don’t have to be relegated to weekend or bedtime wear. tee shirts are a beloved staple and deserve a spot in your regular outfit rotations. i love to wear a graphic tee with a pencil skirt. or under a blazer with pants or jeans. you can elevate your tee shirt with what you pair it with: tweed blazer and pearls, skirt and heels…suddenly your humble tee shirt is the perfect go-to. or reverse it, sometimes a more “over the top” item, like a sequined skirt, can be toned down with a tee shirt.

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black and white tee, black a-line skirt, pointy toed flats and black handbag

low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

[read the entire post…]

jeans

you all know i am true blue jean mama. i am more likely to be found in blue jeans on any given day than most other items from my closet, which is why i have a steady rotation of styles. i have classic straight leg and boot cut styles as well as the new classics: skinny, wide leg, cropped and flare. well made, well-cared for jeans can last for many years, so even if a particular style has fallen flat one season, it will definitely come back around. so if you have the space for it, store them and wait until they make their way back to the top of the heap. read my ultimate denim guide for tips on fit and styles.

fall fashion with Walmart

boot cut | wide leg | ankle | boyfriend | skinny 

wide leg jeans, gray turtleneck, red handbag

[read the entire post…]

happy Monday, ladies! i hope you are enjoying the long weekend.  there’s lots of talk this year about slow fashion—using the existing items in your closet. and classic style has always adhered to this principle: shop your closet for decades

slow fashion

if you’ve been reading the blog lately, you know i do a closet cleanse every January, and this year was no exception. one of my favorite parts about starting the year off with this ritual is getting reacquainted with items in my closet. once i have purged all the items to donate, i have fresh eyes to shop my closet and create new ensembles.  when your closet has a solid foundation of basic items, creating classic style is made easier. and you won’t scratch your head on a Monday morning wondering what to wear. 

turtleneck sweater | handbag | wrap skirt | similar skirt | similar skirt 2 | similar skirt 3 | similar skirt 4 | similar skirt 5 | blazer | knee high boot | bracelet | necklace  

outfit of the day 

today’s outfit is about taking the week head-on. for a classic, sophisticated look starts with a monochromatic black outfit. perfectly appropriate for the winter temps here in athens, i am opting for a black turtleneck, black midiskirt paired with black boots. to amp up the sharp suiting look, i popped on a houndstooth blazer (last seen here and here). i let my jewelry make a classic statement with a gold necklace, bracelet, and watch. a black leather satchel (old, similar here) pulls it all together for a timeless look, perfect for any day at the office. 

turtleneck sweater | handbag | wrap skirt | similar skirt | similar skirt 2 | similar skirt 3 | similar skirt 4 | similar skirt 5 | blazer | knee-high boot | bracelet | necklace  

creating the classic wardrobe

another benefit of whittling down your wardrobe is that you can then assess what you need to replace, replenish and add to round things out. this long holiday weekend means many of my favorite retailers are having great sales online. take a look at the Ralph Lauren sale (30% off of $125 + with additional 15% off sale items). Ann Taylor is also having an amazing one with 40% off full-priced items and 70% off of sale items (and even more discounts for cardholders).  

turtleneck sweater | handbag | wrap skirt | similar skirt | similar skirt 2 | similar skirt 3 | similar skirt 4 | similar skirt 5 | blazer | knee-high boot | bracelet | necklace  

MLK Day sales 

apparel

Ann TaylorRalph Lauren | (Ralph Lauren) CrewOld NavyGap | Saks 5th Avenue | Land’s End | Banana Republic | Madewell

for the home

West Elm | Pottery Barn | Target | Pier One | Crate and Barrel | Macy’s | Wayfair | All Modern

we have a great week coming up! stay tuned to the blog and my socials this week as we will be doing a deep dive into all things closet and wardrobe related. learn more about the benefits of a closet cleanse and get the how to’s when it comes to creating a classic wardrobe. can’t wait to share it all with you! have a great monday, ladies, go out there and make it a good one!

let’s take a break from the holidays—just today—and return to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.  i’m taking the day off today to catch up on, well, the day-to-day things that can easily get lost in the mix.  laundry.  groceries.  bills.  and an evening in.    

over the past few weeks, we’ve focused a lot on holiday outfits.  today i’m showcasing something a little more subdued—a little more casual.  i’m tapping into my preppy side—my favorite side—and bringing you an outfit that’s perfect for running errands, meeting a friend for lunch, or an evening at the movies.  

take a break from the holidays

i don’t know about you, but there’s always a point mid-December in which i just want a break. a timeout.  a pause to catch my breath.  the gauntlet of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s can be tiring.  not because they’re not fun.  not because they’re not full of people that i care truly deeply about.  but because being “on” for six straight weeks can be a bit much. 

we talk a lot about self-care and wellness over here on the blog.  and one of the most important things about both is that we have to constantly remind ourselves to invest in them.  it’s an ongoing process—a continuing journey.  if you too need a short break, then join me today in doing so.   i don’t think you’ll regret it.  

sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers

casual, comfortable and chic

i think i’ve found my favorite outfit of the month.  it’s totally simple.  slightly understated. and perfect for how i’m feeling today:  a cashmere crew from Everlane and a pair of straight jeans J.Crew.  a sweater and pair of jeans.  you really cannot go wrong. and if you need to layer, try this sweater blazer also from J.Crew.

sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers

preppy

long time readers of the blog know that my go-to aesthetic is preppy.   if it’s not too cold where you are—we’ve got a 68 degree day here in Athens—easily prep up your outfit with these penny loafers from J.Crew.  i’ve been loving loafers this fall and winter, and today is no exception.  (and you know that you’ll be able to pull them out of your closet come spring.) 

sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers

so tell me ladies:  how are you taking care of yourself this holiday season?  have you taken a day off?  had an evening in?  let me know in the comments below.  

we’re approaching the holiday season fast, gang!  are you ready?  me either.  they’ve already got Christmas decorations up at Target.  yikes!  to get us in the holiday mood, this week on the blog, we’re talking holiday memories.  we’ve got a real special treat for you:  each day, we’re going to bring you a guest post from one of my family members sharing one of their favorite holiday memories.  today, my daughter-in-law, Kelly, will be sharing her favorite Thanksgiving holiday memories. 

outfit of the day

i’ve got a really fun preppy fall outfit.  i’ve paired a Talbots plaid blazer with an Everlane cashmere mockneck layered on top of a J.Crew stripe shirt.  it’s been all about blazers for me this fall.  so much so, that i put together a how to wear a blazer guide. make sure to check it out if you’re looking for ideas on how to pair your blazer.  

Talbots plaid blazer | lug-sole loafers | Everlane cashmere mockneck | J.Crew stripe shirt | similar belt | similar leather satchel | similar leather satchel 2 | (unseen) pea coat

preppy plaid blazer

for those of my regulars, you’ll know that my go-to aesthetic is preppy.  i’ve featured it a lot this fall and even wrote an entire post about fashion confidence and one’s own personal aesthetic.  i found this perfect (similar) leather satchel (similar leather satchel 2) to compliment my outfit today.  every women needs a black leather satchel.  period.  

Talbots plaid blazer | lug-sole loafers | Everlane cashmere mockneck | J.Crew stripe shirt | similar belt | similar leather satchel | similar leather satchel 2 | (unseen) pea coat

Thanksgiving holiday memories

guest post by Kelly 

“When I was young, every Thanksgiving we spent at my paternal grandparent’s house. Each year my grandmother hosted a big Thanksgiving dinner party. It was a Thanksgiving celebration turned family reunion. From near and far, cousins, second cousins, aunts and uncles, once and twice removed, would make their way to Santa Clara, California to celebrate together in my grandparent’s tiny 1951 cookie-cutter ranch style home.

My grandfather was of Mexican descent and my grandmother was Greek, each side of their blended family had so many members I hardly knew most of them. But those closest to my grandmother never failed to appear, so we did come to rely upon seeing certain family members year after year.

Besides my grandparents, the person I enjoyed seeing the most was my great grandmother, Elvira. She was eccentric and fascinating to me when I was young.  Elvira, was my grandfather’s mother. She was a first generation Mexican American, born and raised in Texas.

She was small in stature but she had a “don’t mess with me” type of personality. She always wore her nails long and painted red; her slender hands and wrists adorned with costume rings and enormous glass baubles that reminded me of candy. She smoked long skinny cigarettes and wore her hair in a bouffant.

Of course she always dressed well; as if headed to church or a fancy dinner. She continued to wear gloves when she was out and about in the daytime, long after that went out of fashion.There were so many people that dinner was served buffet style and everyone would make do with our plates on our laps, or standing at the counter – any available space was occupied.

The football game on TV was drowned out by the many conversations happening simultaneously; conversations periodically interrupted by whoops and hollers by those few who were actually watching the game. It was raucous and it felt like my sister and I were being allowed to attend an adult party, since we two were the only children – the only grand and great-grandchildren on my dad’s side of the family.  Being Greek and Mexican, the food was the most important part of the party and the dinner preparation began days ahead of time.

My grandmother would make not only an American-style Thanksgiving, but she also made tamales – and this was my favorite part of our Thanksgiving.  Now that I am married, and we are moving into our new house, I look forward to adding tamales to our Thanksgiving dinner menu. I think spending the day before the holiday preparing tamales would be a wonderful family tradition to begin with my husband.”

walking comfortably into thanksgiving 

this fall, i’ve gotten a lot and continue to still get a lot of questions on fashionable but functional footwear.  on friday, i gave a shoutout to these lug-sole loafers.  they’ve appeared several times on the blog, and i can’t recommend them highly enough.  they’re comfortable and go with just about anything.  make sure you grab yourself a pair.   

and if you’re looking for more footwear suggestions, check out Easy Spirit post.  i’m one of their fall ambassadors this year, and cannot recommend their footwear highly enough.  whether you’re looking for something casual or something more formal, you’ll find something you love over at Easy Spirit.  they’ve got a big pre-Thanksgiving sale going on over there right now.  so make sure to check it out. 

Talbots plaid blazer | lug-sole loafers | Everlane cashmere mockneck | J.Crew stripe shirt | similar belt | similar leather satchel | similar leather satchel 2 | (unseen) pea coat

in case you missed it 

all week on the blog, we’ll be sharing guest posts of our favorite holiday memories.  toady, my daughter-in-law, Kelly, shared her favorite Thanksgiving holiday memories.  stay tuned tomorrow for Christmas. 

last week was self-care week.  the highlight of the week was our Friday’s post: breaking fashion rules when you’re over 50 post.  there, we give 5 rules everyone over the age of 50 should break.  make sure to check it out if you missed it. 

and for those that were following us two weeks ago, it was travel week over here on the blog.  i gave you an inside view of my French river cruise.  and if you haven’t hopped over to my YouTube channel channel, we posted highlights from that cruise in our French travel vlog.  i’ve attached it below, so make sure you watch it. 

this week is all about self-care during the holidays.  we’ve focused on managing grief during the holidays, and the self-care involved in selflessness.  today, we put the “self” back in self-care. 

there can be a tendency during the holidays to lose ourself.  when we’re totally focused on the needs of others, we need to explicitly remind ourselves about our own needs and their care. 

for all of you mothers out there, you know that the holiday season can be overwhelming to say the least.  whether it’s a school function, play, or party, when you add holiday gift buying, a husband and dog to boot, the question remains:  where do you fit in?  (and if you’re a professional, the same is true in general albeit in different ways.)

carve out time for yourself

this year, let’s try things a little different.  let’s find time to focus on you.  a day here.  and another one there.  

play hooky

earlier this fall, i wrote about taking a day to play hooky. it was one of our most viewed posts.  i’m guessing that’s because the message resonated with some of you.  i’ll repeat what i said there here. 

when was the last time you played hooky and took a day for yourself? went to a movie? got a massage or a mani-pedi? called up your daughter for an impromptu lunch? self-care is one of the most important things and something we’re all guilty of not investing enough in ourselves [sic].

corduroy jacket | similar corduroy blazer | similar wool blazer | wide-leg pants | similar pants | pants 2 | cashmere crew | pumps | similar pumps | similar clutch | bag 2 | bag 3

what does a day playing hooky look like for you?  it could be an afternoon matinee.  it could trip to the spa.  a manicure.  a pedicure.  it could be any and all of those things.  the important thing is that it’s something you want, nothing something other’s want or want  for you. 

and a money

budgets can be tight during the holidays.  from Thanksgiving to New Year’s it’s go, go, go and spend, spend, spend.  i get it.  believe me.  but one thing to keep in mind, it’s OK for some of that budget to be allocated to and for you. 

shopping day

part of self-care is looking good.  that’s something my mother repeated my entire life.  and if you’re a follower of this blog, you’re interested in fashion at least in part.  

corduroy jacket | similar corduroy blazer | similar wool blazer | wide-leg pants | similar pants | pants 2 | cashmere crew | pumps | similar pumps | similar clutch | bag 2 | bag 3

is this holiday season the season to revamp your wardrobe?  maybe it is.  maybe it isn’t.  but it might the year to invest in a new holiday outfit.  this year, allow yourself to be the best you.  and part of that is both looking and feelinggood.  if that means a trip to Talbots or Ann Taylor then that’s what it means.  

corduroy jacket | similar corduroy blazer | similar wool blazer | wide-leg pants | similar pants | pants 2 | cashmere crew | pumps | similar pumps | similar clutch | bag 2 | bag 3

give yourself the permission this year to buy a present for yourself in addition to everyone else.   

it’s ok to do you 

as we get older, a focus on ourselves may take new and different forms.  things we placed importance in our youth fallaway, and they’re replaced by new priorities and goals. 

health & wellness

over the past few years, many of you have followed me on my health & wellness journey.  at the risk of beating a dead horse, we all know how difficult it can be to stay healthy during the holiday season.  force of will breaks down in the face of holiday cookies.  the struggle. is. real. 

corduroy jacket | similar corduroy blazer | similar wool blazer | wide-leg pants | similar pants | pants 2 | cashmere crew | pumps | similar pumps | similar clutch | bag 2 | bag 3

but maybe this year is the year we change our relationship to food in general.  maybe it’s not a cookie here and there that’s at issue.  maybe we need a rethink of our daily diet in general.  just as self-care can be about looking good, feeling good is even more important.  

no matter how old you are; no matter where you are in your life; and no matter what your obligations are this holiday season there is nothing more important than your health and wellness.  what good can you be to others, let alone yourself, if you don’t feel good.  any investment in you begins with an investment in your health. 

corduroy jacket | similar corduroy blazer | similar wool blazer | wide-leg pants | similar pants | pants 2 | cashmere crew | pumps | similar pumps | similar clutch | bag 2 | bag 3

in case you missed it 

this week we’ve talked self-care during the holidays.  we emphasized a focus on the self. i gave you some practical tips to carve out time, space, and money to during a season in which it is natural to lose oneself. 

yesterday, we talked about putting other’s first as a form of self-care.  on Monday, we talked about managing grief during the holidays. make sure to check out those posts if you haven’t already.  

yesterday, i also gave a rundown of my YouTube channel.  we’re making a slight change to our fashion flash series starting today.  instead of posting individual fashion flash entries Monday through Wednesday, we’re rolling out an aggregated one every Wednesday.  make sure to check out today’s below.

to subscribe to my YouTube channel, either click the link to the left and follow step (iii) to the right; or i) click on any video below, ii) click on the “YouTube” logo to redirect to YouTube’s website, iii) and in the bottom right-hand corner below that video, click the “Subscribe” button.

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