Purses...

 

I haven't gone back through the last 18 years or so of blogging to determine how many posts I have written about purses but I am betting there is more than one or two!  Purses (pocketbook if you prefer... an interesting side note the term pocketbook is used almost exclusively in the Eastern U.S. and even then, primarily in the South!) are very personal.  Much like shoes, I think they can say so much about personality; even more than clothing or jewelry. 

It is near impossible to buy a purse for someone  (now I am not talking about a cute, little, cocktail number or statement purse but rather those bags we turn to everyday)  unless you have specifically been shown what/which purse they love.  I believe this to be almost exactly the same in the buying shoes.  These items are not just decoration they have to work with our bodies.  The handles/straps have to fit "us" and our lives or even season of life.  I remember the years of not really carrying a purse but throwing my wallet into a diaper bag.  Now, I often forgo the purse and drop my wallet, keys, sunglasses into my computer bag and head out. Just like a shoe has to fit your foot to work in your daily life, so does the size, shape, and yes, even whether it has pockets, snaps, or zippers in a purse matter.  I can look back at my purse styles over the years, and although I have "tried on" different styles, I tend to navigate back to a basic style and fit... much like my basic black pumps that live in my closet as a necessity not an option  

In purses I am not brand loyal or even a brand snob.  If I see a purse I like, regardless of brand, and it fits...I will carry it.  My current bag is a lovely, pink patent, Kate Spade that I have carried in Summers past.  It is still in great shape, fits, and I love the pop of color... not to mention since it isn't current season no one else has the same bag!  One holiday season I carried a bag which had been the giftbag for a set of lotions but was made of red faux fur, trimmed in white faux fur with big, fuzzy, white pom-poms!  It worked and it fit.  It was festive, got lots of compliments, and no one was the wiser it wasn't even a purse.  I once had a friend who made delightful cocktail purses from wooden cigar boxes.  There is probably a great post about cocktail purses somewhere, I just haven't gotten around to it.

All this to say, that bag you haul around everyday says a lot about you.  If it is recyclable tote from the grocery or a Hermes Kelly bag, you are sharing more than you may realize!  Your purse is an extension of that arm it hangs from!

5 months and here I am!

 Apparently, the foam shortage also left me with a shortage of words to share!  We now have taken delivery of the furniture we ordered back in April so I will give you a little sneak peek:

We are really excited to see another spot in the house coming together.  The rug was a local find, after looking online and at 5-6 six shops, we ended up circling back to the first stop! We are still looking for the perfect coffee table, have started planning a bit of additional cabinetry in the breakfast room, AND a whole house painting. My husband likes to get it all done in a snap. Yes, I am preaching patience to a man who lacks a bit of it.  I will praise him as he has been amazingly patient with my process!  Look for a better post with more details shortly.

I wish I could say that the Summer of 2021 was lacking the stress of Sumer 2020, but I can't.  I know most people seem to feel the same.  I could write a very long post on the stresses of this past summer (another thing that zapped my creative spirit.) I learned that I had to re-evaluate what and who I let into my inner circle, which is not something I expected to do at this point in life.  Overall, it came down to being the season of "knowing your circle."  It has not gone without a fair amount of wear and tear on my heart but life moves on.

The best I can share is my husband and I had some wonderful trips, which were great after the no travel of the months before!  I also have started developing what I should probably call dreams.  I realize that isn't very much information but they are in the baby steps and I hope to launch with all the fun and fanfare in the next few months formally.  If you are the praying kind, my new endeavor could use some positive support!

On to the next thing...It is September - officially FALL 2021!!! I love Fall and wish we had more of it (here in SC we still have 90 days!!!)  Either way, I am digging into Fall Fashions which means more than leggings and a sweatshirt ala' 2020!  I finally pulled out some Fall fashion this week and can't say enough how much I love the greens that have returned to the fashion palette this season.  

Thanks for coming back to read after all these months! I hope to keep in touch better in the future!

Keep an eye out for exciting things.

NadineWest - My Experience

I have used Stitch Fix Fashion Subscription Service to spruce up my wardrobe and keep me on my toes and trying new things but now that there are so many new fashion subscription services I have decided to try a few others and see how they stack up.  First off, I have had a good experience with Stitch Fix but have wondered about some of these other services, so my first experiment was with Nadine West.  NadineWest positions itself as a budget alternative to the other subscription services so it was a no brainer…who does not like a deal?  It did come with a less expensive price as all 5 items in my shipment totaled only $130.00 which made it all the more intriguing.

 

The question is…what would $130 get you compared with my previous slightly more expensive experience?  Of course, first impressions are important, and I loved the hot pink package with the attractive NadineWest logo, so I was hopeful!  In my shipment I received a pair of workout pants (black with a white stipe down the side), a green mid sleeve blouse with gold zipper, a very summery short sleeved dress made of an oxford  material, a pair of “silver” earrings, and a bangle with pearl embellishment.

Although, I was less than impressed with their offerings than what I was accustom to from Stich Fix, I did keep 3 items: the workout pants (at $15.99 and you can always use another pair,) the earrings at $25.49 and bracelet for $12.99.  I am sucker for accessories, so the earrings and bracelet were an easy keep. The dress was a disappointment in that it is October, and it was a mid-summer dress, so it is not something that will boost my wardrobe now. The green blouse was just so-so. At $39.99, I think I could easily pick up something just like it at a big box store for less.   I was disappointed that none of the pieces could work with each other and seemed a bit random.

 

It was fun to try another subscription service and I have to put in a plug for the Nadine West customer service as I had an issue and they were amazing in resolving the issue.  I have already signed up to try another service because I am very curious about the cost/quality/styles of each using my years of Stitch Fix experience as my baseline.  NadineWest was not a total bust and if you want some inexpensive, one season tops and such it might be worth a try.  For  now, I am going to experiment with another service and will let you know how that goes.

Fashion Friday...done Saturday Style

Yes, I am still getting dressed!  I have just been off schedule with getting photos to write about.  Today was a fun, dress down day to  have lunch, shop and spend time with my sweet girl Piper Ellice at Starting out Southern. 

Saturdays are always perfect for grabbing your favorite boots, a sweater and enjoying some girl time.

Fashion Friday - Watermelon Red

Friday was a fun day as I had a Watermelon Social at a facility that I work with and so I pulled out all the red I could find to match my theme (and make any watermelon splatters less visible!)  The great thing about this outfit is nothing I am wearing is new!  I have had the top, shoes and accessories for several seasons but I think I have worn the top only 1 time the shoes only 1 time. I love the shoes but never seem to have anything to wear them with so Watermelon Social Friday they were called up for duty!  The Necklace I am wearing my sweet daughter,Piper Ellice, gave me many years ago and it has special significance in the number of stones.  The gorgeous ring I am sporting I found at an estate sale about 3 years ago and it was a steal! Of course, my bracelet stack is, of course, on duty too! 

Being dressed in so much red brought lots of  compliments all day on Friday and I think I might have to incorporate more of it into my wardrobe!  Hope y'all are having a great weekend!!!! 

Fashion Friday!

Oh. My. Word. This week was unexpectedly crazy  and hopefully this weekend I can get around to blogging about all the excitement that is happening in my house. But, another Friday has rolled around and I didn't want to loose my streak (this making it an actual streak...2 is a streak, right?) of Fashion Friday blog posts!  So here is what got me through today:

We have had summer turned up high this week, complete with high temps and humidity, so today I grabbed a cute little Crown & Ivy sundress from Belk to make sure I didn't melt and paired it with my beloved neutral pumps and super deal Cato handbag (see last week's post for details.) Of course, no summer day is complete without some big, blingie sunglasses and anyone who knows me, knows I like my sunglasses to be a little bit "extra," unfortunately I do not remember where these came from.  For accessories, I did simple silver & crystal hoop earrings and my signature stack of bracelets.  You may question why I say my "signature" stack of bracelets but I have been wearing a stack of bracelets for more decades than I am willing to share....cloisonne bangles ring a bell with anyone?  Trust me when I say....I was the queen of the cloisonne bangle back in the day!.  

Happy Friday and I hope you dressed cute!

Fashion Friday

Oh,  FLASHBACK.... this post is like back in the day when I used to have the time, energy and interest in participating in OOTD (Outfit of the Day for those of you less informed social media types!)  I am doing my first - in a long time - Fashion Friday post! Since today was kind of a yucky day to work, as yesterday was a holiday and it felt like most of the world was still on holiday today, I needed a little extra giddy in my get up and go so I pulled out my current favorite dress.  Actually, most Fridays I think I need to pop it up a bit as the week has generally worn long and casual Friday doesn't do much for my hustle!

Right now I am loving this Ruffled Neck Juliette Swing Dress by Mudpie (it also comes in white and Navy but I just had to have this bright coral.)  It has a fun, full (i.e. non clingy) swing for these very hot South Carolina days along with the cutest big bow at the back of the neck that you, obviously can't see in these photos!  Being the less than tall girl that I am, I always try to add heels and nude ones really do elongate the leg and these Jessica Simpson Praylee Pumps have become the summer go to shoes...actually, I do nude heels year round and consider them a wardrobe staple. I also gave a nod to Sheila Fajl with my bangle and hoops. It took me a while to decide that I liked the brushed gold but now I am all in and love it!  To finish it off I am carrying a really cute, but but super, inexpensive handbag I found at Cato -  I just love a deal!  So here's to wrapping up the first week in July with a pop of color and a swing in my step!

Back With A New Name, New Address and New Directions!

Photo from: Divas Can Cook

Welcome all ones of you that may still pop by here to see if I have posted anything!  Though since I have changed my domain name, you ones may have been lost...oh, my.  Nothing like starting from scratch?

Obviously, I have not posted in a very.long.time.  I had mentioned in previous posts that I had lost direction and motivation for the blog and writing in general. It has taken some time to start figuring it out. Be warned it is still a work in progress.  I *think* I have determined my direction(s) and part of it is embracing the season I am in and incorporating the things I love into the blog the way I did when I started blogging back in 2005. (YEP.....2005!)  I started blogging as a way of journaling what, at the time, was a busy life with words and photos and I think it is time to start again...just with my new 2.0 life.

My challenge has been to some degree that I no longer fit into the "Mommy or Wife" blog world and my crafting and decorating is sparse, but I still love my South and all it offers, from fashion and our special kind of Belle Beauty, to extraordinary sights and travel, beautiful homes (even if mine is a wreck!) shopping and lest we not forget our Southern Food (notice Biscuits is right there at the top!)  My family and fur babies are still very important to me but I only have one baby still in the nest and he turns 18 in 2 months....yes, you do hear a slight Mama Meltdown in the background.  I plan to figure out how to incorporate the new dynamics of family life into my blog since we are all in a different season and it is harder than when I had them all under my roof.  By the way, my beautiful and talented daughter, who is now married and blossoming into a wonderful woman still is active and blogging at Starting out Southern.

I invite you to join me in my new online journaling adventure and lets get to know one another, both new and old!  Happy Saturday and drop me a line or two if you happen to stop by to help keep my creative juices flowing.

Welcome 2018!

Today marks the beginning of a bright New Year!  I have been looking forward to today; not for some particular reason, but I just placed it as a marker for myself...kind of jumping-off place.  I have goals (not resolutions!) I intend to find my way back to things I truly love...home, hearth, fashion, make-up and, of course, laughter.

I am declaring the color of 2018 as sparkle (who needs just one color if the one you love sparkles?)

 Sparkle in 2018!

Did you know Lilly Pulitzer Was Created After Leaving a Mental Hospital?

I have always love Lilly...the patterns, the colors, the lifestyle and attitude but also Lilly Pulitzer was an inspiration in more than just the fashion world.  She didn't have to do anything she didn't want to do but she picked herself up and she did what she need to do to be healthy, strong and bring joy to others. No matter what your struggles are...lets all be a little Lilly!

 

Be inspired!

Stitch Fix, Round 1!

I know a lot of people who have been on the Stitch Fix bandwagon for a long time but I never really paid much attention to it until recently when a friend ask me to give it a try.  Also, right now I have little to no time to shop for new pieces to add too my wardrobe so this seemed worth a try. 

Last week I received my first shipment.  I was surprised at all the fun that was packed into that little box!  The way it works is you fill out questionnaires on your style, size, wardrobe focus, etc. and each month (or what ever schedule you choose) a new shipment of 5 new, name brand pieces will be sent to you.  You have the choice of purchasing all 5 with a nice 25% discount on the entire purchase or you can keep just one item and sent the remainder back in the provided mailer, within a 3 day window. 

In my first shipment I received a maxi dress that was cute but too long and a bit more summery than I was interested in at this point (I want Fall clothes!), 2 cute tops, a pair of jeans and a necklace.  I loved the jeans but they were too big.  I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to log into my Stitch Fix account and request an exchange.  I also decided to keep one of the tops that was sent because it will make a great work or play addition to my wardrobe.  The rest I just popped back into the provided mailer and back it went. I also was asked to provide feedback for my stylist on this shipment and how it could be better,  as well as how I felt about the size, fit, quality and price of each item.  It was fun.  I was able to let my stylist know what my purpose in adding to my wardrobe is and how the items fit my style. 

I am not sure why it took me so long to try!  The great thing is, if you don't like any of items they can all go back or you can keep what you like.  I think the biggest benefit is it gives you the opportunity to add a piece or two a month to keep your wardrobe up to date and fresh without you having to step foot outside of your house!  Now, I can't wait until my next shipment arrives. 

If you would like to try it out just click here:  Stitch Fix, you own personal stylist

Talbots' Spring Trunk Show!

Last week I was honored to be a special guest at our local Talbots' trunk show.  It makes your day to arrive to a front row, reserved seat, complete with pink rose waiting on you for a fashion show!  I have to say the team at Talbots did a great job and presented a beautiful Spring Line!  I love all the pattern matching and the colors for Spring are lovely!  I found some great new pieces to add to my closet and since I haven't managed to shop at all this Spring it was nice to have some pretty pops of color hanging up and waiting to brighten the day!

 

The greatest thing about this spring collection is I found so many pieces that would work inside and outside of work!  For me, that is HUGE!  Traditionally, I have been a girl who loves Fall & Winter clothes but oddly enough...the last few years have found me loving my Spring and Summer wardrobe best.  I think I love color so much that I find it is more fun to shop for!  I also love dresses and skirts so they work for me inside and out for work and truly are the best in our deep South heat.  Hats off to a great job Talbots! 

Lets talk purses....

If you understand the above quote then I am sure we can be friends...if not, well I can be sure it will be a much more challenging friendship to grow.  You see, I am very particular about my purses.  I am not sure when this particular idiosyncrasy happened, but somewhere along the line it hit me in a way very little else in fashion does.  My life is about fashion, cosmetics, fragrance and jewelry by trade so I do happen to love most of those things dearly and am very grateful that I get to have a career dealing with beautiful and wonderful things, but when it comes to MY purse all bets are off. 

 

In truth, I am not sure anyone could purchase a purse for me that I would love unless I specifically told them which one ahead of time.  I don't even have a brand name need in the purses I love. I will shop in the oddest of places for just the right purse.  Right now I am carrying a Prada black paten tote, which will soon be replaced by an adorable bit of spring I found which carries no fancy name.  For me, a purse has to be so many things: it has to be the right weight, the right strap length, big enough for my life, be able to sit upright and politely when placed on the floor or table, slim enough to sit next to me in the car and above all else it has to be CUTE!  Yes, CUTE!  I like flair in my purse and I don't desire to see anyone else carrying the same one. Thinking back I think don't think that has ever happened! 

 

I am not a daily purse swapper, nor do I generally match them to my outfit. I am seasonal purse girl and right now I am itching for Easter to arrive so I can pull out my newest find which thrills me to no end!  I saw it online and had to order it right away and it hit on all the right marks and is just sitting in my closet whispering to me that Spring is almost here......

Now all I have to do is find an Easter dress that coordinates with my new purse and the stars will be aligned!

So tell me about your purse-son-ality?

 



One of my favorite blogs, Walking in Grace & Beauty

I struggle with getting older.  Yes, I realize that sounds "very mature," but I do. No where is that struggle greater than with clothes. At some point, it seems, designers and store buyers are at a loss as to what to buy for those of us who are too old for the trendy teenager influenced set but not ready (by a far shot) for the grandama fashions.  This is particularly true if you are petite.  Trust me when I say, apparently if you are petite you want to dress like you are 90 years old...at least that is what it appears to me when I visit the mall.  Hello!  There are more than a few of us not ready for polyester down here!!!!

Recently, I found an adorable blog that hits this struggle right on target.  Cyndy Spivey at Walking in Grace and Beauty is a fashion and beauty blogger with a twist, "For years I thought mixing Jesus with Fashion was an oxymoron until I realized that God created beauty in the very beginning when He created the world and He created me to enjoy beauty too! As a forty something wife, mother and grandmother, I think forty’s really are fabulous!"

Walking in Grace & Beauty

 I LOVE it! Cyndi presents all kinds of wonderful, budget conscience, and modest but fashionable clothing, along with makeup and lifestyle tips to help you feel better about the way you look without forgetting that the most important element is  your heart!  I hope you will pop over and check out Cyndi's presentation of  the latest trends in fashion and make-up and how you can incorporate them into your busy lifestyle.  Please tell her I sent you!

Retail Therapy Thursday!

I love a good deal, especially on designers that have a classic, preppy flair.  I am a big fan of "invitation only" sale sites and have gotten some good deals through them so I was excited to hear about the newest kid on the shopping block (LOL), Country Club Prep! I love their tagline, "All Preppy Clothing, All The Time!" It hasn't even opened its doors yet, but you can go ahead and sign up to become a member through this link, Country Club Prep Membership.   If you become a member now, you will be entitled to FREE shipping and returns for LIFE!  How cool is that? 

Become a Member HERE

Fall Fashion, anyone?

I have been kinda, sorta, looking towards fall a bit, in regards to fashion and though I am not giving up summer quite yet, I have found a couple of trendy things that I may have to add to my closet. The first one (well, maybe more than one..) would be the chunky, multi-layered necklaces that are in stores. Maybe it is just the 80s in me... (you know we layered everything...one was NEVER enough)... but I think I will be sporting some big, chunky bling this fall!

 NY and Company Ribbon and Chain Bold Bead Necklace

No compensation was provided for this post

Bag Lust...

Do you ever having one of those days when you wake up with a little bag lust?  You know...when you just feel like a new purse would lift your spirits (aka: retail therapy)?  Well, today is the day when the idea of a new pocket-book (does your Grandmother still call them that?) is tugging at my heart.  I have seen these great Amy Butler  bags  recently, and I think they are lovely!  What do you think?

*this is just a little retail therapy of my own...I received no compensation for this post!

Seersucker Thursday!

Happy Seersucker Thursday!  Yes, I know I am a month late for the "Official" Seersucker Thursday, but it has been so blasted hot (not that I am complaining!) I think every summer Thursday should be Seersucker Thursday! 

Did you know that there truly is an official Seersucker Thursday?  It traditionally arrives on the 3rd Thursday in June.  It began with Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, who in 1996, wanted to "bring a little Southern charm to the Capitol", not to mention, it gets hot in Washington (in more ways than one!).

I am really impressed at how well our Capitol Hill representatives got into the entire seersucker vibe!  Don't they just look nicer?  More civil?  More refined?  If they dressed this way more often, I just know our world would be a better place!

Whether you are a bow time or a tradition tie kind of guy, seersucker makes my heart sing and makes any man more handsome. 

This past Easter my sweeties all decided to take the cool route and celebrate the arrival of the Southern Season in seersucker.  See more Southern Somedays Seersucker here: Easter 2010

In case you need some seersucker in something other than a traditional blue or pink; what about this beauty - the Franco dress from Lilly? Lilly Pulitzer Franco Dress

Or this for the sweet, little, pink princess in your life (ooooh, I wish I had a baby girl to buy for!): 

Everything But The Princess

I love seersucker and all my babies had their fair share of seersucker love

(Seersucker and a Southern Mamas Heaven).  Just remember seersucker isn't just for clothes...isn't this an adorable Moses Basket?  Find it at: Wendy Anne Moses Basket at Cozy Babies

So, cool off y'all and put on your seersucker...you will be all the better for it! 

No endorsement or fees were paid for this post.

Old Men Clothes...

I used to think that lots of old men wore the clothes that they had worn 30-40 years ago that had been fashionable back in the day. I was actually really impressed with how well things held up and how much care they took in keeping their "old" clothes in good repair. USED to think, that is until I saw Manny's:

Yep, last month, when DH and I were in Naples we ran across Manny's...apparently this is the place to aquire the official old man clothes....NEW old man clothes....or maybe that is NEW clothes for the old man?

So there you have it, complete with high-waisted, baby blue, polyester slacks with a white patent belt, no less....I just never knew!

An Open Letter to Old Navy...

Dear Old Navy,

I am trying desperately to like you and your budget priced, fun and trendy clothing. Really, I am. My kids love you and I want to be part of the fun. See, a few weeks ago, I even blogged positively about you: http://southerness.blogspot.com/2009/08/good-deals-to-be-had-at-old-navy.html!

After my glowing experience with you, I signed up for your weekly emails which promised to include coupons for additional encouragement to part with my slim amount of cash. Coupons...now that got me excited! You tickled my thoughts with that one. I had visions of us sharing many hours together as I carefully chose items in which to trade you my hard earned cash. http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/ .

I envisioned our future to be about regular time spent together and me making sure to keep up with your teasingly great Deal of the Week. In return, I only expected that you would put out just a little love by giving me a coupon. But, no, Old Navy, you have taunted me - and challenged my limited early morning email reading/checking skills. Through blurry eyes I have scoured your weekly email ads and tried to play your evil, self esteem killing game "click around to find the coupon". Ha! I have clicked and reclicked, and spoken not favorably under my breath about you, and still NO coupon. I have given you my email address, freely at every turn - just in case, that might provide me with just a little coupon ecstasy. What a one sided relationship this has been. I feel used, lied to and tricked for your own fun and games. Is this really what we were supposed to be about?

Regards,

Couponless in the South

(BTW, The point is made better if read out loud in an emotion-filled Antonio Banderas voice or possibly as Jack Black in Nacho Libre!.)