A Dress Code at Home

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Hello Everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday! We kept things simple this year by having dinner with our kids and spending the evening watching movies. It was a relaxing way to celebrate together.

There are so many exciting things I am preparing for right now, and I look forward to sharing an update with you very soon.

I am still reading Living Beautifully Together by Alexandra Stoddard, and I recently came across a sentence that really made me stop and think. She writes, “A man who wanders around the house in only his underdrawers insults his wife and children.”

That quote immediately got me thinking about the way we dress at home. We’ve discussed this topic on the blog before, so it isn’t a new conversation, but it is one that I believe is always worth revisiting.

The way we present ourselves within our own homes says something about the respect we have for ourselves and for those we love. While comfort certainly has its place, there is also value in dressing with a sense of care and dignity, even when no one outside the family will see us. Home is where our habits are formed, and the atmosphere we create begins with the small, everyday choices we make.

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

I simply adore this vintage photograph of a mother and daughter in their nightwear. I have been searching for a gown like this for quite some time now, as there is something so graceful and timeless about it.

Making sure I have lovely, modest gowns to wear to bed has always been a priority for me. Even when I lived alone in my apartment at just twenty years old, I wore vintage-style gowns around my home. They made everyday life feel a little more beautiful and always brought a smile to my face.

I have long believed that what we wear at home influences how we feel. Slipping into a pretty gown at the end of the day transforms an ordinary evening into something a bit more special, reminding me that elegance is not reserved for public occasions—it begins within the walls of our own homes.

 

photo credit: Pinterest

 

Another inspiring photograph! This image features Jasmine Guy from the beloved 1980s television show A Different World. I have always admired the effortless elegance portrayed in many older television shows. Even in quiet moments at home, the women were often dressed in beautiful robes or flowing gowns that reflected a sense of grace and self-respect.

I know television isn’t always an accurate reflection of everyday life, but these images remind me that there is beauty in creating a lovely home environment and in dressing with intention, even when no one else is around. There is something undeniably uplifting about slipping into a beautiful nightgown at the end of the day. It transforms an ordinary evening into a peaceful ritual and reminds us that elegance begins at home.

What is your dress code at home?

 

Keep Your Life Simple

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Good Morning Everyone!

Are you enjoying the heat yet? It has certainly felt like a sauna here in Indy this week—goodness gracious! I’ve been spending most of my time indoors, doing my best to stay cool.

On a brighter note, my David Austin roses are blooming again! They are absolutely beautiful, and I can’t believe I’m getting a second round of blooms. It’s such a lovely surprise.

My newsletter went out this week, and I hope you all received it. I also hope you find a little inspiration in this month’s Velvet Morning feature and suggestions.

 

photo credit: Tallwood Country House 

 

 

I am still reading Alexandra’s book Living Beautifully Together. In a recent chapter, she shared 20 Points to Remember and discussed how to keep life simple. We may already know many of these ideas, but sometimes a gentle reminder is exactly what brings us back to living a beautiful life.

The first point is to make dates with yourself. Plan ahead and mark your calendar, blocking out time to be alone. I have made it my mission to do this every month. It’s all part of planning for beauty.

Reward yourself when you accomplish a goal. After working hard under the pressure of a deadline, treat yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant or schedule a relaxing massage. You’re more likely to face challenges with equanimity when you have a reward waiting on the other side.

Work smarter, not harder. Tackle your most difficult tasks during the part of the day when you feel the most refreshed. Use the times when your creative energy is lower to putter, file, organize, or prepare for future projects. And don’t be afraid to quit while you’re ahead—you can always come back refreshed.

Go to bed one hour earlier. (I think we’re all working on this one!) Waking up an hour before you have to, to enjoy the quiet of the morning, gives you a head start on the day. That one peaceful hour spent alone can be worth far more than three hours later in the day, fractured by interruptions.

 

photo credit: Pinterest 

 

 

Be in training for life. Exercise makes you feel better and gives you energy. Dance, jog, walk, play a sport, or swim. Move every part of your body that can move—regularly. And treat your brain as you would a muscle; it needs exercise, too.

Create a positive image of the day. Research continues to show that optimists handle stress better than pessimists. We need to develop the habit of being kind to ourselves so those actions become our own system of checks and balances for the mind-body connection.

Hold high expectations for your day. Cultivate your vitality and persevere. The effort you make today will benefit you tomorrow. By stretching yourself and giving your best each day, you’ll surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish. Take risks in new areas. Success is achieved through a series of thoughtful, creative steps, guided by a commitment to excellence. Today is going to be your day.

Lastly, don’t try to have it all. Define what you truly want—what you value most—and let your actions reflect those priorities. Enjoy the process of all your activities, and make joy a high priority. Learn how much you can realistically handle, then move forward with confidence. When you’re working toward your personal goals, you often handle stress more gracefully because you’re focused on what truly matters. Take time throughout your day to pause and appreciate the wonder and beauty of life.

I hope these reminders from Alexandra have inspired you today. Sometimes we don’t need to learn something new—we simply need to be reminded of what we already know. May you find time for yourself, care for your body and mind, and embrace the beauty that’s waiting in each day.

 

 

 

June Favorites ~ 2026

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Good Morning Friends,

We have reached the halfway point of the year, and it hardly seems possible. June is nearly behind us, and I find myself wondering where the days have gone. The first half of the year has been full, with three work trips already completed and a fourth on the calendar for July.

Through the busyness, I have remained committed to the things that ground me. I am still attending Pilates classes, still reflecting on my word of the year, and still intentionally planning for beauty in my everyday life.

One of my greatest joys has been watching my raised beds come to life. This season, I added peonies, delphiniums, hydrangeas, and tulips, each bringing its own charm to the garden. And after much anticipation, I have one sweet pea beginning to bloom. It is a small reminder that beauty often unfolds slowly, rewarding those who are willing to wait and tend with care.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

One of my favorite monthly traditions is reflecting on the little things that have brought joy to my days. Throughout June, I discovered several new favorites, including YouTube channels that inspired me, songs that became the soundtrack to the season, beautiful accessories, delicious desserts, and a refreshing spring drink. These small pleasures have added a touch of beauty to everyday life, and I am delighted to share them with you.

 

 

During one of my recent work trips, a colleague ordered a drink that immediately caught my attention. It was a simple combination of sparkling water, fresh lemon, lime, and mint. Intrigued, I ordered one for myself, and what a delightful discovery it was! Light, refreshing, and wonderfully crisp, it quickly became a favorite.

Since returning home, I have stocked my refrigerator with sparkling water and have kept lemons, limes, and fresh mint on hand so I can recreate it. I have especially enjoyed sipping this refreshing beverage alongside dinner on warm summer evenings. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable.

Later in the month, I attended a staff luncheon with my attorney and team at the lovely The Capital Grille. I ordered the chicken breast entrée, which was excellent, but it was dessert that truly stole the show. I selected the sweet and savory apple tart, and it was absolutely divine. The perfect balance of flavors and textures made it a memorable ending to the meal. In fact, I am still thinking about it weeks later—a sure sign of a truly exceptional dessert.

 

 

Next up is a gorgeous leaf brooch I discovered on Etsy, paired with a stunning Dior pouch from Poshmark. The brooch is wonderfully oversized, making a true statement piece, and features three pins on the back for secure styling. I recently shared a reel featuring this beauty on my Instagram account, and it has quickly become a favorite. The Dior pouch is equally enchanting, with its garden-inspired design creating a dreamy, elegant combination that feels both timeless and unique. I ordered a second one just in case. 

 

 

A touch of beauty can transform even the simplest spaces, and this lush bouquet of faux peonies does exactly that. I arranged in a vintage-inspired crystal vase, the creamy ivory blooms bring softness, romance, and timeless elegance to my vanity space in my bathroom. Their realistic petals and full, abundant form create the look of freshly gathered garden flowers. I found them in my local garden center recently. 

Now this was a great find! This delicate tulip bag charm in the prettiest shade of pale blue was such a wonderful summer find. I also have it in pink, and ivory. The charming floral accent adds a whimsical touch to my handbags, proving that the smallest details often make the most beautiful statement.

 

 

It was time to refresh my collection of home fragrances, and I was thrilled to finally add the Manor Candle in Lemon Loaf by Nabela Noor to my home. I have mentioned her candles before, but this one exceeded every expectation. Not only does it fill the room with the most delicious, comforting scent, but the vessel itself is absolutely stunning. It is truly a beautiful piece of décor in its own right. I will be sharing an unboxing on my Instagram account and possibly on YouTube as well, because this candle deserves a closer look.

Later this month, after a lunch meeting, I decided to make a stop at Williams Sonoma and discovered another treasure. Their Famille Rose candle in the Lush Jasmine fragrance immediately captured my attention. The scent is exquisite—fresh, elegant, and beautifully layered—but it was the gorgeous ginger jar-inspired vessel that completely won me over. With its timeless design and delicate details, it felt like the perfect addition to my home for the season. Some pieces are simply too beautiful to leave behind, and this was certainly one of them.

The final addition to my favorites this month is a beautiful piece of classical music that has quickly become part of my daily routine. Titled Marianelli: Liz on Top of the World, it is featured on the soundtrack of Pride & Prejudice and captures a sense of joy, hope, and quiet elegance in just a few short minutes. Though the composition is brief, it is remarkably moving and leaves a lasting impression. Its uplifting melody now serves as my morning alarm, offering a gentle and inspiring start to each day. There is something wonderfully serene about waking up to music that feels both timeless and enchanting.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s collection of favorites. I shared the beautiful pieces, fragrances, and moments that made June so special. Until next time, may you continue to find beauty, elegance, and joy in the everyday.

 

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Travel with Elegance

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Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you again to those of you who have taken the time to respond to the survey. Your feedback truly helps me, and it lets me know who is reading the blog and following along on this journey.

At times, social media can feel like a lot of effort with little return, so hearing from those of you who are engaged and finding value in my content means more than you know.

I received a lot of views on my recent Instagram Reel featuring my travel cleaning kit. Since there was so much interest, I thought I would use this week’s post to share more about what I use and provide links to my favorite items so they’re easy to find.

I did want to share these thoughts on travel: 

Travel with Elegance

Travel is more than reaching a destination — it is an experience, a reflection of style, grace, and the art of living beautifully. In a fast-moving world filled with rushed itineraries and crowded schedules, traveling with elegance means embracing the journey with sophistication, comfort, and intention.

The Essence of Elegant Travel

Elegant travel is not defined by luxury alone. It is about thoughtful choices, timeless style, and creating meaningful moments wherever you go. From the way you pack your suitcase to how you immerse yourself in a new culture, elegance lies in simplicity, confidence, and attention to detail.

An elegant traveler values quality over quantity. Instead of rushing through endless attractions, they savor experiences — a quiet sunrise over the ocean, a candlelit dinner in a hidden café, or a peaceful walk-through historic streets.

Packing with Purpose

True elegance begins before the journey starts. Packing smartly and minimally creates a stress-free travel experience. For me that begins with my travel cleaning kit. Now I was inspired by Operation Nikki on Instagram during the pandemic to start packing a travel cleaning kit. 

 

 

Here is a quick snapshot of mine from the video. In my travel cleaning kit I have the following:

 

Dressing for Elegant Travel:

For me I still like to look like I am headed to the office while traveling. It still amazes me how people dress in the airports. I love to wear a light dress, cardigan or wrap, pearls, travel shoes, my favorite tote at the moment and my carry-on. A carefully curated wardrobe allows you to move effortlessly from airport lounges to city explorations and evening gatherings. Remember, elegance is often found in understated simplicity.

This is an example of what I would wear to travel in. The only thing that would be different would be my shoes. I am wearing these right now. They work well with most of my dresses and are super comfy. 

 

 

Grace in Every Journey

Elegant travelers carry themselves with kindness and respect. They embrace cultural differences, practice patience, and remain open to learning. Whether navigating a busy airport or exploring a large city, grace and humility leave lasting impressions. I recently ran into a man from London and a woman from Germany during my last trip. I asked them about their countries and what they loved most about traveling. Their shared everything and also asked me questions about America. I love those kinds of conversations. They educate you and open your eyes to a bigger world. 

Caring for Yourself While Traveling

In my recent trips I have learned that I get really dry during these travel times and shared on a reel this week what I was adding to my items. 

Travel with elegance is about discovering the world while remaining connected to yourself. It is about moving through life with curiosity, confidence, and appreciation for beauty in all its forms.

Final Thoughts

In the end, elegant travel is a mindset. It is choosing calm over chaos, quality over excess, and experiences over possessions. Whether you are boarding a plane to a distant country or taking a weekend escape nearby, travel beautifully, travel mindfully, and most importantly — travel with elegance.

 

Last few items that I cannot travel without:

 

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Gucci Flora ~ A Grace Kelly Story

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Hello Friends,

Here we are in June already—we’re officially six months into the year! Let that sink in for a moment.

Lately, I feel like I’ve been playing catch-up, but that’s okay. I have a work trip coming up this month, and thankfully I feel much more prepared than I did last month. I’ll also be sharing some travel essentials reels here soon, so stay tuned for those.

As for today’s post… sigh.

This item has been on my wish list since 2014. I vividly remember reading a post over 10 years ago featuring influencer Rosie at the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK, where she visited the Gucci floral display. The moment I saw that scarf, I was completely smitten.

From that day on, I knew I had to have it. Well, recently I finally gave in and decided to buy it. Of course, I turned to Poshmark. I didn’t mind purchasing a gently used one—especially when I could get it for nearly half the original price!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I was so excited when my new scarf arrived! Poshmark and eBay are great places to find these pieces at much more affordable prices. My scarf looks very similar to this one, and when it arrived, I just sat there staring at it. It was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined all those years ago.

Then the hunt began for the tote.

I first saw the Gucci Flora tote a few years ago. It was released in 2019, and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to own someday. Eventually, I found one at a great price on Poshmark and added it to my “watch” list. For more than six months, I kept an eye on it as the seller gradually lowered the price. It went from $800 all the way down to $380!

Looking back, I probably should have bought it then, but I still wasn’t completely sure.

Then one evening, while scrolling through YouTube, a video titled “20 Items Grace Kelly Loved That You Can Still Buy Today” appeared in my feed. I clicked on it, and the eighth item mentioned completely stopped me in my tracks.

It was the story behind the Gucci Flora print.

As I watched, I learned about the history of the iconic design and its connection to Grace Kelly. Suddenly, my admiration for the scarf and tote wasn’t just about the beautiful floral pattern—it was about the legacy and story behind it. From that moment on, I knew I had to find the tote.

 

 

The story goes that Grace Kelly walked into the Gucci store in Milan in 1966 looking for a silk scarf. Rodolfo Gucci happened to be in the store that day and knew this wasn’t an occasion to simply hand her something off the shelf. Instead, he asked his friend and artist, Vittorio Accornero, to create something special just for her.

That request led to the creation of the now-iconic Flora print.

The moment I heard that story, everything clicked. I knew there was a reason I had been so drawn to this print all those years ago. For more than 12 years, I admired it without knowing its history, and now I love it even more.

After watching that video, I went back to the seller and submitted another offer on the tote. To my surprise, it was accepted!

I’ve only had my tote for about a month, but it turns heads everywhere I carry it. It is truly stunning, and I love sharing the history of the Flora print with anyone willing to listen. Knowing the story behind it makes it feel even more special.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of fashion history. If you have a few minutes, be sure to watch the video. Lately, I’ve also been on the hunt for Grace Kelly’s signature fragrance, Fleurissimo by Creed. I’ve been trying to find a sample but haven’t had any luck yet.

If you watch the video, let me know in the comments—which item from Grace Kelly’s list is your favorite?

 

 

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May Favorites ~ 2026

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Well Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone has been well. I had a work trip last week and had a trip two weeks before that. It’s been busy. I still have a few more trips, there are lots of things going on at the office, and I am still trying to figure out what to do with the boutique. 

I will say this I have loved my work trips. The exposure and experiences that come with them are priceless. My next newsletter will be hitting your inboxes soon. I hope you all are having a lovely spring. Now here are my May favorites. There are quite a few.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First is my “beauty book”. Every Friday morning, I have my devotional in my office then I go to my sitting room, light a candle, and read my beauty book. It is a wonderful way to start my Fridays. I don’t usually work out on Fridays. I like to take my Friday mornings easy. This month my beauty book is Flower Couture by Cordelia de Castellane. Cordelia is the artistic director for Dior and is a tastemaker in Paris. 

Next up are these gorgeous garden heels from DSW. They are from their Kelly and Katie shoe line. The heel height is perfect and so is this gorgeous print. There are several more on my favorites page. 

 

 

Third is this gorgeous ceramic rope vase from Crate and Barrel — now completely sold out. I had been watching it for over a year, and when it finally went on sale from $399 to $179, I knew I had to get it before it disappeared.

On the right is a tulip brooch I’m considering for the boutique, inspired by a design created by Carolina Herrera. I love pieces that feel elegant, timeless, and feminine. Let me know your thoughts below.

 

 

 

Now this favorite is incredible! One of our designers from the show house shared this with me. It was in his room at the show house. Now of course it is not a real one, but it sure does look like one. It’s from a company called Bagvard. It is such great quality and comes in other colors. I will be ordering a second one! 

 

 

With so much upcoming travel, I realized it was finally time to invest in luggage I truly loved. I chose a silver hardcase set from Delsey Paris — including a carry-on with a protected laptop compartment that’s perfect for travel days. I’ve never owned matching suitcases before, and somehow it makes the entire experience feel more elegant and intentional. Beautiful pieces that travel well and function well are always worth it. 

 

 

I recently discovered a new Instagram account called Soulfedhome and I am completely smitten with her white vintage vase. Her finds are so carefully curated — classic, timeless, and full of quality. I’m hoping to find something similar for my own home.

I’ve also been focusing more on hand care lately, especially with all of my recent travel. Flying leaves my skin so dry after landing, so I decided to start using the same creams I use on my face for my hands and nails. Right now, I’m loving my L’Oréal Paris collagen cream paired with sweet almond cuticle oil.

And lastly is a new YouTube channel discovery of course. 

 

This channel is so good and I love their honesty. If you don’t know who Mrs. Alice is then you should get to know their website. It is where I purchased my chinoiserie vases. 

Well, that is all my friends for my May favorites. I do hope that you have found some inspiration and enjoyment as always. Take care and be elegant!

 

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The Manor on Meridian ~ The Show House 2026 ~ part 2

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Hello Everyone,

Lots of things going on. Lauren is now home for the summer, and I have added new flowers to my raised bed garden. I will also be sharing some traveling favorites soon. I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer so far. Now it is time for part 2 of the show house tour! If you missed part 1, you can read it here. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now last week I managed to take photos of the entryway. I had to do it quick, but I hope I captured the space. This area was designed by Matt Harris, and he wanted it to have a boutique hotel vibe. There was faux leather wallpaper on the ceiling, the walls had an ombre paint color, and the light fixture was from Ferguson. And just look at that custom rug! Fantastic!

 

Now let’s move upstairs. This is the primary retreat, and the designer was Mark Protenhauer from Kittle’s Design Studio. Mark wanted to design the space with clean lines, soft textures, and romance. I could not have agreed more. The space was so well done. 

 

 

The primary bathroom had recently gone through an update, so Mark added soft blue wall to connect the bedroom. He changed the faucets and accents while adding a bit of soft metal color. There is some original artwork in the room. The color in the bathroom is by Sherwin Williams and is called River’s Edge. Of course, I love the blue and white touches. 

 

 

Next up is the Sanctuary of Stillness. This was created by designer Chazzmin Jones of Jones Design Group, LLC. Chazzmin wanted to create a quiet space for you to relax and quite your mind. He layered it with natural textures and collected beauty. Chazzmin also had this gorgeous Hermes dupe. I ordered one and will be showing it on my Instagram page soon! 

 

 

Attached to the Sanctuary of Stillness was the Jack and Jill Bathroom decorated by one of our new designers Nan Girton from Figalily Le Design. Nan’s foundation of the design is a luxury, bespoke floral immersion that transforms the bathroom into a garden like retreat. This designer has a place in my heart because she came to the show house last year and asked me how she could get a room in the next show house! I then introduced her to our Decorator Chair and a conversation started! Now Nan was in this year’s show house, and I was so proud to be a part of that!

 

 

The room on the left is from a new designer as well. This room was designed by Megan Giles from Maed Designs. Her room was called the Woodland Grove Suite, and this space was a quiet retreat, inviting, moody and restorative. I loved the beautiful wallpaper behind the bed. 

Then there was the guest bedroom. This space was designed by Nested Spaces. They were envisioning a refined, European-inspired aesthetic anchored in a rich palette of plaids, tweeds, and layered hues of blue, green, and gray. Overall, the intention is to refresh the bedroom with an understated sense of luxury. 

 

 

 

 

Now welcome to Palm Beach Chic. This space was decorated by Catherine Marrano Interiors, and it had a Mahjong table! Yay! I kept wanting to call it the “ladies lounge”. Catherine wanted this space to be for slow mornings and unhurried evenings. I loved the pastel greens, airy blues, soft pinks, and sun-washed yellows. The Mahjong set was from my studio Meet at Mahj. 

 

 

 

 

 

And the Atelier is the last room for this post. The Atelier was designed by Jenni Eggers and served as a canvas for the custom for local art. The space drew inspiration from the homeowner’s personal collection of relics, while taking our signature approach of celebrating the old while enhancing the new. 

 

 

 

I was especially smitten with this vintage vase. There are so many other rooms that I did not share. Mostly because I was running around the entire time working so I am glad that I was able to capture some of the rooms. We have a virtual tour on our website available for you to view. I don’t think my photos could have done it justice. This was a wonderful show house with great designers and a great team. I am really proud of the work that we accomplished! I look forward to next year and look forward to my new role for St. Margaret’s! It will be a big one! Have a great week! 

 

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