Chic Holiday Pieces

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Happy Friday,

I am actually excited about this weekend! I threw out so much of my old Christmas ornaments. My trees are up and I will try to take some photos this weekend. I am on the hunt for some ribbon for all three of my trees, new ornaments and new tree toppers. My trees are really bare this year, but I don’t care. I want to take my time curating beautiful, quality ornaments. I have a few more presents to buy for Christmas and my Thanksgiving menu is just about done! Everything is slowly coming together.

In today’s post I wanted to share my recent Christmas online purchases.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I cannot stop wearing these! They are so beautiful and chic! Ann Taylor did such a great job in designing these. I purchased them in black as well. I have seen lots of shoes this season with the crystal bow but none of them compared to these. So comfy as well!

 

 

So great….

 

 

 

I have been on the hunt for a pair of houndstooth heels for a while now and this is the first pair that I have ever purchased! Again, from Ann Taylor. These are on sale for $94 but you get an additional 30% off! These would be another classic shoe statement for your wardrobe. 

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I could not wait to see this brooch in person. I love a vintage style brooch, and this was a great addition to my winter wardrobe!

 

 

 

This is an oldie but goodie. I purchased this Ann Taylor crystal collar from Poshmark a few years ago. I don’t recall ever seeing this in the stores or online. It must be from many moons ago.

 

 

 

This dusty pink faux fur stole was a recent Poshmark purchase! I only paid $25 for it and it was brand new with tags. I loved wearing it to the office!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

The last item that I purchased from Ann Taylor is this jeweled sweater jacket. It is quite warm and incredibly well-made! The jacket is very substantial. It was such a great buy. I am thinking twice about ordering it in black. 

I am loving my winter pieces for this season. There is one more item on my list. I would love to get a cream-colored tote. Something similar to this without the price tag or this.  I don’t own a cream-colored tote. I had one many years ago, but I think I damaged it. So I am due. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Wish me luck on shopping for new ornaments this season! 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallery on 16th ~ New Indy Discovery

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Good Morning,

I am pooped! Yesterday I did not leave the house. I worked on getting my house decorated for Christmas! I am worn out, but it is done. I will be going to Hobby Lobby and the At Home store this weekend for new decorations. I am going to be getting rid of a lot of mine. I purchased a bunch from Walmart over the years, and they are just so cheap. Nothing wrong with Walmart but I am just ready for some wonderful new, fresh Christmas decor, and some substantial ornaments. I’ll share what I find soon. On with a new local restaurant discovery….

It’s amazing how my husband and I keep discovering new things about our city. He recently found a new restaurant to go and have lunch at. It was called Gallery on 16th. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

My husband found this place while he and his crew were working in the area. Now it is not my taste in decor but it is quite lovely and the staff was incredibly nice!

 

 

Now as soon as you walk in they have their pastries on display. Everything has a Laduree feel to it. They are beautiful displayed and look well made.

 

 

We sat down and looked at the menu. I looked around. The restaurant had a bit of a minimalist look to it. Not a lot of bright colors, concrete floors, but simple and a bit chic. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

I ordered the artichoke omelette. It had roasted artichokes, parmesan, arugula, charred lemon, and lemon bechamel. It was so creamy and very delicious! 

 

 

 

I wasn’t sure if I was going to order a pastry or not but my husband talked me into it. I tried this plated pastry. I don’t remember the name but it was quite delicious. My husband and I split it.

It’s a wonderful place to have a light and delicious lunch and if you are local you should go and check it out! I hope you enjoyed this new restaurant find and the boutique has a new arrival! The Eleanor Lace Midi is my newest dress for this holiday season. It is a beautiful deep burgundy color and has roses laced on the entire dress! It’s lovely!

 

 

Seeking the Arts ~ The Claude Monet Exhibit

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Happy Friday!

It is Veterans Day and of course I want to thank everyone who has served this country. I have shared this before but my husband is one of them. Thank you! I don’t have to be in the office today so I booked a few things to get done. Last night my group the Guild had a Wine and Design Event. It was a lot of fun! We got to meet the new designers for the upcoming Decorator’s Showhouse!  We got to see their plans for the room that they are assigned. It’s really exciting! Our Christmas luncheon will be coming up soon as well as the fashion show! I’ll try to share photos if I can. Now on to my most recent “seek the arts” adventure. 

During fall break we went to Nashville and visited a few places. What we also did was take Lauren to the Monet Art Exhibit at Newfields. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

The exhibit transported you to 19th century Paris and displayed the works of Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Cezanne. The exhibit had music which was set to include Europe’s most renowned composers! 

 

 

 

 

I found a seat and just enjoyed the exhibit. I believe this was “Woman with a Parasol” from 1875. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I believe this is the “Water Lily Pond” from 1900. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I only took a few photos. I wanted to pay attention and enjoy the moment. It was a pretty long presentation, and it also displayed the works of the other artists. Lauren and I both love the water lily piece. There are a few more that I love from Monet and they are Camille (the Woman in the Green Dress), On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, Houses on the Achterzaan, Bouquet of Sunflowers, and there are so many more. I am trying to find ways to enjoy the arts in my city. Please let me know below what you are doing to explore your town!

Don’t forget to check out the boutique! A few dresses are on sale! Have a great weekend! 

 

 

Dinner at Restoration Hardware Cafe

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Happy Monday!

On Saturday I am happy to say that I did not do much! It was wonderful. I went grocery shopping and that was it. So nice. On Sunday same thing. I just puttered around the house, got a few chores done and tried to relax. 

On Friday I shared my visit to the Sarah Flint Store. I also talked about my husband taking me to dinner at the Restoration Hardware Cafe. It was truly magnificent and wonderfully chic. I shared my visit to Restoration Hardware here on the blog a few years ago. I was not surprised at how beautiful the cafe was and how it matched the elegance of the store. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the view looking into the restaurant! Now how wonderful is that? It is a bit intimidating but if you are confident in living beautifully then embracing places such as this is nothing. 

All of the furniture is from Restoration Hardware of course as well as the chandeliers. I also just learned that there is one in Columbus, Ohio which is really close to me!

 

 

 

The staff was incredibly nice and you could not stop looking around. It was that beautiful! 

 

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

There was a chandelier above each table….

 

 

 

My view from where I sat…

 

 

 

I ordered the roasted chicken of course. You guys know that I love a roasted chicken entree. This came with roasted garlic, olive oil potato puree and natural jus. It was so good! For dessert we stopped by Hatti B’s. I wanted to try their peach cobbler. I will be honest. It was okay. Nothing I would go and try again. After dinner we hit the road and headed back to Indy. I wanted to stay over but I felt like we were so close to home why spend a fortune at a hotel when I can be home in just a few hours. I am so glad that we did. Let me know in the comments section below if you have visited either one of these restaurants. I would love to know about your experience. Have a great Monday!

 

 

 

My Wonderful Visit to the Official Sarah Flint Store!

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Hello!

I hope everyone has had a great week! I don’t have much planned this weekend. I am going to try to film a short YouTube video. I am so behind I know. I try to post one video a month and the month of October just slipped away from me. I honestly want to stop posting videos for YouTube. Let me know in the comments section below what you think about that.

I know one thing that I am excited for and that is for daylight savings time. We get our hour back! Now sometimes I have mixed feelings about it but I just feel like I get so much done with that extra hour. How do you all feel about it?

Next weekend I will start decorating for Christmas and I am hoping to get some inspiration here soon. I have grown tired of some of my decor so we will see what I end up with. I want a more sophisticated Christmas but with my family they love the old decor. We will see…

Now let me share how my adventure was going to the Sarah Flint store in Nashville, Tennessee!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

It took us a little over 4 hours to get here. This was such a nice mall! It was big and really clean. The Sarah Flint store was on the second floor at the end. 

 

 

I smiled from ear to ear once I walked in. I was greeted by the assistant manager. She was so warm and kind. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I loved looking around. Seeing all of the custom blue and white fabrics, the sisal rugs, I wanted to just take in all of the decor inspiration! Now I did learn from a fellow brand ambassador that this store used to be the Free People store but they left a few years ago.

 

 

Now this was one of my favorite vignettes in the store. I love the faux chimney, vintage blue and white plates, and yes the framed Sarah Flint scarves! Such a wonderful idea! Oh and don’t forget about the tea set as well. I believe the assistant manager said that Sarah is considering selling china from her line! Now how fun would that be!

 

 

Loved the rich colors in the scarves! 

 

 

 

It was such a treat to see the belts there and I did try them on. I told the assistant manager it would be nice to see those in bigger sizes. I think that is being consider as well.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley

 

I loved seeing how all of the details, the furniture, and the decor, fit right into the brand of the company.

 

 

I could not stop staring at the scarves! There were so many good ones to chose from!

 

 

 

More framed scarves, and these were the everyday silhouettes. 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I had to try on the Grace’s Perfect Mary Jane Pump! Lovely fabric!

 

 

 

I could not resist looking at this scarf! It was one of my favorites!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was on my radar as well. Again I am loving these rich colors. Such good quality!

 

 

 

 

In the end I ended up purchasing this one. This was my husband’s favorite! I have worn it a few times already!

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I did not want to miss one detail. I simply adored the vases and lamps. I believe this tablecloth was from Sarah’s linen line as well. 

 

 

 

Don’t forget about the beautiful Pasotti umbrella from her collection. I have this as well and always get compliments on it. 

 

 

 

I wanted to try this one but they did not have my size! Beautiful color and leather.

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I brought my pair of Perfect Round Toe Pump 70! This is such a classic silhouette. You will not be disappointed with this shoe. It is completely timeless and comes in 7 colors! 

 

 

 

Now let’s not forget about slippers. Our evening feet must be chic! I have a pair of these in navy. I have them out and ready for the winter season. 

 

 

Me wearing the Rose’s Parker Sling

 

Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I am so glad to be apart of this brand. Working with Sarah Flint had honestly been a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to work with an elegant brand, and I am so happy that the Lord has allowed me to have this opportunity. I am truly grateful! I hope you all had fun reading my post and of course if you decide to order a pair don’t forget to use my code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY for $50 off your first order! 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

This post is sponsored.

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October Favorites ~ 2022

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Good Morning,

I had a very quiet weekend. I really needed it because on Tuesday evening I realized that I had a spider bite on my leg! You guys it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor’s office! I have been on antibiotics all week and I hate it! You may notice a big band-aid on my leg in some of my upcoming stories. I am trying to let it heal. It has gotten better but I tell you last week was rough! I am so glad that we took it easy this weekend.

On Saturday, I invited my cousin and her two boys over for dinner. It was so nice catching up with them. We have not seen each other since before Covid so it was nice seeing her and checking in. I kept things simple. I just made some breaded chicken, roasted broccoli, roasted potatoes, and banana pudding. Her son specifically asked for the banana pudding. I think he enjoyed it!

Last week in the office was extremely busy and I am afraid this week will be the same, but I have less events going on. Today is Halloween and I am keeping things simple. Rick and I will order pizza, I will make a salad, cook some apple cider, and pass out candy. Lauren is going to walk around our neighborhood and “trick or treat”. She is really hanging out with friends and that’s okay! Well let’s get into my favorites for October. October goodness…. the holidays are so close now.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

First on my list has been my pumpkin decor. The At Home Store has had the best selection of blue and white pumpkins. I especially love the Grace Mitchell blue and white pumpkin collection. I saw this one in the store a few weeks ago. 

 

 

I have loved using the Grace Mitchell pumpkins in my table decor. These are from last year. 

 

 

 

I did purchase a larger one. I have it mixed in my other pumpkins. It looks great!

 

 

I love this one! I found it at HomeGoods and guess what I found the link to it! Yay! 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Second on my list has been my bedroom. It has become a quiet sanctuary to me in the evenings. I started watching the Crown recently. I am on season one! Let me know in the comments section below if you have watched it! 

 

 

 

Third is this delicious roasted chicken dinner that I order from a restaurant called Charleston’s. It is so good! The chicken is so tender, and the garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing. Even the roasted veggies are a delight to eat. 

 

 

 

Speaking of the Crown, my fourth favorite is a book. I started reading this when we were on our way down to Nashville a few weeks ago. It has been so interesting to read and to learn about the late Queen. Jennifer from the Daily Connoisseur recommended this book a while back. I am glad I finally started it. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Fifth are my insect brooches. They are so fun to wear. People just stare at them. I think that they are still very chic when I pair them with my cardigans. I am on the hunt for more!

 

 

My sixth favorite is my office decor and clothing accessories. I love this photo. This is from my downtown office. I was working at my computer when I turned around and saw this. I thought, “well this looks autumn inspired” so I snapped a photo. Love the colors and textures!

 

 

 

Seventh is my vintage plate that I purchased from Pender & Peony. I actually hung it in my downtown office! It looks great! It adds an unexpected element of elegance to my space. 

 

And my last favorite is a new Youtube channel that I have discovered…

 

 

His name is Kevin Lee Jacobs and he is like a male version of Martha Stewart! I love his channel and his elegant style. Also, his recipes are simple and easy to make. I hope you enjoy it!

Those are my favorites for this month. I am trying to get a head start on the holidays. They are coming up so fast! I have already scheduled my Christmas events for the season. Lauren and I will be attending the Nutcracker this year, but it will be the Russian version! I can’t wait to see it! I am taking the staff that I supervise to the Cake Bake Shop for lunch, I will be booking my yearly brunch at the Ayres Tea Room soon and I will be putting up my Christmas trees in about 2 weeks! Also, the group that I joined called the Guild will be having their Christmas lunch soon and fashion show. Guess who got asked to be in the fashion show? Yep, yours truly! Let me know in the comments section below what your plans are. Have a great Monday! 

 

 

 

 

Please note: some links are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through this link, I will receive a small commission for referring you to the product. Thank you so much in advance if you decide to make a purchase through my link.

 

 

Diana Krall ~ My First Concert!

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Good Morning,

Goodness, I can’t believe it. October is pretty much over. Wow….. that went by quickly. I feel like I need to get my Christmas shopping done! The list isn’t long this year but I still would like to get things done. I am excited about the weekend. I don’t have much planned, but I am having my cousin over for dinner. We haven’t seen each other in a while so it will be so nice to catch up with her. I want to try to get back into having people over again but we will see. 

I am so excited to share with you all that I went to my very FIRST concert a few weeks ago! I know, I know. It sounds so weird especially since I am 40 and just now doing this but honestly there weren’t many people that I have wanted to go see.

I remember in my teen years how certain rappers came in town and some of the girls and boys that I went to school with would go and see them, but I remember never wanting to go. I mean I had no interest whatsoever. And back then I worked so if I did go I would be paying for my own ticket and it just felt like a waste of money to me.

I would ask my fellow peers the next day or following week how the concert was and they would say everything that went on and I just thought “why in the world would I want to be in a giant room with men constantly in my face and just crazy things going on? No thanks. There have been a few singers that have come to Indy that I thought I would like to see and one of them was Sade. I did want to see her in my twenties, but we just had Lauren and could not afford the extra expense. So here I am 20 years later going to my first concert, and I could not have been happier!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

Shop my outfit? My purse is here, my scarf is the Pearl Scarf from my boutique, my skirt is from Amazon, my cardigan is here,  phone case is from Amazon, and my glitter pumps are from Poshmark.

 

I decided to keep my outfit simple. I was going to wear a satin dress but then I decided to wear something that I could be comfortable in and so did Mr. Shockley. He did not want to wear a tie. We wanted to keep things simple.

 

 

The event was at the Center of Performing Arts, also known as the Carmel Palladium. It is a beautiful venue here in my city.

 

 

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Even the carpet has a “grandmilliennial” look to it. It was a really classy location and for the most part everyone dressed up! It made me so happy to see people put on their best!

 

 

 

 

 

My husband paid for box seats so this was our view! It was phenomenal! We had a private space and for the most part it was quiet where we sat. We had “good box” neighbors.

 

 

I took this photo before people started to arrive. It was such a beautiful space and was not crowded. That was a concern as well. The only thing that kept going wrong was the older attendees would snap photos with their flash on! It drove me nuts, but I figured they forgot to turn it off.

 

 

 

Diana was such a great performer. She cracked some jokes and played most of my favorites. She played for 2 and a half hours straight with no intermission and came back out for an encore! I am so happy that this was my first concert. I honestly have no regrets. This was a perfect first concert for me and I am happy that the Lord allowed me to have this experience.

Tell me below about your first concert and if you had any regrets. Have a great weekend!