Elegant Clothes and Feminine Accessories

Shopping with Discernment

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Good Morning Everyone,

I am so ready for sunny weather. It doesn’t even have to be really warm just sunny weather. We have had snow flurries, rain, snow, rain, bitter cold temperatures, and more rain. Goodness! My peonies are starting to come up and I am getting a little worried. I am also ready to wear some of my pretty Amazon sandals! I purchased these in blue and black. I can’t wait to wear them!

Speaking of shopping, in my post today I wanted to talk about how I am trying to shop with more discernment. Remember a few years ago how I was talking about how I did not want to do any “bogus shopping”? I am still working on that, and I must say that I am getting better and better as the years pass.

I was doing some shopping recently and noticed how I take more time to purchase an item. I think about how this would fit into my wardrobe. How I can wear multiple items with it. I think about the colors and if I have colors that go well with it. How is the fit? Is the dress or skirt long enough?

 

 

I then begin to ask myself a few serious questions. How long do I think I will have this? Will this item stand the test of time? Will I be able to wear this in 10 years? 

 

 

I also noticed that when I have my eye on something I dig a little more. I try to find videos on YouTube of someone giving a review. I read the reviews on the website. I am even pulling out a measuring tape trying to gauge how big the item is and where it will land on me. Honestly, I was not doing all these things before. 

 

all photos via Mrs. Shockley

 

So what has changed? I think all of the “bogus shopping” that I have been doing all of these years finally caught up with me. I noticed how lots of those items ended up in my donation bag or on Poshmark and it really started to bother me! Because once you start to add up how much you are spending and how much is ended up in that donation bag you then realize that you are literally throwing money away! I am trying to hardest at this point in my life to really pay attention to my wardrobe and really get serious about how I want to look and how much I want to spend! 

What do you all think? Tell me below what your wardrobe journey has been like? I would love to hear your stories and learn something from all of you. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

Blue Elegance

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I did a little running around. I did not make it to Simply Chic but I did go to Style Encore which is a consignment store near me. I went in and walked right out. I don’t know if it is me, but I saw nothing that I wanted and I saw nothing elegant. I used to be able to find a skirt, a blouse, cardigan, and a handbag. Now it’s all this weird looking stuff that looks like you can wear it at home. 

I don’t know. I feel a little frustrated with fashion recently. Even finding beautiful, elegant dresses for my boutique has been hard and expensive. I also went antiquing. I did not find anything there either. It’s okay. I am on the hunt for a new dining room table and new chair. I will be using that as office furniture, so the hunt continues. 

This morning I am headed to my second house shift duty for the Guild. I will be there for only a half day. Then after that I hope to be picking up my car and then headed to a funeral. Enough sad stuff for today, I did want to share the next Sarah Flint fashion item that is on my radar! 

 

photos via Sarah Flint. com

 

I don’t know about you, but I shrieked when I saw this new silk scarf on the Sarah Flint new arrival launch. In all fairness, I saw it weeks ago and shrieked then! It is gorgeous! It’s called the Royal Kingdom Scarf 90 and is a sheer must for my wardrobe.

 

 

It is hand painted by an artist named Sucharita Sengupta Suri. Just look at all the details.

 

 

 

I am loving all of the colors, the regal peacocks, cheetahs, and whimsical details. 

 

photo credits via Sarah Flint.com

 

 

I honestly cannot wait to order this! It’s so beautiful. I wish a had a store close by. I would love to see this in person. What do you all think? Do you love the designs? I know I do. I hope you all enjoy the new collection and of course do not forget to use my code if you find that you cannot live without a pair of her shoes! Use code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY for $50 off! 

Have a great week everyone! Oh I do have something planned for Wednesday. My group the Guild is a having a flower arranging party! We are going to be making bouquets for patients at the hospital and making one for ourselves! I will be sure to share it on the blog!

 

This post is sponsored!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teddy Blake ~ A Review

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Good Morning Friends,

I feel as though I got a lot completed this week. I got some things accomplished at the office and some of my business responsibilities are completed as well. Tomorrow is my first house shift duty at this year’s showhouse. I will share photos if I can. It will not be a lot because the interior designers are just started the renovations. I am excited to see the process!

I got into a car accident this past Tuesday evening. A gentleman with no driver’s license, no insurance, and barely spoke English hit my car. Now the damage is bad but not bad. I will be dropping it off on Monday for repair and hopefully picking up my rental. My car is still drivable. He hit my front driver side light. The bumper has damage. The light is busted, and my camera was hanging out. It’s okay. I was just in shock at how it happened. He turned from the far-left lane into my car. I don’t understand it.  The good thing was a witness riding behind me saw the whole thing and stayed with me until the police came! Now how wonderful was that! I am looking forward to getting my car in the shop on Monday that is for sure.

Now on to something fun!

A few weeks ago I made a purse purchase. Now I have been on the hunt for a cream-colored tote and honestly, I still am. I saw Jennifer L. Scott’s review on Youtube and decided to take a look at Teddy Blake. I really liked the bag that she had. So I ordered the Gigi Palmelatto in light beige.

 

 

Now the bag was beautiful! Jennifer did not lie about the craftsmanship. This bag was so well-made, and the smell of the leather was heavenly. The size was perfect, and it was wonderfully chic! I have no complaints. The only thing was I did not like how complicated the hardware was. I like to be able to get into my bags pretty easily and this bag was not easy for me. Also, the color was not as light as what I wanted so the quest continues for a cream-colored tote. 

Would I recommend Teddy Blake? Absolutely! I am still searching their website for beautiful bag, but I am not in a hurry. 

 

 

I do love my Kate Spade Manhattan Houndstooth tote! The organizational components that it has suits my life so well! As I stated, the quest continues. Let me know in the comments section below if you have a Teddy Blake handbag and if so, what are your thoughts. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We have been getting snow all week and to be quite honest I am very happy to see it. Enjoy! 

 

 

This post is not sponsored. 

Cameo Details

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Hello Everyone!

I did so much better these past two week with my bedtime. Getting rest is really important to my body and it lets me know when it’s not happy. Did any of you see the new book that Jennifer L. Scott shared on her Instagram? It’s called “Fast like a Girl” A Woman’s Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, etc”.  I am really curious about it. I have hit a wall with my weight loss, and I am trying to figure out where I am now. I know that I am having some hormonal changes and I am trying to learn about that as well. Let me know if you have done intermittent fasting. I am so curious about everyone’s results. 

I also wanted to know if any of you have watched the Wedding Veil Series on the Hallmark channel? I absolutely love this series and I am so happy with how it is written, the cast, and the story line. First off, they all have careers in the Arts! Now how great is that? They did such a great job with this series. This past weekend I watched the 5th installment called The Wedding Veil Inspiration. I loved this one as well. I also try to pay attention to the details after I watch it a first time. I pay attention to their homes, their offices, how the dress, etc. In this particular episode I fell in love with Lacey Chabert, “Avery”, cameo brooch on her beautiful pink coat!

 

 

So I tried to pause the movie and take a photo of it. Can you see it? How lovely is that? 

 

 

I tried to get a photo up close, but this is the best that I could get. Now you guys know that this inspired me and put me on the hunt to search for something similar. I did find a few on Etsy. I found this one, this one, and this one. 

I’ll be sure to share whatever I order. Let me know in the comments below if you have been watching the series. Do you enjoy it? Yes or no? Have a great weekend!

Oh I must tell you all! Sarah Flint is having a 40% off select styles sale! Oh my goodness, get over to the website! A pair that you love just might be included. If not then don’t forget to use my code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY for $50 off your first order!

 

 

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.

The Guild Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show

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Good Morning,

It’s only 6 days before Christmas! That came so quickly. Christmas shopping this year was not fun. I didn’t have much to buy but it was not fun at all. The kids are getting older and only asked for a few things, but they were expensive items. Most of my husband’s family does not want to present swap anymore so the buying has gone down. I do miss buying gifts for everyone because I love the hunt! But most people don’t like to shop and don’t want the pressure. So I get it. 

I am done and will be wrapping what I do have in a few days. I have another busy work week but will be taking Friday off to get things done around the house, food prep and we are going to the Ayres Tea Room for lunch! I hope we enjoy it this year. Last week my group the Guild had its Annual Christmas Luncheon! This was my first year attending and it was a lot of fun. 

 

 

It was had at the Woodstock Country Club and a full agenda was planned. Those of us in the fashion show got to see where all of the accessories were and where we were to change. I wore my trusty burgundy dress from Target, my new embellished heels from Zara, my pink faux scarf from Ann Taylor and vintage Louis Vuitton. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

This was the table setting. Lots of rich colors for this holiday season! On the menu was chicken marsala, buttery mashed potatoes, asparagus, a salad, and for dessert this absolutely decadent chocolate lava cake with peppermint ice cream! I have never had chocolate lava cake but from here on out I want it with peppermint ice cream! It was so yummy and complete satiated my palate. So pleased! 

 

 

Another beautiful item that was included were the party favors. The group decided to gift to all of us these wonderful silk scarves with a vintage crystal Cameo brooch! Now how great is that? What a gift! I may have to still this idea! 

Everyone kept looking to see who got what scarf and brooch. We also had raffle prizes and I won a gift to Monterey. It’s a local restaurant that I have never heard of. Mr. Shockley and I are looking forward to trying it out. 

After we ate and talked, we headed back to get changed for the fashion show. I think that I may have already shared that the clothes were from a local boutique called the Secret Ingredient. The owner was there and introduced us each and talked about our outfits. It was fun!

 

photo credit: Guild Member

 

They managed to get me into pants! I tried my hardest to find a dress, but they didn’t have any in my size. I ended up piecing this outfit together. My shoes I brought from home. They are from Ann Taylor but I found a cheaper version on Amazon.  The pants were not that bad. Everyone after the show asked me about them. I thought that they were still elegant yet comfy. It was a great experience. 

Let me know in the comments section below if you have ever been in a fashion show big or small. Also please keep in mind that the boutique is still having it’s $25 dress sale! Order a few for your wardrobe! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I will be taking a break for the rest of the week but will still be around. Enjoy the holidays! 

 

 

Refreshing My Christmas Ornaments

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Good Morning Everyone,

My busy week has ended, and I can relax a little. Yesterday we had a retirement party for a dear co-worker of mine. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to someone that you have worked with for about 18 years! Time sure does fly! This weekend we are headed back to the Franklin Historical Theatre and this time we are going to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My family loves this movie! I am not a big fan. Cousin Eddie drives me nuts, but my family gets a kick out of it. Christmas is next week, and I finally done Christmas shopping. I can now enjoy the holidays a little more. 

I think I shared in a previous post about how I wanted a more “sophisticated” look for my trees this year. I have been getting rid of a lot of old Christmas decorations and ornaments. I realized that when I opened my tubs this year and looked at my decorations, I was not happy. I was not excited about decorating because I did not like what I had and at that moment I knew that it was time to “refresh” my ornaments. 

So I went on the hunt for inspiration and new ornaments. 

 

 

This tree started my quest. I follow The Decor Diet on Instagram and the LTK and I saw this tree along with this gorgeous Christmas tree urn from Ballard Designs. I knew that I had to have it and luckily it was on sale!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I was so excited when it arrived and felt a wave of new inspiration come over me. Most of my ornaments were from my mother-in-law. Nothing wrong with it but they were just not me and I wanted my trees to display my style. 

 

 

We decided to put my white Christmas tree in it and I was so surprised at how great it looked! I purchased this tree from Walmart and adding this Christmas tree urn just gave it a more expensive and classic look. I added my blue and white ornaments from the Enchanted Home and my peacock ornaments from the At Home Store.  I still felt like more was needed so I started my hunt on Etsy for ribbon. 

 

 

I ended up finding this stunning ribbon from Etsy! My face lit up when I saw it. I knew that it was perfect for my tree! I am so happy with how everything turned out. Now I just need to get some practice putting it into my tree. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Then I turned my attention to our family tree. I got rid of a lot of the red. I just wanted more neutral colors for this tree. I went out and got more ornaments and found this beautiful ribbon from Katherine at Pender and Peony. I think it is a perfect fit!

 

 

Here is the top of the tree. I decided to add some poinsettias to the top. I loved the way that it turned out but I am still looking for inspiration. 

 

 

We still have our Barbie tree which I am not changing at this moment. I did get rid of some old ornaments from this tree, but Lauren decorated it. I thought she did a wonderful job! She loves having the poodle skirt under it. Sometimes it is a hassle but it really adds to the look. I did record a short video on my Youtube channel sharing my trees and some of Christmas decor. 

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! The boutique is still having a sale! Everything is under $30! Take advantage and order a dress or two! 

 

 

 

 

Snowboots & Heels

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Good Morning

I am back from my work trip from San Diego! I must say it was a little colder than expected. My flights went pretty well. The flight home on Wednesday was a little rough. We did not land until 11:45 in the evening then a freight truck was moved in front of where they were suppose to unload our luggage so I had to wait another 30 minutes which put me at 12:30 in the morning. So I didn’t get home until 1 a.m. and managed to get unpacked and in bed by 2 a.m. I did get up and go to the office the next day but didn’t go in until 10 a.m. Overall, it was a nice trip. I can share my hotel and room if you are all interested. Let me know in the comments section below.

On Friday last week my group the Guild had its Christmas luncheon and fashion show! I actually had a great time. I can share that in a post later as well. 

I was asked a question a few weeks ago about if I wear snow boots and or heels when it snows, and the answer is I wear them both! When it snows here in Indiana, and I have to go out I do put on a pair of snow boots and the boots below are my favorite. I do wear them with the dresses, and my coat and it looks fine. 

 

 

My boots are old but here are a similar pair. Once I get inside the office, I then pull out my heels that I usually carry with me in my shoe bags.

 

 

I have a few shoe bags that I use. I love this Kate Spade shoe bag at the moment, and I do have a few from Sarah Flint. Use whatever works for you. 

 

 

 

I am always one to have things organized and ready to go. I think when you work in an office you tend to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. I have learned that having shoe bags is a must in the snow season for me. I have tried wearing my heels on snowy sidewalks and streets and I tell you it’s not safe doing that. I have fallen so many times. As I get older I am finding more practical ways to be elegant and still find comfort. Like I use to wear heels all the time in airports and found that I cause a lot of damage to my feet doing that and was in so much pain when I got home that I would have to sit in order to get relief. 

So no more of that. When I need to wear comfortable shoes, I will be wearing them and will be wearing my heels all other times. I am learning to find the balance. Let me know in the comments section what you do when you are traveling or in weather that is not so nice. 

Also the boutique is having a $25 dress sale! All dresses are $25 or less! Take advantage of this wonderful sale! 

 

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