Elegant Clothes and Feminine Accessories

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! 

 

*Affiliate links attached 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping Poshmark ~ My Key Search Words

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Good Morning Everyone,

Goodness, it is so hard to head back to the office after being out for a week. I have been able to keep up with my emails and work which has been nice but it is still hard to return. I also have a lot going on this week! We’ve got a staff meeting, I have a women’s leadership event happening on Tuesday, and lots of other things happening. I also have started my Christmas shopping! This is a little late for me. I like to start in September but with our family changes gift searching has become very light. The kids are getting older so it’s less toys and now more money! It’s kind of sad but it’s change. 

I will have lots of great new posts coming your way. I did not have jury duty while on vacation! They did not call me which was great! I got to do everything on my list so I will be sure to share it soon! 

In today’s post I did want to share my key search words when searching for fashion on Poshmark. I have shared about Poshmark before. I love it! It’s a great way to shop someone’s closet and make offers! There are a few key search words that I use when shopping. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I shared how I shop for vintage earrings before and those key search words remain the same. Sometimes I will add what color I am looking for if I want to narrow it down but for vintage earrings I always put in “vintage clip earrings” in the search bar. I am actually selling these on my Poshmark closet! Here is the link if you are interested! 

 

 

Now let’s not forget about brooches! I actually found the big spider brooch from eBay which is another great place to find vintage jewelry. In the search bar I would put in “insect brooch”, or “bug brooch” and usually options do come up! It’s so fun to see what shopping options are available for purchase! 

 

 

Other items are totes. Everyone knows that I am a huge tote fan and always on the hunt for one! This beautiful orange leather tote was found on Poshmark a few years ago! I couldn’t believe it when I saw it! I remember putting “Ann Taylor leather totes” in the search bar and a few options popped up including this one! She only wanted about $30 for it! I did not hesitate to purchase it. Once I got it, I inspected it of course and there is a tag on the inside that says, “genuine leather” and it’s from Ann Taylor. What a find! I would also use those same search words for Coach leather totes and any other designer. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

“Embellished tops and dresses” are other great key search words. I am selling this in my Poshmark closet as well. I always search for “Ann Taylor heels, “Banana Republic heels”, “Coach heels”, “Gal meets Glam dresses”, ” A-line skirts”, “Tweed Cardigans”, and don’t forget about housewares. I will put in the search bar “Pink Jasperware”. There are a lot of people selling home decor antiques and keep in mind you can make an offer. Pottery Barn is one of the brands that I follow as well as Crate & Barrel, Lenox, Martha Stewart, Pampered Chef, Pier 1, Sur la Table, and Williams Sonoma. Don’t forget about fragrances as well. I hope these tips will help you in our Poshmark shopping endeavors! Let me know in the comments section below if you are on Poshmark! Have a great Monday!

 

*This post is not sponsored. 

 

Sarah Flint ~ Transitional Pieces

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Good Morning,

If you follow me on Instagram then you saw my birthday photos! It was so WONDERFUL! The cake was flawless and my balloon arch turned out to be spectacular! I think I am going to leave it up for 2 weeks because I love it so much! I will be sure to share details next week. Tomorrow we are headed to the Cake Bake Shop for my birthday dinner and my husband told me that I have one more surprise coming on Saturday! Ohhh I am getting excited! But I wanted to thank all of you who reached out, sent cards, and wished me well. Thank you…

In today’s post I wanted to talk about my latest pairs of shoes from Sarah Flint.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I had a wonderful time putting together this photo for the “Visions of Vienna” shoe launch for Sarah Flint. These are some of my silk scarfs along with my favorite picks from Sarah Flint. Honestly it’s quite incredible how comfortable these shoes are. I have a high arch and love the arch support. My favorite silhouette is the Perfect Emma. But then again, I think about the Perfect Pump 85 and I love that as well. 

 

 

My recent shoe was the Perfect Round Toe Pump 70. I am always on the fence about block heels but this is really good! The arch support is phenomenal and the color. I really don’t have that many black pumps and I was so happy that I receive these! They are perfect to transition into during the fall. 

 

 

photo credits: L. Shockley

 

There are so many choices on the website. Most of the shoes also have memory foam! Now that should be music to your ears! Don’t forget to use my code if you purchase your first pair! Use code SARAHFLINT-BASMSSHOCKLEY for $50 off! I know that there are MORE shoes that will be launching next month! I have my heart set on a certain pair! I hope that I can visit the store next month in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s on my list! Have a great weekend! 

 

 

This post is sponsored!

 

 

 

 

 

A Fable from England…

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Good Morning All,

I am glad it is Friday! Looking forward to the weekend. I just have a little running around to do and a few house chores. Other than that, it should be a pretty light weekend. Things have been really busy at work and with Lauren beginning her senior year in high school some things have been added to my list. I also wanted to let you all know that I am trying to get new dresses for the boutique. It has been really hard to get them in. Some of the dresses won’t be available until November! Crazy! But I am trying!

I did take a risk recently and purchased something from a company that I was not familiar with. I was looking for another company when I found this one. It’s called Fable England. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

It shipped all the way from England and arrived pretty quickly. Loved the inside of the box. 

 

 

 

I loved reading the story about how the company began. That’s usually how inspiration begins. Finding something that inspires you.

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now isn’t this print lovely? This is called the Toile de Jouy Vintage Blue Scarf. It’s made of silk like material and is a great size. And did you see the price? It’s under $40 with shipping included!

 

 

Look at how nice and big it is. It’s 70 cm x 70 cm. It’s the perfect size for your neck and handbags.

 

 

 

I’ve been carrying it on my bag all this week. It looks extremely chic. I hope you order one for yourself or check out their other accessories. I think the Peacock tote, Toile de Jouy messenger, and Alice blue tote are wonderful pieces from their collection. This post is not sponsored. I genuinely found them and love my scarf!

Have a great weekend!

 

 

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.