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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.

 

 

 

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:

 

affiliate links attached 

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?

 

 

Affiliate links attached.

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!

 

  • Affiliate links attached 

 

 

A Reflective Post ~ Thoughts on my Youth

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Hello Friends,

I am trying to start my week off in the right direction. I am focusing a lot on planning around my energy and my thoughts. This past Easter weekend was lovely. We had family over and spent time with the new granddaughter.

 

 

I kept the table setting simple this year. Our adult kids wanted baked spaghetti for Easter dinner. It is a family favorite. I also picked up this vanilla cake with whipped icing on the outside and inside. It was so delicious! This cake has been a family favorite for years. 

In today’s post I wanted to revisit a post that I wrote and shared in 2020. I can’t believe it has been six years already, but a lot has changed in me since then. It’s called Thoughts on my Youth, and I wrote it during a time where I was working from home and FINALLY got a chance to breathe and actually sit down and think about what has happened in my life for the last 15 years. 

I went back recently and re-read that post and watched the video of Beyonce making her comment. I sat with it for a moment and what makes me happy is that I wrote that post six years ago and it documented where I was. It also helps me to understand why I made some decisions in the years after. 

 

 

Photo via: Aerin Lauder

 

 

Now I still wish I had studied abroad and visited a few countries, but who is to say that I can’t do it now? There is a comment in that post from a reader named Arabella and she mentioned that maybe this is the time, when I am older, that I am suppose to have my adventure. Perhaps I will appreciate it more now than I would have in my 20s. And you know what, she is absolutely right! Now since I am working on my health and building my life team a lot has changed in the last 6 years. The Lord has given me adventures. They are small, but I think he is building my confidence to have bigger adventures in the future. 

I think at that moment I needed time to sit and rebuild. As most of you know I started therapy two years ago and have started my hormone journey.  I honestly think that time is working out as it should. That post that I wrote was the beginning of me entering my “seeking season”. I shared what I learned about those seasons in this blog post. 

So, with all of this being said I am saying, my time is working out the way it should. I am learning to trust HIS process. It will still be a journey. I am still learning but I want to have my journey with God when I should. 

Have a great week! 

 

Laundry Room Update ~ Part 2

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Hello Friends,

It is finally spring and I am hoping that I can get rid of my coat soon. I have been wearing a coat most of this month and it has not been fun. My tulips are starting to peek out of my flower bed, and I am headed out to my greenhouse soon to do a clean out. We really need to get in the yard and do some cleaning up. I hope to get that done in the next few weeks. There is always something when it comes to home life. 

The latest project has been the laundry room. The last time I reorganized this room was in 2020. I loved what I did then but lately it has gotten worse to me, and I wanted to install some cabinets, so we did. Finally! 

 

 

This is what the room looked like before. I really needed to go through all of my linens and blankets. I needed to look at all of the products that I had. I needed to get rid of extra hangers. There was so much decluttering that needed to happen. 

Once we got everything out of the room, I was able to see the space and figure out how I wanted it to look. I donated bags and bags of old sheets, blankets, and other linens. I threw out old products, swept, and moped the floor. It felt so good getting rid of everything. 

 

Cabinets installed by Mr. Shockley

 

Ahhhh! It felt so good getting these installed! I smiled like a kid! We went to HomeDepot and purchased these beautiful Hampton Bay shaker wall cabinets in the gorgeous dove gray color. I also picked out these handles as well. Everything looks so good! All of our products and cleaning supplies are stored away. 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Now does this look familiar? This is my old closet organizer from my 2018 update! I did not want to get rid of these. I knew they would be a perfect fit in the laundry room. It looks so wonderful and provides more storage. I ordered some valet rods to install on the cabinets to use to hang my clothes from. 

I also could not resist adding some blue and white ginger jars. What inspired this was Randi Garrett’s laundry room. Oh my goodness do I LOVE this room! I would also love a dog bath and a separate linen closet. I mean a whole room! I am so happy with the changes and have already loved the difference that this has made. 

Don’t you just love decluttering? Have a great week and be elegant! 

 

 

  • This post is not sponsored. Affiliate links attached.