ACCESSORIES

I used to think that accessories were not important.  My thought was if I had a nice dress or skirt/top, that was an outfit...then I realized the error of my ways.  Accessories can MAKE your outfit come alive and show the world who you really are.  The necklace you wear , the earring and/or bracelet you pair with it, the shoes you choose all say something about you.  If you saw one woman in small diamond studs and black pumps along with a designer handbag, what conclusions would you draw about this person?
Lets look at Megan Markel in a recent photo:

Now lets look at her from several years ago:

It goes without saying she is beautiful young woman in both photos but her shoes/handbag and dress all portray her very differently.

So when your makeup has been applied, your hair completed and its time to pick out your clothing and accessories, think about what image you wish to project.  How do you feel that day?  Sophisticated?  Confident? Serious?  Playful?

I think a pashmina/scarf is one accessory that can be extremely versatile.  You can use it as a scarf over your coat.  It can cover your shoulders to add not only arm coverage but also warmth.  It can add a pop of color if you find 99% of your closet is composed of black (Fancy Nancy I am looking in the mirror at you right now....).  Nordstrom has 112 options when I searched their site for pashmina/scarf:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr/scarves-cashmere-pashmina-scarves

Jewelry is also an area that reveals a lot about you.  Long Kendra Scott dangling earrings say one thing https://www.kendrascott.com/products/marty.html?dwvar_marty_stoneColor=346#start=17

Pearl studs convey a different feeling https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nadri-imitation-pearl-stud-earrings/4108606?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=silver

High heels with an open toe https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ukies-amanda-peep-toe-pump-women/5077636?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=nude%20patent%20leather

Lower heeled pumps with closed toe https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-dori-pump-women/4938092?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=classic%20nude%20leather

I think seeing a visual is often very helpful in understanding an idea.  I also think a full length mirror is vital along with an honest assessment of the look we show the world as we walk out the door. As with most of fashion, there is no right or wrong....its whatever you feel is right for you and the image you want to convey.

FRIDAY FANCIES

Its almost Christmas which means so many pretty and fun items tempting us in our favorite stores and boutiques...and I think we deserve them, don't you???? 

I purchased Blondo booties last winter and they are beyond fabulous.  So comfortable (when I can say that...you know its true), stylish and they really are waterproof.  I would love to have a second pair.  I think this would be a versatile color.  Do you agree?

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/blondo-valli-waterproof-bootie-women/4026896?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FShoes%2FBoots&color=black%20suede

I know many bloggers, cosmetic companies, etc say a lipstick color is "universal"...one of those mentioned over and over is the color Twig by MAC.  Believe me, this color flatters almost every person whether you are blonde, brunette or have auburn highlights in your hair.  For comparison's sake, here is  a sheet with similar colors from MAC.

Most makeup and department stores carry MAC makeup so next time you are in Ulta or Nordstroms or...a New York based store that has failed miserably in trying to replace Marshall Fields (any guesses here???) ask the makeup artist to let you try it.  I don't think you will be disappointed with the color, coverage or price point.

One other makeup fancy...the newest mascara from NARS is really good:

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nars-climax-mascara/5051747?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgcl=760&mrkgadid=3320091460&utm_content=61786981803&utm_term=pla-297414535588&utm_channel=shopping_ret_p&sp_source=google&sp_campaign=745687890&rkg_id=0&adpos=1o1&creative=312380913491&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxs3gBRDGARIsAO4tqq0c8eiveFcmddX9eKiselrzds2a2-GeoWftRC24SLnYA0mlIdwddDwaAjsuEALw_wcB

I eagerly await fall when I can wear black tights 99.9% of the time.  They are both warm and flattering and will go with pretty much any outfit you choose.  Don't choke at the price point, they are totally worth it and wear like steel.  

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-luxe-leg-shaping-tights/4018415?origin=saveforlater

I hope you have some fun weekend plans.  I am going to attend a mindful meditation workshop tomorrow at our local library on Saturday morning. Saturday night is a  Christmas dinner with dear friends. We  are all at the point where gifts are always appreciated, of course, but time together is very special to each of us.  

So in honor of meditation I leave you with this thought:

FANCY NANCY IS REALLY BACK THIS TIME

Hello all....I missed blogging and after lots of thought, decided to start writing again.  I even had one person (thank you Neen) who said she missed my posts...that was so nice to hear.  Part of my delay in blogging again was serious consideration of a name change.  I want to include more than just shopping and fashion, altho that will continue to be the prime focus.  I realized after some contemplation that my safari adventures can include any topic I choose...so here we go.....

With Christmas just a few weeks away, I am sure many of you are headed out to fabulous holiday gatherings...what to wear?  What to wear??????  I think our outfits can include classic and a sprinkling of fun, sparkly items.  If you want to have all sparkle, GO FOR IT!

As you may recall, no one in the entire world loves tulle more than me.  If only I was 21, 5'8, size 6 and had a place to wear this.  I would pair it with a chambray shirt or jean jacket and pearls. The multiple strand Hammock necklace from JCrew would be perfect  https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/jewelry/pearl/pearl-twisted-hammock-necklace/22599

https://n.nordstrommedia.com/id/474cfe55-e95d-4c9a-a941-5e699dfb3986.jpeg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=780&h=1196&quality=70



If you google LBD, Nordstroms....620 options appear.  Remember you only need one or two...well three at the most depending on how many holiday parties you will be attending and IF the same group will be at each gathering...if so, you may need several options.

A black sheath with a little a bit of an attitude:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fraiche-by-j-drop-strap-sheath-dress/4757252?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=black

Attitude and coverage, how good can it get....https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bardot-midnights-lace-dress/5181011?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=black

If you prefer to be known as the lady in red, which is a good thing...I saw this dress in person and it is fabulous:https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-the-label-lace-midi-dress/4565648?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCocktail%20%26%20Party&color=rust


If you think the world is just not ready for you in a striking red dress...it comes in fifteen other colors and ...are you ready...is ON SALE...You are welcome!

















What if you have a work event and a cocktail dress is just not something you feel comfortable in with your manager and co-workers?  A navy lace dress like this could be a good choice. Pretty but conservative enough for almost any office party.  https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-lace-fit-flare-dress-regular-petite/3651256origin=categorpersonalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCocktail%20%26%20Party&color=black

I will cover shoes, handbags and other accessories for your holiday events in an upcoming post.

Till then, I leave you with this thought:

FRIDAY FANCIES

Lets get right down to business today on what I have recently fancied.

Of course I will lead off with a Chanel inspired jacket from one of my favorite stores...Anthropologie.  I always remind myself how fortunate I am that I am not 25 and a size 6 because then I would be in the poor house, overdressing every single day...(well that is pretty much my life now...the overdressing part) due to my Anthro addiction.  This can definitely be dressed up or dressed down and is absolutely a foundation piece of one's wardrobe:

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/tweed-berwyn-jacket?color=001&quantity=1&type=REGULARAdd caption

If you have not read these books, please do so immediately.  Enchanting, charming and thought provoking...wow that is quite the recommendation, isn't it?  I don't think you will be disappointed:

Did you see any of the Oscar nominated films?  I saw a few and one of my favorites was Lady Bird:

Below is a trailer to whet your appetite.  A friend and I were discussing why this was such a popular film.  He commented that there is something in it that everyone can relate to.  Such a smart and true observation.  Its from Lionsgate ...need I say more to persuade you that its worth your time?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4925292/videoplayer/vi1325840665?ref_=vp_pl_0

In closing a few thoughts to take you into the beginning of this week:

If you have read my blog in the past, you know Bill Cunningham has a special place in my heart:

FANCY NANCY IS....BACK..............

Hello all- I have missed you and have also missed blogging.  This week is the start of a new season,  New York Fashion Week has happened  and now we need to seriously discuss the foundation pieces of our spring wardrobe.  According to top stylists (Hello Brad G. and Rachel Z.  who as I understand it.... will not be sharing any conversations in the foreseeable future ...hmmmm) the following trends will be some to keep your stylish eyes on:

1.  Color- Bright crayola  or soothing sorbet...there is no in between.

2.  Draping-whether its a cowl neck,  a softly knotted or tucked hem of a garment; soft draping flatters most body types.

3.  Lace- is everywhere; shoes, bags, dresses.

Some fashion trends I hope to see forever disappear  include cold shoulders, ruffled sleeves and of course our yearly prayer that capris are never to be made/sold or resold ever again.  

In closing, could it really be a post from me without a few fashion quotes????

I think not.

SCARVES

As I shared in last week's post I was recently in Europe...oh my do I like to be able to drop that little phrase anytime and anywhere possible...HA HA.  It was my impression that women there dress in a more classic and conservative manner.  Most people live in smaller homes with less closet space.  Thus they generally own less clothing while finding  more creative ways to maximize their wardrobe.  Scarves seem to play a central role in their accessory collection.

You would think based on the number of scarves that are in my closet(s) (shhh...the other person in my household does need to be reminded I might have one or two closets full of VERY  important belongings) that I wear multiple scarves per day.  I feel like I run in scarf cycles...since this is a blog and not a piece of literature, I can make up words and phrases like scarf cycle, correct?  I may wear scarves for days on end and then all of sudden seem to forget such an item exists and not wear a single one for weeks.

I think several keys to maximizing scarf cycles...(see I used this new phrase twice in one post..so far...) is to think outside of the box.  Instead of a cardigan why not a scarf tied like this?

Bow tie belt anyone?

I have worn a long thin scarf in a bow...although even for me this is a bit oversized:

How about wearing 2 coordinating but different scarves together...AT THE SAME TIME (take a fashion risk now and then)

Tie a scarf on the shoulder of your handbag to add a pop of color or pattern or both.

If you have any helpful suggestions on scarf tying or a favorite scarf you find yourself always pulling out because it goes with pretty much anything and everything in your closet, please share in the comments section below.

For a small smile before I close .....

CATCHING UP.........

So its been awhile hasn't it?  Yes its been way too long. I missed blogging and most of all,  I missed all of you.  So, lets play catch up:

My most exciting news is that my husband and I traveled to Italy in celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary.  Neither of us have ever traveled to Europe so needless to say,  this was a BIG BIG DEAL.  After consulting with several friends who are well traveled along with  a highly recommended /experienced travel agent, we booked our 10 day tour through Insight Travel,  "The Country Roads of Tuscany and Umbria".  Our first afternoon/evening and the following morning was spent in Rome.  We had an opportunity to walk around the city a bit on the day of our arrival.  The following morning was a private tour of the Vatican and then we were off to Tuscany for 6 days.  It was magical, that is all I can say.  We visited Umbria, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Perugia and ended in Venice.  Its impossible to pick a favorite place because each and every one was beautiful, charming and fascinating.  As everyone I have ever met or hope to meet has heard me say, its difficult to believe such a beautiful place exists in this world.  From the delicious food (gelato, pasta, pizza, seafood to highlight a few) to wine at a minimum of twice daily thank you very much, unbelievable architecture and art as well as the fabulous colors of the flowers, the layers of paint showing through on very old buildings colorful store windows with delicious desserts, scarves,  Italian pottery, etc one's senses came alive.  In closing, there is no more keeping this girl "down on the farm" ..I am already dreaming of my next trip abroad and it WILL HAPPEN!


I have a few fun new blogs for you to enjoy (as long as you promise to read mine):

http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com  I just discovered this fabulous read recently and am enjoying going back and looking at all of her posts...lots to enjoy and learn.

https://atypical60.com I am not sure how I found this blog but LOVE her posts, they seriously make me laugh out loud, I want to be her BFF and hang out together.

http://poppisima.blogspot.com  Again, so so funny.  She tests products so we don't have to as well as sharing shopping hits and misses among many other vitally important topics.

New post up soon and I leave you with these words of wisdom: