About nine years ago, I bought this blue dress at Banana Republic for a trip to Palm Beach with my husband Richard.  I adored the color and the fit...it was so flattering. I wore it to The Breakers for dinner and to a gallery opening on Worth Ave. I sipped champagne in this dress and thought I looked pretty darn smashing doing so.


However I made a huge mistake one day and tried to iron the dress without realizing the temperature setting was on high. Needless to say, I planted a nice big scorch mark on the skirt of my beautiful blue dress.

You would think I would have tossed the damaged garment out right then and there. But no, since 2007 it has hung in the back of my closet--you know, that place where the "til death do us part" pieces go.  I told myself that one day I would try to repair it (like that could happen) or that maybe the mark wouldn't be noticeable in the evening with the lights down low. Ha! Who was I kidding? But every time I tried to throw the dress out, a force stronger than nature pushed it back into my closet.  I just didn't want to get rid of the happy memories the dress represented. 

As I was closet weeding last week (something I do regularly, I swear!), I came across the dress. Just for the fun of it, I tried it on.  The truth hurt. It no longer looked smashing. Nine years later, the dress now shows every bump and bulge--and to make matters worse, the iron mark stuck out like a sore thumb. What was I thinking? Blue dress, you served me well but it's time to part ways.  

I recently taped a television segment for (NECN) at Thirty Petals Boutique in Belmont, MA. I've known the owner Erica for many years now --she is truly one of the sweetest people ever, and her boutique reflects all of her special qualities. Thirty Petals is a warm and inviting store that makes you feel at home the minute you walk through the door.  The clothes and accessories are unique, reasonably priced and different from the mainstream piece you'll find in the large department stores.

While at Thirty Petals, I fell in love with this Joseph Ribkoff black lattice jacket. We all need that one special piece that makes a statement and this jacket is it! The mix of leather and sheer detailing gives it sophistaction with a bit of an edge (I also love the lightweight arm coverage!).  I'll  be wearing this jacket in other blogs to show off it's versatility...here I've paired with a simple white dress and black pumps. 

White is a summer staple...white tees, white jeans and of course a white dress are all must-haves. White is so fresh and crisp, not to mention it goes with everything! Although I love a chic black and white combo, white paired with nude is very sophisticated.

You know how difficult it is to find the perfect tee? It's especially tough to find one that's long enough to wear with leggings. And then there's the arm thing...not all of us midlifers are comfortable baring our arms-- and it seems that everything is sleeveless these days! Well, I have the perfect solution.

I discovered a company called Covered Perfectly and all of their tops have SLEEVES!
I am in love with their "simple comfort" top---the scoop neck is so flattering and just perfect to wear with jackets.  It's fitted, but has just the right touch of looseness around the middle so it doesn't cling. And I love how soft it is...the micromodal fabric feels incredible.

                 



Photographer:  Cathy Trainor
Location:  The Heritage Trail, Bedford, NH
Hair by the fabulous Helen Hodges of Robert Jason Salon 

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After so many days of cold and rainy weather, today was heaven and there was no way I was wearing black! Just picked up this adorable Lucy & Laurel top at TJ Max for just $16.99. I love the way it fits with just enough flow to skim over the midsection without looking maternity. I also love the colors--navy, white, tomato red and just a splash of pink...fun!  I paired it with my Joe's Skinny ankle jeans, J. Crew flat sandals and my very old Banana Republic neutral tote. Off to a client's house for a wardrobe overhaul. Happy weekend everyone!

A casual Friday night dinner means a casual outfit. Just picked up this Michael Kors striped top at Marshall's which I paired with Hudson skinny jeans, a long necklace and neutral shoes and bag.  Just right for a warm May night!

Who says business attire has to be boring? Today I had to attend an awards luncheon and decided to wear something bright and spring-like. I chose this coral/red ponte knit dress (ancient from Banana Republic) which I love because of the rich color and wrinkle free fabric.  Since the dress is bold, I toned it down with a cream jacket from Sanctuary (similar here), Banana Republic Kinsely nude pumps (in just the right heel height--comfy!) and nude  bag (similar here). Simple stud errands (similar here)  a  Michael Kors gold watch and an Alexis Bittar ring in a pop or turquoise completed the outfit.

Black Joe’s skinny jeans--Nordstrom

The blue dress: We all have a little black dress, but a little blue dress is just as versatile! This gorgeous inky blue color works for most skin tones and is so flattering! Choose a simple style that will easily layer with jackets and cardigans to dress up or down. And of course everyone needs a chic leather jacket to provide just a bit of “edge".  Add a fun clutch and you're ready for a night on the town.