Miles Redd Does the Palm Beach Vibe for Ballard

Now if I only had a pool.

Miles Redd's new outdoor collection for Ballard Designs is so Palm Beach.

There's nothing more classic than trellis and I'd add a few pink cushions to liven it up a bit. Love this stuff.  

This would also look grand on a screened porch but the white cushions need a little color.  You can see the collection here.

The Winter Olympics - Rocking Gold in More Ways Than One

I have loved watching the Olympics every night (and suffering the effects in the morning when I can't get out of bed) and will be sad to see it end soon. But the competition, the sport, the commentary, well, it's so darn competitive and so over the top. Kudos to NBC for doing a fantastic job and without Matt Lauer (LOL). 

Watching these well-worn athletes do whatever it takes to win a medal is refreshing - Vonn, Shiffrin, Randall and Diggins (you women rock). If you happen to have that competitive athlete gene in your DNA, you know what I am talking about.  These athletes have the mental fortitude to put it all on the line and make a run for the gold.  Others like Serena Williams has it.  Roger Federer has it.  Soffia Goggia has it (congratulations on that new gold medal).  The teeny-bobber Russian ice skaters both have it. 

A few more observations.......

Why hasn't NBC hired Tanith White and Terry Gannon to host the Today Show?  Both world class athletes. Both stunningly beautiful.  Both articulate. Humble.  Well-dressed.  I look forward to watching them both every evening.

The chemistry between Weir and Lipinski goes without saying but what about the almost thirty suitcases of stuff they brought between them for the games. They are so pulled together in their own way but when you bring Nordstrom with you to South Korea, you do have options.  I look forward to seeing their wardrobes almost as much as I do their commentary. They also need a show.

And while the Canada - US Hockey Game was on too late last night for me, isn't it grand that US women, the underdogs, beat the best in the world?  You go girls.
 

Prep is Not Dead - The Old Talbots is Back

Talbots has been making inroads in recent years, wisely returning to their roots of preppydom.  I remember when we would wait for the spring catalog to arrive (with the Red Door) on the cover and then would spend hours thumbing through the catalog full of Herman Geist t-shirts and madras shorts.  The good news is the old Talbots is back and what a welcome sight.  The new roll-out will dent your Visa for sure. There are just too many cute clothes for spring. Everything is 25 percent off too for a limited time.  I don't know how I am going to pick!  Some of these styles will sell out for sure .  You can shop the sight here.

The blue shirt with the rick-rack trim is my favorite.  The jean dress is my second favorite. And I love the white shirt paired with the jacket with white trim.  Love these looks for spring.  Thank you Talbots!

The Best Bathing Suits

The worst part of the summer season is having to try on bathing suits. Let's face it, none of us have the model body we'd like to have and well, when we put on a swim suit, all our flaws, our lumps, our untoned flesh, well, it's all out there.  We can run and hide in jeans and sweats but not in a swim suit.

Shopping for the perfect suit is a chore, but I do it in the confines of my own home.  Why present yourself to the world when you don't have to?

There are many stores out there that will let you order suits, ship them for free and ship them back for free. I did this a few years ago and bought the perfect suit at J Crew. I should have bought several but alas, my mistake.

One secret - learn what styles look good on you and stick with it.  I only wear a one-piece suit these days and backside coverage is important.

Net a Porter
There are some interesting suits on Net-a-Porter with free shipping and great customer service.  Once you shop here you'll understand.

I love this navy suit. This style is very forgiving and I love the back!

(Navy Suit)

This suit is a little pricey but oh so cute!

(Another Navy Suit)

If you can wear black and white, this DVF suit is so cute:

(DVF Suit)

J Crew
I've had my eye on this suit which comes in navy or red and love the back.  I'd prefer straps but this one is so cute and different.  The horizontal top is my style.

(Navy and White Suit)

This is the suit I have seen so far that I like the best for my body type although I am not in love with the colors. Navy is the best choice but I wish it came in some prettier colors. This may not work on someone with a large bust.

(Plain Suit in Navy)

I love the color of this suit and the bow on the shoulder. I wonder if this would be comfortable.  But it's very pretty.

(One Shoulder Suit)

If you prefer a classic tank this one is adorable in the black and white check.

(Tank)

This suit has a love it or hate it review on the J Crew web site the color below is not to my liking but the white one with black ties or the navy one is really cute. Worth a try.

(Grosgrain Tie Suit)

Tory Burch

Tory Burch suits are well-made and classic in styling but they can be expensive so I try to shop her on sale. This gingham suit comes in red or navy.  Very cute!

(Tory Burch)

Trina Turk

Love the bright colors of Trina Turk's suits.  This one is so cute and I love the back of it.

(Trina Turk Suit)

(Trina Turk Indochine Suit)

(Trina Turk Pucci Suit)

(Trina Turk Suit)

I love all of these suits.  Don't wait until spring to shop as the good ones sell out quickly.  Happy hunting!  May you find the perfect suit.

Derby Dressing

It's late February but it's not too late to plan for spring events like going to the races.  Whether you are planning a trip to Keeneland in April (yes) or even better, a trip to the Derby, or just a Derby party, give yourself plenty of time to find that special outfit.

I prefer to wear dresses unless the weather is horrible, then I revert to a Barbour Jacket and an Hermes scarf.  Luckily, the weather has been great for all of my trips to Keeneland so far.  But that coat fetish comes in handy as I almost always need a coat.

This gingham dress from Brooks Brothers is so classic and cute. It comes also in pale pink.  I'd pair it with a navy tweed coat and a pop of color with an Hermes scarf.

(Navy Gingham Dress)

Add an Hermes scarf (buy from Poshmark) - a great source for gently used or even new Hermes scarves for a fraction of the price.

(Hermes Scarf)

Add a feminine coat just in case:

 (Coat)

(Coat)

If you are a Medium, you might want to consider this new coat (with tags) for a bargain on Poshmark.  I love this look!

 (Sail to Sable Coat, NWT)

I also like this floral dropped waist dress which screams spring. It can also be paired with the navy coat for a more finished look. Those shoes are awful. This one needs the right hat too.

(Floral Dress)

 Add this straw boater for a more finished look:

Or this one:

(Straw Hat)

Sara Campbell dresses are so cute and I adore this cute black dress with a white collar. This would also work well for weddings and graduations.  Love the collar, the silk, the texture.

(Sara Campbell Dress)

Winter Wardrobe Bargains

While I want to think spring there are still some winter bargains out there and who doesn't love a bargain? I've been stalking a few stores, waiting for a few more price drops and while sometimes the sizes are limited, these deals are too good to pass up.

I've had my eye on this dress since the holidays and was tempted to buy it for next winter now that's it's an additional 25 percent off but sadly the sizes are going like hot cakes. 100 percent wool, lined, classic, not too short, now $118.

(Brooks Brothers Dress)

Another dress worth buying now and saving for a winter party, this floral jacquard sheath is now $111 (from $298) and offers another well-made classic styled dress that you can wear for years. the back dips down into a slight "v" which dresses it up a bit more. But less is more with this dress which is why I love it.  Why they paired this lovely dress with those shoes is a mystery.

(Brooks Brothers Dress)

This is the cutest holiday dress and if this style fits your body type there's no reason not to buy now and save this for next season, also from Brooks Brothers. This is from their Red Fleece collection.

Another classic from Brooks Brothers. This cotton shift has been drastically reduced and will be perfect for spring. 

If you are willing to gamble on a final sale item, this blue linen dress will be perfect for spring. Now $89.40 reduced from $300.  It's worth taking a chance and having the dress tailored to fit at that price. And what's up with those shoes?

(Blue Dress)

It's getting difficult to find wool turtlenecks and this one is reduced drastically.  These are staples of my winter wardrobe.

(Wool Turtleneck)

Another classic wool dress to save for the holidays.

(Wool Dress)

This navy dress will be perfect for spring and fall.  This is Audrey Hepburn.  Love it!!!!

(Navy Dress)

These Sorel boots have been reduced to around $50 if you wear a smaller size. I had been stalking these but my size is now sold out.  Great deal right now at J Crew.

I bought this sweater for my mother for Christmas and now it is greatly reduced, about 75 percent.  I loved it then and I still love it.  It's cotton so it can be a spring staple as well as for fall and early winter.  

I added this lovely sweater to my winter wardrobe and it's so much nicer in real life.  A wardrobe staple for sure.  The winter bargains at Talbots continue to amaze, and everything is now 75% off or more. Shop the sale here.

And all Ann Taylor sale styles are an extra 50 percent off. Full-priced items are 40 percent off. Love this cute black dress!

This navy embellished sweater will be a great addition to my winter wardrobe for 2018 and 2019.  Navy is the new black!  It's greatly reduced at Ann Taylor.

 (Navy Sweater)

Happy Shopping.  Remember, the more you shop the more you save!