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Audrey Hepburn

How to make a summer dress fit autumn weather

Wear a long sleeved blouse or sweater underneath your summer dress.

How to tie a scarf

Simplicity

I'm not a huge fan of white clothes. However, I like the simplicity of this blazer. It could be tied with a scarf, a cord like in the photo below, or a belt. Really anything you want to try. I usually choose a scarf since I have so many.

This sleeveless vest is gorgeous! So simple and elegant. It would work with or without the belt. I like the idea of a long vest over pants. A change from a blazer which is too hot in Florida summertime.

Hairstyle

I've styled my hair into half buns, but not often enough. It's the best of both worlds. You still have long hair which is attractive around your face, yet have the sophistication and elegance of a bun.

Beautiful Gowns

 I like the simplicity and elegance of these gowns.

Jewelry

Simple jewelry to wear to work or out on the town.

Favorite Colors

Blue is the most popular color to be photographed in.

I love the colors of rubies and sapphires.

But of course emerald is my favorite color.

Inspiration

I love to wear dresses with sneakers or plain flats. Much more comfortable than heels.

I've just started mixing prints. I know I'm coming late to this fashion. The secret is to pair a small print with a large print or floral with stripes. A striped pattern goes with almost any other pattern you can imagine.

Work Blouses

I wore this patterned tunic blouse over a pair of pants in a black color to emphasize the blouse..

This is a more professional looking work blouse in a black and red pattern with a side tie to make me look slender. I pair this with either black or gray work pants.

Casual Work Attire

I wore this pink and black patterned faux wrap blouse with a pair of tan pants. 

I completed the outfit with a matching scarf, necklace and headband.

Recommended E-Newsletter for Book Lovers

A great newsletter for book reviews for new books and all things books along with interesting articles is "Shelf Awareness." The email address is "info@shelf-awareness.com."

I'm Reading...

This is the first book in a 6 part series by one of great Tudor historical writers, Alison Weir. The first book covers Henry VIII's first wife and true wife, Katherine of Aragon. It begins with the princess landing in England to marry the heir, Prince Arthur. It ends with her death. The story covers Katherine's tumultuous and difficult life as she is tossed aside for Anne Boleyn. I can't wait to read all the books in the series and see if Weir's interpretation of this fascinating period in history matches my own.

What are Your Closet Staples?

According to this article, http://www.shopstyle.com/blog/How-Build-Capsule-Wardrobe-41391509?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dedicated_Timeless12, your closet staples should be tailored pants, a jeans jacket, a blazer, perfect fitting jeans, a maxi dress and black pumps. However, I don't agree about the leather jacket, white T-shirt, white button-up shirt, and ankle boots,. What are your wardrobe staples? Pieces you can't live without?

What to Wear to a Work Meeting

Pair a sophisticated knee length dress with a plain blazer. Add some simple jewelry and shoes. Especially if you have to give a presentation at the meeting.

I'm Reading...

Another modern adaptation of Jane Eyre. Let's hope this one is better. Already it has proven different and interesting. I'll let you know.

I'm Reading...

This is a sci fi novel recommended by a former coworker. There just aren't enough science fiction books written by women. This genre is dominated and controlled by men. Although, at the Nebula book awards, women won all the awards. Yay!
A young woman is captured by pirates and forced to train a hatchling sea monster to protect the pirate ship. She begins to bond with her captors.

I'm Reading...

Okay, so this British mystery series is long-592 pages. It was only at about page 200 that someone died and the mystery part began. Ever watched the Inspector Lynley British mystery series on television? Well, these are the books the television series was based upon. Too much character development of the suspects and their lives. Is she getting paid by the word? Have to wonder. Finally, I can get into a good British mystery. Have to say, Barbara Havers is my favorite character. Though wouldn't mind meeting Inspector Lynley, a British lord.

I'm Reading...

Disappointing. The idea is great-a teenager becomes Jane Eyre and lives her life at Thornfield Hall. However, too much teenage angst. Stopped reading.

I'm Reading...

A modern adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson story where Holmes and Watson are teenagers at boarding school. Realistic, well-developed characters with an interesting mystery. Can't wait to see where it takes me.

Perfect Party Dress

This beautiful orchid dress makes me think of a flower I love the structured bodice and the flowy skirt. Perfect together. The color is gorgeous. I'll take one in my size...which I'm not listing here.

Casual daytime wear

Why doesn't the fashion industry design more clothes in yellow? I love this color. It makes me feel happy.

This royal blue tunic blouse is perfect over jeans and boots.

A patterned blouse works over straight leg single colored pants..

Add a belt to cinch in the waist and add some interest to an otherwise boring outfit.

Mad about Plaid

I love a good plaid in a great color. Since this is a short dress, I always wear it over leggings or pants, 

It's a Wrap

I love, love wrap dresses. It doesn't matter how much weight you lose or gain, you can always wear a wrap dress and look attractive. Thank you, DVF.

This is my favorite wrap dress that I found at T.J. Maxx. I love the colors of turquoise and black and the striped pattern. Everyone looks good in a wrap dress.

Wrap dresses come in many different colors and patterns. This is a shorter wrap dress I always pair over pants or leggings.

Work Outfits

This outfit works for work because it's a professional looking yet simple dress (with slimming side panels). It's covered by a short-sleeved sweater, to give it a little something extra, and paired with a simple necklace. It's comfortable yet professional and simple. What's not to love?

One of my favorite dresses because it's so simple yet sophisticated. I paired it with a suit jacket to make it more professional.

In the winter or fall, pair a sophisticated dress with leggings and boots. Stay in the same color family.

Here is the slimming dress without the suit jacket. From day to night just by removing the jacket.

If you need to wear pants to work, then a colorful and interesting blouse can be paired with basic pants. Add additional interest to the outfit with a scarf.

A colorful basic blouse will keep you cool in summer yet look professional.