Early in the day on Saturday, we enjoyed a small lunch at Carmel’s at the Grove Arcade.
We spent part of the afternoon shopping at Biltmore Square, where I found my favorite cotton kitchen towels at Williams Sonoma. It’s the little things in life that make me happy!
I also shopped at Chico’s, where I purchased two pairs of dressy pants that will serve me very well. I bought the Juliet Ankle Pants and the So Slimming Reese Pants, both in black. It was difficult for me to stay on track because there were so many things that caught my eye, but I kept my focus and bought only what I came for. I wear black dress pants a few times each week, so I replace them more often than any other item. I will show the pants on the blog very soon. We have lots of events planned in the next few weeks so that they will be worn often.
As the sun started to slip below the mountain ranges, it was time to arrive for our dinner reservations at the Dining Room in the Inn at Biltmore Estate.
We always try to arrive an hour or so before our reservations. It is so relaxing to sit in front of the fire and listen to the pianist.
Some of my favorite things about wearing scarves include softening my neckline and hiding my tummy rolls when I sit down. Scarves are my not so secret weapon for looking well dressed. The pants I am wearing here are by Eric from Stein Mart. The tank is old, but it is the same ecru color as the Bowie jacket I found last year at Saks Off 5th. The bag is old from Saks Off 5th. The boots are old by French Connection.
We love it when our table is in front of the fire.
Susan,
I am looking forward to your shopping site!
Arlene
Me too! We are almost ready.
Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! ❤
Wonderful excursion for you two; there really are not many places like Biltmore @ Christmas!
Scarves are wonderful untied, as you have done here. They are that column of colour that gives the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette. They soften the look of a jacket, too. I wear longer scarves than you’ve shown here to balance my triangle shape.
I hope you keep blogging! You are inspiring me to re-think my wardrobe now that I’m retired from my marketing and advertising career. Transitioning to a more casual lifestyle and wardrobe is difficult for me, since I’m a very active outdoors person so I don’t wear the heels or the jackets very often at all. But I need to step up my closet to look fun and functional during the day, and keep some essentials for visits, dinner and events. I don’t look good in black so I’m struggling a bit. It will be a process!
Try pieces in brown, camel or navy Pam. You can wear a camel color jacket with jeans to kick it up a notch.
I also bought the Juliet pants (in camel) and know you will be very happy with them. The pictures of the Biltmore are inviting. Our stay in Asheville was very short so we didn’t have time to explore the town and the Biltmore area together. But we did eat at Carmel’s! Fun to reminisce. Next time Biltmore is on the list.
Thank you for the pics of Biltmore….we have visited often, but never at Christmas. I love your blog & find myself asking myself what would Susan recommend. We have very similar body structure & I have been guilty of buying something bulky but ending up looking like a bear. Thank you for your perspective .
I just bought the Reese pants in navy, Susan! I love them and plan to wear them for our anniversary outing, with a nice Hermes scarf and navy top! Thank you for your blog; can’t wait to see the shop!
You look fabulous! We went to Asheville and the Biltmore last year between Christmas and New Year’s and it was swamped with 20 somethings!!! It was still very enjoyable and wonderful to see. I have been considering those two pants from Chico’s myself. Now that they have a bigger selection of petite sizes I am a loyal shopper there. I am anxious to see the two different pants on you.
You have inspired me so much. I love your blog. I am a 60 year old nurse who has become frumpy due to wearing scrubs each day. I just bought my first pair of ankle pants and a 3/4 sleeve jacket. I would never know how to do this right without seeing your pictures. I love your style!! Keep posting pictures! Thanks.
Love your style so much. Keep up the pictures please!
Thank you for sharing so much beauty! Your trips, the scenery, food, decor, and your own beautiful self and clothing are all a joy to behold. Thanks for enhancing my life!
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! I have learned so much from you and I adore wearing scarves!!
Well, now I want to know what your favorite style of kitchen towel is at William Sonoma. I am in the market for new ones. Was not so happy with the last ones I purchased from the store–which is a surprise as I am usually delighted with anything I buy there. 🙂
The navy and white ones are my favorites.
You always look so lovely! The scarf worn as you do is amazing and camouflages a multitude of sins. However, I have a lot of trouble with my scarf slipping off. How do you keep that from happening?
In this case my jacket is holding it in place.
Have a lovely day I am looking forward to your fashion line!
Just was there today and lovely and gardens were beautiful but wish I could have more time to spend in the gardens. Btw had a wonderful lunch at Figs, if you haven’t eaten there it’s definitely a winner