A Style Recipe

Adding touches of your personality makes classic basic pieces more interesting and expands the versatility of your wardrobe. The spices and herbs that give your dishes depth of flavor can be compared to the accessories that make simple clothing combinations look different for various occasions. I’ve worn all these elements many times in different combinations. A prerequisite for every new purchase is that it must go with several items I already own.

The jacket is the newest piece in my look. It complements almost all of my sweaters and pants. I found it here on sale a few months ago. I’ve worn it several times already, so it was a wise choice. It kept me warm on Saturday evening when we ventured out to have dinner at our favorite local restaurant here. Now that most of our friends and we have been vaccinated, we are cautiously going out a bit more often.

The pants are about three years old, but here is a similar pair. I’ve worn the black sweater with jeans, a black pencil skirt, and nutmeg brown slacks. I found the sweater here. The same black pants and sweater have been worn with boots and a jean jacket to create a more casual look. The red wool jacket has been combined with a white shirt and faded jeans as well as navy trousers and a navy silk blouse.

I avoid gold and black animal prints, but this little white background bag has gotten lots of use. Here is a similar animal print clutch. Similar EarringsRingBracelet. The pearl tassel necklace is here. (Use the code SAS10 For $10 off any one item at Beauty in Stone Jewelry.)

I bought the Vince Camuto pumps in three colorways. When you find something you love, get it while you can. The shoes are relatively comfortable (for heels). I no longer buy four-inch stilettos, but I still enjoy wearing lower heels on special evenings. The shoes are here and here is another similar style.

Mr. Mickey says Saturday is a reason to celebrate so we did.

He loves deviled eggs almost as much as the house-made warm from the oven asiago bread. His entree was a smoked trout dip appetizer.

Sunburst Farm Smoked Trout, Pickled Ramps, Bacon Jam, Benne Seed Flatbread

I ordered my favorite salad with seared diver scallops, and we shared a wonderful side dish, including delicious fresh morel mushrooms.

Fresh Jack’s Greens, Veggies from our Local Market, Three Graces Goat’s Milk Feta, Appalachian Honey Vinaigrette

Shared house-made daily ice cream in three different flavors capped off the evening in grand style.

My skin and hair care products are here and here. The lip color is Girls’ Night Classic Red here.

I am retired now, so my randomly published posts no longer include collaborations or sponsored items. Shopping links may provide a small commission to me at no additional cost to you.

52 Comments
  1. You look great Susan. So happy you are both vaccinated and able to get out a bit now. My husband is fully vaccinated and I get my second shot next week. We are looking forward to a meal out too. So funny – my husband often says it’s Saturday so let’s celebrate! And we are retired! Every day is a day to celebrate. Thanks for posting again. Love to hear from you.

  2. You look so elegant!

    Your love of shoes is quite evident. I wonder if you ever purchase a high-end designer shoe (you know, Italian leather, etc.) just for you. I realize you would get negative feedback if you featured a pair on your blog.

  3. Susan, You look Lovely as always. The dinner looks divine! I’m glad you and Mr. Mickey had a wonderful time out together! Thank you for sharing.

  4. Gourmet and Company? I plan on visiting the above restaurant(whatever it’s name)
    when I come down.

  5. That lipstick looks great on you! What color/colors are your favorites for a more neutral look? I’ll would like to give them a try.

  6. I appreciate the versatility of your pieces, Susan. I have become more intentional about purchasing items that will work in various combinations. I wonder – if you were to really splurge on a single statement piece, what would it be?

  7. You look vibrant in red. It is a beautiful look! The salad you ordered would be a favorite of mine too. It looks delicious and is a perfect size. So glad you were able to go out and enjoy yourselves! Blessings!

  8. A great classy look! Very happy to hear you and Mr. Mickey are getting out and about again. Thank you for sharing your adventures with everyone.

  9. Susan the red looks smashing on you. With your coloring you should wear it more often. Dinner looks delicious.Glad you are going out now. The house gets boring staying in a lot.
    Happy Spring!! It is 81 today and my plants are coming alive. The earth is greening up again for all the spring lovers.
    Happy Days!
    Barb

  10. You look lovely, per usual! Isn’t it fun to be able to dress up and go out occasionally again???

    Cindy

  11. Hi Susan
    As always you look elegant and stylish. I enjoy seeing what you eat, but I’ve never heard of ramps, and I couldn’t figure out from the photo what they might be?
    Like many of your readers, I do think of you when putting together my outfits, and would love to visit your area, one day.
    Jules in Aus.

  12. Do you like the “pink” line or is the “white” line of Beautycounter acceptable for women over 60?

    1. I’ve used both the Countertime and the Countermatch lines. I saw more improvement in the quality of my skin after using the Countertime products. It is specially formulated for more delicate mature skin.

  13. Lovely as always! How wonderful it is to be able to safely gather with a few friends. Thank goodness for the vaccines and restaurants that are abiding by guidelines/ protocols.
    Thank you for your blog!

  14. There’s just something about a great watch that brings an okay outfit to the next level. Good choice for a splurge.

    I’m looking forward to just getting out and hearing voices and laughter around me again. I want to see people who look normal going about their daily lives. Most of all I want to try bacon jam. Yum!

  15. You’ve offered many ways to combine clothes to expand your wardrobe. When I see a new post by you, I always feel a tingle of excitement, eager to see your ideas. Today, I was wondering if you have a lounging wardrobe. You appear to be disciplined in your dress, so perhaps you stay dressed until you are ready for bed. When nighttime falls, I like to put on more comfortable clothing or even my pajamas with a lightweight jacket. I would love to hear how you dress for nights when you are home alone.

    1. Thank you for your comment and suggestion. I enjoy relaxing in my Miss Elaine flannel back satin pajamas. I have purchased a couple of sets for the past few years, and I am very careful with them since they are now hard to find. Here is the last set I purchased. They run a bit large, so I purchase a size medium.

  16. You look lovely! Red is one of my favorite color. Not safe to go out and eat out here. Was wondering how you wear lipstick with a mask. I did once and my lipstick was a mess. (I forgot to remove the lipstick prior to putting my mask) Thank you for sharing!

  17. You always look so we’ll put together. I enjoy seeing your posts! You always give me incentive to up my game. Thank you

  18. Hi Susan,

    Wowie on every level. What a beautiful Saturday night out. Mickey is one of the top “Leaders of the Pack” when it comes to style. Everyday is a gift to enjoy to the fullest.

    Smiles,
    Katherine

  19. Thank you so much, Susan, for showing us how to elevate our “look”! I appreciate your tips and your links to products save me tons of frustration and time searching!
    Your are giving me the courage to try a little red – and I love your suggestions for a variety of use. As an over 80, healthy, active and service minded lady, I applaud your style!!

  20. Lovely outfit. Red and black together is always a winner. Love the pumps! We are still not going out until we get fully vaccinated, so it’s enjoyable to see your restaurant ventures!
    I also love the sweaters you show, but I can’t wear wool, and wool does always look so nice. Oh well. If you ever find similar sweaters in non-wool, I would love to see that.

  21. Hello Susan, I enjoy your blog immensely as well as your sharing the pictures with your meals selections. That restaurant is a dream! Now, tell me, how you keep your weight with those wonderful meals? Does it boil down to portions? Or do you diet all week so that you may enjoy your meals out? I’d appreciate your sharing these tips please. I’ve gained 8 pounds since Covid and I am not happy. I am not walking (shame on me) because I am not motivated.

  22. Very sharp outfit, you look great! Glad you were able to enjoy a nice evening out and your meal looks delicious. Fyi – I have joined you in removing any clothing item that feels a bit tight or I am tired of. Thanks for the nudge.

  23. Hi, Susan!
    You look absolutely lovely. The pops of red with the animal print clutch takes everything up a notch with this spectacular outfit. I wear pearls often also, and love the variety of statement pearl necklaces in your collection. I’m so happy you’re able to return to some normalcy and enjoy indoor dining again. I have to wait 6 more days (my husband is fully vaccinated but I just received my second vaccine last Wednesday). I have already made dinner reservations for the following weekend and am SO excited about it. Thanks for sharing your beautifully styled outfit, as well as the mouthwatering food photos. Wishing you health and happiness!

  24. On another note, I just noticed there are 4 Nancys (including me) commenting on your blog. I never meet anyone with the same name as me, and here there are 3!

  25. I love the way Mr. Mickey thinks. Every day is a reason to celebrate! Keep having fun! Mary Casady

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.