What do you wear when the day includes a lovely lunch in a nice restaurant and a long walk in a fabulous garden? Remember, it’s July, so the temperatures will likely be over 90F. I opted for a button-front linen-blend dress here. A similar small handbag is here. The espadrille wedge sandals are here.
My sweet friend and Mr. Mickey’s famous cousin recently asked me to join her for lunch at Leo’s Italian Social. We planned to walk around the North Carolina Arboretum afterward. Rebecca is a best-selling author, and you can find her books here.
I always wear a hat when I plan to be outside in the sun for a while. Hats provide shade and sun protection and keep hair out of my face. They also allow me to look cool and comfortable, even if I am perspiring.
Flat shoes that are easy to walk in, my camera, sunglasses, and anything else I need will fit neatly into a large straw tote bag.
As always, so stylish and classy! Did I say beautiful??!!
The gardens are beautiful! The linen dress is very flattering and the perfect piece to wear out in the heat. You look very comfortable despite the temperature.
Love this dress! What size are you wearing? Thanks!
I purchased a size medium.
What a great combination for the warm weather. You look lovely! And comfortable too.
That’s a very smart-looking dress!
BIG article about Beauty Counter cosmetics in the New York Times this morning. Hmmmm…..
great gams
It looked like you had a very nice day. The dress was the perfect choice. Those gardens were beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I’m going to check the author’s books. I’m always looking for a good read.
Great looking dress and accessories for the day. I’m wondering if the dress in white would be cooler? Although the black is so chic. My dilemma. Lol. Have a lovely week!
You look so stunning , the dress is gorgeous on you, and I love your hair this length!! It’s great seeing you look so beautiful and healthy! Thank you for your posts! I always look forward to reading them!
You look so beautiful for the day. The link to your friend’s books is not working.
Thank you for letting me know, Rory! I have changed the link to Rebecca’s books.
Gorgeous as ever Susan I absolutely love your dress. What a beautiful venue to have lunch and then a walk through the awesome gardens. It looks like you had a wonderful time with your friend.
I so look forward to your blogs. They are so inspiring.
God bless you and Mr Mickey.
ELIZABETH SA
Lovely photos and you look great in that dress Susan. I love the way you have accessorized with tan. Thanks for sharing. I will be looking up Rebecca’s books from down here in NZ.
Susan,
Beautiful gardens, beautiful outfit. The dress is a linen blend. What is the other fabric besides linen?
Always look forward to reading your blogs.
Hope you and Mr. Mickey are in good health and that your father is recovering.
Fran
The linen is blended with rayon.
What a lovely way to spend the day! You look so cool and comfortable in your outfit despite the temps. I also have Rebecca’s book, “My dad, My dog” and it’s really good. Stay cool!!
Love this outfit, so chic.
Love your indoors to outdoors looks! So perfect for the weather last week in Asheville, which was hot! We were there at the Arboretum, too, but missed you! Visited the NC Arboretum multiple times with children and grands! Your photos of you and the gardens are terrific!
It would have been so fun for our paths to cross at the Arboretum. What a wonderful place! I last visited many years ago, so seeing all the new fountains and garden paths was a special treat.
Looks like a perfect day. Beautiful gardens and you are always dressed beautifully!
I always enjoy reading and viewing your adventures. Your choice of outfits always make me re-think my own wardrobe choices I am a petite so unfortunately the linen dress, which I would love to purchase, does not come in a size that would fit my frame. I am hoping that I can find something similar. I loved this warm weather look you put together.
Cute outfit, love your dress. Link to the books isn’t working….
Try the link here or search for books by Rebecca Warner.
I love the linen dress. I’ve always wanted to visit Asheville. Sounds like a lovely visit.
You look great in a dress! Wish you would show more of them
Beautiful garden.
I hate this verifying pictures I’m not a robot
Sorry. It cuts down on Spamming and hackers.
Love the pictures of the gardens & as usual you look so put together & beautiful. Love your hair. Would you share about what products you use to keep your hair so healthy looking.
I use Eva NYC Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo about once a week to keep my gray from yellowing. I use KÉRASTASE shampoo and conditioner here. However, I purchase it from my salon since it is what my stylist uses and recommends. Sometimes, I let my hair air dry; other times, I use a round brush to blow dry by small sections to make it straighter.
Everything looks lovely! I have a question about hats. Every hat I put on looks ridiculous on me. Any secrets to wearing a hat? Is it something I just have to get used to wearing. Thanks!
It helps if you find the right hat for your face and head shape. I’ll use myself as an example. Since I have a roundish fleshy face, I need a hat with a bit higher crown and a brim at least two inches wide. I look silly in beanies, most baseball caps, and cloche-style or bucket hats.
Great look.
So good to see you having a nice day out with a friend! Lovely ladies, scenery, and wardrobe ideas. I will definitely check out those books. Hope you and Mr. Mickey are enjoying your summer!❤️
Thanks. I’ll keep at it! Going to an outdoor International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, NM this weekend. Determined to wear a hat and feel comfortable!
Hi Susan, I really look forward to your blogs; you always look so smart, even when dressed casually. Other bloggers seem to use their sites as a hard sell, often wearing clothes that don’t suit them. I love it how you explain what works for you and why. I have learned so much since I have been following you; reading your past posts. Do keep up the good work.
From a cool and damp UK!
Hi Jane. Thank you for the lovely comments. Long ago, I decided that I enjoyed teaching more than selling, so I stopped accepting free products or brand advocate deals. I’m glad you enjoy seeing how I style the items I’ve added to my wardrobe in several ways.
Hi Susan
Love the dress….I’m wondering how it would pack? I’d guess since it’s linen it wouldn’t do well in a suitcase! But I’d appreciate your input. I need a dress or two for a trip to Morocco. I see several others on the site that are the same fabric -?? Any other suggestions?
Another Susan
The fabric is very forgiving. Even though it wrinkles and creases, it isn’t bothersome. Everyone else will be wearing wrinkled, airy fabrics as well.
Hi Susan,
I admire you so. I cut my hair about the same time you had yours very short. I see your hair now is much longer in a stylish bob. Would you explain your views on longer hair for ladies our age and why you decided to grow your hair out?
Thank you
I visited my stylist four days ago and asked her to lift the style by removing some weight so that the crown area has more height without taking off any length. I’ve always been happier with shoulder-length hair with slight layers to give some movement around the face. Since I walk for two hours every morning and am very busy during the day, I need to pull my hair back or put it up. I’ve learned to work with it to space my salon visits every eight weeks. If you enjoy longer hair and it looks good, you should not place age limits.
Thanks for your posts. I appreciate the tips and classy styling ideas.
I bought this black linen blend dress from Banana Republic Factory, and like it, but have tried a few things to get the wrinkles out. I’ve steamed, ironed and put in the dryer for a few minutes. It still is very wrinkled. Any suggestions?
Thanks again!
Try washing it and then steam iron it while it is still damp.
I love your elegance, always so simple and so refined. Wedge sandals are great, high heels are definitely made for you Susan.