Taking a day off to let the mind and body rest is crucial to our well-being. Sunday is the day I set aside all of my work and worries. A screen-free day is good for my spirit.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is often one of our summer destinations, but since the weather was so mild on Sunday, we decided to take the drive up to enjoy lunch. There is something very soothing about taking a long journey through the mountains. The jagged winter landscape looks so different in comparison to the lush green summer one. When the morning fog cleared, the sun ruled the bright blue afternoon sky.
We enjoyed a few of our favorite things to do in the village of Blowing Rock. While waiting for our table at Six Pence, we visited with our friend Mark at Finley House Couture. I always find something that needs to come home with me. Today, it was the fun dome ring below.
Having dinner at Rowland’s, located in the Westglow mansion, is one of our all-time favorite summer date nights. On this day, we stopped by to say hello to the staff and enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the parlor and enjoying the panoramic views of the mountains. Westglow was once the summer retreat of the writer and artist Elliott Daingerfield. One of America’s best-known landscape painters at the turn of the 20th century, Daingerfield gave the estate its name. He once described the experience of looking out over the rolling mountains this way: “The glow sinks, the dark grows deep: Then I hear a voice in the slumberous air, the soft, sweet sigh of closed wings: My soul uplifts in silent prayer, for I know the message the Spirit brings.”
My relaxed, casual jeans and jacket combo included a jacket from Stein Mart over a layered tank from White House|Black Market. (Both items are old.) The girlfriend ankle jeans are from Chico’s. The gray bag is old from Express. The suede shoes are old by Jessica Simpson.
You always find something fun when you visit Mark at Finley House Couture…love the ring. The mansion is beautiful, especially the dining room with the sun pouring in. You look fabulous, as always. The outfit looks like it would be comfortable for a long car ride. Girlfriend jeans is a new one for me…like the look.
The scenery is so lovely (as are you!) Living in the heart of New York City with its sounds and hubbub, I really enjoy seeing the beautiful areas that you and Mr. Mickey enjoy in your part of the world. Yes, we do have some wonderful parks and special parts of old New York that so interesting and fun to explore but it is hard to get away completely and enjoy a peaceful interlude.
What a fun outing!! We certainly have been blessed with beautiful weather. Your hair looks lovely. (Mine seems to….On the day BEFORE the haircut!) Look forward to seeing your next update!! Thanks so much!!
I love your blog but also how you stay grounded in an oftentimes chaotic world. Have a great day and thank you for your inspiration to live well.
Hi Susan —
You always look great! I have been looking for a pair of neutral shoes/sandals like the ones you have on. Are they still available? I will check on Zappos. I need a comfortable neutral sandal with heels. I like the way you’ve paired these with jeans and the jacket.
P.S. Did I tell you that I listed your blog in a column I posted about midlife style and fashion bloggers? It’s here: http://www.laferle.com
Thank you, Cindy! Those shoes are from last year but Jessica Simpson puts out something similar for the past few years.
What would you wear to a 50th high school reunion in Georgia in May 20-22. It will be warm and there are three events, VERY casual.
When I want to look special on a warm evening, I wear a tunic from either IC Collection or Clara Sunwoo with white pants and pretty sandals. The knit fabrics that are smooth and flowing are flattering even when you are too warm. They don’t cling to jiggly bits; rather they skim across your body. Some folks with nice legs, like to wear flowing sundresses and pretty sandals. Have fun!
Enjoying your blog very much!
Hi Susan, love your blog! I was wondering about the number of garments that you have. Do you keep a fairly minimal wardrobe? For example, do you keep just one white tank, or do you keep several? I don’t think I’ve read that anywhere on the blog.Thank you for the inspiration! You look beautiful!
Hi Toni, I am working toward a more minimal wardrobe but at present, I have several white tanks. I wear them often so I have my two classic standbys to wear with nice jackets, a casual one, a short one with a V-Neck, a long one with stitching details down the front to wear with short jackets and a couple of layered ones to wear alone when it is really hot outside. I try not to buy more than two of the same style but it is nice to have a backup on the white ones because I wear them so often. Thanks for the great question. I will do a blog post about this soon.
Nice post, Susan. We absolutely love Blowijg Rock, even though it is quite a distance from Va. Beach. We have friends who live there and enjoy the area greatly. I just wanted to add, too, I recently read your bio. Was pleasantly surprised to read you were with Rices Nachmans, at one time. Got a kick out of that. Rices was my “go to store” growing up in Norfolk, in the late 50’s!! Also, when I turned 40 (!!) I had my ears ears pierced in the Janaf location of Rices!!! Hated to see them close. Keep up the good work, Susan. So enjoy your posts. Glad I found you, originally, on Pinterest…
I enjoy your posts highlighting the local area so much. Susan, you look lovely and the new ring is beautiful. Are you planning something different for your hair? We’ll see tomorrow!
I live in Western Australia, have been looking at your blog for a while and love what you are wearing Elie
Lovely….the scenery and you.
What do you think of long hair on older women?
It isn’t working for me anymore. It is too thin on top, so it lays flat and makes my face look even more round. I went back to light layers, and I always keep the length off my shoulders.
I love reading your blog. Your hair is just lovely and I wonder, at what age did you let it go gray?
When I turned fifty, I decided to stop coloring my hair. I had done so since it started to turn gray when I was in my early twenties.
I have been following your blog for several years, first on 50not frumpy and now on susanafter60. I always loved your tops from Clara Sunwoo. I finally decided to take the plunge and order 2 tops. I am always scared of online shopping when I don’t know the fit of the designer. I am hard to fit–short, busty and definitely not a size 2. Anyway, to make a long story shorter…I love the tops from Clara Sunwoo. The fit is great, the fabric and construction are worthy of the money spent.
Thank for the designer inspiration. I always love your style and outlook on life.
You look beautiful as always. I know you dress starting with your shoes. What kind of shoe options do you choose from on a cold and rainy day?
I often wear flats while I am running errands during the day. I would wear flat Chelsea boots today while it is cool and rainy if I were out and about.
Love your blog! Admire your classic beauty, fashion savvy and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. As a very busy person with many obligations, you still make time for rest, relaxation, and fun. I’m curious; are weekly church services or other religious practices part of your routine? Thanks for sharing.
My brother-in-law is an ordained minister, so my family and I are often in his audience at various churches as he fills in for others. I grew up attending church three or more times a week, but I am not there as often these days.
As always, I truly love your style. You seem to have a very interesting, and amazing life. You and Mr Mickey are very fortunate that you found each other and enjoy so many activities together.
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Where are you shopping now to find items previously purchased at Stein Mart? I am disappointed they closed and need to find another go to store for fun fashion.
I always share links for similar, if not the same, fashions I’m wearing in the posts. I mostly look for classic staples that I can wear in many ways. I stopped shopping for trends and sales about two years ago, and I am so much happier with my wardrobe.