Earlier this month, we visited the Grove Park Inn to enjoy lunch on the Sunset Terrace in another celebration of my birthday. My bag, jacket, and camisole have been in my wardrobe for about four years. I purchased the jean-style pants by Frame last year, but I’ve never been happy with them, so I gave them to Mr. Mickey’s granddaughter. The fabric doesn’t hold its structure like denim, and the flare starts too low on the leg.
I show you my mistakes along with my successes, but I try to explain why the item didn’t work so that we both learn how to make better purchases. A few years ago, I stopped collaborating with any brands or accepting gifts from vendors, so what you see me wear, you will know I bought with my own money, and I am not being paid to tell you how “great” it is and that you “must have” it.
Mr. Mickey has also made some successful investments in his wardrobe items. His blazer is likely thirty, his shoes fifteen, and his pants twenty-plus years old. Proof that if you buy high-quality elements in a timeless style and take care of them, they will last for many years.
Piano socks here completed his dapper look.
The earrings are the E&L brand made in Israel from T.J. Maxx. My skincare routine is here. I do not wear foundation, blush, concealer, or contour. I’ve not had Botox, fillers, a facelift, or anything else. I fill in my brows, wear some eyeshadow, put a liner pencil in the top waterline, and use mascara and lip color. My makeup routine is here. My haircare and styling routine is here.
We enjoyed another wonderful lunch on the Sunset Terrace. I would happily go there every weekend! The view is astounding, and the food is always excellent. The service is professional and attentive.
We began our delightful late lunch, sharing a shrimp cocktail.
We each had the lobster salad without bacon for our entree.
A chocolate ganache cake to share was a delightful dessert.
Glasses of port in the Great Hall to watch people for the afternoon is always a delightful way to end our meal. Lunch is almost always our last meal of the day.
I wish women’s clothes were made with the eye for lasting for as long as men’s clothing. Perhaps they are -at a price point I can’t afford – but even though I take exceptional care of my clothing, I only have maybe two or three pieces that are in the 10-15 year range. I feel like clothing quality has really decreased in the past 5 years.
Asheville is so beautiful and Mr. Mickey’s socks are the highlight as usual. It’s so nice to see you both looking so well.
I agree with Sue that finding quality women’s clothing at an affordable price is certainly a daunting challenge. I aim for 3 seasons of good quality wear. Some items have lasted longer.
One of the reasons I appreciate you, Susan, is that you are not afraid to show your mistakes and that you do actually wear your clothes and are not just a clothing mannequin. It is most helpful.
Thank you!
Great photos of both of you! I especially like the closeup of you, Susan. Looks like a lovely lunch. Always enjoy your posts!
Lovely photos of a pair of beautiful people. Thank you for showing us actual clothes you buy. I appreciate so much not being told I must have a…(whatever.). Usually at a price point I can’t afford. Like you, I try to take good care of my clothes and some things will last forever, like a camel trench coat or a nice black anorak style. Other things maybe not so long, although I get 4 years or so out if mid price Macy’s pants. Everyone is different…
Simply Gorgeous!!
Looks like it was a perfect afternoon. By the way, I have often wondered if you’ve had a brow lift because your eye and brow area look so good. Now I know you have not! You always look fabulous!
You are an inspiration!! Thank you for posting your thought process in putting together an outfit. I always learn something from you.
Happy birthday, Susan!! You look beautiful, as always!!
Good morning Susan, You look absolutely fabulous as does Mr. Mickey as always! I love those rocking chairs in front of the fireplace!! What a lovely Good morning Susan, place. Everything looks wonderful 🙂
The food is so delicious and I love Mr M’s socks!
Awww, I really love this look! But I’m sure in person, or wearing it, might show it’s flaws. But in the photograph, it looks fabulous.
Wonderful post – full of good info that will be SO helpful as I get ready to dress for a new season. Thanks!
I love the Omni Grove Inn! It’s one of the most beautiful places in America! My husband and I had an anniversary dinner on the Sunset Terrace a few years ago. You look beautiful!
Your skin is just amazing and an excellent testimony to how important it is to care for it! I just wish I’d started being more diligent years ago. It looks like y’all enjoyed another wonderful outing! Thank you for sharing!
We are under a heat advisory for the next 2 days in Central Texas, so no cool fall weather here just yet!
That must be why we see so many Texas tags here in east Tennessee.
Such a beautiful close up picture of you, Susan!!
Lovely.
The Omni Grove Park Inn looks like heaven on earth. I can understand why you would enjoy being there every weekend.
I would love to see how they would present the Tropical Coconut Cake. Oh yes, I have to read the menus! Their website is wonderful to peruse. What made me smile is who Executive Chef, William Bierlein takes his inspiration from, a French mentor who always said to him, “You will only be as good as your tastes buds will take you. Try everything.” Indeed. I love your hair off your face! You are both so delightful. My favorite time of year officially began today and on Oct. 8, I’ll be thanking my mother once again for how perfect it was for her to give me life. Thank you for taking us along once again on a lovely outing. I hope you’ll return when the autumn colors are in full peak.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Karen. We enjoyed that beautiful and delightful Tropical Coconut Cake in the post here … https://susanafter60.com/packing-for-short-trips/ One removes the little “bubble” container and then drizzles the sauce over the cake just before taking the first bite.
Susan, if you can look that good w/o using any foundation, concealers, etc. you are truly blessed. I have horrible dark circles under my eyes and NEVER go out in public w/o putting on foundation and 2 or 3 layers of concealer. Wearing layers of concealer is always problematic as I do not want it to look caked on. I am always in awe of beautiful people like you who can go out au naturel.
I am so happy that you and Mr. Mickey are enjoying what life has to offer. You two are an inspiration to others with your positive attitude and appearance. And, I think Mr. Mickey’s socks are pretty cool.
I am a 20+ year breast cancer survivor and try to be thankful for each day.
Thank goodness you have survived and thrived! Keep enjoying each day.
I think the jeans look fabulous on you and I guess I have never thought about where the flair should start. Will you show us a pair of jeans where you are happy with the flair and where it’s supposed to start.
The flare should start higher on the thigh, above the knee, for a more subtle effect. The jeans in the post here are a better example of what I prefer. The style differs from the bell bottoms we wore as teenagers, which now can feel like a costume.
Susan, thank you for providing the link and the explanation on how to enjoy the Tropical Coconut Cake. It was so nice to have a visual of that dessert! It is indeed a beautiful creation.
I visited the Grove several years ago and would gladly return for a few days.
I love your striped jacket! I recognize it from numerous other posts. It’s definitely one of my favorites.
Whatever your personal routine, it’s DEFINITELY working for you. The escapes you & Mr. Mickey share are truly a pleasant distraction from the day-to-day. Love your style tips. Glad to see you enjoying the next season. Thanks for sharing.
I love your make up routine & I really like your hair pulled back! It’s very becoming!❤️
You are always so beautiful and a true inspiration to many.
Praying you have a full recovery and Mr. Mickey as well.
Hello Susan,
I’m thinking my next skin care regime will be Beauty Counter. Have you tried Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream? Thank you.
I won a contest recently and that was the prize I received. I’ve enjoyed using it very much. It is lightweight and very soothing on the skin.
You and mr Mickey are looking so well. Hope you both are getting good reports from your doctors. Have a nice autumn and enjoy the fall colors.
I wish I could go as bare faced as you. Your skin is lovely! I, unfortunately, have rosacea so I need a little concealer and I use Laura Geller Bright and Balance correcting foundation. But I do envy your peaches and cream complexion.
I love the Grove Park Inn. It is so beautiful.
And, you look so young.
I appreciate your honest assessment of what works and doesn’t in your fashion choices. I have grown tired of “influencers” constantly pushing an ever-growing number of fashion brands. I have made mistakes by purchasing “must-have” items that don’t suit my lifestyle or body type.
Living in southwest Florida where temperatures are mild year round, I would love to see a post about how to transition seasonally when the temperatures don’t change much.
Layers have always served me well during the seasonal transition times.
Mr. Mickey’s socks are the BOMB…..!
You look absolutely beautiful, and I love Mr. Mickey’s piano socks! Your blogs are so much fun.
What nice pictures of both you , Mr. Mickey and Asheville!
Your right wow that skincare routine you are using really works! Lifestyle also plays an important role as well. My problem is I’m not consistent! Again I’m going to look into your skincare suggestions and try to order a few items. I can’t afford the whole regimen. What products would you suggest?
I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again that I respect your suggestions because it is something you actually use or include in your wardrobe not something you have to promote through something that was sent to you!
If you are like me and you have dry skin and you are over fifty, start with the cleanser here and the moisturizer here.
I received my E&L silver earrings yesterday. I love them!!
You both look amazing and your skin absolutely glows. Happy Birthday
Such a beautiful woman!
Vous êtes rayonnante .Mais je crois que c’est votre âme qui transparaît sur votre visage
Love this look on both of you. Sometimes older is even better than new. You are living proof. Your style is gorgeous !
Like many readers, I really benefit from the posts showing what didn’t work and why. I really appreciate you putting these looks out there. I also appreciate the seemingly more frequent posts with lighter colors, less black, near your face.
Mouth watering food, a great view, both of you looking outstanding! Wow! So fun to read. I love that you share all the elements of your outing.
I cannot believe you wear no foundation or blush! Good internal care sure makes you glow!
Are you still eating the same way, with your porridge for breakfast and big salad for lunch?
I’ve had the ingredients to your porridge for about a year now and just haven’t made it yet! I hope to soon.
Carry on Susan. I love seeing your posts, and this one was great that you shared a mistake purchase. Don’t we all have those!
You are correct, Nancy. Most mornings, we both eat the porridge concoction and then later in the day I have a salad loaded with some fresh vegetables and olive oil.
That close up of you is so pretty! Your skin is lovely! Mr. Mickey is dashing as always.
Thank you for the inspiration as always!
It’s a pleasure always to read and see your pictures. How delightful your dinners, lunches, and outings are. Makes me wish I live where you live! I, too, love to watch people. Maybe I find a place where my husband and I can do in nice weather. It’s too hot right now! Take care, the two of you.
Dearest Susan,
I am a huge fan of your posts and your story. It has been an encouragement to me over and over. Your skin does indeed look absolutely fabulous. I hear wonderful things from various sources about Beauty Counter. Unfortunately, $100 for 2 oz. of moisturizer is out of this frugal granny’s budget.
I like your hair long!
Susan,
I love your posts with the things that work and don’t work for you. As always, you look chic and stylish in the outfit, but I understand about the jeans not fitting well or being uncomfortable. If I buy jeans with stretch, they start sagging on me during the day. I need the size 8 for my butt and thighs, but my waist is smaller so after the jeans stretch out they sag and I have to keep tugging. I’ve tried so many brands/styles. Still looking for the magic fit.
Btw, my friend and I visited Grove Park Inn in March and loved it!! We are both widows who like to travel. Thank you for sharing your life and suggestions.
Sue Williams (Tampa area)
Try curvy-fit jeans with no more than 2% elastane. Many friends with hourglass figures say the curvy fit (with a smaller waist and fuller hips) is perfect for them.
Enjoyed your post as always, lunch on the Terrace looked yummy. Wondered if you could send me the old post ( think there was one) on what footwear to wear with what. Particularly what shoes, boots etc.,to wear with black dress trousers/pants. Thanks in advance. If Mr.Mickey looking for pt job he could be a sock model, he’s a good sport.
I am so glad that you and Mr Mickey are feeling well and able to continue with your outings! It so helps to keep us engaged and happy.
Susan, please tell us again the brand of the denim jacket in this post and where purchased. I’ve searched past posts and can’t find it. Believe it was a French name maybe? Thinking maybe there might be similar styles available. Just love this jacket and very attractive on you!
Thank you in advance.
Raison D’etre is the brand name of my blazer. This current jacket is similar.
Actually, I love your jeans in this post – they make you look tall and thin. I’ll have to remember that when I’m jeans shopping. Thank you for all the valuable information.
I love that you do not wear foundation, etc. As a caregiver to my beloved now, and even throughout the decades,
I’ve chosen not to cover my facial skin but do enjoy accenting my eyes as you do. I so apreciate, too, your
including Mr. Mickey’s clothing choices in your blogs. You are such a lovely couple!
Such a slight difference in the cut if those jeans but instantly I can see they’re not your usual “ super smart” look.
After many years, thanks to your advice, I’ve found the perfect fit jeans and cords and they’re from a well known British chain store (M&S) so easy to find.
Beautiful pictures and I’m always so excited to see what socks Mr. Mickey is wearing! Makes my day!!
Looking as lovely as ever. Such a cute couple!
Sad to say, my face is not without those brown colored age spots. How did you manage to avoid this discoloration being in the sun as mush as you are?
I have a few age spots on my face, but I nearly always wear a wide-brim hat when I am out in the sun.