The Gathering

The Food, Fun, and Fashion gathering was a sold-out event with women from five different states. Spending the day with these engaging women who share a passion for looking our best as we move with grace through our daily lives was indeed a joy for me.


The event was not overplanned or precisely choreographed. Plenty of time remained for open discussions to lead where they may. I kept the capacity small and intimate to talk to each other, and everyone could feel equally included. It was very much like having a perfect afternoon with sisters or best friends. When we hugged each other at the end of the day, I felt sad to say goodbye and honestly did not want the day to end.

I am very grateful to my very considerate friends at ShopMyFairLady.com, who sent me the IC Collection pants set in a new lighter bright blue for Spring to wear on this special day. They know how much I enjoy this line, so they wanted me to have something new and yet effortless to wear on this day. I have added several new pieces to my spring/summer wardrobe. (A particular blog post and video about the warm weather additions are both in the works!)

Mr. Mickey is often my photographer, but he was out of town this weekend, so I want to thank his daughter, Regina (below). She came to the rescue and helped me so much. She also took these photos with our little camera, which was sadly not up to the task. Jared Bentley is a professional videographer and photographer, who recorded and photographed the first part of the event, but I don’t have the results of his work yet. I will share more photos and offer you a private video at a later time. VIP Seen magazine also sent a photographer to document the event.

A big thank you for the grand door prize, which Uno Alla Volta donated. I also want to thank The Carnegie Hotel’s staff for preparing the space so well for this event. Everything was top-notch, and our every request was promptly honored.

22 Comments
  1. Congratulations on a successful event Susan!! Looks like you all had an amazing time and I’m looking forward to seeing more photos.

  2. For your Charlotte venue, I would suggest the Ballantyne Hotel. It is not in the center of city, but still very easy to find. A beautiful location with nice restaurant and other amenities.

  3. I jumped at the chance to attend. I have followed Susan for about a year and have found many relevant ideas for my own life. Susan is a genuinely nice person and a gracious host. Very worthwhile event.

  4. Every one of those ladies in your group picture looked absolutely fabulous!! So glad everything went so well!

  5. What a wonderful event this looked to have been, Susan. I am so sorry that I live too far away to attend but was with you and all the beautiful women vicariously! Thank you for all the inspiration and warm guidance you provide your readers with. It is a joy to follow you and your blog. (Remember let me know when you come to New York!)

  6. It sounds like it was a really worthwhile event and lots of fun! If you ever do one in the Pacific Northwest I would book myself in!

  7. Well, that was fun! Thanks for the video! I have recently seen an app for my phone called “Stylebook.”. You would take photos of each piece of clothing and then using the photos put together your outfit and then keep track of what you’ve worn on a calendar. It sounds really good – but like a lot of work. Do you know anything about this app or do you know anyone who has used it?

  8. I know it was fun and a worthwhile event with lots of knowledge learned by all. I was sorry not to be able to be there…As an avid follower of your blog, I know how much I have gained from your fashion choices and suggestions. You are not far from Knoxville so hope you will consider scheduling one here….a wonderful city and great location for many to travel to see you there!

  9. The ‘Gathering’ of the ladies was clearly a HUGE success and I must say all the ladies looked absolutely stunning. Thank you for the video ‘How do you organize your closet’ it was very helpful. I apologize if any of my words appear a little odd in my comments but I’m emailing from West Yorkshire in the North of the UK and I know that there are a few quirky differences in the way we speak.

  10. I am so glad your first Gathering was such a success! You are truly an inspiration to all of us “0ver 60” ladies. I hope you will consider a Gathering in Northwest Florida. Destin, Panama City, and Pensacola are all great places!

  11. I like what you’re wearing in the video. I’d like to see more casual outfits like that because I don’t work outside the home and I don’t go anywhere that requires dressy outfits.

  12. Hi Susan, Looks like a good time was had by all at your event. Wow, Regina has gorgeous hair! Enjoyed the closet video. .like the idea of putting the tanks all together. I did my tops by color, but since my closet is a good deal smaller & crowded, the tanks get lost easily. Still working on “handbag homework”. Thought your outfit was lovely and that it was the same one..just in a different light, until I read that it was actually a different shade of blue. Thanks for all you do!

  13. The storage video was most useful, though I need to work on having enough space to spread out in my wardrobes. But I don’t think it will ever be pretty enough to film! It must be quite fiddly having your trousers and skirts separate to all the rest.

    1. I do not own skirts or dresses, but my pants are upstairs along with my makeup table. I view the trek as part of my daily exercise to take on those steps many times every day.

  14. What are your feelings about all the sleeve change ups in design this season? Do you think they are a trend that will pass? Is it something that an over 50/60 can/should embrace in small quantities and are you likely to feature bell sleeves in your wardrobe? I’ve noticed you’ve kept quiet about fringe…I think you had a purse with fringe a few years back but it don’t see you featuring it these days…

  15. Thank you again for your generous spirit trying to help your followers.

    Looking at your closet video, I am wondering why you have not used huggable hangers. I find them to hold the clothes so well with no stretching of the neck or puckers of the shoulders.
    BTW If you decide to use them do get the original Joy Manganos as the imitations have an indentation which can cause a problem.

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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.