The Nutcracker

Saturday afternoon was spent with my family watching our beloved young cousin, Elizabeth, in the Johnson City Youth Ballet as they performed “The Nutcracker.”

My sister, Glenda, and I never had children, so we bestow all of our mothering instincts onto our first-cousin, Rhonda’s daughter, Elizabeth. She is the only young person in our immediate local family, so she is showered with a lot of love and attention.

Elizabeth has been dancing since she was about three years old. She excels in ballet, as pictured above in two performances from this weekend.


I wanted to wear something festive and bright on this sunny afternoon, so I chose my Damee NY red jacket and a Murano glass necklace by Lorena. It felt more like Spring than Christmas time as the temperatures climbed into the mid-60’s.


My jacket is from last year, but there is a similar one here at ShopMyFairLady.com.

I wore a three-quarter sleeve black crepe top and a pair of pants from Chico’s with many years old Anne Klein heels. The Thistle & Bee silver cuff bracelet was a gift from Mr. Mickey. The sheer pantyhose are from White House|Black Market. The bag is old from T.J.Maxx.

The necklace and the Murano glass beads infused with silver used to create it are all handmade in Italy. This is the latest item I have gotten from Uno Alla Volta. The accessories I have from this company are timeless and of the best quality. These are items I can enjoy over and over again for years to come.

This is Elizabeth without the stage makeup.

14 Comments
  1. Elizabeth is a lovely young lady. I admire her discipline and dedication to her dancing…three is a young age to start. Love the red jacket! Very festive…

  2. What a beautiful day this was for you and your family; great to see a picture of Glenda again and Elizabeth is beautiful and, obviously, very talented. I am more than a little jealous, not of your great outfit or wonderful family, but of the weather. How is it that so very many of us are freezing and you have this little pocket of “Great”? Must be the mountains!!!

  3. I watched my 10 year old granddaughter in two of her 4 Nutcracker performances this month…she was in a modified version especially for young children, put on by our town arts center. The Nutcracker is such a lovely way to usher in the holiday season. You look lovely too..I have a similar red jacket that I got last year from shopmyfairlady.com. I plan to wear it on Christmas Eve when I’m a greeter at church for one service and an attendee at the next service. I hope you and Mr. Mickey have a restful and cozy Christmas.

  4. Just a lovely outing with your family. You all look wonderful and happy!
    Merry Christmas Susan and thank you again for showing us your great style!

  5. Hi Susan, Love the pics from the Nutcracker. My Granddaughter started dancing when she was 4 years old and has been in the Nutcracker many times. I think we have many things in common. She went to Nevada to be in a part in the Nutcracker this year. I love your blogs on fashion and makeup and save them for future reference. You always look so great ,makeup & dressing for the occasion. I don’t know how you have time for all you do. You must get tired some days. Try to keep up with the blogs. I am sure you are helping many women look better and dress smartly.
    We are going to Dallas for Christmas to see our children and grandchildren this year. I truly hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and stay healthy. May God bless you in everything you do. You are very special to me in more than a place to buy my jewelry pieces. We also, have the chubby cheeks, my daughter my granddaughter, and myself. Another thing in common. Ha ha.
    Take care, Barb Fields

  6. I’ve seen pictures of your sister, Glenda on the blog before, but this picture I can really see the family resemblance. Great picture of all of you and I’m sure Elizabeth enjoys all the attention.

    You and Mr. Mickey have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.

    The scarf I ordered from your site arrived the other day and it’s beautiful. Thank you.

  7. Elizabeth is very lucky to have you in her life, I just took my daughter to see The Nutcracker here in Canberra, Australia. We loved it. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and many thanks for your blog . It is my favourite.

  8. All dressed up & a fun place to go. Looking wonderful in your red; you are a great jacket picker outer! Elizabeth is a both beautiful and talented young lady and blessed with two loving aunts with a dapper escort in Mr Mickey. Had to scroll back to take a second look at Glenda..great glasses frames; can barely tell she’s wearing any & they show off her pretty face. Good friend was sad at just being told she needs to wear specs all the time now..so this might help. Thanks for sharing fashion & family..enjoyed!

  9. Thank you for sharing your family moment. Elizabeth is a very pretty young lady and good luck to her in dance. I have a niece who was in ballet for a time but decided to become a wife then mother. We so enjoyed watching her when we had a chance. You and your sister look a lot alike, good genes. Mr. Mickey must have been very happy with all those pretty ladies around. lol

  10. Love that red jacket, it suits you. And that necklace is to die for. Elizabeth is such a beauty. All the best for her future.

  11. Just now looking at some previous posts—I enjoy each and every one! Your niece is very lovely.
    Grace in Alabama, 5/23

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

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.