It’s the age old question, What came first, the chicken or the egg, or in this case, the nice dress or the truck? I must admit it was the truck. There it was just beckoning me to admire it. This great truck had a story to tell and I was wearing a nice dress, so this blogger did what she does and I’ve got a nice little post to share.

This truck was low on pretense and high on style. Yes, it had obviously weathered some years, but glimpses of it’s colorful beginnings were still evident. Even better, the signs of age only enhanced its charm.

As the years pass, one after the other, I hope I can carry my age with just as much grace and finesse!

Now, all this talk about the truck is not to say that the dress isn’t pretty awesome too! I am always happy when I can find a dress long enough to wear without tugging or adjusting it every time I want to sit down. The forest green accents were a nice departure from my signature black, but then the dress is anchored in black, so I’m still true to my first love.

I received my second Covid vaccination today, which brings the whole year full circle. Simultaneously, I mourn the passing of a friend from years gone by and pray for his wife as she hopefully recovers from her own battle with the virus. I must admit that I struggle with the dissonance.

• Gratitude vs. Guilt
• Plenty vs. Lack

Yet again, I am brought back to the simple fact that when everything in life is sorted, I will stand before God and be held responsible for me and me alone. I cannot make someone else see things as I do, nor can I orchestrate world affairs. But, I can spread His light, I can recognize the blessings of this one life and I can live it to the fullest of my ability.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Titus 1:15

So, I’ll be grateful for my vaccine and I’ll continue to pray for my friends around the world as they wait for theirs. And, above all else, I’ll thank God for each and every blessing that comes my way in the waiting.

~ Shellie

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We all have our go-to outfit when it comes to casual dress. It’s that outfit that looks put together and feels really comfortable at the same time. A striped button-down shirt with jeans and loafers fits the bill perfectly for me.

My daughter says I’m the queen of smart casual. This means a look that’s more put together than a t-shirt and jeans, but feels just as comfortable as athletic wear. The smart casual look is never fussy and comfort is always the key. I guess I would say that the “smart” part is pulled off with jewelry and an attention to accessories.

Striped Button-Down Shirt

The cotton striped button-down shirt is a nice staple piece for any woman’s wardrobe. The vertical seams and stripes are figure flattering and the cotton fabric wicks moisture away when the temperatures start to rise. I like to use the “J Crew fold” to roll up the sleeves…fold the whole sleeve up to allow the cuff edge to touch the crease of the elbow, then fold the sleeve up one or two times to allow the cuff edge to peep over the top.

I chose red accessories and stainless jewelry to finish off the look. The round pendant and earrings play well against the vertical stripes and the dark denim provides nice contrast to the light gray color. A pair of white Adidas tennis shoes would also have looked nice with this combo.

This Week’s Reflection

I’ve been thinking about timing lately, more specifically God’s timing. We’re often full of whys when it comes to God and our perceived needs.

• God, why is it taking so long?
• God, why did you take me down this road when I wanted to go another way?
• God, why can’t this be easier?

We’ve been through a whirlwind experience with our son who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and had it surgically removed within 10 days. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread and God has him on the road to recovery. Would we have rather had no cancer diagnosis at all…of course! But, God has been one step ahead through the whole process; from a caring surgeon to a rightly timed MRI scheduled five weeks earlier.

Our daughter was recently offered a job in another state and we are busily working to make the arrangements to move her. She graduated from college last Spring in the midst of Covid lockdowns. At that time, her job prospects were low. Through the months, we trusted God to provide a job in her chosen field and now it’s here. This “delay” gave us a precious nine months with our adult daughter that we never expected.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29: 11

God continues to breath new life into these words with each new step in life’s journey. What plans do you need to trust God with today?

~ Shellie

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Yay, we’ve officially entered the Christmas season!! I love it all…the carols, the festive decorations and the endless supply of awesome holiday recipes. The only thing I’m not crazy about is cold weather…nope, I just can’t take it! Once the needle dips below 70 degrees, I’m a goner. Yes, I know some of my northern friends must be rolling their eyes by now. I guess I’ll blame my “cream puff” intolerance to cold on living in the tropics for the past 25 years.

So, how do I cope with colder temps when most of my wardrobe is geared for a warmer climate? I layer!

Layered Blouses

I’ve learned to look at clothing items with multiple functions in mind. One of my favorite tricks is wearing layered blouses. I’m not a major fan of short-sleeved tops, but they often look awesome layered over another blouse.

I came across this sleeveless peplum top on the clearance rack and I knew just what to wear it with. This white blouse fits perfectly underneath because of its plain construction. But then, the fluted sleeves add just the right amount of visual interest.

Since these layered blouses are on the dressy side, I chose to pair them with jeans and suede loafers to keep the look casual. I wore a long pendant necklace to add a vertical line. This is always a good trick when you feel like the neckline of a top is too closed up causing it to look bulky.

Today’s Thought

There are four weeks left in 2020. I know most of us are ready to say, “good riddance” to this trying year. Still, perspective allows me the space to find beauty and purpose in even the most difficult circumstances and age teaches me that I can’t afford to waste valuable moments. So, I’m taking a moment to consider how to spend the remaining 28 days of this year.

My mind goes to a verse in Psalms 90:12. Most versions say, “Teach us to number our days…” But then, I really like how The Message version puts it, “Oh, Teach us to live well!”

Oh! Teach us to live well!
Teach us to live wisely and well!
Come back, God—how long do we have to wait?—
and treat your servants with kindness for a change.
Surprise us with love at daybreak;
then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.
Make up for the bad times with some good times;
we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime.
Let your servants see what you’re best at—
the ways you rule and bless your children.
And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,
confirming the work that we do.
Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

Psalms 90: 12-17

I think that’s what I’ll be doing for the last month of 2020. I’m planning to live well and take stock of the lessons I’ve learned over the past year. In fact, I think I see a New Year’s post coming together…the lessons I learned in 2020 that I never want to forget!

Yes, I am trusting God for some good times and I hope you are too.

~ Shellie

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It has been a while since I shared a post on what I really wore. So today, I thought I would focus on an outfit with gaucho pants. I have ended up with several pair of gaucho pants because they are easy, cool, and figure-flattering.

I don’t think I am alone when I say that I am over the skinny craze. Who wants to actually “feel” every square inch of their pants when they are wearing them? Yes, I like to look put together and stylish, but there has to be a better way to do it!

Gaucho pants can balance your proportions well. The gradual widening of the leg balances out those who may be pear-shaped.  In my case, the width of the bottom matches the width of my shoulders, which creates more of an hourglass silhouette. While the length continues to draw the eye up and down.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing gaucho pants.

• The top of the pants should fit well and lie close to the body; otherwise, the pants will add visual bulk.
• Make sure the gaucho pants end only a few inches above the ankle to avoid cutting off the legs, which can make your legs look short and stubby.

I am crazy about these shoes. In fact, I like them so much that I have the same shoe in four different colors. I’ve heard of other people buying the same item in a range of colors, but this is a first for me. It all started with a black pair that I bought to replace a favorite pair that literally fell apart. Then, I came across a good sale at Dillard’s and bought two more because I couldn’t decide between the colors. Finally, I was at Dillard’s Outlet a few weeks ago and came across the fourth and final pair for way less than any of the others.

And, I must admit I wear them all the time. I love the look of a sandal mixed with the covered toe, which easily carries the shoe into Florida Fall. It’s the perfect shoe for put-together casual. Unfortunately, the Dillard’s style is sold out, but I found some cute ones here.*

*This post contains one affiliate link, which doesn’t cost you one penny. This just means I may receive a few cents if you choose to click on it or decide to purchase something I recommended.

Trust God

I believe my greatest takeaway from 2020 will be to trust God no matter what things look like. We’ve all waded through some deep waters this year. Typically, we filter our life experiences through a lens of the past…how did I do it then and what lessons did I learn.

But this year is one of unchartered territory… there are no past lessons to help us make sense of current circumstances.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Thankfully, we have a God who knows the end from the beginning. I can trust God to lead me as I live in obedience to him…he will make crooked paths straight for me and for you.

~ Shellie

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This year has undoubtedly been the most casual one of my entire life. In fact, I would go so far as to say this little black casual dress is one of the dressiest things I’ve worn since March. Good thing I am the queen of smart casual!

I must admit that the little black casual dress plays a prominent role in my wardrobe…yep, I just counted seven in my closet. And yes, I’m always on the lookout for one more.

Why? Because they never go out of style and they’re oh-so-figure-flattering. I also love that I can change the mood of a casual LBD with a few accessories.

Yesterday, I was walking to my car and it occurred to me that the sun wasn’t beating down on my head; in fact, I was actually enjoying the stroll. It’s subtle, but there’s definitely a change in the air.

Will it stay? Are we actually entering Fall? Hmm, I can’t be sure as Florida weather is about as predictable as the 2020 headlines have been. You just never know what you’re going to get.

But, the unpredictability of tomorrow doesn’t mean that I can’t rejoice in the beauty of today.

the unpredictability of tomorrow doesn’t mean that I can’t rejoice in the beauty of today.
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³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

Worry is an insidious thing. We get into a habit of borrowing pain from unexperienced moments. Things have been so bad…surely something even worse is lurking just around the corner.

I’ll admit this unpredictable year has given us more than enough to worry and fret over. But, in our worried state, we often overlook the fact that we’ve only got one shot at today.

So, I think I’ll go sit on the porch to enjoy the weather and hope for many more days just like it.

~ Shellie

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The events of 2020 have altered our lives in a host of ways; including our jobs and our entertainment. I’ve noticed a huge shift in my wardrobe to flow with these changes. The vibe is just A LOT more casual.

Of course, it’s not too hard to put two and two together…we just don’t have many events to dress up for right now. So, it’s not the least bit surprising that we are all falling back to our favorite, go-to fabric – denim.

Denim has made its way into just about every corner of the world. And, I must admit that I share the world’s fascination with this fabric; however, I seldom hold to the typical t-shirt and jeans combination…even now.

Denim has the ability to lend casual ease to almost any outfit. That’s why I knew this denim top had great potential as a staple wardrobe piece the first time I set eyes on it.

I believe that every woman should have at least one denim top in her wardrobe. Whether worn alone or layered over other pieces, the denim top adds structure and polish without looking too formal.

What To Look For In A Denim Top As A Wardrobe Staple

• Look for clean lines and tailoring.
  • The seams and trim of this top are slimming because they draw the eye to look vertically.
  • The shoulder seam should rest on top of the shoulder.
• Look for a tapered shape.
  • Make sure that your denim top has tapered sides, rather than a straight boxy shape.
• Look for one unique detail on a staple piece.
  • Details, like the back of this top, bring visual interest.
  • Just make sure that the details do not add bulk or frump.

Ultimately, your wardrobe staple pieces should be items that you go to again and again. Why?…because you know they look good on you and they are streamlined enough to provide the foundation for new, exciting outfits.

My Staple Verse For This Season

I guess these fashion tips mirror my life during this shifting season. Just like a well-constructed wardrobe, my life must also rest on some strong staple truths and there is one verse that continues to keep me anchored.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Twenty-twenty has been a year of canceled plans and seemingly closed doors. I’m so glad God has plans for me when all I see is an empty calendar.

Every time I’m tempted to wallow in self-pity or disappointment over this season, I remind myself that God’s plan holds hope and a future for me.

Yep, I think I better entrust my plans to Him and build on that promise…and I hope you can find the grace to do the same.

~ Shellie

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As I sit here typing this post on my new-to-me coach I can finally say I feel settled-in after two months of limbo life. My husband and I have been busy whipping our little place into shape…our “American” home for the next twelve months in Florida. So, it seems only fitting to put together a fashion post on my first morning without a list of set-up tasks looming on the horizon.

Today, I’m all about this casual black jumper dress. This dress is comfortable and it comes in the “right” color, but it speaks more to me in this season. I definitely lost my fashion oomph over the last few months following my 3-month mandated quarantine in Manila. There wasn’t much point in dressing up when I only crossed the threshold of my apartment five times in twelve weeks.

So, even when I returned to the States I found myself throwing on the same t-shirt and jeans because it was just easier that way. But, signs of the old me are slowly beginning to dawn. In fact, I even glanced at my jewelry bag the other day…I didn’t actually open it, but I thought about it…progress.

I love this easy black jumper dress because it’s comfortable and cute at the same time!

I found this dress on the swimsuit coverup rack, but I decided it was destined for more. This jumper dress has great lines with a slender bottom and pockets.

Yes, it is possible to find casual clothing that is comfortable and figure-flattering at the same time. But, it’s important to get past the notion that comfortable must be oversized, baggy, gathered, or old.

Here’s a couple of tips for choosing casual clothes that are comfortable AND flattering.

• Look at the lines. Do they flatter or take away from your figure? The narrow bottom of this jumper dress keeps it from looking like a bag.
• Does the outfit add bulk to an area you would rather deemphasize? This jumper dress is narrow at the top and the bottom, so the wider middle adds a fashionable twist instead of bulk.
• Does the outfit look good from the front and the back?
• Could you add something to a clothing item to make it work? I tried several tops under this jumper before settling on this striped, two-thirds length T-shirt. I think it gives the dress a Parisian feel.
• Don’t forget that the shoes often make or break an outfit.

How about you? Have you settled into a rut of just OK; whether it be your clothes or your life? I get you…it’s easy to become complacent with good enough. But, God always has something more for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

You can trust Him with your today and your tomorrows. Ask Him to show you His plans…maybe He just wants you to pay closer attention to the details of your every day to make them better reflect His glory?

~ Shellie

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If there’s one thing I know well; it’s how to dress for international travel! I have literally circled the globe countless times in the past twenty-five years. And, I must admit I’ve honed the perfect airplane outfit.

I can hardly wrap my head around it…I’m leaving Manila in a few days. It’s time to embark on yet another pan-Pacific journey back to America. In fact, I may even be in the air now if you are reading this post fresh off the press. If so, could you send up a prayer for God’s protection?

It’s not lost on me that I’ll experience something firsthand that few other people in the world will ever see. I am flying across the world during a pandemic…through empty airports and wide-open skies.

Why am I flying now? It’s time to go home…

I’ve been quarantined in my apartment for eleven weeks and now, I’m busting out in an epic way! Frankly, the thought is surreal and I have wondered if it would actually happen. In fact, I’m flying on one of the only international carriers still running flights out of our city.

The Perfect Airplane Outfit

While comfort and function are essential for long-haul airplane travel, that doesn’t mean you can’t look put together at the same time. The perfect airplane outfit has the following characteristics:

• Dark fabric – You never know what you will end up spilling something on a long trip, not to mention what a flight attendant might actually spill on you (yes, it happens).
• Stretch fabric – Airplane seats are uncomfortable enough. You don’t want to deal with restrictive clothing. But, beware of heavy or tight spandex for long flights.
• Long top – Look for tops that fall well below your derriere. You may also want to go for short sleeves if you are hot-natured, then you can easily layer on a light jacket.
• Light drape sweater- I bought this travel sweater years ago. It has a long front and short back. It’s amazing how many temperature shifts you have to deal with on a typical flight. I often start off warm and then freeze during the middle of the night. Some airports have the temp set on arctic blast, while others are set just above sweat.
• Small cross-body purse – You don’t want to deal with your big purse on a long flight, nor do you want to lug it through an airport. Narrow down your essential items: lip balm, pick or comb, pain killer, moisturizer, passport/id, a small wallet with credit card & money, socks, and lozenges.
• Comfortable shoes – Slip-on shoes are your best bet. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with laces…more about that later.

I think we all have an idea about comfort, but let’s talk a little more about function. I layer on a drape sweater for a very functional reason. Airplane bathrooms are small by any standard. The long ends of a drape sweater can be tied up before you enter, which makes sure nothing touches the floor…enough said.

Let’s also talk about shoe choice. You want to stay away from laced shoes if possible. Many security points require shoes to be removed and it’s already hard enough to wrangle your luggage and remove your electronics without having to worry about the shoes.

Actually, I would not typically wear ballet slippers on a long-haul flight. Why?…because I often like to take my shoes off when I am at my seat. I like to pack no-show socks in my bag and put them on after the flight is well underway.  I prefer to fly in slip-on loafers that are roomy enough to slip my socked foot into for a trip to the restroom. No, this look is not particularly attractive, but it gets the job done with the least amount of hassle.

There you have it…twenty-five years of travel knowledge packed into one perfect travel outfit! Not only is this travel outfit comfortable and functional, but it’s cute enough for meeting whoever is waiting for you on the other side.

“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

Numbers 6: 24-26

I hope this post allows you to dream about a future day when travel is a possibility again.

~ Shellie

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I am focusing on one of my favorite aspects of “normal,” everyday life…fashion. Honestly, this post reflects more hope than practice as I am sitting here in a t-shirt and shorts without one event on my immediate schedule. Still, I realize this is the perfect opportunity to shop my own closet for outfits to wear when I am finally unleashed on the world. It’s time cruise my closet to find new outfit combinations.

Yesterday, I actually caught a wave of optimism and I am riding on it! I was struck with the hopeful revelation that we’ve made it this far and yes; God will take us to the end. Life will go on…we’ve already got months behind us, and we will eventually emerge to live amongst people once again.

How many times have you uttered the “I don’t have anything to wear” phrase? In my opinion, this statement runs a close second to “I’m bored,” because I believe both have an evident remedy. If you’re bored, get up and do something.

If you have a closet full of clothes and still think you have nothing to wear, then it’s time to cruise your closet to find new outfit combinations.

First, you will need to take stock of your current wardrobe.

• Cull through your wardrobe.
  • Get rid of everything that no longer fits. It’s time to dress the body you have today.
• Narrow down your sentimental outfits.
  • It’s ok to have a few sentimental outfits but be realistic about how critical the outfit is to the memory.
• Take stock of your foundation pieces.
  • Do you have the necessary wardrobe pieces to build upon? If not, it’s time to make a list of essential foundation pieces that you need.

Closet My Cruise – Find New Outfit Combinations

Focus on a few specific clothing pieces you would like to use in different ways. Today, I pulled out a Calvin Klein striped maxi skirt. I’ve kept this piece for years because I know it has untapped potential as a foundation piece in my wardrobe.

Mix and match this item with various foundation pieces. This is your opportunity to try things you wouldn’t normally gravitate to. Also, you can experiment with new ways to tie, belt, and layer the item to make new outfit combinations.

After looking through my closet, I came up with seven different ways to wear this maxi skirt in new ways. I switched things up by using jewelry and belts. Then, I layered on different clothing pieces.

Notice that I chose bright-colored shoes and jewelry to break up the black and white palette.

Which one is your favorite?

I really enjoyed taking the time to dream up new outfit possibilities for the future. My closet cruise gave me an emotional retreat from the sameness of my current life and brought joy.

We are wired to thrive on hope…just knowing that things can and will be better gives us the strength to press on.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Here’s a video with some of my recent thoughts for keeping hope alive!

It’s my heartfelt desire that each of you would walk in hope today and every day. Whether it’s family, baking, fashion or funny videos; search for sources of joy. Then, that joy can overflow into hope.

~Shellie

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I like the standard all-black outfit as much as the next girl. But, every now and then I like to step out with some bold styling. This Indian floral appliqued coat drew me in the minute I saw it.

Of course, it’s made with the two colors I love the most…black and red …I knew I couldn’t go wrong! This appliqued coat holds its own, so I kept the rest of the outfit really minimal; even with my jewelry choices.

This elaborate design could easily add bulk, so I pulled things together with a simple belt. When wearing a strong statement piece, it’s important to accentuate the vertical line whenever possible. I achieve this by anchoring the outfit with a solid black bottom and thin-legged pants. The open neckline also draws the eye up to my face.

The floral designs were all stitched by hand. I am amazed by the talent it takes to do such intricate work.

Just like this coat, the Bible says that you are His handiwork. He took care to design you…to weave you together, with a unique blend of talents, abilities and experiences.

Psalms 139 is my favorite chapter in the Bible.

¹³ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.

Psalms 139: 13-14 – Living Bible

God knows how to take your life and use it in fabulous ways. Why?…because He created you! He’s not put off one bit by the complicated state of your life because He knows how the pieces were made to fit. And yes, He can even make sense of your crazy. In fact, I have seen Him do his own form of bold styling on more than one woman’s life; including my own!

Just bring your life and lay it at His feet and watch Him weave a design that you never even saw coming.

~ Shellie

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