mercredi miscellany

Las Vegas view
my kind of Vegas show…

First, my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in recent terrorist attacks, both in Brussels and in Turkey. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. We have travel planned to Europe in just a little over three months, and will not be changing our plans. I’m in agreement with this piece from Travel + Leisure, that the intention of terrorists is to disrupt our lives by making us live in fear, and closing us off from each other. I refuse to give in to that.

We returned from our anniversary weekend getaway in Las Vegas, and immediately had to dive back into our regular schedules. I’m still getting caught up, both at work and home. But it was a fun and relaxing time, and I’ll share a recap soon.

stuart weitzman sandals

Here’s what I wore out for our anniversary dinner. You may recognize the sandals from my Instagram feed; they were comfortable right out of the box and even after walking around quite a bit before and after dinner. That cape scarf was an anniversary gift from le Monsieur and it’s a winner! The bold print features roses and peonies, my two favorite blooms. (More print options here.) It can be worn as either a cape as shown here or a regular scarf. I was very happy to have worn it, as we were seated right underneath a serious a/c draft at dinner! The top (similar) and pants are travel wardrobe stalwarts.

robin wright
source

Anyone else watching the latest season of “House of Cards?” I won’t give away any spoilers, but we’re down to the last couple of episodes and I can’t help but feel they’ve come close (at times) to jumping the shark, plot-wise. Though Ellen Burstyn as Claire’s mother was some brilliant casting; she does some great work here. I noticed that Claire’s wardrobe has gravitated back to jackets and her version of “power suits” with her new roles, both public and private.

Edited to add:

sweater vest

I was planning to feature this sweater vest in an upcoming outfit post, but wanted to mention that I just received an email from Ann Taylor announcing 40% off almost everything with code MARCH40. I thought this was a good buy at full price; at 40% off it’s a great buy. The fabric is a cotton/rayon blend, so it’s a fabulous transitional season piece.

There’s a lot going on now at work and with jeune homme’s potential living situation. I’ll be free to share more on one or both soon, I hope!

How’s your week going?

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36 Comments

  1. What a magnificent photo of the colorful sky! Thank you for sharing this. And I just finished “House of Cards,” season 4. Wow! (I agree about the casting of Ellen Burstyn as Claire’s mother.)

  2. Love your new scarf cape! Belated Anniversary Wishes! We are getting into season 4, House of Cards, riveting and I do agree, the casting of Burstyn as Claire’s mother is brilliant. She is a very powerful actress, have always loved her work. We are planning a trip with friends on board thei boat to the Bahamas this summer. So now I’m deciding how to put three weeks of outfits together in one small carry on. Shouldn’t be a problem, sundresses, swim suits, shorts and tops, a pair of neutral sandals, flip flops (2) pairs, and a long pair of funky lounge pants that can stay on board or go on land! Getting so excited.

  3. I’m usually a silent reader of your blog but I love your outfit, especially the cape/scarf. Are there other photos of that? I would love to see how it hangs in the back.

    I’m having trouble getting into House of Cards this season. I think we’re on to episode 4, but fell asleep during it. Maybe I should try watching during the day LOL. And yes, Clare is dressing very severe – I think she wants to take over the presidency!

  4. Happy Hump Day to you too! Three months from now we will be back in France and we won’t be changing any travel plans! OK–here’s what I love about reading your blog. We always find out a bit more. Roses and Peonies are your fave flowers? Mine are Peonies and Roses! The scarf/cape is beautiful but the sandals–I’m especially loving. Today brings me getting ready to run errands but before I go–House of Cards. We finished this season. Aside from Ellen Burstyn and the guy who plays Tom. I’m done. I thought the season finale was horrific and too close to home. There was nothing spectacular this season. It dragged. The shark is jumping higher and higher!!!!

  5. Oh. My. Goodness. That cape scarf! You look absolutely regal wearing it – Le Monsieur has wonderful taste!

  6. Your anniversary outfit is just sublime! I love everything about it – it’s perfect and perfect on you! What a testament to the power of amazing accessories!

  7. Very glamourous outfit! I’m going to be scouring the stores on Friday for an LBD to take to Vegas; we’re headed out Sunday for a couple of days of well-deserved R&R (teachers like spring break trips, too!). Your post reminded me how versatile a base in black can be.

    I’m glad to read that you and others are still going on planned European trips. I’m headed to Sancerre at the beginning of June to study French and then am meeting my family in Paris for some Euro Cup games. Certainly I’m not ignorant of the possibility of more attacks but feel that I can’t let these people control me through fear.

  8. The cape scarf is stunning and you look so beautiful!

    I’ve been watching House of Cards and with each episode I can’t help but wonder how Claire walks in those shoes and why doesn’t she take them off when she’s home!

    We’re leaving for Spain on Monday. I’m very jittery but still going.

    1. I’m in agreement about Claire and her shoes. In one episode she comes home, curls up on the daybed, in the shoes, and when she gets back up she still has them on. That’s crazy. I noticed that her highest heels have a t-strap across the instep. Maybe that makes them easier to maneuver.

      While I binged House of Cards right down, I am alternating season 2 of Bosch and the Stephen King series on Hulu. There is a ton of great TV out there right now.

      1. Claire’s wardrobe, and the way Robin Wright wields it as a prop, is a huge part of the character. This woman is a level-10 control freak! Kudos to the costume designers, who have a big job making sure each outfit, so carefully chosen, conveys the right message. Even at her childhood country home in Texas, there she was in pencil skirt and stilettos, as buttoned-up as ever. I too noticed how she kept her stilettos on while lying down for a nap on the daybed. And also that she chose the daybed, way too short with hard vertical arms at either end, rather than the comfy bed one step away! No detail in the portrayal of this woman is left to chance. One of the great TV characters of all time, no doubt.

  9. We had plans to travel to India 1 month after 9/11 and everyone said to us that they couldn’t believe we were still going. We didn’t hesitate to go and we stopped in Paris on the way back for a few days. It was a great trip that I am glad we didn’t miss. The security was very high and made us feel safe wherever we went, and we took several flights within India while we were there. I applaud your decision to make your trip.

  10. Lovely…scarf, stealing for sure…
    House of Cards ..fabulous..I noticed the suits also..I wore ‘power’ suits for 40 years. .when in doubt wear navy…
    Started watching ‘cards’ from season 1…still fabulous !

  11. Your anniversary outfit is one of my favorites on you. Isn’t it wonderful what one can do with a simple black outfit? Love the sandals; fortunately, they don’t come in my size. And the cape/scarf is perfect for you.

  12. Susan, you look magnificent in your anniversary attire—that cape scarf is beautiful and so are you. Your hubby has GREAT taste! I’m going on a little getaway to Vegas this coming Sunday, just for a few days. Looking forward to it as I haven’t been there since 1993 (!)

  13. We are headed to Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and London in a week’s time. I’ve waited a lifetime to visit Amsterdam so I’ll take my chances. Call it defiance, support, whatever you like – I will not allow hatred and intolerance to reach its tentacles out and paralyze my life.

    On another note, is it just me or does anybody else scratch their head over the idea of sleeveless coats and sweater vests? If it’s cold enough to need a coat or sweater, the last thing I want is bare arms! The trend just completely escapes me.

    Sue, I wanted to thank you for the incredible attention to detail you put into your travel packing posts. I’m sure each one takes an absurd amount of time to put together, but wow oh wow, have they helped me. I searched your blog for all of them and sat down and made notes, which I am now following as I put together my travel wardrobe. Merci.

    1. Catbird, your upcoming trip is nearly identical to one we did last November. We had a fabulous time in London, Amsterdam, and Dusseldorf! I can highly recommend the Carsch Haus store in Dusseldorf, mostly for their fabulous food hall and Champagne bar! After a tiring day of shopping, what is better than a soothing glass of Champagne? And some Belgian chocolates?

      1. Jill Ann – thank you so much for the recommendation – I’m noting it down on my “must see” list right now! Mmmmmm, Belgian chocolates here I come 🙂

    2. Catbird Farm, thanks and I’m so glad the travel posts are helpful! Regarding the sweater vest, I wear this one with sleeved tops, and as an indoor jacket substitute, rather than outerwear.

  14. Oh Wow! Kudos to your hubby for choosing that stunning cape. Gorgeous!

    In reality terror can strike anywhere. I feel terrible for all those people though. Europe is going to change after all this turmoil. Already the idea of a borderless Europe has disappeared. It is so sad.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    1. Hi Suzanne,

      I live right near the border and travel across daily, I was shocked not one stop/check, nothing!!! So far still borderless, but I think you are right, eventually with current events borders will be back up. Everyone is so sick of what is happening and I think it will push people to make drastic political choices.

      Hi Susan,

      Thank you for posting this, I was amazed that of the blogs I follow yours was the first to mention something. I would have expected more. But I guess we are becoming immune? Defiant? I don’t know. We cannot and should not become a war zone and live in fear. I want to really thank you for still coming on your planned trip. As a European (used to be American) this is the best way we can support such a beautiful place. Not only financially with tourism and investments but showing that we all still want and need the beauty that Europe is.
      I just really am scared at what society world wide is doing that our youth world wide are growing up and choosing such violence and anger.

      I will enjoy another day of being lucky to be alive and have my health and the life I have.

      As to your outfit, my dear this is absolutely the most stunning elegant outfit I have seen you in. It is sooooo my style, black with a dramatic statement Item. You kept the focus on the scarf, perfect! I loved it so much it is the first time I hit a link to find out where to buy it. I think Ted Baker has a bag that is stunning that has this print on part of it.

      Will have to go look it all up, and see if I can get it here in NL or Germany.

      Have a safe and great day ladies.

  15. The hubby and I have got a trip, in May, to Belgium, and Paris planned. . . and we intend to go! Love your “anniversary night” style–so different for you 🙂 and super chic.

  16. Gorgeous look…I bet you owned the room! Our world is frightening and I applaud your stance to not give in to fear. It is so hard to watch each time it happens. My heart goes out to the families.

  17. Love your outfit! You look fab. We are tentatively planning a trip to London & Portugal in June…I feel certain that London will be hit by an attack in the near future. But we are still going, dammit. Not giving in to them!

    Slightly off topic, I got my butt kicked by an 84 year old woman playing tennis this morning. True, I’ve only been playing for 2 years (I am 59). But it was both humiliating and inspiring! We should all aspire to be out there running around the tennis court (or equivalent) in our eighties.

  18. What a wonderful photo of you…you look elegant, pretty and comfortably in style!
    Happy Anniversary! And I love your blog and the other bloggers you have led me to: Hostess of the Humble Bungalo and Amid Privledge!

  19. Wonderful present, you look great. I will be traveling to France, The Netherlands & the UK mid April. We cannot allow actions by a few extremists to stop us living our lives otherwise they win. Maryann

  20. Belated Happy Anniversary, you looked great for your night out. So glad to see you and so many of your readers are still Europe bound. Living in the UK we are not letting them intimidate us to to stop travelling. Between us we have been to Amsterdam, Paris and Bruges since January and Italy is next on the schedule. Even on our way to the US in May with a trip to the Big Apple.

  21. You look fantastic in your cape and those shoes look beautiful. I know you’ve steered me correctly before to NYDJ jeans and Munro shoes so perhaps I’ll look into these.

  22. You’re a high-rollin’ diva, love that outfit, chic alors galore, and that scarf/wrap thing, magnificent! I could use a trip to Vegas too. I’m glad you had a good time. Happy Anniversary! Life is never boring, that’s for sure. Cheers to all the good things ahead.