HOW TO LOOK CASUAL BUT PUT TOGETHER
Joe and I have a houseguest this weekend. This is the first time that I have met him and Joe hasn’t seen him in over 30+ years. Isn’t it amazing how it can be so long since you’ve seen someone and the conversation flows just like you saw them last week? They have laughed and joked so much that I think Joe has talked him into staying a few more days. Lol! Here was the part that worried me…I don’t cook very much anymore and I was afraid that my meals might not have been edible.
Last night I fixed baby back ribs, old-fashioned cole slaw, and a bread that is covered with garlic salt and parmesan cheese. That went fairly good but then the breakfast was a different story. I have been on a diet for so long and all I ever get to eat is a fried egg and oatmeal with blueberries. For some reason, I am not sure why, but Joe did not want to serve this to his friend this morning. Lol! Instead, I fixed huevos rancheros or my version of that. Basically, it was a tortilla wrap with eggs, cheese, and salsa. He is staying for another night so the food must not have been too bad. Let me just say this, I won’t be coming out with a recipe book any time soon.
I am a sucker for polka dots and this top is truly adorable. I love the cobalt blue and the dark navy blue against the white background. This is a sleeveless top with a v-neckline but it is the waterfall pleats in the back that makes it really nice. This top is by NYDJ and I got it in my last Trunk Club shipment. This is 100% polyester and it is machine washable so it is my kind of top.
I only added the Chantilly necklace and the Dari earrings with this look. There are times when I think that less is more. I only have two pieces of jewelry on but both of them are special. I love the teardrop pearls on this set and especially the “bunch” on the necklace. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the SALES section on Plunder, be sure to go HERE now. Go to www.plunderdesign.com/taniastephens to place an order. Just pick a party that has my name in it.
I love this pair of jeans by NYDJ. I got them from the Trunk Club shipment also. These jeans are so comfortable that I find myself wanting to wear them daily. The instructions say that you need to dry clean them but I can tell you that I am NOT going to do that. I washed them and they seem to be fine. They have the curve-hugging fit technology and they are so very flattering on. I didn’t think that I would like the light color but I am really liking them.
Did you notice the difference in the shoes? I wanted to show you how the outfit looks so different by just changing the shoes. I prefer the brown shoes over the navy shoes because I think the brown shoes elongate my legs. When I wear the navy I feel like it chops my legs. Let me know what you think, brown or navy? Now, let me tell you about this navy cardigan. It is a blend of silk, cotton, and cashmere and it is very soft. The scallops on the 3/4 sleeves and the edges are so cute and it adds a hint of whimsy. This cardigan is by Kate Spade and this one does have to be dry cleaned. 
I hope you enjoyed this outfit. It is a nice outfit but it is not a fancy outfit. This is the kind of look that I like, casual but put together.
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I agree that the brown shoes are more elongating. I do like the navy shoes, though. The cardigan matches your eyes.
I Love the outfit. It looks great on you. I also love the color of your nail polish, can you share the color and brand?
Just my type of outfit. Love it – and you look great! I vote for the brown shoes, too.
You look great, love checking out your site each morning. Looks like your diet is going great. What are you doing? Need help in that department also. Any advice?
I can identify with your concern about feeding company, Tania! I always worry that company won’t like what I fix for dinner. Not as much with breakfast and lunch. Cute outfit!
I tend to be the matchy-matchy type, so I like the blue shoes!
Nude shoes always a yes! Nice outfit! NYDJ is my favorite, too!
I love this outfit! Love cardigans that I can slip off at work. Love both shoes but I would probably wear the blue.
I hope commenting here gives me a chance to win the giveaway. How I found your blog? I was just thumbing through Facebook one day and someone I know must’ve shared/liked a post of yours, so I checked it out and have been following you ever since.
Love your sense of humor! Your food sounded great! Most people like the fact that they are not cooking and appreciate anyone that cooks for them! Love the blue and both styles of shoes!
Your menu sounded delicious! I’m not a breakfast girl, so it would be my husband cooking up the eggs! 🙂 I prefer the blue shoes. I also think it grounds the look. But, of course, either works!
You are absolutely right about the shoes. The brown ones make you more elongated.
I love this outfit! You look great.
Very funny about your cooking! I’m sure it was great – after all you’re a Southern Girl! Cute outfit for being casual I know my idea of casual wouldn’t make a very good blog! What a cute necklace! Sorry, I love those blue sandals.
I don’t cook very much, Charlcy. We just scrounge most of the time.
Love the outfit set off by the fabulous pendant/necklace. I am a sucker for necklaces and sometimes wish i had the guts to get my ears pierced to be able to wear earrings. This necklace is a stunner. Have a great weekend lovely lady. We are packing for France just now so aurevoir.
I love both shoes. But you right about the tan shoe but I am partial to the blue. I love them and I am wearing them today!!
I should have kept a running total to see if the blue or tan shoes are the favorite. On Facebook, the tan shoes are winning.
Cardigan is super cute. As much as I am on a neutral shoe kick right now I actually like the blue shoes more with this look.
What? Margo, I was sure that you would like the tan shoes better. Lol!
I always love your look in blue, Tania. It is so pretty and casual, yet dressy at the same time. You look great in both shoes, but I actually prefer the blue as it coordinates with the rest of the outfit so well.
Love this look because it’s how I dress most days. Both pairs of shoes look good but the tan ones are my favorite. By the way the food sounded delicious.
The food was great!
The navy shoes are much much more attractive with this outfit!
I like the tan sandle best with this outfit. The top is cute and would look great under a blazer. Best. Kathy
Love this outfit and in truth, it’s how most of us dress unless we are at work. 🙂 The top and jewelry really elevate the jeans look.
You nailed it once again with this outfit!! My favorite color!! NYDJ are so comfortable.
What coincidence! Our friends who we haven’t seen in 11 years are visiting today and I had the dilemma of cook or not to cook, Since I too don’t cook that much anymore (only on weekends).
I really enjoy reading your blog every morning. Thank you Tania!
There is literally no end to your ability to put together a great outfit! It’s a good thing you post every day (except Sunday) because I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing. You’ve proven that women over 50 can look youthful while being age appropriate. And even though I like both shoes, my vote goes to the tan ones.
Love the polka dot blouse. I definitely prefer the blue shoes – to me they pull the outfit together
Hi Tania. Those shades of blue are beautiful on you!?
This outfit looks great! I like both shoes but I do agree that the tab ones do elongate. Cheers to old friends!
I just have to be different. I like the blue shoes because I think it grounds the outfit. By hat I mean pulls the blue in from all over. Blue is your no. 1 color. It looks so good on you. I am no fashionista by any means. Lol as always love your outfit. It’s wonderful for Joe to reconnect with friend. If it’s one thing we need in a he world it’s to laugh with a friiend who knows our history.
Hi! I’m not seeing the link to the top. I really want to see what it looks like by itself, sans sweater. Usually I can find your links but I must be overlooking it today. On another note I know just how Joe feels. A girlfriend I haven’t seen in 20 years and I got together last February and it was so much fun!!! We are making plans for the next get together. I can’t believe we let so much time pass!
Sorry, Beth, sometimes I try and play hide and seek with my links. Lol! Just kidding! In the paragraph where I am talking about the top there should be a bold type in blue that says THIS TOP, just click that and it will take you to it.
Definitely like the brown shoes better. You are looking great! What was the name of the fiction book your sister recommended? Thanks
It was My Sweet Vidalia.
Hi Tania… I prefer the nude shoes ?
The cardigan is already sold out in my size in the blue. Did you size down in your polka dot top? The site says it runs large. I want to get it before it sells out, too.
Debbie, I have a medium on in the top and I could have worn smaller. The cardigan I am wearing is a large and if I was going to buy a different size in that I probably would go up instead of down.
Love this outfit! I too am a sucker for all things polka dots and I also really like that cardigan. I prefer the light brown shoes, too. Anything that elongates is a plus. Glad that Joe is having such a good time with his friend.