At my office in a non-profit healthcare setting , I see a myriad of styles- from blue jeans and flips flops to suits and heels. My role in Business Development means I have to balance looking approachable to my colleagues who are hanging with kids all day while looking polished for board meetings and meeting potential business leads.

I like ruffles and details and great tailoring. I’m not even close to rail thin.  At my age, I know my figure flaws and do my best to play up my accents.

Which is probably the greatest reasonI love shoes…they always fit!

I also dig bargains and getting the look for less.

Sometimes I’ll make a splurge here or there when it’s worth it.

Last week, our CEO threw me the style feature in Thursday’s WSJ.  I took that as a tipping point to share here the style pics I randomly post on my Instagr.am.

( find me over there as bootsmc ).

Since my iPhone is always with me and I have to get dressed everyday, I thought this might be a fun new weekly (?) segment for the mcblog.

Yes- iPhone pics because unlike those other fashionistas, I don’t have time to edit DSLR pics nor do I have a personal photog following me.

I have a job to do and I just want to look chic doing it.

Last week, I presented at the annual conference for the Arkansas Public Health Association.

My audience was a room full of nurses and dietitians.

Here’s what I wore-

Dress: Sand colored with striped ribbon details by shin choi. Purchased locally at Barbara Jean

Shoes: Miu Miu espadrille wedges (old)  bangle: wood cuff (old)

~

I matched it to my keynote slides – because I’m a dork.

And I came across this today on Pinterest and it coordinates with this sand, orange, peach trend I’ve got going.

Not to mention, it is so so so so me.

Tomorrow,  I’m off to Dallas to see my sweet friend.   There may be some shopping involved.  I need to find something garden chic.

I’ll be part of the crew attending P. Allen Smith’s Bean2Blog Event next Tuesday.   I’m thrilled and can’t wait to see Moss Mountain,  meet Allen, the other bloggers, and learn loads about the miraculous soybean from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.  This daughter of a tractor salesmen loves me some soybeans. After all, they supported my shoe habit the first 25 years of my life.

Happy Wednesday, Y’all!

xxoo,
Boots

I arrived in Chicago not expecting to be wooed, but open to letting the city change my mind.

With 6 days ahead of me with several breaks between meetings,  I set out to enjoy the sites.

Humor me,  as I share some of my highlights, iphone pictures, and tips from my little adventure.

(if you follow me on Insta.gram- these may look familiar)

FRIDAY:

Upon arrival and settling into my hotel,   I googled the location of Neiman Marcus.  Off I went to the mother ship.

On my first walk down Michigan Avenue towards NM,   I marveled at all the gorgeous tulips.   I was smitten.

Travel Tip:   When you arrive at your destination,  Make an appointment to have your hair done or stop by a make-up counter.  Spending time in the chair while you get pretty, allows conversation on where to shop and eat from a locals point-of-view.
You may even be invited on fun adventures to attend a local fundraising event or tour local homes or gardens.

The sweetest older lady working the fragrance counter at Neimans wanted to arrange for me to tour her friend’s historic home featured in Architectural Digest. She made  the call.

I left the counter with new parfum and a phone number for the homeowner.

Also- use good judgement.  SInce I was going it alone – I opted not to give the homeowner the call.  I found the Architecture Digest article online and toured the home virtually.

It was nice to be invited.

new TANGERINE lipstick I picked up at LM counter at NM

Saturday:

The Start of the Conference

This is the Conference I attended

I spotted this guy on the street.   I assume he was attending another conference in town – the Comic Conference.

One can only hope he didn’t wake up and decide to put this on and walk around downtown Chicago just for kicks.

I’m not afraid of no ghost – but I am kind of afraid of grown men who dress like this.

Saturday Evening,   The Joint Commission — yeah, those guys who put us healthcare types  into an utter tizzy and under the microscope every 3 years,

hosted a lovely reception a the Art Insitute of Chicago.

We had the privilege of private viewing of  the Impressionist and Post Impressionist Galleries.

I was in awe of the Hall of Degas

Amazed by the scale and detail of Seaurat

I also enjoyed Monet, VanGogh, Renoir….

then

some office building ode to the light-bright on my walk back to the hotel

SUNDAY:

After our session on Sunday, lured by the rosemary containers and happy umbrellas, I stopped in this fabulous place called The Gage - where I enjoyed the best little pot of mint tea.

- Hot Tea, that is.  Not iced like we Southerns like it.   It was still quite yummy.  Even if I did put a few ice cubes in my cup when others weren’t looking.

I followed my delicious mint tea with their Venison burger which was dressed with smoked gouda, pickled red onions, fried fresh jalapenos, smoked wild mushrooms, and a red wine ketchup.  I think it also had the kitchen sink thrown in.   This was about the time I started missing The Angler.   I usually split this kind of madness with him.

I barely made a dent in it – and yes,  it was delicious.   Don’t get me started on the fact it came with a half of a kosher dill AND cornichons.   sigh.

I might’ve eaten here again on Monday and had the more redeeming and delicious seared Salmon and rutabaga puree.

After I was well nourished,   I headed a 1.5 miles north on Michigan towards the old water tower.

And I scored a new pair of kicks…

or two…or three

MONDAY:

While we are talking shoes….here’s some evidence that I actually attended a conference.  Where else but a conference center or hotel ballroom would have carpet this hideous?

Monday entailed more walking through Gotham

and an encounter with the Giant Marilyn

After all that tacky,  it was time for some pretty.   I found my way over to Rush / Bellevue Area

This is where I discovered BHLDN — Anthropologie’s wedding inspired store.

It was more beautiful in person than I had imagined.

the wedding details

the wedding dresses

I might’ve bought another pair of shoes.

Tuesday:

I finally made my way into Milleneum Park.

Hey!  Look!   It’s me….the only one not dressed in all black.

I saw the bean.

All that walking means,  I earned myself a pedicure.

The Hard Rock Hotel -offers in-room spa services.   And they’re decor may have influenced my polish choice.

Also – If you need a spa recommendation or personal nail tech – this is Sophie.    She was awesome.

I also earned some Chicago Style Pizza.    I can see what the fuss it all about.

Wednesday:

It was finally time to pack it all up and head back to Arkansas.

I said good bye to my views

Grabbed some fuel for the journey

Hopped a plane.

A couple of hours later…

It was time to refuel again.

At my neighborhood starbucks…

where the barista knows my name and the tea is iced.

Then by grabbing some sunshine and fresh air in the beauty of our city.

I can honestly say,  I fell in total like with Chicago.   I’m ready to go back and enjoy it again with my honey or my fun girlfriends by my side.

Unlike the heroine of Adventures in Babysitting,  I did not encounter the Lords of Hell.   I didn’t have to scale the Smurfit Stone Building .

My adventures in conferencing were a success.

The shopping was grand.  The food was yummy.   The folks were down right hospitable.

It truly was a model city.

Thank You, Chicago!

xoxo,

boots

The past two weeks,  I allowed myself 4.5 days of not-so healthy food choices and no gym.   I figure as a dietitian I have the power vested in me to declare, upon the loss of a pet, you are allowed one day of binge eating for each year you own a pet.    I followed that up with 3 pairs of shoes.   ( one pair of blush patent sandals,  2 pairs of wedges.  There might have been more.  I’d rather not incriminate myself in the off chance The Angler is reading.)

J. Crew’s stock probably went up last week –  because of me.  A friend had gifted me a $50 gift card.  I spent it more than 7 times over.  Oops.   Then, I arrived home Thursday to find a parson’s desk I had ordered.    That was the sign…it’s time to clear the clutter.   As one of my precious southern friends says,   it was time “to get some mayo and whip myself together” .

That’s what I’m now trying to do with the house.  Make the pet free  McCottage fresh and new.  A place where we can take deep breaths and heal.

I’m starting small.   With my jewelry & accessories.  It really is the most annoying thing to have bangles and necklaces laying all over the place.   It never fails the cuff I want to wear is AWOL the day I want to wear it.   I’ve spent some time on pinterest perusing some ideas.  Nothing wow’ed me.   I prefer my storage be pretty as well as functional.   What I’ve ended up with is a few original ideas you may be able to use in your own home.    The best part is, I didn’t spend any money.   See that,  Angler,  I can be frugal.   With a little creativity,  it’s budget friendly.   Did I just say the “b” word – oh my,   I may not be out of the woods on this grief thing yet.

~

I had a few crystal rose bowls that were scattered around the house – empty and looking reflective.   I took those to my closet  where my chest of drawers is and filled three of them.   One I filled with colored necklaces.   The next I filled with brooches, all those extra buttons attached to new clothes, and a few colored bangles.    The next is filled with my gold and metallic cuffs.

Next, I found a crystal ashtray which had belonged to my grandparents ( and never once held ashes)  and filled it with my wooden bangles and cuffs.

( Aside:  I love the natural touches wood accents add to my wardrobe this time of year.)

My next idea – was a stroke of genius that I think really takes the cake.   Literally.

My domed cake stand occupied a ton of  space on my limited kitchen countertops.   So, in comes the cake stand, to be the prop for my large straw hat.

My other hats fit well in my shelves, but the extra wide brim on this makes it at risk for getting crushed.

Don’t you love it?  This just makes me smile.

Oh, by the way – mark your calendars.   It will be time to wear it again to  the First Lady’s Tea on April 29th.   (Let me know if you would like tickets.)

Ok.  This feels good.  I’ve almost got everything corralled.

Next, necklaces that are in high rotation for me – are my pearls and a few gold or silver chains.   These are now hanging out in a pretty blush bowl on my dresser in our bedroom.

I love love the flirty feminine feel this brings to our room.

It’s baby steps to getting organized.   Pretty and functional.

This makes me smile.

It feels good to be getting it together.

Happy Weekend, Y’all!

xxoo,

boots

Yet, Thursday I found myself in conversation with several friends who wondered MY thoughts and favorites on the Oscars’ Red Carpet this year.

The conversations sparked the idea, this would be a great time to hopefully kick Favorite Things Fridays back into existence here on the ol blog.

I never know if it’s better to count down or just start off with the favorite.

It’s my blog.

I almost always read the last page of the book first…so I’ll start with my very Favorite Oscar 2012 look of all.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli.

Seriously, y’all. How could you not know this is my FAVORITE?!!!

It’s a scrumptious shade of cardinal red and it has a big ol bow. Enough said.

I love it. It’s perfect. I want it in my closet.

~

Next in line, is the fun flirty Louis Vuitton worn by Michelle Williams.

That coral hue is stunning. The detailing of ruffles, the peplum, and the bow brooch at her waist.

Not to mention the contrast of a pink hand bag. It’s just sweet & demure.

~

My next favorite look at the Oscars… TOM!!!

Now, together, in your best Father of the Bride wedding planning Franz accent

“Is he wearing a NAVY tux-a-do? Armani doesn’t make a Nah-vy tux-a-do. “

Apparently, Georgio has come around since 1992 and ol cutie patootie Tom rocked the midnight blue.

But really, the tux is ok. It’s cut well. But it’s not about the tux. (And I definitely don’t care about Katie. She looks fine and all)

What I really want to know is where is this fountain of youth from which Tom drinks? He did not look this young in MI3, y’all.

Is this transformation the result of some anti-aging Dianetics kool-aid or a great secret surgeon.

Three movie sequels and I guess Tom can accomplish the impossible?

Whatever it is – he looks like Top Gun Tom. Maverick. Good ol’ Pete Mitchell is back.

swoon.

~

Next up and last in my official Red Carpet favorites:

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

I definitely do not think these pictures do this dress justice. This is one of my all time favorite colors.

I had a prom dress this color in eighth grade. It was Jessica McClintock. It was strapless, with tiered ruffles with beaded detailing around the top.

I’m pretty sure Vera was inspired by it to make this version. Lucky for Viola, her mom didn’t make her sew dorky spaghetti straps on it.

It’s still a sore subject. Little does mom know, I tucked them in my dress when I wore it again that summer for a band camp formal.

Yeah, I wore strapless dress. And a boy asked to hold my hand that night. I guess strapless dresses are more alluring.

( Dear Mom – Before you feel I disobeyed… just remember, my brother, your precious middle son had to secretly replace ALL the living room and dining room carpet after a party he threw while you & dad were on vacation. Let’s just keep things in perspective. )

~

Ok… now we’re getting to some gorgeous and FUN dresses.

The After Party

Claire Danes in Valentino

She looks amazing in this watermelon hue. J’adore this ultra feminine look with the ruffles, the polka dots.

It just screams happy girly girl.

LOVE!

~

Next up, at the party and after a quick costume change, a favorite award goes again to

Emma Stone. This time in Chanel Couture

I have a thing for black illusion – not gonna lie. I’m definitely a product of the 90s.

I love when an elegantly prim dress throws a peek-a-boo curve ball.

~

Another costume change…

One that I think was way better than her red carpet look.

Cameron Diaz in Victoria Beckham.

Orange you glad you changed, Cameron? I mean this cut and color look phenomenal with her lean physique and her coloring.

That silver here-to-eternity zipper is a to die for detail.

This is just down right sexy in a fun way. And that’s the best way to be sexy – in my opinion.

(i.e. Angelina is scary sexy. Scary sexy is not fun. Just ask her left leg. )

~

Last, and certainly not least —

Kate Bosworth in Prabal Gurung

See, I told you I had thing for black illusion and sexy fun. The beading, the illusion, the belt.

This is just a perfect party dress especially when you have gams like hers.

Oh, And I’m totally coveting those 120mm Louboutin Pigalles.

Yeah, those shoes are on my incentive list this year when I hit a few of my 2012 goals. They’ll be mine in a few more weeks. Lord willin.

I don’t need a golden statue, I’m happy with the shoes.

So there you go, Thanks for tuning into the 1st ever Favorite Things Friday dedicated to the Oscars.

Hooray for Hollywood for bringing the style this year.

Hooray, it’s the weekend!

Hope you have a happy, glamorous weekend no matter what color carpet you tread.

xxoo,

boots

(images via Pinterest )

I am always  energized, motivated, captivated and inspired by the insanely creative types who can marry two different worlds of thought and create a fresh new view from a traditional source.

I was blown away when I discovered  the music of  Two Cellos.  They are amazing classical celloists who found an innovative way to express their talents.   I can’t get enough of this rocking, creative, inspiring performance.

Guns N Roses never sounded so proper and cellos never sounded so wicked cool.

Now, get out of your box this weekend.

Do Something – differently.   Push Yourself.

Most of all,  have fun.

Cheers & Rock on,

boots

xxoo

Decor came from mixed greens I picked up at a big box home store and  whatever was in the 12 boxes of Christmas we’ve acquired over the  years.   ( I have a theory that for every year of marriage,  you acquire a tupperware storage box of Christmas stuff).  In the name of efficiency,  I swapped my Radkos and Olde World Glass ornaments for less fragile ornaments that donned my mantle last year. I saved a full day of decorating because I didn’t have to unwrap all that bubble wrap surrounding my treasured ornaments.   Maybe next year, they’ll reappear.   In the meantime,  I tossed some old burlap over the pedestal table.  Put the tree in a clay pot.   I must say, I think our little tree still turned out quite charming.

Beneath our tree,  I have pictures of favorite Christmas memories – our first Christmas, fun celebrations, and the picture of my sweet Finley dog who arrived as a Christmas present in 199.7.

In the mix is one of my favorite Christmas treasures a red clay Nativity we bought on our honeymoon in Sedona.

The dining room is rather simple.  Mercury glass from our first Christmas in the McCottage, burlap,  mixed china, and cardboard snowflakes make for a more casual setting.

It’s a little less fuss than the rock salt table top I did last year. Another time saver.

I carried the burlap touches into the Master Bedroom by swagging burlap bows and greenery to our drapes.

Back in our great room,  I grabbed a silver tray from the dining room and topped it with glass balls and crystal candlesticks.   I love the light this reflects during the day.

The Mantle is a collection of Christmas pasts.  First a glimpse at the details.   You’ll see a few familiar sparkles and twigs from last year.  The silver vases were used years ago  for a Valentine’s party and I found them at the bottom of my craft closet along with a mini tremeau mirror.  The fabulous “M” was a gift from my green-thumbed big brother.  Over the years I’ve used various fresh greens and fuit entwined with ribbon on the form to decorate our front porch railing.  This year I brought it indoors and I adore the result.  The glittery Nativity was a gift from my mom and I think it makes a perfect center to our decor.

Be it ever so humble this year,  there is still no place like our little home.  And it’s definitely been a welcome respite after a long work day.  A cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, the lights on the tree,  surrounded by memories and  old favorite finds used in a a new way, does a heart good.

From our McCottage to yours…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xxoo,

boots

A perfect way to kick off my favorite month.     Tiffany has launched their exquisite Holiday Campaign.  Once again, they prove there is nothing quite like a Tiffany Blue Christmas.

Bonjour December!

If you don’t believe me, think back to your childhood.  How many times did you tie a towel or sheet around your shoulders, and “fly” through the house?   (I paired my towel with my Wonder Woman underoos for maximum super power advantage).  Years later, our underoos may be long gone and we find ourselves folding sheets and towels,  but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to channel our inner super heros once in awhile, right?

Finally,  the fashion powers-that-be decided  it was high time we women who appear to be “regular folk” put a little bit of that  super flair on display with the piece de resistance of any super hero….the cape.

Capes are all the rage this season -showing up anywhere from ballgames to ballrooms.

They add a polished look to casual friday in the office.

This great J.Crew cape would also look great during the workweek with a classic white blouse and black pencil skirt.

Bring a little cape chic to the tailgate in this Razorback red cape.  Woo Pig.

Another fabulous work look.  This cape from Banana Republic in trench canvas makes is a great fall to spring look.

Not only are capes gorgeous with pants and jeans,  I love the regal look of this Stella McCartney charcoal cape over this simple dress.

Basic black dress + basic camel cape  = anything but basic.  How Fabulous is this Calvin Klein cape?

If you happen to have a super bank account as one of your super powers,  this Rick Owens Leather Trimmed Cashmere cape could definitely stop traffic with a single look.

Wow! Bam!  Zing!  This YSL cape packs a powerful punch of color.

And my favorite, this gorgeous evening cape. Every Wonder Woman deserves a fabulous night out with her Super Man.

I’ve heard it said, “give the girl the right shoes and she can change the world”.  I bet the same is true when it comes to capes.

I’ll be wearing my new cape for the first time today.  I can already feel it – it’s going to be a SUPER day.

Hope you have a SUPER weekend full of WONDER and an adventurous cape(r) or two.

xxoo,

boots

(images via Net-a-porter, Pinterest, Neiman Marcus)

Since the day I accepted the position,  I started an office inspiration board – collecting pictures and ideas of what my new think tank would look like.  Most show ideas that can take typical office furniture and kick it up a bit.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Love the creamy calm of this space.  What a great idea to skirt a run-of-the-mill, office issued desk. Topping with glass helps to reflects light and add polish.

Putting a counter top on the file cabinets is another custom touch.

This pop of pink in the office chair is energy inducing.    What about that gorgeous print of Grace Kelly?   What a great reminder to exude grace under pressure.

Although, it’s not an office staple,  how about that shopping bag under the desk — all that hard work, earns one a trip to Jimmy Choo, right?

A completely happy space here.   The small dose of wallpaper gives a hint of sophistication.   Big CHEERS for the wine glass on the desk for pens and pencils

Another linen skirted desk.  I love these!    Isn’t this a perfect spot for collaboration.   Those French side chairs prove you don’t have to do time in an ugly office chair.

The collection and symmetry of the prints adds a sophisticated yet cozy feel.

Don’t you think?

Speaking of chairs,  this fan chair makes quite a Queen Bee statement.   I’d suggest  only the most humble of leaders could get away with this, but love the bohemian feel.

That mirror is spectacular and a great way to make sure you look great before that big client walks in the room.

Table / Parson’s desks are my favorite for their clean lines that can be dressed up or down.  Check out the  multiple ways to corral clutter here.

The lucite tray, porcelain basket, document box keep necessities stylishly at hand.  Note that old credenza was probably a standard cherry or golden oak piece at one time.

Look how that fresh coat of white paint takes it from icky and stale to feminine and modern.

Check out the matching pair of lamps behind the desk.  Those are not those typical spindly candlestick lamps.  The oversize mirror is a great way to reflect light in a dark, no window space.

The gold accents in the mirror frame, guest chair, and lamp gives the space a midas touch without being too glitzy or gaudy.

Saved my favorite office for last.   As I opened this blogpost, I said I need to be surrounded  by pretty…and what is prettier than pink?

I adore the pink hues lining the bookshelves and repeated in accents such as the lamp, rug, and vase.

The tan and blue tones down the over the top girliness.

I have always been a big fan of the french memo boards as well.  what a great way to keep up with pics, important notes, motivational quotes, and business cards.

Aren’t these fabulous spaces?

Did you catch some ideas that can add a little more flair to your cubicle,  desk, or home office?

I’m convinced a little bit of pretty in the office has the best Return On Investment of all.

Happy Fall Back  Weekend, Y’all!

Boots

xxoo

My first “big girl” bike was a lavender banana seat wonder.   She had a basket on the front with daisies.   Her name was “The Debutante”

I was four, maybe five years old when she arrived.  It was winter.   She needed training wheels.   Mom and Dad let me keep her in my bedroom.

In hindsight,  I realize their decision to do that was  probably more self serving – sparing them from pushing me for hours in the cold weather.

I thought they were they coolest parents EVER.

My  mean big brother would push me  up and down the center hall of our house on that bike.

It was in those moments,  I didn’t think he was so mean.

When The Debutante finally got her training wheels,  we ventured outside.  My world got bigger.

It took awhile, but I finally got my balance.

The training wheels came off and I rode…and rode….and rode….

Up and down the street.      To the playground.    To my best friend’s house.

I was an adventurer.  An explorer.    I was invincible.

Then, one day, the bike wheel hit a rut.   I went flying over the handlebars.

I skinned my knees, my elbows,  my chin.    I chipped my tooth.    It was ugly.

I laid on the ground.  I cried.   a lot.

My friends saw me lying there.   I was embarrassed.  I was far from home.   I cried harder.

And then I stood up,  brushed myself off.

I took a big, deep breath.

Then, I got back up on that bike.  And kept riding.

(images via Pinterest)