My love affair with Anne Fontaine started decades ago. A gentleman that was courting me presented me with a beautiful white box. On the inside was a gorgeously detailed chic white blouse (VLADIMIR blouse) that worked for every occasion and fit me to a T. From jeans and sandals to a pencil skirt and heels, it was a compliment as to how he saw me.
Now many decades later I am still in love with that classic timeless style. You have heard me say many times before, it’s quality not quantity and that is even more relevant now. I believe in having a few high-quality pieces that fit me to perfection over trendy styles that come and go. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with fashion.
Enter the Anne Fontaine evolution beyond the beautiful white blouse to a collection of key wardrobe staples in ‘of the moment’ colors and styles with the beautiful fabrics and details she is known for.
This beautiful crisscross patterned blouse (Cressida blouse) combined with the matching skirt (Chama long skirt) or flowing Palazzo pants (Preston pant) make for a completely different day to evening look.
The skirt with her white bodysuit (Verene bodysuit) and a statement belt will take you from brunch to evening cocktails with ease. Add a Stetson hat and your outfit is complete.
I think this combination would be perfect for a summer trip to the mountains.
After all, I’m a carry on only kind of gal, ready for any adventure at any moment. Doing so with style and ease is part of the mystery. That’s what I call casual chic.
As you might know, I have been visiting the dermatologist to treat the dark spots and hyperpigmentation on my face and chest for a long time. So when the OPTE came on the market, I was curious to say the least. The OPTE Precision System was developed over 10 years and 500,000 hours to reveal the natural beauty of our skin, while being clean, cruelty free, and using the best quality ingredients.
How can an at-home system target and diminish dark spots? This state-of-the-art system scans your face for tonal differences in pigmentation and detects it using their patented Precision Skincare algorithm. Then OPTE applies an Optimizing Serum to instantly correct and, with continued use, fade and prevent dark spots.
I don’t mind telling you that when I first opened the OPTE machine, I was a little intimidated. But after two uses, I was lightly scanning the wand over my face like a pro. Now, every morning and evening, I scan my face with the wand to treat the dark spots and target my hyperpigmentation with the Optimizing Serum, powered by 5% niacinamide and advanced mineral pigments. These pigments are shade inclusive for 98% of all skin tones, and is beneficial in the morning since the wand delivers the serum and covers my dark spots just like a concealer. It is quick and easy to use, especially since I don’t take the time to put on makeup.
The Serum is formulated in Japan without sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or fragrance.
Above are professional photos from the Opte website showing The Wand on the left and the Serum on the right.
The pictures below show the instant results of one pass with the wand, which glides smoothly across your skin, targets hyperpigmentation, and delivers optimizing serum right on your dark spot. Gone are the days of trying to target and color match your skin with over-the-counter concealers.
Before
After
My journey with OPTE is one that I will be continuing. This system gives a great at-home precision skincare alternative to the more expensive laser treatments. The combination of treatment and an instant airbrushed look elevates OPTE in the future of skincare.
Summertime has already arrived and sometimes we just don’t want our clothes to touch. This beautiful white gauze dress (Gauze Maxi Dress) is just the ticket. Add some color with an elongated scarf (Ikat-Print Oblong Scarf). Don’t forget that turquoise jewelry I know you already have.
If you’re looking for something a little less casual, consider this dress with the ‘of the moment’ sleeve trend (Eyelet-Sleeve Dress).
This timeless summer look combination of black and white can easily be done with these Mia Becar sandals (Maggie Slide) and Rebecca Minkoff envelope. I’ve had this particular one for years but a great substitute would be this Rebecca Minkoff, Leo Clutch. If you ever see a quirky piece that you don’t know what you’re going to use for, as in the clutch above, just go for it. You won’t regret it.
Changing temperatures?
This lightweight sweater (Shine V-neck Sweater) is still in my rotation. Perfect for those cool mornings, air conditioned buildings, or long evenings. Throw it over your shoulders or in this lovely Chico’s tote (Geometric Tote). Still wearing my favorite pair of straight-leg jeans (Girlfriend Jeans), with just the right amount of stretch and a clean-cut fit. I own them in black and white and wear them all summer long. Don’t forget this SPF packable hat (Classic Fedora hat) by Eric Javits. For casual comfort on my feet, I love these leather sneakers by Pedro Garcia, a great find on The Real Real. Lightweight, chic, and easy to pack in a subtle, go with everything, color combo.
For a day to evening look that couldn’t be simpler, a change of shoes and handbag is still the best trick. Here in my staple no-iron linen shirt and these beautiful beaded jeans (Beaded-Hem Girlfriend Jeans), proof that it doesn’t take much for a complete change of vibe. Under the everyday look is a lace Wolford bodysuit and a Judith Leiber snake-skin belt, from The Real Real, that elevates the look.
My husband and I had the pleasure of joining Heidi Dillon and her fashionable crew at the Dallas contemporary museum for a private showing of Paolo Roversi: Birds. The Dallas contemporary museum was founded in 1978. Annual exhibits used to be hosted to showcase artwork created by its members. Today, Dallas Contemporary hosts exhibitions of both new and well-known local and international artists. The industrial building provides a unique context for each exhibition and follows the European model of an art hall which is the “welcoming exhibition site for the art of the moment.”
When you don’t know what to wear, do what I do. My Tux Couture custom-made tuxedos come in handy every time. With so many features for you to customize the look you want, Tux Couture is reimagining formal wear.
PAOLO ROVERSI: Birds
Paolo Roversi and the Fashion of Comme de Garçon
This beautiful exhibit showcases Paolo Roversi‘s talent of capturing the movement of Kawakubo models.
Time well spent with Heidi Dillon! Heidi is on the Board of Directors for Dallas Contemporary and a well-known fashionista.
Heidi is an ambassador for Natura Bisse. She was so gracious as to gift us with a bag of wonderful products and a facial I just can’t wait to try!
Fifteen of us continued our evening at Al Biernats. It is always such a delight to catch up with friends and Heidi @heididillon makes that happen with great success. To say the food and service were fantastic is an understatement! And kudos to the staff for keeping up with us all
I am a long-time fan of Pilates for staying fit and have found the Bodybar Pilates in my new hometown of Dallas. Pilates is a great way to stay toned and challenge all of your muscle groups. However, if you are on the road you can use one of the many apps available and change up your routine. The app that I love to use is Pilates Anytime. I use this app anytime I am on the road or my schedule doesn’t allow for me to make my regularly scheduled class.
Stopped by Vintage Martini to pick up some gorgeous pieces you wouldn’t normally find elsewhere.
With a room dedicated to vintage clothing it’s a great place to step back in time. Racks of beautiful designs all specified by each decade there is to try out and reminisce. The showcase of jewelry is my favorite with a great array of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
You can also shop present designer pieces consigned by the most fashionable women in Dallas and beyond.
As you might know, I started my social media journey at 65. Now almost 69 I am meeting more people and doing more things than ever before. The evolution for me has been very edifying and exhilarating. My effort has always been to help women keep their power, stay relevant, and follow their dreams. Tracy and I had a wonderful chat on The Tracy Gold Show with a lot of bonding a lot of laughing just like I like it. In the end, we are all more alike than we might think.
Thankfully this summer we won’t be under a lockdown, so consider Glacier National Park for your post-covid summer travel plans – it is just the ticket!
We are fortunate enough to live in Flathead County, Montana home of Glacier National Park. Or what we refer to as “the Crown of the Continent.” Sitting on top of “The Backbone of the World” the park encompasses 1million acres including two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and wildlife around every corner. Here you can see at least 25 glaciers and hike over 745 miles of trails.
July and August are the warmest and sunniest months in the park, perfect for summer travel plans! The weather is usually around 70 degrees but can drop to 40 at night.
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park – running ten miles long and almost 500 feet deep.
At Lake McDonald Lodge, you can curl up in front of their lifesize fireplace, sip on a hot chocolate and enjoy the view of majestic Lake McDonald.
The Lodge’s lighting is beautiful and I’m a sucker for unique lighting. Don’t forget to look up!
The Little Red Bus is Iconic in the park.
The fleet of 33 buses is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world! The buses take you to all of the main attractions in the Park. Since the views in Glacier are vertically oriented (with its very high mountain peaks) the roll-back tops are perfect to get the full majestic views of the Big Sky.
Fishing is a fun activity in Glacier National Park
You’ll find many areas in Glacier National Park to fulfill all of your fishing needs! Many visitors come to the park just to fish since banks are not too crowded and there is plenty of native trout. You also don’t need a fishing license if you’re just fishing inside the park.
Tour the Park in a Boat!
The Glacier National Park is colossal so if you want to take a break from hiking, a number of boating activities are offered!
You can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the Flathead River.
Spending the summer in Glacier National Park will be well worth your time!
When hiking in Glacier:
Don’t forget your bear spray and stay in your car if you see one on the road.
If you have the time, don’t miss Many Lakes. You leave the park on the east side and re-enter into Many Lakes. The road is a little rough but worth it. The Many Glacier Compound is surrounded by mountain attractions, hiking trails, and wildlife. I’ve had the most grizzly bear sightings at Many Lakes when I’ve visited.
With over 300 Grizzly Bears known to live in the park, this is about as close as you should get one!
Wonderful Wildlife
If you’d like to encounter wildlife in the park, you can research where most of the animals are usually lurking around. It’s common to see deer and moose in the Fishercap Lake, while bears can be found on the Highline and Hidden Lake Trail. Bears are very dangerous so only view them from a distance.
Hike to Grinnell Glacier – the trails radiate in all directions!
Swiftcurrent Lake and Grinnell Point have always been my view from the Many Glacier Hotel. Built in 1914 by The Great Northern Railway, this beautiful lodge was commissioned to open the park to visitors and establish the area as the “American Alps.”
Shopping is always fun in the area so don’t forget to check out the shops and galleries there! Go home with a Pendleton blanket or a lovely native Montana sapphire if it’s only a carry-on for you!😉
When hiking in Glacier:
