That’s Mrs. Mystery, to you.
I’m going to try not to take myself (or fashion) too seriously in this post, but it’s been quite the weekend. On Friday, our youngest son Chanler turned 22. And today, it’s both Father’s Day and our 29th Wedding Anniversary. Wow, where do the years fly to? But now for more important things…like this outfit…and why I thought it was kind of wacky but actually love it. And to think it all started with this graphic-yellow-one sleeved “mystery” tee…
As a blonde, I normally avoid the color yellow, at least near my face and hair. But the kitschy, graphic look of this tee proved too irresistible. And I think the yellow works! Asymmetric silhouettes like this one-sleeved style are one of this Summer’s hottest trends, and while I hate to think of myself as a trend follower, I like that I stepped out of my comfort zone to give this one a try. I paired it with black fringe-hem jeans — a “shop my closet” option that I continue to wear season after season. And I accessorized with this adorable rattan bag, colorful beaded slides, graphic lucite earrings, a duo of mismatched-yet-matching bracelets and bold sunnies.
Now for the “heavy” stuff. I wore this tee the other day as well and was called “Miss Mystery.” I didn’t correct the lovely gentleman. But it made me think, ah yes, I can still be a bit of a mystery. Even on the cusp of sixty, as a wife and mother, a sister, a friend, a professional, as a woman, as a human. I can even be a mystery to me myself and I. And I think that’s a good thing. To hold onto those interior, unspoken thoughts and moments that add to the layers of our soul. And on that note…it’s Sunday Funday! Let’s celebrate!!
Tee: (Zara, sold out) but like this and this
Jeans: (3×1) but fun and affordable alternative here
Bag: (Zara) Rattan/straw/raffia bags are everywhere. some cute options here, here and here (the cult favorite that started the craze!).
Slides: Zara
Sunnies: Raen (Rachel Zoe Box of Style, Summer 2017)
Bracelets (old & DIY) but how about this or this
Earrings: (old) but love these and these
All photos by Chris & MP Allegaert
“Summer Color” used to mean slathering on baby oil and getting your tan on. Not anymore. These days the only thing I’m slathering on is sunscreen. So I’ve been on the hunt for other ways to color my days (and nights). I actually saw this adorable tee dress on 
This dress is from an online boutique called Shein. I’d call it “(super) cheap chic.” I’ve spent quite some time scrolling through the site, because the prices are unbelievable. That being said, not all fabrics are high quality and sizing can be inconsistent (I actually ordered this dress twice. First time in Medium, which was too fitted for my liking. I cut that into a tee. Then I re-ordered in Large, which looks and feels just right.) Warning…you are ordering direct from China, so it’s pretty tough to return stuff. But honestly, I’ve only been disappointed in one tee ($5!) which I just put into my pajama rotation.
After 9 days “on the road” and probably too much sun, my skin was in dire need of revitalizing nourishment. This amazing mask did the trick…and then some. I highly recommend it!
Well, we drove to Delray Beach Florida. And back. And we’re still married and still speaking. I think you get the idea. When Chris proposed this getaway I was supremely skeptical. But he said he would do most of the driving. And he did! Except for 2 1/2 torturous Virginia hours on the way back. Breaking the drive up definitely helped.
Confession. When Chris saw this outfit he was a wee bit skeptical. As in “what the heck are those sandals you’re wearing?” Well, just as fur slides took over the runways last fall/winter, feathered sandals are flocking to fashion’s summer feet. And I could not resist these pink beauties. Over the top? Totally. But sometimes you just have to forget the rules and have some fun. This sunny dress was a Jersey City find that felt like something Stella would wear in A Streetcar Named Desire. (I know, NOLA, but you get the vibe). I don’t normally gravitate to yellow, but this summer I am. And with its pinkish flower pattern, flutter sleeves and wrap silhouette it felt perfect for the steamy Savannah weather. And this straw bag is going with me pretty much everywhere. For our two nights in Savannah, we were staying in the retro Thunderbird Inn. We arrived early evening, unpacked, and I guess the place just inspired me. At least for this one night. (BTW: you get RC Colas and a Moon Pie upon check-in!)
Dress: Cotton Candy LA (sold out) from 
Well, there’s not one bad thing we can say about our stay in Delray Beach. We just might have to retire here! (And the Dacks, of course.) More on that in a later post. But seriously, my husband Chris first went to Delray as a baby, and he’s loved it ever since. What’s not to love…the beach, tennis (bliss for him, sort of for me), great restaurants, shopping (yay for me), and just a chill vibe. Which we both very much needed.
This is not brain surgery, just the best sunny weather outfit you can make your own. Sundress, straw hat, straw bag, fun slides. It’s that simple.
I’m writing this post at the wee hours of our first day back. With a big 9am presentation looming. But my brain is on overdrive. Speaking of drives. It was a 14 1/2 hour one back to Jersey City from Savannah. Who knew Virginia had that much traffic? Yikes. I drove for maybe 1 1/2 hours? Chris was Superman. All in all, it was a great adventure, though next time (?!?) I’m pretty sure I would vote for breaking the drive back up north by one more stop.
