Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Silk Kimono

Long jackets with flowing lines and minimal lapels have always been my favorite clothing articles, so of course, I adore kimono-style jackets. Recently I received this hand-painted silk kimono from Dalitika.




The previous two weeks have been very hectic, filled with many long days as I helped Mr. Mickey move into his new home and help him decorate it. (His previous home sold after only five days on the market!) Our aching bodies were ready for a day of relaxing, so we went out for lunch and had a couple's massage at the Austin Springs Spa located in the beautiful Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City.




After a massage, my face and eyes always get puffy, so I had to pull out all my tricks to get ready for these photos. I keep a clean wet washcloth in a storage container in my refrigerator. After my shower, I hold the cold cloth on my eyes for a few minutes each morning to reduce the puffiness. (Always drink lots of water after a massage.) 

This week on Facebook, we have been discussing makeup techniques and eyebrows specifically. Have you noticed that when we are young, the brows are normally darker than the hair? As we start to color our hair or let it fade to gray as I have done, we tend to forget this and try to make the brows the same color as our hair, making us look older or more tired. It is important to rethink your makeup techniques after forty. What worked when we were in our youth will make us look dated and not our best current self. For example, when I learned to apply makeup, I wore a light color with a bit of shimmer under my eyebrows and a darker color in my lid's crease. If I did that today, my eyes would appear to recede. The color I use under my brown now is a muted matte pink color by Merle Norman called Pink Truffle. I use a pale cream shimmer color only at the inner corners of my eyes now. 

A couple of hours after the massages, we were on our way to our favorite restaurant in the mountains of North Carolina. The Artisanal in Banner Elk is truly a world-class dining experience. On this evening, we dined on the terrace overlooking a mountain stream at the edge of the woods. As dusk started to fall, a great owl took flight from one of the trees and glided along the stream on his way to look for his own dinner. I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of this magnificent bird of prey!



On this evening, there was no private party in the Artisanal wine cellar, so we took the opportunity to do this photoshoot there. 



We have been in the restaurant when a helicopter has landed on the lawn to deliver special guests for dinner. Those who prefer total privacy go down to the wine cellar for their dining experience. The wine cellar private dining provides the ultimate food and wine experience in an unforgettable setting. They can accommodate parties of up to thirty-two guests. The owners, Anita and Bill, will assist you in creating a memorable experience down to the finer details. Their guidance in planning every facet of your event to the menu selection, place cards, or floral arrangements to any other special occasion needs makes the tasks of planning a party feel effortless.





The wine collection is massive, including more than a thousand bottles of fine wines. (Note that the floor of the actual wine storage area is pea-gravel.) A long glass wall separates the diners from the wine vault, but it is enjoyable to view all those neatly stored bottles.




The decor of the grounds and building are based on equestrian events, racehorses, and a barn.




This massive poster is on the far wall of the wine cellar.




With the fabulous hand-painted silk kimono from Dalitika, I am wearing a tank and a long necklace from Chico's. The ankle pants are from Talbot's. The shoes are by Guess, and the copper beaded clutch is old.

I got a new haircut a couple of weeks ago. It is softly layered and a little longer on the sides so that I can tuck some of it behind my ears.



I love you this much for reading my blog!



16 comments:

LynneinNC said...

Fabulous photos! You look marvelous.
Love the details of your dining experience as well. We have visited Lees McRae for our college bound daughter and would love to experience dining there one day.
Thank you for the tips on what to do after a massage -- simple, but much needed.
Hugs to you and Mr. Mickey.

Cathryn said...

You look gorgeous! I appreciate your fashion and make up tips so very much.

Donna said...

A massage is a marvellous reward for all your hard work! Is Mr Mickey wiling to share a few snaps of his new home? Love the outfit...the colors and drape of the fabric are just perfect for you. The new haircut suits you.

josep-maria badia said...

A look gorgeous, I love this color combination so soft. The kimono is fantastic, the pattern is very pretty. An elegant and unconventional outfit.

Lady of Style said...

Susan, you look fabulous and elegant! I really love this look.
The soft colours suit you so well and the silk kimono is beautiful.

I love reading about your experiences in these lovely restaurants, wine cellars and spas.

Hugs from Germany,
Annette | Lady of Style

Unknown said...

The kimono is fantastic, the pattern is very pretty. I appreciate your fashion and make up tips so very much.

Catherine said...

You look so lovely in your kimono jacket!
Thank you for all the delightful posts and wonderful pictures in your blog. I enjoy reading every post.
You inspire me to do those little extras that enhance confidence, and bring the reward of greater enjoyment and savouring of the many pleasures that every day offers.

Anonymous said...

You look fabulous as always!! I love kimonos and have several. I love them and would like to wear them with turtlenecks as well but not to sure about it. Thanks for posting!!

Patti said...

What a lovely color combination and I love a flowy kimono like this one. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you look beautiful!

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

This jacket is so beautiful, Susan. My kind of jacket...I love it! Have a wonderful week of fun with all of your decorating.

meriusa said...

What a vivid, interesting description of the relaxing date after hard days . The restaurant in the mountains ,the wine cellar und your extraordinary outfit !
Wonderful pictures !

mispapelicos said...

Your whole post is a work of art.
I am so glad to have found you through Josep maria.
I am definitely staying and following you.
Have a lovely Monday
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Unknown said...

Beautiful, Susan. The colors in this outfit are lovely...especially the shoes.

Gabriala Brown said...

Oh, I want a kimono, I have been looking at them for months. This one is gorgeous and you look amazing! xo

bluehuewonderland said...

You look elegant and so beautiful in the outfit. You have a knack for choosing outfits that feel so right on you!

blue hue wonderland

Unknown said...

I think it's Hanes pantyhose under your pants