SIMPLICITY ~ “the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). SOPHISTICATION ~ having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Those two terms seem to be CONTRADICTORY which makes having them intertwined even more impressive.

Here I am at age 56 doing something I never would have imagined - going somewhere without makeup ON PURPOSE! Somewhere where I know people. I find it funny and SAD all at the same time. I have been wearing makeup since I was 12 years old. For many years it was a mix of wearing it to hide my acne as well as to HIDE myself.

One thing all midwesterners know is that you have to LAYER - sometimes all year long, but especially March through October. The day may start out chilly and by the mid-afternoon be downright dreadfully hot! You must always, ALWAYS, be prepared. That’s why I chose my WHITE denim jacket to highlight today. Take chances with your WARDROBE, you will be surprised with all of the ways you can turn things you already have into so many different outfits by incorporating just one item like a white denim jacket.

Our clothes reflect not only our PERSONALITY, but our mindset for the MOMENT. When you change your clothes, you CHANGE your mindset. When I taught science, I went to school dressed in a specific manner that was considered business casual. As soon as I got home, I changed into my “at-home comfortable” clothes of a t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants. Immediately my mindset CHANGED. Have you ever felt that SHIFT? Well the same thing happened when I saw this hot pink Wrap-Tie blouse. At first the COLOR caught my eye. So VIBRANT that it just popped!