We had the opportunity to stay at this charmingly rustic and cozy cabin on the water for a week in early June. Since the cabin is only 4 miles away from our primary home, it has many “staycation” advantages including going home to feed the kitties and water the plants.

My clothing checklist for a week on the lake in order of priority:  black dress by Michael Kors, heels by Life Stride and off-black pantyhose. Secondary items:  bathing suit, shorts, tank tops, sandals, and other “regular” beachwear.

I love the incongruity of my black dress with the rusticity of this cabin.

This warm and welcoming cabin includes all of the comforts of home and feels like a true “getaway.” I was able to capture the sunrise early one morning near the dock. The mornings here are tranquil and restorative.

Caught the night sky over the little island one evening. Can you see the faces in the clouds? Some of them look rather sinister.

Celebrating “Margarita Monday.”

The cabin has a little beach area which makes for easy in and out of the kayaks which is no small feat to perform gracefully.

I am in control of my own small floating vessel and master of my destination.

The happy ferns love all of the moisture we’ve had lately. Caught this pic during one of my power walks.

This guy’s overbite is a little more pronounced each year I was told.

One of the first things that Mabel did was jump in the water. Here she is drying off and thinking about another dip.

Celebrating our last night at the lake.

Lupines are my favorite perennial. These showy flowers improve soil fertility by mixing nitrogen in the air and making it usable by other plants.

Thank you for letting me share my week of vacation with you.  Stay tuned for beachwear pictures…

 

Okay, so I meant literal menswear inspired style. And thanks to my younger son again I was inspired to wear this…suit. It actually pertains to my femme-fatale fashion style ideas which I touched upon in my last post and will continue to explore. My inspiration: Scarlett Johanssen and Kate Blanchette:

Photo by Russel James

Doesn’t Kate Blanchette ooze confidence but in a sensual way?

Published March 26, 2014, Vogue Australia

Marlene Dietrich in Paris, 1933. (Photo by Mercedes De Acosta.) Her style of dress was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. At a time when women rarely stepped out of a skirt, she embraced menswear fashion in full force, defying social norms, resulting in a sexy, powerful look.

The simplicity of menswear helps to produce a polished look and when feminine elements are added, the end result is classy and chic.

I think a skinny black scarf would be the perfect accessory to this slightly masculine blazer. And the ruffled collar of my blouse and high-heeled pumps give it a feminine twist.

The moto jacket which I previously featured here is a combination of masculine and feminine; it is also a timeless and convenient wardrobe piece. 

While my menswear inspired suit below may not be something I would wear to work, I might wear a more feminine version of it combined with a colorful skirt. How would you feminize a masculine tailored blazer and tie?

I have been on vacation this past week and I will be sharing many photos of my recuperative break including new pictures of Mabel.  Speaking of my sweet puppy, here she is smiling at 15 weeks of age and 33 pounds.

Enjoy your week!