Retail Therapy 2

 

Animal Print in '26

Is animal print still in style?

 

Google AI: Yes, animal print, especially leopard, is considered a timeless classic and a neutral in fashion, never truly going out of style, but rather cycling through massive popularity spikes. It offers versatility, from adding a pop with accessories to making bold statements with coats, and fashion experts consistently see it appear in designer collections, proving its enduring appeal for its mix of wildness and sophistication.

One of my first dresses was a zebra (tan) print and I have been amazed to see animal print, especially leopard, endure season-after-season. My Soma store has leopard print, pants, tops, matching bras, panties and PJs. Be still my heart.  

I had a yard/garage sale a few weeks back and searched through my "Goodwill" box for items to sell before donating. One was a scoop neck leopard top. Oh no, back to the coset it went.  

The above Amazon Asymmetrical Neck Half Sleeve Tee is a keeper at $22.00. It fits perfectly in all the right places and provides just the right amount of feminine differential; like animal print needs anymore. I am not sure I have ever seen anything in the men's Department that was animal print?  

This is such a versatile top that if can be work with dress pants, skirts or jeans. 

I did not do red this year and used the above outfit as my Facebook Christmas card. Caitlin and I make it our tradition to visit The Colony. Palm Beach and take our photos in front of their beautiful tree. I like this year's look.

Not just for Christmas? New Year's Outfit?  And, Spring. 

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Amazon Asymmetrical Neck Half Sleeve Tee.

 

Be You...

Amazon: Be You Shirts for Women

Be You. The World Will Adjust T-shirt 

Buying For Himself....

The three years that I worked at a lingerie store was very rewarding and taught me a lot. First the fitting, but most importantly helping women be comfortable with their bodies. The right bra can so enhance a figure no matter the size. Fact, few women are wearing the correct size and understand sizing. The wrong size can make a beautiful body look all wrong. I always felt so good at checkout when I had fitted a woman and she wanted to wear her new purchase home; "just donate that old one". Soma with its so many different style / sizes made fitting easy for almost everyone.

I remember on one occasion I got the size and went in the back and got the whole style/size run box and brough it out. I got her settled in a changing room with the box and said "have fun".  She bought three.

My most touching moment was one evening when a woman came in late with her teen son in tow. We were starting to clean up and I did a quick fitting and got her settled in a changing room with several bras. Not being busy at all, the son just hang-out. But, I sensed something; more than an passing interest. A few minutes later he was in the changing area hallway talking to his mother through the door. Shortly after in the room with his mother. They were the only customers left for the evening, so no big deal. She came out and retrieves several more bras on her own and returned to the close-door changing room. I continued my nightly closing routine. 

A few minutes later both were heading for checkout. About mid-hall I saw one of the most endearing hugs ever. After the checkout, our last customers of the night, there was another big hug. We were closing so did not have time to join in the celebration that was unfolding before my eyes.    

Even with my tired feet, that made my night and I went home with a smile.   

Trump and the Kennedy Center

Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome introduced by Otto Kernberg, characterized by a combination of narcissistic traits and a malevolent nature, including antisocial behavior, aggression, and paranoia. Individuals with malignant narcissism exhibit traits of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) but also display sadistic tendencies and a lack of empathy. They often engage in manipulative and abusive behaviors, finding pleasure in controlling and using others for their own gain. This condition is considered one of the most severe manifestations of narcissism. (AI - Simply Psychology)

The Daily Beast

Jackie Kennedy’s 1964 letter comes back to haunt Trump

Jackie Kennedy once expressed fear that the Kennedy Center would “fall into the realm of political patronage” in a letter that’s making rounds in the wake of the cultural institution’s MAGA makeover.

An October 1964 letter penned by the then-first lady to the center’s chairman, Roger Stevens, detailed her apprehensions about naming the Washington, D.C. institution after her husband, John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated the year before.

“Last winter, when the decision was made to name it after him, I was not capable of making any decision — and so many people were pressuring me,” she wrote. “I don’t think he needs any memorial — his grave and his Library are that. The Center was a problem he inherited — and he would have done it differently had he initiated it. All I care about now is sparing him controversy. He has a right to peace now. So you must understand my hesitancy.”

But Jackie said she was willing to make it work on the condition that she have a say in selecting the center’s director, its trustees, and her representative to the Kennedy Center board.

“If these things cannot be granted — then I will ask in the next session of Congress that the Center’s name be changed,” she said. “If you will grant me these things — I will work with you with dedication. I do not think that I am difficult to work with.”

Jacqueline Kennedy 

When it comes to the selection of trustees, Jackie wrote that “the list should gradually be honed down to people who will care and work for the Center.” [not tear it down"

“The appointment of trustees must never be allowed to fall into the realm of political patronage,” she said. “If the incumbent President has a friend who is interested in the arts — fine — he should be on the board — as he can help — but someone who is being repaid for past favors (George Brown) or named in hope of campaign contributions — should not be on it.”

Six decades later, Jackie’s concerns have borne fruit. A month after he returned to the White House, President Donald Trump installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center and appointed MAGA loyalists to its historically bipartisan board. Ric Grenell, a Trump loyalist, was named president, and Sergio Gor, a confidant of the president, was appointed secretary.

Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson, reaffirmed that the hijacking of the memorial would not erase his grandfather’s legacy. The New York congressional hopeful tweeted:

 “Trump can take the Kennedy Center for himself. He can change the name, shut the doors, and demolish the building. He can try to kill JFK. But JFK is kept alive by us now rising up to remove Donald Trump, bring him to justice, and restore the freedoms generations fought for.”

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My Note: As a petulant child,  Trump has now declared it will close after July 4, for two years. The threat, destroy it and rebuild it likely then as only the "Trump Center"; narcissism.  This is mostly in revenge for the artist that are refusing to be associated with the Trump brand.  Now, no one will be able to attend.  

Political Cartoons 2-8-2026

 

Always Be....

 

Today - Happy to Be With You...

 

A Cool Day Look - Sweater / Tights

This is an outfit I saw on Pinterest a few weeks back.  Looking around my closet I realized all of the parts, I already have. I wore the Amazon sweater ($23.98) and tights yesterday to the market and the the rest of the day. Never felt more confident. 

The morning was cool (for Florida) and I have worn the "Big" sweater several times before with jeans. Today I took to it another level. A great combination with boots or sneakers. The sneakers are New Balance 530 in pink at Nordstroms. A nice feminine differential, like the tights needed anything additional.

    

Why Wear High Heels?

Best High Heels Captions For Instagram

1. Stepping out and standing tall.👠

2. “Cinderella? Never heard of her.”👸

3. Sky’s the limit with these heels.🚀

4. Elevating more than just my height.🏔

5. Some call it confidence, I call it a 6-inch heel.💁‍♀️

6. Strutting into the week like…🚶‍♀️

7. Heels high, and higher standards.💼

8. Finding my balance, one stiletto at a time.🩰

9. Stepping on doubts, climbing dreams.⛰

10. Life’s better in high heels. And a bit taller.🦒

11. Not afraid of heights, just look at my shoes.🏙

12. High heels: every woman’s secret weapon.🔥

13. “Flat shoes? Sorry, I don’t speak that language.”🤷‍♀️

14. My sole-mate? Definitely these heels.💖

15. If confidence had a sound, it’d be the click of my heels.🎶

16. Tackling the world, one heel at a time.🌍

17. My heels, my throne. Every street, my runway.👑

18. High heels: because life’s too short to be basic.🎈

19. Keeping standards high, just like my heels.📈

20. Grounded in spirit, elevated in style.🕊

21. Every step in these feels like a bold statement.🖋

22. Heels: making every day a tad more fabulous.🌟

23. Breaking glass ceilings in these killer heels.💎

24. A pair of heels away from conquering the world.🌎

25. “Sneakers? Maybe later. Today’s a high heel day.”🦋

26. Tiptoeing into the spotlight, but with heels.🔦

27. A hint of sass in every step I take.🌶

28. Giving fairy tales a run for their money.🧚‍♀️

29. Why fit in when you can stand out? (And stand tall!)🌺

30. Elevating every moment, one heel at a time.🪜

Feminine Differential - Dichotomy

 

Noun: A division or contrast between two things that are, or are represented as being, opposed or different.

You would think that is this black below-the-knee maxi pencil skirt would be out of place with a jeans shirt. The point - completely.  However, that is a wonderful feminine differential. The skirt is an interview piece with heels. The tie front chambray / denim shirt, invokes a casual day at the mall / cafe lunch with girlfriends, look.

Note on the skirt: Amazon - ZTN Skirts for Women Stretch High Waist Pencil Skirt Bodycon Business Skirt with Back Slit Below Knee Black   Received and an almost perfect skit; Elastic waste, material has weight and trim pencil shape with kick pleat.  A keeper. 

You can keep adding to the contrast with pearls and a dressy shoulder purse. The secretary eyeglasses even add more to the overall look. Your option are endless; so why not!

 

Troubling Times - Your Rights Continued...

 LAWYER: When Cops Say 'Show Me Your ID'—Say THIS Back

Most drivers think the traffic stop begins and ends with handing over their license. That’s wrong. The moment you give an officer your ID, a second investigation often begins — and most people walk straight into it without realizing it.

This video breaks down what actually happens after you hand over your license, why officers are trained to pivot into questioning, and the exact phrases that stop a routine stop from turning into a search, detention, or arrest.

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My Note: Be safe! Be smart!  Crossdressing or presenting differently from your legal gender, is not a crime in 2026. Drinking and then driving many times is the downfall. Don't do it!    

Political Cartoons 2-1-2026