12.18.2014

# 10 Item Wardrobe # book giveaways

OOTD Rainy December Day + Choosing A Simply Luxurious Life Giveaway



Rain has finally made it to California! We've been facing one of the worst droughts on record here in Southern California so it is with great relief that we all welcome the rain. Today I am showing you an outfit of the day, rainy day edition.

Many people automatically think they need to wear jeans in bad weather but you don't have to if you get creative with layers (remember Madame Chic never wore jeans and that Parisian weather was cold).





In this look, I'm wearing my Ann Taylor Loft navy and red spot dress, my felt coat from Anthropologie- the only new addition to my winter wardrobe since shooting my ten-item wardrobe video in the fall (this coat is no longer available online), textured tights from J Crew (key to keeping warm) and my black rain boots. For indoor use, I'm wearing London Sole black suede Henrietta ballet flats.

If you are facing even lower temperatures, I would suggest layering a winter coat on top of this look (or replace the felt coat with a thick cardigan and wear that under a winter coat)and adding a scarf, gloves, and/or a hat.

Check out the video above to see the full look. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Choosing a Simply Luxurious Life



I've gotten to know the lovely Shannon Ables of the Simply Luxurious Life blog over the years as she has been a huge champion for Madame Chic. Today I am very excited to share with you her new book, Choosing a Simply Luxurious Life.

Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

How can you have a rich and fulfilling life? The choices you make, not your income or financial assets, are the most powerful determining factor for your quality of life. Women have never had so many options. Yet we often experience a kind of paralysis, an unconscious willingness to follow societal dictates rather than become the CEOs of our own lives. When we mindlessly follow the dots, we smother our innate gifts and miss opportunities to fulfill our true potential. There is another way—choosing to live a simply luxurious life. This book will show you how to invest your time and what to eliminate from your life. It will enable you to: • Design a life of purpose that is aligned with your passions and talents • Become financially independent • Enjoy cultivating a healthy mind and body • Build and maintain strong, loving relationships • Create a chic, timeless signature style • Design a comfortable home that is a true sanctuary • Travel in comfort and style • Discover simple pleasures that make each day something to look forward to You can curate the life of your dreams by being purposeful and selective, no matter where you live, your income, or your relationship status. Luxury and true fulfillment are ours for the having if we know where to look and how to make the right choices.

Shannon was gracious enough to participate in an interview with The Daily Connoisseur so you can get to know her better for yourself:

We write about a lot of the same concepts with regard to living
well. My journey started in Paris, living with Madame Chic. How and
where did your journey start?


I’d have to say that the idea of living simply and living well began as a young girl as I had the opportunity to grow up in the country, having Mother Nature at my doorstep and the freedom to roam with my creative curiosities. However, much like you, the concept of living well as an adult was solidified when I studied abroad in France during college. From pairing each meal with hours of conversation, walking everywhere and taking in the history, museums and artisan talents that were on every corner, my initial experience in France confirmed that such a lifestyle was possible, and it was something anyone or anybody could instill in their everyday life.

What do you like about living in Oregon?

The amazing gift of Oregon is that you have a little bit of everything: all four seasons, vast rural, mountainous regions as well as urban progressive areas such as Portland, oh, and the many vineyards, of course. ;)

How can one live a Simply Luxurious Life no matter where you live?

Part of the mission statement of living simply luxuriously is the understanding that it must be a conscious choice. Living well doesn’t just occur; it is something that each one of us cultivates with the small choices we make each day. And once we understand that, the beauty is realizing each of us holds all of the cards for our own contentment. From sipping a delicious cup of hot tea from Palais des The to begin your day, to the thoughts we allow to run around in our mind, to nibbling on a chocolate truffle before snuggling into bed, such simple choices, not necessarily expensive or difficult, can make everyday moments very pleasurable.

I love that you write about finances, which are such an important
facet of living well. What are your top three tips for keeping one's
finances in order?


Having our finances in order is one of the best ways to achieve peace of mind, and when we know we are on sound financial footing we can be more present with those we love. The top three tips I would recommend are:

1. Schedule a monthly budget date with yourself. Make it a pleasurable ritual. Pour yourself a cup of tea, turn on your favorite jazz album and do something to celebrate at the end of month in which your finances are where you want them. (Need help setting up your own budget? Check out my simple budget template here.)

2. Start saving for retirement yesterday (in other words now), no matter how small. The sooner you begin, the faster compound interest can work its magic.

3. Use cash. Each month withdraw a certain amount of cash for entertainment, groceries and transportation. Do your best to stick to it. Seeing your hard-earned cash exchange hands from your wallet to a cash register is a mental reminder of the labor you expended and what it is bringing into your life.


When shopping for clothes, how can we save money, but still invest in quality?
Cost per wear. Initially paying $100 or more for a quality pair of jeans is going to be hard to swallow, but if they indeed are a quality pair, they will last for years. And with each subsequent time of use, the cost decreases. The goal when going clothes shopping is to purchase items that will last and will still look impeccable with each use. You may not have a lot of clothes, but each item will look stunning, and that is ultimately the goal (and it makes the decision process a lot easier).

How would you describe your signature style?
Casual, chic, classic.

What is your signature scent?
I keep it simple with this decision as well. I love the blend of femininity and masculinity in Chanel No. 5.

How can we learn more about you?
A quick tour of how I live my own simply luxurious life can be seen in this short video below . Readers can now get to know me even better on my weekly podcast The Simple Sophisticate which airs each Monday morning on iTunes. Not only do I talk about the topics addressed on the blog, but I share more of myself, my experiences, etc.

The key for anyone wishing to live well regardless of their income, age or relationship status is self-knowledge and being willing to find the courage to tap into your very unique innate talents. They are there, and they’re waiting to be discovered. When you find them, you will be so glad you made the effort. Trust me. I know it’s scary initially, but it only gets better.


Shannon is offering to give away one signed copy of her new book to a reader of The Daily Connoisseur. Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to all readers (including international). The winner will be announced on the widget after the contest is over. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more on Shannon visit her at www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

See you on Sunday for my Christmas Message 2014!

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59 comments:

Kelly said...

I love to wear my classic London Fog trench coat on a rainy day! I pair it with boots, either my worn-in leather riding boots or my warmer, more winter-appropriate boots. Someday soon I need to get a pair of proper rain boots!

Ashley Diaz said...

I love rainy days! My 3 year old daughter and I love wearing our rain boots (which double as decor under our entryway table) and her favorite part is finding the biggest puddles to splash in as we run our morning errands!

I would love to win the Simply Luxurious Life giveaway! It looks like an inspriring read, and I plan on purchasing it right away if I am not the winner :)

Kelly said...

I want to make my morning routine more luxurious!

Kate said...

I make time for myself in the morning after my husband goes to work and before I start getting ready for work to sit down with a cup of coffee and read whatever book I am currently reading. It's a calm, but stimulating start to my day!

B. said...

I am so excited about this book!

Unknown said...

The most luxurious thing I do is sip my coffee in bed each morning. Sometimes my cat joins me to snuggle. This is my quiet time before the crazy begins!

Susan said...

I love carrying umbrellas on rainy days. I have quite a collection and can usually find the perfect one for any rainy occasion .

Just me said...

Mornings could be more Luxurious in our house. it seems we are all going in different directions on hi speed with me watching the clock, scrambling to make breakfast for everyone and my husbands lunch. I could take a lesson from your Madam Chic in that area.

flourgirl said...

When I make the time to do it, I enjoy getting up an hour before the kids and reading a little and sipping hot tea. A nice bit of quiet time before a hectic day of homeschooling sets in.

Sarah Extance Garcia said...

My little luxury is to snuggle on my bedroom arm chair with a soft navy blanket (the color is enough to make me swoon) and my little Italian Greyhound and a book and a cuppa tea (Earl Grey or Lemongrass Green). Plus right now, I have a mini Christmas on the dresser to twinkle at me.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

This book is on my Christmas list and I follow Shannon's blog as well as yours and I would LOVE to enter to win this fabulous gift!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

On a rainy day I like to wear a cashmere cardigan and a scarf with my boots as I like to be cozy and warm and I find the damp weather can make me feel chilly.

Gabriela said...

I LOOOOVE that outfit! It looks very European, very chic. You're so lucky you can walk to places! That's not very common in this country. Have a wonderful day and Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

At our tropical climate, during raining day, prefer to carry umbrella & wear rubber boots - feel silly sometime but it does look pretty.

Unknown said...

I am here in Southern California, as well. I love the rain. On the most recent rainy day here, I wore my dark, dark wash skinny jeans paired with my black borne riding boots, a long-sleeved black t-shirt, a soft purple scarf and my cream trench coat. Oh and an umbrella of course...once I found it :)

Olivia L. C. said...

The luxurious aspect of my day include sipping hot chai tea with creme and pumpkin spice, wearing scarves, watching the sun set, putting on fuzzy socks before I go to bed, and having silky sheets and pillow cases. :)

Tracey said...

Boots are a definite necessity on a rainy day - though most of the time I prefer to be curled up on the couch with a good book when it's raining!!

Kathryn Bechen said...

Love your boots Jennifer, and like you, I welcomed our SoCal rain and when I was in La Jolla when it was pouring, I kept stepping off the curb into huge puddles but no matter, I just let my shoes get wet and enjoyed the experience without an umbrella too! It was so fresh! Have a nice day Jennifer with your daughters and in your cozy home!

Kimberly V said...

I could use help making my entire day more luxurious. My two squares of dark chocolate after dinner are about as luxurious as it gets for me.

Anonymous said...

It's been raining a lot here lately, even though it's supposed to be summer!
On rainy days I generally plan my outfit around my Ziera boots - although if it's really rainy I'll wear my black & red floral gumboots.
And of course, you can't go past wool for keeping cosy on a rainy day!

Kelly said...

How do you like to dress on a rainy day?

one word: layers! Living in Australia its the only way to dress as it can get so hot so you need to be able to take off or put on layers to be comfortable.

Rosemary said...

Luxurious parts of my life include morning coffee, a class of wine (not together), chocolate, a good book, and snuggling with my schnauzers. I would love to have an English garden in my backyard. I have a large backyard, and next spring I plan to start this transformation.

rhonda said...

I use scented soaps &beautiful creamy body lotions everyday.

Unknown said...

Luxurious part of my day includes perfume everyday in the morning and scented lotion and bath at night. I also enjoy a mini croissant with my coffee in the morning and a piece of dark chocolate/ truffle at night ( just one!). ��

Unknown said...

A small luxury that I enjoy daily is Shea Butter skin lotion from L'Occitane. It makes such a difference for my dry skin in the winter, especially, and I feel as if I'm taking care of myself, in addition to my family.

Lisa said...

I just purchased your boo Jennifer. I am really excited about embracing my inner"chic"! I am trying to apply many of the principles. I am a BIG thrift shopper. I find so many wonderful, quality pieces this way. What is your thought?

Lisa said...

I just purchased your boo Jennifer. I am really excited about embracing my inner"chic"! I am trying to apply many of the principles. I am a BIG thrift shopper. I find so many wonderful, quality pieces this way. What is your thought?

The Semi Sweet said...

Lovely outfit! And the jacket is so smart!!

Oh and I love Shannon 's podcasts so much. They are such a treat to listen to.

The Semi Sweet said...

Oh and to make my life more luxurious, I start my morning with two glass of water, followed by a cup of coffee, followed by more water, then some yoga. And then more coffee because I'm pretty useless if I don't get two cups of coffee in me:)

Anonymous said...

I try to incorporate a little luxury into every aspect of my life. Sometimes I succeed; sometimes... not so much.

For instance, one of my favorite things is to get up really early in the morning, so that I have time to myself. I have a really good cup of tea, do some morning chores (stoke the fire in the wood stove, prep things for breakfast), then I do some exercises, some affirmations and meditate. This is a great way to get the day off to a relaxed start. I also put some makeup on every day, even if I am not going anywhere. It gives me a lift every time I pass a mirror.

Another little luxury is a nap after lunch -- even if I only have time for a short one. I'm usually flagging by then, so it's better to go just go with it. I feel recharged after a rest.

Cooking from scratch is also a luxury for me. because I am a really good cook.

And the day is not complete unless I have some time to read during the course of the day -- usually in the evening or before bed.

handroanthus said...

Where I live, in western France, rain is a lifestyle, just like in certain parts of the PNW, or London at certain times of the year! I'm in the market for a new trench, but taking my time to find the right one. Usually that is my go-to in the rain,along with temperature appropriate footwear such as wellies, fleece lined LLbean type boots, or just leather shoes.

I'm a new reader to your blog. As you may guess, we move around a fair bit, so I also am an editor in terms of our belongings. I am appreciating the inspiration you provide, and I'm enjoying comparing our very different experiences in France. As you can guess, my life is filled with little luxuries, from finding that perfect loaf of bread at the weekly farmers market, to chatting about the challenges of organic farming with my maraicher. I love that the French cultivate their minds as well as their food; good conversations abound!

Tracy said...

I can't wait to read this book - whether I win or have to purchase! :)

Evaline said...

On really wet days I wear my red rain boots so I don't ruin my good shoes.I am still looking for a cute rain hat so I don't have to commute with an umbrella.

Inkfanatic said...

I actually looove rainy days! And I have 3 dogs who always need walking, so I'm out in it a lot, when it happens.
I do want to get a classic trench, but for now, since it's winter here (& cold!), I layer a thick scarf and either my winter coat with a hood, or wear my barn jacket.
Underneath just depends. But there's something that feels super feminine about wearing a dress on rainy days! So I love to do that.

Sandra said...

I hate wet feet, so I always wear my boots whenever it rains.

Unknown said...

Luxury doesn't have to cost anything. It can be a quiet moment of breathing, or simply looking into my children's eyes.

Anonymous said...

I can do just about anything in my current lifestyle that would make it more luxurious. I need to make it a priority, and right now I'm afraid I don't. I would like to start my day with some journaling and a hot tea or cup of coffee, if I could.

Unknown said...

I love to wear my Burberry trench on a rainy day. I pair that with a pair of short black rain boots and a wool fedora or a cloche.

Sue in Spain said...

I like to wear my classic navy trench coat, my grey wellies (rain boots) and my brightest scarf, to brighten up my day and hopefully everyone else's day!

Unknown said...

On a rainy day I wear my black Tretorn Metro -jacket and boots. Here in western Finland it´s always windy too, so an umbrella is out of question.
A simple luxury is having a cup of tea in the evening after the kids are put in bed. I don't think I need more luxury, just the ability to define and recognize it from all the buzz.
I'm glad this giveaway is open for us international readers too, thank you!

Sarah said...

I try to incorporate small luxuries throughout the day, from putting on my favorite scent in the morning to savoring a piece of decadent dark chocolate in the afternoon to snuggling up with a great book at bedtime. None of these things cost a lot of money, but they bring me a lot of joy.

DeannaS said...

Rainy day fare: black cashmere turtleneck, black jeans, black boots and beige London Fog raincoat with a romantic print umbrella. Lovely!

Unknown said...

Hello from Edinburgh, just returning from holiday in the Highlands. I approve ;)

Tourmaline said...

Hi Jennifer,

In rainy weather I always wear knee-high boots in black, beige, grey or brown – whatever goes with my outfit. Here in Australia we often get rain in warm weather, so I might be wearing a summer dress, but I don’t like getting wet, muddy, grassy feet, so boots it is!

Judith

Unknown said...

Hello :)
I like to wear jeans, a comfy shirt, and sweater on rainy days. Maybe a hat, all sheltered by an umbrella.

Unknown said...

I've been reading Shannon 's blog for years, and am hooked on her new podcast too, so I'm looking forward to reading the book. Rainy days are a terrific time to indulge in my favorite luxury: cashmere. A toasty sweater and scarf under my rain coat, cashmere linings in my gloves and occasionally even cashmere socks under my boots make me feel privileged and pampered even when the weather is miserable.

rose*life said...

Hi Jennifer,
There is nothing better than waking up early before anybody else in the house and sipping coffee or tea while listening to some classical masterpieces!

beautybabbling said...

I love playing with makeup, so I love sitting down and taking that time for myself every morning. Even during a really busy day, I always take that time for myself.

Unknown said...

Every evening I rub my hands with my favorite hand cream and moisturize my lips with my of the moment lip cream. It's a little thing but I enjoy it.

Unknown said...

Rubbing my hands with a rich hand cream and moisturizing my lips with my favorite lip balm at night are simple ways I live luxuriously.

Maureen said...

Thank you for showing us your rainy day look. I live in Oregon, so in your OOTD, you're dressed for my environment. :)

I love that you interviewed Shannon from The Simply Luxurious Life. Yours and hers are my two favorite blogs--the two I never miss. I enjoyed her interview with you on her podcast a few weeks ago. You are both terrific champions for living fully and beautifully. Brava!

Ann said...

Just bought rainboots....love them. Would love to win the book...perfect read for a rainy day.

Unknown said...

I would love to find more enjoyment in rainy days. I've recently been trying to become more aware of the visual beauty of the rain rather than rushing from one door to the next trying to escape. Perhaps a pair of rain boots might help with this endeavor....

Unknown said...

My simple luxuries are having a piece of dark chocolate every afternoon and making time to read a good book every day. I would like to have more quiet time in the mornings.

Cate said...

It rains so often here in Oregon that what I wear depends on what kind of rain it is. For light rain I have a pair of waterpoof riding boots. For heavy rain I have a pair of black and red Hunter boots. (Shoes are very important for me since I don't drive!) Jackets and coats really vary between season and weather.
I would love to win Shannon's book because she is actually how I found out about Lessons from Madame Chic! :)

Unknown said...

How do you like to dress on a rainy day?

it rarely rain here in my city, so whenever it rains i usually stick to comfortable clothes and shoes that won't get quite dirty, since the place has puddles when it rains.

Do you have any luxurious aspects about your day that you love?
ummm i don't think i have but maybe the way i spend some hours on the internet just chillin with my cats and drinking green tea counts as one.

What aspects of your daily life could you make more luxurious?
my relaxing and bathing routine. i don't have a bath tub, i figure if i have one i can use all those lovely bath salts and bath bombs and make my da luxurous!

koolchicken said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
koolchicken said...

I like to dress the same as you in rainy weather. I like in WA and it rains here a lot! And I don't think my style should have to suffer just because of that. I don't want to have to wear jeans everyday. For me investing in good boots, both rain boots and nice leather ones I protect has been key. On mildly rainy days I'll wear the leather ones to keep warm and dry, on really bad days, or if Im going to be outdoors a lot I'll wear the rain ones. I like to keep a spare (cute and sparkly!) hair tie or two in my bag as well, because wet hair can bring down even the best of outfits so sometimes it's just best to get it up and out of the way.

Unknown said...

I have been wearing my raincoat from REI that is not as fashionable as I might like. I have a London Fog raincoat that I've had for 30 years and you have inspired me to get it out of storage and begin wearing it again. I got At Home with Madame Chic for Christmas (early) and am enjoying it. Thank you.