Wedding season is upon us and I want to share some lovely wedding guest gowns for women over 50 or 60, including one I wore recently. I also have some plant care tips and a bath vanity review for my sister’s new condo.
I’m in southern California right now to help my sister prioritize and plan renovations to her new condo in San Diego. So, of course we had to come up to L.A. for a bit to see our daughter, son-in-law and 18 month old Louisa. There’s more on my Instagram stories.
It’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Front Porch Refresh
Recently we added more crushed gravel with shells out front along with white flowers to the terracotta pots. I’ve been throwing shells that I collect on the beach onto the “shelly” gravel.
Sorry to you all in the thick of winter…but this is Florida and the weather is good this time of year…get back to me in August with the humidity.
I brought out the hanging door basket (on sale now) and added a new, real ivy plant. The lady at the plant store told us that if you rotate bringing Ivy plants inside and outside they will not get spider mites.
So, I bought two ivy plants to do just that. The other one is on the coffee table right now and when I get back home I will exchange their locations.
There is bubble wrap in the bottom of the basket (leftover packaging) to lift up the plant.
2. Plant Moisture Meter
My sister swears by this long probe moisture meter for her indoor plants. It’s only around $15 and tells you when your plant is thirsty. I’m going to order one.
3. Formal Wedding Attire
I wore this Kay Unger dress to Mercedes and Mark’s daughter’s wedding last week. A couple of people asked me for the source on Instagram. I had to have it shortened quite a bit but I was comfortable.
Notice my T rack for hanging outfits and/or steaming them. Did you catch my closet organization post?
4. More Formal Wedding Guest Attire
Formal wedding guest gowns can get expensive. These are less than $500…still a lot of money but they are well made.
black one shoulder • black and white
blue (my dress) • red • teal and pewter • black off the shoulder (a little more expensive)
5. Timeless Stock Bath Vanities
My sister needs to update two bathrooms. I gave her nine selections and she narrowed it down to the six below. These stock vanities with marble and stone composite tops with sinks make it quicker for installation. Some assembly is required. Which are your favorites?
1 blue • 2 white • 3 white • 4 black • 5 green • 6 light gray
That’s what I’ve been up to. Hope it’s all good where you are!
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Martha Foss says
Hi, I’d love the dress you ordered the wedding. I actually had the Teri-John dress ( different print same style) for my daughter’s wedding. It was the most comfortable dress and I love the pockets. Unfortunately I did not get it at the sale price at Saks.! your sister is lucky to have you do design work for her. We are in Florida now and they are having a real cold spell.! in fact, I bought a lightweight coat that I have not stopped Waring since I’ve been here on Monday!!
LInda Smalley says
Could you please share the source for the larger area rug on your front porch. Thanks.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…it’s from Target’s indoor outdoor section.
Joanna says
I would pick one with drawers, versus cupboards. It’s easier to organize and access everything than digging through a cupboard. I think my favourite is #2. White is classic and has that clean look you want in a bathroom. I also like legs on a vanity and a single tap is easier than two.
Your dress picks are lovely. I particularly like the teal & pewter one. I don’t have any weddings come up though.
Would you not be afraid of bringing in spiders or mites on the plants as you rotate?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I hadn’t thought about bringing in spiders but she said indoor plants ivies are the ones that get mites.
Carol C says
Your gown ls so lovely. I have a wedding in April & I’m thinking about wearing black,
So do you think it’s appropriate?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I think so. Lots of the guests were wearing black.
Susan says
I am drawn to #1 and #5. Both of the designs are more unique than the typical vanity and have good features. #1 has nice deep drawers and extra towels could be stored in the center doors. I like #5 with the doors on the sides for towels and, if indeed the center are drawers, they would be very useful. I like the fact that the top row of #5 is two wide and the rest of it has 3 sections. I realize you probably lose a little storage with this design but it is more pleasing to look at and the wider doors are more functional.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks for your thoughts!
Joan says
The blue gown really becomes you, and y’all look like you’re having a wonderful evening!
My votes for the vanity go to 2 White and 5 Green. I prefer single hole faucets for the primary bath bc they are more pleasant to use frequently/easier to modulate the temp (if less appropriate for classic decor, historically speaking), and this white vanity offers many useful drawers. The green vanity is classic but interesting w/ the mitered stiles/rails on the cabinet doors, but offers fewer drawers and a 3-hole faucet mount — perhaps for the guest bath?
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks for the input, Joan.
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
Your sister is fortunate to have input in doing some remodeling. Depending on the colors in her home what works makes a difference. Not knowing, I believe number 3 would be something that would work nicely.
Love the Ivy plant and basket on your front door. Looks welcoming and inviting. Another wonderful Mary Ann touch.
Happy Galentine’s Day.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Happy Galentine’s to you, Katherine.
Donna Ratinoff says
Beautiful dresses! You have wonderful taste in all you do. Love the vanities, too. Where are they available?
Have fun in San Diego!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Check out, Wayfair, or the links Donna! Thanks.
Kathleen Hurder says
G’morning! I’m from San Diego and I THINK
I see your sister (I recognize her from some of your posts) in a Mission Federal ad. Yes??? If not, it could be her twin! 😃👏🏼👍🏼
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes! She is in the Mission Fed ad. Her company does the advertising!
cindy says
Mary Ann you look gorgeous in that Kay Unger gown. Great selections for your sister, deciding is the difficult part!! Have fun with little Louisa & decorating!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Been having lots of fun with Louisa. It’s going to be hard to leave today.