ROYAL BLUE PANTS

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am searching for brightly colored pants for summer, and that I had found several of them already. Having said that, I'm pleased to say that I have found another of the colors I wanted. After not being able to find royal blue pants at Nordstrom or Brooks Brothers, I finally found them in the Polo department at the third Macy's store I visited. I'm definitely not afraid to hunt until I find the exact shades I'm looking for.

I had hoped that Nordstrom would have them in their Vineyard Vines section, but the section is small and the items are limited (I've heard rumors that we will be getting a Vineyard Vines store here Minneapolis, and I'm hoping they're true).  I wasn't interested in ordering the pants online, because I was looking for a particular shade of royal blue, and you can never be sure of the actual color in the online photos.

In the end, I found the exact shade of royal blue I was looking for from Polo, and they were on sale which made the find even better. While there are still a few other colors on my list, these all cotton pants have quickly become a favorite, and I have worn them several times.  Never be afraid to keep searching for the exact colors you want, in the end, you'll be glad you did.


***Would you wear royal blue pants?

THE MINNESOTA FREEDOM BAND'S 

PRIDE CONCERT

Monday was the summer solstice, or the first official day of summer. As the longest day of the year, we were treated to over 15 hours of daylight, and to top it off, our weather was much cooler with a lower level of humidity, making it the perfect evening for outdoor activities. 

Monday also kicked of Pride week in Minneapolis, and some friends and I attended the Minnesota Freedom Band's annual Pride concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. As part of the Minneapolis Free Music and Movies in the Parks series, the bandshell hosts free concerts every evening throughout the summer.

Founded in 1982, the Minnesota Freedom Band is the oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allied band in Minnesota. From its modest beginnings, they now have a marching band, a concert band, and even a jazz ensemble.  

My friend Juan reading aloud the names of the Orlando shooting victims.

This year's concert payed tribute to Minnesota's own, Prince, and also remembered the victims of the shooting at Pulse Bar in Orlando, Florida. During a medley of Prince songs, as the band played Purple Rain, my friend Juan, a member of the band, read aloud the names and ages of the Orlando victims. It was a somber and very moving moment.

The cooler temperatures, and longer hours of daylight on Monday, made it the perfect evening to get out and enjoy some summertime fun, and the Minnesota Freedom Band's annual Pride concert made the evening even more special.


***How did you celebrate the summer solstice?

FOREFATHERS

This year on Father's Day, while I don't have children of my own, I'm remembering the many fathers in my family who have gone before me.

My father, Cyril John White.

My grandfather, Raymond John White.

My great-grandfather, John Henry White.

My great-great-grandfather Bernard White.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

***How did you celebrate your father today?

HAPPY FLAG DAY

***How did you celebrate Flag Day?

WEARING THE BLUES

But still in the pink!

What I'm Wearing:  
               Gingham Blue Shirt:  Merona
               Sweater Vest:  Polo Ralph Lauren
               Bow Tie:  Countess Mara
               Blue Pants:  Polo Ralph Lauren
               Blue Suede Shoes:  Bass

               Watch:  Timex

               Watch Strap:  Cheapest Nato Straps

               Bracelet:  Kiel James Patrick


***What are you wearing to start your week?

DOVES CRY

On April 21, 2016, the world lost a truly great musical talent, with the passing of Prince. Prince Rogers Nelson was found dead at his Paisley Park home, in Chanhassen, MN, and like most of the world, the Twin Cities were in shock as the news broke, mourning the loss of their hometown celebrity.

Immediately flowers, memorials, and tributes began gathering outside paisley park and his star out side of First Avenue, a downtown music venue that plays heavily into Prince's story was painted gold (First Avenue was the performance venue featured in the movie, Purple Rain). 

Many of the trees in Minneapolis were adorned with purple ribbons, and a mural featuring Prince was added to a building in Uptown. My friend Renee Larson, of the Bow Tie Shoppe even created a limited run Prince memorial bow tie (the original one was left on the fence at Paisley Park as a tribute).

My first introduction to Prince and his music were the songs "1999" and "Little Red Corvette," but they were just a foreshadowing of the eclectic talent that was to follow.

Today would have been Prince's 58th birthday, and it's fitting to know that, six weeks following his death, the remembering, memorials, and tributes continue throughout the Twin Cities. Prince was an amazing talent, and Minnesota still mourns his passing and loss.

Happy Birthday Prince! 

You Are Indeed Love And Missed!

***Do you have a favorite Prince song?

FUN FRIDAY FLORALS!!!

Today was another cloudy, rainy, dreary day in Minneapolis, and definitely needed some reminders of spring. To meet that challenge, I decided to add a dash of springtime cheer to my outfit with bright colors and a bit of spring flowers. It was the perfect way to brighten the day as we prepare for more rain this weekend.

***How do you add springtime cheer to your wardrobe?

THE ALL AMERICAN DONUT!!!

I decided to carry our patriotic theme of the week into National Donut Day. You can never go wrong with a red, white, and blue frosted donut.


***Did you celebrate National Donut Day?

PATRIOTIC WEEK

Carrying the patriotic feel of Memorial Day into the week.


***Show me some of your favorite patriotic looks.

REMEMBERING

Remembering those who fought for our freedom!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

***How did you spend your Memorial Day?