Summer Fashion With National and Linda Purl

When the stars connect in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise expected, great things happen!  One such occasion revealed itself with the opportunity to collaborate with National , a family and female owned company based in Lexington, North Carolina, with a legacy of 65 years in the catalog business. Oh, my lucky stars!! When opportunity knocked yet again and my gal pal, actress and singer, Linda Purl, jumped on board, well, I felt like I’d won the lottery!  May I repeat? Oh, my lucky stars!!

Miss Linda is seemingly on the run! She jet sets across the globe performing on screen or on stage, in front of the camera or a live audience, in theatrical productions or singing her heart out in one of her fabulous cabaret performances.  Seriously, this dynamo logs more air miles than anyone I know!   Partnering with National was a perfect “fit” for this busy lady who is on the lookout for clothing that is functional, comfortable, and stylish, and will easily transition to a variety of time zones and settings.  From casual apparel and loungewear to lingerie and hosiery and everything in between, National’s focus is the woman who wants comfortable classic clothing at an affordable price. She’s the face of every woman across the nation. Champions of all things family and supporters of women in business, Linda and I admire this company’s commitment to both.

Despite Linda’s busy schedule, we managed to squeeze in some quality time for a quick photo shoot in Ventura, California, where Linda was performing in a play called “Women Beyond Borders”, a cross cultural production which honors and documents women’s voices in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. In between the matinee and the evening performance, Linda stole away, and Big Rich (my wonderful hubby and partner in crime) snapped a few fun, candid photos. The powerful message of strength in collaboration from the play coincidentally setting a new stage as Linda and I quickly changed into our National outfits. We chatted nonstop, making the best of our time swinging the pendulum from intellectual, philosophical affairs to joking and giggling like school girls. The overcast sky and intermittent drizzle called for stylish summer outfits offering a bit of coverage, yet lightweight and comfortable.

Linda’s choice was a casual, chic southwest themed pant and tunic ensemble.  It’s the detail that makes this pullover Southwest Embroidered Top so special. The fringe and tassel ties make it fun! Draping beautifully, the Printed Challis Pants are the perfect weight for warm-weather wear and will mix-and-match with Linda’s favorite tops. I love these pants so much I just ordered a pair for myself!   At the end of this blog, take a peek at the images of the Dip-dyed Button-front Top and Sleeveless Mock Neck Sweater Linda picked out which also pair perfectly with the challis pants.

I opted for some casual denim capri pants and a colorful fun print tee along with comfy Clark’s sandals. With its striped print set at a diagonal for a slimming effect, the UltraSofts® Aruba Print Top makes a flattering addition to my wardrobe. Made by National® this remarkably UltraSofts® fabric protects from the sun with UPF 50.  National offers over 70+ exclusive styles in this popular fabric.

Made by National® with a hint of spandex for stretch, these pull-on Side Button Denim Jeans have decorative faux-wood buttons and side vents adding a fashionable touch. A feature I love are the side pockets, the perfect size for my keys and phone! These ankle-length jeans will get a lot of wear and are already a staple garment in my wardrobe.

As we became pressed for time and the weather continued to grow more questionable we took shelter in a wonderful little bistro for a small bite, a beverage, and some big belly laughs before sending Miss Linda back to the theater for her evening performance.  Voila, a rustic brick wall served up as the perfect backdrop to showcase a couple more of our favorite National casual tops. I think we complement one another nicely in our cool summer yellow and green tones!

Linda is wearing a comfortable yet stylish, yellow Embroidered Tunic crafted by Top Stitch® in soft knit cotton. This pullover V-neck is accented with floral embroidery, 3/4-length sleeves, and a straight hem with side slits.  With Linda’s hectic travel schedule this top is a versatile go-to piece in her wardrobe. At the end of the blog, please see the images and links to a couple of Linda’s favorite capri pants:  UltraSofts® Capri Pants and Floral Embroidered Stretch Capris which can easily mix and match with all the tops.

I also chose this Solid Camp Shirt  in shade Turquoise Water by Donnkenny®. This button up shirt is made from easy-care crinkled texture fabric that never needs ironing.  Yep, no ironing, lightweight and comfortable for all my summer needs.

Cute and comfy, these Valarie Mindi Sandals can be worn year round in Southern California. Made by Clarks® with a leather upper, these T-strap sandals offer a cushioned foot bed. I have issues with my feet and Clark’s never disappoints. I could walk miles in these wonderful sandals!

After farewells and warm hugs we bid adieu to our Linda.  “Until soon”, we fondly called to one another as we waved and parted. Our time short but sweet, had come to a close. But wait, that’s not all!!  I have one more outfit to showcase!  I had secretly been saving this one for Big Rich. I did a quick change and totally surprised him modeling this fun and flirty floral dress. His reaction and approval very evident when a huge smile grew across his face and he swooned, “Barbie you are a vision in that dress! Let’s make this a date night!”

Perfect for Sunday brunch or dinner and dancing (oh yes!!) this Sleeveless Ruched Dress makes a flattering addition to my summer wardrobe. Made by National® in silky, easy-care polyester with a touch of spandex for stretch, I love the pullover styling and the full sweeping A-line skirt hitting below the knee. Can’t you just see me swooshing along the boardwalk hand in hand or twirling on the dance floor with Big Rich?

Summer evenings near the beach in Southern California often require a light layer and this Open Knit Cardigan fits the bill!  The draped front can be worn open or tied closed. Whether I need protection against the blast from indoor AC or just need extra coverage, I know I will wear this cardigan again and again.

National offers a wide variety of sizing from plus size to petite. One of the aspects I enjoy about online shopping is the variety of sizes and selection of styles and National delivers in both departments. Customer service is exemplary with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I am thrilled to offer my readers a 20% off discount with free shipping until July 31, 2019. Simply enter the code Natl20barbie at checkout. This is good for the entire National website and is an additional discount to the summer sale going on right now!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with National  but all words and opinions are mine. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with companies that offer style, comfort and affordability to women like me. 

I also hope you check out my upcoming interview on their blog If The Muumuu Fits. Parker Wilson, the granddaughter of the man who started National, will be writing the article.   Parker’s mom is now the owner and CEO of the company. National is truly a family affair, also spreading its reach into the community in a variety of ways through its charitable fund.

Links to more of Linda Purl’s National picks:

See all the wonderful things Linda Purl is up to by visiting her website https://www.lindapurl.com/ . Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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