Trends: Holiday Dresses

by | Sep 17, 2012 | Fashion | 10 comments

It is that time of the year where we need to start thinking about holiday parties and special events. Today’s society is very casual, jeans and a dressy blouse can be suitable for a night on the town. I think that is okay; but it is great to kick it up a notch and go with glitz and glamour.

The trend for evening dresses this season is sparkle and shine, bold metallics and bright colors. Off the shoulder dresses can be sexy and chic, but long-sleeve dresses can also be just as hot and over the top as well. Do you have a preference of having your arms shown or not? Confidence exudes when I put on a fancy dress and some heels.  Makes me feel like dancing.

The picture of me below was taken before my hubby and I went to our church anniversary.  This dress had a lace bodice and hem, so feminine and the gold shoes with the bow was perfect.

 I wore a black shawl with my dress just in case I got cold.

I was looking for a dress that would cinch me in at the waist because that is the area that I like to accentuate. Every woman has a part of her body that she thinks looks great so work with that when you are looking for holiday clothing. Also, this dress is a great value to me because I can wear it more than one time. Granted, I would not wear this dress to work; but if I was invited to an event this would be a go-to dress in a heartbeat.

 

Tips to looking for that perfect dress

  • Make sure you know your exact measurements. How long has it been since you measured yourself?
  • Look for bold colors to make a bold statement
  • Look for gold or silver metallics
  • Look for a dress that you can wear again to another special event
  • Look for something appropriate for the event you are going to

Have fun!

“Promotional content”

A Day at the Endangered Wolf Center

by | Sep 16, 2012 | Travels | 1 comment

Since my wife and I are celebrating our 13th anniversary all month long,  I wanted to surprise her with a special outing. Yesterday morning, we hopped into our Jeep Wrangler and headed out on the highway for a road trip. After trekking about forty five minutes out of the great urban metropolis, we arrived at our destination. A secluded wood area off the interstate known as the Endangered Wolf Center.

My wife and I have a strong desire for animal rights and causes. If she could, my wife would turn our home in a refuge for stray dogs and she would be giving to every charity organization to save the panda bears and all the other endangered animals. But that is why I love her so much. She has such a caring and genuine heart to help people and all of God’s creatures.

JT getting ready to see the wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center

We spent yesterday afternoon at the Endangered Wolf Center. We had never been there before and we had always wanted to go. Started back in 1971 by Marlon Perkins, the center is dedicated to helping endangered wolves and other animals from becoming extinct. Back in 1971, there were only five known Mexican gray wolves in the wild. They were brought to this center along with a few that were kept in a zoo. Since that time, the Mexican gray wolf population has grown from less than ten to over three hundred. Many have been reintroduced into the wild, while others in zoos and habitat centers. I was amazed and impressed to see what this center is doing to help save God’s creatures.

 

A Mexican Gray Wolf, off in the distance

All of the wolves and other animals are securely kept behind two sets of barred-wire fences, for your safety as well as theirs. I was able to photograph the one above from a viewing station with a sight-line above the fences. In addition to the Mexican Gray Wolves, the center is also home to Red Wolves, African Painted Dogs and Swift Foxes.

African Painted Dogs, resting after a long day being people-watched

 

Baby Swift Fox, born on May 11th

 

The Mexican Gray Wolves moving around.

The baby swift foxes in action.

 

In a future post, I will talk about  how my wife and I adopted one of the wolves and what it means for her future survival. Until then, God Bless and Take Care!

Top 4 Ways to spot a fake Christian Louboutin Shoe

by | Sep 15, 2012 | Accessories | 2 comments

This article was written by Foot Candy Shoes

 

Today, it seems as though there are many individuals that are trying to mimic the iconic designer shoes of Christian Louboutin. With his eye for incredible design, texture, fabric, and of course his infamous red sole, who wouldn’t want to be the next Christian Louboutin? Well… there is a difference between inspiration and plagiarism. He is a mogul that he himself created. Since day one he has put everything he had into his shoes. From dreams to scribbles, Louboutin is a trendsetter that no other person other than the glorious man himself can replicate. He truly is a one of a kind designer and this is clearly why every fashionista across the globe is obsessed with his label. Unfortunately, there are many people out there that want a piece of his opulence and they themselves have started to counterfeit his designs.

Here are four tips that will help every fashionista out there distinguish between Authentic Christian Louboutin’s and Imitations:

 

1. The Box: Some may find this tip silly but its close attention to detail that will differentiate genuine Louboutin’s from the fake ones. When looking closely at the box it is important to note the word “Paris.” It should be located near the edge of right side of the box. It should not be underneath the Christian Louboutin logo. In addition, the item description sticker should be on the box. It should clearly state the European size, name of the shoe, and have a sku bar and number all located on this one sticker. Lastly, the Christian Louboutin logo should be written in white lettering.

2. The Dust Bags: An authentic dust bag should be a bright red color made of a cotton fabric with the Christian Louboutin logo noticeably written straight across the bag. Fake dust bags tend to look almost sun faded or pink in tone. In addition, the fake dust bags have the Christian Louboutin logo that is written diagonally. Lastly, the fake dust bags usually are made of a fake silky material.

3. The Red Sole: A genuine Christian Louboutin red sole is always a bright red hue with a high gloss finish. Fake red soles are a deeper red hue and tend to have a matte looking finish rather than glossy one. Pay close attention to the lettering inscribed on the red sole. An authentic Christian Louboutin will clearly have “Christian Louboutin,” “Made in Italy,” and the European size located on it. Many times the fake shoes will have the word “MadeInItaly” as one word with no spaces. Lastly, the loop on the “L” located on an authentic Christian Louboutin shoe will appear almost touching the rest of the “L.” In the replica the “L” will not touch and there is a notable space in-between.

 

Authentic Red Sole

 

Fake Red Sole

 

4. The Authenticity Card: An enormous clue that will distinguish if the shoe you are purchasing is genuine or not has to do with the authenticity card. Fake shoes will come with a red PLASTIC authenticity card. However, genuine Christian Louboutin shoes do not send out any booklets or authenticity cards!!

 

We hope these tips help! Happy Christian Louboutin Hunting!!

This article was written by Foot Candy Shoes, online retailers for Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and more.

 

“Promotional Content”

Wordless Wednesday: Celebrating 13 Years of Marriage

by | Sep 13, 2012 | Inspirations | 12 comments

J and T after the service

September 11, 1999 — the day that I walked down the aisle with my best friend to become his wife. My hubby and I planned the entire wedding ourselves, without the help of any family members or a wedding coordinator. A lot of hard work and time went into planning out all the details. The day turned out so wonderful and beautiful. We thank God for the glorious memories.

 

J and T during their first dance!

We do not usually celebrate just for one day, but instead of the whole month. Anniversaries are a treasured milestone and we believe that they need to be celebrated.