by | Jul 15, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Happy Summer my Elegant Readers!
It has been hot lately; but this dress is even hotter. Ha Ha!

London Times
Dooney and Bourke
I added a green blouse for work because even though it is hot outside; it can get cool in the office. I am not complaining I just add my little shirt jacket over my dress and I am set.

Florals are a burst of color for summer. Every time I see bright colors it brings a smile to my face.

JT in London Times dress
Macy’s, in the Railway Exchange Building that opened in 1924, is closing. In a future post I will right more about the closing of the downtown destination. All their items are 40 to 60 percent off. I saw this dress and had to have it. I had never seen anything remotely like it. The detail work of the stitching of the garment is superb. I could of size down with this dress; but that’s okay. It is more of a relaxed fit. The flowers look like a vintage garden; but the blooms are not overpowering. The white background softens the colors and makes this dress a tried and true favorite of mine.
I will try to wear this dress in different ways because I believe that it can be a workhorse in the wardrobe. Did you notice I have a Dooney and Bourke color-blocked red and navy handbag that I am carrying. It is color but not overpowering. It does not compete with the colors in the dress; but it complements it very well.
Are you a bit apprehensive about color or do you step in with both feet and celebrate it?

This post is linked with Visible Monday.
by | Jul 8, 2013 | Fashion |
Summer 2013 shoes are all about simple embellishments and practical wear-ability. This warm weather season designers universally have incorporated metallic adornments and neutral colors into their fabulous summer collections. Whether you’re a boho chic, classic glamour or a rustic elegance fashionista, there is a gorgeous shoe out there that is perfect for you this summer.
Below are the trendiest summer shoe styles that will complement any personality.
1. Statement Sandals
Nothing screams summer quite like sandals; they have become an iconic summer style that has re-invented itself year after year because of its wear-ability. This summer sandals have once again evolved and are perfect statement making pieces. Designers like Koolaburra and Stuart Weitzman have taken the sandal to the next level by creating architectural inspired pieces. From fringe to calf length gladiators, summer sandals are fun, unique and practical. But perhaps the best part about statement making sandals is that they are transitional. This summer whether you’re at a backyard barbeque, touring a new city or watching a movie in the park, sandals are the ideal style because they are comfortable and will pair with everything from jeans to dresses. So if you’re a gal that is looking for transitional shoes that are wear-able then statement making sandals are your ideal summer shoe.

footcandyshoes.com – Koolaburra – S3Ven

footcandyshoes.com – Stuart Weitzman – Gladiator
2. Gold Embellished Wedges
Gold is in every collection this summer season but our favorite way to incorporate this illuminating color into your look is by wearing it on your wedges. Designers like Kate Spade and Jimmy Choo have creatively integrated metallic gold into their wedge designs by subtly adding gold fabric and hardware. Since gold remains hidden within the details of the wedge designs, pops of gold seem to shimmer and light up as you gracefully walk. Given that gold is very neutral in tone, gold embellished wedges become versatile because they can be worn with an array of outfits, from capris to bathing suits to peplum dresses. If you’re a glamour girl that wants a dainty sparkle in your step then gold embellished wedges are the perfect shoe for you this summer.

footcandyshoes.com – Kate Spade – Carmelita

footcandyshoes.com – Jimmy Choo – Pela-Tec
3. Ankle Boots
The pairing of ankle boots with shorts embodies all that is summer 2013. The bohemian music festival vibe combined with a touch of rustic elegance creates a casual, fun and effortless look. Designers like Materia Prima and Stuart Weitzman have designed stunning ankle boots that celebrities like Ashley Tisdale, Kate Bosworth, and Miranda Kerr have been recently spotted in. From concerts to shopping endeavors to your 4th of July celebration, ankle boots will leave you feeling comfortable throughout the entire day and night. But perhaps the best part about buying ankle boots this summer is that you will get plenty of wear out of them for the fall and winter seasons as well. So if you’re looking for a versatile yet rustic glamour type of shoe then ankle boots are the shoes for you this summer.

footcandyshoes.com – Materia Prima – 3M6394

footcandyshoes.com – Stuart Weitzman – Studgal
4. Strappy Pumps
Cuff straps and strappy open toed pumps are one of the sexiest trends this summer season. There’s just something about pumps that have straps and ties—it simply projects confidence and charisma. When strappy pumps are done right they look soft, delicate yet exude attitude. Designers like Rupert Sanderson and Jerome Rousseau are the ideal designers to turn to when looking for a strappy pump this summer season. Within their collections they have strappy pumps that all women will feel empowered and sophisticated in. From a summer wedding to a special luncheon, strappy pumps not only will make you feel and look gorgeous but they are a must when battling the heat. If you’re a woman that loves practical fashion then strappy pumps are the shoes for you this warm weathered season.

footcandyshoes.com – Rupert Sanderson – Ivory

footcandyshoes.com – Jerome Rousseau – Lund
We hope that these 4 trendy summer shoe styles make it into your closet!
To purchase these summer shoe styles, or to find more of your own, be sure to visit Foot Candy Shoes
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by | Jun 30, 2013 | Fashion |

Bold Prints are hotter than ever! The dress from Chadwicks kicks up the print factor of more is better.

Not fond of showing my shoulders and arms but I branched out. I have always wanted slender arms but no matter how much I work out they just keep looking muscular.
I digress. Lord deliver me from this self torture.
Oh well I have to love me some me! Stop the nitpicking of my arms and start embracing that I work out hard so I feel good about that.
Now onto the shoes.
The shoes are from Poetic Licence, such a great find and are one of my favorites for summer. The flowers on the wedges are so 3 dimensional. So cool!

Here’s another view.

This dress is refreshing and great for those summer days because the fabric is 100% cotton. The fabric is breathable and the pattern is a vibrant paisley.
I added another pop of color with my Dooney and Bourke red and navy bag.

My jewelry includes two of my favorite pieces. My silver Italian lire charm bracelet and my Amedeo NYC cameo ring.

Color, color, color is the way to go for me. It not only makes me smile but it gives some confidence in the way I carry myself.

This post is linked to Visible Monday
by | Jun 30, 2013 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
I am focusing more on reading the Bible and books that I have in my library. How can I talk about what I believe in if I don’t study and continually develop a personal relationship with the Lord.
I am part of FaithVillage.com and they have a great book review group where I can pick out a book from their selection, they send it to me, I read it and give my honest review of it.

Jesus the One and Only
by Beth Moore
The book I selected was Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore. Beth Moore is the Founder of LivingProof Ministries. In the early chapters of this book, Beth gives a realistic interpretation of what Mary felt like and what she might of went through when giving birth to the Son of God. One highlight for me is that she made me feel like Mary was human, which she was, not that she was someone that I should worship. I have never read a book that described Mary in so much detail, and Beth writes in a way where she gives her own personal experiences. For example, what she felt like when she first gave birth and how if felt to see her little girl in her arms.
She said that God gave her an example of what Mary’s first moments might have been like as a mother.
A snippet of the book Moore writes:
“Her body lay sapped of strength, her eyes were heavily closed, but her mind refused to give way to rest. She ached for her mother.”
This book really made me think of Mary differently. I knew she was the mother of the Son of God; but to see her imagined in a different light was quite interesting and refreshing.
This book gives a view of Jesus all the way to the crucifixion and is so good at giving observation and specific detail. I felt like I was right there. The author never says that this is the way it was when she describes a specific scenario. She always says that it is an interpretation or what she imagined it might be like. She incorporates scripture so the book is not only of her thoughts.
This book also has a sample of the study guide that can also be purchased if you want to delve into the bible study.

If you want to have a deeper relationship with Jesus, this is good book to start. The number one book is your Bible; but this is a good book to read.

I received this book free from Faith Village.com. I am giving my honest review and didn’t have to give a positive review. This in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by | Jun 24, 2013 | Inspirations, Pets |
Today is our boy’s birthday and he is such a joy and so kind-hearted and loving. When my husband and Gio and I first laid eyes on him we knew he was ours.
Israel, our collie whom we had for thirteen years, went to be with the Lord in April 2007. That was the hardest time for us. It took some time to heal, but we had to have another doggie and a little brother for Gio in the family. I had found a local collie breeder; but we were put on a waiting list because their dogs were not in a breeding season yet. My hubby went on the hunt for a another tri-collie breeder. He searched in the local newspapers but found nothing. He looked for collie websites, but he could find nothing close to home. He happened to look at the classified section of the Chicago newspaper and found a breeder with collie pups available in Sherrard, Illinois; a small town south of the Quad Cities. He called the breeder and she had one tri-collie male left. She sent us the photo of him below; and we knew he was the one for us. The breeder called him Tiny Tuxedo, but we call him Vinny. He looks shy in this photo, however is personality is lively and full of fun.

I remember my husband and I set out on the road trip to pick him up after a Welcome Ministry meeting at Church. We drove more than four hours and ended up in farmland that really did not give a lot of direction. We called the breeder to find our exact destination. When we got out of the Jeep, it was like collie land. Rough collies, short-haired collies, tri-collies, blue merle collies, and Lassie collies were all around us. We got to meet Vinny’s mama, Cleopatra. She was so kind and loving. I see where Vinny gets those qualities from. His daddy is very handsome; but at the time he was in heat so he couldn’t be let out, because, well you know.
This farm was out of a book. The collies had free reign and slept underneath the stars. It was a special place to visit. When we picked up our little guy, he jumped in the back of the Jeep like he knew we were coming for him and was ready to go home with us. At first, I was wondering if his mamma would miss him; but after sometime they don’t feel like that, so it was okay. This little guy was already potty trained, but could gnaw paper with the best of them.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the little fella because he has so much fun in the snow with his big brother Gio.
You may have realized that Vinny is in a chunk of my blog pictures. It seems like when my hubby turns on the camera, Vinny comes running to me so he can get into the shot with me. I don’t have to ask him to be in the picture. He just comes on his own. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

VInny and JTwisdom
My husband, his big brother Gio and I love him very much and thankful that Vinny is part of the family.
Happy Birthday Vinny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vinny and JTwisdom

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