The Top Three Looks of Fall

Elegant Readers,

The colors of fall are vibrant and bold.  Please don’t be shy and embrace the season.

I created three style boards and the clothing and accessories are from MODCLOTH.

The first style board is so fun because I love adding a sweater with a cute critter on the fun but sophisticated at the same time. The skirt takes the sweater from casual to dressy.  This look can go for work, church or anywhere in between.

lnto The Woods

Into The Woods

The second style board has awesome burgundy, gold and brown tones. This look is  feminine and edgy. Experiment with texture and step outside of the box, you will be amazed what you can create. The cardigan with the appliqué is one of my favorites and the boots gives the look an edge. It’s easy to coordinate like colors but it takes your own flair to add a different color.

Burgundy and Brown

Blushing Mum Girl

The third style board  below is floral fabulousity in the skirt and is accentuated with the green hues of the cardigan and gold blouse. Be prepared for tons of compliments with this outfit. The infinity scarf adds depth and additional warmth if you are in a cold office space.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves

Please notice the style boards include modcloth.com jewelry and accessories because each piece finishes the look perfectly.

I don’t know about you but if I go out of the house and forget my rings or necklace I feel naked like I am missing something.

I had a lot of fun styling the fall looks.  Modcloth thank you for asking Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com to showcase fall, it was easy to do because your clothing and accessories are unique and beautiful.

JTwisdom signature

Please note: No compensation was given for this post, the opinions are from Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com.

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner Review

Elegant Readers,

 The Bubbling with Elegance and Grace team was contacted and asked to try a Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner kit. We wanted to try this product because it has been around for awhile and is known for quality and integrity. And, because we had a few leather items in our closet that needed to be cleaned before being able to wear them.

“Since 1968, master leather craftsmen and individuals alike have been relying on Leather Honey, the premium leather conditioner, to condition used leather and protect new leather.  Uniquely formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the leather, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is designed to bring out the best in your favorite leather – from classic equestrian items to furniture, automobiles, shoes, apparel, wallets and more. And we do it without the use of any animal products, silicone, toxins, solvents, or other harmful chemicals.” Leather Honey website

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner, with two cloths

My hubby had these pair of shoes that looked like they were ready to be recycled. However, he wanted to see if Leather Honey products would bring them back to their original luster.

Below is a picture of the shoes. The shoes look dusty and worn from wear.

Hubby's shoes in need of a makeover

Hubby’s shoes in need of a makeover

 The kit came with a bottle of cleaner, a bottle of conditioner, and two cleaning clothes. The cleaner is super-concentrated. It must be diluted in water before using. The directions on the bottle say to use two tablespoons of the cleaner for every eight ounces of water. My hubby found an empty spray bottle that we had in the closet and he created the cleaning solution.

Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.

Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.

My hubby sprayed the diluted solution on the each of the shoes and used one of the clothes to clean the shoes. The directions tell you not to spray to much of the solution on the item that you are cleaning. You do not need to over-saturate the item because the solution is pretty powerful. My hubby sprayed only a couple of sprays on each of the shoes and this was more than enough to get the dust, grime and dirt off of the shows.

After the shoe has had a chance to dry, the next step is to apply the conditioner. Using the second cloth that was included in the kit, my hubby applied the conditioner to the cloth and then used the cloth to buff the shoes. My hubby recommends that you apply the conditioner to the cloth instead of directly to the item you are working with. This allows the conditioner to be applied more evenly and smoothly to the item.

My hubby applying the conditioner.

My hubby applying the conditioner.

After cleaning the shoes take a look at the dirt that came off in the cloth.

Cleaning Cloth results

Cleaning Cloth results

Allowing the the shoes to dry and applying the conditioner, the transformation is marvelous. Take a look!

These shoes look new and revitalized.

The shoes, after applying the cleaner and conditioner.

 

Check out the Leather Honey website because the company gives detailed information, videos and testimonials about the natural leather cleaner and conditioner.

JTwisdom

*This is my honest opinion. Bubbling With Elegance and Grace team was gifted the
natural cleaner and conditioner and two cloths from Leather Honey .

Karma Mantra: Lotus Seed Necklace

Hi Elegant Readers,

Pray you are having an awesome Labor Day holiday weekend. I have been battling a summer cold, however I am feeling better, thank the Lord. Plenty of tea and cough syrup!

I am super excited to tell you about the Lotus Seed Mala that I was gifted by Romell, founder and designer of Karma Mantra.

I was contacted by Romell, who asked me if I would like to try a piece of jewelry from his website, Karma Mantra.  I had not heard of Karma Mantra before, so I was intrigued and went exploring on the website.

The design variations and styles of jewelry styles are available for both women and men.

I always enjoy reading the about page to know the story behind the designs.

Here’s an excerpt from the Karma Mantra About Page:

“Karma Mantra’s entire line is a collection of hand-selected gems acquired from designer Romell Bhaala’s global journeys. Additionally, Romell uses the experiences of his travels to inspire new one-of-a-kind creations. Each item is the culmination of a powerful past shaping a transcendent future.”

It was extremely hard to select a piece that I liked, so I suggested a few of my favorites and was ready to be surprised.

My package came in the mail and when I opened the envelope, this is what was inside.
A  beautiful Lotus Seed Mala and a sweet card inside that said, “JT, hope this was everything you expected and more! Peace & Love, Alexa”

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Karma Mantra package

Karma Mantra package

The Lotus Seed Necklace Mala retails for $24.99 on Karma Mantra’s website.

Product Description

“This beautiful Lotus Seed mala is one of the most beautiful and powerful looking malas carried by Karma Mantra. Wear the beautiful Lotus Seed Japa Mala around your neck or hold it in your hand during your meditation practice to us the Lotus seeds as healing. Like the Lotus flower which takes its roots in muddy depths and blossom into a beautiful flower, let the Lotus Seed Mala remind you of your inner beauty. Let your soul root itself within difficulties and grow above them with beauty and compassion. With each bead over 12mm, this mala tends to be a mala used for meditation, kirtan or for someone wanting to take their Japa practice to the next level. Please Note: This Mala is very long, and can be worn long or wrapped around as a necklace/multiple stack bracelet. ” Karma Mantra

Lotus Seed Mala Styled by JTwisdom

I respect that some use the Lotus Seed Mala for meditation, kirtan or Japa, however I am wearing the Mala as a necklace styled with fashion apparel.

In the picture the necklace is styled with a very bright and bold dress that I constantly get compliments on. In the photo below, the Mala is wrapped twice around the neck in a short and long style.

Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra

Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra

I wanted to show that the necklace is very long and can be worn many different ways, the style is up to you. I layered the Mala with my jasper heart leather cord necklace for dimensional effect.

Karma Mantra Lotus Seed Mala

Karma Mantra Lotus Seed Mala

The beads are soft and really accentuated my embroidered blouse.

Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra

Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra

The beads flow so well and feel very secure. When I wore this blouse, the Lotus Seed Mala did not feel weighty at all. It was great.

Lotus Seed Mala  Karma Mantra

Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra

Another way I styled the necklace was with a casual blue striped blouse. The look was so relaxing and cool. The shape of the beads remind me of large freshwater pearls. I keep talking about the shape because the beads are so comfortable.

Lotus Seed Mala with Blue Striped Blouse

Lotus Seed Mala with Blue Striped Blouse

This is four-season jewelry that can be worn no matter what the temperature is outside. The necklace can work with a blouse, dress, or turtleneck.

Post coming soon showing how to style the Mala for fall and winter.

Thank you Romell and everyone at Karma Mantra for giving me the opportunity to style the Lotus Seed Mala.

To see the Lotus Seed Mala and other pieces of jewelry please visit Karma Mantra.

Much love!

JTwisdom signature

Disclaimer: JTwisdom was given this beautiful piece of jewelry as a gift. The honest opinions are her own.

Living It Up…Vegas Style

Hi Elegant Readers,

Can you believe that it is August already? My friends’ and colleagues’ kids are starting school soon while others will be going back in a week. Well, there is still time to get that vacation getaway before summer gets away from you.  I feel the humidity outside and the heat.

If you had a fantasy getaway, where would you go?

How about Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps.  I envision styles for you if you ever plan to go.

Fantasy vacation where you and the hubby are flying into Las Vegas for a quick, three-day weekend. You can stay at the Aria at Citycenter. Aria is a destination in itself, featuring over 4,000 rooms, a multitude of restaurants for every taste bud, a spa and salon, and awesome entertainment options including Cirque du Soleil.

med_aria-1

aria at citycenter

When you get up in the morning, you want to look cute, but effortless. I went for the layering effect with the jacket, jeans and blouse. Even though Las Vegas is warm, it may be cool in the cafes when you are getting some breakfast before you start your day. The jacket can always be taken off as the temperature rises. I went for the gold with the accessories and added a pop of color with turquoise necklace.

Viva las Vegas  Breakfast glam

Viva Las Vegas
Breakfast glam

After breakfast at the Cafe, it’s time to check out the boutiques and shops.

Aria Cafe

Aria Cafe

Crystals mall is right next to the hotel. You would have to take a day just to browse all the shops that include Tiffany’s,Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. The water features along with the trees and plants are a must see.

I included a second style sheet of a great day look that will keep you looking fabulous. These Guiseppe Zanotto wedge sneakers will be stylish and comfortable walking  all day long.
Pile on the bracelets, hoop earrings and add a pop of color in the necklace and handbag.

 Daydreamer in Las Vegas

Style Sheet Two: Daydreamer

Night out with the hubby in Las Vegas

After coming back to the hotel from a day of walking the Vegas strip and shopping; it is time to relax a little and get ready for dinner and a show.

I would recommend dinner at Lemongrass for some stir fry garlic vegetable with Thai iced tea. Sounds delicious!

Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria

Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria

The outfit below is perfect for seeing the Jersey Boys show. I saw the group with the hubby on a Caribbean cruise and the show is fabulous.

“The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is ubiquitous. Whether or not you realize it, you’ve heard their songs on the radio, in TV commercials, movies or covered by a contemporary artist. Their repertoire of hits like, “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is ingrained in American pop culture. The story behind those songs and the group is just as endearing.” (Vegas.com)

The look: A 50s style with this sleeveless a-line cherry print dress because we are going to see the Jersey boys.

Las Vegas Dinner Nights

Las Vegas Dinner Nights

The hair would be in an up-do chignon and add a couple of sprays of the fruity, floral fragrance called Fabulous perfume by Isaac Mizrahi.

The three day weekend is styled right and oh so gorgeous.

JTwisdom

Style Spotlight: What to Wear to a Wedding

Hello Elegant Readers;

I am proud to introduce you to fashion blogger Breanne, who has written a wonderful guest post article on what to wear to a wedding. Great advice for a special occasion.

Summer is my favorite season of the year, not just for the warm weather, but for the incredibly fresh and colorful fashions I get to wear all season long. For me, this season is filled with a lot of outdoor activities: cookouts, bonfires, and of course, weddings. Summer is definitely wedding season and if you’re a twenty-something like me, it seems like there’s a wedding happening every other weekend!

I’m all about summer weddings, for one it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy some free food and drinks. But above all this, I live for getting dolled up for a wedding. Bridal looks are my absolute favorite because it’s so refreshing to switch up my everyday casual look into something spectacular. Don’t think because you have several weddings to attend this summer that you’ll have to spend a fortune to get the look you want, I’m here to help you dress your best in an affordable way. If you’re fresh out of ideas for what to wear to a wedding this summer, try any one of these chic styles.

Print

Summer weddings are the perfect time to debut a fresh print look. If you’re attending a wedding this season then why not stray from your everyday and wear this flowy floral print dress from ASOS.com. ThePussycat London Sun Dress with Daisy Floral Print is a favorite of mine because it’s colorful, yet chic enough to wear to a wedding. Pair this dress with some camel strappy heels and you’re good to go! Most people will tell you to stay away from print for wedding looks, but I highly encourage it! You’ll stand out in the best possible way with this floral print dress.

Pussycat-Floral-Dress

Pussycat-Floral-Dress

Polka Dot

It’s common knowledge that if you’re not the bride then do not wear white to a wedding. However, no one said you couldn’t wear a white dress with polka dots! To brighten up your wedding look, go with this cute summer dress from ModCloth.com.This dress is perfect to wear to a wedding because it’s the perfect combination of white & yellow; you can look great without taking the attention off the bride. This fun and flirty polka dot dress is great to wear all season long too!

Lemon-Polka-Dot-Dress

Lemon-Polka-Dot-Dress

 Drape

I love draped dresses because they’re sophisticated and make you look like a Grecian goddess—and who wouldn’t want that?! The right draped dress will have a comfortable fit and sophisticated design. I love theDKNYC Sleeveless Draped Knit Dress from Macys.com because it is all these things and more! It’s a flirty dress made of soft & comfortable material that gives the appearance of something more expensive. Pair this draped dress with some white pumps and the right accessories and you’ll create a show-stopping look!

Drape-dress

Drape-dress

Lace

Lace is sexy and stylish, there’s no doubt about that, but some women shy away from lace as a wedding look. I don’t understand why, I think lace is perfect to celebrate in! Don’t be afraid to mix things up at your next wedding and try a lace dress. I can’t get enough of this A Lace For Romance Cream Lace Dress from LuLus.com. Paired with some powder pink heels, its silky cream color mixes with the lace design for an absolutely gorgeous look. After the wedding you can wear this dress for dates or a night out on the town. The sexy silhouette is great for any occasion!

Lace-dress

Lace-dress

 Maxi

A maxi dress is a great go-to dress when you’re looking for something extremely affordable. Casual enough to wear everyday and easy enough to doll up for a special event like a wedding. If you’re really on a budget, but want to look stylish, then go for this affordable Maxi Dress from HM.com. The long jersey dress comes in a sleek, dark purple hue that’s great for a summer wedding. The strapless design makes it perfect for pairing with a statement necklace or dangle earrings. Priced at just under $20, it’s a great dress for the woman on a budget.

blue-maxi-dress

blue-maxi-dress

 Accessories

Now that you have a couple choices for a dress to wear to a wedding, it’s time to accessorize! Accessories can really make or break your look, and for a wedding I suggest sticking with gold, silver, or pearls. Since it’s summer, you can add a hint of color to your accessories, but if your dress is already colorful I advise sticking to neutral tones. Accessories and jewelry can be pretty expensive, so I suggest going faux or sticking to an outlet store, such as OverstockJeweler.com.

gold-faux-necklace

gold-faux-necklace

 I hope my reception looks inspire you to try something new this summer. Do you have a wedding reception coming up? Let me know what you’re wearing down below in the comments!

Author Bio: Breanne is a recent college graduate, blogger, and fashion aficionada. You can find her over at her blog, Proper & Pink! and on Google +.

Making the Choice Between Glasses, Contact Lenses, or Nothing

If you have not been to the optometrist for a few years, you might not be aware of the health of your eyes. For many people, it is a job that they know needs to be done, but it just gets pushed back in the place of other daily life occurrences and tasks that take priority. It’s a common trend, so you aren’t alone if this rings true with you!

However it can really be in your best interests to go to the opticians – an appointment will usually take less than 30 minutes and in that time your eyes will get properly assessed by a trained professional.

sunny1

Not only that, but other illnesses can sometimes be identified through an eye test, meaning there are wider health benefits too. Of course, if you find out that you need a form of vision aid, you will need to pick between glasses or contact lenses, otherwise your eyes could suffer in the long term.

This blog post should go some way to helping you decide what is right for your needs…

Thinking about glasses?

There are plenty of terms used when it comes to glasses: frames, lenses, bifocals, reading, VDU and specs are just some of them. It can be a bit confusing when you get your first ever pair of glasses, so it is important to seek clarification from your optician if you have questions about when and where you are supposed to wear them.

Despite many people complaining about wearing glasses, the right frames can actually look incredibly flattering. It is all about choosing the right style and shape to suit your face; there are resources online perfect for this. However, glasses won’t appeal to everyone; they are known to be quite restrictive during the participation of certain sports and activities. For that reason, contact lenses can often provide a suitable alternative.

Thinking about contact lenses?

At many free eye tests you can speak to an optician about your suitability for contact lenses. Many people choose to wear these hidden optical aids, especially if they take part in sports such as tennis or running. The main reason for this is because they stay put on your face, unlike many fragile frames.

Other people pick them for fashion and style reasons, believing that they are more versatile than glasses. Yet the cost of buying contact lenses can be greater than the price of a pair of glasses, so this is also worth taking into consideration.

sunny2

Thinking about ignoring your prescription?

Some people choose to avoid wearing any lenses altogether, even when they are told they have a prescription. It’s easy to understand why this could be a tempting option – it seems less hassle and expense – but ultimately it can create further problems. Firstly you must be able to easily read a car license plate to do your driving test, and you could be breaking the law if you drive with poor eyesight that is not corrected with suitable aids such as glasses or contact lenses. You may also suffer from headaches if you are straining your eyes to see a screen or to focus on something in particular.

Remember, you only get one pair of eyes, and therefore looking after them is absolutely vital.

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