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.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-seUoC-Z_Q[/youtube]

“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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Horse-Riding Essentials for Beginner Riders

Hello Lovely People,

Riding a horse is so relaxing and enjoyable for me. Horses are beautiful and intelligent animals. I have always wanted to own a couple to train on my ranch one day. The horses and my ranch are dreams of mine. Taking lessons on horse-ridings is the first step to make this happen.

Are you starting riding lessons?

Horse-riding is an exhilarating pastime but one that require patience and preparation as you get started. When prepared, it’s a hobby that is safe and fun, but there are some essential pieces of kit that you will require before you’ve even set foot on a horse. Depending on where you are planning to have lessons, some of this equipment may be available for hire but when you can afford to purchase your own, all of the following are a brilliant investment to your horse-riding future:

Helmet
If there’s one item that it is crucial you own, it’s a good fitting helmet. Whilst a number of these horse riding essentials are based on your comfort, a helmet is vital to your safety and well-being should you fall or be knocked off your horse. Though you are likely to remain safe with sensible riding guidance, horses are animals after all and cannot always be predicted. Being bucked off a horse is rare but extremely dangerous so keep yourself protected from the worst case scenario.

Riding boots
Riding boots, or country boots as they may also be called, provide exceptional grip in the stirrups while riding – another important safety aspect and a crucial factor in best ride performance. If you can’t afford your own riding boots when starting out and they are not available for hire at your stable, opt for a comfortable pair of Wellington boots instead. Trainers are not sensible as they are usually two wide and can get stuck, a real riding hazard.

Riding Boots

 

Body protector
This garment is more of an optional layer but it’s highly recommended for anxious beginners or younger riders. A body protector does just as its name suggests – provides full body protection in the event you do fall.

Jodhpurs
Even if the stable you are attending for lessons allows riders to wear jeans, jodhpurs are the go-to riding trouser and a great choice from the start. Jeans may be practical for a variety of everyday activities, but when it comes to horse riding you will find them uncomfortable. If you don’t fancy washing your trousers regularly, make sure you opt for a dark coloured design that will not show up all the muck that will inevitably gather during your sessions.

Gloves
New riders can suffer quite badly with blisters at first, as delicate hands are not used to gripping tough reins. You may like to wear gloves to prevent this happening, or just to keep your hands more warm and comfortable on an early morning trek.

Lady Rider on horse
Close fitting top or jumper
It doesn’t really matter what you opt for on your upper body but choose something that is not too baggy. You will find riding that big harder if your shirt or jumper is flapping around in the breeze and it can even frighten some horses.

Water
Remember, you might not be the one running round on the field but horse riding is energetic work. Make sure you take a bottle of water with you to keep on the side should you need a quick refresher.

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This outfit is a hoot!

Hi Lovely Readers,

JT

  I actually saw snow flurries today, so you will be seeing a winter post this week for sure. I am a spring baby, however fall and winter is my favorite seasons.

When I bought this sweater from Old Navy a couple of years ago, I thought the owl  sweater was so cute. I wore the sweater with a black Macy’s shirt underneath for a layering effect. The sweater was on clearance at the time and I couldn’t resist purchasing it.  It was less than ten dollars, a real deal.

JT

My Jeans are from NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans) and the fit is slimming and the material is very soft. I really am self-conscious of my thighs, so finding jeans have been difficult for me.  I don’t have the model figure and I bet many of a modeling agents would say what the world is she modeling clothes on a blog for the world to see. I see the magazines that have these beautiful statuesque women who model the clothes in Vogue, Elle and have legs that go a mile long.  Do I have mile long legs? No, but I don’t answer to anyone but God. He created me and if I can get on here and do articles about how I style my outfits; hopefully I can reach out to people to let them know that God made everyone beautiful in His eyes and there is no need to compare.
Okay, I am stepping down from my soapbox.

My Born boots are from DSW and they really give me a uniqueness and a style all my own. And my handbag is my trusty Kathy Van Zeeland that works with any ensemble.

I have been embracing my curls for almost five years now. I bought the earrings below at a hair show in Chicago. The earrings are a little heavy but I had to get them because the words on the earrings speak volumes.

Embrace Your Curls

My curls are defined and look pretty good.  I have been without a relaxer for almost five years and I still have my moments when it comes to certain products. I may try something new or I think my hair routine is okay and I am like what happened with that.  It is a journey and a good one that I am glad to be a part of. My hair is thicker, longer and healthier for not having my hair chemical relaxed.  I have nothing against my relaxed sisters, but I am speaking for only myself because I decided to go natural in June 2009.
I had no idea my hair was this curly.

Curls Curls Curls

The added accessories finish the look.

The accessories

This outfit is a favorite of mine because I added a bit of whimsy. The owl sweater looks youthful without looking childish. There is a difference  between looking youthful and looking childish.  Having a youthfulness about you creates energy, joy and excitement.  I don’t want to look childish, for the simple fact I am not trying to look like I am 15.
However, I want to be energetic, chic and stylish. Another added bit of charm is a smile.

JT

The accessories:

Bracelet: Studio Barse
Tigers Eye Bead Bracelet
Emerald Green Ring: Berricle
Drusy Ring
Handbag: Kathy Van Zeeland
Boots: Born
Sneakers: BCBG
Fragrance: Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi

JTwisdom

Winter Time Sparkles and Speak Life!

Hello Elegant Readers!

JT being silly

Thank you for stopping by my lovely boutique blog.
Sit back, relax and enjoy.

All I hear around me is talk about the weather.
It’s snowing? It’s raining? It’s a wintry mix? Is it spring yet?

I will get to the outfit post;
but first I wanted to offer a little food for thought.

Thank you God for protecting me, leading me and guiding me. Each day I want to be better, do better. I heard a saying that many of you have heard that quitters never win and winners never quit.  I don’t ever want to give up on my dreams, goals and aspirations in life. This last two weeks have been like a whirlwind; but praise God He is still on the throne. My goal is to seek Him more and more each day. I looked at this scripture from my Joyce Meyer calendar

Proverbs 18:20
A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words
he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].

So I declare that I will do my best to purpose to speak positive words from my mouth. Is it easy?
No way. Do I have what I say? Yes. Speak Life!

My outfit that I wore to work or church is so fun and carefree.  It brightens the darkest of days. My boots were a recent purchase from HSN that I got at a real good deal.  The Joan Boyce “Emily” Sequined Boot with Faux Fur Lining retailed for $69.90 but I bought them for a whopping price of $24.95 (with free shipping). I am not one to usually be shy when it comes to what I wear; but these boots were shining bright like I need to wear shades. Well you know me, so I wore them to church. Way cool! Not only are they an eye catcher, but the boots are also very warm and cozy. I received so many compliments on these boots that it was like they had there on fan following.

Joan Boyce "Emily" Sequined Boot with Faux Fur LiningAnother bonus is the shoes have a side zip and a rubber sole with great traction.
Styling with Joan Boyce Emily Sequined Boot with Faux Fur LiningThis outfit was a bit of this and that, pulled together. I purchased the ribbed turtleneck from Macy’s last year. The skirt was gifted to me from Lettuce Stitch Skirts, I am linking its Facebook page because its site is not active. My Dooney and Bourke Vacheeta leather handbag has become one of my favorites. My two-year-old burgundy tights from Marshalls coordinated and finished the look. It all came together and Vinny, my sweet doggie, is my trusty photo buddy.

My necklace is from the Missouri History Museum gift shop. I liked the different textures used in the necklace. Textures of metal, crystals, crochet yarn, glass beads, pearls and a timepiece.

Mixed Medium Necklace

I wear bracelets every day, it finishes my look. I am giving another cudo to the Missouri History Museum gift shop.
I bought this silver cameo bracelet about three years ago and I got such a good deal on it.

Cameo bracelet

Isaac Mizrahi Watch and Jaqueline Kennedy  & Judith RIpka bracelet

My watch is a must every day. I collect watches and this one is a ceramic Isaac Mizrahi watch. It is so versatile and has become a classic on my accessory list. The sterling silver cuff is is by Judith Ripka.  The gold Jacqueline Kennedy bracelet was an wedding anniversary gift from my hubby. I love this bracelet so much that I will be doing a future post about it.

I mentioned that we should speak life.  This latest video from Tobymac really speaks loud about how we should treat each other.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0[/youtube]

JTwisdom

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