by | Jan 18, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Hope you are having a wonderful start to the New Year! Blessings to you for a fabulous 2014.
I have such an exciting review that I am going to talk about.
Recently, Pauline Durban, President and Founder of Covered Perfectly reached out to Bubbling with Elegance and Grace to review one of her tops. Pauline, originally from the United Kingdom, moved to the United States in 1992. I looked at her website and learned that her company started out of a need of finding more tops that made her look and feel more empowered. Once she realized after talking to friends that they had the same challenge, she created Covered Perfectly.
To read more about her inspiring story please go to her website, www.CoveredPerfectly.com.
I can so relate to hearing friends and family tell you that you look great, however deep inside you do not feel that you look your best. I must admit that when I had looked at similar tops like this in the past, I did not think that would look that attractive on me. Even though my top and pants size is in the single digits, I carry my weight in my hips and I have been really self-conscious about it. Even though I work out that’s a spot that gets to me. So, reviewing one of Pauline’s top intrigued me.
The Covered Perfectly website is fabulous. All of the tops are very beautiful. It was hard for me to choose which one to select for the review. After much thought, I finally narrowed my decision down to the Layer bottom Ladies Top in Turquoise. It looked so refreshing and vibrant to me. I choose this top because the flounce on the bottom reminded me of a ruffled skirt. The top comes in four colors: orange, green, turquoise and blue. The fabric feels like a second skin and can be worn all four seasons. This top will work for every woman, no matter where you are located in the world.
I highlighted the top in the picture with some of my favorite jewelry pieces. The top gently glides along my figure, no bunching and accentuates my hips very well.

My NYDJ Jeans gave me that lean look and the Bellini boots gave me the height I like and it all came together perfectly. When I wear a tunic top or longer length top I always pair it with slim lined pants or jeans to balance out the outfit.

You have to experience the softness of the top personally. I feel like I am in my softest pajamas; but I look put together and stylish. The top is so figure flattering for any body type.
In the second image below I am showing how much stretch is in the top. The size I am wearing is a small and I have so much room. However, there is still a feminine silhouette and the top does not look boxy or overpowering. I often here that saying a garment is comfortable is a bad word. Being stylish and having comfort at the same time are two pluses in my fashion diary. I styled this top with a ribbed close fit turtleneck, velour pants and BCBG suede sneakers as a fun going to the mall, out to the movies with the hubby or chilling at home by the fireplace. Perfecto!

Covered Perfectly Bottom Layered Ladies Top
The third way I styled the Bottom Layered Ladies Top was pairing it with a jacket and almost to the knee high boots. I wanted to see how this top shapes up with layering it under a jacket. It looks great. I layered the top with a suede Louis del Olio leather appliquéd jacket and Steve Madden Leather cognac boots.

For a closer look see how the top is the focal point under the jacket. The scoop neckline really elongates my neck and décolletage.
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I could wear this outfit to church, out to dinner, to a play or a concert.

This top will work for a woman in her 20s and up. There is no age limit. Also, no worries about the fabric snagging or grabbing in the wrong places.
I created a video where I discussed further the features of the top.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yATFqf8zKYM[/youtube]
This top offers so many different looks with a few key pieces out of my wardrobe.

The Bottom Layered Ladies top information from the www.coveredperfectly.com site:
Details
Bottom Layered Ladies Top
“This cute style with the layered bottom is great for any body shape. Made from super soft MicroModal, you will love the way it feels.
94 % Micromodal / 6 % Spandex
Made in the USA
Machine washable MicroModal® is something truly special. The fiber is made of European beechwood, is completely natural and produced in Austria.
It’s described as the softest fabric in the world and is so gentle it feels like a second skin. It’s super soft and luxurious, you will love it.
Customers can be sure that if it says MicroModal®, quality and heavenly softness are guaranteed.”
MicroModal® – perfect fineness and softness
Free shipping both ways in the US.
Thank you Pauline, Creator and Founder of Covered Perfectly for the opportunity to review one of your tops. You have changed my mind on longer length tops and how the top looks on me.
Totally fabulous!

by | Dec 29, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday and soon to be 2014!
I have a student guest writer on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace this week. These are not necessarily the views or opinions of Bubbling with Elegance and Grace; but I wanted to give my guest writer an opportunity to have an open discussion for her class assignment.
Brooke is originally from New Jersey. Now she is a in her senior year at Boston University, this article was written for her online marketing class which is a requirement for her Communications degree. Upon graduation Brooke would love the opportunity to stay in Boston and work at one of the major PR firms that is located downtown.
When it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance, women try everything and anything to keep themselves looking young. For years, women have relied on creams, home remedies, and even cosmetic surgery to revitalize and maintain a fresh looking appearance. Following a daily routine that makes you feel good about yourself is healthy and can definitely help you maintain your youth, however, there are other avenues women can explore that will effortlessly and instantly turn back the hands of time. Incorporating certain jewelry styles into your existing collection is a fabulous way to rejuvenate your over-all look and make you feel like a spring chicken! There’s no need to spend your money on Botox, because all you need is a boost in the bling department.
Less is More!
This doesn’t mean middle aged women should run to their nearest tattoo and piercing shop and get the nose ring they dreamed of when they were 18, no! This does, however, mean that women who are more mature can still jazz up their style with classic and modern jewelry trends. One thing I’ve noticed about some older women is they sometimes wear bulky or gaudy jewelry, especially to formal events.
This is a big no-no! Adding too much jewelry to your ensemble will make you look like you’re trying way too hard. Instead of wearing huge chandelier earrings with a matching ring, necklace, and bracelet, keep things simple. Let’s get down to the facts, as we age our skin ages with us. After years of wearing large or heavy earrings, some women’s ears have lost elasticity and wearing heavy earrings only accentuates this.

Giorgio Castielli – email: michael.castielli (at) gmail.com (Creative Commons Free License).
Rather than wearing big earrings that look painful and unattractive, opt for lighter stud earrings or smaller hoop earrings. These earring styles look classy, chic, and take years off of you! If you want daytime earrings, opt for plain metal ones. If you’re dressing up for a special event, there are several fancy options out there that will still make you look timeless and elegant. I love these silver puffed hoop earrings from Kohls.com because they are classy, perfect for women of all ages and fit for any occasion. These are small enough to wear in the day, but when paired with a simple necklace, could add the perfect amount of sparkle to your evening look.
Bibs: Not Just for Babies
![By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fashion_Jewelry_Necklace.jpg)
By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Another fantastic accessory I think makes any woman look young and fabulous, are short statement necklaces. This style necklace rests higher up on the décolletage, bringing light to your face. If you prefer wearing high-collared shirts or blouses, this necklace sits at a perfect length and really adds some stylish flair to your look. A statement necklace that sits higher up on the neck is also a fantastic way to cover up ageing skin. If you have sun damage or sagging skin on and around your neck, you may not want to be overly exposed when you wear certain necklines. Adding a larger statement necklace will cover up any imperfections you don’t like, and make you look chic! If you’ve never tried wearing a bib necklace, I highly suggest trying this black teardrop bib necklace from forever21.com. This piece is perfect because it can easily match with many outfits, and it’s not too pricey. If you feel it’s not for you, you won’t regret spending a lot on it. I’ve seen women of all ages wearing statement necklaces and I think they all look age-appropriate and fashionable.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Now, you may not be in your 20’s any longer, but you may also not be in your 50’s so you still want to have a little fun here and there and try out some funky pieces of jewelry. Personally, I think any and all facial piercings should be out of the question once a woman is in her late 20’s. Unless you work in an environment where facial piercings are prevalent, this look may not be as professional as employers may like.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AToe_ring2.jpg
If you’re a daring diva who wants to mix up her style with a youthful piece of jewelry, I think toe rings are the perfect go-to! This accessory is perfect for warm weather months, especially since most of us are in sandals the majority of this time. I think too often, women forget that they can have fun and dress up their feet. Why not show off that pedicure a little more and add some cute foot jewelry to highlight your little piggies?! I love the cutetoe rings featured on emitations.com because they are fun, fashionable, and affordable. They offer simple ones that are great for everyone, as well as unique charm options for the playful fashionistas out there. Personally, I think of toe rings as being a young accessory that older women can add back into their jewelry collection. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have been spotted around with fancy foot hardware, and I think it looks cute!
When it comes to fashion and style, it’s important for women to dress comfortably and choose items that are age appropriate. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with jewelry and accessories. The trick to always looking your best is choosing the right items and topping it all off with confidence. There’s no need to spend a lot either to make you look younger. Dressing to your body type and pairing classy accessories will make you look young and fresh, no matter the occasion.
Do you have any tips that weren’t covered in this article? Please let me know down below in the comments section!
This post is linked up with NOT DEAD YET STYLE!
by | Nov 16, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,

The weather has been all over the place. One minute I am in a sweater the next minute I am going out of the house without a coat.
Isn’t that what fall is all about?
Well with fall brings bright hued colors in are clothing and what better way to top it off than a piece or two of jewelry.
I am an avid collector of all types of jewelry, it doesn’t matter what type. I plan my outfits around jewelry and I always have on a jewelry because to me it finishes my look.

Berricle.com an online jewelry store contacted me and asked if I would like to select and review a piece of jewelry with a maximum of a $50.00 price range.
I looked at the website and saw that they have a wide selection of jewelry in the finest cubic zirconia set in silver tone and precious sterling silver. In addition, they offer a great collection of men’s jewelry.
I accepted the offer and chose an Oval Cut 1.86 Ct Emerald CZ 925 Sterling Silver Fancy Cocktail Ring.
Why did I choose this ring?
Emerald is my birthstone and the gem in a setting can be quite expensive. Also, I have found that even the expensive gems can have more inclusions than I would like, so when buying emeralds I have to be selective. The Berricle emerald ring was very affordable in a precious metal at only $48.99. I can wear this ring when I travel and do not want to wear my expensive wedding set or it can be my right hand ring.
The ring was shipped promptly and packaged well. When the box arrived it was in pink tissue paper. Here’s a picture of the beautiful pink box with the ring royally positioned inside. This ring looks like it costs so much more. Love it!

Ring presentation
This ring literally leaves me speechless that it’s so beautiful.

Picture below I am wearing the ring as a right hand ring and the green is pulsating and vibrant. This emerald CZ is what a true emerald dreams it could look like. This Emerald CZ, up against my red cashmere sweater, is flawless and the setting is done well in sterling silver.

Wearing gems in a wedding setting is unexpected and out of the ordinary. I went for it in the picture below. It is gorgeous with my sterling and diamond band. This set looks like it cost thousands of dollars.

Ring as wedding set
I wanted to show another angle of the ring to show how the setting looks so regal and shines. The emerald and diamonds around it are not real. However the ring is beautifully well made and looks believable. It’s real to me at an affordable price and reasonable.

Berricle.com
Berricle.com has made me smile and I appreciate them so much for giving me the opportunity to sample one of their products. Please check out Berricle.com because there is something for everyone.
November is citrine month so check out the lovely selection of jewelry at Berricle.com.
* I was given this sample however this is my honest opinion. I would purchase jewelry from Berricle.com *

by | Oct 31, 2013 | Accessories |
Hello Bubbling Readers,
I keep hearing less than two months ’til Christmas. I am enjoying the changing of the leaves and the crisp air in the morning. Thinking about the changing of the seasons makes me think about gift-giving time. Is it too early? No, it is never too early because when you are getting that special gift for that special someone, it is good to plan ahead.
Thinking about one exceptional piece of jewelry for that extraordinary person in your life?
Kranich’s Jewelers is a great place to get that memorable piece to will last a lifetime. Kranich’s Jewelers, which use to be Kranich Brothers Jewelers, has stayed in the family since 1903 with several stores in the central Pennsylvania area. Visit its online jewelry store which delivers its designer pieces all over the world. Maybe one to your door.
1. Emeralds
My first gift idea is a personal moment for me because it includes my birthstone. I am born in May, so let the emeralds stand up and shout. This ring would make me smile from ear to ear whether it was my birthstone or not.

Dazzling Oval Emerald and Diamond Ring
2. Disney Jewelry
For all you Mickey Mouse fans out there, whether you are 1 or 101, Kranich’s offers a great selection of Disney jewelry piece. This 14kt White Gold Mickey Mouse charm that is quite the nostalgic piece. The charm would go great on a white gold or silver chain. But a leather or silk cord would offer for a more edgy piece.

Mickey Mouse Charm by Disney Jewelry in 14k WG
3. For the animal lover
These paw-print enamel hoop earrings are purring for attention and are perfect for anyone who has a four-legged family member.

Hidalgo Blue Enamel Paw Print Earrings
4. For your “sweet” heart
Seal your love with this Brown Diamond Hershey kiss pendant. The brown diamonds are a replica to the real thing except it is calorie-free and easy on the eyes. Get ready to pucker up. Muah!

Brown Diamond Hershey Kiss Pendant
5. For the lady who has everything, what do you actually get her?
How about a Blue Diamond Engagement Ring? Whether you are newly getting married or celebrating a special anniversary this ring is the ultimate gift of luxury. The blue diamonds remind me of my husband’s eyes, I get mesmerized when I look at him, I mean, the diamonds.

Exquisite Blue Diamond Engagement Ring
6. Memorial Jewelry
If you are looking for an extra special gift for a loved one, adding some deceased relatives’ hair or ashes to an animal cremation jewelry is a gift that will constantly feel as if they are with you. The reassurance it can give someone that your loved one is always looking after you through a necklace or another jewelry item can help them feel comforted. These items are often loved for years to come yet are so easy to choose and design to ensure it’s perfect for them. You can choose the best style that represents the loved one by colour, stone, or design such as dolphins, stainless steels, or turtles.
Kranich’s Jewelers has wide range styles and price ranges. There is something for everyone on its online store. Start your holiday shopping now. Christmas will be here before you know it.

*promotional content*
by | Oct 14, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers!

Today is a beautiful, lovely day.
I wanted to talk about how you can make a completely black outfit have flair and color. How do you say? Jewelry is a classic accessory that can spark a black ensemble.

Rachel Zoe bracelet and Amedeo NYC Cameo Ring
The collage above is me modeling my Rachel Zoe bracelet and Amedeo by NYC Cameo ring. Both jewelry pieces are fashion jewelry. I recently was looking at Tiffany’s website and saw a bracelet designed by Paloma Picasso Olive lead cuff in 18 KT gold that look like my bracelet and it retailed for $11,500.
Look at the similarities. My Rachel Zoe Bracelet is on the top and the Tiffany Paloma Picasso bracelet is on the bottom. Looks somewhat similar, don’t you think? But mine did n0t cost any where near $11,500. It was less than $100. I say I got the better deal.

I served in the computer ministry at my church on Sunday, so the standard outfit is all black. I spiced it up with sparkly jewelry and a colorful handbag or two.
The handbag on my shoulder is from the Bahamas. It caught my eye because of the vibrant colors from one of the many street vendor selling items in a small marketplace. My hubby and I visited the Bahamas while on a cruise in the Caribbean a couple years back. We had a fantastic time and you never know where you can find an inexpensive accessory that can add a big pop to an monochromatic look of all black. I usually carry my IPad and notebook in this bag. It is not heavy at all.

I have been wearing pink or adding in a pink accessory in the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a favorite bag of mine and I have had it for some years now. You can’t go wrong with a Dooney and Bourke leather bag.

Dooney and Bourke pink handbag
You see black can have vibrancy with a few accessories. The Rachel Zoe bracelet is one of my favorites and I get compliments on it all the time. I purchase it from QVC. Unfortunately, it is not being sold anymore.
You can do so many things with a monotone palette.
How do you wear black? Do you add color or be smoked out in black?

by | Sep 10, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Yes, you can wear white after Labor day, even if it’s in a print.

JT in black and white dress
My white patent wedges are illuminating and I don’t think it was a really sunny day. The handbag I have is by Sharif and the leather tassel just takes this handbag to another level. Also the sewn on jewels on the handbag adds an exotic touch.

JT in Gucci sunglasses.
I really accentuated my look with my gifted Gucci sunglasses. I really like the wide frames and how light they are, My 14Kt earrings work well with the sunglasses and my Italian Lire bracelet simply rocks.

JT
Not wearing white after Labor Day is a myth. Wear white all year long and wear it proud.

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