It’s been all about color and prints for me this summer. The bolder prints and the brighter the colors, the more I enjoy the outfit. Pink brightens my face like soft light and it really stands out in the sea of black that some many women wearing. I am not trying to be an imitator of other people’s style, but I want to make my own style statement. My hubby tells me to embrace my uniqueness and if I like it, nothing else really matters.
This is a regular workday outfit for me, where I dress in layers. It may be hot and humid outside, but it can be chilly on the inside. Layers meaning a black shirt with a true pink Bob Mackie T-shirt. I added a belt to define my waist. The piece de resistance is the Bob Mackie Tropical Paradise Gaucho Knit Pants that are a vibrant burst of pink and red variations with splashes of black in the backdrop. Do you notice how the colors are balanced? The gauchos take center stage in this outfit. If I really wanted to step out, I could add a printed top with the pants. However, I don’t believe that I need it. The solid top adds balance to the outfit and makes it work-appropriate. I went with black wedges for my shoes, but I could also have paired it with pink espadrilles or nude wedges.
Do not be afraid of bold colors. If you are in a black rut or tend to wear monotone hues, you can make it work for you by adding small amounts of color to your top, pants, skirt, shoes, or scarf, and see how you feel in it.
It’s sunny, hot and humid here in the Midwest. But what do you expect, it is August. Work has been keeping me busy lately with quite a few projects. I feel so relaxed working on summer style posts.
Soft Surroundings has quickly become one of my favorite retailers for high-quality fashion pieces. If you have looked through its website, you know that the items are at a higher price point because the fabric and details are higher quality. Being a savvy shopper, I tend to look at the clearance and sale sections to see what has been marked down. I recently found the Lupita top with tie-front, shown in the photo above. This fabulous top retails for $79.95, but I was able to find it on sale for only $19.95. WOW!
I felt floral fancy. The pink roses and the corresponding colors are year-round and the tie in the front is effortless. A colleague said that it reminded her of Paris. I wore a black tank underneath, but it is not a necessity. The top is not shear and is not see-through. The lace skirt is from Isaac Mizrahi Live line from QVC. It is a perfect pair for summer with the cool cotton fabric. I am constantly on the move throughout the day while at work, so I want my shoes to be comfortable, but chic. These blush Sketcher wedges fit the bill. I can walk with added height and my feet well supported. The Sketchers Suede Peep-Toe Slingback wedges -Stylin are on clearance right now on QVC for only $37.12.
Jewelry
I wore my jasper necklace on a leather cord, Grandmother’s Buttons earrings and My Saint My Hero Bracelets. When it’s hot, I don’t wear as much jewelry.
Handbag
Dooney and Bourke Hattie is the handbag I chose with this outfit. The leather is soft and pliable and feels like a second skin.
I felt confident, chic and floral fancy. So pretty in pink!
It’s so hot that you could fry an egg on the concrete and cook some bacon on the side. It’s like as soon as I step outside, I am sweating. Even at 9 o’clock in the morning. When the weather is like this, I wear natural fibers that are breathable. Synthetic fibers like polyester make me feel miserable when the temperature hovers near 90 and the humidity is up. In the photograph below, my blouse and matching tank are from Soft Surroundings. Both are 100% cotton and zips in the back. My paisley pants are from the Isaac Mizrahi 24/7 line sold on QVC. The cotton and spandex blend are both breathable and has stretch.
I am still a little hesitant about posting pictures. My body has changed a little, so I had to rework my exercise routine that incorporated more weight training and intense cardio for more toning. I am not a size zero and never have been, but I want my body to be strong and fit.
I wanted to show you the intricate work of the embroidery along the front and bottom of the blouse. The blouse originally sold for $99 on the Soft Surroundings website, but I was able to purchase it on clearance last December for under $30. Another sale of the century! If you can find sales like this, your wardrobe can look like a million bucks without having to spend that much.
Love it!
I am not the kind of Influencer that will post fifty photographs of the same outfit in one post. I wanted you to see in this final picture how I styled my outfit red Skecher wedges for a pop of color since I was wearing mostly blue. It doesn’t look patriotic but offers a contrast of colors. The handbag is the Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Leather Tote. It is a chic bag that I will wear for all occasions – work, church, or wherever my day takes me.
Jewelry style
I don’t wear as much jewelry when it’s hot.
Hoop earrings
Wedding ring on the left hand
Cameo ring on the right hand
My Saint My Hero Bracelets
Tigers eye bracelet
I pray you are having a lovely holiday weekend. I hope you are relaxing and having fun. It has been hot, humid and rainy here in the Show-Me State. But it seems like that is typical of the Fourth of July holiday. When it is hot, it is essential to wear natural fabrics to keep cool. My whole wardrobe is not natural fibers, but I am almost there. For my photoshoot below, the Joan Rivers Floral shirt is polyester, but it is suprisingly lightwieght and cool. In constrast, my Isaac Mizrahi Ombre Lace Skirt is cotton and I wear skimmies underneath for complete breathability. The Ombre lace skirt is on clearance right now on QVC.com for $24.97 (it was $79.50). The skirt is so feminine and beautiful.
The hand bag is the Patricia Nash Linked leather Shoulder bag and it has that 60s and 70s feel. This multicolored leather bag reminds me so much of my mother’s bag that just wore out from wear over time. This bag is made up of 800 leather chainlinks. My mother’s bag was black and white, but did not have a lining. The updated version is so is exquisite and finely constructed. I bought my Earth sandals a few years ago on my birthday at DSW.
The Jewelry Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
Gold necklace – gift
Dragon Fly Earrings- gifted
My Saint My Hero bracelets
Coin Ankle Bracelet: LisaRobertson.com
Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
I did nto purchase the Pendant from LisaRobertson.com that she was selling recently on advanced order on her website. The Pendant is sold out and does not have a 14kt gold bail and trimmed in 14Kt gold. I actually bought it years ago from QVC when they were doing 24 hour Italian Gold days, Lisa may have been doing a presentation of it at that time, not sure. Recently I saw Lisa selling this pendant on advanced order and she explained the meaning so well that I included it here.
Summer is definitely in the air and last night was fireworks outside until 1:00 am. The humidity is thick and it’s been raining almost every day with periodic sun. For the first time this summer our Hibiscus trees are starting to bloom and it’s so beautiful. Although the flowers are beautiful the trend in the weather makes me dress more in natural fiber clothing and carry non-patent leather bags.
I’m joining Katherine, from Katherines Corner for her Bali Bag Giveaway!
The Bali bag is perfect for going to church, the movies, friends barbecue, or going out to dinner for a fun night out.
Please enter the giveaway!
Please remember to follow Katherine, and all her hostesses so you can earn all of your entry opportunities.
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I wanted to get on the blog and say have a safe and Happy Independence Day! Let Freedom ring! I was talking to a colleague yesterday and this society we live in is so interesting. I stand for unity because divided we fall.
It’s hot and humid in the midwest, but it’s great being with the family and my fur babies. My style today is natural and carefree. When it’s hot you really don’t want to wear much of anything so I don’t like synthetic fibers sticking to me.
My lace-cut out top is from Soft Surroundings. I purchase it on clearance this past winter and it is not available now. The top has an attached camisole tank and the material is 100% cotton. It’s beautiful and so comftable without looking frumpy. My paisley pants are from Isaac Mizrahi and really flatter my figure, very Katherine Hepburn style. My Patricia Nash Pisticci Linked handbag is so cool and hip. It is vintage and glam at the same time.
JTwisdom Independence Day Style
And my flag inspired shoes are Skechers Bobs Lil Americana. I constantly get compliments because the design is so tastefully done. I bought them about three years ago and they are still available.
Have a wonderful 4th of July and Independence Day!
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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