JT Style File: The Embroidered Blouse

Hello, Elegant Lovelies

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

Natural Style: Isaac Mizrahi Cotton Skirt

Hello Elegant Lovelies,

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.

 

Bali Bag Giveaway!

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

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.

Katherine – Katherines Corner 
Roz – La Bella Vita Cucina 
Nina – Vintage Mamas Cottage 
Lisa — Casa Bouquet 
Diane – Mamal Diane Keeping Life Simple 

Disclaimer -from Katherines Corner-Some of Katherines giveaways may have sponsors and/or reviews included. Katherines Corner may receive compensation for reviews and advertising provided through a sponsored giveaway. However, no compensation will influence the outcome of any review or giveaway win. Katherines Corner provides reviews to readers in order to provide an informed decision before the purchase. Katherines Corner and its affiliate Bobskatie Enterprises reserves the right to not publish a review of a product or products that do not meet the specified instructions provided to product submission companies or individuals. Reviews are posted in the appropriate section at Katherines Corner and may also be posted on Amazon.com ( subject to products availability) . This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

To enter please log into the entry form using your email address. Have fun and Good Luck in the Giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Independence Day 2019

Ciao, Elegant Lovelies,


Barbara Wolfe

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!

JT and Jay celebrating

 

The Fabulous Backpack

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

First day of June and no rain at the moment. It has rained almost every other day and it was even a tornado warning this week. Be safe out there. On a lighter note, I had to share my birthday backpack from LisaRobertson.com. The backpack is currently sold out. However, you can see what it looks like from the photos that are on her website. If you are interested in seeing what is available before it goes live, you need to sign up for her newsletter. In her newsletter, she previews upcoming items and lets you know when it will be available to purchase.

The first time I saw this backpack, it had sold out before I had a chance to get it. The second time it became available, I told my hubby about it; but I didn’t order it. So this was a sweet surprise to get it for my birthday. The backpack has become a favorite of mine because it’s chic and roomy.

Croco and haircalf double pocket backpack

This bag was on advanced order and specially made by a manufacturer in Los Angeles, CA. The bag sells for $349. The bag is made of equestrian leather from Italy and haircalf in different mediums. This bag is sold out now too, it may come back again.

Here’s a recent Youtube video where I did a review of the backpack.

Words of Wisdom
I am organizing my wardrobe to find out what brings me joy, what at one time gave me joy or if it no longer brings me joy. Also, not buying things just because it is on sale, but really thinking about purchases. Is it needed? Is it an impulse purchase?

What ways are you looking at organizing your wardrobe?

JT Style File: Patricia Nash Linked Leather Pisticci Shoulder Bag

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

This bag just gives off vintage style even though it’s brand new.

I recently filmed a review of the Patricia Nash Pisticici Linked Leather Shoulder bag below.

Patricia Nash has her own website here.

Patricia Nash has had her designs on Evine.com, Hsn.com and now will be on the sister channel QVC.com. Her designs are unique and timeless. The Pisticci bag gives the 60s and 70s vibes. This bag reminds me so much of my mother’s bag. The Pisticci bag has additional features that include a lining, inner pockets, and it can convert to a crossbody as you see in the photo below. I purchased the bag at Lord and Taylor with a great one day sale.  However, the bag retails for $399.99.

What does Pisticci mean?
Pisticci (Metapontino: Pestìzze; Latin: Pesticium) is a town comune in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It’s the fourth town of the region for citizen and the most populated of the province after Matera. It is known for being the production site of Amaro Lucano, one of the most famous Italian liqueurs. (Wikipedia)

Pisticci through the arm

PIsticci Shoulder bag through the arm is perfect if you are wanting to showcase the bag in all its beauty.

The 1970s are in now?
Yes, the 1970s are in now but you have to understand that it’s more of an inspiration. For example, the bell bottom jeans you wore in the 70s may have no stretch and may be as stiff as a board. The bell bottom jeans now will be more inspired with new technology may have more stretch for comfort and may have a more 2019 construction.  Inspiration is the key here but if those jeans you have from the 1970s feel great then wear them.

Why no picture of my mother’s bag?

My mother’s bag, unfortunately, was falling apart and couldn’t be repaired. It was such a good feeling inside when I saw this bag it took the inspiration of my mother’s bag to another level.

What vintage-inspired pieces do you have in your wardrobe?