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?

 

 

 

JT’s Style File: Dooney & Bourke Woven Embossed Beacon Leather Satchel (Handbag Review)

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

The weather is on a roller coaster ride, it was 62 degrees yesterday and it was in the 40s today. It’s that time when Spring Fashion 2019 trends are rolling in. You know that 2019 fashion lines were created last year and designers are now working on designs 2020.

QVC had a two-day Spring Style Out. On one of those two days, Dooney and Bourke had the Today’s Special Value, a woven embossed leather satchel. From seeing the presentations on-air, I thought the handbag would be perfect for spring; but could also be worn now going into spring. I liked the woven look and thought it was much different than the other Dooney bags. QVC offered five colors that were ideal for spring. I decided on the coral because that was not a color I didn’t have in my collection. And it is the Pantone Color of the Year. So how could I go wrong?

JT with Seppe

I received the handbag late last week and I was excited to see what it looked like. When I took the bag out, my initial thoughts were that the bag was much smaller than I had thought it was going to be. Granted I didn’t look at the dimensions on the product description, but it looked much bigger on-air. From there, my eyes were drawn to the wrinkles on the back side of the bag. Take a look at the pictures below. You can see in the upper left corner, next to the zipper, the big wrinkle. There is also a large wrinkle on the underside of the bag, as well. You will also notice that the leather does not lay flat next to the zipper. It is not smooth. And the bag is not a true coral color. It has more orange, like a dreamsicle popsicle from my childhood. The coral is not available on the QVC at this time. Only pink and blue are currently available.
I also reviewed the Dooney and Bourke Beacon Woven Embossed Beacon Leather Satchel on my Youtube Channel. You can watch it here.

Dimensions of the bag:
*Measures approximately 10-1/2″L x 11″W x 6″D with a 22″ to 28″ strap drop and a 4″ handle drop; weighs approximately 2.13 lbs
*Body 100% leather; lining 100% cotton

Overall the embossing on the handbag is different and I like it. However, the bag should be flawless when it arrives, with no wrinkles. I will be returning the bag after I test it out for a few days. The overall design of the bag is different for Dooney and Bourke and I can see it being very popular.  If a Dooney and Bourke representation is reading this, please find out why some of the bags are wrinkled during the manufacturing process. The bag is not $5,000, but it doesn’t need to be. It still should be in pristine condition when it gets to the customer.

If you have this bag, please let me know if your’s arrived in perfect condition or it was wrinkled as well. I would like to know if mine was a rarity or if this is a more common problem.

And The Winner Is….

Hello Elegant Lovelies,

My team and I wanted to thank each and everyone who entered JT’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway. You just don’t know how good it makes us feel to offer a giveaway. The Dooney and Bourke Patterson Leather Paige Sac with a matching Continental Clutch was a different choice for us because we wanted to offer something different.  The Azure blue reminded me of the ocean and we wanted to make sure it was a giveaway that you could use right now and into spring and summer. The giveaway ran from February 10 through February 24th at 11:59pm.

The winner chosen through Random.org is Sally G.! Everyone of the Elegant Lovelies have been so gracious and congratulating Sally G. Again thank you for entering and you never know when a giveaway may come up or what it may be.

Blessings and Thank you for being a part of our community.

Reflection: Why I Didn’t Write About Myself In 2018

Hi, Elegant Lovelies,

I hope you are having a wonderful day. Today’s weather forecast in Missouri was for freezing rain turning in to snow.  It rained last night, but no freezing rain today. We had a flurries of snow but no accumulation. I would have been bummed about not getting snow, but last week about eleven inches of snow came down and it was perfect for building a snowman. The temps were around 40 and below most of the week and I still see some remnants of snow around the house.
While the snow was falling I was looking over my 2018 blog entries and I realized that I really did not write many posts about style and fashion. I asked myself why? Writing about style, my style is a facet of the blog, not the main focus. The blog is not only about what I wore or where you can buy it. I started the blog in 2009 because I had a passion for fashion and later blossomed into a life and style blog.

In a society where beauty and glamour are focused on youth, people who are in their 30s to over forties population can be pushed aside if we let it happen. I got caught in a funk and started thinking, I shouldn’t be on social media doing style posts the younger girls are better and would have more of a following anyway. I started looking at my weight and just not really liking to take pictures anymore. I didn’t think the person in the mirror could do the style thing anymore with all the beautiful people in the world. I just wanted to just show the clothes, but I didn’t need to be in them to talk about them. I realized that no matter what age, size, ethnicity, or whatever; you have to love yourself. I had a friend showing me pictures of when she and her husband went to a wedding and as soon as a picture came up of her in it, she would cut herself up talking about her body flaws. She praised the bride and how she looked but rubbed her own self in the mud. This has got to stop and I know that we all have to be comfortable with the person God has made us to be. This year I am going to post more style pictures because I have something to share and I really enjoy helping society put forth their best self-image. And that starts from within.

JT in Marc Bouwer Tunic Top with Vinny

Being Good Enough!
When I don’t think I am good enough, I know that God knows I am because I am His child and He loves me. When I start thinking “not good enough” I know I need to get deeper in my relationship and walk with God. If you think you’re not good enough please listen to this song and let it be an encouragement to you.

 

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