Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

This weekend before Independence Day, is time to relax, and enjoy family and friends. My husband and I celebrate Independence Day because it is more than just a date for us. This is a time to thank those men and women in uniform who have fought and are fighting for our freedom for our country, the United States of America. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy living in the greatest country.

At church this past Sunday, we had a guest speaker, Matt Roever from Operation Warrior Reconnect.

What is Operation Warrior Reconnect?

“Operation Warrior RECONnect is dedicated to rebuilding self esteem, confidence, financial freed country.”

Did you know that on average, twenty-two soldiers commit suicide every day? This staggering number has to stop and Operation Warrior Reconnect is doing an amazing job and making an impact.

Matt and his father, Vietnam veteran Dave Roever, head this organization that is making a change in the lives of so many men and women who have fought for our country. At Sunday’s service, Matt introduced three men who served in the military. They shared their stories from the war and how Operation Warrior Reconnect, with the love of Jesus, helped to change their lives.

I left the service, feeling more patriotic and thankful for the United States military.

In honor of Independence Day, I wore my red, white, and blue. I wanted to style my outfit in a different way. I thought at first this was too much red, white, and blue, however it was just right. I actually received a compliment from one of the veterans who spoke at Church. He said, “That’s a really put together outfit, anchors away baby!”

Red white blue

Red white blue

The Look
Wedges – Skechers (These wedges give height and are so comfortable)
Purse – Carlos Falchi
Chambray shirt jacket – Tommy Hilfiger
Freedom Blue shirt – Church on the Rock
Skirt – Charter Club, Macy’s

My doggie Vinny, has to be in the my pictures with me. Sometimes to he is photobombing behind me.


Pattern of Skirt, photo by Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com

This is the pattern of the skirt, see the anchors and the stern.

I do not share 10 or more pictures of the same image on one blog post. My limit is no more than four. I like to share something different and I that is too much of me in the same outfit.
In this collage, I also share my Zuni-inspired real turquoise sterling silver bangle. Turquoise is one of my favorite stones. I wear all year long and it was perfect with this outfit.
I was working out in the yard and accidentally clipped the three star gazer lilies that looked like they wouldn’t bloom. This disheartened me and husband said, “This one has a bud, so lets put it in the stalk in the dirt with the other flowers.” Guess what, it bloomed!! I will bring it inside, and my wise husband said you bloom where you are truly planted; I couldn’t of said it better myself.

Independence Day collage

Independence Day collage photo by Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com

If you would like to help the Warrior Reconnect foundation, you can click on Roever Foundation.

Remarkably Stylish Ways To Stand Out At A Party

We have all been there! It’s that conundrum when you have a special event or party coming up, and you just can’t decide what to wear. Of course, you want to look fabulous and suitably attired, but you also want to stand out and inject a bit of your own personal style into what you are wearing. To find out how to do this read the guide below, then you can be sure that you will be the belle of the ball.

Less can be more
One way to ensure that you stand out at the next event that you attend is to simplify your look. That is because sometimes a simple, well-executed look can be as striking as a varied and over the top one.

Remember a little black dress, with attention to the details, such as how the fabric flows can be everything you need to make an entrance. Of course, you must combine with a healthy splash of confidence and self-presence for a look that will truly slay.

Little Black Dress

Silhouette
Another way to stand out for your style at a party is to pay attention to the silhouette that you are rocking. If possible, wear this season’s key shape. As this shows, you are on the pulse of current trends.

Or, if you really want to stand out, why not pick something contrasting to what you know all the other women will be wearing? For example, if the silhouette of the season is short and wider, such as a tulip skirt, pick something slim and long like a fish tail.

The contrast will serve to direct additional attention to you because you will look so different from the rest of the party goers. Of course, ensure that you nod to this season’s fashion in other ways such as the color and fabric choice, to ensure your outfit doesn’t look out of date.

The hats have it
Also, there is nothing like a little bit of headgear to garner some attention in a crowd. You can do this by wearing a hat, a fascinator, or even a headband. Pick something compliments the rest of your outfit and that has a little added flair and pizzazz.

Of course, it goes without saying that you need to check the item fits well and is secured properly to avoid any unwanted mishaps or faux pas during the party.

Jewelry
As they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so a post about how to stand out at a party just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning jewelry.
Remember that even the simplest of outfits can be lifted by wearing the right bling. Pick something that glistens in the dark for an evening soiree. Or something bold and chunky to add an extra layer of interest for a day do.

Avant Garde
Lastly, if you truly want all eyes to be on you then pick an outfit that is avant-garde. That means it’s offbeat, eye-catching, and a little quirky. Avant-garde outfits usually combine bright colors with non-typical shapes for a dazzling effect. See here for some inspiration.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

Something Different: What to Know About Dressing for Special Occasions

We all have to attend special events and occasions in life, but it can be hard to know what to wear at these events. You need to get your wardrobe in order if you’re going to be prepared for whichever occasion might arise in the future. There are some staple items and tips that will help to make sure that you always have something unique and out of the ordinary to wear. Read on to find out more about this.

JT at a special event with her hubby.

Look Out for Dresses That Are Playful and Stylish
It’s always worth keeping an eye out for dresses that offer something that is both playful and stylish. Fashion items that are classical or simple are great because they can be used for special occasions for a long time to come. They won’t be reliant on fashion or trends, so they won’t be useless of unappealing to you in the near future. That has to be a good thing.

Have a Floor Length Dress to Rely On
It’s a very good idea to find a good floor length dress that you can rely on in all kinds of circumstances. These items are ideal for people that are needing to find outfits that are suitable for black tie events that require something more formal. You should have at least one dress of this kind, and you won’t need to use it very often, so you probably won’t need more than one. Take your time to seek out the right one for you.

Keep Adding to Your Jewellery Collection
Jewellery is one of the most important things of all when you’re putting together an outfit for a special occasion. The right choices have the ability to bring an entire outfit together and make it complete. They can even spice up a relatively drab outfit and make it more fitting for the occasion you’ll be attending. Find the best outlets, and add to your collection. This Kay Jewelers Review might help you to decide where to buy from. You can never have too much interesting jewellery.

The Differences Between Corporate and Casual Occasions
Apart from family ceremonies, there are a couple of main categories that special occasions can fall into: corporate and casual. Corporate occasions require something more formal, but you don’t want to look the same as you do when you turn up to the office for work each day. So, how do you go about looking formal while also looking different? You need to find fashion items that allow you to keep things conservative while throwing in some flair and extra colour at the same time. As for casual occasions, it’s often best to use your own instincts and aim for comfort and visual appeal.

It’s always worth putting some extra thought into how you are going to dress for those special occasions that pop up from time to time in life. It helps avoid the panic that comes with these occasions when you don’t know what to wear, so make the most of the help offered above.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

JT Style File: How to Style Printed Pants

Hi Beautiful People,

Color, color, and more color for summer. Bold bright colors bring a smile to my face.

How are you feeling about color and prints? Do you enjoy wearing a bold color? I believe the bolder the better. If you feel you carry your weight in the hips or you think prints on bottom make you look larger, I do not agree. Why you say?  If you balance your printed piece with a solid, you can actually make your torso and legs look longer. It is the art of illusion.

For example, look at this picture below. I am haven’t for a long time been a cheerleader for my hips; but this body shaming has to stop and that starts with me. I recently purchased these Isaac Mizrahi pants from QVC. They are comfortable and the price was right. The bold print is retro and on trend; but is a classic at the same time. During the birthday month of May, my hubby and I saw this Ralph Lauren poet sleeve blouse on sale and had an extra coupon so it was way below the regular price. The sleeves are full; but the top gives me a shape and the look is slimming. I finished off the look with a Turquoise Dooney and Bourke satchel and my navy Skechers wedges. The ideal look for going out with the hubby to a movie or a concert.

Isaac Mizrahi Paisley Pants

This look is so effortless, but it is packed with comfort. Both the blouse and the pants are cotton. Wearing fabric that breathes is a must for summer, especially if you live in a climate known for high humidity.

Paisley Printed pants

Don’t be afraid of a printed pair of pants or a blouse. Get out of your comfort zone and give it a try today.

Tips on wearing prints:

1.You can put your foot in the water and try printed shoes, or a printed pants like what I work above. Enjoy the boldness of the prints.
2. I wear a solid with a print, to break up the pattern.
3. Look for quality fabric that is breathable. During the summer natural fibers is the direction I lean towards.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style

Hello Beautiful People,

Picture perfect weather this weekend. All I wanted to do was to be outside in the garden and play with the family all day.
I wanted to share with you a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) called, Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Stylein the Altria Group Gallery, and New Market Gallery.
The exhibition is only open from May 6, 2017 to August 27, 2017.
Do not wait to see it if you are in the Richmond, Virginia area. You don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to learn about one of the most iconic designers of the mid-to-late twentieth century.

Yves Saint Laurent with Victoire – Preparation of the first collection – december 1961
© Pierre Boulat courtesy Association Pierre & Alexandra Boulat

 Born in Algeria in 1936, Yves Mathieu Saint Laurent came to Paris as a teenager and began his career designing fashion pieces. Saint Laurent at age 18 won the International Wool Secretariat fashion design competition in 1954. He was a genius and as a very young man, he became the lead designer for Christian Dior in the late 1950s. He was very shy, but was very aware of his talent. Saint Laurent is credited as the innovator of the pantsuit for women, the transformation of the trapeze dress; among countless other designs.

The exhibition “includes accessories, photographs, drawings, films, and video from the Fondation’s vast archive. (It) traces the trajectory of Saint Laurent’s style as it developed over the course of his career. Beginning in 1953 with the “Paper Doll Couture House” that he created as a teenager, which is being shown for the first time in the United States in this exhibition. Ensembles early in the exhibition focus on his formative years at the House of Dior, including an example of a short evening dress from his successful “Trapeze” collection, which marked his debut as a fashion designer when it was shown in Paris in 1958.”

Take a look at the Paper doll images in the gallery below.

Various examples of paper dolls, assembled by Yves Saint Laurent, circa 1950. Dolls cut from magazines and glued onto cardboard; garments made of paper cutouts, ink, watercolor, and gouache. Foundation Pierre Bergé -Yves Saint Laurent, Paris.

1971/PE 0247 Yves St. Laurent Collection Board

“Drawn from the archives of the Fondation Pierre Bergé—Yves Saint Laurent and other private collections, this breathtaking exhibition offers an intimate and comprehensive look at the lifetime achievement of Yves Saint Laurent, one of history’s most radical and influential fashion designers. Featuring 100 examples of haute couture and ready-to-wear garments-some never shown publicly before—this exhibition reveals Saint Laurent’s artistic genius, as well as his working process, and the sources of his design inspiration.

The VMFA is the only East Coast venue for the exhibition, which has been organized by the Seattle Art Museum in partnership with the © Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent in Paris.”

In the Exhibit Photo: David Stover © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
May 2, 2017
Gallery views of Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style
May 6, 2017 – August 27, 2017
Altria Group Gallery, NewMarket Gallery

The exhibit is an open window into the world of Yves Saint Laurent, showing design sketches and fabric swatches with the finished product.

My favorites from the exhibition:
Mondrain designs are timeless classics. The dress below can be worn in any decade.

Hommage to Piet Mondrian, Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008), Cocktail dress. Wool jersey with ivory, black, blue, red, and yellow incrustations. © Fondation Pierre Bergé -Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo Alexandre Guirkinger.

View of the Mondrian cocktail dress in the exhibit.

There is nothing more flattering then ruffled detail in the back of this Yves Saint Laurent gown.  The sky blue brightens everyones complexion.

Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008). Spring-Summer 1981 haute couture collection. Blue silk taffeta gown with train and white silk taffeta flounces; trimmed with black braiding. © Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Sophie Carre.

The iconic trapeze dress from the Trapeze collection when Saint Laurent was designing for the house of Christian Dior.
The Trapeze design has been an inspiration to many designers through the years because it flatters a woman’s body, and gives a relaxed fit. Saint Laurent took Dior’s design and radically updated it with a fresh look.

Elephant Blanc, Yves Saint Laurent, short evening dress. Spring-Summer 1958 Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior haute couture collection, known as the Trapeze Collection. Trapeze dress of white tulle embroidered with silver metallic thread and rhinestones. © Foundation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger.

Another favorite is the dress below, which shows women speaking out how they feel and being liberated and making sure that that the ring stays on that finger forever.

Yves Saint Laurent (French, 1936-2008). Fall-Winter 1970 haute couture collection. Multicolored silk velvet coat with appliqué letters forming the words, “Love me forever” on front and “or never on back; various shapes in multicolored silk. Fondation Pierre Berge -Yves Saint Laurent, Paris.

The First Pantsuit

The First Pantsuit, Yves Saint Laurent (French 1936- 2008), worn by Ulla. Fall-Winter 1966 haute couture collection. Foundation Pierre Berge -Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, Photo: Gerard Pataa.

I had to show the menswear inspired suit I mention earlier, which can be worn everyday for work or play. The bow in Ulla’s (the model) hair, and the bow in the white collared shirt gives a feminine touch.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style exhibition allows the visitor to get into the world of one of fashion’s most iconic designers for the first time.
Remember the exhibit closes August 27, 2017, enjoy and be inspired.

Here is a quick look at some of the garments from the exhibition.

* I would like to say “Thank You” to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for providing me with the images and background information on the Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style exhibition.

 

List of Blouses That Go Well with Traditional and Western Looks

Photo courtesy of www.fashionbuzzer.com

Just like sarees, blouses also come in several different designs, colors and styles. It makes an important part of the entire outfit. Earlier women had to select different styles of blouses to match with the style of their saree (traditional or western).
With the introduction of versatile blouses, one need not worry about the design of the saree as these blouses look best on whichever saree design you choose to wear. From traditional, western, to Indo-western and lace designs, the market is full of plenty of eye-catching collection to suit your needs. Get to know about these amazing varieties to enhance your beauty manifold.

Traditional blouses

Photo courtesy of www.fashionbuzzer.com


Traditional blouses generally come with different shape of neck styles. It can be in typical U-shape or V-shape design or in other fashionable designs. There are several saree stores that provide you an extensive range of blouses in stunning styles, fabrics and designs to choose from.
Similarly, you will get an exemplary selection of blouse sleeve designs. From full sleeve to half sleeve or sleeveless with or without work, their extensive collection will provide you one that you have been looking for!!

Western Touch
You will find a western form of blouses that are designed for women to wear western dresses such as trousers, skirts etc. to complement its look. Such types of blouses are greatly seen in trend among college girls.
These beautiful blouses are just appropriate for a get together with friends or a girls’ night out party. Western blouses are designed to give utmost comfort and suit the lifestyle of the wearer. They accentuate the style of the wearer and complement their lifestyle.

Indo western blouses

Photo courtesy of www.fashionbuzzer.com


If you are looking for a blouse that gives you a combined touch of Indian and western design then shirt style blouses would be the ideal one for you. As the trend in blouses keeps on changing from time to time, shirt style blouse is a recent introduction that has become very popular among women. This type of blouse gives your saree a completely modern look.

It can be seen as a fusion between Indian and western style blouse. This style adds an interesting element to the overall look of your outfit and imparts a chic appearance to the wearer. The best part of this design is that you need not worry to get your right shade or the shape that matches the color of your saree or lehenga. It looks best on all shades and designs of the outfit that you plan to wear.

Lace Blouses

Photo courtesy of www.fashionbuzzer.com


Lace blouses are again an interesting way to give a feminine and charming touch to your blouse. Depending on the choice of the wearer, lace can be introduced at the back or on the sleeves or both the areas.
A dull looking blouse or a poorly stitched blouse would diminish the entire look of a saree. So, you need to choose the right blouse for a saree that you are planning to wear.

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