The Top Three Looks of Fall

Elegant Readers,

The colors of fall are vibrant and bold.  Please don’t be shy and embrace the season.

I created three style boards and the clothing and accessories are from MODCLOTH.

The first style board is so fun because I love adding a sweater with a cute critter on the fun but sophisticated at the same time. The skirt takes the sweater from casual to dressy.  This look can go for work, church or anywhere in between.

lnto The Woods

Into The Woods

The second style board has awesome burgundy, gold and brown tones. This look is  feminine and edgy. Experiment with texture and step outside of the box, you will be amazed what you can create. The cardigan with the appliqué is one of my favorites and the boots gives the look an edge. It’s easy to coordinate like colors but it takes your own flair to add a different color.

Burgundy and Brown

Blushing Mum Girl

The third style board  below is floral fabulousity in the skirt and is accentuated with the green hues of the cardigan and gold blouse. Be prepared for tons of compliments with this outfit. The infinity scarf adds depth and additional warmth if you are in a cold office space.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves

Please notice the style boards include modcloth.com jewelry and accessories because each piece finishes the look perfectly.

I don’t know about you but if I go out of the house and forget my rings or necklace I feel naked like I am missing something.

I had a lot of fun styling the fall looks.  Modcloth thank you for asking Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com to showcase fall, it was easy to do because your clothing and accessories are unique and beautiful.

JTwisdom signature

Please note: No compensation was given for this post, the opinions are from Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com.

STLFW Spring 2015 Runway Shows At Union Station

Yigal Azrouël, Tess Giberson & Timo Weiland Runway Shows At Saint Louis Union Station
for Saint Louis Fashion Week

This Fashion Show at St. Louis Union Station featured a multitude of fashion lovers coming out to support designers showcasing their latest designs.
The models looked very young and the size range maybe a double-zero to four.  Hopefully, in the future, we can see models who represent women who are a variety of sizes and shapes.

The designers showed a variety of designs that were edgy, yet fun and elegant at the same time.

 Yigal Azrouël

This design of the dress below is fresh. I could wear itt to church, work, or out on the town with my hubby. This look is feminine and rocker at the same time.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

This look can go from runway to everyday by adding a black tank or rayon/silk turtleneck underneath and adding a leather or corduroy jacket. Add tights and boots for a cool and fresh look.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Spring 2015  Yigal Azrouël Video

Tess Giberson

Feminine and glamorous at the same time.

jOmohRurmHv8gbc3PNGBSwep4s3vefi1DDmVgQCLBg

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

The dress below is a very pretty look. It would be flattering on women of all shapes and sizes. A belt could be added to cinch in the waist and would give a completely different vibe to the outfit.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Timo Weiland

The designer and DJ made a splash with color blocking and bold prints, creating sharp looks. I can see putting a blouse underneath the crop top and adding a blue or khaki blazer.

O2kyV_uRvpTx2dWiAcbl0uhDHdXXYheeCfA8P0jA5ec

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Bold color blocking for men with stripe-print paints.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.

The night was awesome and everyone came out to support fashion in Saint Louis. They announced that over 1,000 people attended the show. Wow! What great support from the Fashion Community.

UnionStationRunwaySTLFW

UnionStationRunwaySTLFW

I felt a little self-conscious because I did not know what to expect. This was my first runway show / fashion show. I decided to wear a pink, blue and white color-block dress. I choose red ballerina wedges because it coordinated with the dress and was an unexpected choice.

JT in colorblocking

JT in colorblocking Dress

JTwisdom signature

STLFW: 2014 Midwest Fashion Conference

JT at Fashion Conference in front of Steinberg Hall

JT at Fashion Conference in front of Steinberg Hall

Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com attended the Midwest Fashion Conference on Saturday. This informative conference gave fresh perspectives on how Saint Louis can become a fashion destination.  My hubby and I work near Washington University, where the conference was going on. So, we decided to walk from our job’s parking lot to the University. When we arrived, we were trying to get in — literally looking in the door — and could not get in the glass doors. No one got up and opened the doors to let us in. We had to walk back to ask the greeter how to get in. She said that we would have to knock for them to let us in.
When we all walked up the steps, someone opened the door for us to let get in. It turns out that we were trying to get in the back doors of the hall. The entrance was actually on the other side of the building; but still when we stood at the doors with everyone looking at us; but no one got up to open the doors for us.

It is ironic this happened because Fern Mallis, creator of NYC Fashion Week, spoke to people who want to break into the fashion industry. Her number one suggestion was “Be nice!” because you will encounter and have to work with various different people from all walks of life.

The first session of the day was Saint Louis Fashion Fund Presents: Fashion as a Civic Agenda

The panelists included Fern Mallis  (Creator of NYFW), Stan Herman (Renowned Fashion Designer and Former President of CFDA), Gary Wassener (CEO, Hilldun Corporation), Derek Blasberg (Editor-at-Large, Harper’s Bazaar), and Timo Weiland (Designer).

Fern Mallis

Fern Mallis

Fern Mallis, Founder of NYC Fashion Week, introduced the panel.

Panel

Panelists (Left to Right): Stan Herman, Gary Wassner, Derek Blasberg, Timo Weiland, Fern Mallis

It was so interesting to hear in person from Stan Herman and Fern Mallis how NYC Fashion Week started and what it took to raise the funds for this event. I have seen videos with Stan Herman talk about how NYC Fashion Week started, so it really means a lot to hear him in this forum.  To hear Fern Mallis talk about how she had to get on the phone and call Anna Wintour and other corporations to get  NYC Fashion Week started.  Reaping the knowledge of Gary Wassner who has worked with Betsy Johnson for years discuss how he helps designers regarding financing.

Can St. Louis have a better focus on Fashion?

The focus for St. Louis is to keep the local talent here where they will not want to get their break in NYC they want to stay here. One of the key factors was to engage the local financial community such as the banks.

Bring Production Back to The US!

Fashion Designer, Timo Weiland, discussed how he has been able to bring his production back to NYC from Asia.You can have a tighter handle on quality control in NYC. Gary Wassner discussed how by having your production in the US it gives designers an upper handle on having their designs to be first on the floor of a store and not last.

On a side note I have seen Stan Herman on QVC selling his designs of lounge sleepwear, I have a leopard robe of his, and he’s working in collaboration with Carol Hoffman amongst the major provider for uniforms. It was such a treat to see him.  I was this close.

 

Tie Designer w Fern Mallis and Stan Herman

TAO Designer with Fern Mallis and Stan Herman

BUTIK Vendors were showing a wide array of designs.

BUTIK Shop

Fern Mallis’s main point was to BE NICE! Make friends and be sincere, have passion – and work hard. Talk about fashion in St. Louis locally and get noticed nationally.  The profile will raise as the industry raises. St. Louis had been a fashion destination with the Garment District downtown, but if everyone gets involved and puts a plan in place, it can make steps to grow fashion in the area.

Ideas of creating tag-lines and posting images downtown to start branding are all great ideas but we have to start somewhere.

Is St. Louis Ready to be the next Fashion Destination?

Fashion a Community In St. Louis

Fashion a Community In St. Louis

A town-hall discussion featuring above local civic and cultural leaders, moderated by Jill McGuire (Executive Director, Regional Arts Commission). Panelists include Jerry Schlicheter, president of Arch Grants; Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) and Mobin Kahn, director of economic development and research at the Downtown St. Louis Partnership.

The beginning got pretty hot because Ms. Ratcliffe said that not everyone in New York is not fashionable; but it’s still considered a fashion city.  Why did she say that? Fern Mallis corrected her and said that NYC is the Fashion Capital of the World. Ms. Ratcliffe than said she didn’t mean that and that she meant more like Brooklyn (paraphrasing).  Stop now.  Fern Mallis said Brooklyn has become one of the most expensive places to live now. Kitty said okay I will give you that one and the session started moving on.

The focus of this session discussed the creation of a Fashion Incubator in Saint Louis that helps designers get their start, have a business mentor, show them how to create a business plan and get their business off of the ground.

The key is to keep the momentum growing and create that marketing PR campaign and create a steering committee.

The audience was heavily involved in both discussions and are very pro-active that Fashion is St. Louis.

After lunch, three sessions were geared to Professional Development.

— The Art of Storytelling in Fashion: A look at impactful styling, photography and narration for brands and blogs.
— Brand Smart: Brainy Solutions for Creating Your Marketing Plan
— The Business of Fashion: A Look at Entrepreneurship in the Fashion & Lifestyle Space.

The panelists in these sessions discussed a wide range of topics, including blogging tips, how to create your niche, how stick with it, how to take quality photographs and how to be true to being you because your followers/readers can tell.

Professional Development

The Art of Storytelling in Fashion

The sessions in the afternoon made me think about my blog and how to focus more on social media presence.

session

The Business of Fashion

JTwisdom signature

The Well Dressed Midwest VIP Blogger Lounge

JT at VIP Blogger Event

Saint Louis Fashion Week started in full force with The Well Dressed Midwest VIP Blogger Lounge event.
This exclusive opportunity for bloggers to meet with local businesses was a wonderful experience. From gourmet chocolate, to all-natural skin care, to footwear and haircare. I was honored to be invited and given the chance to learn more about these companies and even purchase their products.

Here are some of the companies that were at the event.

Blissoma is an all-natural, plant-based skin care line that produces its products in downtown St. Louis. The prices are very affordable. I purchased a spray deodorant and two moisturizers. I will be writing a review of those products in the near future.

Blissoma

Blissoma

 Vogue Footwear shoes are designed in St. Louis. The styles are on trend, affordable and stylish. It was cool to see that they also have a young girls line.  Their shoe lines can be purchased at ZAPPOS, DSW, online retailers and at department stores throughout the country.

Vogue Footwear

These ladies from KINK salon were so nice. I asked if they style natural hair and I heard a resounding yes. They shared a leave-in moisturizer spray that smelled great and adds a little sparkle to my hair. It was not being sold at the event; but if I wanted purchase it I could get it at one of the salon.

Ladies of KINKS Salon

JT with the Stylists of KINKS Salon

All sorts of vendors that night.

Vendors and bloggers

Vendors and bloggers photo by JTwisdom

The Foundrie offers a wide range of handmade products, including jewelry in brass and leather with stamped lettering.

Gourmet Pizza Photo by Alive Magazine

The Foundrie

The event was held at the Scape Restaurant in the Central West End, which provided food for the evening. The gourmet pizzas were delicious.

10701925_10152761000807937_8596551900026292369_n

Gourmet Pizza: Photograph Alive Magazine

To end the night off with a smile, Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com won the Zettie’s gift basket of delicious cashew white chocolate and dark chocolate toffee, a Zettie T-shirt and coffee mug. The chocolate is oh-so good and yummy. Can’t wait to get a chance to write about it more.

Ms. Zettie's Gift Basket

Zettie’s Gift Basket

The swag bag included a copy of Alive Magazine, brochures, coupons,  swimwear chlorine cleaner in a green drawstring bag and a beverage container.

Swag bag

Swag bag

It was a great night but we couldn’t stay late because we had to go to work in the morning.
The Well Dressed Midwest VIP Blogger lounge was a step up and I know that it will continue to be better each time this event is held.

JTwisdom signature

This post is linked up with Visible Monday.

Bubbling With Elegance And Grace: Winner of Blogger To Watch Award

Hi Elegant Readers,

Bubbling With Elegance And Grace won the Blogger To Watch Award. Saint Louis Fashion Blogger Awards sponsored by Well Dressed Midwest was held at the Public Media Commons Grand Center.

Thank you for all who took the time to  vote for my team and I.  We appreciate you and thank you so much! Whether you follow the blog or just happen to catch us on Google because you saw us in the search thank you for stopping by.

JT at the Midwest Fashion Conference

JT at the Midwest Fashion Conference

Winning this award makes us feel so good because we work hard to put out a quality product.  This is what we do and we enjoy it. Before starting this blog, I asked the Lord to give me direction and He has taken this blog further than I ever imagined.

My team and I have said that if one person gets something out of the blog, then it’s all worth it.

Blogger To Watch Award

People’s Choice: Blogger To Watch Award

The award came with a slfba (St. Louis Fashion Blogger Award) necklace.  This was unexpected so that was a nice touch.

#stfba necklace

#stfba necklace

So what did this award mean to Bubbling With Elegance And Grace? Continue to write quality articles and continue to think outside the box.

The late nights, pushing to the limits, not accepting mediocre content, learning, growing  and never settling.

JT at VIP Blogger Event

JT at VIP Blogger Event

Thank you!

JTwisdom signature

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner Review

Elegant Readers,

 The Bubbling with Elegance and Grace team was contacted and asked to try a Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner kit. We wanted to try this product because it has been around for awhile and is known for quality and integrity. And, because we had a few leather items in our closet that needed to be cleaned before being able to wear them.

“Since 1968, master leather craftsmen and individuals alike have been relying on Leather Honey, the premium leather conditioner, to condition used leather and protect new leather.  Uniquely formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the leather, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is designed to bring out the best in your favorite leather – from classic equestrian items to furniture, automobiles, shoes, apparel, wallets and more. And we do it without the use of any animal products, silicone, toxins, solvents, or other harmful chemicals.” Leather Honey website

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner

Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner, with two cloths

My hubby had these pair of shoes that looked like they were ready to be recycled. However, he wanted to see if Leather Honey products would bring them back to their original luster.

Below is a picture of the shoes. The shoes look dusty and worn from wear.

Hubby's shoes in need of a makeover

Hubby’s shoes in need of a makeover

 The kit came with a bottle of cleaner, a bottle of conditioner, and two cleaning clothes. The cleaner is super-concentrated. It must be diluted in water before using. The directions on the bottle say to use two tablespoons of the cleaner for every eight ounces of water. My hubby found an empty spray bottle that we had in the closet and he created the cleaning solution.

Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.

Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.

My hubby sprayed the diluted solution on the each of the shoes and used one of the clothes to clean the shoes. The directions tell you not to spray to much of the solution on the item that you are cleaning. You do not need to over-saturate the item because the solution is pretty powerful. My hubby sprayed only a couple of sprays on each of the shoes and this was more than enough to get the dust, grime and dirt off of the shows.

After the shoe has had a chance to dry, the next step is to apply the conditioner. Using the second cloth that was included in the kit, my hubby applied the conditioner to the cloth and then used the cloth to buff the shoes. My hubby recommends that you apply the conditioner to the cloth instead of directly to the item you are working with. This allows the conditioner to be applied more evenly and smoothly to the item.

My hubby applying the conditioner.

My hubby applying the conditioner.

After cleaning the shoes take a look at the dirt that came off in the cloth.

Cleaning Cloth results

Cleaning Cloth results

Allowing the the shoes to dry and applying the conditioner, the transformation is marvelous. Take a look!

These shoes look new and revitalized.

The shoes, after applying the cleaner and conditioner.

 

Check out the Leather Honey website because the company gives detailed information, videos and testimonials about the natural leather cleaner and conditioner.

JTwisdom

*This is my honest opinion. Bubbling With Elegance and Grace team was gifted the
natural cleaner and conditioner and two cloths from Leather Honey .

Verified by MonsterInsights