My hubby and I celebrated 15 years of marriage on September 11th! We are celebrating the whole month.
Wow, 15 years makes me reflect to my wedding day filled with joy and happiness.
JT and Hubby Wedding The rings
This is my daddy and I on my wedding day, he was putting a penny in my shoe for good blessings.
JT and Daddy
My hubby and I celebrated this past week with an awesome road trip. We just got back and I’m getting back to blogging again. We will be writing about the trip to the Southwest, so check back soon for those posts.
I wanted to see what my wedding dress looked like and how it fit after all these years. I pulled it out of the closet and I tried it on. My dress did not cost thousands of dollars; but to me it looked like it did.
My dress was designed by Alfred Angelo, exclusively for JC Penney’s. I was dealing with some physical and medical challenges at the time, causing me to gain weight that I was not able to control.
I know gaining about fifty pounds is not what I wanted when I got married; however I dealt with it and conquered it.
On the day of the wedding, the dress fit me exact. It did not need to be taken in or hemmed.
However, 15 years later, the sleeves are baggy and the wedding dress is loose on me now and hangs.
Side view Wedding Dress
This is a back view of the dress and it’s beautiful, but it looks so different on me now. I decided to wear a cream-colored dress.
When you looked at it up close, you can tell that it is cream. But in all of the photographs, it looks white.
My daddy stepped on my dress after the ceremony was finished. I thought at the time that he had ripped the fabric where I couldn’t reattach the bustle to the back of the dress.
When I tried it on, I found out that the dress wasn’t ripped at all. But, my maid of honor did not attach the train correctly after I walked down the church steps.
I attached the train correctly in the photo.
I thought this wedding dress was haute couture with all the bead work and detailing from the sleeves to the hem.
Back view JT wedding dress
Here’s an up close look of the detail in the bead work; exquisite I must say.
Closeup of detail
My hubby and I planned our wedding and we were on a budget. However, I still wanted it to be a wonderful day of celebration. I still look at the dress and marvel at how beautiful it is with all the beadwork and lace.
Pray you are having an awesome Labor Day holiday weekend. I have been battling a summer cold, however I am feeling better, thank the Lord. Plenty of tea and cough syrup!
I am super excited to tell you about the Lotus Seed Mala that I was gifted by Romell, founder and designer of Karma Mantra.
I was contacted by Romell, who asked me if I would like to try a piece of jewelry from his website, Karma Mantra. I had not heard of Karma Mantra before, so I was intrigued and went exploring on the website.
The design variations and styles of jewelry styles are available for both women and men.
I always enjoy reading the about page to know the story behind the designs.
Here’s an excerpt from the Karma Mantra About Page:
“Karma Mantra’s entire line is a collection of hand-selected gems acquired from designer Romell Bhaala’s global journeys. Additionally, Romell uses the experiences of his travels to inspire new one-of-a-kind creations. Each item is the culmination of a powerful past shaping a transcendent future.”
It was extremely hard to select a piece that I liked, so I suggested a few of my favorites and was ready to be surprised.
My package came in the mail and when I opened the envelope, this is what was inside.
A beautiful Lotus Seed Mala and a sweet card inside that said, “JT, hope this was everything you expected and more! Peace & Love, Alexa”
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Karma Mantra package
The Lotus Seed Necklace Mala retails for $24.99 on Karma Mantra’s website.
Product Description
“This beautiful Lotus Seed mala is one of the most beautiful and powerful looking malas carried by Karma Mantra. Wear the beautiful Lotus Seed Japa Mala around your neck or hold it in your hand during your meditation practice to us the Lotus seeds as healing. Like the Lotus flower which takes its roots in muddy depths and blossom into a beautiful flower, let the Lotus Seed Mala remind you of your inner beauty. Let your soul root itself within difficulties and grow above them with beauty and compassion. With each bead over 12mm, this mala tends to be a mala used for meditation, kirtan or for someone wanting to take their Japa practice to the next level. Please Note: This Mala is very long, and can be worn long or wrapped around as a necklace/multiple stack bracelet. ” Karma Mantra
Lotus Seed Mala Styled by JTwisdom
I respect that some use the Lotus Seed Mala for meditation, kirtan or Japa, however I am wearing the Mala as a necklace styled with fashion apparel.
In the picture the necklace is styled with a very bright and bold dress that I constantly get compliments on. In the photo below, the Mala is wrapped twice around the neck in a short and long style.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
I wanted to show that the necklace is very long and can be worn many different ways, the style is up to you. I layered the Mala with my jasper heart leather cord necklace for dimensional effect.
Karma Mantra Lotus Seed Mala
The beads are soft and really accentuated my embroidered blouse.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
The beads flow so well and feel very secure. When I wore this blouse, the Lotus Seed Mala did not feel weighty at all. It was great.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
Another way I styled the necklace was with a casual blue striped blouse. The look was so relaxing and cool. The shape of the beads remind me of large freshwater pearls. I keep talking about the shape because the beads are so comfortable.
Lotus Seed Mala with Blue Striped Blouse
This is four-season jewelry that can be worn no matter what the temperature is outside. The necklace can work with a blouse, dress, or turtleneck.
Post coming soon showing how to style the Mala for fall and winter.
Thank you Romell and everyone at Karma Mantra for giving me the opportunity to style the Lotus Seed Mala.
The Super Moon was out recently and it was a fascinating sight to see. I have to tell you about a great opportunity I recently had to review the most beautiful tee.
The Super Moon
Designer Camilla Olson recently contacted me to try “The Infinite Tee.” I have collaborated with Camilla in the past on a dress, so I know her work is fabulous. I anxiously waited to receive it and give it a try. I received the tee in less than two weeks and when I received the package in the mail it came with a 5×7 illustration card showing different ways to wear the Tee.
There are so many ways The Infinite Tee can be worn that the ideas are endless.
I stepped outside of the box and put the tee over of my sleeveless dresses. The silk tee is very comfortable and a great layering piece.
On the Camilla Olson website, the description of The Infinite Tee
The Infinite Tee is definitely more than just a Tee. Self blocking around the bra line removes uncertainty of appropriateness. The slight accent of the double layer is surprisingly eye catching because of the perfect encircling around your torso. Wear it with or without a bra, with a tank and jacket, or anything in between. We think this is the most versatile piece in our collection and guess you’ll agree it is more than just a Tee. Each purchase includes a 5″ x 7″ illustrated card on ways to wear the Infinite Tee. (www.CamillaOlson.com)
JT Styling the Infinite Tee
Details of the Infinite Tee are:
100% silk chiffon, imported
5 1/2″ self fabric double layer serves as a pseudo bandeau
Gentle slit at the front neck, adds interest and lengthens the face and torso.
French seam finish on all seams
Pin hem
25″ from shoulder to front hem. (size XS)
36″ diameter at the hem (size XS)
Sizes XS – XL Dry clean or hand wash cold.
This tee is effortless. I feel odd calling this a tee because it feels and looks so luxurious. The tee works so well under a blazer or with your favorite jeans. The style choices are endless with this tee.
I paired the Tee with printed design, wide-leg pants and it flowed effortlessly. Tee is cool and great for hot days because the fabric is breathable. I really like how the print of the pants shows through silk fabric. I could wear this outfit to work, church, shopping, traveling and more.
JT in Infinite tee with printed pant
I paired the tee with a maxi skirt. Tee highlighted the colors in the skirt.
JT pairing Infinite Tee with maxi skirt
The styles are endless. What a versatile luxurious tee that will work in my wardrobe all year long.
Thank you Camilla Olson for giving me the opportunity to style this tee.
* JT was allowed to keep the Tee, the review is her honest opinion. *
Can you believe that it is August already? My friends’ and colleagues’ kids are starting school soon while others will be going back in a week. Well, there is still time to get that vacation getaway before summer gets away from you. I feel the humidity outside and the heat.
If you had a fantasy getaway, where would you go?
How about Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps. I envision styles for you if you ever plan to go.
Fantasy vacation where you and the hubby are flying into Las Vegas for a quick, three-day weekend. You can stay at the Aria at Citycenter. Aria is a destination in itself, featuring over 4,000 rooms, a multitude of restaurants for every taste bud, a spa and salon, and awesome entertainment options including Cirque du Soleil.
aria at citycenter
When you get up in the morning, you want to look cute, but effortless. I went for the layering effect with the jacket, jeans and blouse. Even though Las Vegas is warm, it may be cool in the cafes when you are getting some breakfast before you start your day. The jacket can always be taken off as the temperature rises. I went for the gold with the accessories and added a pop of color with turquoise necklace.
Viva Las Vegas Breakfast glam
After breakfast at the Cafe, it’s time to check out the boutiques and shops.
Aria Cafe
Crystals mall is right next to the hotel. You would have to take a day just to browse all the shops that include Tiffany’s,Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. The water features along with the trees and plants are a must see.
I included a second style sheet of a great day look that will keep you looking fabulous. These Guiseppe Zanotto wedge sneakers will be stylish and comfortable walking all day long.
Pile on the bracelets, hoop earrings and add a pop of color in the necklace and handbag.
Style Sheet Two: Daydreamer
Night out with the hubby in Las Vegas
After coming back to the hotel from a day of walking the Vegas strip and shopping; it is time to relax a little and get ready for dinner and a show.
I would recommend dinner at Lemongrass for some stir fry garlic vegetable with Thai iced tea. Sounds delicious!
Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria
The outfit below is perfect for seeing the Jersey Boys show. I saw the group with the hubby on a Caribbean cruise and the show is fabulous.
“The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is ubiquitous. Whether or not you realize it, you’ve heard their songs on the radio, in TV commercials, movies or covered by a contemporary artist. Their repertoire of hits like, “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is ingrained in American pop culture. The story behind those songs and the group is just as endearing.” (Vegas.com)
The look: A 50s style with this sleeveless a-line cherry print dress because we are going to see the Jersey boys.
Las Vegas Dinner Nights
The hair would be in an up-do chignon and add a couple of sprays of the fruity, floral fragrance called Fabulous perfume by Isaac Mizrahi.
The three day weekend is styled right and oh so gorgeous.
What a beautiful day and great weather; this past weekend was quite warm. With the constant temper changes, I am hearing in the fashion grapevine that fall fashion is coming around the corner. I love it when I see my hubby putting on a great shirt for work, church or a special occasion. It’s something very chic to see my hubby in a great dress shirt.
The number one factor with selecting the ultimate dress shirt depends on fit.
Why fit?
1. If the shirt is too tight in the waist, it will make the midsection (the tummy area) appear larger than it really is.
2. If the shirt is too loose in the waist, it can be overwhelming and possibly start coming out of the pants giving off a sloppy look.
If a shirt does not fit right on my hubby, all the other options are purely aesthetic.
Paul Fredrick has done a fabulous job of illustrating the “Anatomy of a Dress Shirt“. When you take a look at this illustration, I know that you will realize the cuffs are different, the collars are different, the pockets are different, and the length is different. There are many different dress shirt options available for any occasion, making one of them right for the man in your life.
PSA_01 Anatomy of a Dress Shirt
I am sharing some of my hot fall 2014 favorites from Paul Fredrick.
The Dress Shirt Dress shirts are not only in white, the men in my life have tons of choices to choose from and enjoy wearing color.
The Paul Fredrick 2 -ply Cotton Satin Burgundy with Gold stripe dress shirt details below are:
Windsor Spread Collar: Shorter collar points than the straighter collar with a wider gap.
This collar is a classic and can be worn with a bulkier tie.
Mitered French Cuff: This cuff is found in more European shirtings; the cuff is cut at a 45 degree angle.
Pattern of fabric: Burgundy with Gold Stripe pattern that will add style to any pair of dress pants or jeans.
2-ply Cotton Satin Stripe Spread collar French cuff Dress Shirt Paul Fredrick
Bright Bold Colors Stepping out of the box with this fun and colorful 2-ply-Cotton-Fine-Line Stripe Straight Collar dress shirt adds style.
When my hubby wears a shirt like this, it says that he has his own style and character. This dress shirt looks great with a pair of dress pants, jeans or paired with a blazer.
2-ply-Cotton-Fine-Line-Stripe-Straight-Collar-Dress-Shirt Paul Fredrick
The Paul Fredrick Fine Line Stripe Straight Collar Dress Shirt below details are:
Straight Collar: A point collar, a classic collar that flatters face shapes.
Mitered cuff:This cuff is found in more European shirtings; the cuff is cut at a 45 degree angle.
Suit Trends for Fall 2014
1. Variations in Texture draws the eye towards this velvet jacket, paisley tie, stripe patterned socks and brown pants. Patterns due not have to completely match to coordinate together.
The different patterns are very flattering and makes a man look like he took time to put this outfit together.
Variations of Colors and Patterns
Paul Fredrick
The Burgundy Gold Stripe Dress Shirt featured above and in the picture below would give even more contrast to this blazer and dress pants.
The burgundy and gold works well with the blue tones in the blazer.
Burgundy with Gold Stripe Dress Shirt paired with outfit
Paul Fredrick
Another example of texture and color is the suit below.
This 100% Donegal weave suit with the bright colored dress shirt can be worn all year long and could be broken up into separate pieces for variety of looks.
1.The blazer paired with the dress shirt without the tie and jeans.
2. The dress pants paired with the vest and the dress shirt without the blazer.
3. The dress shirt paired with the dress pants or a pair of jeans alone.
Textures and Patterns
Paul Fredrick
The Red Stripe Dress Shirt featured above and in the picture below with the paisley tie would make this suit pop.
My hubby and the other men in my life would get compliments all day long with this gem.
Coordinating Fine Line Stripe Dress Shirt with Donegal Weave Suit Paul Fredrick
If you want the man in your life to look sharp with fine quality dress shirts, take a look at what Paul Fredrick has to offer.
The multitude of styles, colors and designs are top-notch and second-to-none. You, and your man, will not be disappointed.
I am proud to introduce you to fashion blogger Breanne, who has written a wonderful guest post article on what to wear to a wedding. Great advice for a special occasion.
Summer is my favorite season of the year, not just for the warm weather, but for the incredibly fresh and colorful fashions I get to wear all season long. For me, this season is filled with a lot of outdoor activities: cookouts, bonfires, and of course, weddings. Summer is definitely wedding season and if you’re a twenty-something like me, it seems like there’s a wedding happening every other weekend!
I’m all about summer weddings, for one it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy some free food and drinks. But above all this, I live for getting dolled up for a wedding. Bridal looks are my absolute favorite because it’s so refreshing to switch up my everyday casual look into something spectacular. Don’t think because you have several weddings to attend this summer that you’ll have to spend a fortune to get the look you want, I’m here to help you dress your best in an affordable way. If you’re fresh out of ideas for what to wear to a wedding this summer, try any one of these chic styles.
Print
Summer weddings are the perfect time to debut a fresh print look. If you’re attending a wedding this season then why not stray from your everyday and wear this flowy floral print dress from ASOS.com. ThePussycat London Sun Dress with Daisy Floral Print is a favorite of mine because it’s colorful, yet chic enough to wear to a wedding. Pair this dress with some camel strappy heels and you’re good to go! Most people will tell you to stay away from print for wedding looks, but I highly encourage it! You’ll stand out in the best possible way with this floral print dress.
Pussycat-Floral-Dress
Polka Dot
It’s common knowledge that if you’re not the bride then do not wear white to a wedding. However, no one said you couldn’t wear a white dress with polka dots! To brighten up your wedding look, go with this cute summer dress from ModCloth.com.This dress is perfect to wear to a wedding because it’s the perfect combination of white & yellow; you can look great without taking the attention off the bride. This fun and flirty polka dot dress is great to wear all season long too!
Lemon-Polka-Dot-Dress
Drape
I love draped dresses because they’re sophisticated and make you look like a Grecian goddess—and who wouldn’t want that?! The right draped dress will have a comfortable fit and sophisticated design. I love theDKNYC Sleeveless Draped Knit Dress from Macys.com because it is all these things and more! It’s a flirty dress made of soft & comfortable material that gives the appearance of something more expensive. Pair this draped dress with some white pumps and the right accessories and you’ll create a show-stopping look!
Drape-dress
Lace
Lace is sexy and stylish, there’s no doubt about that, but some women shy away from lace as a wedding look. I don’t understand why, I think lace is perfect to celebrate in! Don’t be afraid to mix things up at your next wedding and try a lace dress. I can’t get enough of this A Lace For Romance Cream Lace Dress from LuLus.com. Paired with some powder pink heels, its silky cream color mixes with the lace design for an absolutely gorgeous look. After the wedding you can wear this dress for dates or a night out on the town. The sexy silhouette is great for any occasion!
Lace-dress
Maxi
A maxi dress is a great go-to dress when you’re looking for something extremely affordable. Casual enough to wear everyday and easy enough to doll up for a special event like a wedding. If you’re really on a budget, but want to look stylish, then go for this affordable Maxi Dress from HM.com. The long jersey dress comes in a sleek, dark purple hue that’s great for a summer wedding. The strapless design makes it perfect for pairing with a statement necklace or dangle earrings. Priced at just under $20, it’s a great dress for the woman on a budget.
blue-maxi-dress
Accessories
Now that you have a couple choices for a dress to wear to a wedding, it’s time to accessorize! Accessories can really make or break your look, and for a wedding I suggest sticking with gold, silver, or pearls. Since it’s summer, you can add a hint of color to your accessories, but if your dress is already colorful I advise sticking to neutral tones. Accessories and jewelry can be pretty expensive, so I suggest going faux or sticking to an outlet store, such as OverstockJeweler.com.
gold-faux-necklace
I hope my reception looks inspire you to try something new this summer. Do you have a wedding reception coming up? Let me know what you’re wearing down below in the comments!
Author Bio: Breanne is a recent college graduate, blogger, and fashion aficionada. You can find her over at her blog, Proper & Pink! and on Google +.
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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