by | Jul 30, 2014 | Fashion, Menswear |
Hi Elegant Readers,
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.
by | Jul 16, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers;
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 +.
by | Jun 30, 2014 | Fashion, Fitness |
Hi Elegant Readers,
The Lady Rams Kickoff Event was a huge success. I was really excited to find out more about the program and meet other Lady Rams members.
The St. Louis Rams organization is encouraging ladies in the community to join the program that focuses on fashion, fitness and football. In my mind, a great combination.
My outfit was styled with a Ralph Lauren dress, a red fitted shirt jacket and my Guess satchel that I purchased on a Chicago trip. My wedge sandals from Clarks are the best and oh so comfortable.
JT getting ready for the Lady Rams event
It was so nice to be a part of the event and that I could invite a guest to attend with me. I brought my hubby who also co-writes on the blog with me. The Lady Rams Kick-off event was at the Budweiser Brewhouse restaurant and bar in the t the newly-opened Ballpark Village. Ballpark Village, which only opened this year, provides an incredible atmosphere right next to the Cardinals stadium, in the heart of Downtown. We parked and checked in and went up the stairs to the event. I was greeted by Rampage, the Rams mascot. Isn’t he adorable.
JT with Rampage
The event was packed and the crowd enjoyed themselves complimentary appetizers and drinks. Great turnout and everyone was pumped.
Lady Rams Kickoff event crowd
Players introduced themselves to the Lady Rams members. I got to meet Cory Harkey and Cody Davis of the St. Louis Rams.
Very cordial gentlemen and it is awesome that Rams organization does so much for the community.
JT meeting Rams players Cory Harkey (left) and Cody Davis (right)
My hubby and I throughly enjoyed ourselves and met some great people.
Hubby and JT
I got a goody bag and received the Lady Rams V-Neck T shirt. The front and the back of the shirt is in the pictures below.
Lady Rams V-Neck T Front and Back
The shirt was so cute that I had to style it with my newsprint skirt.
Lady Rams V neck T shirt styled with Newsprint skirt
I also received some awesome Rams blue nail polish, Rams print nail file, and coupons.
The event was a huge success. I am super excited to be a part of the upcoming events. There will be a Lady’s Training Camp in July and a Fashion Show / Girl’s Night Out in September. It’s not too late to join, CLICK HERE for more information.
JT
The St. Louis Rams has provided me with a complimentary membership for the Lady Rams Program.
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by | Jun 3, 2014 | Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
I was recently asked by sammydress.com to select an item from its online store; to style it and write a review. The site has so many wonderful items that would make a great addition to any diva’s closet. I selected the Charming Ruffle Solid Color Beam Waist Chiffon Party Dress For Women for $14.76 because the teal color drew me in and I liked the design. The pleats in the dress did not look boxy to the point of making my hips look full, the lines were clean and elongating.
At first, I was a little hesitant about the sizing because the dress was “one-size-fits-all.” I did not know if the fit would be extremely large and way too big ;or extremely small and very fitted. Never the less, that did not stop me from selecting this dress.
I styled the dress three different ways:
For my first style session, I wanted to see how the dress looked on my figure without any jacket or cardigan and it is very attractive. I added a belt, my jewelry are honor pearls , gold hoops, studio barse leather bracelet, watch and bracelets, my handbag is by Maxx and my shoes are by Greta. My fragrance I am wearing is Heavenly Angel by Victoria Secret. This dress reminds me of a dress I made for my senior assembly graduation for high school.
JT styling a Sammy Dress
The teal green Sammy dress has an elasticized waist and is pleated. I added a belt to the dress to give a more definition. I added my pink and white pearl necklace that recently my hubby had re-strung and gray peep toe heels.
Charming Ruffle Solid Color Beam Waist Chiffon Party Dress For Women
This dress is perfect for work, church, or a movie night with my hubby. The fabric in the dress is soft and is not scratchy. The dress is chic and it i also very comfortable.
The second way I styled the dress is with a striped blouse that makes the dress looks like a two piece outfit: a skirt and top combo. I really like how professional this outfit looks. Perfect for work if you need to be more dressed up.
Sammy Dress styled with Top and belt
The third look speaks of ladylike charm, this Broucle jacket works. The ruffles in the collar of the jacket accentuates the dress in very elegant way.
JTwisdom
The pink and teal compliments each other very well and my two-tone pumps add contrast.
JT in Sammy dress with Boucle jacket
Overall, I give this dress a thumbs up because it is a real pleasure to wear. I can be style so many different ways. With a few minor accessory changes, cardigans, sweaters, blazers, boots or flats the dress is season-less.
Thank you Sammydress.com for gifting me the dress. I enjoyed styling it. The review is solely my honest opinion.
by | May 27, 2014 | Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
If you are in the Philadelphia area or will be visiting the summer or fall, you will need to check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Your trip to the City of Brotherly Love would not be complete without a trip to see the wonderful new exhibition that examines the styles of fashion designer Patrick Kelly. The exhibition, titled Patrick Kelly:Runway of Love, opened April 27, and runs through November 30.
Patrick Kelly
Excerpt from Philadelphia Museum of Art press release.
“Fashion is celebrated this spring at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the retrospective Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love, which explores the meteoric rise and remarkable achievements of a 1980s legend whose clothing was worn by women of every age, from actress Bette Davis, late in her life, to singer Vanessa Williams, then in her twenties.This is the first exhibition to showcase the full scope of Kelly’s head-to-toe runway ensembles, and will include selections from the artist’s significant holdings of black memorabilia, videos of his exuberant fashion shows, and works by renowned photographers Horst P. Horst, Pierre et Gilles, and Oliviero Toscani.”
Patrick Kelly
Photograph of Patrick Kelly by Oliviero Toscani.
Patrick Kelly was a couture designer who loved bold colors and prints with over the top embellishments.
“I want my clothes to make you smile,” said Patrick Kelly.
I really like the behind the scenes teaser on the exhibit seen in this video. The exhibitions assistant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art gives an overview of how each look is put together. The ensembles are matched exactly as if they were being styled for the runway.
[vimeo]http://www.vimeo.com/87093836″[/vimeo]
Doesn’t this dress, with a coordinating hat, bring a ear-to-ear smile to your face? The colors of the rainbow is shown throughout this dress. However, it is not too overpowering. It makes a bold statement.
Patrick Kelly Design Woman’s Ensemble: Dress, Hat, and Shoes, Fall/Winter 1987. Designed by Patrick Kelly, American (active Paris), c. 1954 1990. Dress and Hat: Wool and spandex knit. Shoes: Black suede, cotton embroidery, plastic. Promised gift of Bjorn Guil Amelan and Bill T. Jones.
I included the video below because I wanted to show that his fashion shows were fun and filled with excitement. He celebrated women in all different shapes and a variety of ethnicities were showcased on his runway.
Patrick Kelly’s designs are bold and the models are actually smiling and playful.
[vimeo]http://www.vimeo.com/93382955″[/vimeo]
The Patrick Kelly ensemble below is so ahead of its time. This design could be worn right now, and noone would know that it was a design from the 1980s. Patrick Kelly’s designs are timeless.
Patrick Kelly Image Woman’s Top and Skirt, Spring/Summer 1985. Patrick Kelly, American (active Paris), c. 1954 1990. Cotton and acrylic knit. Promised gift of Bjorn Guil Amelan and Bill T. Jones.
This metamorphosis of the Eiffel Tour is very cool, but oh so different. The symmetry elongates the body and makes a woman look tall and statuesque.
Patrick Kelly Woman’s Ensemble: Dress, Hat, and Shoes, Fall/Winter 1989. Patrick Kelly, American (active Paris), c. 1954 1990. Dress: Wool and spandex knit, plastic. Hat: Wire, nylon velvet. Shoes: Leather. Promised gift of Bjorn Guil Amelan and Bill T. Jones.
Excerpt from the Phliadelphia Museum of Art website.
“Patrick Kelly was born and raised in Mississippi by his mother and his grandmother, who helped foster his love of fashion by bringing him fashion magazines. He moved to Paris in late 1979, and in 1988 became the first American and the first black designer to be voted into the prestigious Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, the French fashion industry association and standards organization. Kelly’s brilliant vision and career were cut short by AIDS, to which he succumbed on January 1, 1990.”
There is a companion exhibit called, Gerlan Jeans ♥ Patrick Kelly
Marcel Gerlan is truly inspired by Patrick Kelly, her designs are evident because they are just as bold, vibrant and individualistic.
Below is a video of Marcel Gerlan discussing how Patrick Kelly has inspired her designs through the years.
[vimeo]http://www.vimeo.com/92112099″ [/vimeo]
The boldness of the color palette and the accessorizing of the bows on the Gerlan dress exudes inspiration.
“Take a Bow” Dress. Fall/Winter 2009 Cotton knit. Peace & Love, Inc. Collection. Designed by Gerlan Jeans, New York, 2009–present. On loan from Gerlan Jeans.
Bow Braid. Fall/Winter 2009. Human hair. Peace & Love, Inc. Collection. Designed by Chuckie Amos. American, 1969. On loan from Gerlan Jeans.
The Gerlan dress/tunic below reminds me of a Patrick Kelly design. He loved hearts and the bold red jumps right out at you.
Patrick Kelly’s vigor for life and love of color, bold prints and patterns continually is an evident inspiration for Gerlan’s designs.
“Hit by Hearts” Dress and Sweater Scarf. Fall/Winter 2009. Merino wool knit. Peace & Love, Inc. Collection. Designed by Gerlan Jeans, New York, 2009–present. On loan from Gerlan Jeans.
by | May 16, 2014 | Fashion, Fitness |
Hi Elegant Readers,
I have some exciting news to share. I have been selected as a fashion influencer for a new collaboration with the Saint Louis Rams! I was one of their favorite bloggers and have been selected to promote their newest membership program, The Lady Rams.
Lady Rams Logo courtesy of Saint Louis Lady Rams
“Where football, fashion and fitness meet!”
I am all about feeling good, from the inside out. In order to be healthy and fit, I have to watch what I eat in moderation and workout regularly. Eating healthy and getting your fitness on, adds balance.
Without a healthy and fit body, you cannot enjoy your fashions. The Saint Louis Rams has created a new avenue for women to come together for football, fashion, and fitness. Introducing the Lady Rams! With an annual cost of only $35, the Lady Rams has so much to offer to its members, including:
– Unique Rams premium item
-Membership packet
-Monthly newsletter
-Monthly drawings for autographed items, tickets,
special experiences and more
The membership also includes exclusive invitations to:
* Lady Rams Kickoff event on June 12
The Launch Party with the opportunity to meet Rams personnel and meet other Lady Rams members.
* Ladies night at Rams training camp in July
Get the first look at the 2014 Saint Louis Lady Rams at this up close private event.
* Girls Night Out in September
Catch the latest fall fashion paired with your favorite Rams pieces at our lady Rams Fashion show, featuring food, drinks and guests appearances throughout the night.
Portion of the proceeds of the memberships
will benefit St. Louis area charities.
CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up to be a LADY RAM!!!
The membership privileges are great and reinforces health and feeling confident. Some years ago, I lost 50 pounds that I had gained because of medication that I was taking at the time. It was a hard time because I was gaining weight and it was not because I was eating the wrong food. To read my store click on this post.
I work out four to five times a week and I love to mix the workouts to constantly keep my body working different parts.
Stretching the legs and arms release tension and warms up the body. Standing on one foot on steps strengthens the thighs and increases your balance. I have on my Rams Long sleeve T-shirt! The T-shirt is great because I have on my Rams fashion to keep warm on the cool days,
like today.
JT stretching and doing leg lifts
Once the body is warmed up, it is time to do lunges. Lunges are a great way to keep your legs lean and stretch your thighs at the same time. With my Rams shirt on me doing lunges, I imagine myself having a football and I am ducking and dodging my opponents to get the touchdown. Don’t ya see it? I do.
Being health minded has really made me think about my fitness fashions. I like my workout tanks to be vibrant and bright. In the picture above, I am wearing a bright pink tank and a cross trainers with pink highlights. The bright colors and sleek look makes me smile and feel good confidence booster. You will see a lot of pink because it’s one of my favorite colors. When I want to treat myself I might get a cute tank or a great pair of workout shorts. I like to interchange my workout tanks and shorts. When one outfit is in the washing machine I don’t have to wait for it to wash and dry because I have an extra workout gear.
I can’t wait to see the Lady Rams Fashion show this fall because I really want to get extra ideas on styling with my Rams pieces. I expect to see jeans, light wale corduroy and blazers. I see a Lady Rams bra tank with shorts in the near future.
Live your best life now and put your fashion foot forward.
The St. Louis Rams invited me to preview Lady Rams and provided me with a complimentary membership.
Check out the Rams online at
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