by | Mar 26, 2014 | Fashion |
Hi Lovely Readers,
Spring is here but it feels like winter. The temperature was a high of 40, so not breaking out with the shorts yet. I had this maxi skirt from Susan Graver on QVC and wanted to style it for this type of weather. I added a shirt, sweater, tights and my ankle boots.
The maxi skirt has a wonderful print that will work with so many different colors. I chose my magenta cable knit sweater and shirt underneath. This maxi skirt works for all seasons. The weight of the maxi is not thin, it’s a good weight for cool months. Also, the shape of the maxi slims the hips and that’s always a good thing in my book.
The Style
Shirt – Lady Van Huesen
Sweater – Charter Club
Maxi Skirt – Susan Graver from QVC
Tights – Silkies
Ankle Leather boots – Earth Brands
On another note, I am doing some spring transformations in my sitting room. The ivory dresser to the left (Behind me in the picture below) I want to paint a different color to coordinate in my sitting room. I have had the dresser since I was a child and it’s time for an update.
If you have a maxi skirt, try rocking it in the cool months, you may be surprised how versatile it can be.
by | Mar 25, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion, Haircare |
Hi Lovely Readers,
I actually saw snow flurries today, so you will be seeing a winter post this week for sure. I am a spring baby, however fall and winter is my favorite seasons.
When I bought this sweater from Old Navy a couple of years ago, I thought the owl sweater was so cute. I wore the sweater with a black Macy’s shirt underneath for a layering effect. The sweater was on clearance at the time and I couldn’t resist purchasing it. It was less than ten dollars, a real deal.
My Jeans are from NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans) and the fit is slimming and the material is very soft. I really am self-conscious of my thighs, so finding jeans have been difficult for me. I don’t have the model figure and I bet many of a modeling agents would say what the world is she modeling clothes on a blog for the world to see. I see the magazines that have these beautiful statuesque women who model the clothes in Vogue, Elle and have legs that go a mile long. Do I have mile long legs? No, but I don’t answer to anyone but God. He created me and if I can get on here and do articles about how I style my outfits; hopefully I can reach out to people to let them know that God made everyone beautiful in His eyes and there is no need to compare.
Okay, I am stepping down from my soapbox.
My Born boots are from DSW and they really give me a uniqueness and a style all my own. And my handbag is my trusty Kathy Van Zeeland that works with any ensemble.
I have been embracing my curls for almost five years now. I bought the earrings below at a hair show in Chicago. The earrings are a little heavy but I had to get them because the words on the earrings speak volumes.
My curls are defined and look pretty good. I have been without a relaxer for almost five years and I still have my moments when it comes to certain products. I may try something new or I think my hair routine is okay and I am like what happened with that. It is a journey and a good one that I am glad to be a part of. My hair is thicker, longer and healthier for not having my hair chemical relaxed. I have nothing against my relaxed sisters, but I am speaking for only myself because I decided to go natural in June 2009.
I had no idea my hair was this curly.
The added accessories finish the look.
This outfit is a favorite of mine because I added a bit of whimsy. The owl sweater looks youthful without looking childish. There is a difference between looking youthful and looking childish. Having a youthfulness about you creates energy, joy and excitement. I don’t want to look childish, for the simple fact I am not trying to look like I am 15.
However, I want to be energetic, chic and stylish. Another added bit of charm is a smile.
The accessories:
Bracelet: Studio Barse
Tigers Eye Bead Bracelet
Emerald Green Ring: Berricle
Drusy Ring
Handbag: Kathy Van Zeeland
Boots: Born
Sneakers: BCBG
Fragrance: Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi
by | Mar 24, 2014 | Fashion, Fitness |
Hi Lovely Readers,
It is time to start thinking about vacations and wearing the appropriate attire. Vacation season will soon be upon us and it is essential to be prepared ahead of time. A popular vacation destination for families is the beach. Being in the water is a fun activities for Moms, Dads and children of all ages. Moms and Dads have to think about what suit looks good in the water but they really have to think about what’s the best swim gear for their children.
Making sure that your child is comfortable, safe and warm when they enjoy the water should be the priority of any parent. So, when it comes to choosing children’s winter wetsuits, what are the things that we should be on the lookout for? Well, quite simply, choosing kid’s winter wetsuits is no different than choosing one for an adult. A kid’s winter wetsuit should be well fitted, well made and of the correct thickness appropriate to the sea temperatures that your child will be playing in.
Wet Gear from H2O Sports
Let’s take each of those points and have a look at them in closer detail:
Size – Picking the correct size children’s winter wetsuit should be your first consideration. If the suit doesn’t fit properly then the thickness of the neoprene that you choose will be irrelevant. Children’s winter wetsuits, as with adults too, should be close fitting-just like a second skin. There should be no baggy pockets of air or loose portions of rubber in evidence. If there is then these will repeatedly fill with cold water and lower the body temperature. Another area to look out for is at the extremities of the suit. Neckline, wrist and ankle areas should all be form-fitting, and not at all loose.
Thickness – Once you have chosen the correct size you can then start to consider the children’s winter wetsuits thickness. Whether they’ll need a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or a 5/3mm wetsuit will largely depend on the sea temperatures, but can also be down to personal choice. Some kids feel the cold more than others so adjust accordingly. A rough guide can be that a 4mm wetsuit will be good for water temperatures of around 12° Centigrade or 54° Fahrenheit. A 5mm wetsuit can go a little lower at 9° Centigrade (48° Fahrenheit) and for anything colder still you should be looking at a 5/3mm wetsuit or thicker. It’s important that the kid’s winter wetsuits are comfortable so take this into account too when choosing between a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or a 5/3mm wetsuit.
Quality – This may seem obvious, but it is well worth pointing out. Should the children’s winter wetsuits be poorly made then the above two points become moot. You see, if the stitching is poor or if the zips are low grade then water will enter in from outside of the suit and flush out the warm layer of water that has been created by the body. It won’t matter how thick the kid’s winter wetsuits are. You could have a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or even a 5/3mm wetsuit on and still feel the cold because the neoprene isn’t being given the chance to insulate as it should. A good quality 4mm wetsuit will be warmer than a cheap 5/3mm wetsuit.
Children swimsuit from H2O Sports
So, next time you go to pick out the kid’s winter wetsuits keep these things in mind. Don’t get too hung up on whether or not the 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or the 5/3mm wetsuit is the right choice if you are not looking at all the other areas mentioned too. Buying the correct children’s winter wetsuits will help them to have more fun, so it’s well worth getting it right.
* promotional content *
by | Mar 19, 2014 | Fashion |
Hello Lovely Readers,
Spring is this Thursday and I wanted to give props to the color green and I also will be doing a Winter review post this week. I know you want to see 80 degree temperatures and flip flops but I want to due a winter review. Even though I was born in may the winter is one of my favorite seasons.
Green is such a lovely color because it can be work with any color and look fabulous. You can wear green anytime and it doesn’t have to be only on St. Patrick’s Day.
I received a Golden Blog nomination that I was suppose to give a little tidbit about myself weeks ago, however to work and church schedules I had not been able to do so. Here goes even though I am a little late.
This is the Golden Blog award. I am smiling right now.
Ten Thought Provoking Facts About Me:
1. I confess I am a Jesus Lover.2. I really drink eight glasses of water everyday and a cup of tea at night.
3. I don’t like to clean chitterlings or smell chitterlings cooking on the stove.
4. Stargazer lilies are my favorite flower, I had them in my wedding bouquet.
5. I collect handbags, clothes, jewelry and journals.
6. I have to wear a piece of jewelry on my body everyday.
7. I started playing piano my Sophomore year of college and didn’t have a piano at first. I had to practice in the piano study rooms at school. I play now for relaxation and for the sheer love of music. It’s been hard to find time to play (practice) however I am making time now.
8. I enjoy wearing all colors especially pinks and corals.
9. My husband and I enjoy having fun together and we have two doggie family members named Giovanni, the boisterous beagle and Vincenzo, the lovable collie.
10. I never feel like I truly fit in, I have always been different. I am a square peg.
Adding a bonus
11. I love to dance and sing. I incorporate dance in my workouts and it’s so much fun.
Thank you for the blog award nomination, it means a lot to me. Muah!
I can say it’s easy being green.
I nominate for the Golden Blogger Award
by | Feb 16, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion, Inspirations |
Hello Elegant Readers!
Thank you for stopping by my lovely boutique blog.
Sit back, relax and enjoy.
All I hear around me is talk about the weather.
It’s snowing? It’s raining? It’s a wintry mix? Is it spring yet?
I will get to the outfit post;
but first I wanted to offer a little food for thought.
Thank you God for protecting me, leading me and guiding me. Each day I want to be better, do better. I heard a saying that many of you have heard that quitters never win and winners never quit. I don’t ever want to give up on my dreams, goals and aspirations in life. This last two weeks have been like a whirlwind; but praise God He is still on the throne. My goal is to seek Him more and more each day. I looked at this scripture from my Joyce Meyer calendar
Proverbs 18:20
A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words
he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
So I declare that I will do my best to purpose to speak positive words from my mouth. Is it easy?
No way. Do I have what I say? Yes. Speak Life!
My outfit that I wore to work or church is so fun and carefree. It brightens the darkest of days. My boots were a recent purchase from HSN that I got at a real good deal. The Joan Boyce “Emily” Sequined Boot with Faux Fur Lining retailed for $69.90 but I bought them for a whopping price of $24.95 (with free shipping). I am not one to usually be shy when it comes to what I wear; but these boots were shining bright like I need to wear shades. Well you know me, so I wore them to church. Way cool! Not only are they an eye catcher, but the boots are also very warm and cozy. I received so many compliments on these boots that it was like they had there on fan following.
Another bonus is the shoes have a side zip and a rubber sole with great traction.
This outfit was a bit of this and that, pulled together. I purchased the ribbed turtleneck from Macy’s last year. The skirt was gifted to me from Lettuce Stitch Skirts, I am linking its Facebook page because its site is not active. My Dooney and Bourke Vacheeta leather handbag has become one of my favorites. My two-year-old burgundy tights from Marshalls coordinated and finished the look. It all came together and Vinny, my sweet doggie, is my trusty photo buddy.
My necklace is from the Missouri History Museum gift shop. I liked the different textures used in the necklace. Textures of metal, crystals, crochet yarn, glass beads, pearls and a timepiece.
I wear bracelets every day, it finishes my look. I am giving another cudo to the Missouri History Museum gift shop.
I bought this silver cameo bracelet about three years ago and I got such a good deal on it.
My watch is a must every day. I collect watches and this one is a ceramic Isaac Mizrahi watch. It is so versatile and has become a classic on my accessory list. The sterling silver cuff is is by Judith Ripka. The gold Jacqueline Kennedy bracelet was an wedding anniversary gift from my hubby. I love this bracelet so much that I will be doing a future post about it.
I mentioned that we should speak life. This latest video from Tobymac really speaks loud about how we should treat each other.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0[/youtube]
by JTwisdom | Feb 2, 2014 | Fashion |
Okay, so my efforts to have the Downton Abbey recap up the next day has gotten delayed again this week. My schedule did not allow me to get this post ready on Monday evening; but nevertheless, I have push onward and now I have the chance to write my recap.
This year’s season of Downton Abbey is a much different than the previous seasons. There is no major historical event occurring to wrap the plot around. In previous years, we watched as the First World War took center stage and it was easy for the writers develop a plot around such a major historical event. In this season, the plot is more focused on personal stories and events in the characters lives. It allows for a greater development of the characters that we have loved since the first season or a chance to get to know the new ones. At first, I was unsure how this would be work, but the plot line and the writing has been excellent. By the 1920s, Europe and especially Great Britain, saw an extraordinary change in the political and social scene. Season Four of Downton Abbey has masterfully portrayed that change.
www.pbs.org
Observations and Thoughts about Episode Four
Anna continues to withdraw herself from Bates and refuses to tell him what is wrong. Learning that Mrs. Hughes knows what has happened, Bates threatens to leave Downton if she does not tell him the truth. Mrs. Hughes tells him, leaving out that it was Green, Gillingham’s valet, who was the one responsible for the vicious act. Once Anna knows that Bates knows, their relationship starts to slowly reconcile. Anna does not want Bates to know that it was Green who attacked her.
Alfred travels to London for the first time to take the chef’s test at the Ritz Hotel. His cooking creating have been a hit with the family, but unfortunately he does not finish in the top four. He returns to Downton.
Mr. Drewe, one of the oldest tenants of Downton, has died. He had not been able to pay his taxes in many years. Prior to his death, Lady Mary threatened to foreclose on his property and get it back so it can be profitable once again. Mr. Drewe’s son wants to continue farming the land and he pleads with Lord Grantham to find a way to do it. Lord Grantham agrees to pay the back taxes and allow him to work on the land. Lady Mary and Branson find out what has happened and do not agree with it.
Technology continues to make its way into Downton. Baxter, the new lady’s maid, is using an electric sewing machine, and Cora wants to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen, much to the displeasure of Mrs. Pattmore. Mrs. Pattmore continues to struggle with these new items and feels that they are unnecessary. But Mrs. Pattmore sees the benefit of the sewing machine when she rips her smock and needs it fixed in a hurry.
Questions for Episode Five
Will Bates pursue finding out who attacked Anna? Will he find out that it was Green? If he finds out the full truth, how will he react? Will Anna and Bates be able to have the same relationship as they did prior to the event.
Will Alfred continue with his desire to be a chef? Or will he give up on it all together? Who will be there for him to encourage him with his dreams and goals?
What new appliance or technological item will be introduced at Downton? Will Downton keep up with the change times? Or will it continue to be caught up its past, expecting things to stay the same?
How will the changing tide of the working class effect the way Downton does business? How will Downton be able become self-sufficient as it has for the last one hundred years? Will there be other parts of the land be sold off in order for Downton to maintain its operations? Will Lady Mary and her father come into an agreement on the best way for this work?
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