by | Jan 18, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Hope you are having a wonderful start to the New Year! Blessings to you for a fabulous 2014.
I have such an exciting review that I am going to talk about.
Recently, Pauline Durban, President and Founder of Covered Perfectly reached out to Bubbling with Elegance and Grace to review one of her tops. Pauline, originally from the United Kingdom, moved to the United States in 1992. I looked at her website and learned that her company started out of a need of finding more tops that made her look and feel more empowered. Once she realized after talking to friends that they had the same challenge, she created Covered Perfectly.
To read more about her inspiring story please go to her website, www.CoveredPerfectly.com.
I can so relate to hearing friends and family tell you that you look great, however deep inside you do not feel that you look your best. I must admit that when I had looked at similar tops like this in the past, I did not think that would look that attractive on me. Even though my top and pants size is in the single digits, I carry my weight in my hips and I have been really self-conscious about it. Even though I work out that’s a spot that gets to me. So, reviewing one of Pauline’s top intrigued me.
The Covered Perfectly website is fabulous. All of the tops are very beautiful. It was hard for me to choose which one to select for the review. After much thought, I finally narrowed my decision down to the Layer bottom Ladies Top in Turquoise. It looked so refreshing and vibrant to me. I choose this top because the flounce on the bottom reminded me of a ruffled skirt. The top comes in four colors: orange, green, turquoise and blue. The fabric feels like a second skin and can be worn all four seasons. This top will work for every woman, no matter where you are located in the world.
I highlighted the top in the picture with some of my favorite jewelry pieces. The top gently glides along my figure, no bunching and accentuates my hips very well.
My NYDJ Jeans gave me that lean look and the Bellini boots gave me the height I like and it all came together perfectly. When I wear a tunic top or longer length top I always pair it with slim lined pants or jeans to balance out the outfit.
You have to experience the softness of the top personally. I feel like I am in my softest pajamas; but I look put together and stylish. The top is so figure flattering for any body type.
In the second image below I am showing how much stretch is in the top. The size I am wearing is a small and I have so much room. However, there is still a feminine silhouette and the top does not look boxy or overpowering. I often here that saying a garment is comfortable is a bad word. Being stylish and having comfort at the same time are two pluses in my fashion diary. I styled this top with a ribbed close fit turtleneck, velour pants and BCBG suede sneakers as a fun going to the mall, out to the movies with the hubby or chilling at home by the fireplace. Perfecto!
Covered Perfectly Bottom Layered Ladies Top
The third way I styled the Bottom Layered Ladies Top was pairing it with a jacket and almost to the knee high boots. I wanted to see how this top shapes up with layering it under a jacket. It looks great. I layered the top with a suede Louis del Olio leather appliquéd jacket and Steve Madden Leather cognac boots.
For a closer look see how the top is the focal point under the jacket. The scoop neckline really elongates my neck and décolletage.
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I could wear this outfit to church, out to dinner, to a play or a concert.
This top will work for a woman in her 20s and up. There is no age limit. Also, no worries about the fabric snagging or grabbing in the wrong places.
I created a video where I discussed further the features of the top.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yATFqf8zKYM[/youtube]
This top offers so many different looks with a few key pieces out of my wardrobe.
The Bottom Layered Ladies top information from the www.coveredperfectly.com site:
Details
Bottom Layered Ladies Top
“This cute style with the layered bottom is great for any body shape. Made from super soft MicroModal, you will love the way it feels.
94 % Micromodal / 6 % Spandex
Made in the USA
Machine washable MicroModal® is something truly special. The fiber is made of European beechwood, is completely natural and produced in Austria.
It’s described as the softest fabric in the world and is so gentle it feels like a second skin. It’s super soft and luxurious, you will love it.
Customers can be sure that if it says MicroModal®, quality and heavenly softness are guaranteed.”
MicroModal® – perfect fineness and softness
Free shipping both ways in the US.
Thank you Pauline, Creator and Founder of Covered Perfectly for the opportunity to review one of your tops. You have changed my mind on longer length tops and how the top looks on me.
Totally fabulous!
by JTwisdom | Jan 13, 2014 | Fashion |
My wife and I are big Downton Abbey fans. Season Four premiered last Sunday on PBS. We blogged about that episode, with our thoughts and questions. We have decided that we would recap the each episode with our observations and a provide questions for the rest of the season. Yes, we know that there are websites out there can give us the full synopsis of Season Four, but we refuse to find out what’s going to happen. We like the element of surprise and do not like knowing what’s going to happen before it does.
www.pbs.org
Episode Two looked to be a low-key episode, with few new developments. The Crawley Family tries to move forward after the Matthew’s death with a house party at Downton Abbey. The party introduces us to new characters and develops existing ones who will play an integral part in Season Four. But before the party has finished, the lives of some of the downstairs staff will be forever changed.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL8uCuLgum8[/youtube]
Observations / Thoughts:
*Lord Gillingham, a childhood friend of Lady Mary, arrives for the party and a spark has been ignited between the two. They talk about the business of Downton, the death of Matthew and moving forward.
*Mr. Gregson is having a hard time getting Lord Grantham to even acknowledge his existence. But Gregson wins back the money that Lord Grantham lost to Sampson while playing poker, things begin look promising.
*The new valet, Green, has taken a liking to Anna; but Bates does not like him or the mischief that he is causing with the downstairs staff. Green throws Anna’s life into peril as the dinner party concludes.
*Branson feels out of place at the house party and is heavily drinking to drown his sorrows. Edna is up to her old tricks and comes to his aid; but at what costs?
Questions for Episode Three:
*How will the relationship between Lord Gillingham and Lady Mary develop? Will it be more business or social? Will there be other men who come into Lady Mary’s life that will allow her to love again?
*How far will Gregson and Lady Edith go to find true? Will a life in Germany be in their future? Is this really Lady Edith’s chance at love? Or will she be heart broken once again?
*Will Anna be able to come to grips with her tragedy? Will she be able to share with Bates what has happened? How will this affect their marriage and their life together?
What will become of Green? How will he act towards the downstairs staff? Will his dirty secret be revealed?
*Will Branson leave Downton and return home to Ireland? Will he rekindle a relationship with Edna? Or will she just use him for her own gain? Did she put something in his drink while they were in the library?
by | Jan 10, 2014 | Fashion, Review |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Snow January 2014
There has been lots of snow here in the Lou, as well as other parts of the country. Beautiful; but people have to learn how to drive on the roads and slow down. A total of 1o.6 inches of snow with wind chills down to minus twenty-five degrees. I am one of those peculiar people who enjoy snow and I play in it with my hubby and the doggies. However, when it gets down to the minus temps, you cannot be outside for too long and the doggies feet get cold.
If I want to feel refreshed and get going one part of my regime is to eat healthy, take the vitamins that my doctors recommend and exercise regularly.
EXCELEROL
I was recently asked to try EXCELEROL. On the box product description says, “Your decision to start using EXCELEROL demonstrates your superior cognitive potential. The product is $48.69 on Amazon.com. By maintaining a proper diet, exercising regularly and supplementing with high potency ingredients as those found in EXCELEROL; you may dramatically increase your chances of success. This product has been specifically formulated to support focus, memory, concentration and alertness.
This past year, especially October through December, I was going non-stop to Christmas program rehearsals at my church. I was intrigued with the thoughts of increased focus and concentration. I was willing to try the 15-day supply.
At the time I started taking the Liquid Vcaps my hubby and I would work a full day, come home to get a quick bite to eat and then back out for Christmas Rehearsals. The Christmas production and Christmas crew at church have been having steady rehearsals since October. It was every Friday and then towards the actual day of the program we would rehearse Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It snowed the weekend of the event; so it was rescheduled for the following Sunday. This meant that we had another set of rehearsals that were for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In addition, we had to be at church at 7:30am Sunday morning on the day of the program. I was taking the Liquid Vcaps the whole time.
Sound board
After Christmas program over, I felt like I had been going non-stop because I am also involved my other activities at my church. I felt sinus symptoms on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, I was dealing with a head cold and it knocked me out. Thank the Lord that even though I was feeling symptoms I was able to enjoy the holidays. It was so nice to have some calm time and rejuvenate.
Accelerated Intelligence, the company who make these capsules, claim that the pill will increase your thinking process. I think I have been on point and very alert. It’s so important to pin-point cues, and note changes. My position for the Christmas program was working in the Audio Booth. In the past I have been working in the Computer Room; but this time it was Audio. In the audio ministry, the crew and I have to be on point and always alert to observe cues. During the Christmas program portions of the script may change, music needs to be shortened. For example, there was a puppet scene where the kids arms were getting tired from puppet dancing. My audio assistant head and I have to go in our music software to shorten the music. Voice overs need to be shortened or two speaking parts need to be merged together. All this involves a great deal of thinking, detail, coordination and preciseness. I felt alert and ready for the show.
The capsules contain:
Located on the box.
- Powerful ingredients
- Liquid suspension technology
- Standardized extracts
- High potency
- Contains botanical sources of caffeine
- Vcap 100% vegetarian capsules
Ingredients
Green Tea, Black Tea & White Tea
Guarana & Kola Nut
Huperzine
Ginko Biloba
Rhodiola
Vinpocetine
Citicoline
Acetyl L_Camitine
PS (Phosphatidylserine)
AGPC (Alpha0Glyceryl Phosphonyl Choline)
L – Tyrosine
DMAE
30 Liquid Vcaps 845mg Dietary Supplement
Take 2 Liquid Vcaps per day
If you have any questions about any of the ingredients, please check with your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
I have only taken the product for 15 days. I think that although I have seen more alertness I need to take more of the supplement to see what the long-term benefits are of the product.
Disclaimer
I am not giving any medical advice, this is a review of a product that was sent to me to give my honest opinion.
Again, please check with your doctor regarding taking any kind of supplement. You are held responsible for checking with your doctor and Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com will not be held responsible if you have any kind of reactions to this product.
by | Jan 6, 2014 | Fashion |
Good Afternoon Elegant Readers:
Downton Abbey is back with the Season Four premiere last night on PBS. My hubby and I have been watching since the beginning, following the Crawley Family who live at their English country estate during the 1910s and early 1920s. I so much enjoy period movies and television shows, like Downton Abbey. For me, watching Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice; and Manor House is a great way to spend a cold snowy day like it is today. With temperatures topping out at only zero today, I love to stay in the house, curl up with a warm blanket and watch a good movie filled with elegant women and sophisticated men.
PBS.org
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrYTZMYQdEA[/youtube]
In the first three seasons, we have watched as Lord Grantham struggled keep his family in order and his estate in the family. We watched the on-and-off again love story of Matthew and Mary, the struggle for Edith to find love, and the untimely death of Lady Sybil.
Season Four begins six months after the tragic end of Season Three, when Matthew dies in automobile accident soon after the birth of his new-born son, George. We see that Lady Mary is deep in grief and is struggling to be a mother her son. A nanny has been hired to care for Lady Mary’s and Lady Sybil’s babies. Lady Rose is now at Downton; but is living a free-spirited, non-aristocratic life. Mrs. O’Brien has left to pursue another lady’s maid job. Mr. Mosley is struggling to find work now that he is not needed after the death of Matthew. Anna and Bates continue being happy in their marriage now that Bates is out of prison.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBYQUlYp4EI[/youtube]
Some of the interesting things I found from last night’s episode:
* Lord Grantham continues to struggle to manage the estate as the death tax imposed on the death of Matthew has once again thrown the Downton into peril. Branson is working with the Lord to keep the estate moving forward.
* Mrs. O’Brien was gone. She was such a mean and evil person, especially with her relationship with Mr. Barrow. That relationship was quite twisted. But I still liked watching her because she added so much to the plots twists and turns.
* Lady Edith rekindles her relationship with a married man, who is determined to divorce his insane wife for Edith, even if it means leaving England and going to Germany.
* The new nanny did not last too long. When Mrs. Crawley overheard her call Lady Sybil’s baby a ‘cross breed’, I felt like I wanted to jump out of my bed and slap her real good but I kept my cool.
* Mr. Barrow is still pure evil, but I give it to him that he was right about the new nanny.
Questions remain as I wait for Episode Two.
* Who is the new Downton heir, now that Matthew has died? Is it his son, George or his wife, Lady Mary? The consensus is that it is Lady Mary. But how will she work with her father in running the estate?
* Will Lady Mary be able to let go of her grief to be able to love again?
* How will the new lady’s maid work out? Since she had previously worked at Downton and was trying to have an affair with Branson, will she try to pursue him again? Will she try to get the family turn against Anna?
Interesting that Branson can only confide in the Carson and Mrs. Hughes and cannot be real with the family?
* Will Lady Rose continue her unruly antics and cause more problems for Downton?
If you missed last night’s premiere, you can watch it by clicking here.
by | Dec 29, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday and soon to be 2014!
I have a student guest writer on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace this week. These are not necessarily the views or opinions of Bubbling with Elegance and Grace; but I wanted to give my guest writer an opportunity to have an open discussion for her class assignment.
Brooke is originally from New Jersey. Now she is a in her senior year at Boston University, this article was written for her online marketing class which is a requirement for her Communications degree. Upon graduation Brooke would love the opportunity to stay in Boston and work at one of the major PR firms that is located downtown.
When it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance, women try everything and anything to keep themselves looking young. For years, women have relied on creams, home remedies, and even cosmetic surgery to revitalize and maintain a fresh looking appearance. Following a daily routine that makes you feel good about yourself is healthy and can definitely help you maintain your youth, however, there are other avenues women can explore that will effortlessly and instantly turn back the hands of time. Incorporating certain jewelry styles into your existing collection is a fabulous way to rejuvenate your over-all look and make you feel like a spring chicken! There’s no need to spend your money on Botox, because all you need is a boost in the bling department.
Less is More!
This doesn’t mean middle aged women should run to their nearest tattoo and piercing shop and get the nose ring they dreamed of when they were 18, no! This does, however, mean that women who are more mature can still jazz up their style with classic and modern jewelry trends. One thing I’ve noticed about some older women is they sometimes wear bulky or gaudy jewelry, especially to formal events.
This is a big no-no! Adding too much jewelry to your ensemble will make you look like you’re trying way too hard. Instead of wearing huge chandelier earrings with a matching ring, necklace, and bracelet, keep things simple. Let’s get down to the facts, as we age our skin ages with us. After years of wearing large or heavy earrings, some women’s ears have lost elasticity and wearing heavy earrings only accentuates this.
Giorgio Castielli – email: michael.castielli (at) gmail.com (Creative Commons Free License).
Rather than wearing big earrings that look painful and unattractive, opt for lighter stud earrings or smaller hoop earrings. These earring styles look classy, chic, and take years off of you! If you want daytime earrings, opt for plain metal ones. If you’re dressing up for a special event, there are several fancy options out there that will still make you look timeless and elegant. I love these silver puffed hoop earrings from Kohls.com because they are classy, perfect for women of all ages and fit for any occasion. These are small enough to wear in the day, but when paired with a simple necklace, could add the perfect amount of sparkle to your evening look.
Bibs: Not Just for Babies
![By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fashion_Jewelry_Necklace.jpg)
By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Another fantastic accessory I think makes any woman look young and fabulous, are short statement necklaces. This style necklace rests higher up on the décolletage, bringing light to your face. If you prefer wearing high-collared shirts or blouses, this necklace sits at a perfect length and really adds some stylish flair to your look. A statement necklace that sits higher up on the neck is also a fantastic way to cover up ageing skin. If you have sun damage or sagging skin on and around your neck, you may not want to be overly exposed when you wear certain necklines. Adding a larger statement necklace will cover up any imperfections you don’t like, and make you look chic! If you’ve never tried wearing a bib necklace, I highly suggest trying this black teardrop bib necklace from forever21.com. This piece is perfect because it can easily match with many outfits, and it’s not too pricey. If you feel it’s not for you, you won’t regret spending a lot on it. I’ve seen women of all ages wearing statement necklaces and I think they all look age-appropriate and fashionable.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Now, you may not be in your 20’s any longer, but you may also not be in your 50’s so you still want to have a little fun here and there and try out some funky pieces of jewelry. Personally, I think any and all facial piercings should be out of the question once a woman is in her late 20’s. Unless you work in an environment where facial piercings are prevalent, this look may not be as professional as employers may like.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AToe_ring2.jpg
If you’re a daring diva who wants to mix up her style with a youthful piece of jewelry, I think toe rings are the perfect go-to! This accessory is perfect for warm weather months, especially since most of us are in sandals the majority of this time. I think too often, women forget that they can have fun and dress up their feet. Why not show off that pedicure a little more and add some cute foot jewelry to highlight your little piggies?! I love the cutetoe rings featured on emitations.com because they are fun, fashionable, and affordable. They offer simple ones that are great for everyone, as well as unique charm options for the playful fashionistas out there. Personally, I think of toe rings as being a young accessory that older women can add back into their jewelry collection. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have been spotted around with fancy foot hardware, and I think it looks cute!
When it comes to fashion and style, it’s important for women to dress comfortably and choose items that are age appropriate. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with jewelry and accessories. The trick to always looking your best is choosing the right items and topping it all off with confidence. There’s no need to spend a lot either to make you look younger. Dressing to your body type and pairing classy accessories will make you look young and fresh, no matter the occasion.
Do you have any tips that weren’t covered in this article? Please let me know down below in the comments section!
This post is linked up with NOT DEAD YET STYLE!
by | Dec 2, 2013 | Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
My hubby surprised me on our anniversary with a trip to Chicago. Yeah, Chi-town!
We went to see The Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Show Exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition opened March 16, 2013 will close May 11, 2014 (UPDATED!).If you are in the area please go see it.
The designs are gorgeous.
Image Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
Quote from Joy Bivins, Exhibition Curator
“We hope visitors will have the impression of attending an exclusive event that was put together just for them where they will be wowed by fantastic garments and a powerful American story,” said Bivins. “We want them to feel what it was like to attend this spectacular event, and learn about Chicago, American and fashion history in the process.”
I must admit I felt like I was going to a red Carpet event when I walked into the exhibit. The stanchions and carpet made me feel like a queen.
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair
Excerpt from the Chicago History Museum website
“The Ebony Fashion Fair began in 1958, and over the next 50 years the traveling fashion show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity and helped Johnson Publishing Company reach audiences.
Show organizers overcame racial prejudice to bring the pinnacle of Europe’s premier fashion to communities that were eager to see, in real time and space, a new vision of black America that was the hallmark of Ebony and Jet magazines. Eunice Johnson took over as producer and director in 1963, and under her direction, the traveling show took on new heights as she expanded her cachet and power within fashion circles.”
The exhibition has over 60 garments including designers such as St. Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Pucci, Christian Lacroix and others. Fashion that is flamboyant and ahead of its time. The fashion show was founded by Eunice Johnson of Johnson Publishing company with her husband. It was neat to find out that Ms. Johnson would go into exclusive couture houses and pick garments for her fashion show and received the utmost respect.
The exhibit looks like it came right off of the runway; highlighting some of the most elaborate, intricately detailed couture garments. In the picture below is a Christian Lacroix ready to wear hooded ensemble, it appeared in Fashion in Love in the Fall/Winter 1998-1999. The garment is made of wool cashmere, synthetic blend thread and fox trim around the hood. I like everything about this outfit, except for me I would have faux fur around the trim of the hood.
Another favorite of mine is the dress in black and metallic by Jean Patou made me look twice. This dress is Haute Couture, fall/winter 1986-1987 in silk satin, synthetic tulle, silk velvet and feathers. It appeared in Fashion Scandal. The hat adds sophistication with flair.
Image Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
I learned many things about Eunice Johnson and what it took to make this traveling fashion show a success. The models were women of color and it gave inspiration that they can wear those clothes and they can look like that too. Not only did she cross stereotypes; but she made the outfits appeal to women no matter what their size was at the time. Women over the size of 14 want to cute as well. Celebrate your individuality and personality because no one can do it for you. You have to stir up the gift inside of you.
Below is an image of one of my favorite designs. This dress is so avante garde that it works in every way, shape, and form. Over the top describes this dress to me, literally leaves your mouth open. The designer of this cocktail dress is Tilmann Grove, Haute couture, fall/winter 2003-2004. The dress is made of silk chiné-taffeta, horn, plastic and glass beads, horsehair tubing, and plastic boning. The dress appeared in Living It Up, 2004-2005. The model in the catalog has matching bracelets on each arm
I wonder how comfortable this would be at the dinner table? The dress would be a real conversation piece for sure.
Image courtesy of Chicago History Museum
The garments are beautiful and I learned a lot about Eunice Johnson and her husband. If you have a dream, you can achieve it and inspire others to go that extra mile to achieve their dreams.
I watched an interactive inside of the exhibit and I remember a lady saying that when she went to an Ebony Fashion show she realized that she could look like that the model walking down the runway or better.Women could actually get to visualize themselves wearing these clothes and feeling confident.
Sources:
Chicago History Museum Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair exhibition website
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair by Chicago History Museum Catalog for the Exhibition
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