by | Nov 16, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
The weather has been all over the place. One minute I am in a sweater the next minute I am going out of the house without a coat.
Isn’t that what fall is all about?
Well with fall brings bright hued colors in are clothing and what better way to top it off than a piece or two of jewelry.
I am an avid collector of all types of jewelry, it doesn’t matter what type. I plan my outfits around jewelry and I always have on a jewelry because to me it finishes my look.
Berricle.com an online jewelry store contacted me and asked if I would like to select and review a piece of jewelry with a maximum of a $50.00 price range.
I looked at the website and saw that they have a wide selection of jewelry in the finest cubic zirconia set in silver tone and precious sterling silver. In addition, they offer a great collection of men’s jewelry.
I accepted the offer and chose an Oval Cut 1.86 Ct Emerald CZ 925 Sterling Silver Fancy Cocktail Ring.
Why did I choose this ring?
Emerald is my birthstone and the gem in a setting can be quite expensive. Also, I have found that even the expensive gems can have more inclusions than I would like, so when buying emeralds I have to be selective. The Berricle emerald ring was very affordable in a precious metal at only $48.99. I can wear this ring when I travel and do not want to wear my expensive wedding set or it can be my right hand ring.
The ring was shipped promptly and packaged well. When the box arrived it was in pink tissue paper. Here’s a picture of the beautiful pink box with the ring royally positioned inside. This ring looks like it costs so much more. Love it!
Ring presentation
This ring literally leaves me speechless that it’s so beautiful.
Picture below I am wearing the ring as a right hand ring and the green is pulsating and vibrant. This emerald CZ is what a true emerald dreams it could look like. This Emerald CZ, up against my red cashmere sweater, is flawless and the setting is done well in sterling silver.
Wearing gems in a wedding setting is unexpected and out of the ordinary. I went for it in the picture below. It is gorgeous with my sterling and diamond band. This set looks like it cost thousands of dollars.
Ring as wedding set
I wanted to show another angle of the ring to show how the setting looks so regal and shines. The emerald and diamonds around it are not real. However the ring is beautifully well made and looks believable. It’s real to me at an affordable price and reasonable.
Berricle.com
Berricle.com has made me smile and I appreciate them so much for giving me the opportunity to sample one of their products. Please check out Berricle.com because there is something for everyone.
November is citrine month so check out the lovely selection of jewelry at Berricle.com.
* I was given this sample however this is my honest opinion. I would purchase jewelry from Berricle.com *
by | Nov 11, 2013 | Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
In the photograph below, I am at the park modeling my new Sikkim jacket handmade by Nirmaan from MarketPlace: Handwork of India.
Marketplace of India
Sikkim Jacket
MarketPlace: Handwork of India recently asked if I would collaborate with them, to review one of their new must-haves for fall. I previously worked with this wonderful company when I was featured in its Fall 2012 catalogue. CLICK HERE to read about my professional modeling debut.
I support MarketPlace’s mission wholeheartedly, so I gladly accepted an opportunity to work with them again.
JT enjoying a beautiful fall day in the Park.
“MarketPlace: Handwork of India is an innovative fair trade, not-for-profit organization which combines the experience of running a business with a variety of support programs designed to effect real, meaningful, and lasting change in the lives of low-income women in India. We work with 480 artisans who are organized into 14 independent co-operatives which produce high-quality women’s apparel and home decor. Being in charge of their own businesses, the women learn valuable skills and are able to earn a living and support their families. In addition, programs offer educational and enrichment opportunities designed to help the artisans overcome personal, cultural and financial obstacles.”
To read more about the mission of MarketPlace: Handwork of India, click here.
I was given several amazing options to review; and I selected the Sikkim Jacket. Isn’t it beautiful! The description in the Holiday 2013 catalog reads,
“With easy oversized kimono styling, this Jacket artfully combines elements of bold ikat and kalamkari vegetable print.
Hand embroidery adds a pop. High hip length, three quarter sleeves.”
This intricate ikat design pattern of the jacket caught my eye because it was different and looked like a workhorse in the wardrobe. The Sikkim jacket is versatile enough that it can worn 12 months out of the year. See how the intricate pattern goes around the neckline, along the lower hem of the jacket and around the cuffs.
Pairing the jacket with red pants made it a cut above because it goes beyond the norm. A bold punch to an outfit is a must for fall.
MarketPlace: Handwork of India
The jacket works well with the red turtleneck top and red pants. I added a different spark of color with the turquoise handbag.
JT
Behind the scenes for the photoshoot.
1.First, I selected Forest Park for the location.
JT looking for a great spot.
2. I make sure that I take my jewelry case with me so I can change my accessories to show the versatility of the jacket.
The wind was brisk a it was great to be able to catch some sun because it was cloudy earlier in the day.
JT getting ready for photo shoot
I had so much fun styling this jacket.
JT
I would like to thank MarketPlace for giving me the opportunity to style this lovely jacket.
by | Oct 14, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers!
Today is a beautiful, lovely day.
I wanted to talk about how you can make a completely black outfit have flair and color. How do you say? Jewelry is a classic accessory that can spark a black ensemble.
Rachel Zoe bracelet and Amedeo NYC Cameo Ring
The collage above is me modeling my Rachel Zoe bracelet and Amedeo by NYC Cameo ring. Both jewelry pieces are fashion jewelry. I recently was looking at Tiffany’s website and saw a bracelet designed by Paloma Picasso Olive lead cuff in 18 KT gold that look like my bracelet and it retailed for $11,500.
Look at the similarities. My Rachel Zoe Bracelet is on the top and the Tiffany Paloma Picasso bracelet is on the bottom. Looks somewhat similar, don’t you think? But mine did n0t cost any where near $11,500. It was less than $100. I say I got the better deal.
I served in the computer ministry at my church on Sunday, so the standard outfit is all black. I spiced it up with sparkly jewelry and a colorful handbag or two.
The handbag on my shoulder is from the Bahamas. It caught my eye because of the vibrant colors from one of the many street vendor selling items in a small marketplace. My hubby and I visited the Bahamas while on a cruise in the Caribbean a couple years back. We had a fantastic time and you never know where you can find an inexpensive accessory that can add a big pop to an monochromatic look of all black. I usually carry my IPad and notebook in this bag. It is not heavy at all.
I have been wearing pink or adding in a pink accessory in the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a favorite bag of mine and I have had it for some years now. You can’t go wrong with a Dooney and Bourke leather bag.
Dooney and Bourke pink handbag
You see black can have vibrancy with a few accessories. The Rachel Zoe bracelet is one of my favorites and I get compliments on it all the time. I purchase it from QVC. Unfortunately, it is not being sold anymore.
You can do so many things with a monotone palette.
How do you wear black? Do you add color or be smoked out in black?
by | Oct 3, 2013 | Fashion |
New Look Brown cut oout ankle boot
The summer seems to addle our brains when it comes to fashion. Perhaps it’s because we have spent so long wondering around in sun dresses and sandals that the thought of choosing clothes and matching footwear seems an insurmountable task. I myself notice that when I return to the high street after my summer holiday, I feel like I have entered some alien land.
Dark Red Patent Double Buckle Chunky Heeled Boots
If you have been shopping in the last seven days, chances are you have come across something called a Chelsea boot. You’re probably now scratching your head and thinking – ‘What is this Chelsea boot thing everyone keeps going on about?’ Never fear. A Chelsea boot is a low heeled, wide fit ankle boot which has an elasticated part on the side. The elasticated panel makes slipping the shoe on and off easier to do. The boots have actually been around for the best part of two centuries, but they are making a particularly spectacular comeback this season.
Tan Suede Chelsea Boots
Some have thin heels, or are wedged to add more height. However, most Chelsea boots have a small thick heel, just enough to add sophistication and a little glamour, without the hassle of having to commit to a full heel or risk a stiletto in the wet weather. Chelsea boots women fit really well with this season’s grunge, Nirvana trend. The grunge look features velvet dresses, black tights, and band t-shirts; all layered together with a leather jacket thrown on top. This grunge vibe really suits people are on the go all the time, because it’s easy to look fashionable without much upkeep. Imagine a pair of skinny jeans and a tartan blouse. With a pair of Chelsea boots added into this ensemble, you have a slick, sexy outfit in no time.
New Look Black Drape Chain Stud Ankle Boots
Chelsea boots also compliment this season’s trend for tartan and checks. So, if you want to try a ‘90s look, opt for a tartan playsuit over black tights, or a checked crop top and high-waisted leather skirt. Both of these outfits look striking combined with leather Chelsea boots, preferably in black. Or, if you want a more work-appropriate tartan look, go for some peg trousers in a vivid tartan pattern, and team with a block colour top half, some chunky bracelets, and a pair of Chelsea boots.
Tan Multi Buckle Worker Boots
As well as working with various fashions, Chelsea boots are popular for another reason – they’re so comfortable. Forget tottering around all day in high heels, or teetering precariously between puddles in your suede slip on boots. Chelsea boots have the low heel we’ve all been yearning to wear, and for which our backs will thank us. They also have a robust design, making them practical for everyday tasks. So whatever the weather throws at us, armed with our Chelsea boots we should make it There is no surprise that Chelsea boots have become so popular. They work with this season’s hot trends, they are comfortable and stylish, and they are totally practical. So hurry up and find yourself a good pair of boots before everyone else snaps them up.
Tan Leather Aztec Panel Ankle Boots
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by | Sep 28, 2013 | Fashion, Inspirations, Travels |
The last day of the Impressionism, Fashin, & Modernity exhibit in Chicago is tomorrow so if you are in the area, please go and see this exceptional exhibit. My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary in Chicago and wanted to see this exhibit. In my first post, Impressionism, Fashion, & Modernity Exhibition: Perfection! I touched on some of my favorites and wanted to come back to show more photos because I couldn’t just pick a specific part of the exhibit.
This dress is exquisite and the shawl is gorgeous. Do you notice that the focus is not on the lady but what she’s wearing? Her face is looking away.
Installation shot of Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The dress and shawl on the mannequin below is the interpretation of what she’s wearing in the portrait above. It is so similar that I had to really take a second look to make sure I read that it was not the original pieces.
Installation shot of Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Edgar Degas interpretation of a lady in a hat shop. I have always seen Degas’s ballet portraits; but this is a first for me to see him show a lady either getting ready to try on a hat or has just taken the hat off. The portrait is done in pastels and shows blurred flowers and ribbons on the hats.
Edgar Degas. Millinery Shop, 1879/86. The Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection.
Edouard Manet was a sharp dresser and it was interesting to see him portrayed in a top hat carrying a walking stick. I guess I thought he would of been portrayed with a paint brush.
Henri Fantin-Latour. Édouard Manet, 1867. The Art Institute of Chicago, Stickney Fund.
This portrait by Édouard Manet below shows a women reading a book in the park. It looks like a park or a Forest? What do you think?
The brush work lets the viewer peak in to her world. What is she reading? The gloves on her hands or the ruffle around her neck. Is it cold?
Édouard Manet. Woman Reading (La Lecture de l’illustré), 1879/80. The Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection.
The exhibition has so much to see.
This is another portrait by Édouard Manet that shows a lady surrounded with a background of fans behind her. She is laying on her couch or bed so effortlessly. It almost seems like she’s saying with her eyes, “Édouard I have been in this pose for hours, are we close to being finished?” What do you think she’s saying?
Édouard Manet. Lady with Fans (Portrait of Nina de Callias), 1873. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, bequest of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Rouart, RF 2850.
In the next post I will be focusing on portraits of Renoir, Seurat and some of my favorite dresses from the Impressionism, Fashion, & Modernity Exhibition.
* All photos courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago.
by | Sep 27, 2013 | Fashion, From the Heart, Inspirations, Travels |
Hi Elegant Lovelies,
I enjoyed my visit to Chicago, my mornings were so relaxing and serene.
JTWisdom at Under the Ginkgo Tree Bed & Breakfast in Chicago for Wedding Anniversary
Going the the Art Institute of Chicago really verified what I always say, “a person never stops learning.” We are growing and changing and should pursue learning something new everyday. This is an exhibition I am so happy I had the opportunity to see it.
JTwisdom having breakfast before going to the Art Institute of Chicago
I have quite a few favorites. Click on the portrait to enlarge and see the brush strokes and dresses in more detail.
This painting is of Madame Georges Charpentier and her children. Her son is sitting on the couch and her daughter is sitting on the cute doggie and they are dressed the same. Renoir paid attention to detail in this portrait. Do you see the pleating in her son’s and daughter’s dress? Madame Georges Charpentier’s dress is beautiful and her gold jewelry is exquisite.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children, 1878. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund.
Renoir looks so relaxed and at ease in this portrait. He is dressed very dapper and looks very approachable and care free.
Frédéric Bazille. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1867. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, on deposit to the Musée Fabre, Montpellier, DL 1970 3.
This portrait was quite risque for the time. A woman being painted in her robe. She’s a very brave lady to be painted this way. I know we consider this very tame now but back then it was as if she had not a single bit of clothes on.
Édouard Manet. Young Lady in 1866 (also called La Femme au perroquet, 1866. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, gift of Erwin Davis.
This is one of the famous paintings that’s house at the Art Institute of Chicago, Georges Suerat (1859-1891), A Sunday on La Grande Jatte-1884. Everyone looks so relaxed and having fun at the Park. This painting is amazing to see with all of those series of continuous dots.
I had to add a couple of pictures of my favorite dresses.
Installation shot of Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The portrait in the foreground is by Édouard Manet, The Parisienne, 1875. This dress is haute couture of the time. Fashion at it’s best, this lady struts and holds her head up high in this dress. Beautiful!
Installation shot of Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity at the Art Institute of Chicago.
*Photos courtesy of The Art Institute of Chicago”
*JTwisdom’s photo included in this post*
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