July | 2016 | Versatile Style by Tracey

Archive for July 2016

Modern 70’s Style

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: July 28, 2016

In: Trends
6 Comments

Have you noticed the 70’s touches in style currently?

When I saw an article on Jeans for Fall in Instyle Magazine,

I was delighted to see embroidered ones among them…

When I checked my favorite jean designer, Diane Gilman

and found these, I swooned.

Does it get more modern with flared cropped jeans with the 70’s embroidery?

When my son took this photograph where I was trying a different pose ,

than my normal one with my legs crossed, he looked through the lens

and said, ” Mom , those jeans really do makes you look slimmer!”

When I saw these pictures, I saw exactly what he mentioned.

So, of course I ran and found my measuring tape and lo and behold,

I have lost an inch in my hips!

That’s a huge pay-off for not quite two weeks of cutting calories

and exercising every single day!

I had been concerned as the scale was showing only a 3 lb weight loss from

week one , but nothing for week 2…

So , ignoring my scale and going to keep doing what I’ve been with the treadmill as soon as

I wake up everyday for 2 miles and then a Pilates or 10-15 lb handweights doing arm work and squats.

PS. I also lost 1/2 inch in my waist and each thigh!

Dear Readers, asking for prayers today as our beloved mini-lop goes in for surgery

for what they suspect could be cancer.

She is in Richmond with my son

who is at college for Summer classes and

my daughter and youngest son joined him last night to be there

for the day and in the days afterwards to

help watch out for her during the recovery period.

It’s hard letting them do this without me, but in

the end it really will be a great bonding for them all.

This rabbit is technically my daughter’s but she allowed her

brother to take him to college last year and again this coming year ,

so it’s great that they are doing this together.

I joke my son who is studying for a future as a Dr. that he is going through this now

to get experience to help him later understand how his patient’s families feel.

I’m So Excited!!!!

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: July 18, 2016

In: Uncategorized
9 Comments

My Dear Readers,

as many of you know I have been very frustrated with the menopausal weight gain ,

and how hard of a struggle it’s been with not losing it. I let my headaches get in the way from

exercising and that has to stop…. I have super duper fabulous motivation to do just that!

Source

A dear friend and I are heading to Bermuda via Royal Caribbean’s ship

Grandeur Of the Seas , pictured above.

Neither of us have ever been on a cruise and

we both have husband’s who are fully supportive and are sharing in our enthusiasm…

I have ten weeks to see how much I can lose and I have never felt so motivated in my life.

I have given up sugar, diet soda and carbs and could really care less…yep, not missing it at all.

I am getting use of my Pilates machine daily (yesterday twice) and

have increased my reps to 40 with hopes of going up to 100 by the time cruise day comes around…

Getting to the gym can be difficult. But with the Reformer Plus, you can pencil in an AeroPilates exercise session whenever you have free time--without leaving your home. QVC.com:

My Pilates machine is sold out , but very similar to this one…

found HERE on QVC , which offers easy pay plans with no finance charges for 6 months.

Dear Readers, I would like to shout from the mountain top about the key to my being able to keep up daily workouts and that is TURMERIC, yep this actually takes all the muscle strain pain away… When I first began this I was into day 3 and feeling so achy, not just normal exercise pain, I mean my entire body ached. I was walking around saying for the first time I feel 50! DH went to get me Turmeric as we were out and then he left with the two kids to go to see our son who is in summer classes at VCU. He took my wonderful massager with him and I willingly let him, wondering how I was going to manage without it. All of a sudden I was sitting here and I realized that pain was completely gone. I did my workout and when I woke the next morning mild pain, took Turmeric, gone… I have completely gone of Ibuprofen and Tylenol since beginning Turmeric and I will never let myself run out again…

Here’s an article on Tumeric and Muscle strain…

TUXEDO DRESS, STRAPPY HEEL

And my one purchase for the Cruise for Formal Night ….

Gratitude

I am so grateful to my friend for suggesting this cruise and searching out and finding this one which leaves out of Baltimore MD , so no flight necessary.

I am grateful to my husband for sharing in my joy and being so happy for me as this is the first vacation I’ve ever taken without him…

I am grateful that both our husbands are supportive in this and seem as happy as we are !

I am grateful for the confidence I now found to finally kick this weight gain to the curb.

I am grateful for finally fulfilling my desire for a girl trip.

I am grateful that this has sparked the desire to do something annually and we are hoping to plan next year’s as soon as we get back, a train ride in the fall up the northern east coast to view the fall foilage.

I am grateful for the solitary time I had Saturday night when my crew all went to VCU and Richmond for Pokemon hunting, yes my adult kids are loving playing this with my teen and the bond it creates for a 16, 20 and 25 yr old is priceless , which is another gratitude in itself….

I must say that Pokemon has gotten my kids going out and about more and riding their bikes again, something they haven’t done in years!

Trend Alert

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: July 13, 2016

In: Trends
3 Comments

Have you seen the new Accessories Trend

Choker Necklaces?

Pinterest: Nuggwifee☽ ☼☾:

Source

A big take on the trend is layering it with another necklace like in this picture.

I love this idea as we all have some finer delicate necklaces that can be paired with a

simple black velvet or lace choker.

Jane Stone Vintage Black Lace Sunflower Tattoo Gothic Necklace Choker (Fn1767)

This lace one is from Amazon Found , Here

I am thinking about ordering this one….

Flawed Leather Wrap Bolo | Gold-tipped bolo on a natural leather cord; simply slide to adjust. American made.:

source

This bolo type one in another version that is a very boho

way to get into the choker trend.

Although I have a strong boho tendency I think this is edgy and

not as feminine to my eye. Of course that just means it’s

something I would have to try on to see how I feel.

Amazon.com: Long Black PU Leather Wrap Necklace Stretch, Strand Choker with Starfish Silver Pendant, Adjustable DIY Style: Jewelry:

This version from Amazon is a different take on the bolo style.

This one might be more to my taste…

I love this necklace. Silver or gold. #anthroregistry:

Source

The other version is the open collar type and can be very simple as shown here.

I love the simplicity of the open collar version.

A white, button-shaped cultured freshwater pearl caps off each end of this stunning Honora necklace, crafted of colored bronze. QVC.com:

I found this Honora Pearl version on QVC

It’s currently on clearance for $49. 96.

I oredered this one in gold and I think I will layer it with

H by Halston Cylinder Lariat Necklace:

This Halston Lariat Necklace , also from QVC, that I bought a few months ago.

I have to say I love this so much I ordered in in silver recently…

DH notices and compliments this necklace every time I’ve worn it…

That’s saying something as he compliments clothes and shoes all the time, but

this necklace really catches his eye as being different for me.

Dear Readers, So, what’s the verdict?

How do you feel about a choker Necklace?

I still remember a pink velvet verstion that I had as a child that had a pink rose

dangling from it and the wonderful feeling I had wearing it… Back in my teen years I love the

victorian era and my mother spent hours watching me delight in exploring the 1928 jewelry collection

Gratitude

I am grateful for the trends like this that recycle from my youth and give me chance to relive the memory and happiness it brings forth.

I am grateful that my trio of kids joined in together and have been having fun with Pokemon Go, this has truly been a great bonding experience for kids who are 16,20 and 25. .

I am grateful that Pokemon Go is getting my introverted children out the door and getting exercise as they go out at least twice every day and one time for hours….. And if that’s not enough my youngest and my daughter got their bikes out of the garage and have been riding them. My middle son was generous and gave his bike to my oldest who lives near the beach and uses it often , so he was left with a scooter to join in the fun….

I am grateful for this past month and a half with my son , who today will be heading back to VCU for summer classes and is looking forward to more areas to go Pokemon hunting, lol….

I am grateful for the anticipation of a girls trip in September with some mothers who need a break from family, I know it will be reviving and just what the doctor ordered!