Author Archive
Closet Staples
Posted on: October 2, 2018
Closet Staple are those basic pieces that you build Outfits from,
those pieces that get a lot of use.
It doesn’t get more basic than a striped top.
This is one I picked up at Burlington several years ago
I love the button details which are perfect for my more maximal style
On that note, my jeans embroidery nods to that too.
This entire look is pieces I have had for a while.
Just a note, my dear readers,
I will be doing just my photos by my favorite tree because
I am so outside my comfort zone with my current weight.
I am heading back to Weight Watchers meetings tomorrow!
Today is Shirtdress day and I will be styling it two ways
There are definitely more than two ways, but alas
more will have to wait for our temps to become cooler, lol
My Gratitude for Today is this sweet, Mini-Lop, who I got for
Mother’s Day and who has definitely brought me joy
and helped me stop my daily crying over the loss of my sister!
Introducing the best therapy pet, ever!
My Sophie, Mini-lop!
I may have to do an entire post on this precious baby.
She is 6.5 months old and today I made her vet appointment
to be spayed for October 15.
This date ensures she will be healed when I go in for eye surgery to remove these
spots from my genetic rarity of Cornea Dystrophy in November!
How about browsing some other bloggers Here!
Wide Leg Pants
Posted on: September 28, 2018
As a lover of Skirts that swish when I walk,
I have to say wide leg pants offer that same sense of fun!
After seeing one of my Style Sisters with leopard print ones,
I began my search for a pair, literally dreaming
about the endless ways to style them!
I found them on eBay, Ralph Lauren new with tags!
I love eBay for brands I know and have
had success with searches like this.
Once my temperatures arrive I will do a post
with several ways to style them!
In playing with them, I have found so many colors I love \with them including mustard, navy, orange, and burgundy.
Have you tried wide leg pants, do you like them?
If the idea of leopard pants appeal to you for versatility,
Perhaps try googling Jogger style as I saw those more.
My new Fall Nail Color!
Both Navy and Grey are on trend for the season.
These are a fabulous blue-grey with gold glitter.
Gratitude
Grateful that my sinus issues improved!
Grateful for my mini- lop bunny who is very sociable and sweet!
Grateful for my husband who is working very hard!
Grateful for a fun family night to go see Illuminate!
Grateful to see my oldest going back to his love of theater with Improv and Karaoke and his recording himself practicing and sharing it with me!
Lots of other bloggers to see at this link this link up
Thanks for Stopping By, Have a Wonderful Day!
6 Ways to Layer a Maxi Dress
Posted on: September 20, 2018
I was playing around on Pinterest and came across these two looks
as trends for Fall 2018.
I had recently purchased a floral print maxi dress to style for the season
ran to my closet to play around with it and find ways to style it.
I have to say the buffalo plaid with floral is very appealing!
It hits that ying/yang vibe of masculinity and femininity perfectly!
You can find my dress Here, I read that it ran small,
so I ordered a small instead of a medium and it was the right call.
I have lost inches from doing Intermittent fasting
and my bustline went from 42 inches to 38.5!
The inspiration look with 3 patterns was a bit much for me,
and I don’t think I would have tried it with leopard print on my own.
Definitely will give this a shot.
A break from pattern mixing,
but with the fabulous element of texture!
A floral bomber jacket
in a larger scale print works well.
Add of course we cannot forget a classic jean jacket.
Last up, spicing it up with zebra print, lol
There are other ways I could wear this as well,
because like most floral prints
there is green to play off of with an olive
jacket or cardigan.
This is my outfit for the day.
Using 2-3 shades of one color is on trend and an easy outfit formula
These Plum shade Jeans are by Diane Gilman, found here.
Available in Petite, Regular and Tall.
Please note that the color looks red or burgundy on HSN Site.
Next week I vow to be more consistent with blogging,
my sleep patterns are horrendous lately, but I think I have it
under control now,
A Trio Of Outfits
Posted on: September 3, 2018
September 1st began the Calendar of Prompts
I made for a group of my Style Sisters.
Of Course I invite my dear readers to follow along too.
You may post pictures on Versatile Style By Tracey Facebook Page
of your outfits and even include them on off days if you missed one you like
or if it fits better with activities of the day.
I think this embroidered kimono is my favorite.
I was really pleased when I saw this photo as my weight gain had been
making me feel less than and this photo shows my cheekbones,
pond of my favorite assets and a rush of healing came over me.
This is the necklace I was wearing, one handmade by my sister,
and one she wore quite often.
The next Prompt was all about accessories and again I featured
pieces from my sister. In fact the fish necklace posted below
was among the very first she made many years ago.
The blue fish one , even has a darling fish clasp, lol.
The fun blue glass star was among my sister’s beading supplies ,
I have worn it on every length of silver chains I own.
Florals is Today’s prompt.
I love printed pants as we all have so many
solid tops as ones with several colors like these
gives plenty of options.
Wearing a sweater despite this heat because I was inside
cold AC, so book-ended it with my white slip on Sneakers.
Neclkace made by a friend and two vintage bracelets I got from a lot
I purchased on EBay a few years ago.
Happy Labor Day !
Thanks for Stopping By, Tomorrow’s Prompt
Shades of Blue!
Intermittent Fasting
Posted on: August 28, 2018
- In: Mom On the Go | Navy | Petite | Summer Outfits | Weight Loss
- 4 Comments
I love capris with a loose top in hot weather.
This top is actually looser than it appears, the wind was nice for the heat of 92 degrees, but of course with light weight fabric changed it’s appearance.
In cleaning out my closet, I happened upon these capris ,
which did not fit me last Summer, but I tried them on and alas with
my recent weight loss, they did and were not even tight, lol
I love using a handbag or shoes to pop another color into an outfit,
hence the choice for my yellow one.
I thought I would share my weight loss journey with Intermittent Fasting today!
The most important thing to note about fasting is that it is not about deprivation, you must get in your calories during the eating window.
I chose the 16: 8 version where you fast for 16 and eat for 8, I also extend it , by mixing it up daily sometimes fasting for 16-19 hours and adjusting the eating window to what equals 24 hours. My general fasting hours start at 6pm and eating at 10am.
Lately I have changed it to 5pm and eating at 11am for 18 hours of fasting.
Another important thing to note is that I drink more water than every before, 32 -48 ounces in the morning before eating and another 32-48 after dinner until a hour or so before bedtime.
This is a typical breakfast, notice the word break fast….
A yogurt/strawberry smoothie is great as some people have constipation with fasting.
The Kiyani Sunrise is a supplement of super-foods for added nutritional benefits.
I alternate with a smoothie with these ingredients blended with a frozen banana.
I typically eat only two meals a day, but some days I add
in apple, because I figure the added fiber is good and that whole
an apple a day comes to mind.
This is one dinner I had last week of chicken with mushrooms, onions,
artichoke hearts , diced can tomatoes, cooked with Italian Seasoning
and topped with Feta.
I had this last night and was worried it wouldn’t be enough to hold me for 16 hours
but I lasted for 17 ,lol. It will actually last me 3 nights as my family doesn’t like
eggplant. It brings back memories of my father who loved it and made it a lot.
IF is by far the easiest method I have found and has the added benefit of curbing all my cravings in addition to a clarity of mind and increased energy.
Losing 11 pounds in 5 weeks, along with a few inches of loss has been encouraging as well, but truth be told the other benefits make this a method I will make it to a lifestyle!
If you want more information on Intermittent Fasting, I suggest starting with
This Video from Dr. Fung and he has many others too.
There is also a Facebook Group called : Intermittent Fasting for Women
Have a Great Day and Thanks for Stopping By!
My Quintessential Style
Posted on: August 27, 2018
- In: Boho Outfits | Burgundy | florals | Mom On the Go | prints | shoes | Spring Outfits | Summer Outfits | Vest | Weight Loss
- 1 Comment
I was so excited to get back to blogging and doing an Outfit Post that I
Laid out my Look last night , including the jewelry, lol
Check out this blog : https://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/my-afternoon-at-charlottes-soft-surroundings-beauty-products/
This look is very much my style for a few reasons,
Color, Pattern, Cute Jeans and Wedges!
Of course, I had to add in a layered necklace
look to finish off my maximal style!
My shorter necklace is actually one my sister made,
she made jewelry to sell and wear herself as a hobby.
The Jeans are my favorite jean designer, Diane Gilman ( I may be addicted)
are a fun cropped flared version.
I haven’t tried them with booties yet, but
will in the future to extend their wear- ability .
The Babydoll Tunic, I picked up from Jane is a great style, fitted in the bust with
the empire waist and perfect flair to help camouflage the menopause tummy.
I will be posting soon about my weight loss method that has resulted in 11 lbs
and inches off in the past 5 weeks!
I now have several of these wedges that I picked up over last few years
at TJMaxx by different makers. I unfortunately have been stuck in
flats this Summer after twisting my ankle at a Cemetery in July,
when in Boston to say farewell to my husband’s Aunt Jane.
*Note I took photos too early when sun was bright, was excited to get back to outfit post!
As my past readers know I am really big on third completer pieces ,
and right now I am adoring these fun vests.
This one is one of the samples I have been trying out.
In fact I am looking into selling these.
I started an Amelia James clothing boutique business 6 months after my sister passed on,
big mistake and never got it fully off the ground. I have to sell my inventory and move on as I love the company and clothes , but not the mlm business culture .
The good news is
it taught me was that I want to sell 3rd Completer Pieces!
I created this September Calendar for a group of Style Sisters for
Facebook group that had not been very active to get us back to posting
pictures and to hep me get back to blogging.
I invite any of my readers to join in if they wish.
Please if you have not joined my
Versatile Style by Tracey Facebook Group
do so, and post pictures of your outfits!
Back to Blogging – Fall Haul
Posted on: August 27, 2018
After allowing myself 20 months of mourning, the loss of my sister,
I am finally ready to get back to my Passion for Fashion and consistent blogging.
I put together a calendar for September Outfit Inspiration prompts for a group of my Style Sister’s
, so thought I would share it with my readers in case anyone wants to join me.
I will post it next week and post inspiration looks to give you ideas the day before each one.
If you haven’t joined my Facebook Group, please do so now , to post pictures of your looks and see others too.
I will also be fitting in some weight loss journey posts as menopause weight gain and then emotional eating took their toll.
Now for my Fall Haul in Preparation for my return to blogging.
I began this in Spring, lol .
If you know me at all you have heard me talk about my love for the balance of ying/yang
and with outfits that includes edgy mixed with feminine touches.
Usually that means mixes pieces, but nothing is better than finding that balance in one piece!
I bought the blue one first as it was a daily special and on my list of colors I wanted to add for the season.
I went back and added the black in a slightly different style , but the same designer
because it truly was more edgy! Can’t wait to style these!
The absolute best thing about having all the basics
means you can add some wild cards and fun colors.
Ever since I saw the Nina Proudman character with green suede boots,
I wanted a pair! They are really a neutral that will go with a lot.
I love a bit of western flair, with no desire for actual cowboy boots,
so what better find to soothe that itch than these fun mules in a wonderful hue for Fall.
Red is going to be huge for the season in everything from monochromatic head to toe looks,
as well as mixing with light pink, hot pink and orange.
Polka dots are also going strong on trend.
Don’t forget a scarf or other accessories to add in a trend and bump up your wardrobe for the season.
I dislike button up blouses, but love pullover ones.
They are so great faux tucked into a skirt, pants or jeans
or layered under a jacket,vest or cardigan.
The new trend of layering up
has tickled my imagination
and I picture trying this with a navy turtleneck underneath.
I adore the femininity of a peplum top,
but currently only have short sleeve versions.
This fun orange and pink shades will be fabulous for the season.
This brand runs big, so I ordered a size small.
A new Cardi is always a great addition and this one caught my attention.
Thinking my new mules will work nicely with this. I also like the length to wear with dresses too.
Football Season for my favorite team begins the day after my birthday,
so I call this my early birthday gift. It is super soft and fabulous!
All football tops seem to run small and I got this in large.
Dear Readers,
Thanks for Stopping By! I look forward to reconnecting!
Have you been shopping for Fall yet?
What have you found or, what is on Your Wish List?
Comments are welcomed and greatly appreciated!
Happenings
Posted on: May 4, 2018
So crazy a time recently!
First of all my youngest turned 18 and there is so much joy at getting all my children to adulthood with none of them making and bad decisions and with goals for themselves! Of course the ying/yang of life means there is also a bit of sorrow that this venture is over , yet not really because he will be home continuing what he began this last year of homeschooling by studying and taking Clep tests for college credit.
Just getting use to this life change , when I went for a routine eye exam for new glasses, only to be diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder of Cornea Dystrophy. A dye test showed it has gone beyond the top layer of my cornea and I now have an appointment with a specialist on May 14th, to get more tests and a treatment plan.
Of course I see another side to this not good news because since this is a rare condition, it presents an opportunity for my 22year old who is still finishing up his Bachelor’s Degree , but has plans to become an eye surgeon. I am hoping the specialist will humor me and allow him to see my eye with their magnifying equipment.
Naturally this has been a tough thing to take in and accept, two days of tears really missing my mother and my sister. Mom would have been my soft place to fall, my sister would have been researching DRs and been championing for me. It really hit me hard being the only female left in my family. Thank God , I do have a daughter,lol.
The Day before my life changing eye appointment, I had ventured into a new business of these fabulous completer pieces and was so excited! I am renergized after the Products arrived and they are fabulous. I ordered just one of most items and have priced them between $22 to $28.
The first way I am going to introduce them is a Live Sale in a Private Facebook Group on Tuesday , May 8th at 8:30pm EST. You can request to join the group by following this link and please share with any friends you think may love these.
K&T Stylists – Fabulous Completer Pieces
If you are a blogger who would like a free item to review for me , please let me know and we can make arrangements!
Have a Fabulous Weekend!
Spring Fever Shopping!
Posted on: March 30, 2018
Dear Readers, I am so ready to get back to blogging regularly at least in spirit…
Once I get my taxes done and get all my products loaded up on Shopify,
a real learning curve with Youtube to guide me, lol
In the meantime, I thought I would pop in and show you my purchases for Spring that arrived today!
Sheryl Crowe has a line on HSN and she has taken things she loves from her closet
and remade them with a twist all her own.
is pricey, but a real show stopper piece that will spice up any outfit and comes in two colors.
You can watch the presentation video to get a better look at this piece and here Cheryl Crowe explain it.
If one Cheryl Crowe Vest is great, how about two!
I am absolutely dancing over the fringe one above!
This Suede one comes in two colors as well.
My boho self adored this sheer top for just $19.95
I sized down to the XS/S on this one and I was right about that!
These Diane Gilman with the stripe caught my eye too!
I think they will be perfect with the Kimono style top, so look out for me to be
wearing those together soon.
With Pink being such a big color for Spring,
Who Could Possibly Pass up these
DG2 Bootcuts for just $14.,95!
And the last purchase is another by Cheryl Crowe,
These also come in tan.
Dear Readers,
One thing I decided recently was that I have a good wardrobe, so pieces I add
must really speak to me and be a bit more special!
I think I hit that goal with these purchases and am set for Spring and Summer!
I look forward to coming back to the blogging world after this long break of mourning and finding my way in the
world without a sister and just two brothers left in my childhood family.… So strange to be the only girl!
I also look forward to getting back to writing out
my daily gratitudes and will start right now!
I am grateful for friends that help me get through this past 16 months!
I am grateful to be feeling like myself and over the 3 weeks, I was sick with the Flu and Vertigo!
I am grateful that I am facing getting my tax stuff complete as the dread is always worse than just doing it!
I am grateful to be back on Weight Watchers and for their new Freestyle Program which is truly the easiest one yet!
I am grateful for three days of Spring-like Temperatures in a row!
I am grateful to have blogging to turn to and regenerate my creative outlet for putting together outfits!
Versatile Style by Tracey 