Archive for the ‘Neutrals’ Category
October Style- Shirt Dress 2 Ways
Posted on: October 2, 2018
- In: Dresses and Skirts | fall | Fall Fashion Colors | florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals
- 2 Comments
I searched for a while for a shirt dress and was thinking
about an Old Navy Chambray version, but ultimately my heartstrings
kept pulling me back to this Isaac Mizrahi version.
The Old Navy version didn’t have a belt and did not have buttons
all the way down the dress, as a true shirt dress should.
After seeing this one, the chambray versions just couldn’t measure up!
This subtle floral print is better for my maximal style and
can stand alone without much help or need for accessories to
punch up the look. For this time, I removed the matching belt
it came with and opted for a black one,
but Navy, Green, Yellow, Burgundy, White, Cognac
Would also be good options for the future.
The beauty of a shirt dress is that it can also be worn as a Duster.
I love it here with the white, which is a perfect way for me to
fake Fall when we still have warm weather!
I look forward to styling it with tights and boots for winter
and keep imagining it with a black turtleneck and pants for a duster option.
I also love the roll-tab sleeves, for now, that can be worn as long sleeves for winter.
Come back for Tomorrow’s Look is Pinterest Inspiration and I chose a Boho one,
as what’s better than greeting Hump Day with a long boho skirt.
Gratitude
I am grateful that Fall is here and even if the weather isn’t cooperating,
that at least my son’s Bowling Season has started back up! It is such a supportive and fun community!
It was such fun to see my son bowl a
Clean Game which means no pins were left standing!
I am grateful that my son away at college called to say he is coming home for the weekend!
I am grateful that my children all get along and truly care deeply for each other.
I am grateful for a fun shopping day with my daughter where we got started on Christmas Shopping!
Busy Week!
Posted on: January 25, 2018
- In: Boots | Creating a versatile wardrobe | florals | Gratitude | Green | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Petite | skinny jeans | Weight Loss | Winter Looks
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Wednesday I went to my son’s homeschool bowling, popped home for a quick bowl of plain greek yogurt and peaches for lunch
before heading out to use my Movie Pass for the first time!
$9.95 a month and my first movie was $9.05.
I chose “Forever My Girl”, one of those movies I would love but DH would not, lol
It was a cute story and I adored all the fabulous music throughout.
I wore my Amelia James Olive Aleyska Sweater Again, Lol
It was so tough to see the pictures and my weight gain, but it is my reality
and good for motivation. I feel like so much of myself has been lost these past
14 months of mourning, but am starting to slowly find my way back to being me.
A busy day and weeks means multi-tasking and I did just that…
I was talking on speakerphone to my 22 year old who is in college in Richmond.
I have been wearing these Aerosoles boots a lot lately and am in complete awe of their comfort.
I bought them last season , but did not wear them much and was disappointed to not find them still available for sale….
I am thinking next season I may need to stalk another pair of comfortable wedge version…
Follow this week to join my page and join me for a night of fun!
I am in a bit of a pickle with starting this business to soon after my sister passed and am trying to get myself
out of it, I have joined a group to learn more about Social Media for businesses and am having a clearance of
winter items tomorrow at 7:30 pm EST to see if I can sell of the winter items and not be stuck with that inventory
while I work on building my following to have better success in Spring and Summer!
Join me and share with friends, to help me sell these and generate funds to keep going with new fresh inventory.
Gratitude
I am grateful for the time spent with my youngest and his bowling.
I am grateful for my dearest friend giving me such a glowing review and asking her friends to support my business.
I am grateful for all the online supportive women in business who all support each other.
I am grateful that when my husband came home late last night with a friend from out of town to spend the night,
that I slept right through , their apparent loud talking that my children heard….
Fundraiser for Hurricane Harvey
Posted on: September 4, 2017
- In: exercise | florals | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Weight Loss
- 1 Comment
As with most of the U.S.A. , I am deeply affected by the images of the devastation in Texas and would like to do something to help.
I am in a unique position of having a ton of inventory for my Amelia James business and due to a Summer Cold and subsequent sinus infection,
I have been out of commission and need to move this inventory. In addition to that my sister’s 17yr old kitty was needing special medical care this last month and has sadly passed on no doubt with my sister.
I could try to sell the inventory to the other reps in my company and just make back my cost, but
I would prefer to use it as a fundraiser and send the profits to aid those in Texas. I have done some research and would like to donate to Habitat for Humanity
specifically to help rebuild the hurricane devastation. As I sit here typing this, my hometown is waiting to see what the next storm Irma is going to do
and have looked into our own evacuation plans should need be. This reality makes the Harvey situation even more personal.
I am sporting a staple in the Amelia James clothing line, a Memphis Ruffle.
This one is a tank top, but the top comes in short sleeves and even long sleeves
with both prints and solids. Not much in my stock of these now but solid long sleeve ones
coming soon.
A side view to show the slight high low hem.
Tomorrow night ,Tuesday September 5th at 8:00 pm I am going to do a Live Video Sale on my
Amelia James by K&T Stylists Facebook Page
to benefit Texas. I would love it if my dear readers could join me!
In addition I have an Album Posted on the Facebook Page under photos where you can claim
something and I will send Paypal Invoice via email and there is also a video of dresses posted there that if you
use the item # and claim” Sold” or mine I can again invoice you.
Dear Readers, I am back in exercise mode and doing Weight Watchers too.
I am on Day of 8 of this and have been alternating between my Pilates machine with resistance bands
and Yoga every other day. I am adding in walking starting tonight. If that isn’t enough, I am trying
intermittent fasting where you fast for 16 hours by fitting all meals into an 8 hour window.
The time between 12-16 hours is suppose to be the time when your body kicks into fat burning mode.
So far, it’s been fairly easy and I will keep you posted on results.
Black & White for Summer
Posted on: July 26, 2017
- In: Black & White | Boho Outfits | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | shoes | Summer Outfits | Trends
- 2 Comments
I have often said that “Black & White Outfits are Always Right”
I have yet to see or wear one I did not love.
I added this Harve Bernard embroidered Kimono for this season,
as I wanted to embrace the embroidered trend in my favorite topper of the summer, kimonos.
I was on my way out to go print flyers for my weekend event for my new Amelia James Clothing business.
That planner I ordered from Etsy has been so helpful and the first thing on my list of needs for business.
After all, I am old school and prefer pen and paper and need organization , especially with my ADD.,
It was a very sunny time of day to take pictures, but I knew if I did not do it then,
it would not have happened at all.
I am having sinus issues and not at my best , in fact I have a temperature as I am typing this.
Fingers crossed this passes quickly as I have that big first event to introduce my business
to the community at a fundraiser for “Mended Little Hearts of Coastal Virginia” a brand new
chapter in our area for families dealing with children born with heart defects.
I have been very busy starting this new business and had my open houses last weekend.
It was great to get our feet wet and have one on one time with few friends and to hear
feedback on our line in comparison to our competitor who has a huge following.
The longer I am with this company and see what our founder stands for the happier I am with
my choice to choose Amelia James over Lularoe or Agnes & Dora.
Our founder is an ex rep of both of those companies and took her experiences
to create a company that is great for both reps and the customers.
I have been very busy and want to get back to blogging more and will do my best.
Gratitude
I am so grateful that I felt my sister come through to me this past weekend and it brought me to tears.
I am grateful that my business is expanding to carry 4x clothing and that I have a friend that I am excited to help.
I am grateful for the support of my family
I am grateful that my husband was able to heal with his family and spent a great weekend with them in Boston.
I am grateful that my hard working husband is starting his own business and is something he is passionate and excited about.
I am grateful to be wearing my sister’s Clark”s wedges today ( she had bought them end of season and they were brand new)
I am grateful my business partner and dear friend supported my doing a bike theme to honor my sister in the home boutique.
I even put a picture of Kelley up and it wasn’t until that moment that I felt at ease int he boutique.
The entire week as I was finishing it up I was crying like at the beginning of the mourning process, but
once the bicycle stuff was up and her picture I have been totally at ease.
In the photo Kelley is putting up her fist in celebration of completing a two day ride and this truly
is how I always think of her as so many times she got really knocked down and she rose higher each time.
Biking became a true passion after her abusive marriage and divorce!
The copper bike was in her kitchen and is actually to hold a bottle of wine, I used it to put in a card Kelley had written me many years ago!
This shows the legging rack my husband made for me and
the dressing room with the bicycle print and a nice sign that fits our bike theme.
And yet another Bicycle themed touch as you enter the dining room which is
now ” Amelia James by K & T Stylists”
The framed piece is a letter from our founder that was truly inspirational.
Dear Readers, Thanks for Letting me share the hard work that went into my Boutique!
If you would like to see more about the business you can join my Facebook page HERE.
Inspiration
Posted on: October 31, 2016
- In: Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Neutrals | shoes
- 4 Comments
Angie at YOU LOOK FAB
puts out outfit ensembles on a regular basis
and this one she called ” Statement Leopard Bag”
I don’t happen to have a leopard handbag and don’t feel the need to run out and buy one, lol.
I thought about doing a look with my snakeskin bag, which would have worked.
I even laid out a look with it a few days ago….
We had temperatures back in the 80’s so of course my Sam Edelman’s had
to come out to play in this look.
I also took a more casual approach to the look because
as much as I love the looks of crisp white shirts,
I can’t seem to style them and make them feel like me.
I opted to keep the top in the same tone as the topper
because any high contrast cut my body in half
and really messed with the proportions.
It was quite windy for the pictures, lol
My t-shirt says “Inhale Love, Exhale Gratitude”
I have so many more ideas for the culottes going into the cooler weather
and am looking forward to styling them with tights and boots.
The trick is to treat them like a skirt.
Dear Readers, Wishing you a Happy HALLOWEEN!
We don’t get many kids in our neighborhood and gave up giving out candy two years ago.
Instead we took our youngest teenage child to the movies.
This year my daughter is home after getting her Master’s Degree and she wants to
have her brother join her in giving out candy and dressing up, sitting out front with
the fog machine going. I am hoping they won’t be sorely disappointed.
Gratitude
I am grateful for Sundays when my husband gets to relax and watch football, shouting and getting so animated that you know how the game is going in every room of the house.
I am grateful that I finally got to visit my dear friend and deliver the wardrobe I had for her 10yr old daughter and the delight it brought to them both.
I am grateful that while I was visiting my friend who lives at the oceanfront, that my daughter (25) and my husband got some rare quality alone time walking the beach and playing POKEMON GO, as my poor daughter lost all her original levels since she signed up with her Boston College email and they cancelled it , after all she graduated in May.
I am grateful that my teenager took advantage of our plans and opted to stay home by himself, as he values alone time and hasn’t had much of it since my daughter arrived home in May.
I am grateful for a phone call from my son at VCU to share his night adventure at the Halloween farm he visited.
Mocha Delight
Posted on: October 28, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Brown | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Outfits with scarfs | Weight Loss
- 10 Comments
Some days I feel like an outfit of Neutrals,
however that doesn’t mean boring.
You might notice my brown pants have a faux leather front , which of course adds
an element of texture to this look.
Alas these fabulous pants by Diane Gilman are from previous season.
Here is a close up of the alligator like design.
DH did a double take at my look today and quite to my surprise complemented it.
He’s not much for all neutrals or my love of kimonos ,
so his approval meant more.
Here you can see that the back of the pant is a knit
While these pants are great, these boots are my new Vionic,
my first of what I hope to be a yearly addition for boot comfort.
I had wanted a lighter pair of ankle boots,
so it was nice to embrace the comfort in something that was on my wish list.
They come in 4 other shades including merlot and navy.
I found this cute owl scarf on Jane and just had to have it
as I have loved owls for most of my life and collected them as a child.
I added the leave pin for just a bit of bling and thought it was a good play off the branches on the scarf
My mocha open kimono sweater is from Jane, bought previous season.
After a week of migraines, this neutral look felt just right and had
a calming nature that was just what I needed for today.
After all , I have said it before, I am a mood dresser and use outfits for energy some days.
Dear Readers I have mentioned my love of Diane Gilman pants and with all the talk about the Velvet
Trend for the season, thought you might enjoy these pants in great colors. She had a bootcut version I found over the summer on clearance that I bought it Navy and Grey. I look forward to styling them soon. Note, I recommend her line because I love it and do not receive compensation .
Gratitude
I am grateful to be feeling a little better today ( sinus issues today) after beginning the week with a terrible migraine , that came back every afternoon.
I am grateful to my daughter for taking today’s photos as my son was still deep into his homeschooling in which he is writing note cards in preparation of doing CLEP exams.
I am grateful that I’ve done most of the xmas shopping for my daughter and can now begin the boys.
I am grateful for staying on track and losing about half a pound per day this week.
Pinterest Inspiration
Posted on: October 8, 2016
- In: fall | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Pinterest Inspiration
- 3 Comments
I loved this look when I saw it on Pinterest ,
as it fits that Ying/Yang concept of opposites
that I love in an outfit.
The unexpected element of adding layers of pearls to such a
casual jean, striped top and jeans outfit takes this outfit
up a notch.
In fact Angie over at YOU LOOK FAB wrote a post about this with her wonderful
spin and detail of each element of the outfit to inspire recreating your own version.
Pardon the picture quality, rain…
It truly was a perfect inspiration for today when my morning began
with accompanying my son to his bowling league.
Layering is a must for that activity, as the alley is always cold.
My Clarks slip-ons were a perfect finish to this look with our warmer
temperatures and to keep the outfit more casual.
I tend to wear heels or wedges a lot, but these slip-ons
have been getting a lot of use.
My two necklaces, both new from two different months
surprises from Jewelbits.
Dear Readers, Thanks for Stopping By
Are you looking as forward to Fall and Winter as I am?
I can’t wait to style a new silhouette of culottes with boots
and wear ponchos and sweaters and let’s not forget
my obsession with boots!
What are you looking forward to wearing this season?
Gratitude
I am grateful for Saturday morning bowling and the chance to get out early to hang out.
I am grateful to my son for indulging me by taking these pictures in which I conceded
and allowed him shelter on the porch, lol
I am grateful for the fun today of talking to one of the women who will be joining us on our cruise next September ,cause we are going to make this a new yearly women’s only trip!
I am grateful for this upcoming holiday season and how I’ve already begun shopping for the family.
I am grateful that I am back to blogging!
Mother Knows Best…
Posted on: April 4, 2016
- In: Gratitude | Green | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Petite | Spring Outfits | Weight Loss
- 3 Comments
My day began with a trip to the hair salon for a cut and
I was so happy as the last week or so every picture I took my hair was driving me nuts…
Here is my hair just a few days ago, on yet another windy day….
See why I said yet another windy day, lol…
The first thing I noticed after looking in the mirror after the haircut was the
wisdom of my dear mother who at age 13 had decided that I should get my hair cut short,
as she said it would highlight my cheekbones.
Of course at 13 it devastated me, but looking back at the photos of that time I always noticed she was right!
Marbled shirts like the green one I am wearing here seem to be big for this season.
I found mine on Jane. com and it’s actually a long asymetrical hemmed tunic, which
I tied off the to side as that longer lenght on my petite height works only when I wear heels.
I was itching to wear my BEE Happy flats again….
Not sure about the bright yellow purse here , but black seemed to drab and my green one
is messed up so I opted for a pop of color instead.
My Bee Happy shoes by C. Wonder are currently sold out , but I heard they will be getting them back in at some point.
Apparently , the plan is to make a new loafer design each month and for April they’ve rolled out a blue pair with leather elephants on them, You can find it here...
This was an outfit I wore over the weekend to break out my new Ann Taylor anchor print pants,
which seem to be sold out now…
Dear Readers, I am happy to report that I’ve lost 4lbs on my first week of sticking to a plan. In fact the black pants I wore today fit me much better than they had last time I wore them and that gave me a spring in my step all day! Pressing forward to see how much I can lose before my daughter’s graduation at the end of May…
Gratitude
I am grateful for wonderful phone conversations with my dear friend as we haven’t done that in awhile..
I am grateful that my husband realized the green bananas he picked up last night weren’t going to ripe enough for my Tuesday morning breakfast and tonight grabbed me a small bunch of organic ones that were much better than all the other ones in the store.
I am grateful to a dear friend who picked me up after my haircut today.
I am grateful for the laughter and fun of using my son’s Iphone to video chat with my daughter on her commute home and see the 6 inches of snow she had to get through…
I am grateful for a Beautfiul , Sunny Day!
I am grateful for 4 days free of sinus issues, February and March were pretty tough!
- In: Brown | Cobalt | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | shoes
- 5 Comments
Well, I loved this outfit in the mirror,
but don’t think I quite captured it right…
First of all I took photos in the morning around 10:30am and that was a mistake…
This outfit has a lot of matchy-matchy elements with the blue flats, purse and necklace,
but that’s precisely what I liked about it.
I like a column of color like the creme top and bottoms and the addition of a printed topper all in neutral shades and then the addition of a brighter pop of color in acessories.
It’s a different way of doing color than I’ve done in the past.
Definitely an outfit formula I’d like to explore more.
Perhaps I could have chosen a plain silver or gold necklace instead to be less matchy.
Here is a close up of the new Joan Rivers Cardigan in brown.
This line runs very big, as I am wearing an XS.
It comes in a black and white and magenta and black.
I love browns a lot and know this one will be very versatile for me.
These are my shoes from Amazon,
Blues are so big for the season and I need flats for my Mom on the Go style.
Dear readers, I hated the other pictures I took of this look, as I pulled the sweater closed instead of letting it hang naturally, which meant it didn’t create the vertical lines I need to break up this stupid menopausal weight gain in my mid-region. I just couldn’t see me posting pictures I wasn’t comfortable with.. All this experience did was make me grateful that I am on day three of my banana and protein kick start and for my commitment to Pilates exercizing.
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son got a new high score of 191 at howling today , as he inches closer to the goal he has of reaching 200.
I am grateful that we decided to just stay after the morning bowling league instead of going home , then back out the the bowling clinic in the late afternoon. We are both having sinus issues and crashed later in the day!
I am grateful that my husband is supporting my needs for proteins on this current diet I am using to kick start my way off carbs and took me shopping to BJ’s to stock up.
I am grateful that I ventured outside today to pick up those pesky newspaper ads that were in my driveway at the exact time my mailman came to deliver and that we shared a short chat and a laugh! He actually joked about no packages today, as I’ve been ordering clothes for my son and some kitchen gadgets and other items along with some new things for myself.
I am grateful for the love and support of our homeschooling team and how it benefits not just me, but has given me Mom of teens friends!
Today I began wanting to wear my
and ended up doing a fun four way
to accessorize the look.
This dress is a fun thrifted one that I adore and have yet to wear
in all the various ways possible with so many different color options for toppers.
Today I just stuck with an all brown background.
In this look I added my new GILI OBI belt in the color of the year, Serenity.
The belt is leather and reversible with a plain side and a snakeskin embossed side.
My teen photographer picked this one out as his favorite and highly recommended I wear this version for my Parent’s Night out Dinner.
This is my Liz Lange Faux Fur Collar that has great clips to attach it to any collar,
allowing it to be extremely versatile.
Currently still available for just $9.95, I bought the M/L one.
When I bought this on clearance, I went crazy pulling out items in my closet, styling it in
so many ways and was so excited about it.
Unfortunately, I never actually wore it this season.
Perhaps I need to remedy that this week…
A big chunky scarf this one I bought from Jane.com
There is nothing like a sweater knit chunky scarf to take an outfit
and make it scream winter!
I have a few scarves in this style and love them.
And for my final way to accessorize this look,
I chose what is actually a sash from a summer tunic, but
used it as the skinny scarf trend.
I rather liked this option, my teen son giggled about it and when I asked why,
he said, he instantly got a picture in his head of the girl on Scooby D00…
Dear Readers, This was quite fun to do , accessories really do change an outfit and is the most fun thing
about styling looks. In Fall/Winter it’s pretty easy with so many options.
Summer is harder since it’s to hot for scarves, unless I wear them as a belt.
Self Care
Today is Parents Night Out , and that certainly counts as self care as we all agree it is so great to get out and just chat it up and laugh with other women. It isn’t just the night alone that’s great but the anticipation of it in the weeks leading up to it!
I’d also say that I was very careful with my breakfast and lunch options today, so as not to keep things in balance with going out to eat. That just might be my favorite thing I learned to do as a Weight Watcher and it sticks with you.
After playing around with my Pilates machine last week, yesterday I went to the Dvd workout that came with it and loved it. Today after my Parent’s Night Out , I will do the Cardio workout option on the beginner DVD. So excited to move up in options are there are 3 DVDs…
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son was so patient in taking my photos today. He really makes this enjoyable!
I am grateful that I found currency for my teen homeschooler, as there is something he wants and I am using his writing to earn it. He has very little options for currency and is so strong willed that this is a rare thing, something the school never understood and I still laugh at the time they turned to my husband and asked if he could get him to do it, lol.
I am grateful that I’ve gone rogue this week on my style challenge group and am stying pieces that I have either not worn yet the season or not worn enough before Spring arrives.
I am grateful that I thought of finishing this week with all dresses as I havent styled enough for my liking and wearing dresses really lifts my spirit and helps me to celebrate my femininity.
Versatile Style by Tracey 