Eyelet

Blessings to Everyone,

I am sitting as we speak babysitting my 2 month old niece and watching Joel Osteen.  I am on the computer just surfing the Internet and thought I have not posted to my blog in a couple of weeks.  I am going to be honest:  I have to be inspired to write something I think maybe meaningful to my readers.  I initially started this blog as a vehicle to inspire others as well as others inspiring me. 

The topic of today is obeying.  Joel Osteen was speaking about being obedient to God.  My Spirit led me this morning to talk about eyelet.  I was inspired by an interview at with Christina Minasian at http://stylelikeu.com/blog/designer-with-style-christina-minasian/.  Christina is the designer behind Pencey.  One of her starts was styling for the talented Lauryn Hill.  Lauryn Hill spotted Christina working at Ralph Lauren wearing Adidas soccer shoes, Seven jeans,and a men's yellow cable sweater over an eyelet blouse.  It reminded me of how much I love eyelet.

Eyelet is a small hole with finely stitched edges, forming part of an ornamental pattern.  Eyelet seems to be the trend this Spring; however I remember it being the perfect verse to the start of Spring.  Eyelet to me is a classical style that is also retro.  I remember seeing it in early 50's and 60's fashion.  Here are a couple of my favorite pieces.

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A292840/LOFT-eyelet-032513/Flower-Eyelet-Cotton-Dress/292840?colorExplode=false&skuId=13154875&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600



http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/tops/PRDOVR~38396/38396.jsp?srcCode=PINT00001



http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/womens-eyelet-dress~250659_-1.html

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A304387/LOFT-eyelet-032513/Cotton-Eyelet-Peplum-Hem-Top/304387?colorExplode=false&skuId=13588175&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9383

Catherine Malandrino


 

Many, Many, Many Blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Black and White, Black and White..... Yellow

Blessings,

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Accessories/AT-View-All/Striped-Pencil-Floral-Silk-Scarf/300681?colorExplode=false&skuId=13218621&catid=cata000022&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=3221

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-30-Off-FP-Styles/Leopard-Jacquard-Topper/293585?colorExplode=false&skuId=12978953&catid=cata000017&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-30-Off-FP-Styles/Annabel-Textured-Cotton-Cardigan/291379?colorExplode=false&skuId=13027087&catid=cata000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

I am enjoying my Sunday at home and decided to work on my blog.  I was lost and found for about a month and I am trying to get my groove back.  I want to welcome March in with a new fresh start.  March is on the cusp of a new beginning to warm weather.  However, with this weather here in Chicago it is hard to imagine warm weather.  I am looking forward to seeing my best friend in a couple of months when I  fly to Philadelphia.  My friend and I are planning on driving to New York. I want to visit the flagship Ann Taylor store in New York.  Since I work for Ann Taylor, I want to go to the mother ship.  With spring on the horizon, I want to recommend some of my top picks.  You know I am in love with black and white; however I have re-discovered a color that I loved when I was 15 and that looks very well on me according to other people.  That color is yellow.  Yellow is such a happy color.  It is full of optimist which we need a little of. 

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-black-and-white-022513/Flower-Eyelet-Cotton-Dress/292840?colorExplode=false&skuId=13154899&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

Winter Blues

Good Evening To All,

Those of you that follow my blog are probably wondering where have I been.  Busy for sure.  Last month I became an Aunt again.  I've been helping my sister because she is a first time mom.  We welcomed little girl Marley to our already female dominated clan.  She is a little darling.  I also have a case of the winter blues.  The winter always bring about change into a new year where you have to die so you can be re-birthed into something new, fresh, and exciting.  The winter can also bring on the comfort foods that I enjoy but my things and butt hate.  I love New England Clam Chowder and my favorite lemon ice from Culvers. 

Today, I purged my purse collection because every year I go though a purging process. Last year it was my weight and this year it is my finances. I took out all the bags that I owned and realized that I had about five bags in the same color and 4 bags in the same styles but different colors.  I was telling my husband how stupid is this.  As you get older, you start to realize the things that people were telling you that now make sense.  I realized that I had purses in my closet that I was holding on to for sentimental reasons (i.e. my Fendi moon bag and Gucci Tote purchased in Yokohoma, Japan).  The bags were purchased 11 and 9 years respectively.  They no longer served a purpose in my now life.  

So, I gathered all the bags that no longer serve a purpose in my life and took them down to my local consignment shop.  I didn't get much for them; however I was able to get enough money to apply towards a new bag: The Saffiano Large City Tote by Coach http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_feature_saffiano-us-us-5000000000000332303-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=5000000000000332303&tier=2&LOC=hr1# as shown below.  I was able to purchase this bag with my $100 coupon I received in the mail.  Mind you, in the past I kind of lost favor with Coach because of quality issues, however this new saffiano line is great.  The line reminds me of the old glory days of Coach.  The saffiano bag rivals the saffiano bags by Prada.

I bought this bag as a work bag to carry my extra pair of shoes, lunch, style books from Ann Taylor and other reading material.  I am happy about my purchase and it was well thought out.  I was able to turn my unworn items into 1 new one that I am going to use quite frequently.

I promise I won't be gone this long again.... God willing. 

Blessings......

I See Stripes...... Nautical

Blessings to All,

Every year designers alike come out with the trends for the new year. Pantone http://www.pantone.com/images/header/hdr_logo_en-na.gif  announced that emerald is the color of 2013. Other fashion insiders stated that 2013 is getting back to the basics. Black and white is the color that everyone should have in there wardrobe. This is not hard for me since the majority of my wardrobe has always been black. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I like what I like. When you have an authenticity about the wardrobe you choose, you will always be on trend. That is why I like my black and white and of course nautical stripes. My love of nautical is very close to me because of my stint in the United States Navy. Here are some of my favorite pieces.


http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A292737/LOFT-promo-bucket-spring-1-exclusions/Stripe-Roll-Sleeve-Cotton-Sweater/292737?colorExplode=false&skuId=12912209&catid=catl000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8680

 

http://anntaylorloft2.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/image/media/292950_8680_gmd323x335.jpg

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A289236/LOFT-promo-bucket-pre-spring-exclusions/Textural-Stripe-Cotton-Drape-Neck-Sweater/289236?colorExplode=false&skuId=12882014&catid=catl000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-New-Arrivals/Notched-Collar-Sweater-Jacket/298778?colorExplode=false&skuId=12930883&catid=catl000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

 

http://anntaylorloft2.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/image/media/295113_6600_Z2/FirstFrame.jpg

Blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Happy New Years 2013

Happy New Years 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Praise the Creator we have made it to another year.  I hope everyone had fun celebrating New Years Eve.  I kept it light.  The family and I had a taste for some Outback Bloomin' Onion and wings.  We assumed that the restaurant opened normal business hours which is 4PM.  However, we arrived at 4PM and much to our amazement, the restaurant was full with a 60 minute wait.  The family and I chose to grab our food and take it home.  We had a great time last night.  I enjoyed my 2 lobster tails and vegetables while being engaged with a bottle of wine.  The whole family watched Sons of Anarchy until me the party pooper went to bed at 9:30. 

I am looking forward to the new year.  After reflecting on the previous year, I have made some large strides in being a better person.  Instead of making a New Years resolution as I always do, I am going to continue on my journey of servicing others.  Last year my New Years resolution was to lose weight in which I lost 40lbs.  Someone once said that New Years resolutions normally start and end on January 1.  With anything that you want to accomplish, it should be a work in process... something that is ongoing and not designated on a particular day.  I feel that way with Christmas and all the other holidays. Why designate a certain day out of the year to do something that you should be doing anyway?  That is just something to ponder.  On a lighter note, the new year is a good way to wipe the slate clean and to start off with a new beginning; a new year. 

Until next time, enjoy your day and your life.

Many, many, many blessings.
 

Happy New Years Eve

Happy New Years Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has followed my blog this year.  I have been spending my time off watching The Sons of Anarchy with my lovely 16 year old daughter.  This time has been about bonding with my family.  My family is everything and that includes you lovely people who follow me.



Daughter, Baby Sister, Expectant Middle Sister, Myself, Mother, Twin Nieces, and Son of a Family Friend

Again Thank You and Many , Many, Many, Many, Blessings in the 2013.
 

Dressing With Authenticity

Merry Christmas,

I am here sitting on my couch just reveling in my time off from work.  I have discover style.com on my husbands new dvd/sound system and I am glad I did.  I have received some insight from one of my favorite actresses, Kerry Washington.  Kerry was discussing her personal style and how she loved the way Rhianna and Lauren Hutton dressed.  She stated that these women know exactly who they are and dress accordingly.

After many years of trying different trends and different looks, I finally know who I am.  I am classic with a twist of rebel.  When I was younger, I loved dressing in basic black form fitting clothing.  I also loved boots and leather.  I found my true authenticity by analyzing different looks over my lifetime.  I always loved leather. Leather jackets, skirts, pants, and boots.  I look at my grown-up closet, I own a black leather skirt, pants,  jackets and boots.  I like what I like.

What I have found visiting different blogs and watching many reality TV shows, is people define their style or best dress by owing a pair of red bottoms, a Birkin or Chanel flap, and a Rolex.  I noticed that these women have no originality what so ever.  You are considered well dressed if you own a bunch of labels and this is not the case.  There is not any authenticity in that style of dress when you see millions of women dressing that way.  I believe you should like something because you like it and it makes you feel your best.  True style is knowing exactly who you are and dressing according to that psyche.  It doesn't have to be the label of the week or cost thousands of dollars, but the item makes you feel your best.

One of the reasons I work at Ann Taylor is because I always loved the brand.  I believe in order to inspire others, you must be inspired as well.  Ann Taylor has been one of my go to's when I needed that suit for an interview or something fabulous to wear to that Christmas party.  I am successful in my position because I identify with the brand.  Ann Taylor is part of my true authenticity.  I hope those of you out there find yours.

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Blouses-Tops/Refined-Indigo-Denim-Shirt/291271?colorExplode=false&skuId=12868766&catid=cata000010&productPageType=search&defaultColor=1502

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Neiman-Marcus-Stretch-Leather-Leggings/prod148860325/?ecid=NMCIShoppingFeed&003=5838899&010=prod148860325skuLUGGAGE&srccode=cii_13736960&cpncode=33-120615926-2

http://www.yoox.com/us/41317991WA/item?dept=women#sts=sr_women80&cod10=41317991WA&sizeId=

http://www.yoox.com/us/59131698LS/item?dept=women#sts=sr_women80&cod10=59131698LS&sizeId=2
 

Many, many, blessings,
-Groupthink7