JT Style File: Mix Match Houndstooth

Hi, Lovelies,

Coolness is definitely in the air but not fully yet so I am gradually stepping into fall. I remember back in grade school, my parents bought me a pair of cranberry wool pants. I could not wait to wear them. When I finally thought I was able to wear them to school, I didn’t know it would be cool in the morning and warmer by the afternoon. By the end of the day, the wool was quite uncomfortable and scratchy. I learned my lesson to wait and step into fall gradually.
After all these years I still must say I am working on my expressions. I really am happy with this outfit. The Isaac Mizrahi Black and White Houndstooth pant is from QVC and I Ilke them. The look is really a Houndstooth plaid pattern. If you really look closely, there is something different about them. The front and back Houndstooth plaid patterns do not line up.

Mixing up Houndstooth

The reviews on QVC are mostly negative because of this fact. I know classic Sewing Class 101 says that plaids and lines need to match up, but I like the nonsymmetric lines in this pant. I think the pants were done this way intentionally. If they weren’t I think it gives the pant a uniqueness and sense of individuality. Should the pant lines in the seams match, according to classic style, yes?  But I beg to differ and go outside of that bubble and wear this pant with my head up high. I can’t tell you how freeing it is to wear these pants because I know what it takes to line up seams with patterns. It would surprise me if Isaac would say anything about the design and why the non-symmetry on air but one never knows. I can say that they are fun and this word is used a lot but edgy too. I don’t care what people think anymore, too much stress to try and live up to expectations that you really don’t even know if they exist or not.

Styling the Houndstooth Pant

I wore a Peace Love World Black Poet Blouse half-tucked because I wanted the pant pattern to show more. My headband is animal print and my shoes by Louise et Cie are plaid and animal print. My purse is the pebble satchel in oxblood. Here’s a close-up of the purse and the patten on the pant.

The pebble leather is so soft and there is a strap for when you want to wear the bag as a crossbody and handles that fold over. Perfecto!

To me, the Houndstooth pattern is neutral so a wide array of colors would work with this pant.

Do you want your Houndstooth pattern or plaid pattern to line up at the seams? Would you wear a pant if it did not match exactly? Please let me know in the comments below.

I really enjoy cool beats so I want to start sharing some of my favorites in my posts. This tune is from TobyMac.

 

Working Out The Value Of Your Vintage Jewellery

Vintage jewellery is highly collectible and has been popular for quite some time, and you may also have a few family heirlooms that you have accumulated over the years. The value of your collection will depend on the quality of the jewellery that you have, and not what you paid for it!

Here are some tips on how you can work out the value of your vintage jewellery which is especially handy if you need to insure it.

Where Did You Get The Item?
Although it is not strictly a rule, if you were to find some jewellery at a market or boot sale, it would most likely be vintage rather than antique, and as antiques are worth more than vintage, this can help to determine the value of what you have. If you purchased it from a reputable jewellery seller or antique dealer such as https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/, then you may already have an accurate idea of the value of the item. If you have a piece of jewellery that has been handed down through multiple generations of your family, this could be an antique and so could be worth more.

Examine Your Jewellery

Image Source: Unsplash

You will want to examine your jewellery and look at what it is made from. You will also want to look for a hallmark, which can give you a lot of information about the item. You will be able to get the metal that it is made from including the purity, you will also be able to find out where and when it was made. The condition of the jewellery will play a vital factor in the value of your jewellery, and if it is not very good, you may wish to consider selling it off for the scrap value of the materials from which it is made.

Look At The Gemstones
You will also want to look at the gems that are in your jewellery and try to certify whether they are genuine or whether they are paste or glass copies. You will want to look at the quality of the stones and researching the 4 C’s can be done with ease on the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) website. You will want to look for any flaws, cracks, or other factors that can determine the value of a gemstone and make a note of the overall condition of the piece. Working out the prices for precious metals and gemstones using the current market prices, you can then get a rough estimate as to the value of your vintage jewellery. If you are still in doubt, you may wish to contact a reputable jewellery dealer and have them appraise your collection.

An Expert Valuation Is Best

Image Source: Unsplash

To get the most accurate value of your vintage jewellery collection, you are better off leaving this to the professionals and use a reputable dealer close to you to value your collection. Using their service, you will be able to know how much your jewellery is worth as well as the documentation as to its worth if you need to insure it should it ever gets stolen.

However much your jewellery is worth financially, you can never quantify the sentimental value that a piece can have, so to you, they can be priceless.

First Image Source: Unsplash

Autumn Style Giveaway!

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

I am celebrating my twenty-year wedding anniversary, it’s amazing. It’s beautiful to be filled with gratitude and I am thankful to God to be married to a man who loves the Lord and really loves me.

I am a freelance fashion stylist and even though I am seeing heat indexes of over 100-degree weather the leaves are falling. What is a better way to kick off the fall fashion season than something new to spice up your wardrobe? What is an item in your wardrobe you would like to have for fall?

I’m joining Katherine, from Katherines Corner for her Autumn Style Giveaway! 

Please remember to follow Katherine, the sponsor, and all her hostesses so you can earn all of your entry opportunities. 

~ Katherine – Katherines Corner
~ Lisa — Casa Bouquet 
~ Nina – Vintage Mamas Cottage
~ Karren — Oh My Heartsie Girl
~ Diane — Mamal Diane Keeping Life Simple
~ Christina — Christina Faye Repurposed
~ JT Wisdom — Bubbling with Elegance and Grace 

Disclaimer -from Katherines Corner-Some of Katherines giveaways may have sponsors and/or reviews included. Katherines Corner may receive compensation for reviews and advertising provided through a sponsored giveaway. However, no compensation will influence the outcome of any review or giveaway win. Katherines Corner provides reviews to readers in order to provide an informed decision before the purchase. Katherines Corner and its affiliate Bobskatie Enterprises reserves the right to not publish a review of a product or products that do not meet the specified instructions provided to product submission companies or individuals. Reviews are posted in the appropriate section at Katherines (subject to products availability. This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

To enter please log into the entry form below using your email address. Have fun and Good Luck in the Giveaway! 

 

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JT Style File: The Embroidered Blouse

Hello, Elegant Lovelies

It’s so hot that you could fry an egg on the concrete and cook some bacon on the side. It’s like as soon as I step outside, I am sweating. Even at 9 o’clock in the morning. When the weather is like this, I wear natural fibers that are breathable. Synthetic fibers like polyester make me feel miserable when the temperature hovers near 90 and the humidity is up. In the photograph below, my blouse and matching tank are from Soft Surroundings. Both are 100% cotton and zips in the back. My paisley pants are from the Isaac Mizrahi 24/7 line sold on QVC. The cotton and spandex blend are both breathable and has stretch.

I am still a little hesitant about posting pictures. My body has changed a little, so I had to rework my exercise routine that incorporated more weight training and intense cardio for more toning. I am not a size zero and never have been, but I want my body to be strong and fit.

I wanted to show you the intricate work of the embroidery along the front and bottom of the blouse. The blouse originally sold for $99 on the Soft Surroundings website, but I was able to purchase it on clearance last December for under $30. Another sale of the century! If you can find sales like this, your wardrobe can look like a million bucks without having to spend that much.

Love it!

I am not the kind of Influencer that will post fifty photographs of the same outfit in one post. I wanted you to see in this final picture how I styled my outfit red Skecher wedges for a pop of color since I was wearing mostly blue. It doesn’t look patriotic but offers a contrast of colors. The handbag is the Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Leather Tote. It is a chic bag that I will wear for all occasions – work, church, or wherever my day takes me.

Jewelry style
I don’t wear as much jewelry when it’s hot.
Hoop earrings
Wedding ring on the left hand
Cameo ring on the right hand
My Saint My Hero Bracelets
Tigers eye bracelet

Natural Style: Isaac Mizrahi Cotton Skirt

Hello Elegant Lovelies,

I pray you are having a lovely holiday weekend. I hope you are relaxing and having fun. It has been hot, humid and rainy here in the Show-Me State. But it seems like that is typical of the Fourth of July holiday. When it is hot, it is essential to wear natural fabrics to keep cool.  My whole wardrobe is not natural fibers, but I am almost there. For my photoshoot below, the Joan Rivers Floral shirt is polyester, but it is suprisingly lightwieght and cool. In constrast, my Isaac Mizrahi Ombre Lace Skirt is cotton and I wear skimmies underneath for complete breathability. The Ombre lace skirt is on clearance right now on QVC.com for $24.97 (it was $79.50). The skirt is so feminine and beautiful.

The hand bag is the Patricia Nash Linked leather Shoulder bag and it has that 60s and 70s feel. This multicolored leather bag reminds me so much of my mother’s bag that just wore out from wear over time. This bag is made up of 800 leather chainlinks. My mother’s bag was black and white, but did not have a lining. The updated version is so is exquisite and finely constructed. I bought my Earth sandals a few years ago on my birthday at DSW.

The Jewelry
Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
Gold necklace – gift
Dragon Fly Earrings- gifted
My Saint My Hero bracelets
Coin Ankle Bracelet: LisaRobertson.com

Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
I did nto purchase the Pendant from LisaRobertson.com that she was selling recently on advanced order on her website. The Pendant is sold out and does not have a 14kt gold bail and trimmed in 14Kt gold. I actually bought it years ago from QVC when they were doing 24 hour Italian Gold days, Lisa may have been doing a presentation of it at that time, not sure.  Recently I saw Lisa selling this pendant on advanced order and she explained the meaning so well that I included it here.

 

Bali Bag Giveaway!

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

Summer is definitely in the air and last night was fireworks outside until 1:00 am.  The humidity is thick and it’s been raining almost every day with periodic sun. For the first time this summer our Hibiscus trees are starting to bloom and it’s so beautiful. Although the flowers are beautiful the trend in the weather makes me dress more in natural fiber clothing and carry non-patent leather bags.

I’m joining Katherine, from Katherines Corner for her Bali Bag Giveaway!
The Bali bag is perfect for going to church, the movies, friends barbecue, or going out to dinner for a fun night out.
Please enter the giveaway!

 

Please remember to follow Katherine, and all her hostesses so you can earn all of your entry opportunities.

Katherine – Katherines Corner 
Roz – La Bella Vita Cucina 
Nina – Vintage Mamas Cottage 
Lisa — Casa Bouquet 
Diane – Mamal Diane Keeping Life Simple 

Disclaimer -from Katherines Corner-Some of Katherines giveaways may have sponsors and/or reviews included. Katherines Corner may receive compensation for reviews and advertising provided through a sponsored giveaway. However, no compensation will influence the outcome of any review or giveaway win. Katherines Corner provides reviews to readers in order to provide an informed decision before the purchase. Katherines Corner and its affiliate Bobskatie Enterprises reserves the right to not publish a review of a product or products that do not meet the specified instructions provided to product submission companies or individuals. Reviews are posted in the appropriate section at Katherines Corner and may also be posted on Amazon.com ( subject to products availability) . This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

To enter please log into the entry form using your email address. Have fun and Good Luck in the Giveaway! 

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