Army Vest with a twist of GLAM!

I decided to channel my inner “Private Benjamin”! Do you remember that funny movie with Goldie Hawn? I loved it. This army green vest is so cute and warm too. The colorful patches and faux fur hood give it that fun and GLAM factor I love. It features front pockets, flattering drawstring waist, hidden zipper and snap front closure. The vest is from Stein Mart. They have such great pieces at fabulous prices!

The jeggings I am wearing are my favorite from New York & Co. They come in different colors, washes and distress levels AND they have soooo much stretch. The black cashmere turtleneck is from Talbot’s and the black suede over the knee boots are from Belk (last season).

This is casual and chic winter style. I hope I have inspired YOU to channel your own personal style!

Stay Beautiful,

Beverly

Statement Handbag

Having a polished structured handbag is an accessory MUST HAVE. It need not cost a fortune but spending a little more will guarantee excellent leather materials, stitching and hardware that will last for many years to come.

I have been wanting this handbag for a long time. I love the traditional Gucci logo and lady like floral design. The chain hardware give it a polished rock-n-roll vibe. The exterior and interior feature a dark rose suede. The front serpent clasp is just gorgeous. This is from Gucci’s Dionysus Collection. In Greek mythology he was the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. The packaging was perfectly done and I know I will be wearing this handbag A LOT!

The interior is roomy and it has a zippered compartment. The reverse or back side of this handbag is even more beautiful as it showcases a bouquet of flowers! This beautifully designed piece will perk up any winter wardrobe. Although I will be wearing it year round. From a pretty business suit, a cocktail dress or jeans and a crisp white blouse.

I hope you have been inspired to consider a structured handbag as a welcome addition to your accessories wardrobe! Happy shopping!

Stay Beautiful,

Beverly

Talbots Cape

This beautiful plaid cape from Talbots is special and warm. It was a very thoughtful gift from my mom and I love it! Thanks MOM!

This piece is so well made. It is lined and feels quite substantial, not flimsy. It has a sturdy hidden zipper as well as faux horn buttons that give it a retro feel. It also has deep pockets for that ever present cell phone and my warm suede gloves. I found a lovely hunter green turtleneck at Kohl’s and it picks up the green in the cape perfectly! Wearing a red or yellow sweater underneath would look fantastic as well.

The back of the cape is just as stunning. It flows beautifully without added bulk. Who needs bulk!? Right now Talbots is having a great Red Hanger Sale. Need I say more?

I wish you a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Stay Beautiful,

Beverly

Autumn Hues & Ethyl Clothing

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year. The vibrant yellow and orange of the turning leaves. Cooler mornings enjoying a hot cup of what else…Pumpkin Spiced Everything! But most of all the fashions!

Autumn is full of elegant textures, warmer tones and the coziness of multiple layers of clothing.

Ethyl Clothing provided me with the opportunity to try out some of what is truly on trend this fall. This particular open front sweater jacket style is called “the Carter” and I know I will be wearing this all through autumn and winter.

The open front jacket is absolute softness and the colors and design are so appealing to me. I layered it with a scalloped hem cotton top and it just feels so comfortable!

The Ethyl Clothing denim skinny jeans are unbelievably comfortable! The style is called Olivia in Anchor blue wash. They are cotton, polyester and spandex and fit beautifully. You can really move in these jeans!

Here is a closer look at the Olivia Skinny jeans. Jeans have become such a staple in all of our closets why not invest in style AND comfort? I promise you will have these forever. I actually found this line in one of our local boutiques.

Such comfortable and denim jeans! I want another pair.

Ethyl Clothing has an extensive collection of tops and bottoms on line. They have a number of great sweaters that will be perfect for the upcoming cooler temps ahead and a wide array of bottoms to complement them. Go take a look. I know you will find something to suit your own personal style.

Here is the Carter open front jacket from the back. I love the colors in the jacket. I can see myself wearing it with brown suede leggings or even black leather leggings for a more rocker-chic vibe. The design is a very classic southwestern pattern and you will look so very stylish in both the Carter jacket and Olivia skinny jeans.

Thanks Ethyl Clothing for such a perfect autumn look!

Stay beautiful,

Sponsored post by Ethyl Clothing. All opinions are my own.

Trina Turk Dress

I truly enjoy Trina Turk designs.  Her love of color and pattern are inspiring and they always make me smile.  This great orange halter style dress is total perfection.  It has a fun inverse pleat in the front and a simple yet comfortable A-Line design.

This adorable acrylic bag is from Neiman Marcus and appeared in last years Christmas Book.  Three great designs and I bought them all!  I will do a blog post with fun photos of all of them soon.  The earrings are from Wal-Mart (hey, you never know what you can find and make stylish!)  Right?

I opted for nude sandals with a little embellishment and low heels.  They are Alex & Marie at Dillard's.

Hooray for pockets!  Here is the head to toe look.  Simple, cool on these last few summer days and a great color for me.

I wish you a great Labor Day weekend and a safe and fun end to those summer vibes.

Stay beautiful,

Phoyos by Judy Black

Classic Floral Scents

A beautiful floral scent is my signature.  Having various scents is a must for me.  Below are some of my very favorites.  You can always ask for a sample and try it out for a few days.  It is so interesting how one day you like it and the next time...meh.  Also, sampling is great because if you smell a perfume on a girlfriend and you love it, I hate to tell you, it might not smell quite the same on you!  Try before you buy!

This is a decadent and sensuous rose scent.  It just smells expensive. Very feminine and beautiful.  It is one of my priciest perfumes.  Neiman Marcus.

This is a beautiful jasmine floral that has a little spice to it.  It is a very modern floral with hints of Tuberose and sandalwood. Neiman Marcus.

This is a wonderful citrus floral spiked with verbena and basil.  It is a very signature scent for me during the summer.  Available at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom.

This is an intense rose floral.  Pure femininity! Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman.

I love Jo Malone scents!  This a heady scent and it is one of the ultimate classics.  I have heard that it might get discontinued.  I will begin hoarding now!

The most classic gardenia scent.  This beautiful is the gardenia I love most.  It is only available at Chanel Boutiques. Chanel Boutique at Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas.

I hope this inspires you to ask for a sample at your nearest fragrance counter. You won't regret it!

Stay beautiful,

I love Maggy London

I am dress obsessed!  Is there a twelve dress program for this?  I just find dresses cooler and ladylike and easy to put together.  Whether it is a maxi, a fit and flare or a LBD you will always look a little "EXTRA"!

I absolutely love Maggy London designs.  Their selection is vast and their size range terrific.  This is one of their most popular dress styles.  It is called "The Illusion Dress".  It came in black and navy blue and has a beautiful textured fabric and a striking neck detail.  This dress will take you from a creative office environment to a business dinner in style.  I received a notice that Maggy London had a sample sale over the weekend and I cannot wait to receive my order and share it with you!

Since the top of the dress has such visual impact I did not want to compete with the design by adding a  necklace.

So, I pulled out statement earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane, my own cocktail ring and bold bracelet.

Nude dress pumps at Dillard's.

If you are as dress obsessed as me then please check back for the next post on my new Maggy London find!

Wishing you a great week ahead...

Stay beautiful!

Best dressed with Calvin Klein

A little summer rain never hurts.  Especially here in Colorado where  things can get very dry.  The rain did not dampen my spirits at all during my recent photo shoot with Judy Black.  She is such a good girlfriend, next door neighbor and AMAZING photographer.  So, I just brought my Burberry umbrella and made the best of it!

Don't you just love this bright yellow dress by Calvin Klein?  It is a simple sheath style but with pretty shoulder cut-outs.  The fabric is the popular "scuba" type and it is very comfortable.  Also, perfect for travel.

This dress is perfect for a daytime summer wedding, don't you think?  I added my classic pearls from the Audrey Hepburn Jewelry Collection at HSN.  These pearls go with everything, just like chocolate chip cookies and milk!

Oh, BTW...I purchased the dress at Dillard's but the Calvin Klein dress collection is available at many retailers.

I love all the daisies in this photo shoot.  They make me smile! 

I hope you have found this post helpful when thinking to yourself "hey, how can I accessorize a simple sheath?" or "what can I wear to a daytime summer wedding and still look chic and polished?"  Just think of me as your dress obssessed fairy godmother!

I hope the rest of your summer is terrific!

Stay beautiful,

National Thrift Store Day #bargains

I try to clear out my closets on a seasonal basis.  Nothing feels better than a good purge!  Out with the old...in with the new. Thrift shops love me and others like me.  However, every once in a while I hit pay dirt.  Where I live we have a true gem when it comes to re-sale or thrift shops.  Clean, well lit with a friendly staff and person who does an excellent job styling and making it look very posh.  It is Evergreen Christian Outreach or EChO, and provides so much for our community.  They are a blessing to many.

I have found brand new cashmere sweaters, Waterford glasses, and last year this GORGEOUS VINTAGE DRESS...FROM ELIZABETH ARDEN?!

I saw it and the unusual color and fabric.  Slightly quilted pink and orange.  Almost a tone-on-tone print.  Classic shift style with a lady lake collar with bow and back zipper.  My hands touched, my eyes looked, my heart beat just a little faster...Heck, you'd think I was on a date! 

I eyeballed it and figured it will fit since it had no size clearly marked..  Just like Cinderella and the glass slipper.  This prince was coming home with me!  It wasn't until I arrived at home and inspected it thoroughly that I found the designer tag.  Elizabeth Arden?  What in the world!  I am quite familiar with its long standing history in the beauty industry but, clothing?

After much research I found Ms. Arden moved to NYC from Canada to begin her career in the beauty industry at the age of thirty and used  her nursing degree to get started.  She opened her New York salon in 1910 and hired Fernando Sarni in the 1950's and Oscar de la Renta in the 1960's as designers of her clothing line.  

As you can see this dress is totally classic, chic and timeless.  I paired it with suede d'orsay pumps from J.Crew and bold jewelry from J.Crew and Kenneth J. Lane.  

You never know what you might find at your local thrift shop on National Thrift Shop day but, what have you got to lose?  So go ahead, pack a box of things you have been wanting to give away to your local thrift store or resale shop and stick around, browse...you never know what you will find!

Stay Beauiful,

Basic Invite... Business Cards with flair!

Are you ready to take your blogging "side-hustle" to another level?  I know I am!  Well, business cards are essential to getting your name out there and they should be part of any smart business endeavor.  It is very pleasant to connect with others BUT...who can remember names, telephone numbers, websites?  Unfortunately, I am the person who forgets names before the day is over. 

  I was delighted to have  Basic Invite reach out for a blog post collaboration.  The website is easy to navigate and they offer over 200 designs of business cards.  From classic, photo, romantic or modern, they have it all. You have the freedom to customize your card  with numerous fonts, free custom colors (over 180 to be exact) and beautiful gold and silver foil options.   I know some of you are a little "extra" and will enjoy creating and uploading your own fabulous design to their website.

Your business cards from Basic Invite should include your LOGO (if you have one), FULL NAME, NAME OF YOUR BLOG, E-MAIL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER (if you wish) and of course, your SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS.

Upon designing your cards you may also request a sample.  It will arrive within a week, as mine did, and then you are ready to place a full order.  They will keep you updated on the progress of your order and will inform you of shipping dates.  Customer service with Basic Invite is outstanding.

Right now Basic Invite is offering a 15% discount with code 15FF51.  What are you waiting for?

Basic Invite also offers a beautiful array of custom collections and should be your wedding invitation, baby announcement, holiday party and Christmas card destination. There is no charge for printing recipients name and address on all Christmas cards.  That should save you lots of time!  Go take a look, I know you will fall in love with some of the designs.  I have posted a few below to get you thinking about the upcoming holiday season.  It will be here before you know it!

Basic Invite also has a unique line of rustic business cards you might like.

I hope you become inspired to make a very good first impression for your business by visiting Basic Invite and creating a business card that represents you and your blog beautifully.

Wishing you all much success and happy blogging!  Stay beautiful,

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Paid partnership with Basic Invite.  All opinions are my own.

Stock photography courtesy of Basic Invite    Personal photography Judy Black @Judysphotos_

Power Pink

Pink is such a great color!  So many shades.  From soft pinks to bright look-at-me fuschia.

This shift dress is Belle Badgeley Mischka from Dillard's.  It has such a demure jeweled collar and cap sleeves.  

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The dress below is so dramatic and so comfortable to wear.  The tulip sleeves are tapered and therefore not overwhelming. The dress is from New York & CO.  The multi strand pear necklace is one of my favorites and it is from the Audrey Hepburn Jewelry Collection available through HSN.

This one is one of my ultimate favorites.  Kate Spade with feminine crystal bows.  It does not get any more classic than this.  LOVE!

Pink and orange and lace...OH MY!  What a fun combination!  Dress by Aidan Mattox .  This fun clutch is from the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog from 2017.  I have a few others and a blog post on all of them will be coming soon!

I hope you have enjoyed my dress obsession and my love of pink!

Until next time...stay beautiful!

Denim Moto Jacket

This is a perfect denim moto jacket!  It has plenty of stretch, great details and embroidered flowers along with pearl studs.  HAPPY DANCE!

This beauty came from Stein Mart and it is casual denim that is elevated up a few notches.

The details are not just in the front but also on the sleeves and the back is gorgeous.  I know denim jackets are everywhere but I love to find ones that are truly unique and this one is just that.

The back features lovely embroidered flowers and pearl studs in place of the typical metal ones.  How clever!

Stein Mart has some terrific sales going on so take a peek on line or head on over to one of their stores.  Have a terrific week ahead.

Stay beautiful,

Hot Summer Days...Looking Cool

The dog days of summer are here!  Baseball games, arts festivals, margaritas on the patio, you get the idea.

This oh so cool outfit will take you places AND keep you looking fresh.  The soft scalloped hem top is from Catherine Malandrino at Macy's as are the soft cotton drawstring waist slacks.  Add some statement earrings (from Wal-Mart!) and my favorite straw bag by Michael Kors. Sunnies by Gucci at Neiman Marcus.

Enjoy your summer!  It goes by too fast for me.  

Stay stylish, beautiful and COOL!

Best Beauty Cleansers

Cleansing my face in the morning and taking off all the make-up at night is a daily ritual.  These are the cleansers I use and I continue buying them because they perform!  

HERE ARE MY MORNING FAVORITES

TATA HARPER REFRESHING CLEANSER is such a pleasure to use in the morning.  It has a refreshing citrus scent that wakes me up  before my first cup of coffee.  It is extremely gentle and hydrating to my skin.  It is perfect to treat combination to dry skin types and it removes any overnight buildup.  It contains botanical grade ingredients as does the entire line.  You can find this amazing line at fine retailers including Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom.  It is a bit pricey but so very worth it.

MARIO BEDESCU ENZYME CLEANSING GEL is a little more robust.  It is an AHA enhanced formula and works great for me during the summer months when sometimes my face looks oily in the morning.  It is the lines best selling formula and deep cleans with alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes.  I often use it with my Clarisonic brush and my skin feels and looks renewed.  I purchased this cleanser at ULTA.  They have seasonal sales that cut prices by HALF!  You just cannot beat that so I always look forward to stocking up on my favorites.

The world of micellar cleansing waters took the beauty isles by storm several years ago and I have jumped on the bandwagon!  Easy to use, gentle and you don't have to go to a beauty retailer to find it.  GARNIER SKIN ACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER is an affordable alternative to pricier prestige brands that do the same thing!

PURITY MADE SIMPLE BY PHILOSOPHY BEAUTY has holy grail status in my beauty routine!  This is gentle but mighty.  It will take of all of my makeup including that 12 hour foundation and waterproof mascara.  I cannot live without it!  It will erase all traces of stubborn eyeliner and lipstick yet your skin will feel refreshed and hydrated.  Just try it, I promise it will perform for you as well.

I hope I have given you some ideas and suggestions for your beauty routine.  I know cleansers are highly personal for skin type but everything I use is relatively gentle.

Looking forward to sharing more beauty tips with you...

Stay beautiful,

OOTD! #BRIGHTCLASSY

As I get older I am so very drawn to bright colors that compliments my skin.  For me, one of the easiest ways to brighten my mood is scent and color.  Oh yes, and Disco Music!  This pink cotton blouse is just darling .  It has a great attached sash and the most dramatic gathered sleeve detail.  The boyfriend jeans are slightly distressed with rolled cuffs and beautiful applique flowers.

The sleeves are unique and so on trend.  The attached sash ties in the back.  You will look stylish coming and going!  

Here is a closer look at the very feminine boyfriend jeans. BTW...they run large.

Both of these fun pieces have plenty of stretch and the jeans are extremely comfortable!

I hope you are inspired to add a little (or in my case, a lot!) of color to your summer wardrobe.

Stay beautiful!

Embroidered Denim

Denim is such an American classic and having a few great pieces in your wardrobe is a must.  This beautiful denim jacket is embroidered with colorful butterflies!  How unique is that? Butterflies are a favorite motif for me and if I see cocktail napkins, jewelry  or stationary with this beautiful creature you can safely bet I will fall in love with it.

The denim jacket is from Stein Mart.

This New York and Company maxi is a favorite.  I love the deep orange color and because it is a sleeveless wrap style I thought this denim jacket would be an ideal complement.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Catherine Malandrino Jumpsuit to Love!

A jumpsuit is so on trend and this one is outstanding.  It is by Catherine Malandrino and I purchased at Neiman Marcus Last Call. Love that store!  So many goodies, so little time!  This one is a tone on tone blue stripe with white. I love blue!  This one is flowy and just so stunning.

The pants flow beautifully and it has an elastic waist and neckline.  There are bows at the sleeves and is so very comfortable .  Oh yes, pockets too!  #WINNING The entire jumpsuit is lined.  I added more definition to the waist with a black belt that blends well.

When I wear silver or white gold jewelry I love to grab these sunnies by Dolce & Gabbana also at Neiman Marcus.  This is a great girls night out outfit, don't you think?  But I have also worn this to a fabulous late afternoon, under a gorgeous tent children's birthday party.  Versatility and comfort...all while looking FAB.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  If you haven't already please subscribe to my blog.  That way you will stay informed  and inspired!

Happy Weekend and stay beautiful,

Red Hot Holiday

Happy Independence Day!  One of my favorite holidays.  What is more American than hot dogs, baseball and apple pie?  Let us not forget the 1812 Overture and booming fireworks that light up a warm July 4th evening.  Magical.  This cute red top is perfect for the celebrations.  The color and the sleeve pleated details are so cute.  I will mention, the arm hole is a bit large (although I wear small) and your undergarment might show. But, don't despair...I wore a flesh toned camisole underneath and problem solved!  The white cotton jeans have the ideal amount of stretch and have a very femenine pearl detail at the bottom.  How classy!  Both the top and jeans are from SteinMart.

The black wedge heels are from Michael at DSW and my big fun sunglasses are from Dolce & Gabbana at Neiman Marcus.  

How fabulous are these sleeve details?  So fun!  Here is a better look at the jeans.  I love pearls, so when I saw them I knew they were going to be mine! A few weeks later SteinMart had a big sale and I bought a blue pair.

Woohoo! Call me lucky but I truly love shopping and a good sale is NEVER a bad thing to come across.  Yep.  I hope you have a fantastic week ahead.

Stay Classy! 

Chic Floral Pants

Oh my goodness, how I just love a great pair of pants!  You know, the ones that fit well, are extra comfortable and are right on trend.  I love a great  floral pattern and these are so cute.

I bought these at New York & Company.  I like that they are a crop style with a wide leg.  They flow beautifully and I paired it with a simple ruffle  front J. Crew silk top.  A pair of black sandals that have been in my closet forevah and my Tom Ford sunnies and...presto!   I am ready to meet friends for cocktails and dinner.

These pants have a great waist detail with a pleated band and a fun drawstring.  These could also look great with a simple white t-shirt and flats.  They are versatile and I enjoy being able to change the look of anything I buy.

NY & CO has so many great styles that are on trend and won't break the bank.  I think all you ladies should have these pants in your closet  this summer.  Am I right??? 

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my passion for all things fashion!

True Blue!

This cute blue dress is from J. Crew and it is the perfect summer dress.  From a Sunday brunch to an upcoming outdoor graduation.  I love that it is a cool cotton and that the cold shoulder trend is still ON!  The shoulder straps lets you wear a bra and small hooks will keep your bra straps from migrating.  Winning!

These plaid flat shoes are also J .Crew and they are so darn cute and comfortable.  The tassel detail makes them unique.

Keeping with the tassel motif I picked these blue and red earrings from Talbots.  Of course you need some sunglasses and I have owned these Kate Spade ones for years!!

I hope you had a terrific Memorial Day weekend and that you had perfect weather for your outdoor festivities....we had tons of HAIL!  Ugh.  Nevertheless, we attended a great party surrounded by good friends, excellent food and plenty of libations.

Wishing you a wonderful start to your summer ahead.  

Stay beautiful!