Building blocks for a capsule wardrobe should be versatile comfortable and easy to pack. I fell in love with this cranberry color Chico’s Black Label set that also comes in black. You will see the Joggers on repeat but in very different iterations. Here with the cashmere V Neck and pants I can easily go from ladies lunch to shopping. Nothing makes a look more than accessories and here, the cranberry color pairs so well with blue
What is the difference between faux leather and vegan leather?
Well, if so, then read on!
As someone who is very interested in all things fashion, this topic is super interesting to me. So let’s get into what they are exactly!
The easiest way to tell apart faux vs vegan leather would be by touch; faux feels like smooth plastic while vegan feels like suede or soft cotton.
Lets start with the definition of each type.
Vegan Leather is a synthetic material that resembles real leather in both appearance and texture but does not use any animal products during production.
Vegan leather comes from natural materials such as wood pulp or recycled polyester,
Vegan leather is more sustainable as there are no harmful chemicals released into nature if disposed of improperly.
Faux leather is an animal-friendly alternative to genuine leather. It is typically made from polyurethane or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). A petroleum product.
Faux leather is a type of plastic that can be recycled with other plastics in order to save energy and reduce pollution when creating new faux leather pieces.
However, because these types of plastics cannot be broken down into their original components by natural processes such as sunlight or bacteria they will never go away completely. It also requires an enormous amount of water to make it and releases hazardous substances when burned, making it not environmentally friendly
If you’re looking for an alternative to real animal skin, then vegan may be the way to go! On the other hand, if you’re just looking for affordable and stylish options that don’t harm animals in any way then check out faux products.
The bulk of the hides used in fashion are a byproduct of cattle raised for beef production. Regardless of chemicals used in the leather tanning process, real leather may still have an edge over both of the above. Read more here
Which one is better for the environment? You decide, after all we are what we wear. To learn more click here
I had such a lovely time at The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. There were tables of ladies chatting, children learning this lovely ritual and gentlemen enjoying their tea.
Consider tea for the holidays with your whole family. It makes a great tradition.
Exquisitely executed, Tea at The Adolphus is served in the beautiful French Room dining room. A storied tradition, the tea service is filled with delight and surprise, from the menu curated by our culinary team to the custom china.
During each sitting, guests can enjoy a three-course menu of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries paired with loose leaf teas from local purveyor, Zatki, who creates a special tea blend just for The Adolphus.
Both the green tea and the black tea were so expertly chosen and brewed. They were delicious and smooth as silk.
Our champagne wishes and caviar dreams came true during our tea service. We enjoyed Regis Ova Siberian Reserve Caviar. Its clean and lightly creamy taste is perfect to enjoy on its own which we did or add buckwheat blinis with crème fraîche and shaved yolk and all the other toppings which we also did.
Often the phrases “afternoon tea” and “high tea” are used interchangeably as many mistakenly believe that there is no difference. Both tea traditions are steeped in British history and the differences, subtle as they may be, are a direct result of their origins.
The origins of afternoon tea show clearly it was the preserve of the rich in the 19th century. For workers in the newly industrialized Britain, tea time had to wait until after work. By that hour, tea was generally served with heartier dishes which were substantially more than just tea and cakes.
Processed with Lensa with Auto Adjustments
TEA AT THE ADOLPHUS
Charles de Cazanove, Brut Rosé, Champagne
or
Duché de Longueville, Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Cider, Normandy
Caviar Service
regiis ova siberian reserve | UR | 95
buckwheat blini, creme fraiche, shaved yolk
Finger Sandwiches
cucumber cress with herbed cream cheese
egg salad façon japonais
roasted celery root and apple salad with Texas pecan salmon rillettes with roe and cornichons on pumpernickel southern chicken salad vol au vent
– Huang Shan Mao Feng, Anhui, China, Green Tea –
Sweet Scones raspberry pistachio lavender
seasonal preserves & english double cream
Tea Cakes & Pastries
caramelized green apple upside-down cake, dulce cremeaux white chocolate key lime tart
dark chocolate brownie, chocolate caramel ganache pear and almond financier
passion-coconut chocolate cream tart
– Risheehat Super Premium Darjeeling, India, Black Tea –
—–
As a pescatarian, I was Was thrilled to discover Collagen for her, finally a collagen to put in my coffee with no clumping.
No fishy taste and added benefits.
Marine Collagen Beauty Blend is a unique blend of hydrolyzed fish collagen, 100% daily Vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid. This specialized beauty blend kicks things up a notch! Your hair, skin, and nails are going to LOVE this!
Collagen For Her was designed to help women take the guesswork out of buying collagen supplements. All of our products contain minimal, pronounceable ingredients and are simple and easy to incorporate into your everyday life!
I have had problems with the veins in my legs for as long as I can remember. I have had them striped and injected to really no avail. It is not just a matter of how they look it’s the pain and heaviness the lack of good circulation. I was lucky to find the Dallas vein institute and have been through procedures on both of my legs over a period of one month. I thought I would give you a little information on my experience and the new technologies available.
Vein disorders affect millions of people, and if these disorders aren’t properly managed and treated, serious consequences can arise. I was fortunate enough to jeetmVaricose vein specialist Dr. Dev Batra who focuses on offering comprehensive treatments, fully educating his patients, keeping them comfortable during procedures, and providing specific solutions for individuals seeking relief from cosmetic and medically complex vein problems.
Dr. Basra and the team use cutting-edge technology for vein therapy. This includes minimally invasive procedures that allow the team to address most vein problems with little, if any, pain during treatment, leading to more rapid recovery times. Dallas Vein Institute is adept at the treatment of a large number of vein conditions. For example, Dr. Batra uses ClosureFast™ thermal vein closure radiofrequency techniques, and the VenaSeal™ closure system for the ablation of diseased veins, thereby rerouting blood flow to adjacent, healthy veins. Dr. Batra offers sclerotherapy procedures to treat spider veins and varicose veins.
Advanced technologies also address chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, leg itching and burning, leg pain and swelling, restless leg syndrome, skin pigmentation, and venous ulcers. The team at Dallas Vein Institute is dedicated to long-term follow-up care, even after successful treatment, to ensure that your legs stay healthy and happy, perhaps best exemplified by the practice’s motto: “Get your legs back.” I know you can too! If you are suffering like I was do some research in you area. You will be glad you did.
Switch jewelry
Did you know you can have access to fabulous jewelry pieces for any occasion or just your daily looks. Making a statement with gorgeous designer pieces is now at your fingertips. from vintage and designer items to special occasion and statement pieces you can look like you didn’t a million fir as little as $30 a month
March11 handcrafts clothing with Ukrainian Vyshyvanka in mind, showcasing artisanal fashion in a modern way. From fabric sourcing to hand finishing, there is a lot of love and care that goes into creating every unique piece. A timeless traditional classic has been updated with a modern twist by adding color, tassels, and embroidery, making it a resort-wear piece you will keep forever.
Megan and I got together to showcase these beautifully detailed Ece pieces. We had so much fun highlighting these Indian Paisley inspired print dresses, easily their best sellers. Choose one from their collection or consider a made-to-order piece.
Linen is a traditional choice for Ukranian Vyshyvanka styles, sourced from Belarus. This lightweight linen has a rustic feel to it, but is still light as gossamer. Special attention to detail and hand finishing are what define these styles.
March11 is proud to revive and keep the traditional needlework and design alive in a modern wearable way.
style tip… The Ece dress comes in two lengths, and though I rarely wear a mini dress, I chose this for its versatility. Don’t be afraid to style your clothing differently, in this case, I turned this Ece https://march11.com/collections/ece/products/copy-of-ece-flared-mini-dress dress into a topper.
I was honored to be invited to a ladies luncheon celebrating the Texas Ballet Theatre hosted by Janet Rice and Capera Ryan. The Texas Ballet’s creative direction has been the source of a nightly inspiration for my wardrobe choices.
Held at Neiman Marcus I had the pleasure to get to know 10 wonderful Dallas women . we enjoyed a fantastic lunch provided by Neiman Marcus, followed by a gorgeous fashion show highlighting spring fashion. From Gucci to Ferragamo Oscar de la Renta and bottega venetta. Some great spring fashion was on display.
The Texas Ballet is one of the most frequently selected theatrical productions among my [friends and family]. The non-stop dancing and sophisticated stagecraft are exhilarating even for those accustomed to more sedate ballet experiences.
Like most fashionistas I considered what I would wear carefully. I ended up choosing this Carolina Herrera dress Which I had shortened to tea length for the occasion. A vintage Paloma Picasso purse And my fortunate find Veronica Beard shoes that were perfect for this look; not too dressy not too casual. A little bit of perfume by Fredric Malle and your set.
The Texas Ballet Theater Mission
The mission of Texas Ballet Theater is to create, present and tour world-class ballet, from classical to cutting–edge, and promote its appreciation, accessibility, and technical mastery among students, pre-professionals, and audiences of all ages. We are honored to be the only arts organization to serve as resident company for Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth and the Winspear Opera House on the AT&T Performing Arts Center Campus in Dallas. Our internationally recognized company is built on a rich history and boasts a repertoire that is creative, expressive and collaborative.
From programs for preschool and school children to summer classes for children and adults the Texas Ballet Theater School offers dance programs in Dallas and Fort Worth with classes that range from beginner ballet to elite professional training. Their curriculum is designed to nurture aspiring artists by strengthening their technical dancing skills, creating a life-long appreciation for ballet, and helping develop critical life skills like confidence, discipline and creativity, which enrich their lives long after classes have concluded. Read more about them here.
If you’ve ever attended a performance of The Texas Ballet, you know it’s a great way to spend an evening. But do not just take my word for it, go and see for yourself!
Details of Style
I also had the privilege of continuing my conversation with Dr. Max Cyader
Dr. Max Cynader is a renowned researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. He is a a Principal Investigator in Canada’s Network of Excellence in Stroke.
The founder of Synaptitude a proactive coaching system for life long cognitive wellness . There are so many issues that affect our cognitive function from sleep and stress. The Exercise and Nutrition his program will guide you in navigating your cognitive strength. My full interview with Dr. Max us up on my IGTV, where you can click here to watch.
My love affair with Anne Fontaine started decades ago. A gentleman that was courting me presented me with a beautiful white box. On the inside was a gorgeously detailed chic white blouse (VLADIMIR blouse) that worked for every occasion and fit me to a T. From jeans and sandals to a pencil skirt and heels, it was a compliment as to how he saw me.
Now many decades later I am still in love with that classic timeless style. You have heard me say many times before, it’s quality not quantity and that is even more relevant now. I believe in having a few high-quality pieces that fit me to perfection over trendy styles that come and go. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with fashion.
Enter the Anne Fontaine evolution beyond the beautiful white blouse to a collection of key wardrobe staples in ‘of the moment’ colors and styles with the beautiful fabrics and details she is known for.
This beautiful crisscross patterned blouse (Cressida blouse) combined with the matching skirt (Chama long skirt) or flowing Palazzo pants (Preston pant) make for a completely different day to evening look.
The skirt with her white bodysuit (Verene bodysuit) and a statement belt will take you from brunch to evening cocktails with ease. Add a Stetson hat and your outfit is complete.
I think this combination would be perfect for a summer trip to the mountains.
After all, I’m a carry on only kind of gal, ready for any adventure at any moment. Doing so with style and ease is part of the mystery. That’s what I call casual chic.
Summertime has already arrived and sometimes we just don’t want our clothes to touch. This beautiful white gauze dress (Gauze Maxi Dress) is just the ticket. Add some color with an elongated scarf (Ikat-Print Oblong Scarf). Don’t forget that turquoise jewelry I know you already have.
If you’re looking for something a little less casual, consider this dress with the ‘of the moment’ sleeve trend (Eyelet-Sleeve Dress).
This timeless summer look combination of black and white can easily be done with these Mia Becar sandals (Maggie Slide) and Rebecca Minkoff envelope. I’ve had this particular one for years but a great substitute would be this Rebecca Minkoff, Leo Clutch. If you ever see a quirky piece that you don’t know what you’re going to use for, as in the clutch above, just go for it. You won’t regret it.
Changing temperatures?
This lightweight sweater (Shine V-neck Sweater) is still in my rotation. Perfect for those cool mornings, air conditioned buildings, or long evenings. Throw it over your shoulders or in this lovely Chico’s tote (Geometric Tote). Still wearing my favorite pair of straight-leg jeans (Girlfriend Jeans), with just the right amount of stretch and a clean-cut fit. I own them in black and white and wear them all summer long. Don’t forget this SPF packable hat (Classic Fedora hat) by Eric Javits. For casual comfort on my feet, I love these leather sneakers by Pedro Garcia, a great find on The Real Real. Lightweight, chic, and easy to pack in a subtle, go with everything, color combo.
For a day to evening look that couldn’t be simpler, a change of shoes and handbag is still the best trick. Here in my staple no-iron linen shirt and these beautiful beaded jeans (Beaded-Hem Girlfriend Jeans), proof that it doesn’t take much for a complete change of vibe. Under the everyday look is a lace Wolford bodysuit and a Judith Leiber snake-skin belt, from The Real Real, that elevates the look.
Yes, Chico’s is having a sale and here are some of Chico’s latest spring looks!
A Versatile Denim Piece – for Spring or Summer!
Wear this chic denim dress as a topper – it’s great for an all white look: a pair of white pants, a cami, a long necklace over it or this beautiful scarf. It truly elongates a petite frame! As a stand alone piece It can be worn loose or belted or as a swimsuit cover up like I did here. If you travel with this one item it will take you a long way. This will be a great addition to your wardrobe for spring and summer!
One Jean two ways!
This is the easiest way to go from a shopping trip to lunch or dinner. Dress up these trendy girlfriend jeans with a pair of heels and a jacket. Or pair the jeans with a comfy tie dyed tunic and sandals for a day of play!
Navy and white – A classic combo!
If you want to feel unfettered this look is for you. Easy pull on floral pants, a cami and an oversized shirt are my go to’s. Don’t forget the jewelry, it’s such an easy way to elevate a look.
Color color!
These floral slim cropped slacks are wonderful for a day of shopping or brunch. The shawl I bought from Chico’s last year, so find a coordinating one in your closet. Grab a pair of cute flats and a straw bag and you are good to go! Don’t forget a tassel necklace for fun – Chico’s has the best accessories. Chico’s sale is here for only a limited amount of time so check out Chico’s for the latest spring looks!
Don’t be afraid to add some color to your wardrobe, mix and match, and just have fun with it!!
As we all know, the fast fashion movement has had devastating effects on our environment. But what are high fashion creatives and brands doing to combat that issue? Alber Elbaz’s groundbreaking contribution to sustainable fashion combines the technology and fashion world together to create a truly innovative piece of fabric called ‘AnatoKnit’.
Alber Elbaz – A Fashion Innovator
Alber Elbaz knew he wanted to break into fashion since he was a little boy living in Israel. When he was only 24 years old, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Now, Albert Elbaz is a very well-known fashion creative/designer. He has worked with Geoffrey Benne, Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin and many more notable brands.
In 2021, blurring the lines of the tech and fashion world, Alber Elbaz launched his own label, AZ Factory. In collaboration with Richemont, the AZ Factory caters to a whole new generation that cares about the environment and demands sustainable fashion.
Who are these Consumers of Sustainable Fashion?
While the baby boomers and Gen X used to focus more on the function, material and craftsmanship of products, the younger generation is all about ethical consumption. They only want to consume products that do not harm the environment and the people involved in creating the garments.
The development of sustainable fashion involves manufacturing made-to-last products while limiting the amount of wasted material. Sustainable fashion’s goal is to limit harm to the environment by making key changes in our process of consumption.
These young consumers of sustainable fashion aim to place environmental, social and ethical improvements on the fashion industry’s agenda. Alber Elbaz’s AZ Factory caters to these consumers by producing clothing that has limited effects on the environment and showcases it on different types of bodies.
How Alber Elbaz Blurred the Lines between Fashion and Technology
To launch his AZ Factory label, Alber Elbaz released a 25-minute video featuring the technology that went into creating a groundbreaking piece of fabric called “AnatoKnit.”
Taking women’s concerns of weight gain into account and not being able to fit into their favorite dresses, Elbaz fashioned a fabric that hugs and shapes each curve. The all-inclusive products’ sizes span from XXS to 4XL. The “AnatoKnit” fabric is an ultra-soft and flexible fabric that is developed to sculpt and support the body while allowing comfortable movement.
To make each dress fit like a glove and feel custom-made, Elbaz asked his design team to work like engineers. They delivered by using different quantities of lycra and various tension-techniques to make the dress snug, flattering, and easy to move around in.
Alber Elbaz’s collection also features ‘smart-fabrics’ created in collaboration with Nyalstar – a European yarn lab. This Nylon that can be produced with very little environmental impact and is used by the AZ Factory to create wonderful leisurewear pieces that can be dressed up to go from the gym to a Zoom meeting.
Alber Elbaz has beautifully married technology and fashion to create a truly groundbreaking product that is not only sustainable but also inclusive. I can see this latest trend being followed by many other high fashion brands to cater to the new generation. This ‘super tech to super chic’ brand is the next big thing on the market!
This post is in partnership with Hair Biology. All comments and opinions are my own.
Have you seen your hair texture change through the years? I certainly have!
I struggle with hair loss and changing texture not to mention my gray hair which gets dyed every three weeks. Which is why using the right products is essential for keeping my hair healthy.
As we age the biological traits of our hair also change, so the products that were good for our hair at 30, won’t be doing much for our hair’s health after 50. The hair care products we choose are vital to keeping our hair healthy. We take great care of our skin as we watch it change, but our hair sometimes gets left behind.
Today we have HairBiology now readily available at target.com that focuses on the unique issues presented to us as our hair ages.
With products that are infused with Biotene (known for supporting healthy hair) and free of parabens and dyes we can still have beautiful hair in mid-life that makes us look “Bolder not Older” and you know at 68, I’m all about that. The products I’m using are Full & Vibrant Shampoo, Full & Vibrant Conditioner, and the Thickening Treatment.
Hair Biology Results
After using @HairBiology for a month I have started seeing more growth and a thicker texture! I’ve also noticed my hair feeling softer and healthier than ever before. I can’t wait to see the changes as time goes by. Just 15 pumps of the thickening treatment on the scalp provides the nourishment we need for better hair.
Final Thoughts
I love that Hair Biology is a brand that provides hair care for aging hair. I’m happy to have started my hair care journey using Hair biology products and I’m looking forward to even better results. This product is versatile in the way that you can use it on wet or dry hair! Winning! Try it yourself. You can get this product www.target.com. You will be glad you did.
Is love really in the air? Dare I even ask on an iconic holiday like this one? But I will. Do you catch yourself or your significant other dreading Valentine’s Day? Do we feel pressured to top last year’s celebration? Keep reading to discover how to have a happy Valentine’s Day with your significant other! Chocolate Cake recipe included!
The History of Valentine’s Day
During the 3rd century, in Rome, Emperor Claudius II created strict laws about what Christians were allowed to do. He had passed a law preventing Roman soldiers from marrying so that they could stay devoted to Rome. To help the Roman Soldiers, a Catholic priest named St. Valentine began marrying these soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies. He was jailed for breaking the law. He still cared for people while being imprisoned and legend has it that he even cured the jailor’s daughter’s blindness. St. Valentine was set to be executed on February 14. According to the legend, before his execution he wrote a love letter for her signed ‘from your Valentine.’
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that people began linking St. Valentine with romantic love thanks to Chaucer’s poetry about Valentine’s Day. In 1400, February 14 was marked as an annual celebration of love by a charter that was issued by Charles VI of France. People would take part in lavish festivities, feasts, dancing, singing, and poetry competitions.
Why do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Americans began celebrating Valentine’s Day in the early 1700’s. People were exchanging handwritten letters and notes known as ‘valentines’ with their partners. Commercially, the very first mass-produced valentines were made in the 1840s by Ether A. Howland. She made elaborate ones with lace and hearts on them. Since then, it has become wildly popular to buy your loved ones valentines and other gifts to express your admiration for them.
Often in films and television we see new couples excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Since it is a day to honour one another, there are usually expectations of gifts, flowers and chocolates. But when the honeymoon phase is over, couples don’t make an effort to celebrate it the way they used to and the once happy occasion becomes distressing for some. Usually women don’t see men trying to celebrate it like they used to. Does the love fade? Why do some men start dreading Valentine’s Day?
Why Do Men Think It’s a Hallmark Holiday?
Some people call Valentine’s day a Hallmark ‘Holiday’ – they believe it’s artificial and has no real purpose. You may have found some men using that as an excuse to not celebrate the happy occasion. Men might even complain that the holiday forces people to buy cards, chocolates and flowers. But why do they stop trying to impress their significant other? Perhaps they feel pressure to top the previous celebrations. Usually when expectations are placed upon you, you simply dread putting in the work to meet them. So should we just stop expecting the flowers and start asking for what we really want?
Taking Control of the Happy Occasion
Ladies, it is time to take control of Valentine’s day. If you truly want to have a happy Valentine’s day be transparent with what you want. Let the love of your life know exactly how you want to celebrate it! If you want a bouquet of roses, just ask for it. If you want a weekend getaway let him know where you’d like him to whisk you away. Not only will it take the pressure off of him, it will also make you look forward to the big day. But remember it’s also good to flip the script. Why don’t you make the plan and take all the pressure off. You might consider taking turns every year deciding what to do. To keep a relationship alive some mystery and mutual responsibility works wonders. You might find out you both get what you want!
How To Have A Happy Valentine’s Day
To have a happy Valentine’s day, dress up! Red is a classic color to wear on Valentine’s Day, it makes you appear more attractive than usual. So, put on that little red dress that makes you feel oh so confident. Wear your favorite jewelry, lately I’ve been obsessed with the bonbon ring from @pharaouncocktailrings. Make sure to indulge in some chocolates from @fameschocolates. Additionally, getting a card or a gift for your partner will express your love and appreciation for them. You can even plan a special dinner or bake a cake for your valentine!
Lastly, take a lot of pictures to commemorate the day and enjoy that wonderful gift of time you gave each other.
If you are taking a short trip, here is a way to pack light. One red jumpsuit with an evening blazer or bomber jacket for an evening out. Great accessories mandatory. The morning after, pop a sweater over the jumpsuit and you are good to go. Being “low maintenance” is also a gift.
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cake Recipe
An added bonus to make your Valentine’s Day even better!
My oh so simple cake for two!
Ingredients for the Cake
4 oz. butter
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
3 whole eggs
1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup cake flour
Topping Ideas
rose petal ice cream
whipped cream
health bar
cocoa nib
rainbow spinkles
caramel sauce
chocolate sauce
candied rose petals
raspberries
blackberries
marshmallows
Directions:
melt butter and chocolate together
whisk eggs and sugar together
whisk melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture
whisk in cake flour
Pour cake mixture into a small round tin can, bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes until outside of the cake is set and the center is still soft. Please note: baking times may vary. Top cake with your choice of toppings while still hot and enjoy!