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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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Okay, let me admit up front that I'm a sap for July 4.
American Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I like to don red, white and blue in my country's honor.
I've abandoned the flag tees, and the navy tee featuring multi-colored fireworks rendered in glitter paint, and the flag earrings.
Do you all think it would still be tasteful and stylish if I were to wear an outfit that consists of a white tee, a denim jacket, navy pants, a funky necklace featuring red, blue and silver glass beads?
Or do you have other suggestions?
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Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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CN064, my number one rule about fashion is how do I FEEL about what I am wearing. If you want to wear red, white, and blue for the 4th, then do it! Your outfit sounds fashionable to me, except I personally don't care for denim jackets with denim or navy bottoms (it starts to look like a denim suit, IMO). Do you have white pants?
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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by shoediva:
I personally don't care for denim jackets with denim or navy bottoms (it starts to look like a denim suit, IMO). Do you have white pants?
Yeah, I have white pants. And red pants, though since I'm not exactly willowy I generally try to avoid bright colors on bottom. |
Senior Member
Registered: 01-14-06
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Freedom is something to celebrate!
Try for a fashionable basic outfit, like white jeans that are crisp and fit properly, and a white shirt that has an excellent waist and flattering neckline. Monochrome white outfits are very fashionable now. You may substitute a short white twill skirt, too. Go for some basic sandals that support the pants/skirt correctly, like high nude strappies.
Then add decorative elements that symbolize the holiday, like navy plus red scarves twisted and worn around your neck. Other possibilities
are a dip dyed cardi with red/white/blue elements worn over the modern white basics. Even one of your embellished tees, if crisp and saturated, would be great over the right snappy outfit, when worn as a fun accessory to a casual event. The red/blue beads are an excellent alternative, too. Or, consider some very fashionable large floral pins in Navy plus Red, on your shoulder.
For a Jcrew look, try the white short skirt; a deep navy sweater set (tee plus cardi) and a large red poppy at the neckline. Gold jewelry and some large pearls.
To have fun with RWB on Independence Day; start with fashionable items, a well fitting basic outfit in a summery neutral color, like white, or navy&white, and add some RWB elements to create the buzz. If the outfit is to be "tasteful and stylish" it should be made of stylish elements.
Happy 4th!
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Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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Fantastic! If you find a white twill or denim skirt, 22" length (not mini), please let me know where!
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Senior Member
Registered: 01-14-06
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There are many white skirts, in different lengths, shapes and prices on the Skirts page here: Ralph for July 4 |
Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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Thanks, Pres......I don't want to sound argumentative, but I can't afford Black Label, the one closest to my preferred length comes only in red, there's one white one that's a little short but might do except for the bright blue topstitching, a couple are 25 inches long and I don't know how they would look hemmed, another might be ok except for the zipper placket to add girth below the waist, and so, after looking at all those skirts, I am still looking. I need to find the perfect skirt - straight, white, casual, no lining, with stretch, zipper in back or on side, etc. Thanks, anyway.
And now I have hiacked again!
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Senior Member
Registered: 06-01-09
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I was just thinking something similar, gobaygo; a lot of people can't afford to plunk down $60 for a skirt in these difficult economic times. I hope it's just an idea to look for something similar somewhere else. Otherwise, it's a bit unkind to post a link to something that someone might love, but can't afford.
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Senior Member
Registered: 01-14-06
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Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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dooneygirl, I think you will find that people here never try to be unkind when posting clothes, we all love them too much  At this point, I would pay $60 for a denim skirt if I found one that was perfect and would forgo buying other items this summer! I've tried on wayyyy too many with no luck.  gobaygo, I have that Merona one in the printed style, and like it very much (although I sized up after reading reviews). Here is an even more afordable option if you want to try to recreate the Ralph Lauren 4th of July look: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/...34171&scid=634171012 |
Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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BTW, while I felt the Merona Twill ran a little small, I felt the Merona chino was too big (but I tried it on in the denim if that makes a difference).
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Senior Member
Registered: 02-26-06
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quote: Originally posted by shoediva: At this point, I would pay $60 for a denim skirt if I found one that was perfect and would forgo buying other items this summer! I've tried on wayyyy too many with no luck.
SD, I don't think they have it online, but I bought a really fabulous denim pencil at JC Penney this year in the $20 range. I hear you about no luck -- I must have tried on 100 denim skirts before finding this one, so don't give up! |
Senior Member
Registered: 04-17-07
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there comes a point where people should leave their money issues at the door. this forum is about fashion and clothes, not economics. nobody but nobody should be saying boop about how much others spend on clothes. let's remember that. shoediva, who can blame you?! that jcrew pencil skirt that sgirl bought has me salivating every time i see it. |
Senior Member
Registered: 11-03-07
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quote: Otherwise, it's a bit unkind to post a link to something that someone might love, but can't afford.
I for one, love to look at the various links posted by the fabulous ladies on the forum. It helps to see all kinds of inspiration. Do you think it's unkind for stores to send catalogs to your house or is it unkind for high end designers to advertise in a magazine you're reading? What about commercials for those high end cars? Does that bother you also? I agree with ili, this is a discussion of fashion, not economics. No need to assume that everyone cannot afford something from Nieman Marcus, Macys or even Target. |
Senior Member
Registered: 03-19-09
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I agree with Pres' sentiment- go with stylish items you would normally wear year round, just in a specific color combo.
I don't quite get cathlib's comment- a denim pencil skirt is a stable and can be paired with many other staples to look stylish at just about any time. Unless someone is a trend junkie, then really how can they make it more than a month without making major purchases anyway?
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Senior Member
Registered: 04-10-07
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RWB is a classic combination. If I were to buy a white denim skirt, tho, I'd avoid the contrast topstitching, as limiting the colors you would pair with the skirt. Contrast t-stitching also makes a piece even more casual.
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Senior Member
Registered: 09-10-06
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I'm of two minds about the cost issue. I think it is perfectly appropriate to show examples at any price point if someone asks a question like the OP. "How to I do red, white and blue in a fashionable way?" is very different than "I need a purple wrap top in a size 00 or 22W for less than the $50.00 I have to spend." I think responding to the second type request with examples that don't fit the poster's criteria is unkind. Posting something at $55.00 or $60.00 with a warning that the budget would need to stretch a bit would be fine, posting a $200.00 option as an answer to the question would be inconsiderate. When people have asked for help finding a specific item and have mentioned a budget up front, I think almost everyone has been respectful of that budget in their sugestions. If a budget isn't mentioned, all price points are fair game.
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Senior Member
Registered: 01-14-06
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quote: You seriously can't be serious about that. I mean, really--if you only bought the one piece all season, and nothing else, you'd have to wear it with something from LAST YEAR, and that would make you NOT CURRENT. And that would not be PERFECT.
Just pointing out what should be intuitively obvious to the casual observer.
It's best to add current clothes on the new end, remove past items on the old end, and move the center of the wardrobe along. Most items should get a lot of wear as they travel down the line. It is not necessary to replace the entire cl*set, unless you've over-bought at one point and gotten stuck there. This is actually very easy to avoid if you add current items only, and avoid buying goods whose time has past. Adding a perfect new item, like a white skirt, for the current season, is a great way to look smashing. |
Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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You seriously can't be serious about that. I mean, really--if you only bought the one piece all season, and nothing else, you'd have to wear it with something from LAST YEAR, and that would make you NOT CURRENT. And that would not be PERFECT.
Just pointing out what should be intuitively obvious to the casual observer.[/QUOTE]
Cathlib, why are you trying to create unnecessary drama with my statement? You have no idea what the state of my wardrobe is or what I have already purchased this Spring, so why leave a comment like that?
Thanks for the tip, ntuitive. I love Penney's so next time I get there, I'll have to search around for one.
Ilibaby, I wanted that Jcrew one SOOOO BAD, but we don't have a store around here and I'm hesitant to buy something online if I can't return it right away. I just found out I am going to be near a jcrew in 3 weeks though (YIPPY!) so I may get lucky and find it there in my size! When it was first listed, I was put off by the price, but I know of at least 6 awesome outfits I could create with a great denim skirt, and since I'm focusing on a smaller but more versitile wardrobe, $60 is not a huge amount of money for me (although if I found the perfect one for $20 at Penney's I would do a happy dance!)
But back to the subject at hand (4th of july dress), CNo64, I hope you post a picture of your wonderful new ensemble!
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Senior Member
Registered: 10-08-05
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Shoediva--
RE: JCrew. Shoot me an email at my membername @yahoo.com. If it's the JCrew I think you've mentioned before as being closest to you, then it's the same one that is closest to me, though still a couple of hours away. I can't promise anything, but if the timing works out, we could maybe meet up.
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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by donyap:
I'm of two minds about the cost issue. I think it is perfectly appropriate to show examples at any price point if someone asks a question like the OP. "How to I do red, white and blue in a fashionable way?"
I'm the original poster, and you're right. I just wanted suggestions on what types of pieces I might combine for a festive yet tasteful look. If someone suggested a piece that's out of my price range, my reaction would be, "Eh; I'll look for something similar at Coldwater Creek, J. Jill, or even Chadwick's, and probably get the same effect." It bothers me not at all. I was just seeking direction, and I got that. And, yeah, when I find all of the elements, I'll try to post photos. Thanks, all! |
Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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OMGosh, how awesome! I just sent an email to you letting you know the dates I'll be there.
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Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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I'm having a difficult time following this thread - Cathlib's post must have been removed.
I think I was the first one to mention money and I did it, not because I was offended, but to explain why I am having a hard time finding the perfect white skirt. I went to the Skirts page on the Ralph Lauren site Pres mentioned and was referring to the $500 skirts. Pres posted them as a example - not to tell me I have to buy one. The rest of my post was an explanation of my frustration.
As for the Target skirts, I think I have looked at almost every one of them in the store and they are too short - I like knee length or maybe one inch above, but the Target skirts are mostly described as "above the knee" with no measurement given. I also do not want a skirt with a zipper placket in front.
I got a beautiful black pencil at Ann Taylor Loft and it came in white, but it is lined in polyester, which makes it too hot to be worn as the casual short-skirt-instead-of-shorts that I am looking for.
Thanks to everybody for the help. One more question: how far into the summer do white skirts/short/pants go?
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Senior Member
Registered: 09-10-06
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I suspect it depends on the part of the country where you live. I'm in New England, and we generally don't do white jeans/shorts/casual skirts after Labor Day. I believe that was the "old rule" but it does make sense here because the weather changes around that time or a week or two later. Ivory and/or winter white in trans-seasonal fabrics is a a different story.
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Senior Member
Registered: 06-03-07
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I live in Florida and was wearing my white canvas skirt back in March. I will be wearing it through September. (Unless I find something in early fall that I like better for weekend wear.)
In some parts of Florida, it is common to see bright white garments all year, but what they are worn with changes greatly.
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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by gobaygo:
One more question: how far into the summer do white skirts/short/pants go?
Oh, my; that can be a tricky one. Since I live in the Dallas area, where the high temperature can be in the 80s on Christmas Day, and where the chocolate bars I give out on Halloween often get soft because it's 70 degrees well after sunset, I'm not strict about "cut off dates." I try to be practical. If it's 100 degrees on September 30, I'll wear my white pants and turquoise top. However, I wouldn't wear charcoal gray in July, no matter what the temperature, just because it wouldn't feel "right" to me, not because of a fashion "rule." In short, I think the only "rule" regarding this matter is that there are no rules. Wear what looks good and feels appropriate. |
Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by shoediva:
But back to the subject at hand (4th of july dress), CNo64, I hope you post a picture of your wonderful new ensemble!
Okay, I think I've obtained the pieces: Medium-wash denim jacket denim jacketDeep red cotton v-neck tee v-neck teeGlass bead necklace necklaceWhite pants, which you can easily visualize I'm hoping this ensemble will be festive, but not corny. |
Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by CNo64: quote: Originally posted by shoediva:
But back to the subject at hand (4th of july dress), CNo64, I hope you post a picture of your wonderful new ensemble!
Okay, I think I've obtained the pieces: Medium-wash denim jacket - denim jacketDeep red cotton v-neck tee - v-neck teeGlass bead necklace - necklaceWhite pants, which you can easily visualize I'm hoping this ensemble will be festive, but not corny or over the top.
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Senior Member
Registered: 03-24-08
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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: But the tee is a bit dated looking and brings down your chic ensemble, IMHO.
Thanks for the input! I was at first thinking in terms of a white tee, but love this deep red color, which is one of my most flattering colors. I was trying to go fairly simple with the tee, not wanting it to "compete" with the necklace, which is the focal point. I wore this ensemble out to lunch today, and got a compliment from one of my companions, who usually doesn't notice what anybody is wearing. |
Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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The tops Shoediva posted are, indeed, much updated over the plain vee top. The good ones fit somewhere to give shape even if the waist is not fitted. However, when wearing with a jacket, you need to try it all on because the updated gathers and fullness of some of the new shirts tend to spill out the front of an unbuttoned jacket, obscuring the waist you wanted to show.
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Senior Member
Registered: 05-08-09
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quote: Originally posted by gobaygo:
The tops Shoediva posted are, indeed, much updated over the plain vee top. The good ones fit somewhere to give shape even if the waist is not fitted. However, when wearing with a jacket, you need to try it all on because the updated gathers and fullness of some of the new shirts tend to spill out the front of an unbuttoned jacket, obscuring the waist you wanted to show.
It may not be obvious from the photo, but the red tee I chose really isn't a schlumpy shapeless wear-when-you-wash-out-the-litter-box kind of garment; it *does* have some shape to it. A friend of mine even described my ensemble as "dressy," which I don't really think it is. It's the kind of outfit I wouldn't wear to go to the corner pharmacy to get a quick flu shot, but might wear to Bible study on Sunday morning. I like it the way it is, but if I happen upon a tee I think would work better, I'm on it. |
Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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CN, I was trying to say that your tee might be a better choice than a busier one under your jacket. Your necklace (love it!) might be too much if the tee had ties or gathers or beading. I like the one you have, especially since you have now described the fit.
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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Okay, now it's getting close to Christmas!
First, Cno64=Cno713.
I got messed up, and ended up with two different accounts.
Now, for my fashion question:
I've got to admit that I do like a certain amount of sparkle and shine to my clothes, particularly during the holiday season.
I'm long since over the holiday sweaters and glitter paint decorated sweatshirts.
Similarly, I'm pretty sure that solid Lurex sweaters are not exactly All That.
What are some reliably stylish alternatives?
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Senior Member
Registered: 04-17-07
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this year sequins are making the rounds for holidayware and being worn in the daytime with casual ensembles to tone them down yet bring pizazz and festive vibe. i've seen sequined bolero jackets, sequined tank tops to be worn over buttonfront and jeans and even sequined shoes and booties. all you need is that, no need for any other accesory except red lipstick. i already have something for the season: http://i121.photobucket.com/al...ensembles/018-14.jpg |
Senior Member
Registered: 06-03-07
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I purchased this yesterday: AT Sequin Collared SweaterI plan on wearing it to a casual company party on November 14th with dark jeans, black ballet flats and a black wool jacket. I will probably also wear it to my child's Christmas program at school and to Thanksgiving dinner with a black wool skirt and the same ballet flats. Last year I purchased a knee length aline skirt in a black and white tweed with metallic embroidery around the bottom. It was definitely my go to "I need to look festive, but professional" piece. I wore it to work with a fitted black cashmere turtleneck and to a couple of more dressy events with a white organdy buttonfront. This year, I am using it for work with a black silk blouse. I also have a wrap sweater in gray cashmere with silver lurex threads that was worn to a formal holiday party with a full black wool and silk skirt and patent heels, Christmas dinner with black pants and suede flats and a holiday happy hour/going away party for a coworker with dark jeans and strappy silver heels. |
Junior Member
Registered: 08-16-09
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Kitsmommy you have excellent taste! I have holiday events starting next week and you have given me inspiration for several outfits. Thank you for posting your ideas!
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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quote: Originally posted by kitsmommy: I purchased this yesterday: AT Sequin Collared Sweater
I love that! Unfortunately, it isn't offered in my size. I kind of like the neckline of this one. I must admit to liking the berry color, and it would be flattering on me, but I'm a bit wary of looking too too "Christmas-y." I don't care for blue on me, so I'm thinking maybe the black one would be the best choice. If I do wear something sequined, should I skip jewelry completely? |
Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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quote: Originally posted by CNo713: quote: Originally posted by kitsmommy: I purchased this yesterday: AT Sequin Collared Sweater
I love that! Unfortunately, it isn't offered in my size. I kind of like the neckline of this one. I must admit to liking the berry color, and it would be flattering on me, but I'm a bit wary of looking too too "Christmas-y." I don't care for blue on me, so I'm thinking maybe the black one would be the best choice. If I do wear something sequined, should I skip jewelry completely?
Oops, the link didn't work. I meant this one. The rest, about the color and accessrories, still goes. I like to wear earrings, but I have a fabulous deep red MAC lipstick, and I'm thinking that might be all I'd need with a sequin-embellished sweater. |
Senior Member
Registered: 06-27-09
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Oh my, what a sparkly sweater! I like it!
I could see that with earrings, but only if they're kind of smallish - if that makes sense.
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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quote: Originally posted by homeschoolmama22:
Oh my, what a sparkly sweater! I like it!
I could see that with earrings, but only if they're kind of smallish - if that makes sense.
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Junior Member
Registered: 08-16-09
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CNo713 - you can never go wrong with diamond studs. They will make your pretty green eyes sparkle!
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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quote: Originally posted by voguette:
CNo713 - you can never go wrong with diamond studs. They will make your pretty green eyes sparkle!
Thank you! Note to self: Give me diamond studs for Christmas. |
Junior Member
Registered: 08-16-09
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CNo713 - You are so cute! I know you have health issues but it is obvious that you do not let them affect your attitude or self image. Your charm and sense of humor come through in your posts. And you are always kind to and thoughtful of other posters. I truly appreciate that about you.
Make this note to Santa. The "diamond" studs do not have to be genuine. There is a lot to be said for the fakes. You can afford more "karats", you do not have to worry about insurance, and if you should lose one, you might be sad but you would not be devastated. And, as long as you are being so good, tell Santa to bring a pair of "emerald" studs too. Those should really make your eyes sparkle!
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Senior Member
Registered: 04-03-07
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I am here to agree with Voguette, both about what a breath of fresh air CNo713 is, (so gracious in accepting negative comments about her outfits!)(and such a constantly positive attitude about everything)(and makes me quick to click on her posts to find out what she said) and also to agree that "real" diamonds are not necessary. The fakes are so good now that nobody can tell just by looking at you. You don't need to worry about losing them and can have a variety of sizes and stones. If you really want to pull it off, you probably need to pay for 14K gold (yellow, white, whatever). Check out the Diamonique on QVC to see how beautiful they can be. I'm sure there are others just as beautiful but those are easy to see.
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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Thank you both for your kind words! My anchor in Christ Jesus has most certainly helped me maintain a somewhat even emotional keel and a positive frame of mind. The occasional negative remarks about some of my fashion choices do smart just a bit, but I file them under "constructive criticism," and step back (figuratively) and see what I can learn. It's bad enugh being a disabled person, why make it worse by wearing bad fashion?  P.S. I'll have a look at the diamond alternatives! I wouldn't be on this forum if I didn't want to avoid that most horrible of all fates, the Bad Outfit.  |
Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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I love this jacket, from Spiegel, and it comes in my size, and is on sale! That color is great on me, too; it makes my eyes really "pop." I think it looks "holiday," too, without being cheesy. SOLD! What kind of jewelry should I wear with it, do you all think? |
Senior Member
Registered: 01-14-06
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I like the mixed beads twist that the model is wearing high on the neck. Your new diamond/dream-diamond earrings would be great, too. The jacket can support a wrist bangle or two, but b/c of the gold buttons in 3 places, don't add a long chain necklace.
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Junior Member
Registered: 05-12-09
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Great jacket CNo, and love the color.
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Junior Member
Registered: 10-23-09
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quote: Originally posted by pres10514:
I like the mixed beads twist that the model is wearing high on the neck. Your new diamond/dream-diamond earrings would be great, too. The jacket can support a wrist bangle or two, but b/c of the gold buttons in 3 places, don't add a long chain necklace.
Thank you! My "instinct" was to keep jewelry simple, but I have a terrible weakness for multi-strand necklaces, like this one from Chico's. Think it could work if I were to wear it high enough on the neck? |
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