Church Attire???

HELLO FRIENDS!!!!! Today, let’s talk about church attire. I have a few burning questions. Is it only church attire? Should it still be referred to as church attire? Do people dress up for church anymore? Do people only dress up for church these days?  I, personally, can’t really tell.  When you are dressed up in an environment that is typically a little more casual, you may get asked if you’re going to church today. On the other hand, when you visit church today you might see 1 out of every 10 people dressed up.  When I was a child, church attire was so important. I can remember my mother taking so much pride in the dresses that my sister and I wore. Preparation for church started the night before; maybe even a week before! She knew what shoes and dresses we would wear and the hair bows to match in advance. Dresses were always a must. Because we are girls, we would never wear pants to church on Sunday.

I do wear pants to church now on occasion and I happen to think that it’s perfectly fine to do so. However, that little girl that loves dresses, hair bows, and “church shoes” still lives inside of me. Every now and then I still like to play dress up!

This dress is so flattering. I love the way it fits. It doesn't need a lot of explanation. It’s a Kate Spade! Enough said.  I love me some Kate.

This dress is suitable for attending a wedding, church, a holiday party or even a Sunday brunch.  You can change the accessories and shoes and totally change the look as well.

I’m not really sure what says the masses, I could be ready for many occasions in this dress. However, I do make it a point to dress up for church anytime that I go; Call me old fashion, I call it classic. What do you say?

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Facebook: Emjay Cee

Dress: Kate Spade

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Bangles: Kate Spade

Earrings: Kate Spade

Hair: Kimberly Hampton @glamourgirl2680

Make Up: Emjay @primped_prepped

Versatile Veteran

This shirt dress is so comfortable and cool. I call this my versatile veteran piece. Army fatigue, as I mentioned in a previous post, can be dressed up or dressed down. The green and black colors mixed make it pretty neutral so it can be combined with many other items. You can throw this on with other neutral tones or you can add a little more flare with some color; possibly red.

This outfit is perfect for a mid-day shopping trip. The shirt/dress played with a coordinating tank top underneath, and the trendy distressed jeans is an easy look that doesn't take a lot of time to put together.  Because the tank top is scooped a little low, I accessorized with stud earrings and a mid-length link chain necklace to compliment the neck. Simple accessories are perfect for daytime excursions.

 The black laced-up Aldo sandals with gold details are one of the most comfortable pairs of heels that I have.  Adding a little glam to my Army fatigue pattern, heels, a purple lip and gold framed aviator sunnies do the trick!

After hitting a few stores, relax and enjoy a break at the beach for a bit. No time to go home and change??? Use this shirt dress as a swimsuit cover up.  There’s the pop of color! A little red swimsuit underneath, a quick change of sunglasses, and we have a whole new look. ENJOY!

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Fatigue shirt/dress: http://www.romwe.com/

Light Green Tank: NY & Co.

Distressed Jeans: Express

Black Laced-up Heels: Aldo

Sunnies (Both): Aldo

40 Plus Fashion Show-Entrepreneurial Inspiration

Last weekend on August 8 the 40 Plus Woman's Fashion Show coordinated by the lovely Ms. Theresa Flatts took place.  I love fashion shows!!!! I think my favorite part is being back stage, styling and helping the models get prepared to walk the runway. However, last weekend's show touched me differently. I arrived pretty early and I got a chance to walk around and talk with some of the vendors that were representing at the show. One of my favorite things about being a fashion stylist is the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and to do something that I love to do.  As I looked around the room at all of these women business owners, I began to think about how wonderful it was to be amongst them, learn more about them and what products and services they offer.  Let me introduce you to a few of them...

LaKicks

This is my second time meeting the ladies behind LaKicks Handbags & Accessories, LLC. At Euphoria, the ladies night out event that I blogged about previously, I got the chance to see their smiling faces as well.  When I met up with these ladies again last weekend they were still smiling and they remembered me!

LaKicks has some pretty cool accessories. I happen to be a big fan of the magazine clutches and hand bags and they have a great selection. A girl can never go wrong with a statement necklace or two. As you can tell by the picture, LaKicks definitely has a few to choose from.

Speaking of statement necklaces, it wouldn't be a party without the well known Traci Lynn Jewelry.

Its classic fashion jewelry and its always great to have a pleasant representative to help you make your selections.

Meet Victoria of Tarsha's Tees. She hand makes each one of  the t-shirts that you see here. I absolutely adore statement T's. 

Jelly and Jam made for the adult taste buds is how the lovely Ms. Blanche described her little jars of  greatness. Not only was this the cutest table I visited all afternoon but it was the tastiest! Jam made with Moscato and all natural products...MY GOODNESS! Ms. Blanche of Lady Jamz, LLC had samples of her work and she even let me take my very own jar home. Hot biscuits anyone????

Thanks Ms. Blanche!

AND...The inspirational vendor award goes to Mrs. Michelle J. Rolle, wife, mother, mammography technician, and author.  The fifteen minutes I spent chatting with Michelle was phenomenal.  She was motivational and educational. She has written a memoir titled Invisible Warrior in which she talks about overcoming and breaking the cycle of poverty that she and her family once knew. Taking on life with thirty five cents and two small children, Michelle and her husband were able to prove that we are capable of accomplishing the best even when circumstances are the worst. She proudly shared with me that she has four successful daughters who are all college educated with great careers; two doctors, one account manager, and one successful business owner.

Michelle's passion, other than writing, is mammography. I shared with Michelle that breast cancer awareness is very important to me as breast cancer runs in my family. I  explained that I had to start getting my mammograms at 29 years old instead of the traditionally recommended age of 40. Michelle truly encouraged me by suggesting knowledgeable specialists and centers that I could visit in order to remain aware. If you cant already tell, I enjoyed my time with this wonderful woman. Before we parted she gave me my very own signed copy of her book. I can not wait to read it. Thank you Michelle!

Entrepreneurship is a blessing! Its no easy task, but the rewards are indescribable. I truly admire anyone that is on this journey with me. Whether they are selling statement jewelry, clothes, accessories, jam or even their life story, it is extremely inspiring for me to see these ladies of all ages simply making it happen. Keep it up ladies!

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Follow: @primped_prepped on Instagram and Emjay Cee on Facebook

LaKicks Handbags & Accessories, LLC: www.LaKicksHandbags.com 1-800-993-2646

Tarsha's Tees: bestsmellgoods@outlook.com  919-270-8250

Lady Jamz, LLC: LadyJamz4u@gmail.com 804-543-4398

Michelle J. Rolle: www.invisiblewarrior.net Mrolle@invisiblewarrior.net





One Piece Wonderful!!!

One piece outfits are so great because you can dress them up and dress them down in a flash.

In my perfectly painted one piece from Karma Couture Boutique, I am ready for the day. Leave it to me to throw on a blazer with this strapless piece to dress it up a bit more; an awesome day time look. If I take the blazer off I'm fit for a great night out. 

When I first posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook the response was pretty good but I never blogged about how much I loved the look myself.  It was a hit! If you guys thought that outfit was great check out what can be done with a jogger one piece!

 Also, a great day time look. Not to mention, it's super comfortable. It's not as dressy as the first look, but I was going shopping in my jogger. Remember that dressing for the occasion does not only mean looking good in your clothes. It includes being dressed appropriately as well. Be sure not to overdress or under dress.

The pattern of this jogger is a MiMi G pattern. If you don't know about the talented MiMi G, look her up. She's a stylist, a consultant, blogger, and she doesn't stop there. She makes skirts, dresses, one piece outfits, pants and more. If you like to sew you can find her patterns in Jo Ann fabric and craft stores. 

In this jogger one piece, my lace up heeled sandals, and my cross body bag I'm ready for  a day time shopping trip, a family/friends social event, a Saturday morning brunch, etc. I could change those heels to flats and be ready for a picnic in the park, a walk on the beach, or a backyard cookout. I love outfits in which I can be ready for anything throughout the day.

Something else I love about one piece outfits, they look good on just about any shape or size. You just have to spend a little time finding which one works best for you. Which cut accentuates your curves and compliments your body type. Color is important as well. Choosing the right color for your skin tone is something that your personal stylist or image consultant can help you with.

 Grab yourself a one piece outfit. Go try a few on. See how many ways you can wear it and send me pictures. Become one piece wonderful!

Thanks for Stopping By! Let me know what you think!

Jogger one piece pattern by MiMi G: http://mimigstyle.com/

Paint one piece: http://karmacoutureboutique.com/

Cross body Magazine Clutch: http://www.baddieboudoir.com/

Shoes: Aldo