Fashion

The Return of Sleeved Wedding Dresses

The Return of Sleeved Wedding Dresses

Back in the 1970’s, when I was a young woman and my friends were getting married, wedding dresses had long, pouffy sleeves and high necklines. Brides were covered literally from head to toe. Our perceptions of things change as time goes on and styles change, which is why when many people picture wedding dresses now, they immediately think of long, white gowns which are often strapless and heavily bejeweled. But strapless wedding dresses are actually a modern wedding dress style. Churches frowned on lots of exposed skin when marrying, which is why most wedding dresses had sleeves. While there are now many dress styles available to the bride-to-be, wedding dresses with sleeves including long sleeve wedding dresses are making a dramatic comeback.

We contribute a lot of this trend to the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Kate’s gorgeous wedding dress featured long, lace sleeves that everyone fell in love with it. The demure elegance of the dress convinced many brides to start asking for long-sleeve dresses to wear to their own weddings.

Illusion lace dresses were the closest approximation of Kate’s dress. Illusion lace gives a sexier vibe to the wedding dress without showing a lot of skin. This is perfect for fall and winter brides since the added coverage makes the dress look more weather appropriate. They’re also especially fitting for holiday weddings, due to their glamour.

However, lace sleeves weren’t the only thing that came back in style when Kate Middleton walked down the aisle. Many brides are now channeling a 1970’s, hippie vibe with off-the-shoulder dresses and bell sleeves. The drama of these dresses lends them a kind of relaxed, ethereal beauty that makes them perfect for boho weddings on the beach.

Bishop sleeves are a classic sleeve style that isn’t seen as much anymore. This sleeve style is full at the shoulder and then cuffed at the wrist, creating a lot of volume. This style was popular in dresses in the 1980’s, but the modern incarnation of bishop sleeves is much subtler. Done with lace or chiffon, the new bishop sleeves are fluttery and deeply feminine.

Another sleeve style that we’ve noticed is a combination of two popular dress styles: illusion lace and cropped dresses. The cropped wedding dress style is very playful and aimed at young, fit brides who are willing to show a bit of tummy on their wedding day. To keep the style from revealing too much skin (or looking too “clubby”), we often see long-sleeve, illusion lace tops paired with voluminous, chiffon skirts.

In the 1990’s, wedding dresses became minimalist and sleeves disappeared. However, it wasn’t long before sleeves started to sneak back in in the form of cap sleeves. These very short wedding dress sleeves have no fabric under the arm and create a sweet and feminine style. They’re often chiffon or tulle and may have embroidery or lace detail.

Short off-the-shoulder sleeve styles are also popular, especially for embroidery pieces that lay across the shoulder and upper arms and create almost the appearance of a lace tattoo. It’s a deeply romantic, opulent style that is sexy and perfect for lavish, over-the-top weddings.

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Find Your Special Ring At EraGem

Karen · Leave a Comment

This article was paid for by EraGem.

It is hard to believe that Fabgrandpa and I have been married for almost 25 years! We met in 1991, and got married July 18, 1992. At the time of our wedding, we had cheap gold bands from a local discount store. We did eventually upgrade, and I have a beautiful set of diamond wedding rings. Now that we are going to be celebrating a milestone anniversary, I would love to get a new ring for it.

EraGem is a company that sells beautiful, unique gemstone jewelry. Their line includes Estate, Retro, and Antique jewelry for both men and women. Their Vintage Engagement Rings are gorgeous! They also have an extensive collection of Sapphire Engagement Rings and Blue Green Stone Rings . This is the one I would pick if money were no object:

sapphire rings eragem — Blue Green Sapphire Ring from EraGem.com

Sapphire engagement rings have been used for weddings since the 1880’s and have recently been gaining in popularity. Blue sapphire is the traditional birthstone of September and is very durable, making a sapphire ring suitable for every day wear. EraGem has an extensive selection of desirable blue-green sapphires and specifically Montana sapphire rings set in vintage and modern mountings. For the color loving bride to be or for that special anniversary or birthday gift, please consider one of EraGem’s many colorful sapphire ring options.

Located in Seattle, Washington, EraGem sells pre-owned jewelry and engagement rings in their local shop and online. They offer free secure shipping and a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee for any reason. You can find beautiful pieces starting at well below $1,000 and up.

Here are some more examples of Sapphire rings available at EraGem.com:

blue sapphire ring from EraGem — Blue Sapphire Ring

sapphire ring from eragem — Green Blue Montana Sapphire Ring

Which Sapphire Ring would you choose from EraGem.com’s collection?

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Timex For Fashion Right On Time!

Karen · 8 Comments

I received product for this post.

Timex has been making watches for as long as I can remember, and that is a long time! The first watch I ever had was a Timex. The watches they make today are just as fashionable as they were way back when I was a young girl. In fact, Timex has been making watches for over 160 years! Here’s a look at some of the watches they have for gifting this year:

For the Cool, Older Sister

The new Weekender Fairfield collection comes in colors perfect for the Fall and Winter season. Fashionistas will love them for their unexpected pops of color.

Timex Weekender Watches — The Weekender Watches from Timex

Timex Weekender Fairfield, 37mm

Price: $59.95 to 79.95; Timex.com

Genuine Leather or Nylon Slip-Thru Strap
Rose Gold, Silver- or Gold-Tone Brass Case
30 Meter Water Resistance
Indiglo® Night-Light

For the Working Mom

The new Briarwood Terrace collection, available in silver gold, or leather, will complete any office dweller’s wardrobe.

Briarwood Terrace

Price: $54.95 to $59.95; Timex.com

Modern, Stylish Design
Gold- or Silver-tone case
Genuine Leather or Gold- or Silver-tone Stainless Steel Bracelet
40 mm Case Size; 20mm Lug Width
Silver-White Dial
30 Meter Water Resistance

For the Jetsetter

The Quick-Date feature and Chronograph make this timepiece a favorite of jetsetters and road warriors alike. The stylish roman numerals in a sleek sophisticated design will elevate any look.

Timex Miami Chronograph

Price: $95.00; Timex.com

Sleek Sophisticated Design
Chronograph Measures to 1/20th Second
42mm Case Size
Stainless Steel Bracelet
Quick-Date® Feature
30 Meter Water Resistance

For the Best Friend

Small, but full of personality, the new Timex Weekender Denim adds flair to any outfit with polka dots, multi-color stitching, or denim bands.

Timex Weekender Denim

Price: $49.95-$52.95; Timex.com

Iconic Versatile Design
Embroidered/Textured Strap
24 Hour Time Format
30 Meter Water Resistance
INDIGLO® night-light
38mm Case Size, 20mm Lug Width

BUY IT: You can find Timex watches at most national retailers; online at the Timex website; and at Amazon.com

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a Timex Weekender Fairfield Watch in Blue Nylon! Use the Giveaway Tools entry form to enter. Good luck!

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Slimsation Dark Indigo Pants For Women: Comfort and Style From Day to Night!

Karen · Leave a Comment

I received product in exchange for this post.

When I put on these dark indigo pants by Slimsation, I feel pretty. I used to wear jeans every day. Those jeans were just regular denim jeans, and most often when I put them on, I was getting ready to go to work outside. They were just another pair of pants. These Dark Indigo Pants by Slimsation are different. They are a step above a regular pair of jeans. They look good just lying on the bed, waiting to be put on. I love the feel of the fabric, so smooth and soft to the touch. I also love that they never seem to wrinkle or sag, and they hold the crease in the legs all day long, without ever having to iron them.

Slimsation pants — Dark Indigo Pants by Slimsation

(I wish I could wear those red shoes!) See how nice the Slimsation Dark Indigo Pants look in this photo from their website? They look just as nice on me:

The Dark Indigo Pants from Slimsation come in women’s sizes up to 24W, and have a contoured waistband for tummy control. The four season, wrinkle resistant stretch fabric is a rayon, spandex, nylon blend that feels so soft! Sleek and chic – this feminine silhouette features a full, relaxed leg fit. You can make any woman on your shopping list happy with a gift of these attractive pants. You can purchase these on the Slimsation website for $73.00; buy them on Amazon.com, or find a store near you using their locator.

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LuLaRoe: Comfort And Style For Any Size plus A Giveaway!

Karen · 27 Comments

When you find a clothing line you can love because it makes you feel good to wear it, you have to tell everyone you know about it. That is how I feel about LulaRoe. Back before I had my surgery in 2o12, I was a blue jeans wearing gal. I wore them all the time. Post surgery, I am not able to wear regular jeans, or any type of pants that are close fitted or that have a zipper closure. It is just too uncomfortable for me. When I found LuLaRoe Teresa Hall, and discovered that I could wear their buttery soft leggings, was just so happy. Now I have so many choices of things to wear that I never miss my jeans at all. Just look. (Try not to pay attention to the big fat grandma, just the clothing.)

This is me and my daughter, Emily, wearing Classic Tees from LuLaRoe. They come in sizes XXS thru 3XL, in a wide range of prints and solids. The prints change constantly, so if you see one you love in your size, you better grab it right then!

My daughter Emily and me, wearing Classic Tees from LuLaRoe

This outfit I am wearing is a red Classic Tee, A gray and black striped Cassie Skirt, and Tall & Curvy black leggings.

I love to wear the LuLaRoe Maxi Skirts in winter. They are so so comfortable, and keep my legs warm.

lularoe maxi skirt 3X — LuLaRoe Maxi Skirt 3X

I received a pair of stretch jeans for a review. The outfit is completed with a Classic Tee size 3X.

LuLaRoe Classic Tee — Another Classic Tee with stretch jeans.

As if you couldn’t tell, I love the Classic Tee from LulaRoe! It is just so comfortable, and covers my behind.

I like that you can mix and match patterns with LuLaRoe fashions. Here I am wearing a Perfect Tee size 2X and an Azure Skirt size 2X. The Perfect Tee runs a bit big so you can size down if you wish.

Lularoe Azure skirt — Perfect Tee size 2X and Azure Skirt size 2X

I’ve added a Lindsey Kimono in size L here. The Lindsey is just right for cool fall evenings. This color will work well with many of the pieces I already have too.

LuLaroe kimono — I’ve added a size L Lindsey Kimono to my outfit here.

I switched up my top to a red Classic Tee with the same Azure Skirt for a completely different look.

Now I changed the bottom to a different Azure Skirt for a completely different look. I love how I can mix up the pieces I already own with new items I buy.

lularoe — And now I changed the bottom to a different Azure Skirt. New look, same pieces.

My new Carly Dress, size 3X. This is my new favorite piece. I wear it all the time. I am going to have get a couple more of them so I can switch out. This dress can be casual with sneakers, or dress it up with flats or heels, and a nice necklace.

Grandma’s can so wear leggings. I have paired an orange Classic Tee size 3X with my favorite pair of Tall and Curvy Leggings. Every single time I wear this outfit, women stop me and tell me they love my “pants”. Every time!

lularoe leggings — Classic Tee and Tall and Curvy Leggings.

One last photo, just so you can see how much I love LulaRoe:

I want to thank my granddaughter, Sarah, for taking these photos for me. She is such a sweetheart!

You can buy LuLaRoe from a consultant. My consultant is Teresa Poor Hall. She has a VIP Group on Facebook and has pop up sales several times a week, either on her own site, or in multi-consultant groups. It is so easy to make a purchase. Just claim the piece you want, and then fill out a form giving her your email address. Teresa will then send you an invoice. Pay the invoice, and wait for your pretties to arrive in the mail. That’s it!

One lucky reader of Fabgrandma.com can be the winner of a $25 LuLaCash Gift Certificate, which you can spend in Teresa’s online Facebook store. Use the Giveaway Tools form to enter.

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How To Choose Bridesmaid Dresses

Karen · Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses for your wedding? Regardless of your wedding theme or style, you need to find the perfect dress for your girls. Here are some tips that will come in handy during your dress shopping:

Start by browsing

You can start by researching online for different stores that carry bridesmaids’ dresses in your area. When searching online, you need to save images of your ideal dress to help you zero in on the colors and themes that you prefer.

Keep the cost in mind

Have any of your friends been in a bridal party before? Then they must know that a bridesmaid pays for her own dress. However, reminding them is not a bad idea. When looking at dresses, you need to consider the pockets of your bridesmaids, not yours.

You do not want your wedding to be a financial burden to anyone. Focus your search on affordable Azazie-made dresses. Alternatively, you can choose a color and let them pick their own styles. You should also consider renting them, as it might be cheaper.

Stick to one theme

To ensure that your wedding colors match with those of the bridal party, you need to set a theme. This means that you need to decide on a wedding theme before choosing bridesmaid dresses.

Shop accordingly

Which is the best shopping experience for your personality? If you have very strong opinions, you need to shop alone or bring one friend. However, if you would like to have more input, it would not hurt to bring your friends along for a better choice.

Find the right fit

Bridesmaid dresses are usually ordered in a bigger size to allow for growth. If a bridesmaid wants to order a size smaller, remind her of this fact: larger dresses can be altered before the wedding but you cannot do much about a small dress. Nobody wants to spend more money on a new dress.

Ordering etiquette

It takes up to three months for the bridesmaid dresses to arrive and up to 6 weeks for alterations to be made. The 6-month period allows you and your bridal party to find and order the right dresses. Make sure that you start ordering early to prevent delays.

Select a shade

The easiest way to pick the perfect shade for your bridesmaid dresses is to play off the color scheme of your wedding venue. For example, if your wedding is to be held on a vineyard with a wine-red décor, you should rule out neon yellow dresses. Lighter shades work well in the summer and spring while rich colors are ideal for fall and winter.

Consider lingerie

Your girls need to find the right undergarments. Therefore, depending on the dress style – one-shoulder or strapless – bridesmaids need the right supporting garments. Even the most flattering dress can look average when paired with the wrong bra.

Aside from buying the right bra, your girls might also need to purchase specific panties or a body shaper.

Find complementary colors

When choosing colors, make sure that they complement most skin tones. Colors such as sand, greige, and beige, are universally flattering while jewel tones such as sapphire and amethyst go well with fairer complexions. Bolder shades like hot pink complement darker hues quite well.

If you want to choose a print design, ensure that the dominant colors work well with your full bridal party. On the other hand, your maid of honor can don a print design while the rest of your girls stick with a solid color. Whatever you choose, make sure it flatters everyone.

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Aureus Shoes For Men: Fabgrandpa Loves Them

Karen · 3 Comments

I received a pair of shoes for Fabgrandpa in exchange for review.

Fabgrandpa has been looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for, probably, ever. He needs a shoe that has good support, and that is comfortable. He wants shoes that also look good on his feet. When I received an email asking if I would like to review a pair of Aureus shoes, we looked at the website together, and decided to accept the offer.

The shoes Fabgrandpa chose are the Aureus Fortis. They are crafted with genuine leather inside and out. The padded tongue and collar, and elastic laces make these shoes very comfortable. Fabgrandpa especially likes the elastic laces. He can slip these shoes on quickly and not have to bend over to tie them. With his vertigo, tying his shoes has been a real problem, so that is eliminated with these shoes. AM-TECH® Sole Technology makes the sole impossible to separate, but doesn’t sacrifice comfort and lightweight. I like that they are made with an anti-slip soles so that slip and fall incidents are not likely to happen.

The Fortis shoes by Aureus look good on Fabgrandpa's feet. — The Fortis shoes by Aureus look good on Fabgrandpa’s feet.

Aureus has several different styles and collections of men’s shoes, so you should be able to find just the right shoe for yourself, or for Dad or your husband for any occasion. Just look how good Fabgrandpa looks in his Fortis shoes:

fortis shoes from aureus — Fabgrandpa styling in his Fortis shoes by Aureus

About the brand:

The Aureus brand started out manufacturing gold shoes, and grew in name among industry professionals such as PGA-major winners Larry Mize, Scott Timpson, John Mahaffey, and legendary Raymond Floyd. In 2014, Aureus expanded to include casual and lifestyle footwear. The backbone of why the shoes are so popular is not only the look, or theprice point, but the overall comfort.

Each Aureus brand shoe provides the consumer the greatest possible comfort with the least amount of sole separation. The company only uses 100 percent genuine top grade leather for the shoe uppers and inner linings. Now there is no more “sole searching!” The Aureus brand is known for:

AM-TECH® Sole Technology by AUREUS® is a scientifically driven shoe soling construction that is extremely rare in the footwear industry. Its complexity and difficulty in perfecting during the manufacturing phase makes it state-of-the-art, and its outsole features are one of a kind.
AUREUS® uses 100% genuine nubuck leather for its upper and inner lining, making it 100% breathable. This gives our shoes a premium feel along with smoothness and durability. These shoes are beautiful on the outside and the inside.
All AUREUS footwear comes included with a reusable shoe tree. A shoe tree is used to maintain the original shape of the shoes and to limit the amount of wrinkles on the surface of the leather.

From wonderful wingtips to handsome every day shoes https://www.aureus-usa.com, Aureus is elevating mod mans’ style one colorful, comfortable step at a time. The new spring lineup introduces seven new brands and the classic brands include the Men’s Aureus Fortis which consistently ranks among one of the top comfort shoes and the Men’s Aureus Maximus Premium/Supreme.

Which style of Aureus shoes would you pick?

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ClaudiaG Bags Spring and Summer Collection

Karen · Leave a Comment

Claudia G is a brand new direct sales company, focusing on empowering women by giving them an opportunity for financial independence supported by a flexible schedule. Their products are sold exclusively through a dedicated team of Independent Consultants located throughout the United States. ClaudiaG handbags and accessories combine a sophisticated and sleek design aesthetic with luxurious leather, textures and fabrics. The impeccable attention to detail complemented by rich hues and signature hardware convey an individual feminine flair while possessing a classic silhouette, and set apart the ClaudiaG collections from other contemporary handbag designers. What better way to deliver these great products to our clients than by empowering and rewarding an amazing group of hard-working individuals that sell direct to customers while having a lot of fun doing so!

I really like the vibrant colors and unique styles that ClaudiaG offers in their Spring and Summer Collection. I chose The Flamingo, which is a red cross body bag with fringe. It is made with soft buttery leather, and has a strap that is large enough to hang at a comfortable level for me, but is adjustable so it would be perfect for any size woman. My husband teased me that the fringe and the style of the handbag was a throw-back to my “hippie” days when I was a young woman in the late 60’s and early 70’s. That may be true, and may be why I love it so much, but is a update style and goes perfectly with my outfits that are in style today. The removable leather ClaudiaG drops just add to the unique style. I have received many compliments on this bag since I received it.

The inside of the bag has a zip pocket and two open pockets

The Flamingo Crossbody bag measures 8″x9.6″ when closed. It has one zip pocket and two open pockets inside. The purple lining is so pretty! While this bag is a small, it holds all the things I need with me while I am out and about. The Flamingo Red Crossbody Bag from ClaudiaG retails for $139.00.

The ClaudiaG Jewelry collection is gorgeous. I have been looking for “chunky” jewelry because I am a large woman, and I want the jewelry I wear to not get lost by being too small. The Sweet Geo Necklace is perfect for me. It has the chunky look I wanted, and the plum color matches a lot of my wardrobe. The combination of a flat snake chain with crystal cubes and ovals makes a beautiful necklace.

The Sweet Geo Neckace comes in Plum, Sienna, and Slate Gray and is 16″ long with a 3″ extender and lobster claw clasp. It retails for $39.00.

You can shop the rest of the collection of handbags, jewelry, and accessories at ClaudiaG, or find out how to become a host and earn free jewelry!

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