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Put More You into Your Wedding Day

by admin | Feb 27, 2022 | Asheville, Style, Wedding, Women

A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love.

Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine.

The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.

Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slideshow set to music.

Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up.

Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart.

Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.

Tips for Perfect Summer Feet

by admin | Jul 2, 2020 | Asheville, Beauty, Style, Women

Feet don’t usually require much attention when it comes to looking good; they are usually hidden from view under socks, shoes or boots. But the summer months mean that feet are often on show and need some extra attention to look attractive. Here are 5 tips for perfect summer feet.

Get rid of hard skin

Add one tablespoon of salt and one cup of milk to a bowl of warm water; soak feet in the solution for 15 minutes to soften the skin and make it ready for removal. Use a pumice stone to scour away the hard skin, and finish by scrubbing thoroughly with a soft body brush.

Give feet an intensive softening pack

Massage a generous layer of olive oil into your feet before bedtime and cover with a thick pair of socks. Leave overnight to allow the oil to fully soak into your skin. For areas of hard or extra-dry skin, squeeze a capsule of vitamin E oil, or evening primrose oil, onto the affected area for extra softening power.

Remove any stray hairs or unsightly bits

Bunions, corns, athlete’s foot, and other foot conditions can usually be easily treated with over-the-counter preparations or prescription medications. Pluck any stray hairs on toes and feet, or wax if necessary.

Treat yourself to a professional pedicure

A little time and money spent at the salon can work wonders for your feet. Most pedicures also come with a relaxing foot massage which will improve circulation to your skin. A professional pedicure will also ensure that your nails are cut correctly, helping to reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail.

Add the final touches

Invest in a cooling foot spray to keep your feet fresh and hydrated during the summer months. Add the finishing touches with a few pieces of foot jewelery, toe rings, anklets, or even a small tattoo if you’re feeling brave.

Sofia Style–The Savvy Satchel

by JeanAnn Taylor | Feb 28, 2020 | Asheville, Fashion, Style, Women

By JeanAnn Taylor

I have too many satchels. Why? For some reason, they are irresistible to me. And I’m not alone. Many, many of us have a stash of tote bags. With the variety of sizes, designs, and styles available, you can find one to accommodate just about any purpose. Tote bags are versatile, functional, cute, and they have appealing organizational features. Handy pockets can be found on the inside as well as the outside of many designs.

Satchels, or tote bags, are an all-purpose, sturdy-handled bag with hundreds of potential uses. They can be used as gym bags, shopping bags, gift bags, or beach bags. They can hold everything from yarn and crochet hooks to laptops to dance shoes. One of the biggest problems with totes is—where to store your collection. The trunk of your car? Your closet? Underneath your bed? I know of people who need large totes to store their small totes! Totes bags are definitely a must-have accessory.

One enticing feature of satchels is that they come in every material imaginable: canvas, cotton, leather, and even lace. Of course the heavier the fabric, the more durable your tote will be. This “bag of bags” is also notable because of it’s reusable quality. We can avoid using plastic shopping bags by simply carrying a tote with us.

One tip for totes is to clean them regularly. They can become quite dirty when used often. To keep them free of bacteria and other nasty germs, machine wash if possible. If washing is not an option, wipe off with antibacterial wipes.

With such a fashionable as well as functional item, the question is; can you really have too many totes?

Cool Beanies

by JeanAnn Taylor | Dec 31, 2019 | Asheville, Fashion, Style, Winter

By JeanAnn Taylor

If you are looking for a stylish way to stay warm this winter, there is no better option than to wear a fuzzy, cozy beanie on your head. This quintessential winter-weather bonnet has been a staple for many years, but it has come into its own recently with more styles, colors, and options for wearing.

The most popular style is the “cuffed” version. This beanie may have an actual turned-up cuff, or a band woven with a tighter weave creating a cuff. It’s worn pulled snugly over the head, ends just above the eyebrows, and completely covers the forehead and ears. The “fisherman” beanie is a smaller, shorter version. It sits at the crown of the head, ending above the ears. The “slouch” beanie is worn over the forehead and ears, but is fuller and longer than a classic cuffed beanie causing it to hang loosely in the back. If you don’t want the slouchy beanie to look slouchy, simply fold the bottom band up to create a cuffed, snug fit. My favorite beanie style is the “cloche.” This flattering and feminine hat is popular now, just as it was in the 1920s.

A “bobble” or pom-pom is often placed at the top of a beanie. This fluffy ball of yarn adds a pop of personality to an ordinary beanie. Fun fact: the bobble was originally created for the Scottish Highlands military to help distinguish clans.

Beanies were once considered a casual-wear-only accessory. Now however, they may be fashioned so prettily, they can be worn to outdoor weddings and other fancy soirées. Sparkly threads, cashmere yarns, and interesting shapes make them fashionable and chic. Beanies can also be embellished with ribbons, appliqués, flowers, bows, and brooches.

Your choice of color will of course depend on your outfit. Beanies come in every color and pattern imaginable. You may want to wear a complementary color to let your beanie blend in, or let your beanie stand out by wearing a bright neon snowflake print. You may also consider your hair color. If you have dark, black hair, a black beanie will not be as striking as if you wore a ballerina-pink color.

You can find beanies in nearly every store you visit, but making one yourself will give you something to do when it’s freezing outside–as well as the fulfillment of creating something yourself. Give me a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, and I’m a happy lady. You can also easily make your own pom-poms using a pom-pom maker. You may enjoy this fun craft so much, you’ll begin adding pom-poms to everything! To spark your creativity, you can look online for patterns and ideas.

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached
at [email protected]

Light Up the Night

by JeanAnn Taylor | Dec 2, 2019 | Asheville, Fashion, Style

By JeanAnn Taylor

Tis the season to sparkle and what better way to shine than to wear a dress adorned with sequins or sparkly threads sewn right into the fabric? A glittery top or dress will bring all the eyes to you, so when you wear this look, it’s best to
get it right.

Uncomplicated silhouettes are most suitable for highly adorned gowns as the garment can stand on its own. The sparkle of the fabric is all that is needed to make a statement. Plunging, low-cut necklines or sky-high hemlines can distract from the flair and elegance of the dress. Streamlined strapless sheaths or long column dresses can look modern and stylish. Sequined fabric is often a bit stiff due to the glued-on crystals, or heavy from the sparkly threads. Only if the fabric is soft and flexible can it be gathered into the waist to create a twirl effect.

The way a dress fits your body is always an important feature to consider, but when it comes to shiny, flashy fabric, it’s even more essential. Sparkly fabrics declare, “Look at me,” so make sure all eyes are going where you want them to look.

You don’t have to wear sequins from head to toe to make a twinkling point. You can choose a top with sequined highlights and wear it with a solid color skirt, or accessorize with a pair of sequined heels. Another option is to wear a sparkly bodice with a satin or chiffon skirt. This gives you a glittering essence and leaves the skirt free to twirl around the dance floor. Touches of bling here and there look elegant and they may lend themselves to more opportunities of wear than a full-sparkled dress.

With all the bling coming from your dress, jewelry may be optional. Just take care that whatever jewelry you do choose won’t snag on your sparkly garment. Other accessories can be tastefully small, allowing your dress to be the main attraction.

Be sure to brighten your eyes and wear lipgloss whenever you wear flashy garments. You don’t want to compete with your dress, but you also don’t want to fade behind it.

Enjoy the sparkle and bright lights of the holidays in a dress that sparkles like a star!

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached
at [email protected]

Jean Jacket Joy

by JeanAnn Taylor | Oct 31, 2019 | Asheville, Fashion, Style

By JeanAnn Taylor

If you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, timeless, versatile jacket that works season after season, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a denim jean jacket.

In 1880, ten years after Levi Strauss created jeans for gold miners and cowboys, he designed a “triple-pleated blouse” for the rough and tough men who needed a garment that would withstand their hard, rugged work. Now referred to as a “jean jacket,” the “blouse” evolved into western wear and later became trendy in pop-culture. With it’s “bad-boy” vibe in the 1950s, it was popular with motorcyclists, movie stars, and rock idols. Though it was originally a man-only garment, women have adopted the jacket as an integral piece of their wardrobe. The primary difference between a man and woman’s jacket is found in the buttons. Men’s buttons are on the right, women’s are on the left.

There has been much debate about the “double denim” look. Some fashion experts advise to only combine light washes with dark washes; if the top is light, the bottom should be dark. Some say to keep the hues the same. Others say not to wear denim with denim at all. So, what is a fashionista to do? Wear what feels good to you! Denim with denim can work, I just think it’s flattering to break up the blues with a bright top, scarf, or bold necklace.

Jean jackets are currently available in just about every silhouette imaginable. From the original boxy design to form-fitting, from cropped to long lengths; and in colors from pastel pink to lipstick red. There are also floral and graphic prints available. Embellishments of embroidery, patches, ruffles, and flounces add to the flair of the basic jacket. While the indigo jacket works for nearly every outfit, white jackets imply a more polished, dressy look, and black gives an edgy vibe. You can continue to wear your summer frocks into autumn by slipping on a cropped jacket. Long jackets will break the chill and look best with pants. If the cotton, denim fabric isn’t enough to keep you cozy, add a scarf or lightweight sweater to wear underneath.

The jean jacket can tone down a bright color or busy print. It adds an air of casual chicness and relaxed personal style. The jean jacket’s functionality and innate coolness adds to its status as an iconic element of American fashion.

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached at [email protected]