The Little Black Dress

Eliza Magazine

The First "Little Black Dress."

Coco Chanel, the designer responsible for the popularity and longevity of the “little black dress”, left a beautiful gift for all ladies. The little black dress can be worn by day or night, can be jewel-neck, v-neck, strapless, backless, short, long, dressed up or dressed down. There is no end to how you can accessorize the black dress, but pearls are my favorite, and appear to be a timeless combination (who could forget Audrey Hepburn draped in Givenchy and pearls in the opening credits for Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

There is nothing easier and more classic than the little black dress and a strand of pearls, pearl earrings, and black pumps. This combination is perfect for day or night. The addition of diamonds or costume jewelry is a beautiful way to accessorize the black dress, and this has always been a popular look, finishing with the black pump embellished by rhinestones.

I would like to thank Coco Chanel for her introduction of the little black dress in 1926, because without it, we would be a little less perfect. Oh yes, and by the way, black is very slimming. As Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

Coco Chanel

I have chosen just a few of the "little black dresses" that I thought you would fall in love with.

Port 1961 Lace Sheath little black dress.

David Meister Neiman Marcus.

Black Label of Ralph Lauren, Liby Houndstooth Sequin.

David Meister Neiman Marcus.

Let's have a party dresses.

Rebecca Taylor Sateen Saks Fifth Avenue.

Armani Collezioni.

ABS by Allen Schwartz Neiman Marcus


Coco

I hope that you have enjoyed my trip down this "little black dress" lane. I have been known to wear nothing but black, but I have finally started wearing blue-jeans and a few other bright colors. I love my black dress. That's all I can say. It goes anywhere at anytime. Thank you, Coco!

Merry Christmas,
Teresa

The Christmas Tree

Tina Giovan for Southern Accents

O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree…

There is something so awesome about this grand tree. It carries with it the fresh smell of the outdoors -- adorned with treasures collected over the years amongst the bright lights gripping its strong bows.

The majestic Christmas tree represents tradition and memories. Whether it is a tree that towers over a state or city, or the tree that we enjoy at home -- its beauty radiates.

I thought that this photograph was beautiful, and I wanted to share. I hope that you and your family are having a wonderful Christmas holiday.

As always,
Merry Christmas from Teresa

TOMS EQUALS LOVE

Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS.

Not so frequently in our lives, we happen upon a story that tugs at our heart-strings. Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS had an idea. Give a pair of shoes to a barefoot child for each pair of shoes he sold.

If this doesn’t make you feel good, nothing will! Please read this entire post. It just gets better!

I would like for each of you to imagine walking barefoot everywhere you go – WITH NO SHOES. Well, children around the world are forced to do just that every day! The feet of these children have calluses which have cracked, and cut and wounded feet, leaving them vulnerable to parasites and infections.

These children are unable to go to school because they have no shoes. Of course this leaves them stranded, without an education. I don’t need to tell you what happens from here. It is a familiar story.

I would like to ask you a question. Will you look at your child’s, or grandchild’s feet? Imagine that there are open wounds, wounds that can be life threatening, not to mention the pain that they are in. If you don’t get the picture, most can’t understand you!

TOMS will be delivering 300,000 pairs of shoes to shoeless children this year. I am proud of Blake's achievements! Let’s help them surpass their goal!

Blake received the national Secretary of State’s 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence – just one of the many awards he has earned. If you will spend a few moments on the website, I believe that you will be touched by his loving and caring spirit, and the recognition he has received from around the world. There is a list online of comments made by the different publications.

TOMS shoes can be found online, at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and other locations. I must say that the special collection designed for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman are an asset the the TOMS brand.

I know that my family loves these shoes, and I believe that my son has a pair for each day of the week. Thank you Blake!

Look at my new shoes :)!

http://www.tomsshoes.com/Our-Movement

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There is much more to choose from in TOMS line. There is just not enough space here. Do yourself a favor and visit TOMS website, and see what an admirable corporation Blake has built. I have tried to make this post as interesting as possible. I hope that you will find something more important than glamour in the following information.

Men' Shoes

Women's Shoes

Just a few of the Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf Goodman Selection

Although I could not save the picture of this shoe in the larger size, I just had to show this ZEBRA, found on the Bergdorf site! Angela has gone crazy over this shoe, and actually wants to replace a pair of her Tory Burch Christmas shoes with this shoe!!

Children's Shoes

Tot's Shoes

I hope that all of you will share your business with Blake Mycoskie, and the entire staff at TOMS, as they make the lives of many children much better. Think how these children will be spending their Christmas this year, and keep them in your thoughts. I know that you will join me in congratulating Blake for his many awards and recognition for his kindness!

Merry Christmas, and I will see you Tuesday,
Teresa


Tom’s Shoes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt3BQQ6dQaQ&feature=player_embedded#at=1

A Thousand Words

...

This photograph, taken of Jackie, John Jr., and Caroline Kennedy, is beautiful. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is so genuine, and there is nothing more precious than a mother spending time with her children.

Have a wonderful day!
Merry Christmas,
Teresa xoxo

The Classic Glove

Print by Robert Ely.

By now you have correctly assumed that I am wishing for the feminine and sophisticated era to return. Styles have changed and become more modern, but designers are diligently attempting to bring back the classic glove and hat structure. If I can assist in any way, I will.

Shana Zarick, wearing long white gloves, is shown here on the 1991 cover of Vogue. Photograph by Steven Meisel.

Cashmere is a soft and beautiful wool, and Ralph Lauren’s long gloves are a luxurious accessory.

This pair of long white gloves is less expensive than the cashmere, suede, or other leathers, and can be found at Great Gloves Online. They have an extensive line of styles and colors, including black. This glove is more versatile, and is worn by most glove wearers.

This model is wearing medium length black gloves to accessorize her beautiful suit.

From Neimam Marcus, these leather and mink gloves by Loro Piana Fraciose are the epitome of luxury. I would like to find a pair in my stocking this year -- hint, hint.

These leather gloves beautifully complement this models’ dress.

An exclusive of Saks Fifth Avenue, this lambskin glove has a subtle feel and appearance.

Suede long black gloves add pizzazz to this fun party dress.

Long suede gloves from Ralph Lauren can be worn casually or for dress.

Photograph by Frederick Vreeland, 1951

The Neiman Marcus UGG gloves are a special treat, and those wearing the boots can appreciate a classic glove made by the same manufacturer.

Red cable gloves by Ralph Lauren brighten up any ensemble.

You are never without the appropriate glove with this Ralph Lauren three-pack in black, navy, and brown.

I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this post. A pair of these gloves will be on my Christmas list.

Angela will be coming home for the Christmas holidays today, so there will be a possibility that there will not be a new post each day, haha.

Merry Christmas.
Teresa

Mama's Song

Painting by Lord Frederick Leighton

I had planned on writing todays post on another subject, but my daughter asked me to listen to Carrie Underwood’s Mama’s Song. I was so moved by this song that I decided to write this post about what this song meant to me. After writing the lyrics down and listening to the song, I needed one of the handkerchiefs written about in yesterdays post.

Being a mother is not an easy task; being a good mother is even more difficult. I don’t believe there is a person out there who has been a perfect mother, and if you believe that you have, someone else must have brought up your children for you.

As I reflect on the childhoods of my son and daughter, I tend to forget the runny nose, the dirty diapers, the lack of sleep, and the tears shed. I remember my son dumping a bag of sugar on the kitchen floor, sliding as if he had skates on his feet, and my daughter covering her entire body, including her long hair, in Crisco. Yes we all have our stories -- the school skits, musicals, dances, programs, and then the graduations. It passes by so quickly. Where did time go?

Joey left home gradually, thank goodness, and I was very close (across the street, haha) to him. When I walked away from Angela in that doorway at Samford, I thought my world was crashing in. I just knew that she would be left standing in a corner feeling awkward and left out. Well that has been the grandest of misconceptions.

My children are no longer at home, but they continue to be my “babies”, and I don’t believe these feelings will ever change. You can’t help being concerned about their health, safety, and happiness. We love them too much to completely let go, but you have to allow them to spread their wings and Fly.

Joey will be getting married this upcoming year, and I will be facing the same emotions experienced by all parents when they formally, and finally, give their children away to the person that they have chosen to spend the rest of their life with. The photograph below is of Joey and his beautiful fiance, Lindsay.

Angela is not thinking about getting married any time soon, but she knew this song would mean so much to me. She knows that it will be an emotional time for me when I walk her down the aisle. It will be a beautiful and happy day. The photograph below is of Angela and her MaMa.

I am leaving the lyrics to this song, along with two links. The first is a heart-felt moment with Carrie Underwood, the other the song itself. I hope that you will be as touched by this song as Angela and I are.

Mama's Song

Mama, you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You’ve given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life

And I know you watched me grow up
And only want what’s best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me
Don’t you worry about me

Mama there’s no way you’ll ever lose me
Giving me away is not goodbye
As you watch me walk down to my future
I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

‘Cause he is good, so go
And he treats your little girl the way a real man should
He’s good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me,
Don’t you worry about me

And when I watch my baby grow up
I’ll only want what’s best for her
And I hope she’ll find the answer to my prayers
And then she’ll say

He is good, so good
And he treats your little girl the way a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me,
Don’t you worry about me

Mama don’t you worry about me
Don’t you worry about me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpRZ_HdlsS0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbxzdwGc9Ls

I hope that you have enjoyed this blog post as much as I have enjoyed putting it together,
Merry Christmas,
Teresa