NashVogue

While expecting my first child this year, I became addicted to the site BabyCenter.com. It is still an addiction today. On the site are several blogs, one of which is FameBaby. Today, FameBaby had a post right up my alley – “Vote for the Best Dressed Mom-to-Be of 2008”.

My vote: Angelina Jolie. The stunning green Max Azria  gown is extremely flattering given the size of her tummy. It shows off her bump perfectly, without being too showy. The classic, simple hair paired with the dress makes her look absolutely adorable. In this gown, she is the epitome of “cute and pregnant”.

Normally, at this point, I would pick one I didn’t like. However, they are all great! I think being pregnant has made me a softy on the subject. They are all very “yummy mummies”. Go to the post and tell me which is your favorite!

(Photos: PR Photos)

Technorati Tags: 2008, Angelina Jolie, best Dressed, Fashion, Mom-to-be, Pregnancy

Several times on NashVogue, I have mentioned some interesting things going on at Blush Boutique in Brentwood. This time, it is refreshing to see a shop with a heart. Today, from 4 pm to 8 pm they are having a sale to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The benefit to you is 25% off everything in the store. The benefit to St. Jude’s is that, during those hours, 10% of all sales will go to them. Additionally, Horizon Wine and Spirits of Nashville will be providing wine and champagne as you shop, making this a truly special occasion.

If you are like me, you have some money from Christmas to spend on yourself. I hope to encourage you to treat yourself, and some special children, to something wonderful at Blush.

Technorati Tags: blush, Brentwood, sale, st. jude's children's hospital, TN

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Today, I am spending some much needed time with my husband and baby boy. Our little guy got so excited as he opened his presents this morning.

All too often it is easy to get caught up in the business of life and we forget what this time is all about. God gave us His Son, and so we give each other gifts as a reminder of the Greatest Gift ever given.

Watching the shine in my 4 month old’s eyes as we made his new toys light up and sing really made me think of how hard it was for God to give up His Son. I know this is a fashion blog and many of you may have different opinions on what Christmas is about, but I just wanted to take one breif moment and let you all know what was on my heart today.

Going forward, I hope to make NashVogue even better than it is. I will be putting up a new theme early in the New Year (so watch for this!). I am also hoping to do a contest for you all with a great prize! (I am just trying to figure out exactly what I want to do, and it will be in conjunction with the launch of the new theme).

So, Merry Christmas to all! Thanks for reading! And let’s make 2009 even better!

Technorati Tags: Merry Christmas, NashVogue

For some reason, this series has been hard to complete. With everything going on this Christmas season, it’s just been hard to keep posting! But, we comes to a close with casual dress for him.

Casual comes easy for most men. Jeans and a t-shirt are typical, but you might want to consider other alternatives. One option is a sweater. There are some great half-zip sweater out there this year that look great on just about any man.

Another option (if you are younger) is to pair your t-shirt with an open button up. I say this is good if you are younger, because this is popular with the young men’s styles now. As with women who were styles that are popular for teen girls, you don’t want to dress outside of what is appropriate.

Finally, you can go back to the polo or button up shirt. Choose a fun color or pattern to make this a more casual look.

Day To Night: As with the woman’s casual look, it is hard to make this an easy transition if your office is business professional. It will probably be easiest to simply pack the extra outfit. If your office is business casual, you could get away with just wearing what you wear to work. if you want to dress down even more, take a pair of jeans with you and just wear the shirt you went to work in.

Technorati Tags: casual, christmas party, Fashion, guy, male, men

The Christmas party series will wrap up tomorrow. I am very sorry to have disappeared on you. I realized when I arrived at my in-laws that I had forgotten to tell all of you wonderful readers I was going to be there. There is no internet access at their house – as they live out in the country. (Literally, they own a cow farm!!)

Anyway, we have arrived back in town tonight and I am simply too tired to post tonight. But, I promise, I will post at least one, if not two, new things tomorrow. Happy sleeping!!

We’re almost to the end of our Christmas party series. This is the last dress level to discuss. (By the way, sorry no post yesterday, NashVogue had a touch of the flu!)

A casual dress code for her can mean a lot of fun. You could do jeans and a sweater, or you could take it as a license to have a little fun. Jeans with a fun and funky top make for a great outfit. Pair this with some fun (maybe sparkly) flats, and a casual bag to dress it down. Have a little fun! A casual dress code means your hostess doesn’t really mind what you wear. This is your chance to show off a little of your own fashion style. Just as a word of caution – if you are one who likes to dress “up”, you may be the only one there in a cocktail dress and stilettos.

Day to Night: There is not a very easy way to go day to night on this. Pack the extra outfit. If you can get away with it, were the top to work with slacks or under your suit. Just make sure you are within the confines of your work dress code.

Technorati Tags: casual, christmas party, Fashion, female, for her, Wardrobe Tips, what to wear

Business casual for him is pretty cut and dry. Slacks and a button-up/polo/sweater. Make sure to wear somewhat dressy shoes.

If you wanted to look a little extra nice, a sports coats is great. Pair a blue blazer with a patterned undershirt for a classic, sophisticated look. Just make sure the jacket fits correctly. The sleeves should end at the base of the thumb and the bottom of the jacket should be longer than the sleeves.

Day to Night: If your office is business casual, you’re set! If you’re office is a suit and tie kind of place, the easiest thing to do is to take off the tie and jacket. Have fun!

Technorati Tags: business casual, christmas party, for him, male, Wardrobe Tips, what to wear

A step down from formal wear is business casual. While not truly casual, business casual allows you a small bit of comfort, while still dressing up.

For a girl, business casual often constitutes slacks or skirt and a nice top. Classic, straight-leg slacks make for a nice clean line and work for nearly every body type.

Now, since it is a Christmas party, you can have a little more fun with the top – just don’t go overboard. A little shimmer, maybe some detailing (such as beads) but that’s about it. Avoid low cut necklines and tops that are too casual.

Day To Night: Since most offices are business casual, this is pretty cut and dry. For a more formal outfit, simply pair a suit jacket over your top (make sure it is an office appropriate top).

Technorati Tags: business casual, christmas party, Fashion, Wardrobe Tips, what to wear

Yesterday, we explored a formal Christmas outfit for her. Today, let’s look at her date. For men, the formal look is pretty cut and dry. There are not a lot of options.

First, the suit. It should be black or charcoal. A small pinstripe is fine. The shirt should be a solid color. White is the most common, but black, wine, blue etc are acceptable as long as they are solid and, preferably, a dark shade. One must wear a tie. Since it is formal, you could do a bow tie or a traditional long tie. If you do a long tie, try to keep it to a solid or a subtle pattern. Santa ties are not acceptable.

Finally, round off the outfit with great shoes and cuff links. Whether you wear round toe or square toe shoes depends on 1) personal preference and 2) build. Square toe shoes will help a shorter man appear taller. The cuff links should be simple and classic. A solid metal or stone is perfect for the occasion.

Night to Day Tip: The formal look is an easy one for night to day. Wear the pants, shirt, and shoes to work. Put on the tie, cuff links, and jacket on the way out. If you have to wear a suit to work, your pretty much good to go all day!

Technorati Tags: Christmas Party Fashion, formal party, men fashion, night to day, Wardrobe Tips, what to wear

Occasionally, we are called upon to get all dolled up for a formal party. Whether the party is for work, play, or a more serious event such as a charity event, the proper outfit is vital.

The best thing for a formal Christmas party (unless ball gown is specified) is the classic cocktail dress. While black is a great fall back, there are some other great colors out there for the taking. Teal, purple, and wine are all very much in season this year. Pair your dress with some great heals, a coordinating clutch, and simple, elegant jewelry and you are ready to party with the best of them.

Tip for Day to Night: As promised, the best way to make this look go from day to night is in the details. Put a suit jacket  over your dress and change into some more professional heels. Black pumps, instead of the elegant peep toes in the above look, would make this outfit less formal. You could also make the accessories more office friendly by simply changing into a string of pearls while at work. Slip your clutch into your day bag and you are ready for a hard day at the office followed by a not-so-hard night on the town.

Technorati Tags: christmas party, cocktail dress, day to night, Fashion, formal party, Wardrobe Tips, what to wear