Friday, January 29, 2016

Throwing Shade

"Throwing shade" is a popular phrase currently used to refer to instances when someone says and or does something with insincere intent. For instance, someone may say something that clearly indicates that they are insulting you, but then try to guise it as a polite observation when called out on it. It is challenging to set specific parameters around this phenomenon, as generally the individual to whom the shade is thrown toward notices it more readily than say, a casual observer. I’m not certain who exactly coined this phrase, but I most definitely have been a recipient of its goodness, LOL! Have you had instances where you felt like shade was been thrown in your direction? How did you respond to it?
One thing that has been helpful for me:  I am an introvert by nature. Sometimes people do not fully understand exactly what that means, read more here. In general, as an introvert, I do not seek out causal relationships. I am either hot or cold… and have spent years trying to develop a lukewarm side/gray area. The people in my life whom I consider to be my friends, they are my family. They have been in my life for decades, through the bad times and the good ones. I can trust that whatever they say comes from a place of love. They want to see me happy and living my best life, and for that I am deeply grateful.
According to my experience, shade generally comes from people who fall under the casual acquaintance category, or even  perhaps from someone whom you may have mistaken to be a friend.  I have found it helpful to avoid placing value on what is said by people who: 
1) don’t know you (social media relationships are not a true indication of truly knowing someone)
2) don’t love you
3) don’t deserve you
Today’s look is a toss-up of varying shades, think 'Pastel Meets Matte.' I added in leopard print pumps because they're just as good as a neutral. Not only do they match everything, but they also add in just a bit of extra. Pastels need not be saved for the warmer months. Mix it up with dark denim, colored denim, and or prints, either way you won’t regret throwing shade- XO


Bolero hat: Tildon| Sunnies: Francesca's (worn here)| Scarf: Tildon| Blazer: Ellen Tracy (worn here) |Top: ASTR | Colored denim: NYDJs (worn here)| Leopard print pumps: Michael Kors| Handbag: Coach
                                                    

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Fuzzy Logic


The month of January is ramping down so quickly, meanwhile I’m still in disbelief that it is actually 2016! I was talking to a close friend about planning a get-a-away together, and as I looked for possible dates I realized that this year is quite full already, I would need to push it out to 2017!!!   O_O 
Where oh where does the time go?! Clearly it’s flying, but where to?! LOL!
Moving on… I am beyond thrilled about the plethora of faux fur options currently available! I have acquired a number of pieces, and find that they add just the right amount of warmth for chilly So-Cal days and or nights. Besides functionality, they are also stylish, and add in textural interest to any look.
If you follow me on Instagram (preview here) you may recognize this vest as the one I wore on vacay in Cabo last month. It was perfect for the chilly nights off the water and early mornings. I am totally crushing on this vest, I mean it really is so versatile! I feel like I wear it at least once a week – that is, if at all possible. As I mentioned in a previous post, hubby says a tell-tell sign that I really like a new purchase is that I wear it at least three times in a row-LOL!
We were in Arizona a couple of weeks ago, and I scored this scarf during a shopping haul. Side note: My hauls are pretty intense (I bought 14 new dresses, and much, much more), I am thinking about recapping a few of them on You-Tube. Would you watch? Comment below! Anywho, caught in the haze of my current faux fur infatuation, I did not even realize that this infinity scarf matches my vest perfectly! Generally speaking, I am pretty on point about matching up items in my head while I’m shopping for clothes…the match-up process plays a great part in whether or not an item makes it with me out of the store…

So we had plans to meet up for dinner and drinks with some friends from out of town. The restaurant that we picked tends to have an outdoor wait time of 30 minutes or longer, so I knew that staying warm would be a factor as I am almost always: C O L D. 
Running late is the story of my life, makes sense that this outing was no exception. I made a mad dash to my closet, flinging clothes left & right. Finally I settled on this look, including a twist on the classic LBD (little black dress) and a timeless red lippie.
I was pleased with the outcome and will be wearing this ensemble again...

Until next time,
Xx

Wool hat: Shiraleah| Sunnies:Nordstrom| Scarf: Nordstrom| Vest: Ross Dress for Less| Dress: Topshop| Handbag: Vintage| Riding boots: Ciao Bella

Monday, January 25, 2016

Thrift Store Score: Pattern Play

Although the cold weather months are upon us, it is still my goal to have fun with fashion! Take for instance plaid. Plaid is a cool weather classic. Notably it is currently enjoying a well deserved spell in the fashion spotlight. If you’re like me, you may have been wearing plaid for the majority of your life, and now open to new ways of styling it. 
At present, I am thoroughly enjoying taking a dip in the pattern mixing bucket at every opportunity (see here, here, and here). I look for opportunities to take a gander at a clash….Flashback: One summer afternoon while perusing through a fashion magazine, I came across the most unorthodox mash of prints styled with winter pieces. I set it in my mind at that moment; I would try out the madness for myself just as soon as the weather cooled off. I’m no stranger to the pattern mixing game, but for me this took it up a notch.
Clashing prints are a runway sensation. But can they be woven into everyday life? Where there is a will, there is a way. That being said, clashing prints can be incorporated successfully into one's everyday style. From what I have observed, the key lies in making sure that there is at least one commonality. In this instance, the color gray proves to be the common denominator and foundation. Added to that, the skirt conveniently boasts a checkerboard trim.
I had this jacket for over a year, but never worn it. There was no particular reason; I just seemed to keep forgetting about it. One day while shuffling through my wardrobe I pulled it out, and determined that I'd either wear it, or to place it in my “To donate” bag. My monthly shuffle continued (I go through my closet regularly to select items to be donated) and I came across this skirt. I plopped the two together and instantly knew I had a match.
Since both items are vintage, I decided to stick with that theme, and added on a pastel rose quartz (Pantone's color of the year) vintage blouse, along with vintage style pumps, and a leather bag. I was more than pleased with the outcome. I just love stepping outside of my comfort style zone!

Until next time Style Lovers!
XO



Hat: Zara| Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| Jacket: Vintage, thrifted| Blouse: Vintage, thrifted| Skirt: Vintage, thrifted
Heels: Flounce, Nordstrom (worn here and here)| Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Friday, January 22, 2016

Almost Does Count: The Unexpected



Sometimes the best way to style a vintage number is going the route of the unexpected.

This classic beauty would look equally fab dressed up with heels, I'm picturing slingbacks, a matching handbag, and a timeless up-do.  But sometimes the expected…is well…boring…in my opinion.

I wanted to dress this look down versus up, so I went with a casual yet modern approach: A side pony for fun, a red belt for a splash of color, calf skin flats for comfort, and a statement clutch just because!



The best part about styling myself is having fun with it! Stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new things, and of course,  getting away with the unexpected ;) Check out another vintage number that I styled in an unexpected way here.
 Since I started blogging, there have been too many times when I wouldn't post looks because I lost track of time. For instance I got in some snaps of a shot I wore on June 1st, but by July 1st I hadn't blogged about it yet, for some reason or another. Welp,  I've decided to start posting those looks anyway,even if they are a few weeks late. How does the saying go? 'Better late than never'.

A perfect example lies in today's post, which I actually wore back in December 2015. I didn't get a chance to post it then because it was such a busy month for me, but alas 'Almost Does Count'....

Until next time style lovers!
XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Vintage| Belt: Banana Republic| Flats: Sam Edelman| Clutch: Kate Spade (also worn here)

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Gray Areas

Fabulous news: I teamed up with SWAK Designs for today’s blog post!!! Check out how their fantastic cardigan can be styled in not one, not two, but yes ----->THREE ways!!!
Stop the press… Isn’t it gorgeous?! When I tried it on after having it freshly pressed, I thought to myself: ‘Where have you been all of my life?!’ To be honest, "The Parker" EXCEEDED my expectations. Its soft texture, glorious flow, added with the fact that it is just short of duster length scores 4 gold stars in my book. SWAK has a variety of styles for the curvy consumer, yes plus size clothing options that are wonderfully affordable for the working class woman. Let’s review each look, starting with my personal favorite first: RED, WHITE, AND GRAY


The Parker Cardigan is the shining star and clearly steals all the thunder.  I snagged the idea of trying out this color combo from an outfit that ‘Dorothy’ of The Golden Girls wore. Do you watch that show?! I have it on DVD, so even when it’s not on Hallmark/Lifetime on cable, I can always pop in a DVD and get my GG fix! Oops, I digress…moving on... This look is great for a night out with your guy or with the gals! I believe accessories make the 'fit', so I added a wool fedora, aviators, and a faux fur collar. Notice that I’m wearing white in the winter! I’ve said time and time again that white is easily worn year round. Granted, I live in a mild climate. It does not snow in the winter, which definitely allows for greater flexibility, which may not be possible in extremely cold climates. However, imagine layering this cardigan with a ankle length coat, and swapping out the sandals for pointy toe booties. Do you see what I see? The possibilities are endless!
Hat: D&Y| Aviators:Fashion District| Faux fur collar: Old (worn here)| Top: Dress to Kill (worn here)| White denim: NYDJs (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Tildon

Now let's move on to what I like to call, MODERN GLAMOUR
This look targets monochrome for the win. If you’re unsure about which colors to pair with what, monochrome is a safe bet for simple slayage. This look features multiple shades of gray, which work hand in hand to generate cohesiveness. I want to keep it 100% with my readers, so I’ll let you in on something: This look was actually my least favorite. Why? It reminded me of the extra pounds that have recently joined me and have since become unwanted house guests. I keep offering them options for departure, however they love me so much that they just do not want to leave. I can appreciate their admiration. Nonetheless, they must go! To be completely clear:  Yes, I love my body. I embrace being plus size. However, I prefer to stay within a certain size range so that I can fit ALL items in my wardrobe. Buying a new wardrobe in a different size is not an acceptable option. 
Moving forward, a cardigan is a great way to add coverage and additional volume to body con dresses and skirts (see more plus size cardigan options here). I am definitely in the market for long cardigans in multiple colors!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress:Komarov (also worn here)| Fur collar: Chinchilla (thrifted)| Suede clutch: Vintage| Shoes: Anne Klein (worn here)

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at THE STATE OF GRAY
A look perfect for daily wear: Think running errands, casual day at the office, or even a lunch date. I paired My Parker* with a classic pinstripe button-up, gray denim, and black open toe booties.
 Sunnies: Fashion District| Pinstripe shirt: Jones New York| Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Gray denim: NYDJs| Booties: Chinese Laundry (worn here)| Clutch & gloves: Old

Now that I've chatted non-stop, I’d love to hear from YOU! Which is your favorite look and why?
Until next time Style Lovers,
XO


*The Parker Cardigan worn and referenced above was gifted by SWAK Designs.