Casually Mixed: Polka Dots & Stripes

Unbelievably today is Monday, March 31st! Did you enjoy this month? I certainly hope so!
It was a quite a month for me personally, and because of the #30PlusStyle Collaboration! Miss that highlight? If so, no worries, check out the details here. I am so excited about what we have in store for you in April ;)

Today's post is short and sweet. I wore this ensemble out and about over the weekend. I've also worn it to work, but a tad dressier. I wanted a more casual vibe this time around and comfy shoes for walking. 

This ensemble incorporates my recent fixation with black & white, mixed prints, as well as a classic closet staple: polka dots.

So there you have it (and my hubby in the shadows)! I think black and white patterns are easier to mix and match than more colorful ones patterns. If you've been hesitant to try pattern mixing/mixed prints, why not start off with black and white prints?

Until next time!

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Blouse: Kardashion Kollection

Skirt: Joe Fresh

Sandals: Tildon

Clutch: Forever 21

Sunnies: Tahari

Interview Attire: Done My Way

When I woke up this morning I opened one eye and thought to myself, ‘please let today be Noday’! What is “Noday”? “Noday” in my mind is a day where there is absolutely nothing that I have to do. That rarely happens in my life, even when I am on vacation :( Anyway, the next best thing to “Noday” is usually Friday- which just so happens to be today! WHOO HOO!

I did a post a few weeks ago Interview Attire: Idea Number 1. Today’s post is a follow-up to that one. As I mentioned, when it comes to interviews, everyone usually opts for a navy blue or black suit. What if you do not have a suit? Do you have to go for separates? In my opinion: No!  There are other options.



I wore this dress to the interview that landed me my current job.

If you’ve been following this blog for any period of time, you know that I bat for team bold color. Most days at the office, I am drenched in bright color (like here and here). On an interview however, I would not recommend bold color from head to toe. It takes time to learn the personality of your office, and what type of attire is accepted and or tolerated.  Because I am partial to the bold and bright, I make a conscious effort to step outside of my style box. To do so, I opt for muted colors and subtle prints. This dress is one example.

Its silk (which is also a personal favorite) and has somewhat of a vintage feel. You did know that I am also a vintage fanatic right?! Okay, great!

I added neutral print shoes and grey fishnets. In true vintage fashionista style I topped the outfit with a vintage coat, which in my mind goes with everything and is a wardrobe essential.

 

 

Dress: ECI

Shoes: Steve Madden

Handbag: Michael Kors

Have a great weekend; I’ll be chatting with you soon ;)

Xx

Two-Toned Corals

Today's post features two shades of coral. This dress is such an easy wear. Usually when I feel uninspired, and not so much in the mood for playing dress up, I go for a number like this one. Why?

Because it's easy. It's a one piece that looks like it could be a blouse and a skirt. The two tone effect gives the impression of forethought when there actually was none :) The belt came with the dress, and the pleats in the skirt provide an instant 'dressy' effect with no effort what so ever.

 

 

 

Dress: Dillards

Jacket: Nordstrom (worn here)

Wedges: Levity

Handbag: Coach

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

 

Thanks for stopping by, until next time!

Xx

Remix Mondays: Turquoise & Rose

Hey there!

I took a much needed break from social media over the weekend and I must say that I feel f a n t a s t i c! It’s vital for the person that I am within to actually spend time “living” life and not ‘sharing, ‘uploading’, ‘sending’, ‘liking’, and ‘following’! I feel refreshed and renewed! I hope you enjoyed a beautiful weekend ;)

Today’s look is a remix, meaning that I’ve worn it before differently. You see I’ve been on this kick to utilize all pieces in my wardrobe more regularly. To do this I try to create new and practical ways to wear them differently. My goal is to stop limiting myself to the notion of seasons or when and how I wore the same piece(s) last time.

This is truly a new experience for me, as I am not originally from California nor am I accustomed to not shifting entire wardrobes as seasons change. Here seasons do not change drastically; it is generally mild all year around. I am learning that it is very possible for most pieces to get year round wear! This is a very interesting and fascinating prospect for me, seriously- LOL!

 
Today’s dress is graphic scuba material, and generally I think of wearing it during the warmest months of the year.
   

I decided to pair it this go round with a silk shirt and booties, which worked perfect for a nippy, breezy 70 degree day :)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Dress: Cynthia Rowley (last worn here)

Silk Shirt: Thrifted

Statement necklace: JCPenny

Booties: Kelsi Dagger (also worn here)

Handbag: Coach

How do you remix pieces in your wardrobe?

Until next time!
Joi

Fall Fashion Faceoff Winner; Stretch Your Fashion Budget

It was a somewhat dismal day several months ago. I had slammed my hand into a car door (need I specify unintentionally) and finally, yes finally, I was coping with bearable, steady pain (versus the unbearable pain that caused me to request that my hand be amputated). I'm quite sure I was thinking: 'Could this day get any worse"?! Well, imagine my delightful surprise when Kelly Augustine contacted me to let me know that I had won her #fffaceoff challenge! The grand prize was a $100 gift card!!! What would I do with $100?!

Initially I planned to treat myself to something to something special. I had a few sites bookmarked and all I needed to do was to press the "purchase" button. What happened? The bargainista within me screamed in outrage- LOL! I literally could not take the plunge. Don't get me wrong, I DO treat myself, but I decided to shift gears. I wanted to show my readers how far a $100 fashion budget can go. Below are the purchases that I made.  I actually just wrapped it up. Bargain shopping takes time :)

In a nutshell, here's what I got:

Prefer a detailed rundown? No worries, scroll on :)

1. Ralph Lauren boots = $39.00 TJMaxx (worn here)

2. Pink vintage blouse; Wool/angora olive skirt = $5.00 Thrifted (worn here)

3. Banana Republic white button-up; Black & white Sunny Leigh skirt = $12.00 Thrifted (worn here)

4.White vintage doctor's bag = $9.95 Thrifted

5. Gold vintage handbag = $8.00 Thrifted

6. Vintage evening gown = $7.00 Thrifted

7. Purple evening skirt;Bonus it has an attached black petticoat = $8.00 Thrifted

8. Tahari aviator sunnies = $14.99 Marshalls

Each item purchased resonates with my personal style, and was on my radar to "Look For". 

My tips for bargain shopping:

• Be patient (It takes time to find the right item at the right price)
• Look for well-made pieces (Sure $10 is a great price, but will the item withstand the washing machine or one wear?)
• Conquer fear of thrift shops (Not all are bad and there are spectacular finds)
• Know brands with a solid reputation for quality clothing (This way you'll know whether or not the price truly is a good deal)
• Try to think outside the box (For example: I'm planning to wear this evening skirt casually)
• Peruse clearance racks (Especially final markdowns)
• Buy pieces that you absolutely can fit now, and know for sure that you will wear, i.e. have a plan in mind
• You can't go wrong with classic styles (You can always add trendy accessories to bring the look current)

I'd like to sincerely thank Kelly for selecting me as the winner of the #FFFaceoff! I know that I will treasure these items in the years to come!

Xx

Have a great weekend everyone & thanks for stopping by!

Gathered in Black

Today is Wednesday, the day that seems to automatically signal my brain that we've made it to the middle of the work week, 

and that there are only two more days until a glorious weekend! 

Today's post is a short one. I wore this ensemble over the weekend, and literally hopped out the car while we were out and about to take several photos. This is the only photo that came out somewhat suitable *_*

It's not often that I go for not only a black dress, but a long dress to boot! 

When I saw this number in Scottsdale, I was taken by the gathered details on the bottom of the dress. 

From what I've seen, this is signature for most Luna Luz dresses.

Jewelry: Vintage

Dress: Luna Luz

Brogue/wing-tip slingbacks: BCBG

Clutch: Vintage, also worn here

H A P P Y   W E D N E S D A Y!!!

Tie Dyed in Lace: Debuting a New 'Do'

 Whenever I'm in the mood to switch up my do, I head over to Pinterest. This look was inspired by a pin that I previously pinned to my Naturalosity board. 

It was quite easy and quick to do. I made five separate ponytails. I used coconut oil and mango butter for moisture. From each ponytail I divided the hair into two sections. One section was rolled upward (facing my forehead), and the other section was rolled downward (facing my nape). I used bobby pins to secure into place, and that was that!

On to my look: If you follow me on Instagram you know that I debated on purchasing these jeans a few weeks ago. I ended up getting them along with a matching shirt. I wasn't feeling a denim on denim look this go round, so I paired them with a black lace top instead. I added matching tie dye platforms and a fun clutch.

 

Top: Tildon

Jeans: NYDJ (similiar here & here)

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Clutch: Forever 21

Sunnies: Vintage

Monochromatic Orange

What is monochromatic?

Monochromatic denotes a color scheme using variations of lightness and saturation of a single color.

I'm no fashion "expert" per say, I only know what looks "right" to my eye. Sometimes it is difficult for me to articulate why it looks "right". That is one of the reasons that I have truly appreciated reading Angie's articles over at www.youlookfab.com for years. She provides thorough explanations of absolutely everything related to style and fashion. 

I purchased this dress a little over a year ago. When I got home and tried it on, I saw that it was slightly too big from the waist up. It was a final clearance markdown, so I figured I'd either get it altered, or wait until my weight shifts (it happens). 

The other day I was in the mood for something bright, and this dress came to mind. I thought I'd try it out wearing a top underneath. I perused my closet, and out sprung this combination.

The only con about this cotton number: it wrinkles almost instantly.

Is it monochromatic?

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson, worn here

Earrings: Vintage, clip on

Necklace: Loehmann's

Shirt: Talbot's, worn here

Dress: Calvin Klein

Tights: Nordstrom

Shoes: Unisa

Coat: Vintage, thrifted

Handbag: Kate Spade, worn here

Thrift Store Score: Vintage Stripes & Fur

Hey there! 

As I mentioned before, there are varying reasons as to why I consider item(s) to be a thrifty score. 
Today's Thrift Store Score features two vintage pieces. By now you know that I am slightly obsessed with vintage, right? LOL! No, but seriously, in my opinion vintage pieces hold history. I am fascinated about who made the item, in what places has it previously been, and who was it's original owner. Additionally, the craftmanship is often amazing. For example, how many items of clothing do you own that will stand the test of time, say for the next 40 years? 

This blue & white number still boasts stripes as bold as they come after all these years. Stripes are extremely on trend right now. Stripes are similar to polka dots in my mind. Whether they are in style, on trend, or not - I will still rock them because they are classic and timeless.

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Vintage sweater: Thrifted, Las Vegas

Vintage dress: Thrifted, Detroit (also worn here)

Booties: Kelsi Dagger (worn here and here)

Normally I save this dress for the hottest months of the year because it is sleeveless. For some reason I had a hankering to wear it, so I paired it with a vintage sweater.The fact that the sweater has a fur collar is certainly an added bonus! I added open toe booties, my vintage themed sunnies and hit the door. How do you like it? Where do you go for your vintage finds?

Until next time!

Xx