Menswear Inspired

Just about every individual has a certain pattern of dressing, what I like to think of as ‘dressing norms’. I love my dressing norms, but every now and then I like to spice up my fashion palette by wearing an ensemble that is completely different, outside the box.

I generally gravitate toward feminine looks, vibrant colors, and delicate details. But that only represents one facet of my persona ;) I’m a woman of many facets!

I wore this look on a date night this past week, it felt amazing to step outside 'my box'. 

This looks is total menswear inspiration, I enjoyed mixing it up immensely.
Side note: I combed out my mane and rolled and tucked it with hair pins to achieve this improvised faux bob ;)

Please share, how often do you create opportunities to step outside of your dressing norms, and do you enjoy it as much as I do?
Xx

Hat: Zara, Men’s

Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Faux fur scarf: Old

Men's blazer: Vintage, thrifted

Jean shirt: Thrifted

Jeans: NYDJ

Handbag: H&M

Boots: Betsey Johnson

Thrift Store Score: Peppermint Stripe

Today's post boasts a #ThriftStoreScore, I'll let you take a gander at exactly which piece I thrifted ;)

I opted for a classic approach this time around; A crisp white button-up and traditional Mary Jane's accompanied my cotton midi skirt.

It can feel quite chilly when not directly in the sun, so I added a faux fur scarf for added warmth. Layers are essential to SoCal winters! Too bad I've still managed to catch a cold :(

So, did you guess what piece(s) I thrifted?! If you guessed my shirt, belt, and skirt, you guessed correctly! An entire look for under $15! For more #ThriftStoreScore(s), click here or catch a few of my personal favorites here, here, and here.

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Until next time Style Lovers!

White Shirt: Banana Republic (worn here) | Leather Belt: Vintage | Midi Skirt: Vintage | Shoes: Nine West (worn here) | Handbag: Dooney & Bourke (worn here)

Pale Pink + Dusty Rose

I plan over 90% of my looks in advance.  How? Well, I spend some time about twice a month re-trying on my clothes, pairing up new combinations, and re-checking my inventory. In this way I know if the fit of a particular item has changed (*hint hint), if it has a stain that perhaps I didn’t notice before, and or a tear or missing button, etc.,. It may sound strange, but I actually anticipate doing this, it’s something that I really enjoy! 

My cat Patch often joins in the fun by watching me, or standing with me in the mirror. Next I log my ideas, and hang up the selected combinations separate from the rest of my clothes. When I get ready to get dressed in the mornings, or sometimes the night before, I check my log and select a look from there. It takes all of the guesswork out of getting dressed for me, and I love that! 

Every now and then I wear something spontaneously, and actually feel happy with what I select. Usually though, I get a dreaded case of... “I have nothing to wear” mania, so I stick to my log! LOL! Inquiring minds want to know: Do you plan your looks in advance, or select them spontaneously?!

Sunnies: Francesca's (worn here)

Leather moto jacket: Black Rivet (worn here)

Top: Komarov Dress

Silk skirt: Victoria's Secret Catalog

Sparkle socks: Nordstrom

Shoes: Flounce (worn here)

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

Have a great weekend Beauties!

On Top of the World

I was fortunate to get a shot or two in this look, between appointments, at one of my favorite parks. I’ve read that full figured women should steer clear of stripes because they have the propensity to make you look bigger. While that may be true, I don’t buy into that notion. My sole purpose in getting dressed is not to give the illusion that I am small. Rather it is to feel good in my clothes. Stripes make me feel good so I wear them, as often as I like. This look has become a favorite go to, with horizontal and vertical stripes in full rage =)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Statement necklace: Natasha | Blazer: Bar III | Stripe top: Karen Kane | Skirt: Custom-made | Oxfords: Tildon | Tote: H&M

Color-Blockers Anonymous

Welcome to Color-blockers Anonymous. 

My name is Joi, and I am a chronic color-blocker.

 My main triggers are rich hues. Whenever I see them, I have a strong desire to color-block.

I have been unsuccessful in counteracting my addiction.

Although I am a shameless color-block addict, I do not believe that I need help.

 Thank you for welcoming me to this session. I appreciate your continued support.

Seriously though, I LIVE for beautiful colors! This particular color combination just about floored me. We often see bright tropical colors in the warmer months, yet this color mix of rustic orange, pink, and burgundy displays wonderfully in cool temperatures. I WILL be wearing it repeatedly ;) XO

Sunnies: Vintage | Clip-on earrings: Vintage | Jacket: Michael Kors (also worn here) | Blouse: Liz Claiborne (worn here) | Velvet trousers: Ralph Lauren | Shoes: Calico | Handbag: Vintage (worn here)

2014 | My Favorite Photos

In honor of #FBF, b.k.a Flashback Friday, today’s post centers around my favorite photos from various blog posts in 2014.

My favorite shot of the downtown skyline, with me in it!

When I shared my favorite looks of 2013 (click here) I honestly thought it would be an annual tradition here on IMJ. What's a woman's #1 prerogative? Changing her mind! In support of women everywhere, I am exercising that right today. 

Here's an example of how I take pictures for the blog late at night, and first thing in the morning.

Here’s a few reasons as to why I decided to go a different route this year:

(1) Historically I have dreaded having my picture taken. The evidence of this is that I hardly have any pictures of me from the last 20 years (aside from the blog). I have pictures of family, friends, events I attended, vacations, and other notable sights, but not so many pictures with me in them. I was usually the person behind the lens, by choice.  Although I still cringe at the beginning of any photo session, I am beginning to see tiny signs of progress, and for that I am grateful.

I set a goal of mixing prints & changing up my hairstyles: Mission Accomplished!

(2) I have too many favorite looks from 2014! Should I just repost all of them?!

Bold colors are my main squeeze.

(3) Something inside of me believes that I always need at least three reasons for doing anything! OCD maybe? LOL! With that in mind,  several of the pictures that I picked show glimmers of my personality, I love seeing that side of me captured on film. ;)

Laughter & flowers are good for the soul.

I'm learning to have fun with it; Dancing in the middle of the street always helps!

So, there you have it! Have a great weekend Fabs!

X

Winging It

"Oh wings, lift me up, bring me low

Oh wings, just where, I could go
-

Oh wings, gift me breezes, show me sights

Oh wings, glide me high, through city nights
-

Oh wings, make me warm, hold me dear

Oh wings, protect me, from all fear"

~Joi

The poem quoted above was written last night by yours truly. I believe that I have mentioned before here on the blog how I feel that I am a writer at heart. As the saying goes, life happens, and over the past few years I've gotten away from writing. I set a goal to begin writing again, even keeping a daily journal once more. Doing so always gave me a good feeling.

Sometimes goals can feel insurmountable, but the key lies in getting started. Everyone has to start, yes everyone has to start: somewhere.

Moving on to my super cute wing prop for today's post, aren't they fantastic?! I've been eyeing them for too long, even siking myself up to believe that I had to have on a super fancy outfit to take a picture in front of them.

As you can see, I finally threw that unnecessary notion to the wind. I propped myself in front of the wings in a casual two piece denim pinstripe set, and we snapped away.

Words to live by: Carpe Diem :)

Seize the moment my lovies!

Xx

Sunnies:Tahari | Top:Painted Threads | Denim vest & skirt:Ralph Lauren | Oxfords:Tildon (worn here and here) | Handbag:Michael Kors (worn here and here)

I'm a September Baby

“AÑO nuevo, vida nueva” translates: “A new year, a new life.” 

Each time a new calendar year rolls in, many people choose to use it as an opportunity to try to create a fresh start for themselves. Usually the thought is to set new goals with the aspiration to live life somehow differently than one did the previous year.

 I’ve read some criticism on social media concerning this annual process. Truthfully speaking, studies indicate that an overwhelming amount of “New Year Resolutions” are never seen to fruition. A change in date is simply not enough for an individual to work to make momentous changes in their life. The desire to change, yes the drive, has to come from deep within. When you’re truly fed up with something, you generally feel ready to flip things upside down to be where you want to be, and you take steps to do so immediately, no matter what the date. 

In my opinion, self-reflection along with self-examination is beneficial. I'm in a more reflective state of mind each year during my birth month, September (and now that I think of it, also during my wedding anniversary month). I think about how l lived the previous year, what goals I accomplished, what things I wish I would have done differently, and what types of things I would like to accomplish in the future. I even think back on previous years, how I felt at each age. I find that it is important to have consistent, realistic, attainable goals. They give me something to look forward to, and I feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment whenever I reach a goal.

Officially in my mid-thirties, I have entered what I like to think of as ‘Operation 40’. This operation/goal spans several years, and calls for continuous action. To be clear, I created a Pinterest board for it (LOL!); Check out all of my Pinterest boards here. As far as ‘Operation 40’ is concerned, my main objective is to take better care of ME. My body is changing and my organs have to work a little harder than they used to. My goal is to do what I reasonably can to make the inevitable aging process somewhat easier on my body. This includes making the time for weekly facials (my skin is changing, plus I have too much exposure to sun and other pollutants), moisturizing daily, utilizing treatments for eczema and psoriasis, as well as regularly cleansing my internal organs and taking in what will help them work at an optimal state. 

I may from time to time share things concerning 'Operation 40' via the blog or on my social media accounts ;)
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Until next time Style Lovers!
Xx

Hat:Borrowed from my husband | Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Fox trim sweater: Vintage | Statement necklace: TJMaxx

Blouse: DKNY | Maxi skirt: BCBGMaxAzria (worn here and here)

Gloves: Victoria's Secret Online | Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Riding boots: Ciao Bella (worn here)