Making Appearances

Some have said that appearances don’t really matter, yet experience indicates something entirely different. For instance, what is the very first thing one generally notices when meeting someone else? Their appearance! Yes, skin color, facial features, condition of teeth, eye color, hair, clothing and even personal mannerisms.

Time and time again people draw firm conclusions based on the outer appearance of someone else. Of course these conclusions and or assumptions have a considerable probability of being inaccurate; nonetheless those conclusions can be extremely difficult to dismiss.

How often have we heard the expression, “First impressions are lasting impressions?” The way that we dress, look, and manner in which we conduct ourselves does matter.
I personally notice a considerable difference in how I am treated when I enter high end retail stores based on my dress being dressy versus casual. When I am casually dressed, and perhaps my hair doesn’t look freshly styled, I notice that sales people are more likely not to approach me to ask if I need any assistance.

In sharp contrast, when my attire is dressy and or upscale, I find myself inundated with sales people from multiple departments asking how they may help me. Point taken? 
Despite awareness of the fact that appearances do carry a considerable amount of weight, I dress according to my own personal preferences. I love to dress up most days, because it makes me feel good, and seems to align with who I am as a woman. However, there are times when I’m tired and or not quite in the mood to do the norm. On those days I throw on whatever takes the least amount of effort (example here), and I set about my day.

Over to you: Do appearances matter to you? Have you observed any noticeable differences in how you are treated based on your attire?

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunnies:LEITH| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Tank: Nordstrom| Jeans: NYDJ (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Giani Bernini (worn here)|Clutch: Vintage

Intentional Mix-up

It's taken me way too long to share this number with you, truly one of my go-to's this summer (I think I've worn it at least 5 times), a mixed up masterpiece by Eliza J.! It truly takes the guess work out of pattern-mixing, which is especially helpful if you're uneasy about joining the clashing prints game.

I discovered the private label about 5 years ago, at my favorite Retailer, in-store <Nordstrom>.  I have been a loyal fan ever since. I'm wearing Eliza J. here, here, and here, but there are many more treasures from her tucked away in my closet... 

This number is referred to as a "pop-over" (I also have one in a solid color). It's a one piece dress that closely resembles a top and a skirt. The print mix is nothing short of inspirational. I love the vibrant colors throughout the skirt and this time decided to pull out teal via my accessories. Each and every single time that I have worn this - the compliments rain in like spring showers. Well done Eliza J.!!!

I have news for you! I perused the web, and learned that this dress is still available at several retailers, some sizes at incredibly reduced prices!!

Check them out: Dillards: Here
Nordstrom: Here *Bonus: Plus sizes, here

Happy shopping Loves and I'd love to see your finds, tag me on Instagram ;)

XO

Sunglasses: Steve Madden| Necklace: Custom| Dress: Eliza J.| Socks: Nordstrom| Heels: Audrey Brooke (worn here)| Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Flushed With Blush

I have a confession…
I have a new color crush….totally different from those of the past….

Vibrant, rich, tantalizing hues have been my M.O. for 20+ years, but lately…well…I find myself intrigued with neutral color palettes. What’s happening here?!
In a word:  C H A N G E.

There’s something about the color blush , it’s not quite pink, yet it is not quite beige or tan either---> it’s blush! While perusing Pinterest I’ve come across several combinations of black & blush that are classically fantastic.

I picked up  this hi-low blush top a month or three ago (debuted it on date night) - it’s high time that I sift more blush colored items into my collection.

TGIF Beauties & have a wonderful weekend!
XO

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| High-Low top:ASTR | Jeans: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (worn here)| Floral Clutch: Vintage

Wardrobe Shuffle: Vintage Lace

Hey there! (Slowly creeps into the room as if it hasn’t been eons since my last post) Today’s post highlights what I like to think of as a wardrobe shuffle. I’ve mentioned before that I intentionally purchase pieces that I know will have longevity. In this instance, I am not solely referring to the quality of an item (although quality does rank #1 in my book) but also in that I know that I will have the desire to wear the item again and again.

This takes a bit of forethought for me at the actual time of purchase, and yet even still, sometimes a piece serves its purpose after a year or so. For the pieces that remain with me year after year, I enjoy exploring new ways to wear them. Flashback: My personality used to be quite rigid. As an example, I could not bear the thought of mixing and matching my clothes. I thoroughly enjoyed wearing items in the same exact way, each and every single time. WELP, all I can say at this point is: I’ve changed! Thanks to Pinterest (check out myboards here), I constantly have ample ideas of how to shuffle pieces around in my wardrobe. We'll take today’s post as one example:

Flashback: I originally wore this dress under a skirt in a post blogged last year (here). At the time, I couldn’t fathom wearing this dress solo, as I don’t particularly care for the cut of it on my body (but I do heart every other aspect of it). I even thought about having it altered…. Yet I digress.. What makes this dress unique to me aside from its age (circa 1970s), is that the lace is cotton! It actually came with a cotton lining, but that was unfortunately too snug for my ample curves, LOL!

One day while perusing Pinterest (as I often do during down time, like in-between emails, and while sitting in relentless LA traffic) I saw a picture of a look worn by Jessica Alba. I immediately thought of my lacey treasure filed away at the back of my wardrobe. I already had all of the pieces needed to recreate this look, my way- so I decided to have at it! 

I wore it on vacation several weeks back, my husband loved it so much that he uses one of these pictures as backdrop on his mobile ;) Join me on Pinterest and let’s be inspired together!

XO

Denim jacket: Michael Kors (worn here)| Statement Necklace: Nordstrom| Lace dress: Vintage (worn here)| Belt:Thrifted| Cork sandals:Market (worn here)