Bohemian Chic

If you follow me on Instagram, you recently saw glimpses from my wonderful relaxing vacation in Mexico. My husband and I stayed at a fabulous adults only ocean-side resort, in a quiet part of the city. I spent most days basking out in the sun, eating and drinking to my heart’s content. Despite my mega relaxed frame of mind, I did manage to get a few shots of several resort style ensembles. Now whether or not each look will actually make it to the blog is a whole other story…and of course remains to be seen-LOL!

 

Today’s post features a look that I wore to breakfast one morning, and on a leisurely stroll throughout the resort grounds. When it comes to resort style, a maxi dress truly is a no brainer. It’s easily packed, highly versatile, and simply styled.

To be honest, as I believe I have mentioned before, maxi dresses are not my favorite style of dress. In fact, for some time I shied away from wearing them altogether. Generally speaking, I do not find maxi numbers to be flattering on my frame. Despite the current banter of ‘wear whatever’ – that is not and never will be my personal style mantra. I like to wear items that look good to me (personally), and in turn make me feel good. That being said, there are several maxi dresses and or skirts that have made their way into my heart and wardrobe. See examples here, here, and here. This dress won me over because of its captivating shade of hot pink, and fantastic flow of the fabric.

For me, the key to wearing a plus size maxi dress is the cut and flow. I like the way this one cuts in around my waist area, and then gently flows outward. The fabric although beautiful is a bit thin for my taste - wearing shape wear underneath provided a smooth silhouette.

 

My floral headband is a product of one of the easiest DIYs that I’ve ever done. I cut the flowers off of some old stems from Pier One, then used a hot glue gun to glue them to a plain black elastic headband, about 1 inch apart and wa-lah, bohemian chic done the easy way!

Floral headband: DIY (also worn here)| Necklace: Nordstrom| Dress: Cynthia Rowley| Clutch: Vintage

Throwback Thursday: Eliza J

It’s officially #TBT time and I would be completely remiss if I did not recap the four gorgeous looks that were blogged with #ElizaJ ! *Eliza J is one of my top go-to brands for dresses of every kind. No matter what my style need may be, from casual to dressy, from chic to snazzy- they have me covered. I personally own just about 20 of their dresses, and that number is guaranteed to continually increase ;)

The first item that I styled for them was a fabulously faux stole (original post here). That’s right- not only do they design dresses, but also stoles, skirts, jumpsuits and more. I’ve got my eye on a jumpsuit, but that’s a topic for another post…LOL! Any who I initially planned to style this stole with all black, but it just didn’t give me that vibe I was looking for. Swapped out a black skirt for a white one and wa-lah, I was ready to hit the door.

The second item featured an a-line cable knit dress in my favorite color (original post here). I went monochrome for this ensemble pairing it with matching socks, pumps, and a handbag. For fun, a splash of citron in the form of a statement necklace served as the cherry on top.

The third item is just what every girl needs: A tea length full midi skirt (original post here) with petticoat in tow. Finally I went with an all black look, adding a touch of vintage with a netted hat, modern with a crop top, glitzy with a sequins blazer, and edgy with sleek booties.

The final item was last but certainly not least. It was the dress that my wardrobe has been waiting for-->you know, that dress that gives off WOW factor the very moment that you slip it on. Yes navy blue (original post here) with a sheer overlay, a jeweled neckline, and cut of genius.

Which look was your favorite one? It’s totally hard for me to pick, because I truly swooned over each look, as each one served different venues. But, if I just had to pick only one, well it would be...

 *Each featured item was gifted and a size 1X/14W. Item(s) are available for purchase at Nordstrom in-store or online, and at similar retailers.

Set in Stone

Before there was cobalt, there was navy…

BLUE in the form of navy serves up a dish of spectacular in the form of this dress. 

I mean really, it is  a m a z i n g, I cannot even tell you!!!

Sheer overlay - fitted dress- and a jeweled collar -->

Simply perfect for date night, girls night out, or any soiree that you might attend!

The moment that I first tried it on, I was captivated. The fit was generous, and it looked luxurious. 

When I got dressed, put my make up on, and styled my hair: I felt like ‘WOW’! 

Every woman needs a ‘WOW’ dress in her wardrobe. What is a ‘WOW’ dress? 

It is the dress that you always know that you can turn to, the one that instantaneously gives you 

***100% proof*** WOW factor!!!

Honey, I was feeling MYSELF in this dress! 
It's perfect for this time of year, yet can be easily be threaded throughout the entire year.

For instance: I can totally see myself in this dress for a summer wedding 
paired with strappy sandals, topped off with jewels.

For many women the LBD (little black dress, see here) is a closet staple, as it reliably adds in a dose of oomph. However, never underestimate navy blue Loves!!! 

It is is reminiscent of class, elegance, and glamour.

Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)| Suede pumps: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Silver clutch: Vintage| Bangles: TJMaxx

Black, Blacker, Blackest

Friend: “That’s a different look on you…”
Me: “What do you mean?”
Friend: “You never wear black...”

That aptly describes a memorable conversation that frequently comes to my mind whenever I wear the color black. 

You see, for most of my life I rarely purchased black clothing. The first LBD that I purchased was in 1998- YES, I actually remember! Oh, and I still have it- see it here… Any who, it was just about a decade later that I purchased my second black dress.

However, since I moved out to the west coast, I cannot help but notice that I now have more black clothing in my wardrobe than ever before. Why is that? My only guess: I am undergoing a style metamorphosis!

Although an all black ensemble is still not my style staple (as of yet, that is), there is something about wearing all black that now feels classic, even timeless to me.

When I received this fabulous, yes luxurious midi skirt (I mean it has an attached petticoat!!!) that I am wearing in today’s post, I tried it on with a number of combinations. Initially I was quite set on pairing it with denim. But after several trial runs, I decided that I was feeling an all black look, and poof- here we are! LOL!

Like most of Eliza J.'s designs, this skirt is highly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your style needs and preferences. The quality is supurb, and the fit is generous (this is a 14W). Check them out at my BFF's, a.k.a Nordstrom, in-store or online.

Thanks for stopping by today Style Lovers! Stay tuned for my next post, which features another beauty from Eliza J. ;)

Xx

Hat: Vintage| Sequin Blazer: American Rag (worn here, here, and here)| Crop top: LEITH| Midi skirt: Eliza J. (gifted)| Booties: Chinese Laundry| Jeweled evening bag: Vintage

Sweater Weather

Around this time of year in the States, we are greeted by brisk morning temperatures, considerably less hours of daylight, and in some parts- practically no sunshine at all. Leaves fall off of the trees, flowers slowly wither, and expectations of rain and or snow are in the forecast.

For style lovers however, only one thing is crystal clear: It’s officially Sweater Weather!!!
{Insert happy dance emoticon}

I live in a part of the country that is generally mild year round, so Sweater Weather season is even more celebratory than normal. Warm weather 90% of the year can actually become tiring (I wouldn’t believe that if I hadn’t experienced it), the excitement of a genuine cool down is undeniable.

Since I am gal that practically lives in dresses, sweater dresses are my preferred ammunition. I’ve been showcasing how one of my go-to brands, Eliza J. can meet all of your style needs  (see here) and Sweater Weather is no exception!

This beaut of a blue is cable knit, ribbed, and a-line= A winning formula in my book. Comfortably worn to the office, out to dinner with friends, and even jazzy enough for a dressier event- total versatility. I simply love the cut and the drape of the knit. Ok, let’s face it: The color alone is tantalizing!

Blue is MY FAVORITE COLOR see a few examples here, here, and here.

Sweater dresses can be worn practically anywhere, dressed up or dressed down, layered or not- either way you’ve made the style mark! I decided to go monochrome with this look, only deviating slightly with a splash of citron (Check out my friend JewelryFetishGirl).

Now it's your turn Loves, do share your favorite thing about Sweater Weather!

Sunnies: Tod’s| Necklace: @JewelryFetishGirl (IG)| Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)|Socks: Nordstrom| Pumps: Vince Camuto (also worn here)| Handbag: En Cuir