Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

Slay in Sequins

Stand-out sequins have dominated the runways this year, I love how they have trickled down into almost every style genre and fashion retailer! Yes, no matter which style you choose (there are so many to choose from), now it is easier than ever to brighten up your everyday wardrobe <3 Today’s look provides a perfect example of a quick way to breathe new life into a plain white t-shirt. Add faux fur + sequins of course!!! I can also see this sequins skirt styled with a denim shirt and or blazer, worn in a more conservative setting, say my office…LOL! Stay tuned my dear colleagues- this look is coming to the office really soon :) So Loves, are you styling sequins this season and if so, how?!

Until next time,
XO

Sunglasses: Old, other options here & here| Faux fur stole: Here| White t-shirt: Old| Sequins skirt: Here

Metallic sandals: Kenneth Cole, another option here| Silver clutch: Vintage, another option here & here

A Touch of Glamour

Hey Loves! It feels like it has been forever since we've spent some time together, how are you?! I’m doing very well, it feels good to be back!!! Did you miss me?!  I missed you! I won't keep you in suspense; I've been away a few weeks on holiday, in AFRICA!!!! It was the trip of a lifetime; You may have seen a few snippets of it over on my Instagram page. Let me tell you,I took in every single moment- rather than attempt to capture every moment on film-I lived it- I breathed it! It was magnificent!!! Now I am completely refreshed and ready to play… dress up that is! Ha!

Today's style story features my December picks from Kevin Jewelers, a beautiful 14K rose gold and diamond duo. I really like the design, the combination of champagne and white diamonds together <3 
You can save an additional 10% off when shopping online with code JOI564.

REMINDER: Don't miss out on KJs Diamonds, Deals, and Destinations promotion!!! In short, if you spend $299 or more you score a FREE trip to VEGAS; if you spend $2,999 or more you score a FREE trip to HAWAII! 
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Now, let’s chat about what I am wearing =) I’ve been dying to pull out this vintage coat scored from a thrift shop in my home state of Michigan last year. Winter-ish temperatures have finally made a stop in Southern California – I feel so excited! For the grand debut, I paired my newbie with this fabulous after 5 style maxi dress. The material of the dress is thin and it does not have a lining- the added warmth from my furbaby was essential! Truth be told, I almost froze to death while trying to get in a few shots w/o my topper, LOL! It is hard to believe that I grew up in waist deep snow!  Any who, I couldn’t miss out on showing you the detail of this beautiful dress, it is so complimentary on generous curves ;) I sized up to allow for the dress to drape in the manner that I desire, but it you prefer a bodycon fit I'd say it is pretty true to size.

Until next time Loves,

XO

Fur coat: Vintage, Similar here| Jewelry: c/o Kevin Jewelers| Dress: c/o GCGME| Sandals: Similar here| Beaded handbag: Old

All That Glitters

Can you keep a secret? Well, ok, it’s not really a secret : ) I actually shared the news on my FB Page a month or two ago. I’ve teamed up with Charlotte Russe as a “CR It Girl”!!! Stay tuned Babes, I’ll be sharing budget friendly - yet 100% on trend style options!!!

Today’s look is one example of such. It hails from their ‘Ready 2 Sparkle & Shine Edit’, simple perfection for date night, Girls Night Out, or special occasion wear! I would totally pair this jumpsuit with a  faux fur stole/long scarf,  or a cropped length denim jacket, or the ever classic leather moto. I opted not to this time around, so that you could get a true feel for the entire look w/o distraction, LOL!

Confession: I have a love/hate relationship with jumpsuits. Very few result in a love at first sight moment for me. I try to focus on a proper fit for my body type, what my tailoring options are, and a color that flatters my skin tone.

Until next time,

XO

All items worn are c/o of Charlotte Russe.  Direct links here: Jumpsuit | Similar Bag| Similar Shoes| Similar Earrings
**Take an additional 20% off your entire order using code HOLSHOP20 online only**

Gray Matter

“Baby it’s cold outside” or at least that’s how the song goes…LOL! Here in SoCal early mornings and late evenings are cool- but not exactly cold. Nonetheless, if ever there was an ideal time to pull out pre-existing cool weather items (I’m from the Midwest)- this is it! I love layering up in cozy knits, varying textures, and adding touches of furrr : )

This ensemble is ideal for Fall-like days spent at the office, shopping, or catching a meal. I have a basket (literally, from Pier 1) of sweater dresses that wait patiently all year for days just like this. This gray number is neat because it features a cable print + an a-line cut. The two aren’t often designed together, although I’m not entirely sure why not.

Because monochrome styling has been my thing since the beginning of time, I added additional grey matter via a velvet BF style coat (c/o ELVI), a vintage fur collar (detached), leather gloves, and knit knee high socks. For color contrast, I wore cognac boots and a leopard print clutch. Stay warm out there Babes!

Until next time,

XO

Velvet boyfriend coat: Here | Fur collar/scarf: Similar here| Dress: Similar here| Leather riding boots: Similar here| Leopard clutch: Similar here

Midi Mania | Tulle Edition

I truly appreciate the vast plethora of glam clothing available this time of the year! Sequin, beads, jewels, and yes---TULLE! Above the knees, ballgown length, or my personal favorite--> the midi length :) The options are endless! I’m no stranger to the Tutu party (see here, here, here, and here), I almost never turn down an opportunity to go all out on feminine frills. An easy route for versatile special occasion wear is mix & match seperates. 

This tutu edition is a tad more reserved than the aforementioned/linked, yet still totally suitable special occasion wear. Ilove the taupe hue of my newest addition and its satin underlay. I went for a glam effect, bumping it up a notch via an exquisitely embellished chiffon-like blouse. The fit and cut of this blouse is similiar to a traditional tunic. I opted to tuck it in which aided in pulling the entire look together. Think outside the box when shopping your wardrobe! Sidebar: This top looks equally cute worn untucked, accompanied by denim or leather or both :)

Until next time Beauties,

XO

Hat: BCBG| Embellished blouse: c/o Elvi, here |Tutu: Marshalls, Similar here  and here| Platform sandals: Similar here and here| Cross stitch purse: Here

Fall Reboot

After a few weeks of basking in Summer-like temperatures once again, Fall weather has finally returned to my neck of the woods! In fact, we actually had a gloomy/rainy day over the weekend- a true rareity in SoCal. I literally have to seize cool weather moments to dive into Fall fashion, because warm temperatures are always not to far behind! 

When it comes to Fall fashion this year, over the knee boots- AKA- thigh high boots are on trend in a major way. I've read that some feel they can be a bit of a challenge to incorporate/style in real life, despite their effortless appeal on the catwalk. I snagged my very first pair of OTK books c/o The Perfect Pair Boutique and even I felt a bit of hesitation with regards to exactly how I would style them. In my opinion, they look best when they are the focal point of a look. Additionally, as a lifetime member of the ‘Thick Thighs Club’, I was most curious as to whether or not I would successfully procure boots that fit my legs properly. As it turns out, my fears were completely unfounded! I pulled on this pair of soft faux suede boots with total ease :)

For the first time around, I styled my thigh high boots casually- with denim jeans and a classic wool blazer. Did you notice the gold tone accents on the rear of the boots? So fun! I figured that added bonus would ensure perfect  style alignment with my fun fur bag, which also has gold tone accents. I was right- I LOVE how this look came together!

Have you embraced the OTK boot trend yet? If so, what's your favorite way to style them?

Until next time Loves,

XO

Headband: H&M, similar here | Wool blazer: Vintage, thrifted| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren, similar here

Jeans: NYDJ, similar here | Handbag: Aldo, sold out| Over the Knee Boots: The Perfect  Pair Boutique

Monochrome By Lace

Sometimes you only need three main elements to pull off an effortlessly chic look: A top, a bottom, and at least one item of interest. I am a believer that more is more, so I usually add in several item(s) of interest, just because...

For starters, this lace trench coat is EVERYTHING!!! Every single time that I have worn it thus far, the compliments pour in. Most importantly- I feel WONDERFUL in it! I'm so happy that I snagged it on sale! This time around I decided to style it with a basic tank top, a pair of destroyed denim jeans, pompom accented Mary Jane peep-toe shoes, and a fringe bag.

I wore this look to an event last week (I got my make-up done there, but it looks a bit heavy for my taste ) with the lovely Sheena of IAMSHEGLOBAL and also to the office. Perhaps you already saw it on my InstagramStories :) I loved how it turned out so much that I just had to share it with you! Although this look is totally monochrome, I added in textural interest with lace, ripped denim, faux fur, and fringe. Are you loving this ensemble as much as I am?! What three elements do you employ for effortless chic?

Until next time,

XO

Lace trench coat: Here| Tank top: Nordstrom| Statement necklace: Rocksbox, Sign up here for a free trial-InMyJoiXoXo

 Destroyed denim: Cello Jeans| Mary Jane shoes: Old| Pompom shoe clips: Here| Fringe bag: Ross dress for less, Similar here