A Fall State of Mind

As I’ve mentioned in my last few posts, we’re currently knee deep in Indian Summer. That is, temperatures have been on the rise as opposed to a significant decrease since the first day of Fall landed. To counteract this phenomenon, I’ve adjusted my mindset and have developed what I like to think of as a ‘Fall State of Mind’. 

Yes, although Fall-like temperatures continue to evade us, I am determined to embrace the change of season : )

Fall fashion in my head is associated with dark lush colors, among them being dramatic dark floral prints (see another example here). When I spotted this plus size maxi dress at a recent event co-sponsored by the plus size brand Fashion to Figure, I was taken. It brings in elements of drama, romance, and intrigue.

What I find to be particularly fab, especially given current temperatures (which on this particular day loomed around the 96 degree mark) is that this dress is made of mesh, and is very lightweight and breathable! Yes, although it is black with long sleeves, I still managed to feel refreshed by a passing breeze here and there : )

I opted to style it with black denim, because I was after a different affect. I added in black beads, a patent leather clutch, suede sandals and hit the door. Not only did I feel Fall fashionable, I looked fabulous! LOL!!!

Until next time,

XO

Sunnies: Quay Australia| Beads: TJMAXX| Plus size maxi dress: c/o Fashion to Figure| Jeans: NYDJ| Suede sandals: Via Spiga| Patent leather clutch: Vintage

Checkmate

As Indian Summer rages on here in Los Angeles, I’ve taken full advantage of the sweltering temperatures by playing in warm weather fashion(s) once again. Take for instance this cotton gingham dress by JNY. Nothing feels cooler than breathable cotton and I have a soft spot for black & white color duos. The cut and fit of this dress is fantastic, and reminds me why I truly appreciate well established brands such as JNY. I’ve been wearing JNY for more than twenty years, and have never been disappointed in the sizing, quality, or workmanship of any of their garments. Yes, JNY a.k.a Jones New York, has a fine longstanding reputation of integrity to their consumers. Side bar: On a cooler day not too long ago, I also wore this dress with my suede fringed jacket, black wool fedora, and silver penny loafers ;) 
-->Gingham CAN be carried over into Fall fashion successfully<--
I scored this dress brand new with tags attached via THREDUP, an online consignment and thrift shop. THREDUP encourages buyers to think of second hand shopping first, and also provides great options for cleaning out your own closet. The Co-Founder and CEO says, “We are transforming the way people think about secondhand, and we have the capacity and the energy and the vision to make that a part of people’s lives for 20, 30, 50 years.” 
THREDUP has a vast variety of sizes available, including a wide assortment of plus size options. I found the selection process to be a bit time consuming, but well worth it when I scored this brand new dress-with tags intact :) For a limited time, THREDUP is offering a 50% off promo code just for YOU! Score 50% off all cocktail dresses as a first time user, up to $50. Browse their selection here, and use code “COCKTAILS50” at checkout ;)

Until next time Babes,
XO

Sunnies: ASOS| Earrings: c/o Rocksbox, get it for free| Dress: c/o THREDUP| Ballet lace-ups: Me Too| Handbag: Coach

Fresh Lemonade

This is the very first full week of Fall 2016, yet it hardly feels like Fall as temperatures soared to almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend… Although I am truly in a Fall state of mind, I couldn’t help but dip into Summery fashion yet once again- not only was it blazing hot but I was also invited to an outdoor pool soiree! Barefoot Wine hosted the grand bash in Beverly Hills, with plenty of bubbly, yummy treats, and manis- could a girl ask for more?! I happily accepted the invitation and complied with their request that I come in fruit festive attire.  Just like a glass of lemonade….
By the way, are you following me on Instagram and or Snapchat (@InMyJoi)? I shared a number of videos there of the beautiful set-up ;)

Top & Skirt: Rue 107| Necklace: c/o of Rocksbox, score one month free, “InMyJoiXoXo” at checkout| Clutch: Kate Spade| Sandals: Ross Dress for Less

Until next time Babes,
XO 

For the Frill of It

Autumn is upon us and I am so thrilled by the beautiful shades of rust, burgundy, and the like now in ample abundance.
Cold shoulders were HUGE this Summer (see previous looks here, here, here, and here) - I’ve decided that there is no sensible reason as to why I cannot carry my affection for wearing them over into Fall and Winter! There aren’t a lot of things that I can say that I truly LOVE about living in SoCal, but the phenomenal weather is definitely at the top of my list!!! One awesome thing about this over sized cold shoulder top is that it can actually be worn on the shoulders, off the shoulders, or one shoulder bare : )
Gone are the days that wearing white is reserved for certain days/months of the year Babes- I freely wear white all year around! Sometimes I hear: ‘How do you wear white after labor Day?’ My answer is: Simply put it on! LOL!!! Seriously, there is no need to feel apprehensive about wearing crisp white pieces well into Fall, Winter, Spring, and of course Summer.  Great fitting, well made white denim jeans are a wardrobe staple for me, I love pairing them with rich colors such as this burgundy cold shoulder top (see another look here). You can also pair white denim with layers, long vests, sweater coats, plaid/graphic blazers, and the list really goes on and on…

Until next time,
XO

Hat: Nordstrom| Ruffle frill top: Ross Dress for Less| White denim: NYDJ| Shoes: Franco Sarto

Fall for Culottes

If there is one new thing that I have fully embraced this year, I would have to say it is the concept of over-sized clothing. Although I am not at all obsessed with tight and or fitted clothing, generally speaking I am interested in clothing that fits my body well.
This year however, I found myself embracing over-sized fits, and feeling quite spectacular in them. Previously my preference was to steer clear of larger cuts of clothing, as I didn’t like the fact that they made me look bigger than I actually am.
Welp, 2016 has been the year to do away with that idea/care, and it feels so good! Although I am clearly full figured, my waist is considerably smaller than my hips. However, it is not necessary that I should always have to wear items to highlight and or accentuate that fact. Over-sized clothing works for all sizes, including those of us on the plus side :)

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Lace top: Ross Dress for Less| Culottes c/o Elvi, see more here)| Sandals: Steve Madden (worn here)

Feeling Some Stripe of Way

Striped shirt dress: c/o ELVI Clothing| Jeans: c/o Lovesick, worn here| Straw bag: Vintage| Jeweled pumps: Kelley & Katie, worn here

It’s no secret, I cheer for ‘Team Stripes’ in every single way, all day, everyday! PSA: Diagonal, horizontal, whatever- I’m rocking stripes, and I don’t care whether or not it is deemed so called ‘flattering’ or not on my full figure frame…{insert appropriate emoticon}…

Yes Babes, I love stripes, and although a season change is upon us, I will continue to roll with stripes, in varied colors and in the classic form of black & white :) When ELVI reached out to me to try a few pieces from their AW collection, I was so happy! And wouldn't you know, I saw stripes? LOL!

ELVI says that they: 'design clothes that flatter and enhance the fuller figure - not hide it. At the heart of elvi, our core philosophy is to create statement contemporary fashion that is attractive, accessible and affordable to all women ranging from sizes 14-26. with our focus being on providing exceptional quality, expert tailoring and all-around personal customer experience every time you shop with us.'  Sounds great right?! I thought so too!

To be completely honest, there were a number of standout pieces in this AW collection! I selected 3, all of which will be making appearances here on le blog in the near future- but it would have been easy to select 10 or more... Additionally, ELVI just launched a new collection with Hayley Hasselhoff, it is dreamy!

Now this striped shirt dress is very well made (always a concern I have when trying out new designs), and is totally Fall ready with a color combination of beige, black, and maroon. It has side slits, is light weight, and comes with its own belt. The ease and flow of it is marvelous, I enjoyed wearing it out and about. 

Tip: Size up for added drape & flow, the fabric is very lightweight- you might add a top underneath, rock it with your favorite skinnies, or a tube skirt and open toe booties!

Until next time,

XO

Fall Into Pantone

Hat: Nordstrom| Sunnies: Forever 21| Scarf: Nordstrom| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Dress: Rachel Roy| Socks: Nordstrom Rack

Riding boots: Unisa| Gloves: Vintage, thrifted| Wood watch: c/o JORD| Handbag: Michael Kors

It’s that time again- I am back with the Blogging Beauties of Unitedly Plus, featuring our very first post of Fall 2016! This post is all about a play on color, namely the Fall 2016 colors forecast by Pantone. 
I actually wore and shot this look a few weeks back, totally unaware that I was rocking Pantone’s ‘Potter’s Clay’ by way of this over sized vest & matching riding boots. This color reminds me of changing autumn leaves. 
In Fall-like fashion, I added in layers as temperatures can vary greatly…  Exasperatingly hot in the sun versus frigid arctic breeze in the shade- you know how it goes, LOL!
I really liked how this color palette came together, and I got a number of compliments on it at the office. I’ve also worked it with short socks and my silver penny loafers. When it comes to my personal style, I am always switching it up (notice that my scarf was styled in 4 ways), incorporating a number of pieces from my wardrobe. That is what makes getting dressed enjoyable! I never follow a set of rules, so-called trends that I MUST have per so and so, or any other nonsense. I simply wear what I like, and what I feel best in ;)
*Don’t forget to check out Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram) today to see what Pantone color they're rocking!
#UNITEDLYPlus a blogger collaboration between Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. Unitedly Plus is a dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity.  We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show how personal style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. 
Join us in our mission of uniting women from every part of the world, showcasing individual beauty, and authentic creativity! Use the hashtag #unitedlyplus  to be featured on our social media platforms and follow our journey on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here)!

Confidant Material

Dress: c/o Single Dress Plus | Bracelet: J. Crew| Citron legwarmers: American Apparel| Citron shoes: ASOS

Summer is in, shoulders are out! Although Fall is just days away here in the States, temperatures have been soaring in a number of areas. Is it hot in your neck of the woods? I didn’t have an opportunity to rock this gorgeous blue dress until now, so I seized the moment over the weekend while temperatures were mega warm. 
Looking back on my last few posts, clearly I am most definitely in a Fall state of mind (see here, here, and here), so I styled this dress with blinding citron colored legwarmers (perfect for FALL) and matching citron tie-up heels. Bold standout color is “in” all year round for this chick! Actually, come to think of it, I need to create more opportunities to wear these beauties (see the last time I wore them here). Come on, how often do we see citron colored legwarmers?! So fab, fun, and functional :) 

Fall in Love
I also had a chance to stop by Kevin Jewelers over the weekend (read more here about my role with them as a Brand Influencer) and wouldn't you know, they are running a great sale for the entire month of September: All wedding bands are buy one get free!!!

Yes, Fall in Love and shop YOUR bridal set at Kevin Jewelers!!! 
I had too much fun trying on rings, which actually provided me with inspiration of additional ideas for upgrading my own wedding ring ;) 

Until next time Loves,
XO