Ruffle You Up

Happy Friday Babes!!! Are you looking forward to the weekend as much as I am?! I don’t have anything uniquely spectacular planned, but the down time is always very much anticipated ☺ I told a friend, “I only get one Saturday a week”! LOL!

Today’s look features a muted color palette of sorts. You know I obsess over just about anything off the shoulders (see examples here, here, here, here, and here), this ruffled number was a JOI to behold! Score a discount with code "XOJOI"! I paired it with a pair of billowy culottes and velvet open toe booties because my mind has already shifted towards spring! Has spring sprung yet in your neck of the woods? SoCal is getting an unusually late start…. Don’t get me wrong, the rain was so very needed, now all of the vegetation looks incredibly lush and green- for the first time since we’ve lived here! Nonetheless, I might have to plan an escape to a warmer city for a few days! Ha -it’s a good thing that I already have a getaway coming up sooner versus later… Have a great weekend!!!

Until next time,
XO

Off the shoulder top: c/o HERE + 15% off with code XOJOI| Culottes: Sold out, similar here 
Velvet lace-up booties: c/o HERE| Bag: Kate Spade, similar here

A Color Story

I find inspiration in practically every facet of my life. One day while perusing a home décor site I came across a glorious color combination. Immediately I was taken by it, and I thought of how I might be able to play it out in real life, not in my décor- but in my wardrobe- LOL! Yes this duo of pastel pink and rich green was love at first site! I saved it to my ‘to-do’ list on Pinterest to be executed as soon as possible.  

As it just so happened, my friends over at The Perfect Pair Boutique sent me this dreamy top – serious pastel pink perfection.  I was so excited because shortly after receiving it I had the realization that the acquisition of this top meant that I was  finally going to have the opportunity to play out my color adventure in real life 😊

Since this top is over-sized, I opted to style it with a pencil skirt- as a balancing act, but I’m also considering this pair of pants to pair it with in the future. I just love it when a plan comes together! Plus, I have one less thing on my ‘to-do’ list, and we all know how checking tasks off as completed feels wonderful!

Until next time,

XO

Suede top: c/o HERE| Pink faux fur scarf: ZARA (worn here) |Green pencil skirt: Similar here

Purse: ZARA| Leopard print shoes: Options here, here, and here

A Flash from the Past

90s fashion has been trending harder than ever lately. I am not an avid fan of that particular style era, however I was known to rock a slip dress on occasion 😉  I decided to take a walk down memory lane and try my hand at styling a slip dresses, now- 20+ years later. Back in the 90s, I actually owned several slip dresses, all of them were black with slightly different style variations. My favorite one was basic, actually quite similar to the one that I am wearing in today’s post! 

I opted to style this slip dress for 9-5 work wear. I really like how it turned out! Street style images abound in examples of layering a slip dress with a tee. However, I wanted a different effect, so I went with a classic white button up shirt . And what do you know, I like it!  When I put it all together, It seemed like it was missing something, I added a thin gold belt and that seemed to be just what I was missing. 

Actually now that I think about it, another thing that I really like about this slip dress in comparison to the ones that I rocked back in the day-it's the length! Did you notice that it is truly midi perfection?! Love, love , love this length! My 90s slip dresses were all ankle length= BORING!  LOL! Yikes, I’ve digressed….over to you, what are your thoughts on this flash from the past?  Are you slipping back into slip dresses?

Velvet trench coat: c/o ELV, sold outI| White button up shirt: JNY| Oxblood slip dress: c/o HERE| Belt: Similar here

Handbag: Vintage, another option| Glitter loafers: TopShop, sold out-similar here, +  another great option

About my hair: I've been rocking my natural curls for the past few weeks, and I am having too much fun with them! In my last post I shared that I tried out a new product (here) however today's curls were nourished by my tried and test fav, Pantene! I started using Pantene Curl Perfection back in 2002 (name/formula/packaging has changed over the years) when I first went natural (i.e.stopped getting a chemical straightner/relaxer applied to my hair).  There weren't as many natural hair care products available back then as there aretoday, so I learned to use what was available. I also tried John Frida Frizz Ease for a stint, but I didn't like it nearly as much as Pantene. If your hair is naturally curly, what are some of your tried and tested favorites?

Until next time,

XO

Living for the Weekend

You know that feeling when it’s Wednesday, but you have FRI-YAY on your mind? Some might call that, 'Living for the weekend'! Well, that is totally me today!!! LOL! I wore this look over the weekend, and let me tell you: it is so comfy and chill. It’s been a rainy winter in SoCal for the first time in a long while- I find myself relying on trench coats as a staple.  This is the newest member of my home collection, I immediately fell for its color and design. To dress it up a tad I’ve styled it with a matching faux fur wrap, and wouldn’t you know, it was just as FAB! This time around I added a pair of fun sneakers to the mix because what girl can resist glitter and furry accents?!

Coat: c/o HERE| Turtleneck: Similar| Satin joggers: Similar

Sneakers: c/o  HERE| Handbag: Kate Spade & similar here

About my hair 😉 : I decided to bring my natural curls out to play (versus blow drying my hair straight and flat ironing it) for a spell. I’m testing out DevaCurl for the very first time and I think I like it! The Buildup Buster is a cleanser that promises to remove buildup without compromising the health of your strands. From the very first use, I noticed more defined curls- even prior to adding conditioner! I’m on the lookout for my next protective style, but in the meantime --> curls reign! *I received DevaCurl products complimentary, all opinions are 100% my own.

Until next time,

XO

The Golden Hour

I scored this shimmering beauty when gold/sequins/and the like were in ample supply for the holiday season.  I’ve mentioned before that I like to stock up on ‘special occasion wear’ during the months that they are in an abundance, and then spread out the wear of them all throughout the year 😚 I don’t wait for special occasions to dress up- when I look good, I feel good!

The best thing about the items in today’s look is that everything is on sale!!! Check out the links below 😉

Until next time,

XO

→ Photography by Lydia Hudgens

Top: Similar| Necklace: Here| Skirt: Here| Shoes: Here & here| Handbag: Here