Friday, March 31, 2017

Dark Knight


Hat: Nordstrom, old | Check shirt: c/o HERE| Camisole: Old| Jeans: Similar HERE & HERE| Shoes: Michael Kors, old| Clutch: Vintage

Unbelievably today marks the very last day of March 2017! Not only does it feel like this year is moving by at a alarming rate → this month in particular went in a blur. I guess the old saying rings true once again: Time flies when you’re having fun 😁
I wore today’s look out to dinner last week. Finally I had a chance to style this checked shirt dress sent to me by ELVI. Getting dressed for transitioning temperatures is an annual challenge; I find that learning how/when to employ layers is necessary for style survival.
On this day temperature highs hovered close to 80 degrees and there was a hint of humidity in the air. However, I knew that as soon as the sun went down temperatures would take a considerable nose dive. I opted for lightweight layers and the payoff was just what I hoped for.
Until next time Loves,
XO  

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Two Times the Fun


Hey Babes, Today’s post features yet another hit from your spring fashion source Gwynnie Bee! I’ve really enjoyed sharing some of the fantastic offerings that they have for spring (see here, here, here, here, and here). 
This classic striped shirt dress is an easy closet staple. I decided to style it with layers because spring temperatures decided to take a brief nose dive …however trust me when I say it looks equally fabulous styled alone and is very flattering on a curvy frame❤
💨  Don’t forget to sign up for one month of FREE with Gwynnie Bee, your ultimate women’s online clothing subscription service! Try out top name brands, return them when you're done OR purchase them at a discounted price 😉

Until next time,
XO


LOOK 1--> Hat: Nordstrom| Sunnies: HERE| Chambray shirt: Ralph Lauren| Stripe shirt dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee| Belt: Old| Handbag: HERE| Booties: Old

LOOK 2--> Hat: Nordstrom| Floral Bomber: c/o Gwynnie Bee| Stripe shirt dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee| Blue shoes: Old

Friday, March 24, 2017

Spot On


Ears: c/o Charlotte Russe| Top: HERE| Jumpsuit: Sold out, similar picks here & here| Velvet platforms: c/o HERE| Clutch: Old, Carlos Santana

I hardly know where to start on today's #ootd Babes! This fit is a favorite already for so many reasons, how can I possibly count thee?! 😃 First off, black and white duos are absolutely LIFE in my opinion → when I spotted this jumpsuit I immediately knew that it belonged in my personal collection 👀 ❤
Secondly, this is mixed prints bliss in its most basic form, mirroring print on print! Itty bitty polka dots merge with large vibrant polka dots 😍
Thirdly, this jumpsuit, this pattern, this cut 👉 it was MADE for THIS body! LOL! The fabric is lightweight (unlined), making it ideal for spring and summer, not to mention fall (especially in mild climates)! I can actually even see it styled for winter with tights, a warm turtle neck or blouse/blazer combo- even popped with a sweater on top! 
About my top: This mesh number is a closet staple, it can always stand in when you want to add a little extra coverage to any look. 
YES, this dot on dot theme was simply too much for my print loving alter ego to resist!
Until next time,
XO

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Nip & Tuck



Top: Sold out, similar here & here| Faux leather pleat skirt: c/o HERE
Straw bag: Vintage, thrifted| Suede sandals: On sale HERE + other options here, here, and here

Today’s look features an example of how I like to nip & tuck my blouses from time to time. It’s a perfect style alternative for when you want to feel put together, minus the formal structure of completely tucking in your shirt the normal way, i.e. all the way around. I’ve found that this option is best employed with an over-sized top, this way you have enough fabric remaining for the top to hang down comfortably with ease.

Confession: I’ve been enjoying this skirt in secret for several weeks now... I figured it was high time that I shared it here on the blog while it is still available for purchase 😊 Good looking out right?! LOL! When the Babes over at ELVI sent it to me, I immediately put it to good use. 

The pleated midi skirt brigade is totally holding down the fort right now, however this beauty takes it to the next level not only b/c of its beautiful golden hue but even more so because of the material: faux leather!!! Yes, it will stand the test of time, and will remain a member of my collection long after the plethora of pleated midi options have faded out.

On this particular day I paired it with a frilly white top that I snagged on clearance online, a vintage straw tote, and neutral suede sandals.  I’ve been turning to statement earrings more and more as of late, this pair has a hint of orange, which encouraged me to wear one of my orange lipsticks that has been neglected for way too long… 

All in all: I am totally smitten with how this all came together!

Until next time,
XO

Monday, March 20, 2017

Floral Frenzy


Dress: c/o HERE  + sign up for ONE MONTH FREE| Earrings: Bauble Bar, sold out
Sandals: Vince Camuto, identical twin HERE + another option HERE

Happy 1st day of spring!!! Depending on where you live, it may not quite feel and or look very much like spring yet- but it never hurts to prepare in advance 😊 I’ve said before that in my mind, floral prints are synonymous with warmer weather. This mixed media shift dress is a part of Gwynnie Bee’s (online women’s clothing subscription service) new spring wear haul. I was curious about how the fit would be, as shift dresses can be tricky on my pear shaped frame. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it fit (I sized up), even my hubby was a fan, LOL! This dress is versatile; it can be dressed up or down, all depending on your style needs and preferences. In true spring-like fashion I opted to style it with pink, but I can also picture it styled seamlessly with pale grey, periwinkle, or olive. The fantastic thing about Gwynnie Bee is that a membership with them affords you the opportunity to try out name brand, trendy and classic pieces at your own pace, plus you have the option to purchase items or to send them back for something even better❣ 
I just might have to purchase this dress ❤❤❤

On another note: I think that this dress caused a car accident!!! While hubby and I were shooting this look, a car accident occurred, literally RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! So, we were just getting started, and less than 10 minutes in, I hear the loudest bang EVER and then see a luxury car spin/side out directly across the street from us-hitting the light pole! All four airbags deployed, but the driver and passengers made it out of the car in one piece.  The driver ran off on foot in true Los Angeles style, while two of the passengers stayed behind to chat with the police (including one that did suffer head/facial injuries). How the accident occurred was that the driver was not paying attention/appeared to be distracted (was he looking at this dress?) and he ran the red light, causing another car who had the right away to hit him at a significant speed. WHEW! After all that and during the investigation and other activities that unfolded, we continued on with our shoot. Distractions are a dime a dozen here! There are so many interesting things that happen while we are shooting, and just in general- I may start sharing them from time to time… 
Do tell: Do you think that this dress caused the crash?!

Until next time,
XO

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Feminine Style with Amazon Fashion


Sunnies: HERE| Dress c/o HERE| Purse: HERE| Suede sandals: Via Spiga, similar here + another option here 
-My faux fur poms are clip-ons that have long ago sold out 😣

I would definitely describe my personal style as feminine, I am such a girly girl at heart 💗 You'll catch me in dresses, frills, ruffles, pleats, a-line cuts, and just about anything else on the feminine side.
I'm siked to have teamed up with Amazon Fashion to share some of my picks from their massive collection of Women's fashion! 
When I spotted this fabulous NAME BRAND lace inspired sweater dress for under 25 bucks- I was totally in disbelief! Note: As of today, it is still available (plus sizes only) at a discounted price, if you happen to wear a 1x. The fit is very generous, you may opt to size down.
I'm already a serious fan of this brand and their quality, you can imagine the heart palpitations that I encountered when I peeped the bargain price! 
Although tomorrow marks the first official day of spring, it may take some time for the weather in your neck of the woods to catch up (including mine, as temperatures are heading down 😥). Sweater dresses make for great transitional pieces, they can be layered up (for instance I can see this dress paired with a trench, tights, and booties, or layered with a top underneath, socks, and shoes) + worn alone with equal style and pizzazz. This sweater dress is an excellent spring option, it features quarter length sleeves - enabling one to cope with the heat of a spring-like day along with typical evening cool downs. 
I received a ton of compliments its grand debut to the office, I look forward to styling it again!

Until next time,
XO

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Femleisure


Scarf: Gift| Earrings old, similar here & here| Dress: c/o HERE| Calfskin sneakers: Sam Edelman, others here & here| Clutch: Kate Spade

Looking for the perfect chill wear for spring? Look no further Dolls, Gwynnie Bee has you covered  😉 This week they launched a new designer capsule collection with Amanda Uprichard (available in sizes 10 & up), I'm sampling out one of the featured dresses in today's post!!

Sporty meets feminine (notice how I added in uber girly tassel earrings) in this black and white dress. A short sleeve, jersey style dress, with a drawstring waist can take you practically anywhere during the warm weather months! Light weight and accented with a shirttail hem-blouse it up / cinching it at the waist or loosen the drawstring to lengthen it, providing a more relaxed fit while drawing attention to the variable hem.

Femleisure is "the marriage of ultra-girly and athletic-inspired pieces" -Who What Wear

The white trim totally sold me - I cannot resist a black & white duo (see examples here, here, here). PLUS: It has functional pockets! Whoo hoo! Dolls, the soft material makes you feel like you’re in your PJs - there is nothing better than being comfy and cute!!

Until next time,
XO

*Learn more about GB and sign up for one month free HERE.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Seeking Spring


Can you believe that the very first day of spring is nearly 70 hours away?! Some parts of the country are still digging out from the wrath of Stella, a storm that dumped a fresh batch of snow on the east coast. Here on the sunny side of the States, we are enjoying a run of mild temperatures. However, temperatures can vary significantly from city to city, as well as when transitioning from day to night.

In an effort to cope with this common inconvenience, I employ lightweight, breathable layers. Today’s ensemble features cotton and a fantastically breathable knit. Although this femme fatale-ish blouse may seem like the star of the show, in reality it is the vest 😉

Vests are a great way to pull an entire look together, not to mention they add in a layer of warmth (which I always appreciate). My favorite features about this vest is the ruffled hem and high-low profile. Don’t miss out on the cohesiveness that a vest can add to your look Babes!

By the way, I snagged this vest via my Gwynnie Bee membership. GB is a great way to try out different styles and trends without commitment - to better learn exactly what works for YOU! I’m working with them to spread the word this month Don’t forget you can sign-up for their services FREE HERE!

Until next time,
XO


Vest: c/o of GB, get a free month of clothes HERE| Blouse: HERE| Necklace: From Kenya
Culottes: HERE (on sale for $17!!!),plus additional options here + here
Suede sandals: HERE (Red is sold out, other options here + here)| Clutch: Kate Spade

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Mixed Elements

Is it just me or is blush totally having a moment?! Today's style story pairs the blushing hue with an unexpected combination of elements: Lace, crystals, knit, and velvet 💓💓💓
When I received my latest batch of goodies from GWYNNIE BEE (a clothing subscription service, try their services for FREE HERE) I was so siked that this RR pencil skirt made the cut! Warm horizontal stripes (a totally unexpected combination of colors), a fantastic knit texture with a great fit, AND a hint of blush! YESSSSS!!! I reveled in the fact that yet another opportunity was just over the horizon for me to flush in blush 👌  
This ensemble provides a classic example of how I like to transition cool weather wear to Spring effortlessly: Add lace 👀 LOL!
It's true-  I would totally style this skirt differently if the temperatures were cooler (I'm thinking of a turtleneck, leather blazer, tights, and booties), but since they are delightfully on the rise I opted for a bell sleeved lace blouse and wonderfully soft velvet sandals 😉
I'm so glad the Spring has Sprung, Gwynnie Bee has a number of fantastic warm weather options and I cannot wait to frolic in all of them! I'm working with GB this month to spread the word, please do check out what they have to offer for the curvy woman and sign up for one month ABSOLUTELY FREE❣

Top: HERE| Skirt: Try it for FREE HERE or purchase it directly HERE| Shoes: HERE, other options HERE & HERE

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Southern Charm

Hey Babes! I’ve been spending some time in the South visiting family and friends and truly enjoying some down time 😄 I was really worried about the weather initially, it seemed like a cool front arrived just ahead of me! I had no need to fear, most days have been sunny and relatively mild. My trusty faux fur scarves have served me well, adding in an extra layer of warmth 😏

Getting dressed this time of year can be particularly tricky. Weather patterns tend to be inconsistent while making the grand transition from Winter to Spring. Fortunately there is light at the end of the tunnel: Spring Fashion and after that SUMMER!!!!  Trust me when I tell you: I am counting down the days! LOL! In the interim, I’ve teamed up with the Babes over at Gwynnie Bee to showcase some great style options for Spring! Take for instance this lovely paisley blouse that I am wearing in today's post 😉 



If you’re not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, it is a clothing rental subscription service for women who wear sizes 10-32. You can feel stylish and savvy EVERY single day with endless fashion, free shipping, and free exchanges. 
SIGN UP FOR A 30 DAY TRIAL HERE!

Until next time,
XO


Hat: BCBG, old| Paisley top: c/o Gwynnie Bee Sign up for 30 days free HERE| Faux fur scarf: F21, sold out. Another option HERE
Belt: HEREJeans: c/o HERE + 15 % off with code “XOJoi”- NOTE: Size up!| Purse: Coach, old
Fishnet socks: Similar HERE| Silver sandals: Options HERE and HERE