Michigan Muse with Mazda

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress: Gwynnie Bee, sign up FREE HERE| Earrings: DSW| Purse: Kate Spade| Suede sandals: TJMAXX

I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Michigan, there is truly no place like HOME. Although my husband and I traveled to the Detroit area to attend the wedding of a close friend, the highlight for me was being back on home soil. No matter how long I live in California- it will never be my "home". HOME is HOME!

Having an opportunity to visit with family (not everyone because our families are massive in size) and lifelong friends makes trips here truly fulfilling, and yet bittersweet at the same time. Of course, I've also spent some time at my favorite stores/retailers- especially the ones that I don’t have easy access to on the west coast😀

I’m so thankful to Mazda for providing me with the cutest ride to get around town in! Have you heard of the Mazda CX-3? Well I’m happy to tell you a bit about it! It actually just came out THIS YEAR...I LOVE that I get to sample a vehicle entirely new to the brand. This CUV sells from the low to mid 20K range. Here are a few features you may find interesting (because I am a total car chick BTW):

• 2.0L engine
• 146 Horsepower
• All wheel drive
• 18-inch alloy wheels; P215/50 R18 all season tires
• Halogen headlights
• Daytime running lights
• 5 passenger seating
• Heated front seats
• Advanced keyless entry system
• Push button engine start
• Air conditioner with pollen filter
• 7” color touch screen display
• Rear view camera

The color of the CX-3 that I am driving is called ceramic metallic, it’s a cross between silver and white. 
My favorite visual feature is the dual black & red color scheme in the interior. 
Oh- let’s not forget the moon roof (optional), which is great for catching sun and or snapping selfies 😎

Thank you very much Mazda for sponsoring a car for my trip to Michigan - 

there just might be another CX-3 in my future 😏

About what I’m wearing: I’ve told you about the many perks that come with a Gwynnie Bee membership (I'm working with them this month, see here & here), don’t forget to snag FOUR WEEKS FREE TODAY! My membership comes in handy in a number of ways, especially when it comes to travel- I can literally just pack whatever is in my recent shipment. 
The best feature ever IMO? You select what items you want!
When I saw this denim number it seemed like the perfect dress equivalent to denim overalls - I knew that it would be a breeze to wear in a pinch. When I’m away on travel I want to get dressed quickly and hit the streets... 

Gwynnie Bee offers the option of purchasing an item or borrowing it and then returning it at your convenience. This dress is a borrow versus a purchase, mainly because of the fit. It is a tad too large for me on top, and I’d prefer the waist to be more defined. Since it isn’t, if I purchase it, I also need to factor in the cost of having it altered and for me the grand total isn’t worth it. Nevertheless, a great thing about a Gwynnie Bee membership is that I can enjoy an item for a wear or two, and then ship it right back for someone else’s enjoyment. In the meantime, my next picks are already on the way 😄

Until next time Babes,

Xx

Duster Appeal

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Duster: c/o HERE| Tank: Similar HERE| Denim skinnies: NYDJs, old| Leopard sandals: Old, Similar HERE| Handbag: Zara

If it seems like I’ve been MIA just a tad, it’s totally true! It’s so hard for me to stay on track with my blog when I’m out of town 😊 I had great plans of how I’d stay on track this time around but I tell ya, the struggle is REAL! Thankfully a friend of mine snagged a few photos of me in this look after our breakfast date.

I’ve been on a kimono kick this month, today’s style story features a kimono style duster. Personally I prefer long, over-sized kimonos - this beauty totally fits the bill. Note: Size up if you like an over-sized fit 😉 
This print reminds me of flowers blooming at night 😍 Dark florals have always been a favorite of mine. Some people prefer to wear them during the cool weather months, but truthfully dark florals can be pulled off during the summer months equally well.

I kept my look simple by pairing the kimono with a nude tank and my staple skinny jeans. I tossed in leopard print sandals for a simple yet fun pattern mix. I’m looking forward to styling this beauty next with a monochrome palette.

Ciao Loves,
XO

A Summer Wedding

Dress: c/o HERE| Necklace: HERE| Suede sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, old| Floral clutch: TJMAXX

Hey Loves! I'm not sure if you remember, but I had been searching high and low for a dress to wear to the wedding of a close friend. I had almost given up and retreated to wear something that I already have in my wardrobe but in the very last hour I finally found the perfect stitch at Finery London  💖
Not only is the bold yellow color stunning, but the cut and fit was totally complimentary on my frame. As soon as it arrived and I tried it on I knew that this was the ONE! Notice the updated twist on the cold shoulder trend? Classic yet trendy -Simply perfection in every way 😍
I got a few pictures of my entire look at the wedding on my cell phone, my apologies for the photo quality and limited views👀
I received so many compliments on this beauty that I just had to share it with you. 
I hope you're having an amazing weekend!
XO

Charmeuse in the City

Pink statement necklace: J Crew, similar HERE| Floral kimono/cami/pants: c/o HERE, HERE, HERE

Handbag: ZARA| Gold sandals: Old, similar HERE + another option HERE

Today’s look features the most comfortable coordinates that I have ever worn. This three-piece trio (charmeuse kimono, camisole, and wide leg lounge pants) packs a floral punch- laced with lush greens, gold, and a glimmer of pink. I wore it to the office (of course- as it is my style playground for just about everything😄) and out to dinner by the beach. In both instances, I felt like I had just stepped out of a high fashion couture shop, yet the pieces were as cool and comfortable as a silk pair of pajamas. I have a host of ideas of how I’d like to mix & match this trio, I can’t wait to live them out in real life.

This look is from one of my favorite plus size brands: ELVI. Every season their designs wow me- seriously, I am already considering their Fall line with great anticipation!  When my orders arrive (shipping is a breeze BTW), the fit is fantastic, quality superb, and the craftsmanship on point. I’ve shopped with them directly through their site, but they are also available online at Nordstrom (a great way to rack up points and get a Nordie's Note😉) + ASOS Curve.

This lush watercolor print is Asian-inspired, exemplifying vintage elegance and chic ease. Notice the golden lace insets near the hem of the pants? A perfect accent to the gold rope belt!

Until next time Loves,

Xx

Bucket List

Headwrap: Kenya| Sunnies: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Yellow beaded bangles: Kenya| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Silver bucket bag: c/o HERE| Silver Sandals: Unlisted, Kenneth Cole- similar HERE

Hey Loves! I’ve been thinking, it’s time for me to add some more items to my bucket list. Within the past 5 years, I’m tremendously grateful to say that I have put a serious dent in my bucket list. 😊
Sidebar: I typically don't share these experiences on social media because I aim to focus on living in the moment versus capturing the moment. However going forward, I am going to make a more concerted effort to enjoy the moment fully AND share it when possible/appropriate…

Moving on...I am incredibly thankful for all of the experiences that I’ve had, countries I’ve visited and explored like a native, all of the priceless lessons learned, along with life changing perceptions gained along the way.

With that being said, I never want to reach a point where I’ve checked everything off of my bucket list! I want my bucket list to always be full, choked with realistically attainable & worthwhile pursuits.  
There is a poem that really stirs me, written by Padhia Avocado, in it she says: “At the end of my life I will have no curiosity…having spent my lifetime living the answers”.  Life is for LIVING! Keeping a bucket list helps me to avoid getting caught up in a monotonous, non-enjoyable daily routine. Instead, I live with purpose, continuously taking steps to reach my goals 😃

Please do share: What’s up next on your bucket list?

Today’s look features a few items that I snagged while in Kenya back in December (I cannot believe it's been six months ago already). That trip is filed under EPIC- FOREVER CHANGED because it was a life lesson for me in a number of ways…Maybe one day’ll write about it here on the blog-but no promises, LOL! 
This dress is the most perfect shade of yellow- in fact in my head it says, ‘Hello Summer’! Notice that it has an interesting cutout at the midriff, which I was so looking forward to rocking. Unfortunately it fit me in an odd way (probably because I have a short torso and am generously proportioned in the bosom area) if I move one inch you can see my bra…Needless to say I opted for a matching cotton tank to wear underneath it 😉 I really like the variation that silver accessories added to the mix! And most importantly- I was cool as a cucumber in 90+ degree temps 😎

Until next time,

Xx

Forget Me Knot

Earrings: Genie Mack| Chambray top: Old, Men's Nordstrom-thrifted| Skirt: c/o HERE| Pink metallic sandals: HERE

I'm a fan of over-sized shirts, dusters, and layering pieces. Sometimes the best place to look for over-sized tops is an entirely different department than you normally shop in. For instance, let's take this chambray shirt as an example (previously styled HERE). To pair it with this ankara skirt, I styled it knotted at the waist. I scored it at a thrift shop, in the men's section. It's originally from Nordstrom's line for men. I really like the sizing on it, it's perfect for tying in a knot and when worn buttoned up it fits like a slim cut tunic. I also like the two pockets on the front of it. All in all it's totally not bad for less than $5.00! 
Yes, thinking outside the box also includes shopping in other departments 😉
Wondering about this beautiful skirt?! It's from Grass-fields (check out another piece from them HERE), they aim to fill a need in the market for well-made clothing inspired by African heritage. I've been swooning over their bold, eye catching designs this year, and felt excited to have the opportunity to feature another one of their designs here on the blog!
Which reminds me, I still need to have a few pieces made from the ankara fabric that I brought back from our trip to Kenya last year! 
Until next time,
Xx

Summer Essentials

Hat: Old, similar HERE| Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee (sign up for YOUR FREE membership today)| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Purse: Kate Spade, similar HERE| Brown leather booties: Old, LEVITY

Here we are, in the middle of June and I’m just now thinking about my summer essentials… Could it be because the weather has not consistently reminded me that the official start of summer is less than two weeks away? Perhaps! However, I’ll take my share of the responsibility. After all, as a style blogger it is my job to be on top of these things! LOL!

Three basic items make up my summer essentials list:

A straw hat

An excellent way to shield your eyes and better yet the delicate skin on your face from damaging sun rays is by wearing an over-sized straw hat. Plus it's the perfect disguise for fly away hair! 

A white leather tote/handbag

Every year I treat myself to a new white leather bag. They are perfect for the summer months (and beyond in a mild climate) because they match everything and can instantly brighten up a look.

Note: Use caution when wearing dark colored denim as the dye can easily wear off onto your white leather bag.

A healthy stash of sundresses

In true girly girl fashion, I reach for dresses more often than not. This season, summer dresses come decked in frills, ruffles, faux wraps, and the list goes on and on. Pick styles that suit your fancy and stock a stash of sundresses suitable for every summer venue. Or better yet, stock up with a FREE Gwynnie Bee trial membership😋 I love trying different styles via Gwynnie Bee- I can have a variety at my fingertips w/o commitment! The dress is today's post is yet another example of such. Although this dress was a fun wear (I love that the straps can be worn on or off the shoulders) it wasn't a keeper for me. However I will keep it in my virtual closet, in the event that I'd like to wear it again 😉
If you’re not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, read all about them HERE.

Until next time Babes,

XO

Orangeburst

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Blouse: c/o HERE| Wood watch: c/o HERE| White denim: NYDJs, similar HERE| Purse: c/o HERE| Sandals:Old

Hey Babes!!! Here we are at the start of yet another week- let's make it a GREAT one!
Today's post is short & sweet 😀 After all, it's a Monday, we're all trying to catch up from the weekend... Plus, don't the pictures speak for themselves?! LOL! 
ORANGE is having a moment again (remember this LOOK), just about everywhere that I've shopped over the past few months seems to have a number of citrus inspired pieces available. 
I love the vibrant starburst hue of this blouse, and how the designer effortlessly added in embroidery w/o it looking odd in the least. Some embroidered clothing looks weird to me... like the embroidery doesn't really go with or compliment the item/design, but was rather just thrown on it for the sake of a trend😔 
This top is different, I like how it is made and styled  + the fiery color. It will be added to my repeat offender list for rotation this summer! 
For its first run out into the real world, I styled it with slim cut white denim jeans, strappy thong sandals, and a matching novelty bag for good measure. 
Until next time,
XO

The New Normal

Sunnies: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Handbag: HERE or try THIS| Shoes: Aldo, old

When the weather cannot make up it's mind on whether it is spring, fall, or better yet winter, I love to dive into my sweater dress stash (I store mine in a large decorative wicker basket from Pier 1 and roll them up to save space and alleviate wrinkling). Like seriously from day to day, it feels like we go from spring to winter! In fact, for a number of days it was actually warmer (as in HOT) on the east coast than it was here in SoCal!! 
{{Insert confused face emoji}}
Sweater dresses work really well for me when it comes to fluctuating temperatures - I always want to feel warm! I DO NOT LIKE TO FEEL COLD- EVER! By rotating my collection of sweater dress, I can skip the need to add on layers (unless temperatures drop under 50), I feel perfectly warm w/o a coat, and if temperatures happen to head up unexpectedly (a likely possibility nowadays) I can easily roll up my sleeves- and boom- I'm all set!! This particular body con dress by Calvin Klein has a couple of added style bonuses: cold shoulders + straps dipped in white 😊 You know how I feel about black & white color duos! 💖
I instantly decided that this dress would make an excellent addition to my sweater dress collection. Have you noticed that sweater dress options have evolved over the years? Now you can get them in practically every cut, print/color, and apparently they even sport cold shoulders! I love the variety currently on the market- really- you can get whatever you want AND in an array of sizes 💃Over to you: Are you Team Sweater Dresses or naw?!
Until next time, 
XO