Go High or Go Low

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress, Lord & Taylor (other cuties from the same brand HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE
Shoes: Nordstrom| Orange purse: c/o HERE

It's so hard to believe that we have reached the end of August 2017! I know that I say this often here on the blog, but truly: Where does the time go?! Before we know it, we'll be closing out the year and heading nose first into 2018😔I'll just let that sink in for a moment...
With four months left in 2017, I'm admittedly overdue for my regular 'check-in with self'. I've decided to postpone it just a few weeks more, until an upcoming getaway. I can always think more clearly outside of the city & my day to day routine. There are a number of topics that I really want to think deeply on, including where do I want to go from here with my blog 😊 Since my list of things to review is somewhat lengthy, I think I'll make a note of all the pointers that I want to be sure to reflect on, and take along a journal with me.  How do you carry out your self check-ups?
Today's look features a dress scored at my very 1st favorite retailer, Lord & Taylor.  When I was home (Michigan) over the summer I made it a point to spend some time there, as L&T is not available in brick & mortar form here on the west coast. I ALWAYS prefer to shop items in-person...
Presently I'm in a pretty committed relationship with Nordstrom, they've been doing a pretty good job at servicing my needs. From time to time I still pop over to L&T via the online option, generally when they ping me with a tempting email advertisement. Come to think of it, I recently scored a few great pieces on summer clearance...
Until next time,
Xx

For the Love of Pink

Earrings: c/o HERE (use code InMyJoi15 for a 15% discount at checkout)| Jacket: c/o ASOS, sold out, another option HERE & HERE 
Dress: Eliza J., Nordstrom| Velvet sandals: TJMAXX, but try HERE & HERE| Lemon wedge clutch: c/o HERE

Today's post is sponsored by 7 Charming Sisters

A monochrome color palette always makes me feel g👀d, I was so siked when I received these gorgeous statement earrings that I decided to create a monochrome outfit around them 😍

As you can see the color palette of the earrings is pink (close to fuschia but not quite), yellow, blue, and white - there was an option in corporate every single color into the look. Instead, I wanted to make my earrings the focal point of the look. Going with monochrome light pink felt just right to me so I took it and ran with it 😊
Who knew that my new suede jacket would be a perfect match to my lace dress and velvet shoes?! I love it when things fall into formation effortlessly!
To tie in a bit of the yellow in the earrings, I added a lemon wedge clutch and hit the door.
Before I checkout, have you heard of 7 Charming Sisters before?
Let me tell you about them! 7 Charming Sisters is the brainchild of seven "work sisters" who've been colleagues for 10-15 years. The sisters are: Paula, the elegant Executive, Kim, the vivacious Life of the Party, Jennifer, the dedicated Fashionista, Donalda, the flirtatious Social Butterfly, Jessica, the smart and Sexy Nerd,  Kimberly, the cute All-American Girl and Melissa, the sporty Super Mom.
7 Charming Sisters has a deep commitment to helping those with disabilities find jobs and employs disabled people in their studio. Many of their handmade pieces are handcrafted by those with intellectual disabilities who earn commission (how great is this?!). 
Stop by their online shop today and score 15% off of your purchase when you use code "InMyJoi15" at checkout!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Shift into Neutral

Sunnies: HERE | Cardigan & dress: c/o HERE| 
Nude sandals: Another option HERE| Purse: TJMAXX

Today's look is a perfection transition duo to carry you from summer into fall. If the weather is hot, lose the cardigan, if there is a chill in the air-rock them both! I can even see pairing the duo with a long scarf if temperatures take a dip + adding a pair of booties or boots 😊
Temperatures are mild during the daylight hours in my neck of the woods, yet the cotton blend material was totally comfortable and breathable. 
I decided to stay in neutral lane, pairing with the ensemble a nude bag & matching shoes. BTW-This purse is so fun! I saw it in TJMAXX (I find the cutest stuff there) when I was out of town last month and I could not leave it behind. 
When I got home I realized that purse was a perfect match to this pair of shoes- I knew I had to wear them together, at least once 😍 Mission accomplished!
Until next time,
Xx

Fall Through

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Ruffle trim denim jacket: c/o HERE|  Denim skinnies: c/o HERE| 

Rainbow purse: HERE + another cutie HERE | Gold booties: Sold out, similar HERE

As we reach the end of the month, there are a few things that are simply undeniable:

• The days are getting shorter
• There is a crisp cool breeze at night
• In just about one month, Fall will officially begin

I lot of people say that Fall is their absolute favorite season. Here in Los Angeles we don't get a full taste of all four seasons, but Fall does typically bring on cooler temperatures. Denim feels synonymous with cooler weather. There are so many styles to choose from- jackets, shirts, skirts, pants, and even dresses. What's your favorite way to wear denim? I ❤ denim jeans, particularly those with an amazing fit which can be tricky for my curves. In recent years I have also developed an appreciation for denim jackets. Denim on denim is an effortless approach to causal style, which is probably why it is a tried and true cult favorite. 
Generally when opting for a denim on denim approach, I pair a denim/chambray top with jeans. In an effort to take a step slightly outside of my style norms, this time I opted for an over sized denim jacket with ruffle detailing. I like that the sizing will allow me to pair a bulky sweater/turtleneck underneath (for when cool temperatures take a dip) and that it is also large enough to rest comfortably over my shoulders. 
I wanted to add in some color, what better way than with a rainbow bag! 
Next I had to decide on a top. I didn't have anything in my stash that fit the image in my mind, so I opted to try out an idea I saw on pinterest, wearing a large scarf as a tube top. 
I really like it and can't wait to try it again with other scarves 😊
Until next time, 
Xx

Embroider Me

Hat: HERE| Earrings: c/o HERE| Off the shoulder top: c/o HERE| Chambray top: c/o HERE| 
Embroidered jeans: c/o HERE| Pink sandals: Similar HERE| Straw bag: c/o HERE

I have been hankering for a pair of embroidered denim jeans all summer long, ooops, actually probably since around the start of Spring😊 I even pinned a few tutorials to my Pinterest DIY board on how to make my own embroidered jeans, but then I got stumped in finding an applique as long as what I had in mind...SIGH. 
Fortunately for me, my friends at Yours Clothing sent me a purrfect pair with matching chambray shirt all the way from across the pond ❤
These jeans made me feel so cute and girly. I like that they are a step away from my typical pick of skinny jeans- they are true boyfriend cut with a super relaxed fit. I paired them with an OTS pale pink top as the weather was mild, but it was nice to have the added layer of the chambray shirt for the night air.  As each day passes, it is becoming more and more evident that Fall is on the way 💕
Until next time Dolls,
Xx

Oasis in the City

Chiffon maxi dress: c/o HERE| Earrings: Similar option HERE & HERE| Purse: TJMAX| Velvet mules: c/o HERE

Life in a big city can be pretty overwhelming. I live in Los Angeles (one of the largest), it is overcrowded, noisy, smelly, and super fast paced. Since I am not a native to the area, I enjoy stepping outside of LaLa life once a month or so, to take a breather. Sometimes my mini escapes are prolonged due to personal obligations. When that happens I find it refreshing to escape if only for a few hours to a quiet setting, preferably one with minimal foot traffic😉

By the way, this dress is total vacation goals! Although my next tropical escape is about 3 weeks away, wearing this dress totally took me out of the hustle and bustle of city life and into my very own private oasis 😍
Until next time Loves,
Xx

It's Still Summer

Hat: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Handbag: Older, similar option HERE| Suede Sandals: Via Spiga, old

So it's almost Fall, but not quite, which means that it is still summer 😊 I took advantage of this simple fact, and put this outfit together for a spin. I acquired both the hat and dress about the same time (a few weeks ago), although neither were intentionally meant to be paired with the other. However, when the dress came in the mail I immediately knew that it belonged with this hat 💥 Wasn't I right? Don't they look so happy together?! LOL! 
If you're a regular visitor to my blog I will not bore you again about my ❤ of black & white color duos...Instead, I'll introduce you to a new-to-me brand, Simply Be. Simply Be is a UK based women's fashion retailer. They aren't new to the scene, in fact according to their site - "We’ve been leading the way in plus-size fashion for years, so we know a thing or two about creating perfect fits. Every time. And for everybody."

And check out this ah-mazing mission statement:

WE ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.
AND WE ARE NOT A FAD.

CURVE IS NOT A TREND OR A HOT TOPIC.
IT’S NOT AN ADD-ON OR AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
IT’S AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

IT’S WHY WE EXIST.
WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE DAY ONE.
AND WE’RE STILL LEADING THE WAY.

WE DEMAND STYLE. WE DEMAND FIT.
AND WE HATE COMPROMISE.

WE ARE SIMPLY BE.

WE ARE CURVES.

This vintage inspired midi dress flatters a variety of body types, and it comes with a high neck and cut-out shoulder detailing. It's currently available is sizes 8-28, plus you have the option of selecting from two different lengths (which I didn't realize when I ordered it).

The cut-outs are my absolute favorite feature hands down! Not only are they great alternative to the cold shoulder trend, but they also tie in wonderfully with the vintage design. 

I got a number of compliments both times that I wore this look - I look forward to styling the dress and the hat with existing items in my wardrobe.

Until next time,
Xx

Off and On Again

Headwrap: Old scarf| Dress: c/o HERE| Beaded clutch: Zara

Have you ever changed your mind about a particular style ? For instance at one point it was a favorite but then over time you found that you didn't like it so much anymore? Or perhaps you always shied away from it, but then found that it was a style you actually liked  at present? I have had an on/off relationship with maxi dresses/skirts for years. On one hand I loved the seemingly endless flow, but then on another hand I felt that they were totally unflattering to my height. For a few years I did not buy or wear them at all. However last summer my style taste for them shifted, I found myself willing to wear them here and there. This summer I am fully on board, as a result I have acquired a number of maxi dresses along with a skirt or two. Apparently 2017 is the summer of the maxi! LOL! I'm enjoying this moment, without putting pressure on myself to make this a long-term affair 😏
Until next time,
Xx 

In Bloom with Gwynnie Bee

Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee → SIGN UP FOR A FOUR WEEK FREE TRIAL HERE
Earrings: Similar HERE & HERE| Purse: Gucci, similar HERE| Shoes: Vince Camuto, another option HERE

This post is sponsored by Gwynnie Bee. All opinions are my own.

Do you ever say or think: 'I have nothing to wear'? Well today's post is just for you 😀 There is a solution to this relentless phenomenon! I've spoken a number of times here on the blog about the benefits that I personally enjoy from my Gwynnie Bee membership. 
Everything that I've shared is true from my personal experience. Gwynnie Bee is an awesome service, I am amazed at how the selections continue to get better and better every year!
With Gwynnie Bee, truly you never have to feel like you don't have anything to wear again!!!  In short, Gwynnie Bee is:
➨An online clothing subscription service for women who wear sizes 10-32
➨YOU get to choose which items are added to your online closet,which in turns ships out to you
➨It's like a department store at your fingertips
➨Members enjoy unlimited exchanges for a flat monthly rate (FREE TRIAL OFFER HERE)
➨Free shipping & dry cleaning on all clothing indefinitely
➨You always have the option to buy any items that you ❤ for a discounted price
➨Rent and return or borrow and buy- the choice is yours!

Before I became a Gwynnie Bee member, I tried a FREE Trial Membership for four weeks (back in 2013). I was amazed at the concept, and to be honest, I wished that I had thought of it myself, LOL! But seriously, what woman doesn't like getting new clothes all the time with minimal effort?! It is a perfect solution for the career woman who enjoys a slay at the office, or the woman that simply enjoys trying new things and being effortlessly fashionable 😉

A FREE FOUR WEEK TRIAL MEMBERSHIP IS YOURS TODAY!!! 
SIGN UP HERE, BEGIN CURATING YOUR NEW WARDROBE RIGHT AWAY!

Here are a few tips that you may find helpful:

➧The FREE trial membership period lasts for 30 days from the date that you submit your information. 
➧Your credit card is necessary to send you the first package, billing will begin once your trial period ends, you will NOT be charged until the day after your 30 day free trial ends.

➧To ensure that your credit card is NOT charged (and you don't lose track of time), try setting a reminder on your smart device for day number 25 of your 30 day trial membership. 
➧On that date, you may cancel your trial membership and mail back any outstanding items. 
➧If you love this service like thousands of women around the country, keep it, enjoy a variety of fashionable goodies to suit your preferences!
➧As soon as your membership starts, creat your Ultimate Closet immediately by adding at least 15-20 items to your virtual closet. The more items that you add, the better!
➧You may search items by brand, size, or style genre.
➧Get the items that you want first/faster by turning on the prioritize button
➧After you wear an item and decide to return it, login to your Gwynnie Bee account and select "return item"- which gets the ball rolling on your next shipment

I hope this post answers any questions that you may have had - but if not, please feel free to sound off below! 
I can't wait for you to begin enjoying YOUR FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP 😍
Until next time,
Xx