For the Love of Leaves

Hat: Vintage, thrifted| Earrings: Similar HERE| Kimono: HERE, snag a FREE trial membership

Bandeau top & wide leg pants: c/o HERE| Mules: Similar HERE & HERE| Suede bag: Zara, old

I have a thing for leafy prints. Like seriously.... I L❤VE THEM! When this kimono came by way of a recent GB shipment, I knew right away that it was a #BorrowNBuy. To learn more about GB see previous blog posts HERE & HERE.
If I totally lacked all self-control, my entire loft would look be reminiscent of the amazon rainforest -plus a few cacti for good measure of course, LOL! For instance, I have been eying this credenza (oh this one is nice too) for my bedroom for quite some time... My bedroom walls are green, very close to the shade of my purse. My inspiration for its recent refresh (currently ongoing) was a gorgeous palm print wallpaper pattern I saw on Pinterest. I have a ways to go to reach absolute completion, I'd love to find a nice heavy fabric in the exact print of this kimono with a white background to have curtains made...That reminds me, I need to carve out some time to make my way down to the fabric district...
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Velvet Flush

Wool fedora: Nordstrom| Faux fur scarf: Zara, 2016| Trench coat: c/o HERE
Velvet pleat skirt: HERE, sign up for a free trial membership with Gwynnie Bee
Yellow blouse: Zara, earlier this year| Velvet purse: CR, similar HERE |Velvet mules: c/o HERE

Have  you ever had an off week – the kind of week that was so eventful at the beginning of it that it felt like it should be the end of it already? That is exactly the kind of week that I am having 👀😖😣 Like nothing super major has blown up in my face, rather a bunch of little things have mightily compiled to form one ginormous snowball… I feel completely wiped out! Nonetheless, "the show must go on"- or so I constantly tell myself…I think it is high time for me to reintroduce my weekly candlelit bath series. After all it is fall! I always feel wonderfully relaxed after a steaming hot, minimum hour long, candlelit milk bath. Just thinking about it as I type this post already has me feeling more relaxed.

About today’s look: I paired hues of blush with shades of yellow for a somewhat chilly afternoon in the city. It’s funny that prior to moving to LA I would have never pictured wearing faux fur, a coat, and summer sandals all together! LOL! A perfect example of why one should never say never. It is an unorthodox combo, but somehow it feels right and works for me 😊

Until next time,

Xx

It's Transitional

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Red jumpsuit: c/o HERE| Faux fur scarf: Old, similar HERE & HERE 
Gold booties: Topshop, similar HERE, HERE, and HERE| Gold clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Oddly enough, Autumn-like temperatures made a brief stopover here in Los Angeles. I was completely shocked and unprepared! Like how do you shift into full on Autumn flow w/o a transitional period?! Welp, I seized the opportunity to play in a wardrobe newbie, a fire engine red jumpsuit! I could have paired it with a longsleeve blouse or a turtleneck (it really was chilly enough) but I wasn't mentally fall-ready 😭I opted for one of my favorite cool weather fashions: F U R!!! Faux fur 😎 But let's chat more about this jumpsuit: This baby has it all! I love the hue, fit, and flow of it. I opted for a monochrome color palette - as I often do, I truly wish that I had an exact matching red tank or cami...that would have truly set it off 💖I'll add that to my 'To-get' list... Anywho this baby was perfect for a night out, and will probably make its way to my office with a blazer or longsleeve blouse.
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Let's Talk: Robe Coats

Velvet turban: Vintage, thrifted| Robe coat: c/o HERE| Dress: c/o HERE (Don't forget to sign-up for your freebie)

Suede sandals: Sold out, similar HERE| Purse: Kate Spade, similar HERE

Have you ever ordered an item simply because you liked it, without even knowing what it was called? This is the story of my life! I've shared with you before about my lack of expertise when it comes to fashion related terminology...I generally don't care what it is called as long as I can wear it  😁 However, it is helpful to know specific terms when searching for something specific... The coat that I'm wearing in today's post is a prime example of the aforementioned- when I saw it online I simply thought 'I like it - I want it'. It wasn't until a few months later that I came across similarly styled coats (it comes with a belt that i am not wearing here), they were called "Robe Coats" 😌 Okay! So it's a robe coat...now what? Have you heard of robe coats? 
Well this triggered my curiosity, so I did a bit of research. Here are a few things that I came away with:

• "This winter, the cuddly transitional piece to have is the robe coat, essentially a duster with no buttons, hooks or closures. It’s made in a range of materials (from heavier wool to lightweight linen), meaning you can pop it on over your everyday outfits instead of a blazer or hoodie and you’ll trade uptight and overheated for relaxed and cozy."
• "The easy add-on will instantly elevate your outfit and can even double as a dress!" 
• "Whatever you go for, don’t forget to be slightly dramatic when cinching them closed -- there’s something pleasingly definitive to the action that says, 'We’re done here.'"

So there you have it 😏 Now here are a few additional robe coats that caught my eye- that just might make it into my closet this year:

• Mossimo Women's Robe Coat with Front Flap Pockets   (Love this color + the price is great!)
• Ro & De Belted Robe Coat
• boohoo Phoebe Wrap Maxi Robe Coat (This one is classic & timeless)
• River Island Womens Grey belted robe coat (Grey is the new black)
• River Island Womens Plus black check belted robe coat

Until next time,
Xx

Helpful Tips for Buying Clothes Online

Eyelet jumpsuit: HERE, other options HERE & HERE| Necklace: Similar HERE| Watermelon clutch: c/o  HERE| White leather mules: HERE

White after Labor Day?! All day, every day 😁Here in SoCal we are just barely outside the grips of a record breaking heatwave (and we're heading back into the 90s)! I snagged this jumper during a once-in-a-lifetime markdown + I was able to use a coupon!!!! Queue the applause!!! I am so happy that I stalked it & scored it before it sold out. If you haven't heard, the quality of Eloquii items never comes up short, and the fit is consistently on point 👍👍 
I purposely waited to wear and style this jumpsuit after Labor Day 😎.  I don't subscribe to the notion of so-called fashion faux pas and to be 100% transparent with you as I know I can: I pretty much don't care for rules in general 😌
When it comes to shopping for clothes online, I'll be the first to admit that in the beginning I was more than reluctant... My favorite way to shop for clothes is in-store, hands down. However, due to supply & demand logistics, I find myself shopping more and more online. Afterall, it is the way of the future...

I thought it might be helpful to share a few tips that I have found useful along the way:

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL LISTS/CLUBS
I know, nobody likes spam mail. But oftentimes retailers send out special discount codes via email plus you get a heads-up or early access to sales or discount offers. 

FILTERS ARE YOUR FRIEND
I get so overwhelmed in staring at page after page of merchandise. Using filters saves my sanity. I select my size, the type of item that I am interested in seeing, along with brands I like. If I am on a website that I frequent, I often search for 'what's new' from newest to oldest. 

SET RECURRING REMINDERS
For retailers that often release new merchandise that sells out quickly, using a recurring reminder to check them out is helpful. I hate it when I miss out on a great find simply because I didn't know it was available! A calendar reminder can also prove helpful when watching/waiting for an item to go on sale.

UTILIZE WISH LISTS
I often save items that I am eyeing at Nordstrom in my Wish List. I love that you can select the size that you want and keep a track of it until you are ready to make a purchase. The only caveat is that it may sell out...

REQUEST TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN AN ITEM IS BACK IN-STOCK
Several retailers that I shop offer this feature and it is the best! They send you an email as soon as an item is restocked in the size that you selected.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF FINAL CLEARANCE SALE ITEMS
This was such a touchy area for me...Final sale generally means that a refund or exchange is out the window. Boo! However, the best deals are often found this way. I only risk it with tried & true brands that I know and ❤. I can trust their sizing/quality to be consistent. Even if an item comes and you don't love it for one reason or another, remember that you can sell it online, or gift it away!

ALWAYS READ THE REVIEWS
Literally the best information about an item is usually found in the reviews given by actual buyers. Is the fit true to size? How is the quality? Is sizing up or down recommended? Will it need to be tailored? Best part ever: See pictures of the item on everyday women versus the model that the brand has selected and tailor fit clothing to.

CHECK THE MEASUREMENT GUIDE
To be sure of how an item will fit your body, don't skip the measurement guide! Here you can usually find out if the brand lists an item as a size 14, what that really means IRL, i.e. inches in the waist/hips/length/etc. Sizing can vary greatly from brand to brand- especially when merchandise caters to a different demographic than your own.

HAVE ITEMS SHIPPED TO THE STORE
If there is a store near you that you frequent anyway, have the item shipped to the store. You can dodge shipping fees...plus browse new displays in-store while you're there for pick-up.

10% OFF REALLY DOES COUNT
I have griped about this before, like what good is it really? Well, it just might cover your shipping costs! We all know how much we hate shipping fees! LOL!

GOOGLE FOR COUPON CODES BEFORE YOU HIT THE PURCHASE BUTTON
I try to remember to do this every single time prior to checking out. Who wants to pay more for something than is necessary? I ❤ a last minute deal!

REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN RETURN IT- OR CAN YOU?ALWAYS READ THE RETURN POLICY!
Read the fine print! What is the return policy? Is this item from outside your country? Are return labels provided? If all is kosher, ship the item back ASAP, using the provided return label. Double check that they will not bill you for shipping costs... If possible, return it in-store! All shipping hassles can be entirely avoided when you take that route.

Well that's it for now Babes- I hope you've found a tip or two helpful! Now it's your turn 😁 What tips have you learned along the way? Please do share!

Until next time,
Xx 

Farewell Summer 2017

Earrings: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE, sign up for a free trial offer| Belt: Old| Purse: HERE| Mules: Zara, sold out

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

We are just a few days away from the official start of Autumn! I can hardly believe that Summer 2017 has reached its grand finale. Fortunately for me (b/c I strongly dislike feeling/being cold😩) I live in a mild climate, without a doubt we will soon be basking again in 90+ degree temperatures - the 1st week of October to be exact 😻😸😺 

My Summer 2017 fashion choices featured more cold shoulders than ever before, bold hues, floral prints, colorful stripes, classic stripes, slip dresses, ruffles, frills, embellished denim, destroyed denim, capes, cutouts,  knotted tops,  kimonos, floor length vests, maxi skirts, maxi dresses, jumpsuits, citrus themes, shorts, black & white duos, denim days and so much more! 
A memorable supplier of a number of my favorite styles this summer is GWYNNIE BEE. In case you're not familiar with them, Gwynnie Bee is an online women’s clothing subscription service for sizes 10-32. Shipping is 100% free + dry cleaning  + unlimited exchanges. 
In short: You add items to your online closet (from a seemingly endless inventory) that you'd ❤ to wear, they ship them to you in the order of your preference (the "My priorities" feature is LIFE), if you ❤ an item you can purchase it for a discounted price, OR you can mail it back for something that you ❤ even better! Truly it is a win/win, always having brand new clothing at my fingertips without the pressure of a long-term commitment feels wonderful!
⭐You can sample Gwynnie Bee's services w/o commitment or cost ABSOLUTELY FREE for four weeks, sign up HERE to get started on your new wardrobe today⭐As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away below!
Until next times Loves,
Xx

Frill Seeker

Frill lace top: Similar HERE & HERE (plus size)| Floral pants: c/o HERE
Velvet platforms & clip on faux fur poms: Old| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes! I'm sorry that I've been missing in action. Since this month started there has been one unexpected event after another - I can barely catch my breath - yet here we are almost halfway through September! One example of a recent setback is the fact that instead of writing this post from the sunny, pristine shores of the Caribbean, I am planted here in the city. You see Hurricane Irma destroyed all of my vacay plans, I vented about this on Twitter... I went from a canceled flight, to lodging reservations put under scrutiny, to modified accommodations (on an entirely different island), and finally to canceled reservations with a credit issued for future use... There were several highs and lows in trying to manage this emotional roller coaster of expectations versus disappointments. However, now that it is all said and done: I am not mad at all! Although I do not believe that everything happens for a reason (as the common phrase goes), especially when it brings suffering to others, I do believe in attempting to make the best of an unexpected situation. Not only did I learn several valuable lessons through this ordeal, I was also reminded of who I am and what is important to me as an individual. 
Without a doubt, I will have other opportunities to go on vacation. In this moment, my heart goes out to everyone around the world whose life has been or is being adversely impacted by natural disasters 💕
Until next time,
Xx