Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Bold Blooms


Earrings: ZARA| Kimono: c/o HERE| Purse: Coach, old

A lesson that I have learned repeatedly over the years: 
NEVER SAY NEVER.. especially when it comes to fashion 😁
There are a number of style features that I don't LOVE on my clothing, included among them are kimono sleeves, elastic waists on dresses, and maxi length skirts. However, the dress that I am wearing in today's post incorporates all of the aforementioned and yet--- I LOVE IT! Somehow all the features come together superbly, plus the color and print is absolutely standout on its own accord. I snagged this dress via a recent Gwynnie Bee shipment, I'm happy to say it is a definite keeper 😉 Check out a free trial offer HERE.
Until next time,
Xx

Monday, August 27, 2018

Weekend Roaming

Earrings: HERE| Dress/kimono: HERE (currently less than $20)| Purse: Coach, old| Shoes: c/o HERE

BABES!!! Can you believe that today marks the last Monday in AUGUST?! This entire year has been a complete blur! I stand in disbelief that we are on the doorstep of September already!  don't want to say farewell to SUMMER yet! Nonetheless, life experience has taught me the importance of facing facts 😉 It is time for me to mentally prepare myself - summer really is almost over. The change in the weather was noticeable over the weekend, instead of soaring up near 100 degrees, it was humid and in the 80s. Per the forecast, this week we won't get past the 70s. Although I'm sure warmer temperatures will return before all is said and done, I am still ever mindful that summer is truly on its way out. That brings me to the topic of transitional pieces. This kimono makes for a great transitional piece! It's light enough for warm days, yet also functional for easy layering in the fall months. That's right, this wrap dress is actually a kimono styled as a dress 😁 

Based on the reviews of other shoppers, I sized up for this piece, which allows me to be able to wear it as a true wrap dress. Although it came with a belt, I swapped that one out for an older belt in my collection from Banana Republic. I added in olive-colored accessories as a neutralizer and hit the door! 
Over to you Babes: Are you ready for summer to end?!
Until next time,
Xx

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The Last Straw

hat: HERE| earrings: similar HERE + HERE| top: HERE 
overalls: similar HERE| shoes: similar HERE| purse: ZARA

If there's one item that I've worn on repeat this summer, it is my oversized straw hat. I purchased this hat last summer, yet it shows absolutely no signs of wear & tear. Not only does it add something extra to every look that I pair it with, but it also serves a functional purpose. The heat and sun have been so intense this year, my hat keeps me cool and shields me from the elements. I plan to purchase this hat in black (when my size restocks), plus I wish they offered it in navy blue, and RED 💓
Over to you Babes, what items have you worn on repeat this summer?!
Until next time,
Xx

Friday, August 10, 2018

10 Things About Life After 35


straw hat: vintage, thrifted| sunnies: HERE| OTS bodysuit: HERE
skirt: old| shoes: similar HERE| purse: ZARA
Photography by A. Robinson

Now that I've officially entered the twilight years of my 30's, I thought it might be 'fun' to blog 10 things about life after 35 that no one told me 😉 As they say: Sharing is caring! In this way, when your time comes, you won't be blindsided like I was 😆 Don't get me wrong, my 30's have been the BEST decade of my life to date 🙌🏽 In fact,  I anticipate every upcoming decade. I love making new discoveries about myself and this thing called LIFE,  I want to do so well into my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and so on!!! I've never worried about "getting old". From my perspective, it is an inevitable process. The longer that I'm alive, the higher my age number will be. That's logical right?! 
Nonetheless, there were a few things that I did not anticipate... Yes, a few 'special' things began to occur with my body 😜 
Let's dive right on in:
1) The skin on my face changed drastically --> A C N E <--Prior to my mid-30's I had never experienced acne and or blemishes/pigmentation differences on my face. In a word, my skin appeared to be flawless. Right around age 35, I started to notice small bumps/pimples popping up here and there. When they finally cleared up, they left noticeable dark marks on my chin, jawline, and forehead. In fact, during the height of it, I could barely stand to look at my face in a mirror. It was like I didn't recognize my own reflection. Thankfully, I developed a skincare regime that works for me! Now my skin has stabilized, and my acne scars are fading. I'll talk about the fine line that magically appeared across my forehead at another time...
2) Next up? Stray hairs started to grow in mysterious places, like on my chin and neck... The first time I felt one I thought it was a scab! WHAT IN THE WORLD?! I'm not referring to fine hair, like what makes up my mustache, oh no, this is different. Each strand feels hard, wiry, almost like stubble.
3) I've never had a large reserve of patience. However, after I turned 35, the limited amount that I did have, well it basically disintegrated. Presently I have ZERO tolerance for 💩, and to be totally honest, I don't feel apologetic about it, at all 💃🏽
4) The color of your hair changes. As in turns gray or white... This isn't a bad thing, truth be told, I wouldn't mind going gray rapidly all at once. I would love to have pastel gray or white hair... And yet, just because I want all gray hair, well it's coming in painstakingly slow and inconsistently.
5) I almost forgot! I can't leave out random aches and pains. Nowadays, they happen for no reason at all. I am not talking about severe or chronic pain, I'm talking about feeling mild discomfort in places that I never did before.
6) A change in weight gain distribution. My entire life my stomach has been relatively flat. Now, the dynamics have changed. Instead of all miscellaneous weight gain appearing in my hips and rear, I now have a nice cushion across my belly...
7) Also notable: A decrease in the ability to shed weight with minimal effort. In years past, I'd go on a brief diet or juice cleanse, and drop 10-15 pounds with ease. Now, when I'm ready to shed a pound or two, doing what I used to do doesn't work --  AT ALL!
8) So you thought you were done with your wisdom teeth? Not so much! Apparently, your 30's is an ideal time for them to come in. I have a new one, it has shifted my once naturally straight teeth. I've never worn braces, but now I'm considering getting them 😳. A trip to the dentist is in order, but I'm putting it off for as long as possible...
9) The density of my hair is changing...I've had thick hair that could seemingly withstand any type of treatment for as long as I can remember... however now, I've noticed that the density & strength of my hair is different. I don't know how it's going to level out when it is all said and done, as my age increases, but I'm ever so happy that there are so many wig options on the market now. 
10) Last but certainly not least, your sex drive increases in a major way... but then everybody already knows this one right?!
So did I miss anything Babes? What differences did you notice after 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, and perhaps even 75?! 
Until next time,
Xx

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Still SUMMER

sunnies: sold out| top: old| pants: HERE| straw bag: another option HERE| shoes: old
Photography by A. Robinson

News bulletin: It is still S U M M E R!!! While shopping over the weekend, I could not believe what I saw in almost every store... Fall clothing on display! I get it, advance planning is everything for marketing. However, can we fully enjoy the glory that is summer?! I LOVE SUMMER! Heatwave and all!  I intend to inhale every minute until the final drop.  Fortunately for me, I live in a mild climate.😊

Today's look features fall-like colors in lightweight separates that are totally ideal for summer. Take for instance these palazzo pants:  Wonderfully airy and comfortable.  I spotted them in-store while we were in Costa Rica. I tried them on but ended up not purchasing them there because the price was actually higher than they were here in the US. I purchased them online once we arrived back in the States. Interestingly, the brand lists the color as red. From my view, they are clearly orange!  I paired them with a mustard colored blouse, and bright brocade slides for a day in the city. 
Over to you, are you soaking up the very last bit of summer?!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Monday, August 6, 2018

Baby Blues


red lip stain: HERE (01)| sunnies: old| earrings: HERE| OTS top: old
skirt: HERE| sandals: old| bamboo purse: HERE or HERE

I'm a certified forever fan of monochrome styling, when I spotted this pinstripe baby blue skirt in-store, I immediately knew that I wanted to pair it with this top. It's not the exact same shade of blue, however it is in the same color family - which makes this look fall under the monochrome category. I especially love how the two sets of stripes contrast one another. The stripes in the skirt are very fine, if you don't look closely (see picture no. 4) you just might miss them. The stripes in my top are just the opposite, bold & totally in your face 😍 
About this skirt: In my opinion, it offers up an alternative to a typical a-line skirt. Not only does it feature extra fabric (which may seem unnecessary), but it also details an excellent example of ruching, plus an uneven hem. Oddly, in a way it reminds me of a straight skirt, although I'm not quite sure why...
For accessories, I kept it simple by sticking to a white color palette. My final touch was a pair of mirrored sunglasses, and my favorite: a red lip stain 😉
Do share, are you a fan of monochrome styling?
Until next time, Xx