ENDLESS Summer

sunnies: Free People, old| dress: c/o HERE| purse: ZARA| shoes: HERE

photography by LETA

Hey Babes! Today marks the final day of SEPTEMBER 2018, which also signals in an unofficial sort of way the official end of SUMMER 2018.  Of course the actual start of fall began about one calendar week ago. However in my mind, there's something more official about the beginning of fall on October 1st...which just so happens to be tomorrow 😏
I've shared more times than I can recount how much I ❤ summer, how I inhale its delights every year. Add to that the fact that I live in a pretty mild climate, I get more than my fair share of summer-like weather for a good portion of the year and it's all GOOD! Yessss to ENDLESS summers!!!
So how was SUMMER 2018?! Well, let's see: there were a number of good memories, along with a full dose of sheerly devastating moments, and life-shattering/life-defining events. Yes, this was truly a summer for the record books of my life's journey, it's pretty safe to say that it will be a summer that I will never forget. 
With all of that said, standing on the other side of it feels good. I feel good. I feel resilient. I feel hopeful. I feel strong. Every experience holds immense value, particularly when you allow yourself to learn from it fully. Living is all about learning! I've acquired a wealth of knowledge throughout my 30+ year lifetime 😉 I consider myself a better person - a better woman - for each and every experience that I've had.
I've learned to live in the present. I've learned to set boundaries. I've learned to value myself. I've learned to celebrate my life. I've learned to practice gratitude. Last but not least, I've learned to look fear in the eye.
May fall be a prosperous season for us all!
Until next time,
Xx

Pretty in Pink with Elomi Lingerie

This post is sponsored by Elomi Lingerie. All opinions shared belong solely to me.

sunnies: Nordstrom| top: HERE| elomi bra: c/o HERE| matching brief: c/o HERE| shorts: old, Mango

leopard print shoes: Michael Kors, another option HERE| handbag: vintage, thrifted

Photography by A. Robinson

I first shared my affinity for the Elomi brand of lingerie HERE. I initially met with members of the team in Chicago earlier this year. Ever since then, I have been completely smitten with the brand 💕 In fact, as shared previously, it is the only brand of brassieres that I currently wear! 
The bra featured in today's post is called the Bijou Flirt and the color is Raspberry. The Bijou Flirt is one of the latest editions to Elomi's collections, designed specifically for a full bust, featuring a seamless eye-catching color and design. I also scored the matching briefs 😌 You can see the full set pictured together HERE.
What I really appreciate about Elomi's designs, is that not only are they wonderfully functional - as in providing all of the support that you'll ever need - but they are also GORGEOUS!!! Sometimes full figure bras tend to be ugly, and... well boring. That is no longer the case!
With Elomi, not only do I have a fantastically comfortable lift, but I also feel and look FABULOUS 👀❤😁
Until next time,
Xx

Velvet Crush

hat: vintage, Antique Mall| dress: c/o HERE& HERE 
purse: ZARA| shoes: HERE+ another option HERE
Photography by A. Robinson

Welcome to Fall 2018 Loves! What fall colors are you looking forward to playing with/in this season? I shared on Instagram that I plan to dabble in reds, multiple shades of brown, emerald green, dusty pinks (pictured HERE), burnt orange, and mustard yellow 😍. In fact, the odds are very high that shades of yellow like the one pictured today (and HERE) will be a top contender in my wardrobe this fall 😉. I'm also looking forward to playing with a variety of textures...say velvet, corduroy, knit, and silk - for starters.
For today's look, I took a step back in time to my very first style love: V I N T A G E. This dress reminds me of another style era, I decided to follow through with that theme and pair it with a vintage pillbox hat complete with netting, a vintage style handbag, and classic shoes. I love the end result!
I can also see this dress styled with a modern twist, incorporating layers (think cotton button-ups or a classic turtleneck), boots or booties, and an updo 😉
Until next time,
Xx

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Sunnies: HERE| Sweater: c/o HERE| OTK boots: Similar HERE & HERE

photography by LETA

It's official, sweater season is upon us Babes. As you may know, I'm totally partial to summer. I LOVE summer! However, even I know when it's time to concede. Instead of resistance, I choose acceptance. One thing that I appreciate about cooler weather is sweaters, sweaters, and sweaters. Oh! And coats, and scarves, and gloves, and boots... What I don't like about cooler weather is any sensation of feeling cold - but that is clearly a topic for another day! 
Today's look is similar to my last one (HERE), the focal point is a sweater styled as a dress. I sized up for this sweater so that the fit would be oversized on my frame, and the length what I desired as a dress. When it arrived in the mail, I was taken in by how incredibly soft it is!!! It is sooooo soft! This is the type of sweater that you want to snuggle up in all day/every day. I love this blush hue, on its next go round, I see myself pairing it with red 😉 Because in my head, red matches everything...
Until next time,
Xx

LOVING: Girl With Curves x Lane Bryant

Sunnies: HERE| Sweater, worn as a dress: HERE

Handbag: Vintage, thrifted| Leopard sandals: Old, similar HERE & HERE

Photos by A. ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

I was elated when I first heard about the #GWCxLB design collaboration last month!!! My anticipation continued to grow each week as Tanesha Awasthi/Girl With Curves and Lane Bryant shared glimpses from the collection. Girl With Curves x Lane Bryant launched in stores across the country and online on Sunday, September 9th. Due to a FANTASTICALLY POSITIVE response, a number of pieces from the collection sold out online almost immediately👀 I hurriedly headed to a Lane Bryant store location near me the very next day so that I could experience the collection in-person + try on every single item that was available in my size 😁 (shared on my IG Stories). BABES there were a number of style WINNERS (take this ONE for starters, which appeals to my vintage love), but this mustard belted wrap hem sweater was clearly made for ME!!! It completely swept me off my feet! I absolutely love the design of it, the way it flatters my curves, and how perfect it is for FALL❤ Note: I am wearing a size 14/16. All of the items that I tried on in-store were a size 14. I would say the line is true to size, which may be helpful to know when ordering online.

Babes, Tanesha's collection takes the curvy frame from day to night with ease, class, and S T Y L E! CONGRATULATIONS to her & the Lane Bryant team for a job wonderfully executed 👏👏👏
Now it's your turn! Please share your favorite pieces from the #GWCxLB collection!
Until next time,
Xx

How to Wear White After Labor Day

dress: c/o HERE & HERE| purse: HERE| shoes: Jessica Simpson, similar HERE

photography by LETA

The best way to wear white after Labor Day? JUST DO IT! 😉 Seriously, there isn't much to it! Over the years I've shared looks here on the blog styled with white time and time again, after Labor Day. If you live in a mild climate, it can be easier to pull off because summer really never ends. If you live in a place where you get full exposure to all four seasons, say for example Michigan (where I am from), after summer think white denim jeans, denim skirts, knit dresses, scarves, and even boots (I love this pair of booties HERE). Long gone are the days where you have to relegate specific colors for wear during specified times of the year to be considered fashionably correct. You don't need permission to wear white after Labor Day, or instructions🙌 Experiment to see what you like, what exemplifies your sense of style, and most importantly: HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Wear Me Out

top: c/o HERE| skinny jeans: similar HERE & HERE & HERE| red booties: ZARA

photography by LETA

Hey Babes! With fall on the horizon, I am trying my absolute best to start thinking about fall fashion 😊 This top c/o SHEIN makes me think of a mild fall day, plus it is a perfect transitional piece. Here in Southern California, it is easy to enjoy off the shoulder tops all year around. However, if I lived in a cooler climate, I could see it layered with a turtleneck underneath. I paired it with skinny jeans and a pop of color 😏I actually intended to wear matching statement earrings, but would you believe I totally forgot?! LOL! FYI you can save 20% off original priced items from SHEIN, on an order totaling $59 or more with code "inmyjoi20" ❤ 
Until next time,
Xx

Crop Status

Sunnies: HERE | Shirt & pants: c/o HERE| Necklace: HERE

Readers poll: Have you ever styled a shirt backward? I have a number of times, today's post features another such example 😆 I scored this two-piece set c/o SHEIN and although I loved how the top looked on the model, unfortunately it didn't look the same way on me 😉 Improvising is often KEY in the style game, I tried the top on backward and immediately it worked for me! BTW: You can save 20% off original priced items and your total order of $59 or more with code "inmyjoi20" ❤ 
Over to you Babes, what are some ways that you improvise when it comes to style?!
Until next time,
Xx

Paradise Found

Earrings: Kate Spade| Dress: c/o HERE| Purse: ZARA| Slides: TopShop, sold out

There aren't many hidden gems in downtown Los Angeles, yet I officially declare the location of today's post as one of them. I stumbled upon it a few months back while attending a sample sale hosted by Cult Gaia. From the street view, the plaza looks dull and unordinary. However after a brief descent down a flight or two of stairs, it feels like you've stepped back in time. You stand smack dab in the middle of an old factory- with a vintage car thrown in for good measure. This site was particularly fab to me because I love old buildings, and somehow it gave me the feeling that I was someplace entirely different, even far far away from the hustle & bustle that is downtown Los Angeles. 
Until next time,
Xx