Thrift Store Score: Michael Kors Tie Dye Maxi Dress

I'm soaking up the rays in this vibrant, tie dye maxi dress!
Would you believe that it is a original InMyJoi #ThriftStoreScore ?!

I'll openly admit, I'm not a huge fan of long dresses or skirts on my body. Why? Well, for one thing, I am short, and for two, I'm on the thick side ;) In my opinion, they can easily camouflage my frame, and cause me to look not only shorter but also dumpy =( 
Nonetheless, despite my apprehension and personal preference, several long dresses/skirts have inched their way into my wardrobe! (See here, here, and here)

This maxi dress caused me to look past my apprehensions because of the fresh colors and ruffle detail.

I wore it last week while on a getaway with my husband.

Side note: When I first bought this dress (a few years back), my husband actually brought it to my attention that it is supposed to be worn off the shoulders-LOL!

It was a great fit for vacation. It's lightweight, and 100% cotton. 

As the temperatures soared past 110 degrees Fahrenheit, I was cool, calm, and collected =)

Sunnies: Fashion District

Maxi dress: Michael Kors, thrifted ($10.00)

Tote: Coach (also worn here and here)

Sandals: Tildon (also worn here)

Stay tuned: The 30 Plus Style Collaboration returns tomorrow!!!

School Days: High End to Low End in Tartan & Stripes

Today's outfit was inspired by the school uniforms worn back in my day. I had to wear one, and detested it because I felt like it stunted my creativity. Now I rock it my way, by choice. You know which ones I am referring to: 

That navy blazer and plaid skirt deal! 

I wholly embrace tartan, and have done so since it was called plain ole "plaid"! LOL! 

It seemed only logical that my tartan blazer should be mixed with stripes and bold color.

This outfit is a mix of so-called high end brands, and their more budget friendly counterparts. I am a thrifty gal myself, yet I prefer to shop a wide range of brands to sift out quality, well-made pieces. Sometimes I find them in Saks Fifth Avenue (on sale of course), and other times at local thrift shops. In my opinion, quality and durability out weigh 'trends'. The majority of the time, I buy classic pieces, that are intended to last many years. For the fun, less practical side of me, I also purchase pieces that are trendy and hip to stay current, and to add additional flair.

This is easy business attire, and was taken to evening chic status by adding a vintage clutch. 

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Blazer: Evan Picone, Vintage & thrifted (worn here)

Shirt: Finity, Saks Fifth Avenue

Tie: Yves Saint Laurent, thrifted

Pants: NYDJ (also seen here)

Baby Jane's: Nine West (another go here)

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke Milano Collection (seen all throughout the blog)

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Over to you, do you mix high and low end brands? Do you fancy tartan as much as I do?

Bejeweled Sweatshirt, Wedge Sneakers, and Vintage Fur

 Wow, so it's Cyber Monday already? Time certainly seems to disappear! Are you planning to scoop up a boatload of deals today? I can't say that I am, because I am not much of an online shopper. There is something to be said about the thrill I get of walking into a live store, assessing the merchandise, comparing textures & fit- that just cannot be achieved online. Time and time again I visit the popular online clothing sites, only to exit out of the browser window without making any purchases....

Today's outfit is casual and comfy. I wanted warmth for the night air, and comfort for walking The Strip in Las Vegas. 

Here's what I decided on (notice my curls are back in full effect):

 

I was warm, and somewhat comfy. I must say, this being my first and only pair of wedge sneakers thus far- they were not as comfy as I anticipated! There was some uncomfortable rubbing on the bottom of my feet that I thought might blister, and then they made my bunions hurt after a relatively short time period! What has been your experience? Do you find wedge sneakers to be comfortable and practical? I do have my eyes on a pair of flat ones... 

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Earrings: Vintage, thrifted

Fur:Vintage, thrifted (similar to the one here)

Sweatshirt: Lauter

Bangles & rings: Various

Gloves: Vintage, thrifted

Jeans: NYDJ (like the ones here and here)

Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden

Bag: MMS

Thrifted Karen Kane Tee & Full Zara Skirt

So I decided to post this outfit, although in all honesty, I’m not entirely pleased with it. Why? In my opinion, it looks quite differently on camera than it does in person. Is that possible?

Here’s the look I was going for: chic, with an intentional messy pony.  What I felt it looked like on camera: Sloppy hair, and ill-fitting skirt L

Where did the disconnect occur? In the mirror I was totally pleased, and even received a number of compliments at the office. Has this ever happened to you?

 

Signed,

Disenchanted

 

My ensemble:

Karen Kane tee

Zara full skirt

Kelsi Dagger booties (also seen here)

Dooney & Bourke handbag

Leather Midi Skirt

Happy Monday! A co-worker once told me: 'I didn't know Mondays were supposed to be happy', I replied: 'Monday is what you make it'. Make today a good one. There will never be another day, another hour, another minute, nor second - exactly like this one. Enough of my ramblings, on to today's post:

I love leather - handbags, furniture, clothes - you name it. This skirt is another item from my oldie but goodie collection. It's midi length and a straight cut. It seems to have stretched over the years, but I must say this fit and length is my fav thus far.

A note about the booties I am wearing: They are very comfy! I can wear them for 8 + hours = no pain whatsoever!!! I've noticed that I have been wearing them as my go-to black shoes. This proves that not all high heels bring discomfort. I believe that the platform on this pair aids in balancing out the height.

Who I'm Wearing

Earrings & necklace: Heavenly Couture

Top: One Clothing

Bracelets: Thrifted & Ross

Skirt: Saks Fifth Avenue

Booties: Kelsi Dagger

Handbag: Coach

Blue Floral Print Midi Length Dress

Today's outfit post features a midi length floral dress with blues and purples. It's thrifted and vintage, but I am not sure how vintage? 70s or 80s, maybe? I'm leaning more toward 80s, it makes me think of Marianne's or Winkleman's...Does anybody remember shopping at those stores?! I'm aging myself...

This go round I paired it with a turquoise shrug.  Usually on warm days, I wear it as is, sleeveless. Today's fall temps hit 80 (Fahrenheit), and now that I am acclimated to warmer temps most of the time, 80 can feel a tad nippy in the shade! LOL!
I also rocked my new favorite shades from Heavenly Couture.

What I wore:

Shades: Heavenly Couture

Necklace & studs: H&M

Shrug: Calvin Klein

Dress: Thrifted & Vintage

Peep-toe pumps: Giani Bernini

Handbag: Coach

Two Pleats in a Row

'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' - that's my motto. Two pleated dresses, two days in a row. Now what is odd, as you'll learn about me: I'm wearing black. I rarely wear black, let alone all black. Perhaps my big hair clouded my judgement (no pun intended). 

Anywho, here I am, in rare form: dressed in black.

Earrings: Thrifted

Necklace: TJMaxx

Bracelet: Ross

Peplum Top: Loehmanns

Dress: Thrifted

Stilettos: Nine West

Handbag: Brahmin

These shoes are a fav of mine. Although they are super pointy, the width is wide enough across the front brim that they are comfy. I'd love to have a few pairs, in cobalt blue, yellow, and fuschia. Fun, fun, and more fun. 

Well, the countdown continues to Friday! Whoo hoo!

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 3: Sunday Best

Part 3 wraps up my series, "Snapshot of Detroit". I took these shots on a Sunday afternoon, in the inner city. I remember when this area had thriving businesses. Now looking at it, you might think that this is a city outside of the US. It isn't. 

This is #DetroitUSA.

Hat: Vintage, thrifted - Jewelry: Jessica Simpson - Dress: Madison Leigh - Shoes: Via Spiga

What I Wore: Tulle Skirt to a White Party

We attended a White Party while visiting Detroit last weekend. There has been at least one 'white' themed event each year for the past few years. Last year I wore white jeans and a crochet top, the year before that, a white shirt dress, and so on. Typical off the rack wear. When I received an invite this go round, I immediately had an image in my mind of what I wanted to wear. I wanted to be, in a word: unique. This go round the attire was specified as dressy; slightly different than events in years past. I love an excuse to dress up, so I set about looking for a retailer that sold a nice full tulle skirt. That proved to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. So, I opted for a well recommended vendor, and had the skirt custom made.

Jewelry: Nordstrom

Top: TJMaxx

Skirt: Custom made

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

This was a really fun outfit to wear! We made a long night of it, and while downtown after the White Party, many folks offered their congratulations as they thought we just got married - LOL! As the night went on, I wondered if anyone would gift us with a wedding present =) 

I didn't care for the way these pictures turned out, as it was an overcast evening. I added a basic filter which didn't really help...but oh well, it is what it is!

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 2: Vintage Peach Maxi Dress

Here's another look at my hometown, Detroit. You'll notice a stark contrast to the images shown in Part 1. 

Yes, there is beauty in my city. 

What I Wore:

Dress: Vintage, thrifted (I don't care for dolman sleeves, but this one was a winner)

Jewelry: TJMaxx, Nordstrom, Kohls, Thrifted

Booties: Levity

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke

It's good to be home, #detroitusa