Flushed With Blush

I have a confession…
I have a new color crush….totally different from those of the past….

Vibrant, rich, tantalizing hues have been my M.O. for 20+ years, but lately…well…I find myself intrigued with neutral color palettes. What’s happening here?!
In a word:  C H A N G E.

There’s something about the color blush , it’s not quite pink, yet it is not quite beige or tan either---> it’s blush! While perusing Pinterest I’ve come across several combinations of black & blush that are classically fantastic.

I picked up  this hi-low blush top a month or three ago (debuted it on date night) - it’s high time that I sift more blush colored items into my collection.

TGIF Beauties & have a wonderful weekend!
XO

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| High-Low top:ASTR | Jeans: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (worn here)| Floral Clutch: Vintage

Neon Citron & Classic Stripes

Today's style tale stems from a cluster of bracelets that I snagged at H&M on clearance. I loved the color/design, and I wondered what style concoctions would arise as of a result of the purchase. First I wore them with an all black look, and second with a dark blue dress. Unfortunately I neglected to take pictures in either of those looks...As I've mentioned on my Instagram account, I truly do not like taking pictures. This blog is a labor of love and it regularly takes me completely outside of my comfort zone. Which is not necessarily a bad thing! Nonetheless, I have digressed. On to today's look:

I thought this striped trumpet skirt would be a good fit (for the bracelets), but initially I planned to wear it along with a black top.

I decided to have some fun with it, and went for this neon citron top instead =)

Notice my fun-filled, matching statement ring? I also have a giraffe print on my nails which is equally fun & funky ;)

I added sunnies, a clutch, and black booties to complete the look. 

Sunnies: LA Fashion District, also worn here
Top: Ross
Skirt: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelets: H&M
Clutch: Vintage. thrifted
Booties: Chinese Laundry, worn here

Until next time lovlies and thank YOU for visiting today!
X

Classic Dark Denim

It's Monday again, can you believe it?! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead =)

Today's post reflects a look I wore over the weekend:

Sunnies: TopShop

Blouse: Vintage, thrifted

Dark denim skinnies: Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJs- examples worn here, here, and here)

Gold platforms: Calvin Klein (worn here)

Gold clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Until next time dolls!

X

More Ankara Anyone?

So I ventured down to the Fashion District and happened up on a fabric store that sold Ankara. 
Now why did I do that? After I deliberated for nearly an hour, I walked out with two bundles, and had this skirt made with one of them :) This is my very first, yes, one and only, Ankara skirt!

Remember how I said that I'm kinda fond of blue (here)? The blue and yellow in this print captured me! 

Even now as I look at it I wonder: Is it yellow or citron?! On camera it looks more yellow, but in person there seems to be a tinge of a green-like hue to it..

The flow and ease of this fabric is totally perfect for the warm breezy days of summer.

I added a simple yellow tank, gold bangles, and a beaded evening bag.

I was more than pleased that my curly curls decided to behave and I had superb curl definition :) For me as a natural haired gal, perfect hair days can be like finding that illusive needle in the haystack!

Have you tried Ankara? If so, how do you rock it?

Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting!

Xx

Sunnies: Tod's (also worn here, here, and here)
Tank top: Amber Sun: Nordstrom
Skirt: Custom made
Sandals: Nina (worn here )
Beaded evening bag: Vintage, thrifted

What "CURVY" Means to Us

In recent years, there has been much discussion surrounding the use of the word “CURVY”, especially when it comes to plus size women. I have read numerous articles on the controversial subject, some degrading and offensive, and others amusing and somewhat intriguing.  

For instance, recently I came across an article in my hometown newspaper, The Detroit Free Press. It is titled: “Does 'curvy' label do large women a favor?” The author outlines some of the advancements that have been made in the fashion industry to include plus size women. She says: “It would be tempting to say we, as a society, have evolved. It would be tempting to say we’re no longer bound by prejudices about body size. It would be tempting to say we’re finally seeing and believing that women with large bodies are worthy of our respect.” I found her sentiments intriguing. In my opinion, the society that I live in is still very much bound by prejudices toward body size. The author goes on to say: “Society still loathes large women, it just doesn’t call women large any more. These days, large women are “curvy.” Even if they have no definable waist or hips, the very definition of curvy.”




Aha! Herein lies the basis of today’s post: 
What is the definition of “CURVY”? Can it be subjective or objective? 

I asked fellow #psbloggers from one end of the globe to the other to weigh in with me on the following questions:

How do you define the word curvy?
In the past, when I thought of a curvy woman, I pictured someone who had a smaller, defined waist, and shapely hips. I never believed that being curvy had anything to do with the size of a woman. For example: a woman that wears a size 4 can have curves, just as a woman who wears a size 14 can have curves. A woman who wears a size 6 might not have curves, just as a woman who wears a size 16 might not be the representation of curvy.

Do you consider yourself to be curvy?
Why yes, I certainly do!

Has your perception of the word curvy changed since joining the online plus size community?
My perception of the use of the word curvy has changed. I’ve come to realize that curves take on all forms, and shapes. It is not up to me to tell another woman whether she is or is not curvy. If a woman chooses to describe her body as curvy, it is not my taste to challenge the validity of what she asserts. At the end of the day, every woman is beautiful in a unique way.

How do you feel about the public’s perception of the word curvy, and its use in the plus size community?
I do not feel that being plus size is automatically synonymous with having curves, or being curvy. However, I don’t believe that the public should attack plus size women for using the word curvy to describe their bodies. At the heart of it all, most plus size women do not want their bodies to be described in terms that have a history of being offensive, degrading, and hateful. The descriptive word "CURVY" has a different connotation, one that generally engenders positive thoughts. The word CURVY does and will always have a place among plus size women!

The article that I referenced earlier asserts: “What makes most sense is to stop putting women into categories.” Well, that would be nice, but in my opinion, categories do serve a purpose. For instance, when searching for fashion inspiration on Pinterest/Instagram, without categories, how would we specify the images that we’d like to see? Just a thought…

Check out what “CURVY” means to my fellow #psbloggers:

Ashley @ www.fabellis.com
Delilah @ www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com
JoJo @ www.icurvyworld.com
Lauren @ www.thecurvyperfectionist.com
Nina @ www.curvymod.blogspot.com
Olivia @ www.curvesbecomeher.wordpress.com


Until next time lovelies!
Xx

Whiteout

I'll start with a story: When we lived in Michigan (which is starting to feel like something I once dreamed), practically every winter we'd make a drive to Chicago. Generally temperatures would be fiercely cold, and inevitably there'd be snow. One year in particular stands out, as we experienced a full whiteout on the way back home. For those who may be unfamiliar, a whiteout occurs when blowing snow obstructs your view. Literally we could not see past the front bumper on our car! That was the scariest driver ever, and there were many accidents. We slowly drove out of it (at about 10 mph) and eventually made it home safely.

Why the story? For some reason, today's look reminded me of that scary drive home. Fittingly I titled this post: Whiteout :)

For soaring summer temperatures, linen is totally ideal. This linen shirtdress is a favorite, I especially like this style in white.

The only thing that drives me batty about linen, is that it wrinkles like crazy; Next time I'll be sure to take pictures at the start of my day, versus mid-way through it!

What I'm wearing:

Linen shirtdress: Liz Claiborne

Tote: Coach

Studded sandals: Calvin Klein (worn here)

Have a great day lovlies!

Coral Hued

Can you believe that the month of June is here?! I am in disbelief!! 2014 is halfway over! Time is flying by so fast, that honestly I can barely keep up. Nonetheless, as the saying goes: 'The show must go on.'

Today's post features a vintage number that I altered myself. Sometimes I spot vintage pieces that I like, yet they have a "but" factor. What do I mean? Well, it's when you see a dress or skirt, etc.,. while shopping and you say/think: "I like that, but...". For this dress I thought: "I like it, but I'm not feeling the sleeves." Nonetheless I purchased it, and eventually cut off the sheer sleeves. TIP: When vintage shopping, I find it best to think outside the box as much as possible.

This dress is a classic a-line silhouette, and drapes effortlessly.

I decided to wear this handmade vintage clutch with it, because let's face it- it was the right thing to do! LOL! Seriously, the embroidery is meticulously done, and the color of the flower is almost an exact match.

Now these shoes were actually on their way to my donate pile, when I realized that they were an exact match to the color of this dress. I'm not that crazy about wedge style shoes anymore, and I've noticed that I've been slowly removing them from my wardrobe.

All in all, I was pleased with the completed look, and I decided that I'll hang on to this pair of wedges for a little bit longer ;)

Sunnies: Vintage
Earrings: H&M

Dress: Vintage

Clutch: Vintage

Wedge Sandals: Seychelles

Thanks for stopping by!
Xx

30PlusStyle: The $30 Challenge

The #30PlusStyle Collaboration is back, and this time we are bargainista focused! The aim of this post was to put together a look for our readers that was purchased for about 30 bucks, USD (accessories not included). 

If you've been following this blog, you know that I love a good deal. Yet, this post was a challenge for me. Why? Well, I had difficulty in picking a look that I felt would resonate with readers. Being a lover of vintage style, I decided to go with one of my classic dresses and a few simple accessories. 
Less can be more =)

From personal experience, I know that stylish, quality clothing does not have to cost an excessive amount. 
Because I am primarily a brick and mortar shopper, here's a quick rundown of some options for the bargainista inclined. 

Every major department store has designated times throughout the year to reduce their inventory significantly to make way for new merchandise. When merchandise doesn't move at major retailers, it often ends up at bargain stores such as Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, Lord & Taylor outlet, Dillards outlet, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory and so on. These stores too also mark merchandise down even further in an effort to make room for new stock. 

And then of course there are a few outlet mall stores that actually sale merchandise from their flagship stores. 
Sometimes the selection can be limited, as a number of retailers have begun making specific items to be sold at their outlet locations.

Finally, there is the thrift store and vintage boutique option. Going this route may cause for additional patience, as well as some prior knowledge of brand name clothing and attention to quality stitching. This is where I come to life! Although I shop sales just about everywhere, high end to low end, thrift store shopping has become a hobby, and I enjoy it ;)

Here's the rundown on what I'm wearing:

Sunnies: Tod's 
Pinstripe dress: Vintage, thrifted $5.00
Belt: Banana Republic, thrifted $4.00
Booties: Steve Madden, DSW $20.00
Handbag: Coach

All in all, with some effort, clothing that aligns with your personal style can certainly be obtained at a bargain! What's your favorite way to score a bargain?!

P.S. 
--> Don't forget to check out all the #30PlusStyle beauties:
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.mode-plus.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com

Sea of Florals

This week is a short one, yet I can hardly believe that it is Wednesday already! Can we say two more days until FRIDAY?! 

This silk floral number is a goodie from my stash, I simply never tire of the spring-like floral print.  So much so that I have began to wear it all year around. I'm thankful for the mild climate here! This floral print has lovely hues of pink, purple, and bursts of gold- irresistible!

It's effortless to wear, and although it is silk, it doesn't wrinkle excessively.

I'm particularly fond of the waist panel detail and runching on the bodice. Wait, who am I  kidding? The floral print sold this number! LOL! 

I'm a girly girl in every way and I love every feminine detail being served in this dress :)

This time around I wore it with a lilac leather handbag and neutral snakeskin pumps. 

Dress: Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique

Handbag: Coach

Snakeskin pumps: Nine West