Fall is in the Air

sunnies: similar HERE| denim jacket: Michael Kors, similar HERE| dress: c/o HERE| shoes: old| purse: Coach, vintage - another option HERE

Cooler temperatures have arrived in Southern California. In fact, rain is in the forecast imminently 😨

I really do enjoy the rain 😍 Unfortunately, I don't enjoy driving in it alongside millions of people who don't know how to drive in dry conditions let alone wet conditions...

Nonetheless, it is crystal clear that a fall-like feel has settled into the air. I'm transitioning my summery pieces into fall-ready attire. An easy way to do that? Add in denim 😉 

I love pairing florals with denim, today's look is an easy take on fall style in a mild climate. If the temps were lower than say 65 degrees Fahrenheit, I'd add socks with my sandals ❤

Until next time,

Xx

Ruffles Redone

sunnies: HERE| leather moto: similar HERE

tulle ruffle top: similar HERE & HERE| tulle ruffle midi skirt: HERE

shoes: Michael Kors, old

Photography by A. Robinson

This is my favorite time of the year Babes!!! Why? Party-wear inspired pieces ABSOLUTELY SATURATE the fashion scene, there is so much to choose from 😍😍😍 In fact, as I shared with you last year, this is the best time of year to stock up on frilly, feminine, over the top fashions! Think ahead, what summer events you plan to attend, what would you like to wear on vacation, and so on! Typically when those moments arise, you cannot find exactly what you're looking for: NOW IS THE TIME!
I kept a close eye on Atlantic Pacific's collaboration launch with Nordstrom. As soon as the items hit the site, I went in to claim this fabulously feminine tiered tulle skirt. It is a DREAM Babes! I can't wait to rock it this season, and every season for that matter! In my mind, I picture myself wearing it next summer with a cute white bralette top or halter...I can even picture it paired with RED...Come through SUMMER 2019 - I'm ready for you!!!
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

Dark Knight

Hat: Nordstrom, old | Check shirt: c/o HERE| Camisole: Old| Jeans: Similar HERE & HERE| Shoes: Michael Kors, old| Clutch: Vintage

Unbelievably today marks the very last day of March 2017! Not only does it feel like this year is moving by at a alarming rate → this month in particular went in a blur. I guess the old saying rings true once again: Time flies when you’re having fun 😁

I wore today’s look out to dinner last week. Finally I had a chance to style this checked shirt dress sent to me by ELVI. Getting dressed for transitioning temperatures is an annual challenge; I find that learning how/when to employ layers is necessary for style survival.

On this day temperature highs hovered close to 80 degrees and there was a hint of humidity in the air. However, I knew that as soon as the sun went down temperatures would take a considerable nose dive. I opted for lightweight layers and the payoff was just what I hoped for.
Until next time Loves,

XO  

Graphic

Happy Friday Loves!!! Today's look features my first spin a graphic t-shirt! No one likes a so-called "nice" compliment that comes back around and slaps you in the face! Pretty is pretty: Period!

Until next time,
XO

Jacket: c/o HERE| Shirt: c/o HERE| Jeans: Sold out, similar here| Shoes: Michael Kors (old), similar options here, here, here| Handbag: HERE

Girl Friday

Well Babes, we’ve made it! It is officially the end of the very first week in 2017 😉 I think that merits a celebration, don’t you agree?! LOL! Did you have a pretty good week?  I certainly hope so! I did, and it flew by...literally-like time seemed to disappear! I know this question has been asked for eons, but seriously I want an answer: 
Where does the time go??? 👀

In other news: I’ve had so much fun getting glam with Eliza J. on the blog this week! This latest trilogy demonstrates just how versatile and multi-functional dressy separates can be. If you missed Take 1 & 2, please check them out here and here!

 What I LOVE about separates is that you can mix and match items depending on your style mood and or needs- dress them up or dress them down- basically styling separates gives me full control! 

Now don't get me wrong, I will be an enthusiastic fan of fabulous dresses for as long as I breathe - but- I also enjoy stepping out and showing out in/with separates 😍

Which look is your favorite? To be honest, I think Take 2 swept me away!!

Until next time,

X

Black flower earrings: Betsey Johnson, similar here| Denim jacket: Michael Kors, similar here| Sequin  crop top: c/o Eliza J.-available here

Polka dot skirt: c/o Eliza J.- available here| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, similar here & here| Patent leather pumps, here

Furry pompom shoe clips: here, similar here

Fall Into Pantone

Hat: Nordstrom| Sunnies: Forever 21| Scarf: Nordstrom| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Dress: Rachel Roy| Socks: Nordstrom Rack

Riding boots: Unisa| Gloves: Vintage, thrifted| Wood watch: c/o JORD| Handbag: Michael Kors

It’s that time again- I am back with the Blogging Beauties of Unitedly Plus, featuring our very first post of Fall 2016! This post is all about a play on color, namely the Fall 2016 colors forecast by Pantone. 
I actually wore and shot this look a few weeks back, totally unaware that I was rocking Pantone’s ‘Potter’s Clay’ by way of this over sized vest & matching riding boots. This color reminds me of changing autumn leaves. 
In Fall-like fashion, I added in layers as temperatures can vary greatly…  Exasperatingly hot in the sun versus frigid arctic breeze in the shade- you know how it goes, LOL!
I really liked how this color palette came together, and I got a number of compliments on it at the office. I’ve also worked it with short socks and my silver penny loafers. When it comes to my personal style, I am always switching it up (notice that my scarf was styled in 4 ways), incorporating a number of pieces from my wardrobe. That is what makes getting dressed enjoyable! I never follow a set of rules, so-called trends that I MUST have per so and so, or any other nonsense. I simply wear what I like, and what I feel best in ;)
*Don’t forget to check out Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram) today to see what Pantone color they're rocking!
#UNITEDLYPlus a blogger collaboration between Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. Unitedly Plus is a dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity.  We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show how personal style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. 
Join us in our mission of uniting women from every part of the world, showcasing individual beauty, and authentic creativity! Use the hashtag #unitedlyplus  to be featured on our social media platforms and follow our journey on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here)!

A Side of Lemons Please

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Denim jacket: Michael Kors| Top: c/o Ruby Linker

Tulle skirt: Etsy vendor, old (worn here, here, and here)| Boots: Betsey Johnson, also worn here

Today’s style story features a funky tee from Ruby Linker, a California based brand that offers limited edition tees styled with varying shapes and proportions. 

I was invited to participate in the Ruby Linker Style Challenge, and given the fact that I love a challenge- I selected this eclectic lemon print top. It actually fits like a tunic (see here), and is ideally styled with jeans- in my mind I picture skinnies or a cute boyfriend cut. However, I didn’t want to style it with jeans, because it felt…well… boring! LOL! So I opted to step outside of my styling norms and to have some fun with a look that is just as eclectic and funky as the tee itself : )

Interesting facts: Ruby Linker's unique digital designs are transferred to fabric. The company uses a state-of-the-art printing technique called dye-sublimation. This technique transfers thin sheets of color onto paper that is then heated, forcing the dye to vaporize and form a chemical bond with the cloth. The brand states that their garments are based on expressive art that could just as easily been displayed on a canvas or behind a glass frame, but instead have been created as clothing. 


Until next time,
XO

Throwing Shade

"Throwing shade" is a popular phrase currently used to refer to instances when someone says and or does something with insincere intent. For instance, someone may say something that clearly indicates that they are insulting you, but then try to guise it as a polite observation when called out on it. It is challenging to set specific parameters around this phenomenon, as generally the individual to whom the shade is thrown toward notices it more readily than say, a casual observer. I’m not certain who exactly coined this phrase, but I most definitely have been a recipient of its goodness, LOL! Have you had instances where you felt like shade was been thrown in your direction? How did you respond to it?

One thing that has been helpful for me:  I am an introvert by nature. Sometimes people do not fully understand exactly what that means, read more here. In general, as an introvert, I do not seek out causal relationships. I am either hot or cold… and have spent years trying to develop a lukewarm side/gray area. The people in my life whom I consider to be my friends, they are my family. They have been in my life for decades, through the bad times and the good ones. I can trust that whatever they say comes from a place of love. They want to see me happy and living my best life, and for that I am deeply grateful.

According to my experience, shade generally comes from people who fall under the casual acquaintance category, or even  perhaps from someone whom you may have mistaken to be a friend.  I have found it helpful to avoid placing value on what is said by people who: 
1) don’t know you (social media relationships are not a true indication of truly knowing someone)
2) don’t love you
3) don’t deserve you

Today’s look is a toss-up of varying shades, think 'Pastel Meets Matte.' I added in leopard print pumps because they're just as good as a neutral. Not only do they match everything, but they also add in just a bit of extra. Pastels need not be saved for the warmer months. Mix it up with dark denim, colored denim, and or prints, either way you won’t regret throwing shade- XO

Bolero hat: Tildon| Sunnies: Francesca's (worn here)| Scarf: Tildon| Blazer: Ellen Tracy (worn here) |Top: ASTR | Colored denim: NYDJs (worn here)| Leopard print pumps: Michael Kors| Handbag: Coach

                                                    

Wardrobe Shuffle: Vintage Lace

Hey there! (Slowly creeps into the room as if it hasn’t been eons since my last post) Today’s post highlights what I like to think of as a wardrobe shuffle. I’ve mentioned before that I intentionally purchase pieces that I know will have longevity. In this instance, I am not solely referring to the quality of an item (although quality does rank #1 in my book) but also in that I know that I will have the desire to wear the item again and again.

This takes a bit of forethought for me at the actual time of purchase, and yet even still, sometimes a piece serves its purpose after a year or so. For the pieces that remain with me year after year, I enjoy exploring new ways to wear them. Flashback: My personality used to be quite rigid. As an example, I could not bear the thought of mixing and matching my clothes. I thoroughly enjoyed wearing items in the same exact way, each and every single time. WELP, all I can say at this point is: I’ve changed! Thanks to Pinterest (check out myboards here), I constantly have ample ideas of how to shuffle pieces around in my wardrobe. We'll take today’s post as one example:

Flashback: I originally wore this dress under a skirt in a post blogged last year (here). At the time, I couldn’t fathom wearing this dress solo, as I don’t particularly care for the cut of it on my body (but I do heart every other aspect of it). I even thought about having it altered…. Yet I digress.. What makes this dress unique to me aside from its age (circa 1970s), is that the lace is cotton! It actually came with a cotton lining, but that was unfortunately too snug for my ample curves, LOL!

One day while perusing Pinterest (as I often do during down time, like in-between emails, and while sitting in relentless LA traffic) I saw a picture of a look worn by Jessica Alba. I immediately thought of my lacey treasure filed away at the back of my wardrobe. I already had all of the pieces needed to recreate this look, my way- so I decided to have at it! 

I wore it on vacation several weeks back, my husband loved it so much that he uses one of these pictures as backdrop on his mobile ;) Join me on Pinterest and let’s be inspired together!

XO

Denim jacket: Michael Kors (worn here)| Statement Necklace: Nordstrom| Lace dress: Vintage (worn here)| Belt:Thrifted| Cork sandals:Market (worn here)