So Faux Real

By now you probably realize that I am totally infatuated with faux fur right?! I mean faux real!!! Check out just a few examples here, here, and here...LOL! Not only is faux fur warm and luxuriously stylish - but it is also totally on trend with a plethora of colors to choose  from. I scored this blue infinity style scarf a couple of weeks ago while I was out of town, and I simply couldn't wait to wear it 💓 

Secret: Whenever I don’t feel like thinking about ‘what’ to wear to an outing, I usually opt for denim:denim (a.k.a a Canadian Tuxedo). Seriously, you just can’t go wrong with it! I really like the fact that the denim does not have to match, for instance I wore this same shirt with black denim jeans and it looked equally fab (or at least I thought so, LOL) 😉 Actually, I scored pretty big with this top, not only does it play into my obsession with cold shoulders, but it also features an over-sized fit, meaning that it can be work as a tunic, layered, and of course more fitted as shown in today’s post. Did you notice the simple tip that I included, that is- how I altered this top to appear somewhat tailored?  So often we see/think of tops knotted in the front around the bellybutton, but have you every tried knotting a large shirt in the back? You really should! 

Let me tell you, I was totally feeling the simplicity of this look - yet it had just enough umph to have me feeling myself, LOL! 

Until next times Babes,

XO

Blue faux fur scarf: Premium option here  or budget-friendly here| Cold shoulder denim shirt: Here
Flared jeans: NYDJ, similar here & here| Satchel bag: Dooney & Bourke, options here and here| Suede Mary Jane’s: Similar here

Fall Reboot

After a few weeks of basking in Summer-like temperatures once again, Fall weather has finally returned to my neck of the woods! In fact, we actually had a gloomy/rainy day over the weekend- a true rareity in SoCal. I literally have to seize cool weather moments to dive into Fall fashion, because warm temperatures are always not to far behind! 

When it comes to Fall fashion this year, over the knee boots- AKA- thigh high boots are on trend in a major way. I've read that some feel they can be a bit of a challenge to incorporate/style in real life, despite their effortless appeal on the catwalk. I snagged my very first pair of OTK books c/o The Perfect Pair Boutique and even I felt a bit of hesitation with regards to exactly how I would style them. In my opinion, they look best when they are the focal point of a look. Additionally, as a lifetime member of the ‘Thick Thighs Club’, I was most curious as to whether or not I would successfully procure boots that fit my legs properly. As it turns out, my fears were completely unfounded! I pulled on this pair of soft faux suede boots with total ease :)

For the first time around, I styled my thigh high boots casually- with denim jeans and a classic wool blazer. Did you notice the gold tone accents on the rear of the boots? So fun! I figured that added bonus would ensure perfect  style alignment with my fun fur bag, which also has gold tone accents. I was right- I LOVE how this look came together!

Have you embraced the OTK boot trend yet? If so, what's your favorite way to style them?

Until next time Loves,

XO

Headband: H&M, similar here | Wool blazer: Vintage, thrifted| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren, similar here

Jeans: NYDJ, similar here | Handbag: Aldo, sold out| Over the Knee Boots: The Perfect  Pair Boutique

Statement Check

Hey Loves! Today’s style story features a fantastically unique top from Grass-Fields. They call it ‘Royal’, and I must say- I concur!!! This beauty was/is an absolute pleasure to wear, it turns heads at every corner. I wore it to the office and a co-worker commented on how beautiful it was, stating that I looked like a peacock. I took that as a compliment, although I am not entirely clear on whether or not she meant it as one-LOL!!!

My blog provides ample evidence that I totally bat for Team Bold Color and Team Vibrant Prints (often mixing them up whenever possible). When I saw this top online, I was immediately smitten. Made of fabulous Ankara, boasting a glorious high-low hem, and n adjustable waist cincher- come on, what’s  not to love?!

Thus far I’ve only styled it with denim pants, but I can also see myself wearing it with a pencil skirt, and shorts. I open to additional ideas, how would you style this number? Grass-Fields services sizes small-4X - I love their size inclusive options!

Did you notice the beautiful “Journey” pendant that I’m wearing? It's from Kevin Jewelers, I snagged it over the weekend for this month’s blog feature. I previously announced here that I am working with KJ as a Brand Influencer. An awesome perk of our partnership is that I get to check out their fab inventory each month! Kevin’s provides a number of value pieces for the price conscious customer. For example, they offer blue diamond earrings, 1 carat flower diamond earrings, and 1 carat solitaire earrings ranging in price from $29-$995! Get this: For the entire month of October, Kevin Jewelers is having a “Clear the Case” sale---> That means you can score BIG right now! An added bonus --> Kevin Jewelers is a proud supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness month! For certain purchases, KJ will donate 10% to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser ;)

Until next time,
XO

Top: c/o Grass-Fields|14K diamond pendant c/o Kevin Jewelers (1622658)| Denim jeans: NYDJs| Stilettos: Victoria’s Secret Catalog

Checkered & Tied

Today’s style story features a stint over in the Boy’s Club by way of a classic Brooks Brothers stripe tie. I scored it some time ago from a thrift shop. While reorganizing my wardrobe (a continuous process) I came to realize how perfectly it synced up with a vintage Liz Claiborne vest that I scored at another thrift store:) I love happy realizations such as this one! Often, while reorganizing and pruning my wardrobe I come across items that complement one another well – items that I hadn’t previously considered wearing together. Those ‘surprises’ always encourage me to be more diligent about keeping my wardrobe space organized :)

The star of this look appears to be the shades, as I received so many unexpected compliments on them over the weekend! Perhaps I had forgotten how cute they were?! LOL! I think sometimes as lovers of style and fashion connoisseurs- WE often forget how great some of our acquisitions are. Like, getting dressed and being stylish becomes routine, a natural part of who we are and our lives - we may miss the opportunity to take note of/and relish in how fun an ensemble or statement piece really is!

That realization inspired me: Not only do I want to live purposefully in each moment, but I also want to relish more fully in the joy of all my style pieces more fully. Does that make sense? There are so many factors that contribute to being/feeling happiness in life- I aim to take ample advantage of each and every single one of them- including fashion!

Until next time Loves,

XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Earrings: Rocksbox/sign up for free| Tie: Brooks Brothers| White Tee: Ralph Lauren
Vest Liz Claiborne, thrifted| Wood Watch: c/o JORD| Skinny jeans: NYDJ| Suede pumps: Victoria's Secret Catalog 

Dipped in Acid

Today’s post features a simple white t-shirt and a functional twist on an older pair of acid washed jeans. I was in the mood to sport denim, but alas the temperatures were closing in on 100 degrees… I decided to roll up this pair of jeans as a capri alternative (generally I am not a fan of capri pants), and pair them with a plain white tee + fun accessories.

Until next time Beauties!
XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| White tee: Thrifted| Denim: NYDJs, worn here| Fringe clutch: Carlos Santana Fiona Chain Crossbody (the chain is removable)| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| Sandals: Tildon

Shoulder Season

Have you heard the news? It’s officially shoulder season!!! Stop by your favorite store, flip through a fashion magazine, take a look down the street- the odds are, you’ll spot the shoulder-less trend at least once. I’ve been a fan of cut out shoulders for decades (see examples here & here), it makes sense that I’m head over heels with the modern take on the bared look.

I spotted this particular beauty online, but I hesitated to take the plunge because I prefer to shop in-store. Nevertheless, the fact that it was under $25 eventually won me over, and I finally made my very first purchase from ASOS Curve!

Tip: I’m wearing a size 14 but I find it to be a bit too big in the bodice. I’m hoping that it’ll shrink, just enough, after its first wash for a perfect fit. Any who, the sizing is generous, feel free to size down. I think I could have done a size 10 easily…Moving on, this top is actually a bodysuit with a snap closure. The fabric is soft and breathable and the color is a subtle grey that could pair wonderfully with pastels.

What I love about this top besides its simplicity is its versatility. You can choose to wear it high up on the shoulders, lower, one shoulder in/out, and so on.  I opted for a lower rise off the shoulders for this causal cowgirl ensemble, but would easily wear it higher up to the office and so forth.

Yes, shoulders are officially having a moment this season and I couldn’t be more happy about it! 

Note: This post is part of a blogger collaboration with Sahily of Pretty in Pigments (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. Check out the #UnitedlyPlus hashtag to learn more about each of us and our collaboration!

Wool fedora: D&Y, worn here| Off the shoulder top: ASOS, size 14| Belt: Banana Republic 
Jeans: NYDJs, size 12 (worn here)| Booties: Steve Madden, worn here

Vested Interests

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had a mini shopping haul over at Forever 21 Plus. Admittedly, I am not a woman that frequents Forever 21, in part due to my age, style aesthetic, and preference for high quality/designer clothing.

With that being said, for some items that I purchase, I understand that my desire is not one for a long lasting 'classic piece'. It may be more so a trendy number, or something that I only desire to wear a few times for various reasons. For items that fall under those categories, fast fashion stops are perfectly suitable, along with thrifting of course! Not to mention, F21 has stepped up its plus size fashion game, like seriously. In addition to the romper that I purchased (blogged here), and the two piece stripe stunner (blogged here), I snagged  two items off of the BOGO rack =) I’ll reference this one as Exhibit A, LOL!

What I love about this vest/Exhibit A in addition to its print is the cut and length. I opted for a larger size so that I can wear a number of things underneath, including a coat if I so desire ;) I’ve worn it a number of ways thusfar, but happily I had a chance to blog this one. Denim on denim never gets old for me, and pairing denim with tan makes for a classic combo.

This look went off well at the office for a casual Friday, plus errands and dinner afterward. Accessories can gear this look in either direction, more casual or not so much. I opted for a dressier approach with a fur trimmed hat & booties.

Note: After wearing this vest several times it has begun to develop a layer of fine lint balls all over. Since the cost for the two items off the BOGO rack (Exhibit B is coming up) was only $14.99 + tax - I am not as disappointed - but still somewhat disappointed. I mean if the fabric is already having issues, what will happen when I wash it? I’m not sure that this vest will make it to next year’s cool weather season, but I will certainly be happy if it does.

Until next time Babes!
XO

Hat: Lord & Taylor| Vest: Forever 21 Plus, size 2XL| Chambray top: Forever 21, size large| Jeans: NYDJs, size 12|Red booties: Aldo

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

                                                    

Making Appearances

Some have said that appearances don’t really matter, yet experience indicates something entirely different. For instance, what is the very first thing one generally notices when meeting someone else? Their appearance! Yes, skin color, facial features, condition of teeth, eye color, hair, clothing and even personal mannerisms.

Time and time again people draw firm conclusions based on the outer appearance of someone else. Of course these conclusions and or assumptions have a considerable probability of being inaccurate; nonetheless those conclusions can be extremely difficult to dismiss.

How often have we heard the expression, “First impressions are lasting impressions?” The way that we dress, look, and manner in which we conduct ourselves does matter.
I personally notice a considerable difference in how I am treated when I enter high end retail stores based on my dress being dressy versus casual. When I am casually dressed, and perhaps my hair doesn’t look freshly styled, I notice that sales people are more likely not to approach me to ask if I need any assistance.

In sharp contrast, when my attire is dressy and or upscale, I find myself inundated with sales people from multiple departments asking how they may help me. Point taken? 
Despite awareness of the fact that appearances do carry a considerable amount of weight, I dress according to my own personal preferences. I love to dress up most days, because it makes me feel good, and seems to align with who I am as a woman. However, there are times when I’m tired and or not quite in the mood to do the norm. On those days I throw on whatever takes the least amount of effort (example here), and I set about my day.

Over to you: Do appearances matter to you? Have you observed any noticeable differences in how you are treated based on your attire?

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunnies:LEITH| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Tank: Nordstrom| Jeans: NYDJ (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Giani Bernini (worn here)|Clutch: Vintage