Sweater Permitting, featuring LANE BRYANT

Mesh Yoke Cold-Shoulder Pullover Sweater: c/o HERE 
Fast Lane Super Stretch Skinny Jean - Coated Moto: c/o HERE 
Studded Strap Bootie: c/o HERE

This post is sponsored by Lane Bryant. All opinions shared belong solely to me.

Hey Babes! It isn't every day that I opt to wear all black, as in all black everything from head to toe. Nonetheless, there is an exception to every rule ❤ Especially when it comes to one's personal sense of style! I have a lifelong affection for monochrome looks. Over the years, while chronicling my style online, I came to realize something: I prefer a modified monochrome approach specifically when wearing/styling all black everything. In what way? 
T E X T U R A L  INTEREST. 
Let's take this look as an example. First, notice how the knit sweater features mesh detail on the shoulders and frilly cutouts? These variations in texture & style coincide ever so nicely with the coated denim skinny jeans, which by the way are an AWESOME alternative to leather pants. The jeans are edgy personified, including moto detailing and matte hardware. And for the glazed cherry on top: Peep the faux leather booties equipped with four studded buckle straps 😍
I love how this fit came together Babes! It feels edgy, sassy, sexy, and on trend! It's casual enough to rock on a day/evening of errands, yet also glam enough for a night out. Remember, versatility is KEY! 
Head over to LaneBryant.com TODAY, you may catch a special offer on sweaters before it expires 😉
Until next time,
Xx

Photography by A. Robinson

cALI cOLD

Hat: Old| Coat: HERE| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Cut off shorts: DIY project| OTK boots: HERE| Clutch: Vintage| Leather gloves: Old, similar HERE

Baby it's COLD outside! Fortunately, I snagged this furry delight just in time - in fact, I plan to LIVE in it for the remainder of winter 😊 LOL! No, but seriously, I'm currently planning a trip to a COLD climate and this furbaby will most certainly be packed in tow! Who says that faux fur can't be just as warm as the real thing?! 
I ❤ the texture of this coat, and the patchwork pattern adds in a dimension of fun. Although, I do wonder why couldn't it have been designed with a collar??? 
Anywho, for its first debut in the real world, I paired it with a black monochrome fit - silk blouse, cut off denim shorts, and OTK boots (recently acquired while on holiday). 
Looking ahead, I can also see this fuzzy thriller paired with practically any pastel color, white, cream, and red - just to name a few...
What furry acquisitions have you made this winter?!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Cocktail Hour

Jacket: c/o HERE | Red & white bowtie: Borrowed from my Hubby| Sequin joggers: c/o HERE, similar HERE & HERE| Fishnets: OLD 
Patent leather stilettos: Similar HERE| Movie reel novelty bag: SOLD OUT

Another thing that I simply love about this time of year: The fabulous variety of special occasion wear available at practically every retailer, varying from low-end to high-end. Yes Babes, now is the time to shop special occasion wear! Retailers are stocked to the brim with fits and accessories for just about any occasion that you can think of. I always stock up on items that I may want to wear to venues throughout the following year (like weddings, outdoor parties, blogger events, etc), as stockpiles have a tendency to dwindle down to non existent after January. 
Today's look is a perfect alternative for a cocktail themed event. Perhaps you're like me and want to switch it up a bit-  out of the typical LBD, sequin dress, or formal suit routine. This jacket gives me a total tuxedo vibe, with a feminine twist by way of a tie at the waist. The sequin joggers are casual yet playful. Absolutely ❤ them! I added in a bow tie, fishnet stockings, and a novelty bag to seal the deal. 
Note: Although I love the fit and look of these sequin jogging pants, they may not be practical for frequent wear. I noticed that persistent friction causes sequins to get loose and fall off. This was not a total deal breaker for me- yet an important factor to point out 😉
Until next time,
Xx

Leather LBD Edition

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress: HERE| Studded handbag: Kate Spade, sold out| Suede sandals: Older, other options HERE & HERE

A few posts back, I slipped into LBD planning gear with a new scuba high-low number, HERE. My personal LBD collection is pretty solid at this point... honestly I had no intention of adding another newbie to my repertoire- that is until I came across this BABY 💥ON SALE HERE💥 

It suddenly occurred to me that a successful LBD collection should consist not only of varied styles, but also of varied textures! Like how did I miss that necessary fact previously?! LOL!

Seriously ladies, this dress was designed for evey exception. Even before I purchased it, I could see what a fantastic addition it would make to the fold. Faux leather, flutter sleeves, and a ruffle hem!!! 

Since I live in a relatively mild climate, the material and style of this dress makes it ideal for yearlong wear- including the colder months. I’m picturing chunky layers, textured tights, and cute booties just for starters… Even now, although we are supposedly in spring and just about one month away from the inferno of summer…I am wearing it comfortably. 

Of course once we tip into the 90s, I’ll probably retire it to the ‘Rest-up' section of my closet, meanwhile boiling over in anticipation of its next venture out 👀

For my very first run in it, I kept it simple, opting for an all black color palette, an embellished handbag + suede sandals. I got so many compliments on this! Several people even thought that it was real leather😀
I assured them that it was not, but it’s definitely nice to know that it looks just as good as the real thing.

Until next time Babes,

Xx

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

Living for the Weekend

You know that feeling when it’s Wednesday, but you have FRI-YAY on your mind? Some might call that, 'Living for the weekend'! Well, that is totally me today!!! LOL! I wore this look over the weekend, and let me tell you: it is so comfy and chill. It’s been a rainy winter in SoCal for the first time in a long while- I find myself relying on trench coats as a staple.  This is the newest member of my home collection, I immediately fell for its color and design. To dress it up a tad I’ve styled it with a matching faux fur wrap, and wouldn’t you know, it was just as FAB! This time around I added a pair of fun sneakers to the mix because what girl can resist glitter and furry accents?!

Coat: c/o HERE| Turtleneck: Similar| Satin joggers: Similar

Sneakers: c/o  HERE| Handbag: Kate Spade & similar here

About my hair 😉 : I decided to bring my natural curls out to play (versus blow drying my hair straight and flat ironing it) for a spell. I’m testing out DevaCurl for the very first time and I think I like it! The Buildup Buster is a cleanser that promises to remove buildup without compromising the health of your strands. From the very first use, I noticed more defined curls- even prior to adding conditioner! I’m on the lookout for my next protective style, but in the meantime --> curls reign! *I received DevaCurl products complimentary, all opinions are 100% my own.

Until next time,

XO

Step into Summer with SWAK

Hi Dolls!!! June 20^th marks the official first day of Summer 2016 {eagerly inserts happy dance emoji}.Unbelievably we are already in the middle of our very first heatwave of the season. How's the weather in your part of the world? In typical girly, style loving fashion, I'm celebrating the very first day of Summer by sharing with you a few of my favorite summer pieces, c/o SWAK Designs. SWAK sells plus size clothing from size 1x-6x. Last month when I received SWAK’s Splish Splash Summer 2016 Look Book via email, I was blown away!!! Beautiful colors, fantastic prints, and summertime goodness was served! 

For starters, take a gander at this wonderful butterfly print duster (Darla Duster). I’m wearing a size 1X. I absolutely swoon over it each and every single time that I wear it. I’ve mentioned before how usually when I acquire a new piece, I like to wear it several times in short succession. This helps me to get a true feel for the piece, and to generate more ideas of how I’d like to style it in the future. So far with this duster I’m already up to 4 times of wear and counting -and I’ve only had it for 2 weeks! The look as pictured here was worn on a getaway with my husband. I found it to be fabulously suitable for day life on the resort and night life out with the girls. During the day, I opted to pair it with flat black suede thong sandals.I wore it actually as pictured, for the night. This duster flows gloriously, and the fabric breathes.  An added bonus for gals on the short side: The length. Despite my height, even without my heels, it does not touch the ground, at all.

Next up we have a great floral maxi dress staple. Maxi dresses are synonymous with warm weather as is floral prints, this dress is no exception. Her name is ‘Erin’ and she has a fantastic print with wonderfully soft material that ebbs and flows. One thing that I really appreciate in all clothing items is versatility. I try to think about how many ways an item can be styled, prior to purchasing it. I can see this dress styled with a belt and cardigan (lightweight or heavy duty, depending on your need/preference) making for a great look in the Spring or Fall. Since the temperatures were in the triple digit zone when I wore/styled this, I opted for a minimal approach. Doesn't going minimal always equate to feeling 'cooler'? LOL! I added a simple gold filigree necklace along with cork heels to fit the bill. Note: This dress is long. If you have long legs and or are tall, you can wear heels with this dress, and it will still look like a maxi dress. If you're on the shorter side like me, not to worry, it can be knotted in a variety of ways, including as pictured here. I wore it with a side knot and frontal knot, and noticed that both ways vary up the length considerably. Plus, I have on four inch heels ;)

Last but certainly not least, we take a stroll over to the tropics via the Lani Wrap Dress. Lani has a wonderful print that makes me think of Hawaiian luau under the stars. It is very generous in size. I’m wearing a size 1X, but could have easily sized down. Actually, I couldn't size down because SWAK starts at at 1x :) Wearing a US size fourteen offers me opportunities to shop straight sizes along with plus sizes. One added benefit that I appreciate about shopping plus sizes is that the sizing is generally generous, versus on the small/tight side. 

Actually, I’ve blogged several looks from SWAK in the past that you may enjoy; See examples here, here, and here. 

Well Loves, I hope that this stroll through down summertime lane via SWAK designs has left you inspired and brimming with new ideas.

Until next time,
XO

1st look: Duster, c/o SWAK Designs-Halter top: Buffalo- Satin Pants: Sejour -Black shoes: Aldo- Sunnies: Marshalls

2nd look: Maxi dress, c/o SWAK Designs- Sunnies: Francesca’s- Cork sandals: Market

3rd look: Wrap dress, c/o SWAK Designs – Headscarf: Vintage- Sunnies: Nordstrom- Statement necklace: TJMAXX- Floral print heels: Unisa