Freshly Picked

dress: HERE | belt: Banana Republic| shoes: DSW

Photography by A. Robinson

I received an invitation to attend a preview of Lane Bryant’s exclusive collection co-created with Rochelle Johnson of BeautiCurve two weeks ago. I am happy that I was able to attend! Not only did I get to see my Lane Bryant family, but I also got to sip & shop - what could be better than that?! This collection features a number of dresses, each wonderfully designed with SPRING in mind 😍 Thanks Rochelle!!! I tried on several dresses, however the one that I am wearing in today's post was my favorite by far - yall know how much I love wearing YELLOW! 
Isn't this hue simply gorgeous?!
Until next time,
Xx 

Spot On | One Top Styled Three Ways

Wrinkle-free animal print tunic: c/o HERE
save 25% off your order w/ code "JOIXFOXCROFT" 
skirt: similar HERE| socks: similar HERE| pink sandals: similar HERE

white denim jeans: HERE| belt: old, similar HERE| booties: ZARA

black dress: c/o HERE| OTK boots: Old, similar HERE

Hey Babes! Today's style story features a print that is synonymous with FALL: Leopard print! How do you rock leopard print?! I LOVE that this fun animal print can serve as a neutral hue, a statement piece, or as a base for pattern mixing. 
As you can see, I've styled this tunic not one, not two, but THREE ways! Versatility is key in the style game 😏 Experiment with your wardrobe - play dress up - you can create new ways to wear staple pieces! 
Which look is your favorite?! My personal favorite is the tunic paired with the pink skirt ❤  
There are a number of CUTE spotted pieces up for grabs this season, here are a few items that are currently on my radar:
Leopard print faux fur coat
Leopard print coat
Leopard print jumpsuit
Coordinating set, top + pants
Until next time,
Xx

Weekend Roaming

Earrings: HERE| Dress/kimono: HERE (currently less than $20)| Purse: Coach, old| Shoes: c/o HERE

BABES!!! Can you believe that today marks the last Monday in AUGUST?! This entire year has been a complete blur! I stand in disbelief that we are on the doorstep of September already!  don't want to say farewell to SUMMER yet! Nonetheless, life experience has taught me the importance of facing facts 😉 It is time for me to mentally prepare myself - summer really is almost over. The change in the weather was noticeable over the weekend, instead of soaring up near 100 degrees, it was humid and in the 80s. Per the forecast, this week we won't get past the 70s. Although I'm sure warmer temperatures will return before all is said and done, I am still ever mindful that summer is truly on its way out. That brings me to the topic of transitional pieces. This kimono makes for a great transitional piece! It's light enough for warm days, yet also functional for easy layering in the fall months. That's right, this wrap dress is actually a kimono styled as a dress 😁 
Based on the reviews of other shoppers, I sized up for this piece, which allows me to be able to wear it as a true wrap dress. Although it came with a belt, I swapped that one out for an older belt in my collection from Banana Republic. I added in olive-colored accessories as a neutralizer and hit the door! 
Over to you Babes: Are you ready for summer to end?!
Until next time,
Xx

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

Almost Does Count: The Unexpected

Sometimes the best way to style a vintage number is going the route of the unexpected.

This classic beauty would look equally fab dressed up with heels, I'm picturing slingbacks, a matching handbag, and a timeless up-do.  But sometimes the expected…is well…boring…in my opinion.

I wanted to dress this look down versus up, so I went with a casual yet modern approach: A side pony for fun, a red belt for a splash of color, calf skin flats for comfort, and a statement clutch just because!

The best part about styling myself is having fun with it! Stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new things, and of course,  getting away with the unexpected ;) Check out another vintage number that I styled in an unexpected way here.
 Since I started blogging, there have been too many times when I wouldn't post looks because I lost track of time. For instance I got in some snaps of a shot I wore on June 1st, but by July 1st I hadn't blogged about it yet, for some reason or another. Welp,  I've decided to start posting those looks anyway,even if they are a few weeks late. How does the saying go? 'Better late than never'.

A perfect example lies in today's post, which I actually wore back in December 2015. I didn't get a chance to post it then because it was such a busy month for me, but alas 'Almost Does Count'....

Until next time style lovers!
XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Vintage| Belt: Banana Republic| Flats: Sam Edelman| Clutch: Kate Spade (also worn here)

Style Evolution

Through the lens of this blog, I have the ability to watch from the sidelines as my personal style evolves over time.
Have you noticed that your personal style has evolved over the years? Some outlets have identified this process as a 'style evolution'.

At times our personal style may evolve because we literally physically outgrow clothing that we have had for years – and in turn we found ourselves in the exhilarating space of purchasing a new wardrobe, piece by piece. In other instances, personal style may begin to evolve as a result of mentally outgrowing one’s current wardrobe. As we learn and grow, previous style preferences may no longer seem to represent the woman that we are today.

Case in point: Some of my previous go to pieces have been relegated to my recurring “Give Away” pile…I can still fit them, they’re in great shape, and they are still in style- yet…I just don’t seem to want to wear them anymore!  This is evidenced by the fact that I have not worn them during the past 6 months or in some cases, longer ;(

Whatever the reason, a style evolution allows for a fresh perspective and a rejuvenated wardrobe.

Until next time Style Lovers!

Sunnies: TopShop| Vest: BCBG MAX AZRIA| Floral top (worn here): Nordstrom| Waxed denim (worn here & here): NYDJ| Belt: Banana Republic| Fringe booties: Marshalls| Clutch: F21

Thrift Store Score: Peppermint Stripe

Today's post boasts a #ThriftStoreScore, I'll let you take a gander at exactly which piece I thrifted ;)

I opted for a classic approach this time around; A crisp white button-up and traditional Mary Jane's accompanied my cotton midi skirt.

It can feel quite chilly when not directly in the sun, so I added a faux fur scarf for added warmth. Layers are essential to SoCal winters! Too bad I've still managed to catch a cold :(

So, did you guess what piece(s) I thrifted?! If you guessed my shirt, belt, and skirt, you guessed correctly! An entire look for under $15! For more #ThriftStoreScore(s), click here or catch a few of my personal favorites here, here, and here.

Join me on Instagram and on Facebook :
 www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1 <> instagram.com/inmyjoi

Until next time Style Lovers!

White Shirt: Banana Republic (worn here) | Leather Belt: Vintage | Midi Skirt: Vintage | Shoes: Nine West (worn here) | Handbag: Dooney & Bourke (worn here)

Uniform

Recently while driving back from a meeting through a busy business district, I noticed that out of the sea of people rushing from one place to another, the colors that dominated the scene were black, navy blue, and brown.

This gave me cause to reflect on how much I genuinely appreciate the variety of colors and styles offered by those in the online blogging community!

I never have a reason to crave seeing creative, colorful ensembles for long - all I have to do is scroll through my Instagram feed (Click here, @InMyJoi), and wa-lah, my fashion desires are instantly satisfied =) Yes, because of the blogging community, I realize that I am not on an island by myself in my LOVE of colour!

Nonetheless, despite the vast array of delectable colors, there is just something about a simple, classic, crisp ensemble - it appeals to the eye. Today's post features my take on an old favorite, the classic uniform (click to see more black & white ensembles here and here).

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

White shirt: Banana Republic

Tie: Borrowed from my husband’s closet

Cigarette pants: Lord & Taylor

Shoes: Tildon (worn here and here)

Clutch: Kate Spade

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