HELLO Summer

sunnies: similar HERE| top: similar HERE| skirt: old| suede sandals: HERE| straw bag: similar HERE

Summer 2018 came in with a BANG - and by a BANG I mean it came crashing through with an I N T E N S E  heatwave💥 I freely admit, I am an advocate for summer living all year long, however the 1st heatwave of summer 2018 totally caught me unaware! It's true, we're in mid-July, the time of the year when temperatures are supposed to soar up up and away. This is my favorite season!!! Nonetheless, while I've been out and about trying to live my best life, this heat has been draining all of my energy in brute force! For example: Every time I spend any amount of time walking around during the hours of 12-6p, I instantly feel completely tapped out, and in desperate need of a nap. A few things that help me to feel refreshed along with regular naps (a fav pastime): Drinking lots of water, eating sweet fruit (watermelon & cherries come to mind), rooftop siestas, fresh ice cream, and maxing out the AC.
Over to you: How are you managing heatwave season?
Until next time,
Xx

Free Flowing

Sunnies: HERE| Earrings: HERE| Halter top: Old| Pants: c/o YOURS Clothing| Slides: Dolce Vita, sold out

I was reminded of my adoration for palazzo pants a few months ago when I spotted a fantastic pair in lemon print online (blogged HERE). Shortly thereafter I came across  another pair in basic black, I knew that I needed to add them to my collection pronto. When they arrived in the mail I initially thought I might have to have the length altered. Imagine my surprise and elation when I tried them on - the fit AND the length was a perfect match for my body 😍 Despite their dark hue, the pants are wonderfully light weight. I was cool and comfortable (and feeling very cute 😉) on a day where temperatures soared up to 85 degrees.
For their grand debut out, I paired them with a knit, mustard colored halter top, along with tropical print fabric slides. Next time around I'm already planning to pair them with a black OTS bodysuit... Thank you to YOURS Clothing for another delightful find ❤
My one style wish: That these pants were designed with pockets. 
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Go High or Go Low

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress, Lord & Taylor (other cuties from the same brand HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE
Shoes: Nordstrom| Orange purse: c/o HERE

It's so hard to believe that we have reached the end of August 2017! I know that I say this often here on the blog, but truly: Where does the time go?! Before we know it, we'll be closing out the year and heading nose first into 2018😔I'll just let that sink in for a moment...
With four months left in 2017, I'm admittedly overdue for my regular 'check-in with self'. I've decided to postpone it just a few weeks more, until an upcoming getaway. I can always think more clearly outside of the city & my day to day routine. There are a number of topics that I really want to think deeply on, including where do I want to go from here with my blog 😊 Since my list of things to review is somewhat lengthy, I think I'll make a note of all the pointers that I want to be sure to reflect on, and take along a journal with me.  How do you carry out your self check-ups?
Today's look features a dress scored at my very 1st favorite retailer, Lord & Taylor.  When I was home (Michigan) over the summer I made it a point to spend some time there, as L&T is not available in brick & mortar form here on the west coast. I ALWAYS prefer to shop items in-person...
Presently I'm in a pretty committed relationship with Nordstrom, they've been doing a pretty good job at servicing my needs. From time to time I still pop over to L&T via the online option, generally when they ping me with a tempting email advertisement. Come to think of it, I recently scored a few great pieces on summer clearance...
Until next time,
Xx

Rainbow Bright

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Earrings: HERE| Top: c/o HERE|  Skirt: HERE| Apple purse: c/o HERE| Red sandals: Older, similar options HERE & HERE

How was your weekend Loves?! Mine was pretty good- I mean just that fact that it was a W E E K E N D makes it GOOD right?!

Today’s style story revolves around this rainbow-like beauty (actually called Vibrant by the retailer) that I spotted HERE a few weeks back. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the rainbow color combination and the full/midi length design. I was skeptical about ordering it because I wasn’t sure how voluminous it would be or if its design would prove to be bulky on me… I read through the reviews and decided to throw my apprehensions to the wind- if it didn’t work out I’d simply send it back! Well it arrived and wouldn't you know that it totally met my best expectations. Don’t you love it when that happens?! 
Sidebar: Reading reviews are super helpful for me when ordering clothing online. I especially love it when I can see pictures of an item on actual customers versus the brand/retailer's model.

Back to the story: I already had an idea in mind to pair this skirt with red (my childhood favorite color – stories of which I’ve bored you with several times) and this OTS top was a perfect companion.

Actually, I have an ample selection of OTS (off the shoulder) tops right now, the thought has crossed my mind of what will I do when I’m tired of this effect (I'm a chronic planner)… The obvious conclusion is that a few favorites will make the cut- while others will be donated during my monthly purge cycle(s). Even still, have you noticed that it is a challenge to find/purchase a top nowadays that isn’t off the shoulder? Hopefully when the times comes, designers/brands/retailers will step up and get back to the business of providing regular old fashioned shirts- LOL! Until then: Long live shoulders!!!!

Ciao for now,

Xx

Take Me to the Tropics

Printed top & wide leg pants: c/o HERE (size up + save with code "XOJOI")| Handbag: Kate Spade, older| Statement necklace: From my trip to Kenya

When I was little, I often went on road trip with my family during the summer. A constant question that I can remember asking while enroute was: Are we there yet? Fast forward decades later, I am constantly thinking: Is it time to go on vacation again yet?! LOL! Clearly not much has changed with me 😎
When I spotted this two piece set HERE I knew that it would be perfection for an upcoming island vacation. It has a wonderful print, is lightweight, and totally tropical. 
I think I will have the top altered a wee bit (it's supposed to be a crop) along with having the length of the pants shortened. That way I can wear them with lower heels/flats whilst island hopping 😉 But then again, I do love the billowy length- but I also don’t want to be forced to wear 4 ½ + inch heels all the time…hmmm. I guess altering the pants requires more thought...
Whichever way it goes, one thing is for sure: This 2 piece set will be on the plane with me in just a few short months!!!

Until next time,
XO
P.S. Is it time to go on vacation again yet?!

A Color Story

I find inspiration in practically every facet of my life. One day while perusing a home décor site I came across a glorious color combination. Immediately I was taken by it, and I thought of how I might be able to play it out in real life, not in my décor- but in my wardrobe- LOL! Yes this duo of pastel pink and rich green was love at first site! I saved it to my ‘to-do’ list on Pinterest to be executed as soon as possible.  

As it just so happened, my friends over at The Perfect Pair Boutique sent me this dreamy top – serious pastel pink perfection.  I was so excited because shortly after receiving it I had the realization that the acquisition of this top meant that I was  finally going to have the opportunity to play out my color adventure in real life 😊

Since this top is over-sized, I opted to style it with a pencil skirt- as a balancing act, but I’m also considering this pair of pants to pair it with in the future. I just love it when a plan comes together! Plus, I have one less thing on my ‘to-do’ list, and we all know how checking tasks off as completed feels wonderful!

Until next time,

XO

Suede top: c/o HERE| Pink faux fur scarf: ZARA (worn here) |Green pencil skirt: Similar here

Purse: ZARA| Leopard print shoes: Options here, here, and here

Shoulder Swag

It’s a guaranteed good time when I step into an animal print dress with billowy sleeves and style appeal! This gypsy inspired number is such a fun wear, I opted for a pop of added color by infusing fuchsia colored tights to the mustard color mix. The fit is over-sized, I am shoulder obsessed: What better way to add in more fun via a white button-up shirt underneath and a hint of shoulder swag! If you prefer a tailored look, I recommend sizing down.

Sidebar:  Would you believe that I have had these tights 5 years or more?! Seriously, I love the fact that they are truly solid opaque and have functioning control top! They are by DKNY and although they can be a bit pricey- they stand the test of time! 

Until next time Babes,

XO

Sunnies: Here| Dress: c/o Elvi, available here| White button-up shirt: Similar here & here| Tote: Dooney & Bourke, similar here
Tights: DKNY, similar here & here (not available in pink)| Booties: Similar here

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

Orange Crush

I wrote a post over on another blog a few months back about how personal style choices can reflect contrary personality traits. I live for bold color combinations like the one pictured in today’s post.  It's like tangerine, lemon, mustard, and caramel all tied into one color palette. Vibrant color makes me feel happy, I not only wear it- I live in it. 

Sometimes incorrect assumptions are made per an individual’s style choices. For instance, because these colors are somewhat bold, people at times assume that I must be a loud, outgoing/talkative, i.e. an extrovert. I would be totally remiss if I said that I wasn’t a passionate person, however I cannot concur with the idea of being outgoing or an extrovert. I’ve discussed it before, I am most certainly an introvert (read more here).

Admittedly, I can also see telltale signs of change. Change is the only thing that is constant and inevitable. Case in point: I can remember times when I would shy away from certain clothing choices simply because I didn’t want to have dialogue about what I was wearing or to draw 'unnecessary attention'. 

My how things have changed! At present I actually enjoy writing about my style (sometimes I still can't believe it) and now I have the most random exchanges with bystanders. Blogging has helped me to be open to unexpected conversations, relationships, and commonalities. Nonetheless, I am still no Master of it, LOL!

I have always dressed for a party of 1. That is, whatever I wore/wear was/is for my own personal consumption/enjoyment. Bold colors (see here), mixed prints (see here), black & white duos (see here), or visits down neutral lane (see here)- whatever I wear-it’s all for me! I love to feel good in my clothing. Style is a way to express my creative individuality. Creative expression is never limited per ethnicity, size, age, or personality type.

Until next time Loves!
XO

Sunnies: F21| Top: F21 (size large)| Skirt: Eloquii (also worn here)| Sandals: Kelly & Katie| Handbag: Coach