Forget Me Knot

Earrings: Genie Mack| Chambray top: Old, Men's Nordstrom-thrifted| Skirt: c/o HERE| Pink metallic sandals: HERE

I'm a fan of over-sized shirts, dusters, and layering pieces. Sometimes the best place to look for over-sized tops is an entirely different department than you normally shop in. For instance, let's take this chambray shirt as an example (previously styled HERE). To pair it with this ankara skirt, I styled it knotted at the waist. I scored it at a thrift shop, in the men's section. It's originally from Nordstrom's line for men. I really like the sizing on it, it's perfect for tying in a knot and when worn buttoned up it fits like a slim cut tunic. I also like the two pockets on the front of it. All in all it's totally not bad for less than $5.00! 
Yes, thinking outside the box also includes shopping in other departments 😉
Wondering about this beautiful skirt?! It's from Grass-fields (check out another piece from them HERE), they aim to fill a need in the market for well-made clothing inspired by African heritage. I've been swooning over their bold, eye catching designs this year, and felt excited to have the opportunity to feature another one of their designs here on the blog!
Which reminds me, I still need to have a few pieces made from the ankara fabric that I brought back from our trip to Kenya last year! 
Until next time,
Xx

Picnic in Style with ASOS

Sunnies: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE,plus size + misses,HERE | Wood bead necklace: TJMAXX
Wood watch: c/o HERE| Straw Bag: Vintage picnic basket| Shoes: Similar HERE

I was so excited when the team at ASOS reached out to me to select a few of my summer favorites from their CURVE line!!! I’ll be the first to admit- initially- I almost lost my mind- THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS! 😍 Finally, I simmered down, contained my excitement, and selected my top picks… 
Next I resumed a session with the waiting game. I boiled over in anticipation for my new ASOS Curve pieces, I felt like I was a child who knew that a special outing was planned for me but I didn’t know on what day it would be-LOL!!!! To put the icing on the cake, the team had me feeling like a total MVP when my selections arrived in-person by human courier versus a traditional courier like USPS, UPS, FedEX, etc.,.
Now let’s dive into my 1st selection: A vibrant print tent dress - simply perfect for an afternoon picnic!
Let's face it, scorching summer days are on the way, ready or not. Staying cool outdoors in what feels like a perpetual sauna can be a challenge to say the least. We want to be comfortable, cool, and cute 😁😁😁 An easy breezy tent dress is just what the doctor ordered! This dress is 100% cotton, flows like a dream, plus packs a killer print! Note: The curve sizing is generous, if you'd like a closer fit by all means size down.
I styled it with an equally standout wooden necklace, natural colored sandals, and a straw bag. My straw bag is actually a vintage picnic basket that I scored as a home décor piece years ago. Having fun with fashion means thinking outside of the box! Rather than spend $100+ on acquiring a new straw purse this size/shape, I opted to make the best of what I already had 😏 I’m ready for a picnic Babes, who's with me?!
Until next time,
XO

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

Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

I'm a September Baby

“AÑO nuevo, vida nueva” translates: “A new year, a new life.” 

Each time a new calendar year rolls in, many people choose to use it as an opportunity to try to create a fresh start for themselves. Usually the thought is to set new goals with the aspiration to live life somehow differently than one did the previous year.

 I’ve read some criticism on social media concerning this annual process. Truthfully speaking, studies indicate that an overwhelming amount of “New Year Resolutions” are never seen to fruition. A change in date is simply not enough for an individual to work to make momentous changes in their life. The desire to change, yes the drive, has to come from deep within. When you’re truly fed up with something, you generally feel ready to flip things upside down to be where you want to be, and you take steps to do so immediately, no matter what the date. 

In my opinion, self-reflection along with self-examination is beneficial. I'm in a more reflective state of mind each year during my birth month, September (and now that I think of it, also during my wedding anniversary month). I think about how l lived the previous year, what goals I accomplished, what things I wish I would have done differently, and what types of things I would like to accomplish in the future. I even think back on previous years, how I felt at each age. I find that it is important to have consistent, realistic, attainable goals. They give me something to look forward to, and I feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment whenever I reach a goal.

Officially in my mid-thirties, I have entered what I like to think of as ‘Operation 40’. This operation/goal spans several years, and calls for continuous action. To be clear, I created a Pinterest board for it (LOL!); Check out all of my Pinterest boards here. As far as ‘Operation 40’ is concerned, my main objective is to take better care of ME. My body is changing and my organs have to work a little harder than they used to. My goal is to do what I reasonably can to make the inevitable aging process somewhat easier on my body. This includes making the time for weekly facials (my skin is changing, plus I have too much exposure to sun and other pollutants), moisturizing daily, utilizing treatments for eczema and psoriasis, as well as regularly cleansing my internal organs and taking in what will help them work at an optimal state. 

I may from time to time share things concerning 'Operation 40' via the blog or on my social media accounts ;)
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Until next time Style Lovers!
Xx

Hat:Borrowed from my husband | Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Fox trim sweater: Vintage | Statement necklace: TJMaxx

Blouse: DKNY | Maxi skirt: BCBGMaxAzria (worn here and here)

Gloves: Victoria's Secret Online | Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Riding boots: Ciao Bella (worn here)

Neutrally Color Blocked

Hey Style Lovers!
I’ve missed ya, how’s  life going for you? It’s been almost a week since my last post, but you can always catch up with me via my Instagram @InMyJoi  and or FB page: www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1. Things are going pretty good in my lane, although I must admit that I am astonished by how quickly time is flying by! Have you noticed?! I mean, in less than 45 days: 2015 will be here, SIMPLY UNBELIEVABLE! It feels like 2014 flew right past me, yet I am so grateful for the multitude of experiences that I have had during this year (life-wise). Yes, the good, the bad and the ugly. Daily I am learning how to appreciate the value of each experience that crosses my path, even the ones that may initially appear to be, not-so-positive. Why? Because through these experiences I have learned more about myself, down to my deepest thoughts, some that were so far beneath the surface that they lay almost completely undetectable. Yes, through every experience, I am presently more resolved than ever to: learn, develop, and grow.

Today’s look is one of several examples of just how much I’ve been enjoying the wave of Fall-like temperatures! I bought this dress a little over a year ago, yet this is my very first time wearing it. For this first time around, I paired it with a Men’s blazer for added warmth. 

This blazer has become a go-to piece, I just love styling it with everything from jeans to dresses. My husband even had to admit that he likes it too, which is odd because we have totally different tastes. 

I wore this look with shoes & boots to show the versatility that can be had; Sweater dresses are an easy choice for cool days and even cooler nights. P.S. Check out the hot pink trim, it's right up my color-loving alley ;)

Dress: Eliza J.| Blazer: Vintage| Crossbody studded bag: B. Makowsky| Shoes: Nine West| Boots: Guess

Stripes to the Maxi

Today’s look was totally driven by the desire to stay cool and comfortable.

I paired a classic cotton stripe top with a wonderfully cool and bright colored maxi skirt (also worn here).


I recently picked up this delight of a necklace, and I thought what better opportunity than this one to break it into rotation.
To further pull out it's gold accent, I added a thin, gold-tone rope belt alongside sandals with the most adorable metal gold bows (also worn here).

I truly didn’t realize initially that my Beau Tote would go so wonderfully with this ensemble! Once the thought occurred to me, I was sold, and the colors are simply delicious! In the end my mission was accomplished: I felt cool and comfortable =)

What’s your formula for staying cool and comfortable on a hot Summer’s day?
Thank you for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

Sunnies: TJMaxx
Necklace: Jessica Simpson
Top: Ralph Lauren
Skirt: BCBG
Sandals: Ross Dress for Less
Tote: Beau, Kate Spade

Drenched in Tangerine

 This color reminds me of the bright colored outer peel of a tangerine. I love bright colors, as you can see throughout this blog. There's something about them that feels so me. I've worn this skirt before, but the silk blouse is a recent addition from the thrift shop. It has a boxy shape, and is a bit large on me, so I modified it with a front tie-up. 

 Usually I wear a pair of orange shoes with this skirt, but this time I tried it with nude pumps. 

 Although I work in a very conservative environment,  I wore this look to the office. 

Do you wear bold colors to the office?

Silk blouse: Talbots, thrifted

Statement necklace: Saks Off Fifth

Tube skirt: Vince Camuto

Nude shoes: Jessica Simpson

Reviewing 2013: A Few of My Favorite Looks

Unbelievably it is January 31st. I decided to do a round-up of some of my favorite looks from 2013. 

As we move forward in 2014, I am assessing what style goals I'd like to set . How about you? What style goals are you working on?