The New Normal

Sunnies: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Handbag: HERE or try THIS| Shoes: Aldo, old

When the weather cannot make up it's mind on whether it is spring, fall, or better yet winter, I love to dive into my sweater dress stash (I store mine in a large decorative wicker basket from Pier 1 and roll them up to save space and alleviate wrinkling). Like seriously from day to day, it feels like we go from spring to winter! In fact, for a number of days it was actually warmer (as in HOT) on the east coast than it was here in SoCal!! 
{{Insert confused face emoji}}
Sweater dresses work really well for me when it comes to fluctuating temperatures - I always want to feel warm! I DO NOT LIKE TO FEEL COLD- EVER! By rotating my collection of sweater dress, I can skip the need to add on layers (unless temperatures drop under 50), I feel perfectly warm w/o a coat, and if temperatures happen to head up unexpectedly (a likely possibility nowadays) I can easily roll up my sleeves- and boom- I'm all set!! This particular body con dress by Calvin Klein has a couple of added style bonuses: cold shoulders + straps dipped in white 😊 You know how I feel about black & white color duos! 💖
I instantly decided that this dress would make an excellent addition to my sweater dress collection. Have you noticed that sweater dress options have evolved over the years? Now you can get them in practically every cut, print/color, and apparently they even sport cold shoulders! I love the variety currently on the market- really- you can get whatever you want AND in an array of sizes 💃Over to you: Are you Team Sweater Dresses or naw?!
Until next time, 
XO

Mix & Match: Take 2

Does this top look perhaps vaguely familiar? It should, I wore it in Monday’s post :) (see here). That’s right, you may have guessed - Welcome to my second run at creating a capsule wardrobe!!

As mentioned here, a wardrobe capsule is: ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’ (The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule here)

For my very first run at creating a capsule, I chose pastel colors as the theme. This time I’m playing with a classic duo for which I have a particular fondness: Black + White

I won’t bore you unnecessarily with the reasons why I simply adore black + white. Instead, I’ll chat it up about the joy and ease of pattern mixing with this duo. You see, I've grown to love clashing prints (see here, here, here)!

Yet, I have heard from friends that they feel somewhat awkward randomly mixing up prints in a look. Do you feel the same way? Perhaps you like the idea, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Never fear, Joi is here - L O L!!! Seriously, one of the most simple ways that I’ve found to be effective when it comes to flirting with the pattern mixing game: Start off with patterns that contain only two colors, i.e. black + white. Think stripes, florals, checks, polka dots, and so on.

Using this method, prints seem to match up instantaneously. To start, go with two clashers. As your comfort level increases, take it up a notch with three or even four prints -at one time! When you do, please tag me on social media: IG,Tumblr,Twitter @InMyJoi!

Stay tuned Style Lovers, Take 3 of Mix & Match is on the way,

XO

Sunnies: Sunscape| Stripe top: Custom| Skirt: Cynthia Rowley| Shoes: Calvin Klein| Clutch: Forever 21

Bumble Bee

Happy Hump Day Style Lovers!

It’s been so hot in Southern California the last few days, we’re actually looking forward to a cool-down =)

Nothing says warm weather is here like halter tops and bright colors! I purchased this skirt last year, yet this is the first look that I have blogged it.

Yellow meringue is the name of the game (see here and here); it’s my favorite color to wear (blue is my favorite color overall if that makes any sense, LOL- example here). 

Most of the US is experiencing a great thaw out, has it warmed up in your neck of the woods? What styles are you looking forward to during the warm weather months?!

I was offered a complimentary membership to Rocksbox (Unlimited designer jewelry delivered to your door), and received my first three piece selection over the weekend. The studded earrings in today’s post came from that set (Urban Gem Pavé Peekaboo Stud), and they are all kinds of glam! Rocksbox is a membership-based jewelry styling service. You tell them your style aesthetic, choose items from their collection and wa-lah, they create a jeweled look just for you! After trying out the jewelry you have the option to purchase it at a discount, or return it for a new curated set. If you’d like to try one month for absolutely FREE, sign-up here and use code: InMyJoiXOXO!

Until next time,

Xx

Sunnies: Bestey Johnson | Halter top: Buffalo | Midi skirt: Eloquii | Sandals: Calvin Klein | Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Buffalo Print in Check

Hey there fellow Style Lovers! Happy Hump Day to All!!! I feel like it’s been a minute since my last blog post. I sure have missed dishing it up with you. You know, life never ceases to amaze me. Throughout the highs, and the lows, there are certain periods of time when you instinctively know that you are exactly where and what you should be. I am in such a period right now. I feel a level of contentment and fulfillment that is unparalleled to anything tangible, and I must say: it is magnificently wonderful. Now that I’ve bored you to tears with the ins and outs of my innermost feelings, I’ll move along to today’s look!

I find inspiration in just about everything that I lay my eyes on. Today’s combination proves that my new cell phone case is no exception. That’s right, I was inspired by a little ole cell phone case (it's hard to tell, but it has a red and black trim).

I have a thing for mixing up prints (see here and here), which by the way is totally opposite from my husband, whose style preference is classic. I asked him what he thought of this ensemble and his hesitant reply was all that was needed. It confirmed for me that my decision to rock this was totally on point and authentic to me, LOL!

I opted for big hair, or shall I say bigger hair, or even more clearly: I went for full fro mode! LOL! For those who may be curious, this is my natural hair, and here’s the simple process that I follow to comb out my curls:

• Wash & condition hair
• Detangle hair and air dry
• Add a quarter size amount of jojoba oil from roots to ends
• Comb out hair in medium sections with a large tooth comb
• Make a small part according to your preference

Xx

Buffalo check dress:Vintage

Polka dot blouse:Kardashion Kollection (worn here)

Clutch:Ross Dress for Less

Platforms:Calvin Klein (worn here)  

Citron in the City

So my friend Thamarr over at MusingsOfaCurvyLady reached out to me to join up and rock one of Eloquii’s newest midi skirts, the citron yellow laser cut midi. I felt a smidge apprehensive about trying out this skirt! Nonetheless, I threw caution to the wind and decided to have a go at it.

I was pleasantly rewarded with a BOGO offer =) which I happily took full advantage of (stay tuned for that post).

Ladies, let me tell you: this skirt is gobs of fun on overload! I am so happy that I ordered it!!! 
Whenever I purchase something new, the ever present question, "What will I wear it with?" comes to the surface. My first thought went to this abstract print tank, which has been sitting patiently in my closet (never worn). I had the sneaking suspicion that it would match the citron of the skirt exactly. Wouldn’t you know it, I was dead on!

Next in, an added matching statement necklace provided just a touch of contrast (previously worn here). Yet, I was craving more “umph”. After searching through my bracelet birdcage (literally a decorative birdcage) I decided on three rhinestone bracelets for a rocker-chic feel, harmonious with my up-do ;)

Finally, what shoes and purse to wear with it? I have a number of grey and silver sandals, but since I was heading out to an event that would require a bit of walking, comfort was a necessary consideration. I decided to wear my grey wedge sneakers. My handbag was an easy pick, it’s my favorite grey one. Wahlah, hubby and I hit the door :)

Well fellow Style Lovers, you won't believe how many compliments I received on this look at the event; It made me even more excited to share it with you!

Don't forget to visit all of my blogger babes doting on this citron hottie right along with me:


Thamarr- MusingsOfaCurvyLady
Sandra- LapecosaPreciosa
Georgette- GrownAndCurvyWoman

Aviator sunnies: Tahari

Statement necklace: Saks Off Fifth (worn here)

Tank: Calvin Klein

Skirt:Eloquii

Bangles: Zara & Nordstrom

Sneaker wedges: Steve Madden (worn here)

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

Three Times for the Count: Leopard Print | Take 3

Happy Saturday Style Lovers!
Today’s post marks the finale of this week’s series featuring leopard print! To see Take 1 click here and or Take 2, click here. I mentioned in the first post (Take 1) of the series that previously I shied away from wearing full on leopard print, let alone a head to toe look as featured in Take 2. Yes, I was happy to save ‘The Call of the Wild’ for accessories and not much more. 

Today’s weekend ready look features one leopard print accessory, with a spin! If you feel somewhat hesitant about wearing a full on leopard look, try stepping outside of your comfort zone by wearing an improvised leopard print accessory ;) Side note: I love how opaque this pair of tights is! They really have the feel of a legging and are not sheer at all =)

P.S. 
Join me on Facebook Loves! -> https://www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1

Have a great weekend!

Sunnies: Los Angles Fashion District

Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (worn here)

Tulip skirt: JS Collections

Opaque tights: Betsey Johnson

Heels: Calvin Klein (also worn here and here)

Red Hot for Fall 2014

Ever since I began picking out my own clothes (I’m told that was about age 4), I have been drawn to the color Red. My uncles quickly nicknamed me “Blood” because more often times than not, the color Red found a place in my daily ensembles. 

My love for the color Red didn’t end during my childhood. As I grew toward my preteens I found that I preferred red nail polish, and then as a full fledged teenager I graduated to red lipstick. The years went by,I accumulated way too many red purses, used a red cell phone for years, and even purchased a red sports car (a surprise from my husband). To make a long story shorter, I find brilliant shades of Red irresistible ;)

As Fall Fashion pours down the pike, I am more than pleased to see variations of Red take center stage. Yes, from fashion runways, to the red carpet at the Emmys, we’ve seen fiery monochromatic looks in Red stand at attention.

Completely on trend, Fall 2014 is at Code Red! Now, some women may not feel confident wearing the color Red. It is after all attention grabbing and very memorable. Other women wear Red generously, but they may believe that certain shades of Red are more complimentary than others. Where do you stand when it comes to Red?

I happily try out every single shade/variation of Red that I can get my hands on. I’m not searching for the perfect shade of Red, I believe that each shade can and will be executed seamlessly, with proper planning :)

This two-piece crop top and maxi skirt features a delicious hue of Red, Aurora Red to be exact. It's from Dress to Kill Boutique (click here).The experts say that “Aurora Red has blue undertones which represent a cooling down of sorts”. Well, whether Red is cooling down or heating up (summer temperatures rage on here in SoCal), I will always be partial to it!

Normally I pair Red with other Reds and or neutral shades. I decided to step outside of my comfort zone for this look. Blogging my style has taught me the joy of deviating from previously defined dressing norms. It is liberating!

My goal in styling a look is simple: to choose what makes me feel happy. With that goal in mind, I went with gold accessories, a hot pink lippie, and matching hot pink striped socks.

(Fun filter applied)

Thanks for stopping by & have a great weekend!

Crop Top & Maxi Skirt: Dressto Kill Boutique (gifted)

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Clutch: Vintage

Socks: Nordstrom

Platforms: Calvin Klein

30PlusStyle: Trending, Dresses Over Pants

#30PlusStyle (www.facebook.com/30plusstyle) returns today and we’re having a ball rocking dresses over pants (-->previous #30PlusStyle posts)!!!

This concept isn’t new, yet it seems to be surging full speed ahead as we enter Fall 2014. I bubbled over with excitement at the thought of trying it out. Sometimes women are apprehensive about trying styles that may “make them look bigger”. I made the choice not to surrender to that fear. May I say: I have no regrets! =)

Check out all the #30PlusStyle Beauties and our special Guest Blogger today to see how they layered dresses over pants:
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com 
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com 
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com 
www.mode-plus.com 
-->Guest Blogger: www.xlfashionfile.com/

Are you 30PlusStyle's next Guest Blogger? If you’d like to join us for a future #30PlusStyle post, contact us at: 30PlusStyleCollab@gmail.com. Please include your blog's URL!

Now it's your turn! How do you feel about this trend? If you're on board with it, how do you layer dresses/skirts over pants?

Until next time Style Lovers,
Joi
Xx

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn here)/Dress: Calvin Klein/Necklace: Saks Off Fifth/Belt: Kate Spade/Pants: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (worn here)/Booties: Kelsi Dagger (worn here)