Cooler Days

blazer: similar HERE| blouse: ZARA| skirt: c/o HERE| shoes: HERE
Photography by A. Robinson

Fall blew into Los Angeles over the weekend with gloomy clouds, gusty winds, and steady rain showers. In fact, I had to dodge raindrops to quickly capture a few shots in this look featuring a floral print skirt from the new Draper James for ELOQUII Fall Collection. In case you're not familiar with Draper James, it is a fashion/accessories/home decor brand owned by Reese Witherspoon. Reese says that she started the company 'to honor her Southern heritage, particularly her grandparents who were, and are, the greatest influences in her life'. She also says, "My grandparents taught me everything I know about gracious Southern living. From them I learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit."

I'm wearing the Draper James for ELOQUII Floral Dot Skirt. What I especially love about this midi skirt is that it can easily be styled across seasons! For instance, I can see myself wearing it with a bright yellow tank top during the warmer months 😊 Can you tell I'm missing summer already?! LOL! Since it was chilly, I opted to style it with layers this time around, adding in pops of color by way of red - my lip stain, cape blazer, and shoes.
Until next time Loves,
Xx

For the Love of Leaves

Hat: Vintage, thrifted| Earrings: Similar HERE| Kimono: HERE, snag a FREE trial membership

Bandeau top & wide leg pants: c/o HERE| Mules: Similar HERE & HERE| Suede bag: Zara, old

I have a thing for leafy prints. Like seriously.... I L❤VE THEM! When this kimono came by way of a recent GB shipment, I knew right away that it was a #BorrowNBuy. To learn more about GB see previous blog posts HERE & HERE.
If I totally lacked all self-control, my entire loft would look be reminiscent of the amazon rainforest -plus a few cacti for good measure of course, LOL! For instance, I have been eying this credenza (oh this one is nice too) for my bedroom for quite some time... My bedroom walls are green, very close to the shade of my purse. My inspiration for its recent refresh (currently ongoing) was a gorgeous palm print wallpaper pattern I saw on Pinterest. I have a ways to go to reach absolute completion, I'd love to find a nice heavy fabric in the exact print of this kimono with a white background to have curtains made...That reminds me, I need to carve out some time to make my way down to the fabric district...
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Frill Seeker

Frill lace top: Similar HERE & HERE (plus size)| Floral pants: c/o HERE
Velvet platforms & clip on faux fur poms: Old| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes! I'm sorry that I've been missing in action. Since this month started there has been one unexpected event after another - I can barely catch my breath - yet here we are almost halfway through September! One example of a recent setback is the fact that instead of writing this post from the sunny, pristine shores of the Caribbean, I am planted here in the city. You see Hurricane Irma destroyed all of my vacay plans, I vented about this on Twitter... I went from a canceled flight, to lodging reservations put under scrutiny, to modified accommodations (on an entirely different island), and finally to canceled reservations with a credit issued for future use... There were several highs and lows in trying to manage this emotional roller coaster of expectations versus disappointments. However, now that it is all said and done: I am not mad at all! Although I do not believe that everything happens for a reason (as the common phrase goes), especially when it brings suffering to others, I do believe in attempting to make the best of an unexpected situation. Not only did I learn several valuable lessons through this ordeal, I was also reminded of who I am and what is important to me as an individual. 
Without a doubt, I will have other opportunities to go on vacation. In this moment, my heart goes out to everyone around the world whose life has been or is being adversely impacted by natural disasters 💕
Until next time,
Xx

Duster Appeal

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Duster: c/o HERE| Tank: Similar HERE| Denim skinnies: NYDJs, old| Leopard sandals: Old, Similar HERE| Handbag: Zara

If it seems like I’ve been MIA just a tad, it’s totally true! It’s so hard for me to stay on track with my blog when I’m out of town 😊 I had great plans of how I’d stay on track this time around but I tell ya, the struggle is REAL! Thankfully a friend of mine snagged a few photos of me in this look after our breakfast date.

I’ve been on a kimono kick this month, today’s style story features a kimono style duster. Personally I prefer long, over-sized kimonos - this beauty totally fits the bill. Note: Size up if you like an over-sized fit 😉 
This print reminds me of flowers blooming at night 😍 Dark florals have always been a favorite of mine. Some people prefer to wear them during the cool weather months, but truthfully dark florals can be pulled off during the summer months equally well.

I kept my look simple by pairing the kimono with a nude tank and my staple skinny jeans. I tossed in leopard print sandals for a simple yet fun pattern mix. I’m looking forward to styling this beauty next with a monochrome palette.

Ciao Loves,
XO

A Fall State of Mind

As I’ve mentioned in my last few posts, we’re currently knee deep in Indian Summer. That is, temperatures have been on the rise as opposed to a significant decrease since the first day of Fall landed. To counteract this phenomenon, I’ve adjusted my mindset and have developed what I like to think of as a ‘Fall State of Mind’. 

Yes, although Fall-like temperatures continue to evade us, I am determined to embrace the change of season : )

Fall fashion in my head is associated with dark lush colors, among them being dramatic dark floral prints (see another example here). When I spotted this plus size maxi dress at a recent event co-sponsored by the plus size brand Fashion to Figure, I was taken. It brings in elements of drama, romance, and intrigue.

What I find to be particularly fab, especially given current temperatures (which on this particular day loomed around the 96 degree mark) is that this dress is made of mesh, and is very lightweight and breathable! Yes, although it is black with long sleeves, I still managed to feel refreshed by a passing breeze here and there : )

I opted to style it with black denim, because I was after a different affect. I added in black beads, a patent leather clutch, suede sandals and hit the door. Not only did I feel Fall fashionable, I looked fabulous! LOL!!!

Until next time,

XO

Sunnies: Quay Australia| Beads: TJMAXX| Plus size maxi dress: c/o Fashion to Figure| Jeans: NYDJ| Suede sandals: Via Spiga| Patent leather clutch: Vintage

Summer Fashion Does Fall

Hat: Golden Gate Hat Co.| Sunnies: Nordstrom | Long vest: August Silk

Top & skirt: 424 Fifth, Lord & Taylor| Boots: Ciao Bella| Gloves & handbag: Vintage

The start of the Fall season is just four short weeks away, can you believe it?! 2016 is flying by- it feels like Winter, Spring, and Summer all occurred in just the blink of an eye. Nonetheless, there’s at least one positive thing to anticipate: FALL FASHION!!! 
You’ve seen glimpses of it on the runways this year, in your favorite fashion magazines, and now you’re seeing it here ;) I’ve teamed up with Sharnda of Feed-N-Clothe me to showcase two examples of how to transition your summer fashions into Fall!

Dark floral prints are synonymous with cooler temperatures. Although I wore this sleeveless ensemble during the Summer, with Fall in mind I decided to style these separates differently by adding in layers: an over-sized wool vest and leather elbow length gloves. I live in a mild climate. Although Fall temperatures do provide a noticeable chill (especially for me since I am always COLD), generally it is not nearly as cold here as it is in the Midwest and on the East Coast. I finished off this look with a wool fedora, leather riding boots, and a vintage tote.
This ensemble is ideal for a day at the office or running errands here and there. If need be, depending on temperatures, I can easily add a long, long sleeve wrap in the place of this vest, and or a duster length coat ;)

Don’t forget to pop over to FeedNClotheMe to see Sharnda’s take on transitioning summer pieces :)
--->Now it’s your turn: Are you looking forward to Fall or just Fall Fashion?!

Until next time,

XO