Denim Lovers, featuring LANE BRYANT

Poplin Wrap Top: c/o HERE

Super Soft Super Stretch Skinny Jean - Ruffle Hem: c/o HERE

This post is sponsored by Lane Bryant. All opinions shared belong solely to me.

Hey Babes! How are you surviving WINTER 2019?! It's been raining for what feels like forever in my neck of the woods. Don't get me wrong, rainy weather serves a benefit, however Los Angeles simply is not built for rain! 😩 I had to dodge raindrops to get a few shots in this look over the weekend. Thankfully, the rain offered a  brief reprieve - we made the best of it ❤

Today's post features a denim loving look c/o my friends at Lane Bryant. The Poplin Wrap Top is soft/subtle gingham print, it appealed to me because I am beyond ready for SPRING! Gingham makes me think of warmer days. In my opinion, it is never too early to pull in gingham prints, even under layers if need be 😏 We have to wish warmer weather into existence, right?! When the weather warms up, I can totally see myself wearing this top on repeat! For its initial debut I paired it with fun Stretch Skinny Jeans that are embellished with a raw-cut cascading ruffle hem. The ruffle hem adds in just a touch of feminity - I LOVE feminine details! Small details can really take an item up a notch and add in an additional wearability factor😉Do you love feminine touches?!  

BIG NEWS: 

Lane Bryant is hosting The Denim Event this Saturday (2/9/19)!!! I'll be in attendance for the event at Westfield Culver City!!! Are you planning to stop by? You should! You can score 40% off all denim, get a free panty w/ any denim  purchase, and enter to win giveaways 😍

Until next time,

Xx

Photos by A. Robinson Photography

Jean on Me

earrings: Bauble Bar| top: c/o HERE (Save $$ w/ code INMYJOIxSONCY)

denim jeans: c/o HERE| shoes: similar HERE| handbag: Kate Spade

Photography by A. Robinson

A classic yet simple weekend wear consists of great fitting denim paired with a top that has visual interest. 

I really ❤ the top that I am wearing in today's post. Notice how the lace overlay almost gives the appearance of a shrug? Too cute! It is easily paired with practically anything. In full transparency, the bodice is a bit short on my torso... I wish that it would have been designed as a bodysuit 😏Nonetheless, I made it work!  

If you follow me on Instagram you may remember my rant about great fitting jeans a few months back. As a result, I had an opportunity to try out a brand that is new to me: Mott & Bow. The jeans that I am wearing in today's post are from them, after figuring out my size (14) I happily took them out for a spin (High Rise Skinny - Jane). Overall I was happy with the fit! I've since lost a few pounds and might have been better served w/ a size 12...however the fit at the time that I ordered them was on point! I'd love to see more high waist/skinny style options from the brand 😉
Until next time,
Xx

RED Alert

suede jacket: c/o HERE |red lace top: sold out| longline bra: c/o HERE
denim jeans: old |suede shoes: similar HERE

photography by LETA

Happy HUMP Day Babes! I was recently reminded of the value of great fitting jeans, after a particularly unpleasant experience related on Instagram. I realized that I've been pretty fortunate to find/have jeans that fit my curves very, very well. Case in point - the jeans pictured in today's post. I've had them for at least 5 years! However, they are exceptionally well-made and have stood the test of time. Still, I'll concede that it is time for me to add a few new pairs to my collection. My steady brand has been NYDJ for over ten years, however I am open to trying new/other brands. Please share: What is your favorite brand of jeans and why?
Until next time,
Xx

Wear Me Out

top: c/o HERE| skinny jeans: similar HERE & HERE & HERE| red booties: ZARA

photography by LETA

Hey Babes! With fall on the horizon, I am trying my absolute best to start thinking about fall fashion 😊 This top c/o SHEIN makes me think of a mild fall day, plus it is a perfect transitional piece. Here in Southern California, it is easy to enjoy off the shoulder tops all year around. However, if I lived in a cooler climate, I could see it layered with a turtleneck underneath. I paired it with skinny jeans and a pop of color 😏I actually intended to wear matching statement earrings, but would you believe I totally forgot?! LOL! FYI you can save 20% off original priced items from SHEIN, on an order totaling $59 or more with code "inmyjoi20" ❤ 
Until next time,
Xx

Fall Through

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Ruffle trim denim jacket: c/o HERE|  Denim skinnies: c/o HERE| 

Rainbow purse: HERE + another cutie HERE | Gold booties: Sold out, similar HERE

As we reach the end of the month, there are a few things that are simply undeniable:

• The days are getting shorter
• There is a crisp cool breeze at night
• In just about one month, Fall will officially begin

I lot of people say that Fall is their absolute favorite season. Here in Los Angeles we don't get a full taste of all four seasons, but Fall does typically bring on cooler temperatures. Denim feels synonymous with cooler weather. There are so many styles to choose from- jackets, shirts, skirts, pants, and even dresses. What's your favorite way to wear denim? I ❤ denim jeans, particularly those with an amazing fit which can be tricky for my curves. In recent years I have also developed an appreciation for denim jackets. Denim on denim is an effortless approach to causal style, which is probably why it is a tried and true cult favorite. 
Generally when opting for a denim on denim approach, I pair a denim/chambray top with jeans. In an effort to take a step slightly outside of my style norms, this time I opted for an over sized denim jacket with ruffle detailing. I like that the sizing will allow me to pair a bulky sweater/turtleneck underneath (for when cool temperatures take a dip) and that it is also large enough to rest comfortably over my shoulders. 
I wanted to add in some color, what better way than with a rainbow bag! 
Next I had to decide on a top. I didn't have anything in my stash that fit the image in my mind, so I opted to try out an idea I saw on pinterest, wearing a large scarf as a tube top. 
I really like it and can't wait to try it again with other scarves 😊
Until next time, 
Xx

Fall Flow

earrings: c/o HERE| one shoulder top: c/o HERE| jeans: c/o HERE| watermelon clutch: c/o HERE| patent leather sandals: old, another option HERE

When Forever 21 reached out to me and asked me to style a few pieces with Fall in mind, I thought it was going to be a challenge. I’m totally still in a summer frame of mind😲 I was wrong Babes-this assignment was a breeze! I found a number of pieces that are great for transitional wear, including this one-shoulder striped blouse. Cold shoulders are all the rage, this number gets an update for Fall with a one-shoulder feature and long sleeves. I decided to pair it with medium wash blue denim jeans plus  pops of red. Red can go with practically any color, but there is something about pairing red with blue that just feels right.

Like it or not, Fall is just over the horizon, soon the days will get shorter, the leaves will change colors and eventually fall off, and in some areas white stuff called snow will fall from the sky!

However, we need not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet 😊 
For now let’s live in the present and fully enjoy the glory  of  S U M M E R 2017!!!

Until next time,

Xx

Denim Days

Pink baseball hat: Nordstrom, similar HERE, HERE, HERE| Sunnies: c/o HERE| Kimono: c/o HERE| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Chambray shirt: HERE| Chambray shorts: Sold out, similar HERE| Purse: Kate Spade| Glitter sandals: Steve Madden, old

I love a denim on denim look, I decided to take the classic pairing into summer mode by opting for shorts instead of jeans. We are after all in the full thrust of Summer 2017! I used an over sized top that I've blogged before (see HERE) and recently acquired smoked chambray shorts (at a fab BOGO sale).
When combined they almost look like a romper, but with the ease of separates. To finish off the look and because I am a girly girl through and through I added in pastel pink by way of a short floral kimono, and accessories. 
Omission: I am not a fan of short kimonos paired with denim pants, but by opting for denim shorts instead I found a way that the trend works with my personal sense of style. Remember my lengthy post about visual balance?
This look was perfect for stepping out, and of course I look forward to debuting it at the office 😎 (not having a dress code is one of the things I appreciate 100% about my job).
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Michigan Muse with Mazda

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress: Gwynnie Bee, sign up FREE HERE| Earrings: DSW| Purse: Kate Spade| Suede sandals: TJMAXX

I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Michigan, there is truly no place like HOME. Although my husband and I traveled to the Detroit area to attend the wedding of a close friend, the highlight for me was being back on home soil. No matter how long I live in California- it will never be my "home". HOME is HOME!

Having an opportunity to visit with family (not everyone because our families are massive in size) and lifelong friends makes trips here truly fulfilling, and yet bittersweet at the same time. Of course, I've also spent some time at my favorite stores/retailers- especially the ones that I don’t have easy access to on the west coast😀

I’m so thankful to Mazda for providing me with the cutest ride to get around town in! Have you heard of the Mazda CX-3? Well I’m happy to tell you a bit about it! It actually just came out THIS YEAR...I LOVE that I get to sample a vehicle entirely new to the brand. This CUV sells from the low to mid 20K range. Here are a few features you may find interesting (because I am a total car chick BTW):

• 2.0L engine
• 146 Horsepower
• All wheel drive
• 18-inch alloy wheels; P215/50 R18 all season tires
• Halogen headlights
• Daytime running lights
• 5 passenger seating
• Heated front seats
• Advanced keyless entry system
• Push button engine start
• Air conditioner with pollen filter
• 7” color touch screen display
• Rear view camera

The color of the CX-3 that I am driving is called ceramic metallic, it’s a cross between silver and white. 
My favorite visual feature is the dual black & red color scheme in the interior. 
Oh- let’s not forget the moon roof (optional), which is great for catching sun and or snapping selfies 😎

Thank you very much Mazda for sponsoring a car for my trip to Michigan - 

there just might be another CX-3 in my future 😏

About what I’m wearing: I’ve told you about the many perks that come with a Gwynnie Bee membership (I'm working with them this month, see here & here), don’t forget to snag FOUR WEEKS FREE TODAY! My membership comes in handy in a number of ways, especially when it comes to travel- I can literally just pack whatever is in my recent shipment. 
The best feature ever IMO? You select what items you want!
When I saw this denim number it seemed like the perfect dress equivalent to denim overalls - I knew that it would be a breeze to wear in a pinch. When I’m away on travel I want to get dressed quickly and hit the streets... 

Gwynnie Bee offers the option of purchasing an item or borrowing it and then returning it at your convenience. This dress is a borrow versus a purchase, mainly because of the fit. It is a tad too large for me on top, and I’d prefer the waist to be more defined. Since it isn’t, if I purchase it, I also need to factor in the cost of having it altered and for me the grand total isn’t worth it. Nevertheless, a great thing about a Gwynnie Bee membership is that I can enjoy an item for a wear or two, and then ship it right back for someone else’s enjoyment. In the meantime, my next picks are already on the way 😄

Until next time Babes,

Xx

Over It All

Woven hat: Nordstrom| Earrings: HERE| Overalls: c/o HERE (size up)| White tee: Old| Red booties: Old, another option HERE

I haven't worn denim overalls in forever + a day! It wasn't because I didn't want them 😁  I've actually been on the hunt for the perfect pair for over a year now. I found a few options, but when it came down to it, for some reason or another I couldn't take the plunge. 

Admission: I purposely shied away from slimmer cuts, figuring that they would look awkward on my curvy frame. I was wrong! LOL! I snagged this pair online a week ago and I tell ya- it was the best decision I could have made! I ❤ the fit and style of this distressed pair- in fact they inspire me to be diligent about adding more denim overalls to my collection 😉

Once again the lesson is clear: Stepping outside of style norms can lead to a delightful plethora of new possibilities! There will be some hits and some misses - but the true hits are oh so worth it!

For my first go in my spanking brand new overalls, a ton of ideas rushed through my head. In fact, I almost felt overwhelmed with the options! For the sake of my sanity I opted for the minimal route, pairing them with a basic tee. But since I am not a minimalist, that didn't suffice so I added in a hat &  statement booties 😤 
I already have another idea lined up of how I'll style these on  the next go round, stay tuned Babes!!!

Until next time,
XO