It's Still Summer

Hat: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Handbag: Older, similar option HERE| Suede Sandals: Via Spiga, old

So it's almost Fall, but not quite, which means that it is still summer 😊 I took advantage of this simple fact, and put this outfit together for a spin. I acquired both the hat and dress about the same time (a few weeks ago), although neither were intentionally meant to be paired with the other. However, when the dress came in the mail I immediately knew that it belonged with this hat 💥 Wasn't I right? Don't they look so happy together?! LOL! 
If you're a regular visitor to my blog I will not bore you again about my ❤ of black & white color duos...Instead, I'll introduce you to a new-to-me brand, Simply Be. Simply Be is a UK based women's fashion retailer. They aren't new to the scene, in fact according to their site - "We’ve been leading the way in plus-size fashion for years, so we know a thing or two about creating perfect fits. Every time. And for everybody."

And check out this ah-mazing mission statement:

WE ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.
AND WE ARE NOT A FAD.

CURVE IS NOT A TREND OR A HOT TOPIC.
IT’S NOT AN ADD-ON OR AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
IT’S AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

IT’S WHY WE EXIST.
WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE DAY ONE.
AND WE’RE STILL LEADING THE WAY.

WE DEMAND STYLE. WE DEMAND FIT.
AND WE HATE COMPROMISE.

WE ARE SIMPLY BE.

WE ARE CURVES.

This vintage inspired midi dress flatters a variety of body types, and it comes with a high neck and cut-out shoulder detailing. It's currently available is sizes 8-28, plus you have the option of selecting from two different lengths (which I didn't realize when I ordered it).

The cut-outs are my absolute favorite feature hands down! Not only are they great alternative to the cold shoulder trend, but they also tie in wonderfully with the vintage design. 

I got a number of compliments both times that I wore this look - I look forward to styling the dress and the hat with existing items in my wardrobe.

Until next time,
Xx

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

So Faux Real

By now you probably realize that I am totally infatuated with faux fur right?! I mean faux real!!! Check out just a few examples here, here, and here...LOL! Not only is faux fur warm and luxuriously stylish - but it is also totally on trend with a plethora of colors to choose  from. I scored this blue infinity style scarf a couple of weeks ago while I was out of town, and I simply couldn't wait to wear it 💓 

Secret: Whenever I don’t feel like thinking about ‘what’ to wear to an outing, I usually opt for denim:denim (a.k.a a Canadian Tuxedo). Seriously, you just can’t go wrong with it! I really like the fact that the denim does not have to match, for instance I wore this same shirt with black denim jeans and it looked equally fab (or at least I thought so, LOL) 😉 Actually, I scored pretty big with this top, not only does it play into my obsession with cold shoulders, but it also features an over-sized fit, meaning that it can be work as a tunic, layered, and of course more fitted as shown in today’s post. Did you notice the simple tip that I included, that is- how I altered this top to appear somewhat tailored?  So often we see/think of tops knotted in the front around the bellybutton, but have you every tried knotting a large shirt in the back? You really should! 

Let me tell you, I was totally feeling the simplicity of this look - yet it had just enough umph to have me feeling myself, LOL! 

Until next times Babes,

XO

Blue faux fur scarf: Premium option here  or budget-friendly here| Cold shoulder denim shirt: Here
Flared jeans: NYDJ, similar here & here| Satchel bag: Dooney & Bourke, options here and here| Suede Mary Jane’s: Similar here

A Classic Case of Fall Fever

Every woman needs a moto that she can count on, through thick and thin.  I am happy to say that I have found my match, and she is a BEAUT! Gold hardware, zippered pockets, perfect length, and a belt- be still my heart! Of course the biggest style factor of all is it's phenomenally classic leopard print!!!

Fall continues to evade us here in SoCal, I managed to sneak this look in a few weeks ago on a cloudy, cool day :) The way I see it, I really have to seize every opportunity to enjoy Fall fashions, because truly the very next day I could be in the grips of Summer weather!

Now back to this moto: This is a relatively new addition to my collection, I’ve only styled it two or three times to date (I generally like to wear new items at least three times in short succession to get a true feel for them). However, in my head- the style options for it go on and on!  I am most certainly looking forward to playing each one of them out in real life : ) This time around, I took a classic style approach, pairing my leopard friend with a black jersey turtleneck dress and black leather + wool heels.

Moto jacket: http://bit.ly/2dFPE8l | Statement necklace: http://bit.ly/2eUfW3k

 Turtleneck dress: Karen Kane + similar here on sale | Handbag: similar here on sale | Shoes:Aldo | Gold ring: c/o Kevin Jewelers

This was totally an easy #ootd, adding in elements of style yet 100% ease of wear and flow. Speaking of style, have you noticed all of the retail sales and deals currently brewing for Black Friday?! Several retailers are going above and beyond – actually hosting sales for the entire month of November versus just on Black Friday! My buddies over at Kevin Jewelers are doing just that! I’ve mentioned previously that I am working with them as an Influencer; A highlight for me each month is being in the know about all of the fantastic deals to be had : ) Of course it isn’t fair for me to keep them all to myself- I always pass on savings to my readers! Here are two current offers that I want to make sure you’re in the know about:

DIAMONDS, DEAL$ & DESTINATIONS

1       For NOVEMBER ONLY (in-store)-

Spend $299 or more and get a FREE VEGAS TRIP

Spend $2,499 or more and get a FREE HAWAII TRIP (Includes airfare for two!)

2         Online offer (cannot be combined with any other offer)-

      Take 10% off your Kevin Jewelers website purchase through December 31^st, using code JOI564!

Until next time Loves,

XO

Square One

Hey Style Lovers <-----> heyyyyy!!! It’s been a while,  how have you been?! I’ve been doing well! You’ve most certainly been on my mind, YES - my readers! As you may know, I’ve always periodically taken breaks from social media, and or fashion blogging because down time gives me the necessary space to recharge myself (read more here). However, this Summer I noticed that my break intervals became longer and more frequent. Why? I had to brainstorm to find the answer. Is it simply because my life schedule is full? No, because my life schedule has always been full. So why had I begun to feel a sense of dread, even at times disgust, whenever I thought about sitting down to actually blog a look that I wore? It took some time, but the answer finally became apparent to me. 

Perception
It takes quite a bit of work to write, edit, publish, and promote one blog post, especially when you consider how many social media platforms there are. Many bloggers use a variety of platforms to engage with more readers. My main platforms aside from this blog are Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr (although I am also on Twitter, Google + and Pinterest). In the community of fashion blogging, the current general perception seems to lend itself towards the idea of working one’s way into becoming a full-time paid and or endorsed fashion blogger and or model. 

To say that setting that objective as your own - is a challenge, is the understatement of the year. Consider that this (fashion/blogging regular and plus size) is an industry where literally tens of thousands of people are seeking one common goal- to be The One…The One who all fashion brands (or otherwise) want to work with… The One who all fashion related magazines want to feature… The One who makes it… The One who turns his or her lobby turn into a lucrative career, yes --> to be The One who is on top.

Realizations
Blogging for me began as a hobby. Sure, I thought it might be fun to work with a brand here and there; I had no intentions of marketing for any company/brand for free! LOL! However, focusing on trying to obtain partnerships with brands began to have me feeling some sort of way. Again, I had to think about why. The answer reached the surface. Simply put: I don’t want to “make it” as a fulltime blogger/model/socialite or any of the like. I do not aspire to be “The One”. My beliefs, morals, and priorities are non-negotiable and uncompromisable. I want to blog, on my own terms, in my own way.

Not only am I an appreciative introvert (read more here) BUT I’m truly and genuinely happy with my life as it stands right now: in this very moment :) My hope for the future, my genuine circle of friends, my close family, my long-term personal goals (which have nothing to do with fashion), and my career! I’m grateful to have a comfortable place to live in, a bed to sleep in each night, a variety of foods to choose from for each and every meal that I eat, and in my city: transportation! When I bring myself back to center, shifting out all of the noise, I am able to truly focus on what’s important to ME as an individual/woman, what my intentions are in blogging (read why I started here), and what aspiration is appropriate for me as the whole person. Irregardless of the cut throat ambition, fakery, dishonesty, and cliques present within the fashion blogging industry, my purpose remains the same: Blogging is for me a recreational hobby, I am decidedly different, and I will continue to do ME! 

I am so appreciative of you, my readers! I hope that something you see and or read today will inspire you!

Dress: Eliza J. | Statement necklace: JCPenney | Pumps: Victoria’s Secret | Tote: Dooney & Bourke

Thrift Store Score: Peppermint Stripe

Today's post boasts a #ThriftStoreScore, I'll let you take a gander at exactly which piece I thrifted ;)

I opted for a classic approach this time around; A crisp white button-up and traditional Mary Jane's accompanied my cotton midi skirt.

It can feel quite chilly when not directly in the sun, so I added a faux fur scarf for added warmth. Layers are essential to SoCal winters! Too bad I've still managed to catch a cold :(

So, did you guess what piece(s) I thrifted?! If you guessed my shirt, belt, and skirt, you guessed correctly! An entire look for under $15! For more #ThriftStoreScore(s), click here or catch a few of my personal favorites here, here, and here.

Join me on Instagram and on Facebook :
 www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1 <> instagram.com/inmyjoi

Until next time Style Lovers!

White Shirt: Banana Republic (worn here) | Leather Belt: Vintage | Midi Skirt: Vintage | Shoes: Nine West (worn here) | Handbag: Dooney & Bourke (worn here)

Graphically Joi

Hey there Style Lovers! How are you? I'm doing ok, or shall I say: 'hanging in there'.

Today I’m sharing a fab straight-cut, graphic print dress with you.

I tend not to gravitate to straight-cut dresses because oftentimes it can be challenging for me to find a fit that I am personally comfortable with.

A common problem: 

The top portion is overwhelmingly too big, while the bottom portion cuts off my circulation in the hip/thigh area.

Suggested solution:

I purchased this dress in a larger size, and found myself surprisingly quite satisfied with the fit! It could be taken in a bit in a spot or two, but I simply decided not to bother with it.

I’ve styled it in numerous ways, for this go round I kept it very simple.

When I wear navy & white it’s so hard for me to resist wearing a red lip! Do you feel the same way?

Well, with a red lip, one must carry a red handbag- right?! LOL! I thought so, after all, I like to follow all the 'rules' =)

This look is very practical and easily transitions from business to pleasure =)

Now in my opinion, my natural colored leather peep-toe booties go with everything. I look forward to any excuse to take them out on the town. Imagine this: They’re comfortable, I can walk for several hours in them with no issues = winning!

Have a great day Beauties, I appreciate you for stopping by and commenting below ;)

Xx

Sunnies: Tod’s

Earrings & bracelet: Kenneth Cole

Dress: Adrianna Papell

Tote: Dooney & Bourke

Booties: Steve Madden

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?