Here & There

Hat: HERE|Earrings: BaubleBar|Top: c/o HERE|Culottes: Old|Shoes: ZARA

Photography by A. Robinson

Hey Babes!!!
I stand in disbelief that this is my very first blog post of the SUMMER 👀 Can you believe it? Hopefully you keep up with me on Instagram and you're already aware that I'm alive and thriving, but in the event that you don't - HERE I AM! 😆How are you?! I have missed you so! I promise: Consistency is on the way! 
SUMMER 2019 has been packed with travel, working with brands (including snagging my biggest contract to date🎈🎈🎈), events, and sheer JOY! Since I started blogging way back when I've always struggled in creating the proper balance with being in a moment versus capturing a moment for my blog/social media accounts. If you've been along with me for the ride, you know that nine times out of ten I opt to LIVE in a moment versus capture it on film and share it with others. 
However, I've set a few new intentions for myself, included among them is mastering the balance of living a life and sharing it.
Until next time,
Xx

Pastel Floral Playsuit

Sunnies: ALDO| Playsuit: c/o HERE (shirt available HERE)| Boots: Guess| Faux fur purse: Old, another option HERE

I recently wore this floral playsuit to a local product launch. 
One of the great things that I appreciate about being a style blogger: I am never short on things to wear when events pop up... 
It was a bit chilly on this particular day, I layered a tweed jacket over the romper as the material is very lightweight (total ideal for warmer weather). In addition to the beautiful floral print, I especially like the ruffled details around the shoulders and upper arms. 
Now, about what I didn't like: Something about the fit was off. I felt like the elastic around the waist fell in an odd place on my body. Also, the crotch inseam was a bit off, it was long, but somehow it would bunch up here and there...I'm thinking these issues may be a direct result of me having a short torso. 
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Premme | Styled 3 Ways

Look 1 Top: Scarf, thrifted| Suit: HERE| Blue satin shoes: HERE

Look 2 Earrings: HERE| Red blouse: Old| Suit: HERE| Red suede sandals: Jeffrey Campbell

Look 3 Earrings: ALDO| Black silk blouse: c/o HERE| Suit: HERE| Pink satin mules: HERE

Hey Babe,

I hope you enjoyed a fantastic weekend! I indulged in 'me time' to the fullest, and even managed to get in a few shots of a newbie to my wardrobe, a pale pink suit from Premme! 

When I spotted this suit online earlier this month, something about it spoke to me. It said: "Purchase me!" 😁😁😁 I was a bit iffy about which size to order, you just never know how sizes will run when you try out a brand for the very first time. I went with a size "1", as I wanted a more relaxed fit - and wouldn't you know, I was right on! 

This suit is very well made, the fabric is soft (trousers are unlined), and it is a delightful shade of pink. The biggest shocker: It has real pockets! Not only on the trousers but also on the pants!!! Seeing that I am a lover of pockets (especially functional ones), this feature is a win/win in my book- whoo hoo! For starters I styled it 3 ways, with the following themes in mind:

* What not to wear to the office
* Boss Babe
* Semi-formal night

Which one is your favorite? Meanwhile, I haven't quite decided...

Until next time,

Xx

Let's Talk: Robe Coats

Velvet turban: Vintage, thrifted| Robe coat: c/o HERE| Dress: c/o HERE (Don't forget to sign-up for your freebie)

Suede sandals: Sold out, similar HERE| Purse: Kate Spade, similar HERE

Have you ever ordered an item simply because you liked it, without even knowing what it was called? This is the story of my life! I've shared with you before about my lack of expertise when it comes to fashion related terminology...I generally don't care what it is called as long as I can wear it  😁 However, it is helpful to know specific terms when searching for something specific... The coat that I'm wearing in today's post is a prime example of the aforementioned- when I saw it online I simply thought 'I like it - I want it'. It wasn't until a few months later that I came across similarly styled coats (it comes with a belt that i am not wearing here), they were called "Robe Coats" 😌 Okay! So it's a robe coat...now what? Have you heard of robe coats? 
Well this triggered my curiosity, so I did a bit of research. Here are a few things that I came away with:

• "This winter, the cuddly transitional piece to have is the robe coat, essentially a duster with no buttons, hooks or closures. It’s made in a range of materials (from heavier wool to lightweight linen), meaning you can pop it on over your everyday outfits instead of a blazer or hoodie and you’ll trade uptight and overheated for relaxed and cozy."
• "The easy add-on will instantly elevate your outfit and can even double as a dress!" 
• "Whatever you go for, don’t forget to be slightly dramatic when cinching them closed -- there’s something pleasingly definitive to the action that says, 'We’re done here.'"

So there you have it 😏 Now here are a few additional robe coats that caught my eye- that just might make it into my closet this year:

• Mossimo Women's Robe Coat with Front Flap Pockets   (Love this color + the price is great!)
• Ro & De Belted Robe Coat
• boohoo Phoebe Wrap Maxi Robe Coat (This one is classic & timeless)
• River Island Womens Grey belted robe coat (Grey is the new black)
• River Island Womens Plus black check belted robe coat

Until next time,
Xx

Seeing Stripes

Top: c/o HERE| Stripe culottes: c/o HERE| Leather mules: Sold out, similar HERE (Poms are clip-on's)| Lemon clutch: c/o HERE

Well Babes, here we are in the 1st week of J U L Y!!! Let chapter 7 of 12 commence! Generally, at the mid-year point I like to take a personal self-assessment, to determine what I’ve accomplished, what remains to be accomplished, and specific lessons learned along the way. Do you do something like this? I am actually running a tad late, as June marks the halfway point but this year my annual self review completely slipped my mind. Nonetheless, it is what it is and here I am😄
A few things that I would like to accomplish before the year ends are:
• More travel (this is an ongoing goal)
• Get back on track with my fresh vegetable juice regimen
• Get a full physical
A few things that I have accomplished are:
• Travel (thus far I’ve been out of town every single month this year)
• Survived the busy season at my office
• Reconnected with old friends
And last but certainly not least, a few lessons that I've learned along the way are:
• Taking care of my health is important
• Continue to say no as appropriate
• Believe people when they show you and or remind you who they really are
• Perception is everything
• Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize
Until next time my Loves,
XO

Charmeuse in the City

Pink statement necklace: J Crew, similar HERE| Floral kimono/cami/pants: c/o HERE, HERE, HERE

Handbag: ZARA| Gold sandals: Old, similar HERE + another option HERE

Today’s look features the most comfortable coordinates that I have ever worn. This three-piece trio (charmeuse kimono, camisole, and wide leg lounge pants) packs a floral punch- laced with lush greens, gold, and a glimmer of pink. I wore it to the office (of course- as it is my style playground for just about everything😄) and out to dinner by the beach. In both instances, I felt like I had just stepped out of a high fashion couture shop, yet the pieces were as cool and comfortable as a silk pair of pajamas. I have a host of ideas of how I’d like to mix & match this trio, I can’t wait to live them out in real life.

This look is from one of my favorite plus size brands: ELVI. Every season their designs wow me- seriously, I am already considering their Fall line with great anticipation!  When my orders arrive (shipping is a breeze BTW), the fit is fantastic, quality superb, and the craftsmanship on point. I’ve shopped with them directly through their site, but they are also available online at Nordstrom (a great way to rack up points and get a Nordie's Note😉) + ASOS Curve.

This lush watercolor print is Asian-inspired, exemplifying vintage elegance and chic ease. Notice the golden lace insets near the hem of the pants? A perfect accent to the gold rope belt!

Until next time Loves,

Xx

Dark Knight

Hat: Nordstrom, old | Check shirt: c/o HERE| Camisole: Old| Jeans: Similar HERE & HERE| Shoes: Michael Kors, old| Clutch: Vintage

Unbelievably today marks the very last day of March 2017! Not only does it feel like this year is moving by at a alarming rate → this month in particular went in a blur. I guess the old saying rings true once again: Time flies when you’re having fun 😁

I wore today’s look out to dinner last week. Finally I had a chance to style this checked shirt dress sent to me by ELVI. Getting dressed for transitioning temperatures is an annual challenge; I find that learning how/when to employ layers is necessary for style survival.

On this day temperature highs hovered close to 80 degrees and there was a hint of humidity in the air. However, I knew that as soon as the sun went down temperatures would take a considerable nose dive. I opted for lightweight layers and the payoff was just what I hoped for.
Until next time Loves,

XO  

Nip & Tuck

Top: Sold out, similar here & here| Faux leather pleat skirt: c/o HERE

Straw bag: Vintage, thrifted| Suede sandals: On sale HERE + other options here, here, and here

Today’s look features an example of how I like to nip & tuck my blouses from time to time. It’s a perfect style alternative for when you want to feel put together, minus the formal structure of completely tucking in your shirt the normal way, i.e. all the way around. I’ve found that this option is best employed with an over-sized top, this way you have enough fabric remaining for the top to hang down comfortably with ease.

Confession: I’ve been enjoying this skirt in secret for several weeks now... I figured it was high time that I shared it here on the blog while it is still available for purchase 😊 Good looking out right?! LOL! When the Babes over at ELVI sent it to me, I immediately put it to good use. 

The pleated midi skirt brigade is totally holding down the fort right now, however this beauty takes it to the next level not only b/c of its beautiful golden hue but even more so because of the material: faux leather!!! Yes, it will stand the test of time, and will remain a member of my collection long after the plethora of pleated midi options have faded out.

On this particular day I paired it with a frilly white top that I snagged on clearance online, a vintage straw tote, and neutral suede sandals.  I’ve been turning to statement earrings more and more as of late, this pair has a hint of orange, which encouraged me to wear one of my orange lipsticks that has been neglected for way too long… 

All in all: I am totally smitten with how this all came together!

Until next time,

XO

Graphic

Happy Friday Loves!!! Today's look features my first spin a graphic t-shirt! No one likes a so-called "nice" compliment that comes back around and slaps you in the face! Pretty is pretty: Period!

Until next time,
XO

Jacket: c/o HERE| Shirt: c/o HERE| Jeans: Sold out, similar here| Shoes: Michael Kors (old), similar options here, here, here| Handbag: HERE

Ruffle You Up

Happy Friday Babes!!! Are you looking forward to the weekend as much as I am?! I don’t have anything uniquely spectacular planned, but the down time is always very much anticipated ☺ I told a friend, “I only get one Saturday a week”! LOL!

Today’s look features a muted color palette of sorts. You know I obsess over just about anything off the shoulders (see examples here, here, here, here, and here), this ruffled number was a JOI to behold! Score a discount with code "XOJOI"! I paired it with a pair of billowy culottes and velvet open toe booties because my mind has already shifted towards spring! Has spring sprung yet in your neck of the woods? SoCal is getting an unusually late start…. Don’t get me wrong, the rain was so very needed, now all of the vegetation looks incredibly lush and green- for the first time since we’ve lived here! Nonetheless, I might have to plan an escape to a warmer city for a few days! Ha -it’s a good thing that I already have a getaway coming up sooner versus later… Have a great weekend!!!

Until next time,
XO

Off the shoulder top: c/o HERE + 15% off with code XOJOI| Culottes: Sold out, similar here 
Velvet lace-up booties: c/o HERE| Bag: Kate Spade, similar here

A Flash from the Past

90s fashion has been trending harder than ever lately. I am not an avid fan of that particular style era, however I was known to rock a slip dress on occasion 😉  I decided to take a walk down memory lane and try my hand at styling a slip dresses, now- 20+ years later. Back in the 90s, I actually owned several slip dresses, all of them were black with slightly different style variations. My favorite one was basic, actually quite similar to the one that I am wearing in today’s post! 

I opted to style this slip dress for 9-5 work wear. I really like how it turned out! Street style images abound in examples of layering a slip dress with a tee. However, I wanted a different effect, so I went with a classic white button up shirt . And what do you know, I like it!  When I put it all together, It seemed like it was missing something, I added a thin gold belt and that seemed to be just what I was missing. 

Actually now that I think about it, another thing that I really like about this slip dress in comparison to the ones that I rocked back in the day-it's the length! Did you notice that it is truly midi perfection?! Love, love , love this length! My 90s slip dresses were all ankle length= BORING!  LOL! Yikes, I’ve digressed….over to you, what are your thoughts on this flash from the past?  Are you slipping back into slip dresses?

Velvet trench coat: c/o ELV, sold outI| White button up shirt: JNY| Oxblood slip dress: c/o HERE| Belt: Similar here

Handbag: Vintage, another option| Glitter loafers: TopShop, sold out-similar here, +  another great option

About my hair: I've been rocking my natural curls for the past few weeks, and I am having too much fun with them! In my last post I shared that I tried out a new product (here) however today's curls were nourished by my tried and test fav, Pantene! I started using Pantene Curl Perfection back in 2002 (name/formula/packaging has changed over the years) when I first went natural (i.e.stopped getting a chemical straightner/relaxer applied to my hair).  There weren't as many natural hair care products available back then as there aretoday, so I learned to use what was available. I also tried John Frida Frizz Ease for a stint, but I didn't like it nearly as much as Pantene. If your hair is naturally curly, what are some of your tried and tested favorites?

Until next time,

XO