Gone Gingham

Sunnies: Similar HERE| Stripe top: Old, another option HERE Shorts: Old, options HERE & HERE| Shoes: Sold out, try these HERE
A. Robinson Photography

Today’s look features a closet remix + a print tossup by way of black & white. With uncertain times becoming a new norm paired with an economy that seems to be plummeting towards rock bottom--> shopping your closet is not only safe but smart. I’ve made a commitment to be more intentional about what I purchase. I am challenging myself to look at pieces in my wardrobe in a new, fresh way. This look came together fueled by a desire to style this pair of satin mules and my eternal love for black & white style duos. Print mixing can feel intimidating, a simple way to start is by sticking with two or three colors. Check out previous black & white looks I’ve blogged HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Until next time Babes,

Xx

Gingham Girl | Take 2 of 2

Earrings: Nordstrom, old; Another option HERE

Top: Old

Shorts: HERE (I'm wearing size 12)

Shoes: Old, other options HERE & HERE

Hey Babes,
I'm back with the 2nd way (see 1st way HERE) that I styled my newest pair of gingham shorts (see another pair styled HERE)! For this look, I opted to take a roll in blue by way of statement bauble earrings, a striped OTS (off the shoulder) top, plus blue satin/strappy heels.
Which look is your favorite - Take 1 or Take 2?
Until next time,
Xx

Gingham Girl | Take 1 of 2

Earrings: Old, other options HERE + HERE

Top: HERE + similar HERE

Shorts: HERE (I'm wearing a size 12)

Shoes: Similar HERE

A print that is synonymous with summer fashion in addition to florals is G I N G H A M. 
Traditional gingham prints are often presented in the classic color duo, black & white. 
I'm of fan of the expected, however diversions from the beaten path appeal to me equally. 
This pair of gingham shorts from Lane Bryant stood out to me online instantly because they're RED, my favorite color 💞  
When they arrived in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent fit (size 12) and functional side pockets. In my head, there should always be pockets...however I've digressed! Note: There are also faux pockets on the rear of the shorts, however I'm not fond of faux pockets...
I loved these shorts so much that I opted to style them not ONE, but TWO ways 😉
Today's post features a monochrome look, red from head to toe is never too much in my book!
Stay tuned for the second way that I styled this pair of gingham shorts...
Xx

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

10 Things About Life After 35

straw hat: vintage, thrifted| sunnies: HERE| OTS bodysuit: HERE

skirt: old| shoes: similar HERE| purse: ZARA
Photography by A. Robinson

Now that I've officially entered the twilight years of my 30's, I thought it might be 'fun' to blog 10 things about life after 35 that no one told me 😉 As they say: Sharing is caring! In this way, when your time comes, you won't be blindsided like I was 😆 Don't get me wrong, my 30's have been the BEST decade of my life to date 🙌🏽 In fact,  I anticipate every upcoming decade. I love making new discoveries about myself and this thing called LIFE,  I want to do so well into my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and so on!!! I've never worried about "getting old". From my perspective, it is an inevitable process. The longer that I'm alive, the higher my age number will be. That's logical right?! 

Nonetheless, there were a few things that I did not anticipate... Yes, a few 'special' things began to occur with my body 😜 
Let's dive right on in:
1) The skin on my face changed drastically --> A C N E <--Prior to my mid-30's I had never experienced acne and or blemishes/pigmentation differences on my face. In a word, my skin appeared to be flawless. Right around age 35, I started to notice small bumps/pimples popping up here and there. When they finally cleared up, they left noticeable dark marks on my chin, jawline, and forehead. In fact, during the height of it, I could barely stand to look at my face in a mirror. It was like I didn't recognize my own reflection. Thankfully, I developed a skincare regime that works for me! Now my skin has stabilized, and my acne scars are fading. I'll talk about the fine line that magically appeared across my forehead at another time...
2) Next up? Stray hairs started to grow in mysterious places, like on my chin and neck... The first time I felt one I thought it was a scab! WHAT IN THE WORLD?! I'm not referring to fine hair, like what makes up my mustache, oh no, this is different. Each strand feels hard, wiry, almost like stubble.
3) I've never had a large reserve of patience. However, after I turned 35, the limited amount that I did have, well it basically disintegrated. Presently I have ZERO tolerance for 💩, and to be totally honest, I don't feel apologetic about it, at all 💃🏽
4) The color of your hair changes. As in turns gray or white... This isn't a bad thing, truth be told, I wouldn't mind going gray rapidly all at once. I would love to have pastel gray or white hair... And yet, just because I want all gray hair, well it's coming in painstakingly slow and inconsistently.
5) I almost forgot! I can't leave out random aches and pains. Nowadays, they happen for no reason at all. I am not talking about severe or chronic pain, I'm talking about feeling mild discomfort in places that I never did before.
6) A change in weight gain distribution. My entire life my stomach has been relatively flat. Now, the dynamics have changed. Instead of all miscellaneous weight gain appearing in my hips and rear, I now have a nice cushion across my belly...
7) Also notable: A decrease in the ability to shed weight with minimal effort. In years past, I'd go on a brief diet or juice cleanse, and drop 10-15 pounds with ease. Now, when I'm ready to shed a pound or two, doing what I used to do doesn't work --  AT ALL!
8) So you thought you were done with your wisdom teeth? Not so much! Apparently, your 30's is an ideal time for them to come in. I have a new one, it has shifted my once naturally straight teeth. I've never worn braces, but now I'm considering getting them 😳. A trip to the dentist is in order, but I'm putting it off for as long as possible...
9) The density of my hair is changing...I've had thick hair that could seemingly withstand any type of treatment for as long as I can remember... however now, I've noticed that the density & strength of my hair is different. I don't know how it's going to level out when it is all said and done, as my age increases, but I'm ever so happy that there are so many wig options on the market now. 
10) Last but certainly not least, your sex drive increases in a major way... but then everybody already knows this one right?!

So did I miss anything Babes? What differences did you notice after 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, and perhaps even 75?! 

Until next time,
Xx

The Gingham Game

Hat: HERE| Dress: HERE| Rattan clutch: Vintage, thrifted| Gold boots: Old

My ❤ for gingham print hasn't subsided. I've had gingham in practically every size - small, medium, and now supersize 😁 Needless to say, my favorite feature about this dress is: the print...
What's your favorite print to wear?
Currently on my wishlist are gingham prints in red (preferably in a fabulously frilly off the shoulder top), pink (perhaps a coordinating top and full midi skirt), and yellow (hmmm, the possibilities are endless). 
The gingham game is in full effect, my goal is to master it 😉
Until next time Babes,
Xx

For the Grey of It

Sunnies: Old | Romper: c/o HERE| Straw bag: MARSHALLS| Gingham sandals: c/o HERE

PSA: I plan to LIVE in shorts all summer long! Is it summer yet?👀

If there's one thing that I came to appreciate more fully after I started blogging my personal style: MY LEGS! 

When I was down south last month one of my cousins told me my legs were juicy, I readily agreed with her 😁
Yes, my legs have come to be one of my favorite physical attributes, it's only right that I create space for them to shine! 

Until next time,
Xx

Spring in my step

Hat: HERE | Earrings: Similar HERE + other colors| Lippie: HERE (purple rain) | OTS gingham top: Similar HERE
Gingham shorts: c/o HERE| Velvet slides: HERE | Beaded bag: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes, I've got spring on my mind! I figure if we talk it up enough, it's bound to come sooner rather than later, right? 😀
Until next time,
Xx

Miniature Gingham

Hat: Vintage, thrifted| Dress c/o HERE (Use "inmyjoi" to save 20% off + shop more HERE), plus other gingham goodies HERE, HERE, and HERE
Red purse: Zara| Tweed booties: Marshalls, also worn HERE

Dressing for fall is a bit of a conundrum in SoCal. In fact, in case you haven't noticed, the weather is often a topic of discussion here on the blog. The reason? It has a major bearing on what I wear 😏 My husband and I originate from the Midwest (with an East Coast vibe). We were accustomed to experiencing four full seasons each year. Once we moved to the West Coast, that all changed. Several years in, I still at times find it a challenge to adapt...  For instance, thus far this fall, temperatures have ranged from 50-105° degrees Fahrenheit...
SHEIN recently reached out to me and invited me to snag a few pieces from their new plus size offerings. Believe or not, I actually had to check the weather before I made my selection(s). LOL! 
I ❤ classic gingham prints, in fact I was enthralled by the Gingham Storm this past summer... When I saw that mild temperatures were in the forecast, I immediately opted for this off the shoulder gingham ruffle dress. I sized up (a habit that I have whenever trying a brand that I am not familiar with), but as it turns out- I didn't need to with this dress 😳 Nonetheless, I made it work by adding in a belt. 
I styled the dress with a top and without a top underneath to give you an idea of how you might layer it. Actually a black turtleneck also comes to mind, as does a black leather moto jacket... My husband said that with a top it reminds him of something off of Little House on the Prairie - 😁😁😁
Until next time Babes,
Xx 

Femleisure

Scarf: Gift| Earrings old, similar here & here| Dress: c/o HERE| Calfskin sneakers: Sam Edelman, others here & here| Clutch: Kate Spade

Looking for the perfect chill wear for spring? Look no further Dolls, Gwynnie Bee has you covered  😉 This week they launched a new designer capsule collection with Amanda Uprichard (available in sizes 10 & up), I'm sampling out one of the featured dresses in today's post!!

Sporty meets feminine (notice how I added in uber girly tassel earrings) in this black and white dress. A short sleeve, jersey style dress, with a drawstring waist can take you practically anywhere during the warm weather months! Light weight and accented with a shirttail hem-blouse it up / cinching it at the waist or loosen the drawstring to lengthen it, providing a more relaxed fit while drawing attention to the variable hem.

Femleisure is "the marriage of ultra-girly and athletic-inspired pieces" -Who What Wear

The white trim totally sold me - I cannot resist a black & white duo (see examples here, here, here). PLUS: It has functional pockets! Whoo hoo! Dolls, the soft material makes you feel like you’re in your PJs - there is nothing better than being comfy and cute!!

Until next time,
XO

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