Today’s look features a faux suede button-up dress by GITI online (see previous feature here) styled in two ways. Although it is a dress, I opted to style it as a cardigan. We often think of wearing suede solely during cooler months, but I find that it actually can be incorporated into the warmer weather months as well.
For me, it takes a bit of forethought- which is no biggie, as I plan out my wardrobe 85% of the time! I couldn’t make up my mind on which look I liked best, so I decided to blog both of them for you. Which look is your favorite?
I had an opportunity to escape from city life for some R&R (rest and relaxation) for a few days, I now find myself feeling renewed and determined =) While away I had time to pamper myself each day, which felt wonderful because self-love is one of the most important kinds.
One of my favorite ways to pamper myself whether I’m away or at home, is by way of a long hot bath, with lots of bubbles, shortly followed by a full body exfoliation. I use a number of products, including a homemade mixture of granulated sugar, olive oil, and water. For several nights I indulged in a recently purchased chocolate scrub made with real cocoa (I discussed it on Snapchat/InMyJoi). It smells ah-mazing, and makes my skin feel fantastic!
One night during a bath I found myself deep in thought; A hot bath always helps me to sort out things in my mind and to eliminate toxic subject matter. I reflected on personal personality changes and my perception of the changes that I’ve undergone in the past few years. I realized in that moment, that within myself, I have resisted and even felt a measure of resentment in reference to some of the changes that I’ve observed in myself. It’s as if I’ve somehow told myself that the ‘old’ me was better and or superior to who I am today.
Internal change is often the result of personal growth and life experience(s). It occurred to me that there was nor is any valid reason for me feel resentment of any kind about the woman that I have become. This woman has weathered tall challenges and notable life changes. She has emerged no longer inexperienced, but brimming with wisdom, and a deeper understanding of who she is at her core. In fact, I realized that the woman that I am today is actually on the path to becoming the absolute best possible version of “me”!
Change is an inevitable fact of life, and it is the only thing that is forever consistently constant. Instead of resisting changes within myself, I am on the path to understand them, and in turn: embrace them. Does that make sense? Well it most certainly did to me, at least during my ‘Aha’ moment with a glass of wine- LOL!!!
I look forward to reading your thoughts below!
P.S. You may take 5% off your order with GITI online by using code “joi” at checkout.
Until next time Loves,
XO
Sunnies: Tildon & Forever 21|Dress: Express, worn previously here |Suede button-up dress: c/o GITI online, here (size 1X)
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about life in Los Angeles, expect anything and everything! I can go from Skid Row to the swankiest of areas and almost everything in between in one single day. Each area has a personality of its own, and the characters that you come into contact with are often quite entertaining!
For instance, while snapping a few photos in this look we ran across an array of personalities. Two people in separate instances stopped to ask us for money, both including rather lengthy explanations as to why our contributions were essential. Others folks stopped and stared, along with their children. One car parked alongside the road over on the side street and decided to take in the entire shoot with the afternoon breeze.
A security guard helpfully managed to keep a few people at bay. For the cherry on the top a resident of the building where I snapped these shots graciously serenaded us with loud music and a tambourine, even opening their windows so that we wouldn’t miss a beat.
The next photo opp location (which happened on a different day) appeared to be somewhat secluded, which by the way- is always my ideal setting for taking pictures. However there we noticed a posted sign that said that you must have permission to film and or take pictures...Needless to say we had to check in with the owner before getting started.
About 5 pictures in, she came out with an update: Although we could take pictures, they could only be in certain spots, and we had to avoid shooting the entrance, as they’re currently under contract to film a TV show. In LaLa land there is filming of some kind practically every single day!
I wore this jumpsuit twice, as I often do with new additions to my wardrobe collection; The hubby says that he knows I really like an item if I wear it at least 3 times in a row. Wearing an item multiple times straight away helps me to get a true feel for the piece and to generate more ideas as to how I’d like to wear it.
This jumpsuit is a fantastic olive color, and the fit is wonderfully generous. The pockets are situated on the front, and sit deep allowing for full functionality. I cannot stand pockets that are merely for show/decoration! I’m on the short side, the length of the pant legs were quite long even with four inch heels on. If you’re tall and curvy this jumpsuit is a win-win! Otherwise, it’s a good idea to consider having the legs taken up a bit. Last but certainly not least, the fabric is very lightweight. I found control undergarments to be essential.
Jumpsuits are such fun pieces to wear, and practical for a number of occasions. Now more than ever a variety of options are available for the full figured beauty. You can shop this jumper for under $50, use promo code "joi” for an additional 5% off.
Until next time Loves!
XO
Watch: c/o JORD Watches| Booties: Chinese Laundry (black)/Aldo (red), similar here
