Sparkle Away

dress: c/o HERE -->Save $$ w/ code INMYJOIxSONCY

shoes: old, another option HERE

Photos by A. Robinson Photography

Hey Babes!!! I'm back in another sparkly number (previous post HERE) 😊 

Let's just say that I will be rocking a few sequin pieces before this year ends...

About this one: Isn't it clear?! This dress is party ready! I ABSOLUTELY love the fit (I'm wearing a size 0) and the overall style aesthetic 😍 Stripes, sequins, and a thigh-high split- what's not to love? TBH, the high split caught me off guard...based on the images online, I expected more coverage...Nonetheless, I was not deterred! I added in a slip for added coverage 😉 Personal style is all about improvising according to your needs and preferences. 
Like this number? Save when you use code INMYJOIxSONCY at checkout!

Until next time,

Xx

Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

All That Glitters

Can you keep a secret? Well, ok, it’s not really a secret : ) I actually shared the news on my FB Page a month or two ago. I’ve teamed up with Charlotte Russe as a “CR It Girl”!!! Stay tuned Babes, I’ll be sharing budget friendly - yet 100% on trend style options!!!

Today’s look is one example of such. It hails from their ‘Ready 2 Sparkle & Shine Edit’, simple perfection for date night, Girls Night Out, or special occasion wear! I would totally pair this jumpsuit with a  faux fur stole/long scarf,  or a cropped length denim jacket, or the ever classic leather moto. I opted not to this time around, so that you could get a true feel for the entire look w/o distraction, LOL!

Confession: I have a love/hate relationship with jumpsuits. Very few result in a love at first sight moment for me. I try to focus on a proper fit for my body type, what my tailoring options are, and a color that flatters my skin tone.

Until next time,

XO

All items worn are c/o of Charlotte Russe.  Direct links here: Jumpsuit | Similar Bag| Similar Shoes| Similar Earrings
**Take an additional 20% off your entire order using code HOLSHOP20 online only**

A Splash of Burgundy

Faux fur vest, available here (free shipping & returns)| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren, old

Faux leather skirt, available here| Rose gold glitter sandals, available here| Clutch, F21

I previously mentioned (see here) my adoration for UK Clothier Elvi (specializes in premium plus-size clothing). I am excited to bring to you yet another example of why Elvi is now on my list of 'Steadys'. First off, although I love a bargain (who doesn't?), I am more interested in obtaining stylish, quality clothing. I’m cautious about trying new brands, because time and time again I have been disappointed when it comes to the quality of such garments. I have not had that issue at all with Elvi!!  In fact, the more that I experience from their collection, the more that I am truly taken in! A number of designs could be categorized as ‘investment pieces', however the craftsmanship stands for itself, you can expect to enjoy each piece for years to come ;)

This vest is from the AW16 Collection, I mean seriously, it is in a league of it’s on! Each time that I've worn it, the compliments/inquiries pour in. This fact actually encouraged me to make sure that it landed here on the blog sooner than later.  The look and feel of it is luxurious and the color boasts a rich pigment. By the way, did you notice the contrast in detail from faux pony fur to wool? Simply glorious!

I paired his burgundy beauty up with a rose quartz faux leather skirt this time around, but I’ve also pulled it off with medium blue denim jeans, white, and all black. Rose quartz was designated by Pantone as the color of the year for 2016. It actually goes quite well with several traditional Fall hues, including burgundy.

 As they say,  ‘There is no time better than the present’, I seized the opportunity to wear my new rose gold glitter sandals yet again (previously introduced here)   =) Not only are they stylish Loves, but I am able to wear them all day long without any discomfort! Woohoo!!! That is the definition of winning in my book! Besides, I’m getting too old to battle the crippling pain of ill made/designed shoes! LOL! 

Until next time,
XO

Sweaters & Skirts Like XO

It’s that time again, I’m back with the Babes of #UnitedlyPlus and this time our style theme is Sweaters x Skirts. I really appreciate collaborating with other bloggers because it constantly encourages me to style pieces in new ways and to think outside of my style box! Please be sure to check out Sheena of I Am She Global & Sahily of Pretty In Pigment  :) Initially I had an idea in mind based on a colorful look that I recently wore to the office, but when I added a sweater to the mix- I didn’t like it like at all. Don’t get me wrong, the sweater matched, but the entire look pulled together just wasn’t “me”. Has that ever happened to you? Sometimes the way things look in my head are entirely different than how they look when all is said & done! LOL!

I previously decided that I would shop my own closet for this look- and so the search into my wardrobe unleashed. Next up came an idea to wear my latest favorite pair of sandals =) Aren’t they the cutest?! I went through hoops to get these, as the store that I initially spotted them in didn’t have my size (I shared portions of this harrowing experience on my Instagram Stories)….Any who, the hassle was so worth it, as they are as comfy as they are stylish!!! That is a WIN + WIN!!!

I knew that I had a silk skirt that was a very close match in color, so I added it to my pile of ideas. This skirt has been with me since 2004, and although it was pricey for me at the time, the investment was well worth it. Would you believe me if I told you that this skirt initially had perfect pleats? Well it did, but one bad trip to the cleaners and the pleats were gone forever. Initially I hated it, so the cleaners reimbursed me the cost of the skirt, at its original price! I decided to keep the skirt anyway, and eventually it grew on me again- thus I added it back to the rotation. Now that I really think about it, it was free, wasn’t it?!

Next up I needed to decide on which sweater to wear, I tried on a few, but this embellished beauty won out. I think I purchased it two years ago, yet I have never worn it- all tags were still intact =) I love it when that happens, it almost feels like a surprise gift to myself, LOL! Since both my sweater and shoes are stellar statement pieces, I opted for classic simplicity with my jewelry. Both my diamond stud earrings and “Journey” pendant are c/o Kevin Jewelers. I’ve mentioned before that I am working with them as a Brand Influencer, and having a ball! 

Now on to the specifics: These certified  ½ carat VS2 diamond stud earrings are elegance personified, encased in 14K white gold. If I had to choose just one of the two pieces, the “Journey” pendant is my favorite. Notice how the diamonds graduate in size? Be still my heart! Both pieces are available during this month’s “Clear the Case” sale, and are a whopping 65% off!!! Head on over to your local KJ and check out the deals available online!
*This just In: Kevin Jewelers is proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness month! For the entire month of October Kevin Jewelers will donate 10% of proceeds to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser for several items, including a diamond tennis bracelet and a diamond halo pendant ;)

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: ALDO| Earrings + pendant (DPANY00056/1622658): c/o Kevin Jewelers (learn more here) 

Sweater: Halogen, Nordstrom Rack (available here)| Skirt: Old, worn here| Handbag: Kate Spade| Shoes: Steve Madden