Laugh Despite the Rain

We've been getting our fair share of rainy days this season, which is technically GREAT considering the fact that we've been in a record break drought for XX amount of years. However on the practical side of things, torrential rain can be a headache, especially when you have to take account factors such as extreme traffic congestion (think sitting in your car 2-3 ours to travel less than 20 miles), mudslides, flooding, and the like... If I don't have to leave my house, I find the rain to be enjoyable, it has such a soothing effect that cannot be duplicated. 

Any who, I decided to get a few shots in of this look, and wouldn't you know it- it started to sprinkle - lightly... There was a damp chill in the air, I simply refused to take my coat off, LOL!
That instance gave me the chance to reflect on how all too often in our lives we have to learn to laugh through the 'rain', even through 'storms'. 

Keeping on laughing Babes, don't let a little 'rain' kill your flame 😉

Until next time,
XO

Coat + gloves: Vintage, options here & here| Blouse: Sold out, similar here| Pleat skirt: Sold out, similar here 
Handbag: Vintage Coach, updated option here| Sheer socks: Nordstrom| Yellow sandals: Old, similar here & here

Mixed Feelings

I’ve recently had one too many conversations with peers who for one or more reasons loathe their own bodies. I actually cringed to listen to a number of things that they said about themselves, as most comments were (not surprisingly) in reference to having gained unwanted weight and how their lives had drastically changed...or so they felt. Their comments gave me cause for pause, because in case they hadn’t noticed, I am a full figured woman! Hello! If they hated the way that they looked, were they not in affect saying that they hated the way that I looked?! And why did they choose to take up those conversations of such subject matter with me?

Yes, those conversations gave me cause for pause, and I have since taken some time to reflect on how different my personal feelings on the matter are. If by chance it isn’t clear, “I am a full figured woman”. I have always been a full figured woman. Give or take a few pounds, I have remained in sizes 12-16 (depending on the cut of an item) for almost 20 years. I’ve previously written about the years of my life that I wasted feeling ashamed of my curves, my body type, and yes my size. I like many women fed into the propaganda that ‘If only I was smaller’ my life would somehow improve by leaps and bounds…

The truth then is exactly the same truth today: Happiness is a choice! Now is the time to love myself, to love my body, to be happy, and to live with gratitude. Of course, I understand the desire to lose a few unwanted pounds, especially when it seems that they have crept up on you! I cannot however, sympathize with hateful speech towards your own body, which in turn teaches young girls, young women, and even influences other adult women that their personal self-worth should be heavily tied to their personal appearance- and even more so- the opinions of others.

If there is only one thing that I could gift every single woman that I come across, it would be constant awareness of everything about 'her' that is truly wonderful. In the interim, I stand in my own truth, embracing this body that I have been given, and styling it to the nine on every possible opportunity : ) Yes I am plus size and I feel fabulous!!! 

Until next time,

XO

Hat: BCBG| Sunnies: Nordstrom| Top: Here| Shorts: Forever 21 Plus| Suede sandals: Via Spiga| Purse: Vintage

An Epiphany

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)

Top: Forever 21, worn here |Skirt: Vince Camuto, worn here |Shoes: Pour La Victoire, worn here & Market

Bangles: H&M, worn here |Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches, see here & here |Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Menswear Inspired

Just about every individual has a certain pattern of dressing, what I like to think of as ‘dressing norms’. I love my dressing norms, but every now and then I like to spice up my fashion palette by wearing an ensemble that is completely different, outside the box.

I generally gravitate toward feminine looks, vibrant colors, and delicate details. But that only represents one facet of my persona ;) I’m a woman of many facets!

I wore this look on a date night this past week, it felt amazing to step outside 'my box'. 

This looks is total menswear inspiration, I enjoyed mixing it up immensely.
Side note: I combed out my mane and rolled and tucked it with hair pins to achieve this improvised faux bob ;)

Please share, how often do you create opportunities to step outside of your dressing norms, and do you enjoy it as much as I do?
Xx

Hat: Zara, Men’s

Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Faux fur scarf: Old

Men's blazer: Vintage, thrifted

Jean shirt: Thrifted

Jeans: NYDJ

Handbag: H&M

Boots: Betsey Johnson

On Top of the World

I was fortunate to get a shot or two in this look, between appointments, at one of my favorite parks. I’ve read that full figured women should steer clear of stripes because they have the propensity to make you look bigger. While that may be true, I don’t buy into that notion. My sole purpose in getting dressed is not to give the illusion that I am small. Rather it is to feel good in my clothes. Stripes make me feel good so I wear them, as often as I like. This look has become a favorite go to, with horizontal and vertical stripes in full rage =)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Statement necklace: Natasha | Blazer: Bar III | Stripe top: Karen Kane | Skirt: Custom-made | Oxfords: Tildon | Tote: H&M

Digital Confetti

Hey fellow Style Lovers!
This is the very first weekend in September and everywhere that I look seems to sing 'Fall Mode' (in a loud high pitched tone). Have you noticed that? What's a gal to do when the temperatures just aren't quite yet, shall we say: 'Fall-Like'?

I decided to make the best of it, and to wear this colorful number to a family BBQ. 

About a half hour in, while everyone is relaxing out on the deck, a torrential downpour occurs! You guessed it: I'm not in California :)

BTW- My husband was teasing me on this picture and I'm threatening to throw my bag at him ;)

As I've mentioned before, I'm from Detroit, Michigan. I treasure my visits home. This visit has been no different, and interestingly the stormy weather was a highlight because it's been so long since I've experienced it! I never would have imagined that there would be a time in my life where/when rain would actually fascinate me. The benefit of ample rain results in beautiful lush landscapes, something lacking in Los Angeles.

Now the heat and humidity made for an interesting hair story. As soon as I stepped off of the plane I could feel the pouf factor triple on my curly tresses. I had a mental image of a giant cotton ball sitting on of top my head. With few options in mind, I opted for an up-do. My grandma chuckled when she saw me, and then asked how in the world did I pin up all my hair so neatly. My reply? 'With 1000 hairpins of course!'

Now to talk just a bit about what I'm wearing: The digital print on this dress reminds me of a toss up between skittles candy and party confetti. Either way, it elicits feelings of happiness :)

It showcases a frilly, feminine, one-shoulder double tiered ruffle detail with raw edges. Check out the rounded hem,  it's slightly longer in the back. Now I typically don't crush over high-low hem dresses (and only try them when the price is extremely marked down), but I actually like the balance of this design. Truly just about every trend can be mastered to your personal taste, when the proper balance is in place!

That wraps up today's post- have a G R E A T weekend!
Xx
Joi

Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Earrings: Ross Dress for Less

Dress: H&M

Bangles: Nordstrom

Booties: Kelsi Dagger

Clutch: TJMaxx

Neon Citron & Classic Stripes

Today's style tale stems from a cluster of bracelets that I snagged at H&M on clearance. I loved the color/design, and I wondered what style concoctions would arise as of a result of the purchase. First I wore them with an all black look, and second with a dark blue dress. Unfortunately I neglected to take pictures in either of those looks...As I've mentioned on my Instagram account, I truly do not like taking pictures. This blog is a labor of love and it regularly takes me completely outside of my comfort zone. Which is not necessarily a bad thing! Nonetheless, I have digressed. On to today's look:

I thought this striped trumpet skirt would be a good fit (for the bracelets), but initially I planned to wear it along with a black top.

I decided to have some fun with it, and went for this neon citron top instead =)

Notice my fun-filled, matching statement ring? I also have a giraffe print on my nails which is equally fun & funky ;)

I added sunnies, a clutch, and black booties to complete the look. 

Sunnies: LA Fashion District, also worn here
Top: Ross
Skirt: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelets: H&M
Clutch: Vintage. thrifted
Booties: Chinese Laundry, worn here

Until next time lovlies and thank YOU for visiting today!
X

Draped in Eggplant, Trimmed in Mint

Hey there! 

I can't believe that its been one week since my last blog post. Did you happen to catch that one? It was another #30PlusStyle Production: Tutu the Curvy Woman's Way! Tutu goodness was served across the board. 

I've missed you all! What have I been up to? Well, I had some down time and enjoyed a wonderful vacation with my husband and some friends. I sunbathed, I slept, I shopped, and I ate- what more can a gal ask for? LOL! BTW, I can totally see my tan in these pictures.  That's right, you heard it here: Black chicks tan too ;)

Amidst my total relaxation, I didn't feel like taking pictures. I actually didn't feel like writing, or thinking- so I didn't. That seems to work well for me, because I tell ya, when I returned home, my head was overflowing with ideas and inspiration.

On to today's look:
This dress is a total closet staple. It drapes perfectly, its made of yielding fabric, and it gifts you with a rich hue and fab fit all at the same time. In my mind, deep purple is a neutral color of sorts. If you've seen the other shades that I step out in (like here and here), you'll understand why I feel this way.

I decided to pop out the neutral (purple) with a contrasting cami, and mint colored accessories. 

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Necklace: H&M

Dress: Suzi Chin

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Handbag: Kate Spade

Until next time!
X