Summer Whites

Scarf: Nordstrom| White sunnies: Old, designer pair HERE| Statement earrings: Bauble Bar, old

White dress: Eliza J., old - other options HERE & HERE| White leather slides: Halogen, old - another option HERE 

Straw clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes!
I'm happy to report that I've finally made it safely back to the States after a series of unexpected events on the route home from Costa Rica 😥More to come on that later...
One of the things that I had on my to-do list was to go through my wardrobe and pull out items to donate/give away this month. I try to do this at least every other month, as my closet is housed in a limited space (I live in a loft), and it is necessary to prune what items I retain from working with brands. Add to that a healthy habit of retail therapy, and well - you get the picture😊 Doing this regularly also affords me the opportunity to identify previously purchased items that I may have forgotten about and or don't get their fair share in the spotlight. Today's post features one such item, a beautiful white dress (by Eliza J.) with laser cut lace overlay. I snagged it from Nordstrom last summer, on sale. I've worn it a couple of times, but not nearly enough. That will change this summer 😉 For an afternoon out, I decided to pair it with white accessories and a rattan purse that I often convert into a clutch. Because I always NEED at least one pop of color, I swiped on a new favorite pink lip stain along with pink statement hoops.
I'm looking forward to styling this dress next with black!
Until next time,
Xx

Beach Please | Part 3

Sunnies: Old| Romper: c/o HERE| Sandals: Nordstrom, old| Clutch: Vintage

TGIF Babes!!! Today's post is my final installment of my blog series surrounding my recent day at the beach. Check out the swimsuits that I wore in part one HERE, and part two HERE.

An ideal, easy to wear beach piece is a romper. Oftentimes we opt for a dress, but really a romper is just as practical. It's super easy to take on and off, and makes for a perfect cover-up over a dry swimsuit. I wore this romper to the beach, and to an oceanside dinner after the beach 😍
Sidebar: I also shared another instance of wearing a romper to/from the beach when I was in Tulum a few months ago on Instagram HERE . If you aren't following me on IG yet, please do! I often share additional looks there, along with snippets on my stories from travel, shopping excursions/deals/steals, and blogger events here in LA ... take for instance yesterday😏
Back to today's post: I noticed something very interesting while at the beach. A majority of the people there were busy trying to capture the moment, or should I say attempting to capture the beauty of beach, but very few were actually sitting back, being still, and truly taking in all of its magnificence. In fact, we were hard pressed to find places to shoot my swimsuits and this romper as practically every single inch of the beach was occupied, with other people taking pictures (some professional photographers) or on professional photo shoots. 
It made me think about the hard balance that I try to strike as a blogger --> knowing what I want to capture versus what I want to enjoy. I made a promise that I would return to this beach soon - on another nice day, with no cameras, and really make an effort to truly take it all in, in real time. You see, I believe that there are a multitude of wonderful moments in life that aren't absorbed as they should be, because instead of fully experiencing them in real time, to the fullest extent possible, we try to capture those moments for a future memory, usually in digital form. However I have learned that the best time to fully experience any given moment is now, while you are in the grip of it ❤ The memories that a genuine moment creates, these last for a lifetime. 
For instance, during our hike back up the cliff towards the car, we stopped on a landing of sorts for a breather. While there, we took a moment to look out over the ocean, and at all of the beauty that surrounded it. 
It was a PERFECT day. The clouds danced beautifully across the sky, the ocean tide rolled in and out with a rhythm of its own, and just beyond the shore - there was an otter or sea lion family. We couldn't tell which one because of the distance, but the one who we assumed was mom was quite massive in size, she stayed further out to sea. All six babies, well they swam and played all the way up to the shore, unbeknownst to probably all of the beach goers. We watched them for about 15 minutes. It was wonderful to see. I did not try to take out my phone or camera to capture them playing. 
This was something best experienced in the moment.
Until next time,
XO

Beach Please | Part 2

Earrings: Old| Bikini top: c/o HERE| Bikini bottom: c/o HERE| Sarong: c/o HERE

Check out the first post in this series, Beach Please | Part 1, HERE
As promised, here's another look shot during my recent excursion to the beach! My favorite type of beach day involves laying out in the sun for hours on end, enjoying a bit of solitude, occasionally reading, snoozing, and engaging in thought provoking conversation. Did you notice that I did not mention getting in the water? Haha! The weather has to be extremely hot (usually it is hot in the city, but cooler at the beach) or the water temperature quite warm for me to anticipate frolicking in it. The pacific ocean surrounding Los Angeles boasts a cool temperature almost all year long - I rarely anticipate getting in it. While taking these shots the waves were crashing against the shore continuously, I tried to avoid getting wet but it was impossible.
With such a wide array of swimwear now available in my size, I love taking more than one suit with me to the beach. When I take a beach/water themed vacation, I can totally take a different swimsuit to wear every single day. You can probably guess that when it comes to travel, I am not a light packer...
I really like the color and floral print of this suit, it is bright, summery, and pretty. The fact that a matching sarong was available truly added a golden cherry on top. Sidebar: I am considering wearing this sarong over jeans...👀
Fashion is all about having fun!
Stay tuned for the final post in this series: Beach Please | Part 3!
Xx

Beach Please | Part 1

Bikini top: c/o HERE| Bikini bottom: c/o HERE
Sunnies: Old| Earrings: BaubleBar| Lippie: 01 lip stain by Sephora

Is it okay to crush on yourself sometimes?😍 When I went through the photos taken from a recent outing at the beach, I was thinking to myself,
'Girl, you aren't doing too bad '! 😅😅😅 
I've had a full figure my entire adult life. I embrace it. 
This does not mean:
I don't make a concerted effort to make health conscious decisions when it comes to what I eat or whether or not to engage in physical exercise. 
It means:
I don't loathe my body. 
I try to fully appreciate and focus on the many wonderful things about my body (type/color/and size) and how full functionality of it allows me to enjoy my life.  
With that said, it has been several years since I shot a swimsuit look for the blog (recently I've shared occasional shots in swimwear while on vacation on Instagram). Why? Honestly, I had to think about the answer to that question. After a bit of thought, I realized that there were several contributing factors, all of them past tense, none of which I'll bore you with, at least not today! LOL! 
Besides, isn't it clear that my upper thighs were in serious need of a tan?! 😉
This two piece leopard print bikini is a winner for those of us endowed with ample curves! I was a bit worried that the bikini top would not properly support my girls - I was wrong! The cup measurements are a perfect match to my frame (I ordered size 14). Not only that, the halter tie made it easy to adjust the extent of support provided. The high waist bikini bottom is also a great fit (size 14), it is not too tight or too loose.
I opted to style the set with a headwrap because I didn't fancy windswept, frizzed out, monster-size hair- LOL! 
Stay tuned to the blog for more looks that I shot at the beach!
Until next time,
Xx

Off and On Again

Headwrap: Old scarf| Dress: c/o HERE| Beaded clutch: Zara

Have you ever changed your mind about a particular style ? For instance at one point it was a favorite but then over time you found that you didn't like it so much anymore? Or perhaps you always shied away from it, but then found that it was a style you actually liked  at present? I have had an on/off relationship with maxi dresses/skirts for years. On one hand I loved the seemingly endless flow, but then on another hand I felt that they were totally unflattering to my height. For a few years I did not buy or wear them at all. However last summer my style taste for them shifted, I found myself willing to wear them here and there. This summer I am fully on board, as a result I have acquired a number of maxi dresses along with a skirt or two. Apparently 2017 is the summer of the maxi! LOL! I'm enjoying this moment, without putting pressure on myself to make this a long-term affair 😏
Until next time,
Xx 

Surviving Summer

Scarf  & earrings: Nordstrom| Dress c/o HERE| Velvet mules: c/o HERE| Vintage leather clutch: Thrifted

The 1st day of August reminds us that the dog days of summer are almost over 😲 Although many of us spend the majority of the year anticipating summer weather, sometimes when it arrives it can be downright brutal. Don't get me wrong: summer is hands down my favorite season 😜 However, if I am completely honest, here are a few of my not so favorite things about summer madness:

• extreme heat
• excess sweating
• humidity (although a measure of it really is good for your skin)
• unpredictable hair (good curls, bad curls and everything in-between)
• chub rub

What will you be happy to say goodbye to when summer 2017 reaches its end?!

Until next time,

XO

Bucket List

Headwrap: Kenya| Sunnies: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Yellow beaded bangles: Kenya| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Silver bucket bag: c/o HERE| Silver Sandals: Unlisted, Kenneth Cole- similar HERE

Hey Loves! I’ve been thinking, it’s time for me to add some more items to my bucket list. Within the past 5 years, I’m tremendously grateful to say that I have put a serious dent in my bucket list. 😊
Sidebar: I typically don't share these experiences on social media because I aim to focus on living in the moment versus capturing the moment. However going forward, I am going to make a more concerted effort to enjoy the moment fully AND share it when possible/appropriate…

Moving on...I am incredibly thankful for all of the experiences that I’ve had, countries I’ve visited and explored like a native, all of the priceless lessons learned, along with life changing perceptions gained along the way.

With that being said, I never want to reach a point where I’ve checked everything off of my bucket list! I want my bucket list to always be full, choked with realistically attainable & worthwhile pursuits.  
There is a poem that really stirs me, written by Padhia Avocado, in it she says: “At the end of my life I will have no curiosity…having spent my lifetime living the answers”.  Life is for LIVING! Keeping a bucket list helps me to avoid getting caught up in a monotonous, non-enjoyable daily routine. Instead, I live with purpose, continuously taking steps to reach my goals 😃

Please do share: What’s up next on your bucket list?

Today’s look features a few items that I snagged while in Kenya back in December (I cannot believe it's been six months ago already). That trip is filed under EPIC- FOREVER CHANGED because it was a life lesson for me in a number of ways…Maybe one day’ll write about it here on the blog-but no promises, LOL! 
This dress is the most perfect shade of yellow- in fact in my head it says, ‘Hello Summer’! Notice that it has an interesting cutout at the midriff, which I was so looking forward to rocking. Unfortunately it fit me in an odd way (probably because I have a short torso and am generously proportioned in the bosom area) if I move one inch you can see my bra…Needless to say I opted for a matching cotton tank to wear underneath it 😉 I really like the variation that silver accessories added to the mix! And most importantly- I was cool as a cucumber in 90+ degree temps 😎

Until next time,

Xx

Shifting Into Summer

Headwrap: Nairobi, Kenya| Sunnies: c/o HERE| Earrings: TJMAXX| Watch: c/o HERE| Blazer: Nordstrom, similar HERE

Dress: Nordstrom| Clutch: Vintage| Brocade backless loafers: HERE or HERE

I’m not a major fan of shift dresses, but this number instantly became an exception because of its bold fuchsia hue and unbelievable sale price 😁 I've styled it a couple of ways in addition to this one, I totally concede that it was a perfect add-on for my spring/summer wardrobe. It is super lightweight and has a breezy over-sized fit/flow. 
I wore this look to a festival on the weekend, and received so many compliments on it! Although temperatures were soaring, I brought my linen blazer along because I knew that as soon as the sun dropped so would the heat, and I hate to feel cold. Sure enough, my instincts proved right on 💨
We hit up a few shops after the festival and I was wonderfully comfortable in my backless loafers AKA mules. I stalked these brocade beauties for a hot minute online, but once inventories began to drop I knew I had to jump on them before I missed my chance. I'm so happy that I did, I haven’t regretted acquiring them one single bit…
Until next time,
XO

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

*Learn more about GB and sign up for one month free HERE.

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