A Very Berry Blazer Dress

Blazer dress: HERE, similar option HERE| Sunnies: Vince Camuto, old

Earrings: Nordstrom, old - similar style HERE| Shoes: Jessica Simpson, another option HERE 

Photography by A. Robinson

As we wind down the month of August, I found myself in the realization that fall weather/fashion is just over the horizon. While out & about the other day, it seemed like the sunset was super early (before 8p) - then I realized that the days are indeed getting shorter 😵Yes my friends, the signs of fall are making an appearance right now. 
When it comes to fall fashion, I love the idea and practicability of blazer dresses. The one pictured in today's blog post boasts a bold color, tailored cut, double front functional button placket closure, front welt flap pockets, and a full lining. 
Over to you, how do you feel about blazer dresses?
Until next time,
Xx

How to Wear White After Labor Day

dress: c/o HERE & HERE| purse: HERE| shoes: Jessica Simpson, similar HERE

photography by LETA

The best way to wear white after Labor Day? JUST DO IT! 😉 Seriously, there isn't much to it! Over the years I've shared looks here on the blog styled with white time and time again, after Labor Day. If you live in a mild climate, it can be easier to pull off because summer really never ends. If you live in a place where you get full exposure to all four seasons, say for example Michigan (where I am from), after summer think white denim jeans, denim skirts, knit dresses, scarves, and even boots (I love this pair of booties HERE). Long gone are the days where you have to relegate specific colors for wear during specified times of the year to be considered fashionably correct. You don't need permission to wear white after Labor Day, or instructions🙌 Experiment to see what you like, what exemplifies your sense of style, and most importantly: HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Pearl Jam

Hat: Similar HERE| Top: c/o HERE|  Embellished denim: c/o HERE| Camera purse: c/o HERE| Tweed boots: MARSHALLS, another cute pair HERE

Hey Loves! I've been wanting a pair of embellished jeans for what feels like forever. I even considered making my own, and pinned several tutorials to my ever growing Pinterest boards. Before I had the chance to test out my DIY skills, I scored a pair of pearly blues c/o Charlotte Russe. They are so stinking cute! The only con: They are a tad too big...If you order these, please don't size up like I did 😉
For their grand debut, I paired them with a fun one shoulder top, tweed booties, and a cable knit black hat. As if the ensemble wasn't fun enough, I added in a camera novelty bag which really worked well to pull the entire look together.
I think I still may try my hand at embellishing a pair of jeans, but first - I have to find the T I M E 😊
Until next time,
Xx

Midi Mania | Tulle Edition

I truly appreciate the vast plethora of glam clothing available this time of the year! Sequin, beads, jewels, and yes---TULLE! Above the knees, ballgown length, or my personal favorite--> the midi length :) The options are endless! I’m no stranger to the Tutu party (see here, here, here, and here), I almost never turn down an opportunity to go all out on feminine frills. An easy route for versatile special occasion wear is mix & match seperates. 

This tutu edition is a tad more reserved than the aforementioned/linked, yet still totally suitable special occasion wear. Ilove the taupe hue of my newest addition and its satin underlay. I went for a glam effect, bumping it up a notch via an exquisitely embellished chiffon-like blouse. The fit and cut of this blouse is similiar to a traditional tunic. I opted to tuck it in which aided in pulling the entire look together. Think outside the box when shopping your wardrobe! Sidebar: This top looks equally cute worn untucked, accompanied by denim or leather or both :)

Until next time Beauties,

XO

Hat: BCBG| Embellished blouse: c/o Elvi, here |Tutu: Marshalls, Similar here  and here| Platform sandals: Similar here and here| Cross stitch purse: Here

Read Between the Lines

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| Stud earrings: Fossil| Dress: Yours Clothing via Gwynnie Bee-Sign up for one month free TODAY

Sandals: Steve Madden| Bracelet: J. Crew

If I had to pick just one piece that has been my steady this summer, it would have to be this striped number that I scored from Gwynnie Bee! As you may have read/heard previously, Gwynnie Bee is a unique retail clothing subscription service for sizes 10-32.

This Summer I’ve been working with them to spread the word far and wide on how awesome this option is for the busy fashionable dame. For a limited time, you can sample all the benefits of GB via a free 30 day trial! Along with each membership also comes the option to buy any pieces that you fall in love with. This dress was one such piece for me <3 When I initially selected it for my virtual closet (learn more about that here), I didn’t have high expectations. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it was cute: Black & white, stripes, plus the cold shoulder feature I’ve been struck with this summer...but  I didn’t really give it a 2^nd thought. I underestimated it! 

From the moment that it arrived and I tried it on- I was/have been entirely smitten with it. Yes, it is an easy wear, yet it is so comfortable and effortlessly stylish- I was quite overtaken! Within 3 days I knew that I wanted this maxi for my forever wardrobe, and I purchased it from the Gwynnie Bee shop for under $25! Who doesn’t LOVE an effortlessly fab dress at a bargain price?! I know I do! A few of the reviews  (another great feature GB offers- you can read a number of reviews for over 2000 items) noted that the dress had gold threading in-between the stripes  which concerned me initially- but honestly up against my skin tone it is hardly noticeable.

I have worn this dress at least 10 times/ways for different events/purposes. This time around I paired it with a statement bracelet that I snagged on sale a few weeks ago, coordinating stud earrings, and sunnies. It was perfect for spending a hot summer’s day in a beach city.

With the end of summer fast approaching, if you had to pick just one wardrobe steady, what would it be?

Until next time, 

XO

Sky Blue

Better late than never- that’s my motto! Do you agree?! Some folks are sticklers when it comes to being on time and meeting target deadlines. I admire that – I aspire for it to be my M.O.... one day…. Would you believe that it is challenging for me to stick to deadlines (particularly self-imposed ones)? This struggle has been going on for as long as I can remember. True, there have been periods of my life where for one reason or another I found myself doing better with this challenge versus worse, nonetheless admittedly it requires constant effort on my part.

Take this post as an example. I planned to type it up and post it last night for this morning. Did that happen? No! Why not? Well, while I could provide a list of ‘valid’ factors that may have contributed to the eventual outcome… I won’t because the bottom line is: I just didn’t do it  O_O

So here we are on Friday afternoon (for some of you) and this post finally makes it’s way to the blog. Is it better late than never?! I say YES! Come on, this dress is beautiful! I got so many compliments both times that I wore it. The pattern is garden-like at best and the color reminds me of blue summer skies. I scored this via Gwynnie Bee- and YOU can too! Don’t forget that GB is offering a free trial membership to all of my readers! Learn more & sign up here ;)

As for my life long challenge, there are a number of tips that I’ve learned over the years. The best one to date is to continue to strengthen my time management skills. Instead of over-scheduling and or procrastinating, the idea is to prioritize and get things done! LOL! Easier said than done, but for me the key is to keep trying even when I feel like I’ve fallen off the wagon. What tips have proved helpful for you?

Friday Fact(s): I’m a guest contributor over at AlreadyPretty.com. Sally recently wrote a post that you may find useful: Where to score white tees that are truly opaque enough to be worn alone! Read her personal reviews here.

Until next time,

XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress c/o Gwynnie Bee (SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL TODAY!)
Stud earrings: Jessica Simpson| Necklace c/o Rocksbox| Scarf:Nordstrom| Sandals: Kate Spade

Lemon Meringue

For today’s style story, we take a trip back in time, circa the 1940's. I absolutely love the fashion options from that era, and have even thought how amazing it would have been to live back then and to enjoy those fashions firsthand. However, I quickly remember that I am a woman with brown skin, which means that life during that era would have been particularly difficult. You see in this country, people were hated, solely based on the color of their skin. My grandparents lived through that era, and have shared with me the challenges that arose simply because a person was: black. Yes, life would have been much more challenging for me then, than it is today- and I will say: It is still a challenge being a black woman.

It’s been said that hatred is learned; I have witnessed that truth time and time again. For instance, I was standing in line the other day at a store, and I overheard a little boy directly behind me ask his mother: ‘Why are there people with red skin?’ I couldn’t hear his mom's answer, she seemed embarrassed and subsequently mumbled something under her breath. Although I was unable to hear her reply, it brought to my mind another experience that I won’t forget anytime soon.

One afternoon I was sitting leisurely with a family that I had known for a little over a year. They are natives of another country, and as it happens, they do not have brown skin. Their youngest child (age 4) began to ask me a series of question, starting with:  Why are your knees black? Why are your gums dark? Why is your skin different than mine? Why is your hair like that? Do you wish your hair was like mine? As so on... The tone of her questions reflected more than curiosity, instead it was actually a sense of superiority. Despite my shock and discomfort, I answered each of her inquiries as simply and gracefully as possible. However, my thoughts wandered over to her parents, my relationship with them, and the type of people that they must truly be, given the fact that their child felt that her race/features/color indicated that she was superior to me. Also I was shocked and stunned by the obvious: At no point did they interject into our conversation, seizing the opportunity to teach/show her that people come in all shades and sizes, and that we are all equal and beautiful. You see, I am of the belief that parents have a responsibility to teach their children to love and value people of all colors.

With that said, I know that I would not have enjoyed living during the 40's, but fortunately that doesn't mean that I have to miss out entirely on the fabulous styles that stem from that time!

This beauty from Shabby Apple resonated with me, I was siked when they reached out to me and offered me the opportunity to try it out. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about sizing (as I always am when trying out a new brand), so I ordered this dress in a size 16, hoping that would ensure that I'd have some extra room. However, this dress actually runs small, and fits truer to a petite size 12 in my opinion. Nevertheless, the color, the cut, and the print are gloriously designed and happily take me back to my dream style era.

Please share: What is your dream style era?!

Until next time Style Lovers!
XO

Feather hat: Vintage| Fishnet gloves: Vintage| Dress: Shabby Apple, gifted| Mink stole: Vintage| Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Flushed With Blush

I have a confession…
I have a new color crush….totally different from those of the past….

Vibrant, rich, tantalizing hues have been my M.O. for 20+ years, but lately…well…I find myself intrigued with neutral color palettes. What’s happening here?!
In a word:  C H A N G E.

There’s something about the color blush , it’s not quite pink, yet it is not quite beige or tan either---> it’s blush! While perusing Pinterest I’ve come across several combinations of black & blush that are classically fantastic.

I picked up  this hi-low blush top a month or three ago (debuted it on date night) - it’s high time that I sift more blush colored items into my collection.

TGIF Beauties & have a wonderful weekend!
XO

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| High-Low top:ASTR | Jeans: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (worn here)| Floral Clutch: Vintage

An Appreciative Introvert

Hey Style Lovers! I feel like I’ve been missing in action. Well, the only explanation I can give is: Life has been happening, over and over, and over again. Despite a busy life schedule, I feel GOOD! As a matter-of-fact, during my down time I came across an article that has prompted me to open up and share something personal about myself: "I am an introvert."

Many sources say that most personalities can be categorized as extroverted or introverted. An extrovert according to Merriman-Webster is ‘a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people; i.e. an outgoing person’. In contrast, “introverts are drained by social encounters and energized by solitary, often creative pursuits. Their disposition is frequently misconstrued… many introverts socialize easily; they just strongly prefer not to.” 
-Psychology Today

As far back as I can remember, I have always felt a sense of dread when it came to attending social functions. From toddler age sleepovers, to high school parties, I never gained the same level of satisfaction or fulfillment from engaging socially as others seemed to around me- if any fufillment at all. Not to say that I didn’t or that I don’t enjoy socializing at times.  After all, this blog produces regular evidence that I do love to dress up-LOL! But seriously, I have observed that frequent social interactions do not necessarily add value to my life. Often they leave me feeling, well, in a word: tired. Confession: There are times when the only highlight in attending a social function for me is simply getting dressed! 

Some introverts would say that they wish that they were extroverts, and could somehow break free from their ‘shell’. Personally, I do not feel that way. I’m not in a shell, I don't feel socially awkward, nor do I have a mild personality. It is a part of who I am to limit my social interactions! Being able to take a step back and to think introspectively makes me the woman that I am- I am very appreciative for that.  The world would be remiss if every single individual possessed the exact same traits. I relish in the freedom of being an introvert! I don’t have a problem with saying “No”, I can stand alone.  If you’re an introvert like me, bask in the strength that you have from within. Embrace your differences! And if you happen to be an extrovert - love an introvert ;) I'm so happy that one loves me !

Until next time,
X

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson | Statement Necklace: H&M | Jacket: Nordstrom | Dress: Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique | Oxfords: Tildon

Glammed Up: Tulle Can Do No Wrong

It’s back by popular demand: Today’s post features my custom made tutu, a.k.a tulle skirt :) I posted a #FBF picture to my Instagram account (follow me @InMyJoi) a few weeks ago and everyone loved it, so I thought why not pull out my tulle-licious beauty once again! I love wearing my favorites over and over again, my tulle skirt is no exception.

See previous posts here and here.

This time of year often involves events that give one extra opportunities to glam up, I say what better way to do so than in a tulle skirt?!

Now I originally purchased this skirt for a white party, but I wondered just how much use I'd get out of it afterward. I must say, not only was it worth purchasing, but I also found a number of uses for this pristine white beauty all year around. (Please ignore my hair gone wild in the next picture)

If you’re thinking about ordering or perhaps making a tulle skirt but feel somewhat hesitant, allay your fears.

Tip(s):

Look for density or extra pouf factor which will provide more coverage.

Wear a similar colored slip underneath of your skirt is unlined like mine. 

When it comes to tulle, bigger is better IMO.

Tulle is very easy to clean. 

I used Spray & Wash to clean my skirt: thoroughly spray stains and place skirt in a plastic garment bag overnight. The next day fully rinse the skirt, removing all excess water with a towel.  Hang to dry. *For a skirt that is made exactly like mine, you may also braid the strips while wet to increase the pouf factor. When it dries unravel the braids, you will notice a crinkle effect.

Of course I vote “YAY” for tulle skirts, how about you?!

Jeweled Collar: Nicole Miller (taken off of a sweater)|Blazer: American Rag (worn here)|Tank: Nordstrom|Tulle skirt: Custom made (see here and here)|Shoes: Jessica Simpson (worn here)