Feeling Some Stripe of Way

Striped shirt dress: c/o ELVI Clothing| Jeans: c/o Lovesick, worn here| Straw bag: Vintage| Jeweled pumps: Kelley & Katie, worn here

It’s no secret, I cheer for ‘Team Stripes’ in every single way, all day, everyday! PSA: Diagonal, horizontal, whatever- I’m rocking stripes, and I don’t care whether or not it is deemed so called ‘flattering’ or not on my full figure frame…{insert appropriate emoticon}…

Yes Babes, I love stripes, and although a season change is upon us, I will continue to roll with stripes, in varied colors and in the classic form of black & white :) When ELVI reached out to me to try a few pieces from their AW collection, I was so happy! And wouldn't you know, I saw stripes? LOL!

ELVI says that they: 'design clothes that flatter and enhance the fuller figure - not hide it. At the heart of elvi, our core philosophy is to create statement contemporary fashion that is attractive, accessible and affordable to all women ranging from sizes 14-26. with our focus being on providing exceptional quality, expert tailoring and all-around personal customer experience every time you shop with us.'  Sounds great right?! I thought so too!

To be completely honest, there were a number of standout pieces in this AW collection! I selected 3, all of which will be making appearances here on le blog in the near future- but it would have been easy to select 10 or more... Additionally, ELVI just launched a new collection with Hayley Hasselhoff, it is dreamy!

Now this striped shirt dress is very well made (always a concern I have when trying out new designs), and is totally Fall ready with a color combination of beige, black, and maroon. It has side slits, is light weight, and comes with its own belt. The ease and flow of it is marvelous, I enjoyed wearing it out and about. 

Tip: Size up for added drape & flow, the fabric is very lightweight- you might add a top underneath, rock it with your favorite skinnies, or a tube skirt and open toe booties!

Until next time,

XO

Set in Stone

Before there was cobalt, there was navy…

BLUE in the form of navy serves up a dish of spectacular in the form of this dress. 

I mean really, it is  a m a z i n g, I cannot even tell you!!!

Sheer overlay - fitted dress- and a jeweled collar -->

Simply perfect for date night, girls night out, or any soiree that you might attend!

The moment that I first tried it on, I was captivated. The fit was generous, and it looked luxurious. 

When I got dressed, put my make up on, and styled my hair: I felt like ‘WOW’! 

Every woman needs a ‘WOW’ dress in her wardrobe. What is a ‘WOW’ dress? 

It is the dress that you always know that you can turn to, the one that instantaneously gives you 

***100% proof*** WOW factor!!!

Honey, I was feeling MYSELF in this dress! 
It's perfect for this time of year, yet can be easily be threaded throughout the entire year.

For instance: I can totally see myself in this dress for a summer wedding 
paired with strappy sandals, topped off with jewels.

For many women the LBD (little black dress, see here) is a closet staple, as it reliably adds in a dose of oomph. However, never underestimate navy blue Loves!!! 

It is is reminiscent of class, elegance, and glamour.

Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)| Suede pumps: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Silver clutch: Vintage| Bangles: TJMaxx

Inspired by IRIS

Iris who? I R I S Apfel

My girl Sheena over at IAmSheGlobal invited me to a private screening of the Iris Apfel documentary a couple of weeks ago. You've no doubt seen Iris on the net, in magazines, and probably on my favorite inspiration market, Pinterest.

This documentary gives private glimpses inside the thought processes of the rare bird. Although Iris refers to herself as not pretty, I think her beauty radiates from the inside outward. She's smart, witty, and stylish- who could ask for more?! Age and beauty do not always come hand in hand, but Iris definitely has both.

I stared in awe as I tried to take in her fantastic vintage collections and immense storage areas. Each piece has become a memory in her book of travels and life experiences.

At one point the film shows her and her husband Max (who is 100 yrs old BTW) shopping for new vintage threads, I instantly felt the need to jump through the screen and snag a pinstripe Oscar de la Renta navy and white coat. My goodness!!! What a wealth of rare treasures she has!

Of Iris' philosophies 'more is more', and 'pattern mixing is always the way to go' - these two resonate with me the most. In Iris-like fashion, for today's look I piled on the necklaces, mixed up prints in this custom made number, and topped it all off with vintage goodness.

Over to you, please do share: who are your inspiration muses?

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Necklaces: Assorted, including a recent purchase from Rocksbox. 

(Try one month free, use code: "InMyJoiXoXo" @ checkout)

Dress: Custom made (Designed by me, made by a friend)

Straw handbag: Vintage

Jeweled shoes: Kelley & Katie

Interview Attire: Idea Number 1

After months of searching and applying for positions, you finally land an in-person interview! While you are elated at the prospect, herein begins the big debate: "What Should I Wear?" Everyone usually opts for a navy blue or black suit. Let's just say that you don't have a suit, or perhaps you don't like wearing suits. Guess what? There are other options!

It may be possible to select pieces from your current wardrobe that will provide a business appropriate look. 

I invite you to take a step outside of the "normal" interview attire box with me. 

I've worked in corporate America for almost two decades (Yep, I started working as an infant :-). Over the years, through three Fortune 500 companies, I have observed interview attire of every sort. I am not a traditional dresser, so it is not surprising that traditional attire rarely impresses me. I am impressed when I see someone who manages to show a glimmer of authenticity (the person that they truly are), yet still looks professional and polished.

Idea Number 1 features uncommonly considered neutral colors, grey and eggplant purple. I inserted hints of the authentic me by choosing: grey (not cream) pearls, jeweled earrings, a jeweled bracelet, and patterned tights.

Instead of purchasing a new grey blouse, I opted for a short dress, and wore it as a blouse. I added a full silk skirt, and peep toe pumps. In some places, showing your toes on an interview is an automatic "No", so to be safe I wore opaque tights.

For outerwear I opted for a classic pinstripe coat and grey gloves. 

Keep in mind that your outerwear selection does matter, as it may be the first thing your interviewer sees. 

First impressions are usually lasting impressions.

That wraps up today's post. What are your thoughts? What interview attire do you prefer?

Coat- Vintage Christian Dior, also worn here

Jewelry- Assorted

Top- Komarov Dress

Silk Skirt- Kate Hill

Tights- Hue

Shoes- Anne Klein

Handbag- Michael Kors, also worn here

The Roaring 20's

Happy Friday!

Today’s post takes place at a very busy transit station in Los Angeles. 

My husband thought that it would provide the perfect backdrop for this vintage outfit. 

I believe he was right J

 The architecture and design is simply magnificent. 

I wish I could go back in time, and truly experience it in it's 'Hey Day'.

I’ll admit, being photographed in such a busy terminal took me well outside of my comfort zone. 

There were so many people, and I like to avoid a crowd when possible. 

We seemed to draw attention but I'm not sure why. 

Trust me: There were a number of sights that were by far, more interesting and entertaining - LOL! 

I believe that I am learning to mentally disengage from my fears (at least some of them). 

This was a great exercise to test out that theory.

As I have said time and time again, I am smitten by all things vintage. 

For me, that does not mean that an item must be old or used. 

Rather, it means that something about the item represents a style era that resonates with my personality and style. 

We vacationed in Sweden a little over a year ago. 

I spotted this dress inside an Indiska Shop in Old Town Stockholm.

 What a fabulous, eclectic place it was! 

It reminds me of the roaring 20’s with it's delicate and feminine feel.

This time around I paired it with a vintage feather hat, and a vintage cashmere overcoat - both already in my collection. 

The air has been somewhat cool the past few days, which affords me wonderful opportunities to dabble in my winter stash. 

After all, I am a gal from the Midwest J

Hat: Vintage, thrifted

Earrings: India, gifted

Statement Necklace: Nordstrom

Dress: Indiska

Gloves: Vintage, thrifted

Clutch: 'The Block'; Vintage, thrifted (worn here)

Jeweled Heels: Kelly & Katie

Cashmere Overcoat: Vintage, thrifted

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!