Transitioning a Kimono from Summer to Fall

sunnies: TJMAXX| earrings: Bauble Bar| top: Ralph Lauren 
pants: c/o HERE| kimono: HERE & HERE| shoes: Old

Photography by A. Robinson

There's a chill in the air Babes! Seriously, I felt it just the other day 😳 I wore a sleeveless jumpsuit (what was I thinking?) and low and behold a stiff breeze came along plus a parade of goosebumps as I raced to my car O_O
Now that we've landed in October, fall-like weather is indeed expected and inevitable. Since I moved to a mild climate, I have learned to style seasonal pieces across every season.
Take for instance this bright and sunny kimono. I purchased it towards the end of spring this year from a line that was specified for summer. However due to the material that it's made from (it has a good weight to it, not heavy, but not light either), its nice long & wide sleeves, plus a medium density lining, this kimono easily becomes a transitional fall piece. 
For this look I paired it with a silk top and matching jersey pants. I love this eggplant hue, notice how nicely it pulls out the lilac flowers on the kimono?!
Until next time,
Xx

Weekend Roaming

Earrings: HERE| Dress/kimono: HERE (currently less than $20)| Purse: Coach, old| Shoes: c/o HERE

BABES!!! Can you believe that today marks the last Monday in AUGUST?! This entire year has been a complete blur! I stand in disbelief that we are on the doorstep of September already!  don't want to say farewell to SUMMER yet! Nonetheless, life experience has taught me the importance of facing facts 😉 It is time for me to mentally prepare myself - summer really is almost over. The change in the weather was noticeable over the weekend, instead of soaring up near 100 degrees, it was humid and in the 80s. Per the forecast, this week we won't get past the 70s. Although I'm sure warmer temperatures will return before all is said and done, I am still ever mindful that summer is truly on its way out. That brings me to the topic of transitional pieces. This kimono makes for a great transitional piece! It's light enough for warm days, yet also functional for easy layering in the fall months. That's right, this wrap dress is actually a kimono styled as a dress 😁 
Based on the reviews of other shoppers, I sized up for this piece, which allows me to be able to wear it as a true wrap dress. Although it came with a belt, I swapped that one out for an older belt in my collection from Banana Republic. I added in olive-colored accessories as a neutralizer and hit the door! 
Over to you Babes: Are you ready for summer to end?!
Until next time,
Xx

Subtle Blooms

Sunnies: HERE & HERE| Earrings: J. Crew, sold out| Duster: c/o HERE
Shorts: c/o HERE| Tank top: Old| Mules: Old

Floral prints will always have a place in my wardrobe. If I were to do an actual poll (I'm afraid to), floral prints probably top striped prints in my current repertoire of clothing. Bold florals, dark florals, pastel florals - whatever type of florals there are - I happily take them ❤
When I spotted this set (sold separately) on TORRID's site, I knew I had to have it. When it arrived in the mail - I was enamored at first sight.
Not only does it boast a gorgeous soft floral print, it is made of a fine rayon material and feels wonderfully cool and airy to wear during hot weather. The shorts are lightly lined, which is nice, as they would be almost totally sheer w/o the lining.
I resisted my initial urge to style this set with red (similar to the look HERE), instead I stayed within the same color palette by way of cream and yellow (although I did wear my favorite red lip stain). 
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Out of the Blue

Kimono: HERE, HERE, and HERE| Navy tank top: Old, similar HERE| Purse: Gucci| Denim jeans: c/o HERE| Sandals: similar HERE

Several weeks ago, I treated myself to an afternoon of mid-week shopping. I got valet parking and took my time walking from store to store over a two-block stretch.  In my opinion, mid-week shopping is more enjoyable than weekend shopping because stores aren’t full of the masses, parking tends to be a breeze (versus circling 5+ times - a common issue in Los Angeles), and store displays/racks are neat and fully stocked. Crowded stores and messy displays/racks are a complete turn off for me. In fact, once we enter the official holiday shopping period, when things tend to go absolute haywire -I’ll be steering clear of brick & mortar stores… unless they are open around or after midnight… Shopping after hours often offers the same perks as midweek shopping. Moving on, I perused store after store, but nothing caught my eye. I decided to cross the street, and check out a store that I don’t frequent nearly enough. Almost immediately I spotted this lush, navy blue kimono. It was ❤ at first sight. I tried it on, it was the exact fit that I wanted: slightly oversized AND ankle length. The embroidered detail was so intricate, it seemed to make the flowers come to life. Needless to say, it found a new home with me.

Every time I wear this beauty, I get so many compliments. I love that it can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood/need. For today’s look, I wore it casually, with a monochrome color palette. I pulled out a pair of dark denim jeans that a brand sent me a month or so ago. I honestly was surprised with how well and comfortably they fit 😀Why? New brands oftentimes miss the mark when it comes to the quality and fit that I am accustomed to. However that was not the case with this one! Pleasant surprises are the absolute best! Check out other options from them HERE, HERE, and HERE (excellent sale price).

Until next time Loves,

Xx

For the Love of Leaves

Hat: Vintage, thrifted| Earrings: Similar HERE| Kimono: HERE, snag a FREE trial membership

Bandeau top & wide leg pants: c/o HERE| Mules: Similar HERE & HERE| Suede bag: Zara, old

I have a thing for leafy prints. Like seriously.... I L❤VE THEM! When this kimono came by way of a recent GB shipment, I knew right away that it was a #BorrowNBuy. To learn more about GB see previous blog posts HERE & HERE.
If I totally lacked all self-control, my entire loft would look be reminiscent of the amazon rainforest -plus a few cacti for good measure of course, LOL! For instance, I have been eying this credenza (oh this one is nice too) for my bedroom for quite some time... My bedroom walls are green, very close to the shade of my purse. My inspiration for its recent refresh (currently ongoing) was a gorgeous palm print wallpaper pattern I saw on Pinterest. I have a ways to go to reach absolute completion, I'd love to find a nice heavy fabric in the exact print of this kimono with a white background to have curtains made...That reminds me, I need to carve out some time to make my way down to the fabric district...
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Denim Days

Pink baseball hat: Nordstrom, similar HERE, HERE, HERE| Sunnies: c/o HERE| Kimono: c/o HERE| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Chambray shirt: HERE| Chambray shorts: Sold out, similar HERE| Purse: Kate Spade| Glitter sandals: Steve Madden, old

I love a denim on denim look, I decided to take the classic pairing into summer mode by opting for shorts instead of jeans. We are after all in the full thrust of Summer 2017! I used an over sized top that I've blogged before (see HERE) and recently acquired smoked chambray shorts (at a fab BOGO sale).
When combined they almost look like a romper, but with the ease of separates. To finish off the look and because I am a girly girl through and through I added in pastel pink by way of a short floral kimono, and accessories. 
Omission: I am not a fan of short kimonos paired with denim pants, but by opting for denim shorts instead I found a way that the trend works with my personal sense of style. Remember my lengthy post about visual balance?
This look was perfect for stepping out, and of course I look forward to debuting it at the office 😎 (not having a dress code is one of the things I appreciate 100% about my job).
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Duster Appeal

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Duster: c/o HERE| Tank: Similar HERE| Denim skinnies: NYDJs, old| Leopard sandals: Old, Similar HERE| Handbag: Zara

If it seems like I’ve been MIA just a tad, it’s totally true! It’s so hard for me to stay on track with my blog when I’m out of town 😊 I had great plans of how I’d stay on track this time around but I tell ya, the struggle is REAL! Thankfully a friend of mine snagged a few photos of me in this look after our breakfast date.

I’ve been on a kimono kick this month, today’s style story features a kimono style duster. Personally I prefer long, over-sized kimonos - this beauty totally fits the bill. Note: Size up if you like an over-sized fit 😉 
This print reminds me of flowers blooming at night 😍 Dark florals have always been a favorite of mine. Some people prefer to wear them during the cool weather months, but truthfully dark florals can be pulled off during the summer months equally well.

I kept my look simple by pairing the kimono with a nude tank and my staple skinny jeans. I tossed in leopard print sandals for a simple yet fun pattern mix. I’m looking forward to styling this beauty next with a monochrome palette.

Ciao Loves,
XO

Charmeuse in the City

Pink statement necklace: J Crew, similar HERE| Floral kimono/cami/pants: c/o HERE, HERE, HERE

Handbag: ZARA| Gold sandals: Old, similar HERE + another option HERE

Today’s look features the most comfortable coordinates that I have ever worn. This three-piece trio (charmeuse kimono, camisole, and wide leg lounge pants) packs a floral punch- laced with lush greens, gold, and a glimmer of pink. I wore it to the office (of course- as it is my style playground for just about everything😄) and out to dinner by the beach. In both instances, I felt like I had just stepped out of a high fashion couture shop, yet the pieces were as cool and comfortable as a silk pair of pajamas. I have a host of ideas of how I’d like to mix & match this trio, I can’t wait to live them out in real life.

This look is from one of my favorite plus size brands: ELVI. Every season their designs wow me- seriously, I am already considering their Fall line with great anticipation!  When my orders arrive (shipping is a breeze BTW), the fit is fantastic, quality superb, and the craftsmanship on point. I’ve shopped with them directly through their site, but they are also available online at Nordstrom (a great way to rack up points and get a Nordie's Note😉) + ASOS Curve.

This lush watercolor print is Asian-inspired, exemplifying vintage elegance and chic ease. Notice the golden lace insets near the hem of the pants? A perfect accent to the gold rope belt!

Until next time Loves,

Xx

Jump On It

Kimono: c/o HERE| Jumpsuit: Old| Wood watch: c/o HERE| Clutch: Vintage| Pink sandals: Franco Sarto, similar HERE

Happy Fri-Yay Dolls!!!

Today’s style story features a duster length kimono paired with a simple cotton jumpsuit- a perfect combo for date night or a girls night out. I’ve had this jumpsuit for a couple of years (I think I last wore it 2 years ago while on travel), but this is its first debut here on the blog. It is made from a wonderfully soft and breathable cotton blend.

I was slow to join the kimono game, not because I don’t care for them, but because I hadn’t seen one that suited my preferences. I specifically wanted one that was duster length, preferably with longer sleeves verses elbow length, and I wanted it to have an over-sized fit. I had just about given up that such a kimono existed (after one false alarm at Nordstrom's) – that is until I changed where I looked for it 👀

Another avenue of thinking outside the box when it comes to personal style includes purposing items in ways different than they may have originally been intended. Take for instance this kimono…it is actually listed/used as a robe! When I discovered it online, I felt fairly positive that it would serve my interests well.

I was right! When it arrived I immediately remembered my comfy yet seldom worn jumpsuit as an option to pair it with, after all a monochrome approach is practically effortless!

Do tell, are you a fan of kimonos? If so, what are your style preferences?

Until next time,

XO