LUXE Affair

faux fur stole: similar HERE| top: c/o HERE| skirt: c/o HERE| sandals: old, similar HERE

PSA: Any excuse to play dress up will always be utilized 😉 I'm loving this two-piece set from MPT! I kept it simple for it's grand debut, however next go around I want to split the pieces up and style the bustier with  jeans 😏

Until next time,

Xx

The Perfect Overcoat

Hat: Borrowed from Hubby| Overcoat: c/o HERE (💥snag YOUR FREE trial offer💥)| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren, another cute option HERE
Dress: Sold out| Handbag: Kate Spade, similar one HERE| Booties, old - similar option HERE

I love textural interest, this look pairs a multi-dimensional window pane print with frilly lace. My overcoat was a recent win via my weekly GB shipment. I so look forward to receiving new goodies from them each week in the mail! I added the coat to my virtual closet (another handy feature for ensuring you get exactly what you want) a few weeks back and totally forgot about it until I saw that it had shipped and was on its way to my house. When I received it I noticed that it was pretty lightweight, which meant that I could be liberal with adding layers underneath-YAY! 

I started off with a silk blouse, topped that with a lace dress, then added on the overcoat. I really like this trio! I was warm (Autumn in SoCal is mild), comfortable, and stylish 😉

If you're not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, learn more about them HERE + snag your FREE TRIAL OFFER!

Until next time Babes,

Xx

Frill Seeker

Frill lace top: Similar HERE & HERE (plus size)| Floral pants: c/o HERE
Velvet platforms & clip on faux fur poms: Old| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes! I'm sorry that I've been missing in action. Since this month started there has been one unexpected event after another - I can barely catch my breath - yet here we are almost halfway through September! One example of a recent setback is the fact that instead of writing this post from the sunny, pristine shores of the Caribbean, I am planted here in the city. You see Hurricane Irma destroyed all of my vacay plans, I vented about this on Twitter... I went from a canceled flight, to lodging reservations put under scrutiny, to modified accommodations (on an entirely different island), and finally to canceled reservations with a credit issued for future use... There were several highs and lows in trying to manage this emotional roller coaster of expectations versus disappointments. However, now that it is all said and done: I am not mad at all! Although I do not believe that everything happens for a reason (as the common phrase goes), especially when it brings suffering to others, I do believe in attempting to make the best of an unexpected situation. Not only did I learn several valuable lessons through this ordeal, I was also reminded of who I am and what is important to me as an individual. 
Without a doubt, I will have other opportunities to go on vacation. In this moment, my heart goes out to everyone around the world whose life has been or is being adversely impacted by natural disasters 💕
Until next time,
Xx

For the Love of Pink

Earrings: c/o HERE (use code InMyJoi15 for a 15% discount at checkout)| Jacket: c/o ASOS, sold out, another option HERE & HERE 
Dress: Eliza J., Nordstrom| Velvet sandals: TJMAXX, but try HERE & HERE| Lemon wedge clutch: c/o HERE

Today's post is sponsored by 7 Charming Sisters

A monochrome color palette always makes me feel g👀d, I was so siked when I received these gorgeous statement earrings that I decided to create a monochrome outfit around them 😍

As you can see the color palette of the earrings is pink (close to fuschia but not quite), yellow, blue, and white - there was an option in corporate every single color into the look. Instead, I wanted to make my earrings the focal point of the look. Going with monochrome light pink felt just right to me so I took it and ran with it 😊
Who knew that my new suede jacket would be a perfect match to my lace dress and velvet shoes?! I love it when things fall into formation effortlessly!
To tie in a bit of the yellow in the earrings, I added a lemon wedge clutch and hit the door.
Before I checkout, have you heard of 7 Charming Sisters before?
Let me tell you about them! 7 Charming Sisters is the brainchild of seven "work sisters" who've been colleagues for 10-15 years. The sisters are: Paula, the elegant Executive, Kim, the vivacious Life of the Party, Jennifer, the dedicated Fashionista, Donalda, the flirtatious Social Butterfly, Jessica, the smart and Sexy Nerd,  Kimberly, the cute All-American Girl and Melissa, the sporty Super Mom.
7 Charming Sisters has a deep commitment to helping those with disabilities find jobs and employs disabled people in their studio. Many of their handmade pieces are handcrafted by those with intellectual disabilities who earn commission (how great is this?!). 
Stop by their online shop today and score 15% off of your purchase when you use code "InMyJoi15" at checkout!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Mixed Elements

Is it just me or is blush totally having a moment?! Today's style story pairs the blushing hue with an unexpected combination of elements: Lace, crystals, knit, and velvet 💓💓💓
When I received my latest batch of goodies from GWYNNIE BEE (a clothing subscription service, try their services for FREE HERE) I was so siked that this RR pencil skirt made the cut! Warm horizontal stripes (a totally unexpected combination of colors), a fantastic knit texture with a great fit, AND a hint of blush! YESSSSS!!! I reveled in the fact that yet another opportunity was just over the horizon for me to flush in blush 👌  
This ensemble provides a classic example of how I like to transition cool weather wear to Spring effortlessly: Add lace 👀 LOL!
It's true-  I would totally style this skirt differently if the temperatures were cooler (I'm thinking of a turtleneck, leather blazer, tights, and booties), but since they are delightfully on the rise I opted for a bell sleeved lace blouse and wonderfully soft velvet sandals 😉
I'm so glad the Spring has Sprung, Gwynnie Bee has a number of fantastic warm weather options and I cannot wait to frolic in all of them! I'm working with GB this month to spread the word, please do check out what they have to offer for the curvy woman and sign up for one month ABSOLUTELY FREE❣

Top: HERE| Skirt: Try it for FREE HERE or purchase it directly HERE| Shoes: HERE, other options HERE & HERE

Monochrome By Lace

Sometimes you only need three main elements to pull off an effortlessly chic look: A top, a bottom, and at least one item of interest. I am a believer that more is more, so I usually add in several item(s) of interest, just because...

For starters, this lace trench coat is EVERYTHING!!! Every single time that I have worn it thus far, the compliments pour in. Most importantly- I feel WONDERFUL in it! I'm so happy that I snagged it on sale! This time around I decided to style it with a basic tank top, a pair of destroyed denim jeans, pompom accented Mary Jane peep-toe shoes, and a fringe bag.

I wore this look to an event last week (I got my make-up done there, but it looks a bit heavy for my taste ) with the lovely Sheena of IAMSHEGLOBAL and also to the office. Perhaps you already saw it on my InstagramStories :) I loved how it turned out so much that I just had to share it with you! Although this look is totally monochrome, I added in textural interest with lace, ripped denim, faux fur, and fringe. Are you loving this ensemble as much as I am?! What three elements do you employ for effortless chic?

Until next time,

XO

Lace trench coat: Here| Tank top: Nordstrom| Statement necklace: Rocksbox, Sign up here for a free trial-InMyJoiXoXo

 Destroyed denim: Cello Jeans| Mary Jane shoes: Old| Pompom shoe clips: Here| Fringe bag: Ross dress for less, Similar here

Fall for Culottes

If there is one new thing that I have fully embraced this year, I would have to say it is the concept of over-sized clothing. Although I am not at all obsessed with tight and or fitted clothing, generally speaking I am interested in clothing that fits my body well.
This year however, I found myself embracing over-sized fits, and feeling quite spectacular in them. Previously my preference was to steer clear of larger cuts of clothing, as I didn’t like the fact that they made me look bigger than I actually am.
Welp, 2016 has been the year to do away with that idea/care, and it feels so good! Although I am clearly full figured, my waist is considerably smaller than my hips. However, it is not necessary that I should always have to wear items to highlight and or accentuate that fact. Over-sized clothing works for all sizes, including those of us on the plus side :)

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Lace top: Ross Dress for Less| Culottes c/o Elvi, see more here)| Sandals: Steve Madden (worn here)

Get BBQ Ready With Us

Can you believe that the month of July is just around the corner?! Actually it’s right down the street, Friday marks July 1st! I CANNOT! I mean, where does the time go? With the month of July upon us, that also means that summer BBQs, outdoor family get-togethers, and other like events have begun. The question that often arises is: What should I wear?

Sometimes attending a casual outdoor event can be tricky. We want to look cute, but we also want to be comfortable and practical. Let’s take for instance a Summer BBQ. Picture this: You’re invited to an outdoor cook out. The afternoon will be filled with your favorite foods plus great company. The weather is most agreeable, the forecast predicts sunshine all day and there is no sign of rain for the entire weekend.

Today’s post is especially for you! I’ve teamed up with fellow plus size Babes Dionna of Made Me Pretty and Ivory Jinelle to offer you three options to slay comfortably at a Summer Barbecue! 
Check out each of their looks in detail on their blogs ;)

Rompers are an easy option for summertime events. They can be dressed up by means of accessories, or worn completely casually. There are many straight size and plus size options in-store and online. I opted to wear a black & white color palette- simple yet classic. 

I kept my accessories to a minimal, and added a white shirt tied at the waist for a touch of edge and additional coverage.

Of course wearing white to a Barbeque can be a bit of a risk, but what can I say, I’m a risk-taker! LOL!!! I'm loving the color palettes served up by Ivory and Dionna, aren't we gorgeous!?

Until next time Babes!!
XO

Hat:Shiraleah | Romper:Juicy | Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| White shirt: Borrowed from my husband 
Peep toe booties: Marshalls| Lucite bangles: Nordstrom Rack| Sunnies: Nordstrom