Seeing Red

Red suede moto jacket: c/o HERE + another color HERE| Pastel pink turtleneck: Similar HERE

Distressed metallic stripe skinnies: c/o HERE| Silver  oxfords: Similar HERE

Hey Babes!
It's been a minute! If you follow me on IG you already know that I've been on vacation - soaking up ALL of the sun and inhaling wonderful food 😆Once I  got back to the States I immediately came down with a terrible cold, and actually - I'm still battling it 😔 and completely open to any home remedies that you'd like to share...  Anyhow as the saying goes, 'The show must go on'... I got back to the business of a routine right away. Needless to say I was/am wayyyy behind on opening mail/packages/creating blog posts/etc.,. 
I opened a slew of mail last weekend, my heart just about jumped out of my chest when I laid eyes on this gloriously soft, supple, suede moto jacket c/o Rebel Wilson X Angels. GUYS!!!! 
THIS MOTO JACKET IS E V E R Y T H I N G !!!!!!!! It's fits like a dream, feels amazing, the color/saturation ratio is LIFE, and - it has four REAL pockets! I 💗 POCKETS! Especially functional pockets 😏 I mean, what is the purpose of decorative/faux pockets anyway?! Okay, I've digressed...back to the matter at hand: 
This moto EXCEEDED my expectations! I wore it out immediately. It will be on repeat IRL...I couldn't wait to share it with you! And guess what: It's on sale NOW! 
For its grand debut, I paired it with skinny jeans also c/o Rebel Wilson X Angels - see previous post HERE for my first impression on the fit of ther denim. 
Did you notice how the metallic side stripe is ingeniously placed? You can see it from the side and the front view - super cute & fun! 
Until next time,
Xx

Go High or Go Low

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Dress, Lord & Taylor (other cuties from the same brand HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE
Shoes: Nordstrom| Orange purse: c/o HERE

It's so hard to believe that we have reached the end of August 2017! I know that I say this often here on the blog, but truly: Where does the time go?! Before we know it, we'll be closing out the year and heading nose first into 2018😔I'll just let that sink in for a moment...
With four months left in 2017, I'm admittedly overdue for my regular 'check-in with self'. I've decided to postpone it just a few weeks more, until an upcoming getaway. I can always think more clearly outside of the city & my day to day routine. There are a number of topics that I really want to think deeply on, including where do I want to go from here with my blog 😊 Since my list of things to review is somewhat lengthy, I think I'll make a note of all the pointers that I want to be sure to reflect on, and take along a journal with me.  How do you carry out your self check-ups?
Today's look features a dress scored at my very 1st favorite retailer, Lord & Taylor.  When I was home (Michigan) over the summer I made it a point to spend some time there, as L&T is not available in brick & mortar form here on the west coast. I ALWAYS prefer to shop items in-person...
Presently I'm in a pretty committed relationship with Nordstrom, they've been doing a pretty good job at servicing my needs. From time to time I still pop over to L&T via the online option, generally when they ping me with a tempting email advertisement. Come to think of it, I recently scored a few great pieces on summer clearance...
Until next time,
Xx

Bare a Little

Top: c/o HERE (size down, I'm wearing a M)| Hat: HERE| Earrings: HERE| Wood Watch: c/o HERE

Pants: Old| Shoes: Similar HERE + another option HERE| Purse: HERE

The cold shoulder frenzy rages on Babes, and I’m totally fangirling! That’s why I snagged this OTS polka dot beauty w/o hesitation from AMAZON 💕💕💕 Can you tell that is comes with invisible straps? I love that it can be worn dressy or casual, with pants, skirts, and even over dresses- PLUS it is wonderfully breathable, perfect for warm weather months. But seriously, let's face the facts, it is polka dot -which guarantees an automatic win right off the back. Classic prints always have a place in my wardrobe!

Now I’m not a major fan of dolman sleeves (even on kimonos...), but they totally work on this blouse 😎  I could also see it designed a tad differently with statement trumpet/fluted sleeve or even frilled sleeves- done dolman style. This Shein top is generously sized, I wore it tunic style this time around but next I'm going to faux tuck it next and then go for a full tuck all around...

For its grand debut out here in the jungle of Los Angeles, I paired it with an older pair of cigarette style pants (circa 2011) turned crop by rolling them up at the cuff. In this way the eye is led to my red patent leather ankle strap shoes... Red seemed to be the most sensible companion to my black and white duo- but for a tinge of the unusual I also added in my suede green bag (really another go-to piece in recent months) because it just seems to work.

Until next time,

XO

Summer Fashion Does Fall

Hat: Golden Gate Hat Co.| Sunnies: Nordstrom | Long vest: August Silk

Top & skirt: 424 Fifth, Lord & Taylor| Boots: Ciao Bella| Gloves & handbag: Vintage

The start of the Fall season is just four short weeks away, can you believe it?! 2016 is flying by- it feels like Winter, Spring, and Summer all occurred in just the blink of an eye. Nonetheless, there’s at least one positive thing to anticipate: FALL FASHION!!! 
You’ve seen glimpses of it on the runways this year, in your favorite fashion magazines, and now you’re seeing it here ;) I’ve teamed up with Sharnda of Feed-N-Clothe me to showcase two examples of how to transition your summer fashions into Fall!

Dark floral prints are synonymous with cooler temperatures. Although I wore this sleeveless ensemble during the Summer, with Fall in mind I decided to style these separates differently by adding in layers: an over-sized wool vest and leather elbow length gloves. I live in a mild climate. Although Fall temperatures do provide a noticeable chill (especially for me since I am always COLD), generally it is not nearly as cold here as it is in the Midwest and on the East Coast. I finished off this look with a wool fedora, leather riding boots, and a vintage tote.
This ensemble is ideal for a day at the office or running errands here and there. If need be, depending on temperatures, I can easily add a long, long sleeve wrap in the place of this vest, and or a duster length coat ;)

Don’t forget to pop over to FeedNClotheMe to see Sharnda’s take on transitioning summer pieces :)
--->Now it’s your turn: Are you looking forward to Fall or just Fall Fashion?!

Until next time,

XO

Little White Dress

It is summertime Dolls, lets start talking about our summer essentials! To start, every gal needs an LWD, that is a little white dress! LWD (Little White Dress) season is upon us!!!

Sure, sure, we've all heard about the importance of the LBD (little black dress) wardrobe staple, but how often do we focus on its distant cousin, the little white dress?

One thing to note: You may want to make a new purchase each summer, as white is challenging to keep crisp and clean while you're out and about having fun. I cannot count how many white dresses I have gone through to date, but that doesn't lessen my love for them one bit! In fact, one thing that helps me is: shop the clearance racks and the thrift shop ;)

I opted to go a slightly different route this sunny season, this dress isn't a crisp white, but rather more so an 'off white'. Additionally due to the cut and style of it, it is easily paired with a pencil skirt (I wore it like that to the office), bell bottom jeans, or leggings. Versatility is the name of my game!

The weather has been such a ball of confusion lately, I need to dress for extreme heat shortly followed by a stiff breeze (as soon as the evening hours begin). Layers are a SoCal mandatory style practice, I like to use textural interest as my focus.

Furry outer layer, smooth interior layer, fringed edges, and suede + knit to boot :)

True to my style heart (vintage love) most of my looks incorporate a vintage piece or two in some way/shape/ or form. Can you spot the vintage goodies sprinkled in this look?

I hope you're staying cool & stylish in your neck of the woods Babes, until next time!
XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Pearl earrings: Lord & Taylor, old| Pearl necklace; Vintage| Vest: Ross Dress for Less| Sheath dress: Rachel Roy, size L (for sale here)| Knit clutch; Vintage| Fringe Boots: Minnetoka Moccasin Co.

TRUTHFUL Thursdays: Blue Skies

Have you ever had such a busy work week that it leaves you feeling overwhelmed? I’m sure you have! That has been my feeling this week as each day I am thrown into multiple projects, all with a deadline of the day before yesterday. During times like this, I try to remember that there are 'blue skies'.

What do I mean? Well, for a fact life is happening outside of this storm (the one I'm in feels like a tornado). I think of sunshine, warm breezes, birds chirping, and blue skies. I look back on days like the one pictured in today’s post.

To handle periods that carry a high workflow, I organize my thoughts, and outstanding tasks.  I track each completed task because often questions arise. I set multiple reminders and follow-up indicators. I document E V E R Y T H I N G. And that’s not all….  I just might be an organizational neurotic, but it has served me well in my field. Throughout the day I constantly refer to various to-do lists and track how far I am to completion. Yes, completion. There is no better feeling than a job well done.

Please share, what are your tips for handling stormy seasons at the office? 

Until next time!

X

Aviators: Tahari | Top: Lord & Taylor | Dress: Cynthia Rowley | Silver oxfords: Tildon (a constant on the blog, see here, here, and here) | Fringed bag: Carlos Santana (worn here) 

Taking a Jog

Hey Style Lovers!

Today’s post features a quick jog down casual lane, featuring an “accidental look”, of sorts.

What do I mean? Well, I picked up this pair of joggers some months back, but took my sweet time about wearing them.

One day I had to run out really quick for an errand, so I grabbed them along with this linen top. I realized it was a bit nippy out, so a scanned for a blue blazer and snatched this chambray one off of my rack. Took a quick glance in the mirror and suddenly realized that I like the combination!

Has that ever happened to you? Please do share with us!

Until next time,

X

Wool fedora: Vintage | Aviators: Tahari | Chambray blazer:Nordstrom Rack (worn here) | Linen shirt: Lord & Taylor | Jogger: Burlington Coat Factory | Heels: Victoria’s Secret (worn here) | Clutch: Vintage

Taupe in the Dark

Plus Size Fashion

Happy Friday Peeps, the weekend has arrived, can you believe it?! Time seems to be disappearing into thin air, I mean the month of March is almost over already! Well, what do you have planned for the weekend? Is it feeling like Spring in your part of the world? I'm on total chill mode this weekend, and can't wait to get started, LOL!

Silk Skater Skirt

Today's post provides one example of how I mix neutral colors with vibrant colors. Taupe is the selected specialty of the day.

Plus Size Blogger

The color taupe is unique as it's actually a mix between nude and beige. For some reason taupe always makes me think of slivered almonds, although it is definitely not the same color (I've mentioned before about how colors/clothing often cause me to think of food, LOL! See here).

Leather moto jacket

For this style recipe I went monochrome on top,  pairing a leather jacket with a vintage silk blouse. This kidskin jacket is so supple and soft, everyone that touches always asks, "Is this leather?". It feels so good, I mean like butter-soft.

Trouve, Context, Nine West

For drama and spice,  a dark canvas print skater skirt is brought to the counter. Instantly hints of gold, deep purple, teal, and turquoise are added to the batter.

Outfit of the night #ootn

After mixing up all the ingredients I added a matching pair of taupe sandals as icing on the cake. I was ready to hit the door! Wasn't that easy?

Have a fabulous weekend Style Lovers, until next time!
Xx

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Beaded necklace: World Market | Leather jacket: Trouve | Silk Blouse: Thrifted, vintage | Silk skater skirt: Lord & Taylor | Taupe sandals: Nine West

White:White

Aren’t you glad that the old adage about wearing the color white has finally been tossed out the window? I know I AM! Finally, no more mind-numbing banter about the importance of only wearing the white after Memorial Day, yet before Labor Day! You can wear white any time you choose, and for me, there’s no time like the present! Of course living in a milder climate has helped…but I digress…

It’s no secret that I bat for ‘Team Bold Colour’ all day every day (examples here, here, and here), yet for me, the color white can be just as bold and piercing as citron.

White is crisp and fresh. Depending on how it is styled, white really can pack a colorful punch.

Having a healthy obsession with monochrome styling (see examples here and here), it’s not shocking that I love wearing white in exactly the same way right?! LOL!

Well today’s look actually offers a slightly different variation. Did you catch it?

You see, I felt a strong need to wear this pair of knit coral socks with this crochet skirt and pair of strappy sandals. Do you remember? I sounded off a warning last month on tumblr that I would be wearing more socks on trend. Why? Because I have a stock pile that have never been worn - this makes absolutely no sense. Plus, I’m a woman of my word!

More sock love for your viewing pleasure previously blogged here, here, and here.

In other news:

I am a new Contributor for Already Pretty; please check out my very first write-up published just yesterday, click here and share your thoughts on a somewhat taboo topic!

Last but certainly not least, actually for me: most importantly -- Today marks my 15^th Wedding Anniversary!!! It’s been an amazing journey with my husband, traveling and enjoying life, I’m so looking forward to our next 15 years together as husband and wife. Love you Babe and thank you for being such a wonderful husband!!! XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Sweater: Nicole Miller | Skirt: Lord & Taylor | Socks: Nordstrom  | Sandals: Nordstrom | Handbag: Coach | Fur: Vintage