Shades of Melon

Scarf: Vintage, thrifted

Earrings: Same brand, similar option HERE

Dress: c/o HERE + see other options HERE, HERE, and HERE

Bag: Old, similar HERE & HERE

There's something to be said about showing up in color. It is bold, captivating, and oftentimes saturated. I have never been more proud to be a Black, African-American woman than now. And, I've always been proud.😜 
A movement has struck the country, which in turn spilled over into most of the world to end hundreds of years of systemic racism, police brutality & murder, along with overall racial injustice towards people with black or brown skin. 
Where do you stand on this issue? The time for change is now.

Until next time,

Xx

#BlackLivesMatter

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

Bold Blooms

Earrings: ZARA| Kimono: c/o HERE| Purse: Coach, old

A lesson that I have learned repeatedly over the years: 

NEVER SAY NEVER.. especially when it comes to fashion 😁
There are a number of style features that I don't LOVE on my clothing, included among them are kimono sleeves, elastic waists on dresses, and maxi length skirts. However, the dress that I am wearing in today's post incorporates all of the aforementioned and yet--- I LOVE IT! Somehow all the features come together superbly, plus the color and print is absolutely standout on its own accord. I snagged this dress via a recent Gwynnie Bee shipment, I'm happy to say it is a definite keeper 😉 Check out a free trial offer HERE.
Until next time,
Xx

No Sleeves Attached

Flower crown: I made it| Bra: ELOMI, HERE & HERE + matching briefs HERE
Dress: HERE + similar HERE & I LOVE THIS| Handbag: Coach, another option HERE

While I was in Chicago a few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting with the local team that represents Elomi Lingerie. Little did I know that meeting would be life altering!
First off, I was custom fitted for a bra by a very experienced Fit Specialist. Her name is Suzanne, and she is an EXPERT in her field. If you're shopping on the Magnificent Mile, pop in and see her at Nordstrom! I learned so much during my time with her! Not only was I wearing the wrong size bra, I was also putting on my bras incorrectly. Who knew?! I walked away from that visit with the Elomi Sachi bra (worn in today's post) in tote, as well as an EXCELLENT strapless bra, the Freya Idol Allure . 
Note: Freya & Elomi are owned by Wacoal Europe.
I was so impressed with my new strapless bra that I wore it right on out of the store, and tossed the bra that I was wearing initially! Once I returned back to California, I immediately set about getting rid of all of my ill fitting bras. 
Literally, like on my first day home...
Next, I created a wishlist of Elomi bras that I wanted to add to my personal inventory😍 They have so many gorgeous designs and the fit is on point! As it happened, the brand representative reached back out to me again shortly thereafter - I immediately ordered the following matching sets:

• Elomi 'Matilda' Underwire Plunge Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi 'Morgan' Full Figure Underwire Bra
• Elomi Bijou Flirt Underwire Molded Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi Tia Underwire Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi Kelly Palm-Print Underwire Plunge Bra + briefs HERE

Ladies, once you experience the V A L U E of exceptional support trimmed in STYLE- you never look back! I am loving the fit that Elomi offers me and my girls, particularly as a full figured woman👀
My posture is improved, my clothing fits better, and I even feel more confident - especially in my strapless bra 😉 There is no pulling, tugging, and or readjusting required - no matter how long I wear it! I never knew such a thing was even possible!
I am proud to say that I no longer own any ill-fitting bras👏 GOOD RIDDANCE!
Since then I have added a few more to my stash, in fact, my entire collection now consists solely of Elomi bras and I have absolutely NO regrets! 
The bra featured in today's post was made for plunging necklines - I ❤ how their designs serve multiple purposes 💣I have an idea -let's info share: What is your favorite bra line and why?
Until next time,
Xx

June Bug

Earrings: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE & HERE| Straw bag: ZARA

Chapter 6 of 12 has begun Babes, can you believe we're halfway through 2018 already?! Time waits for no one!

I'm currently sitting on the veranda of my cliffside casita watching the clouds dance over the mountains 😍 I'm on vacation!!! I wrapped up the end of May and kicked off the beginning of June in another country. See more of what I'm up to in my Instagram stories😊

About this look: I've been infatuated with all things tassel embellished for let's see...um, at least two years now. When I spotted this maxi dress not only decked in a soft stripe pattern (perfect for summer), but also trimmed in fabulous tassels- well, as they say- the rest is history. 

I'd love to stay and chat, but I really must get back to enjoying my trip! There's a hummingbird playing to my right, three horses frolicking ahead over the mountain, and I have a spa appointment in less than an hour😍

Until next time, 

Xx

Tailor Made

Dress: Custom made, designed by me| Beaded purse: Vintage, thrifted

Leather sandals: Kate Spade, old

Can you believe it: Chapter 10 of 12 is already underway 👀 I cannot emphasize just how fast this year has flown by. Days seem to go as if they are minutes, and weeks feel like only hours...Time is flying. Time seems to literally disappear.
Speaking of time, I had this dress made 2+ years ago. This is its very first debut here on the blog because it took a while for me to truly like it. 😊 After I had it made (I designed it) it felt like it was missing something. But I didn't know what... Things took a positive turn about a month ago - I got an idea to add some embellishment to it. After two trips to the garment district I finally decided that a fun crochet fringe trim was the answer. I dropped it off at a tailor and voila, my dress finally felt complete! The last two times that I've worn it since adding the fringe trim, I styled it exactly as it is pictured here. I've gotten so many compliments on it. I started thinking- what else I can add a bit of fringe too?! LOL! A little embellishment can go a long way, and can really personalize a piece. 
Switching gears, let's talk HAIR:
After I took my braids down I decided to rock my natural curls for a bit. After a mega intense moisturizing treatment (which I left in for an entire week while I wore my hair in a bun), it was time to let my curls loose. Aphogee is a tried and true personal favorite, I am a bonafide satisfied customer. 20 years of using THIS & THIS keeps my hair healthy intact despite frequent straightening, hair color, and pretty much whatever else... I never have to worry excessively about damage or breakage. Caution: Both products that I just referenced are protein-rich, use them with care if your locks prefer moisture over protein 😉The folks at Aphogee were kind enough to send me a bunch of products, I seized the opportunity to try out a couple of newbies from their Curlific line: 1) Curlific! Textured Hair Wash + 2) Curlific! Texture Treatment. I opted not to use a leave-in treatment this time around so that I could get a true sense of how much I liked the shampoo & conditioner. The shampoo smells great, I really liked the control that the Curlific! Texture Treatment gave my curls! My hair felt soft, manageable, and full w/o a lot of frizz! 
I look forward to trying the Curlific! Moisture Rich Leave-in + Curlific! Curl Definer 😉
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Oasis in the City

Chiffon maxi dress: c/o HERE| Earrings: Similar option HERE & HERE| Purse: TJMAX| Velvet mules: c/o HERE

Life in a big city can be pretty overwhelming. I live in Los Angeles (one of the largest), it is overcrowded, noisy, smelly, and super fast paced. Since I am not a native to the area, I enjoy stepping outside of LaLa life once a month or so, to take a breather. Sometimes my mini escapes are prolonged due to personal obligations. When that happens I find it refreshing to escape if only for a few hours to a quiet setting, preferably one with minimal foot traffic😉

By the way, this dress is total vacation goals! Although my next tropical escape is about 3 weeks away, wearing this dress totally took me out of the hustle and bustle of city life and into my very own private oasis 😍
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Off and On Again

Headwrap: Old scarf| Dress: c/o HERE| Beaded clutch: Zara

Have you ever changed your mind about a particular style ? For instance at one point it was a favorite but then over time you found that you didn't like it so much anymore? Or perhaps you always shied away from it, but then found that it was a style you actually liked  at present? I have had an on/off relationship with maxi dresses/skirts for years. On one hand I loved the seemingly endless flow, but then on another hand I felt that they were totally unflattering to my height. For a few years I did not buy or wear them at all. However last summer my style taste for them shifted, I found myself willing to wear them here and there. This summer I am fully on board, as a result I have acquired a number of maxi dresses along with a skirt or two. Apparently 2017 is the summer of the maxi! LOL! I'm enjoying this moment, without putting pressure on myself to make this a long-term affair 😏
Until next time,
Xx 

Surviving Summer

Scarf  & earrings: Nordstrom| Dress c/o HERE| Velvet mules: c/o HERE| Vintage leather clutch: Thrifted

The 1st day of August reminds us that the dog days of summer are almost over 😲 Although many of us spend the majority of the year anticipating summer weather, sometimes when it arrives it can be downright brutal. Don't get me wrong: summer is hands down my favorite season 😜 However, if I am completely honest, here are a few of my not so favorite things about summer madness:

• extreme heat
• excess sweating
• humidity (although a measure of it really is good for your skin)
• unpredictable hair (good curls, bad curls and everything in-between)
• chub rub

What will you be happy to say goodbye to when summer 2017 reaches its end?!

Until next time,

XO

Fine Lines with Gwynnie Bee

Dress: Try it HERE for FREE| Earrings: Similar HERE
Wood watch: c/o HERE| Handbag: Coach, another option HERE

It's maxi dress season Dolls, thanks to my pals at Gwynnie Bee I am joining the kick-off in STYLE! This striped navy maxi dress is total curve loving PERFECTION!!!! It features adjustable straps (which offer a tailor made look plus alleviates unwanted side boobage), an empire waist with piped trim, lining (just to the knee), and a floor sweeping georgette.
I 💖 the way it flows in gone with the wind like manner when I walk. It comes exactly to my feet, which means that even in flats (like styled here) I am not tripping over it nor is it dragging the ground.
If you are not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, they are an online women’s clothing subscription service for women who wear sizes 10-32. 
You can rent an entire wardrobe with free shipping, cleaning, plus unlimited exchanges.

Why not try GB out for one month to kick off your summer in STYLE → it's 100% FREE!!! 

Sign up HERE to sample this maxi for yourself+ so much more 😊

What I really appreciate about being a Gwynnie Bee member is that you have OPTIONS! You can be totally prepared for a boardroom meeting, or a weekend getaway all in one shipment. 
If you decide that you simply cannot part with any item, you have the option to purchase it right on the spot. 
If you're on the fence about an item, you can ship it back for something even better. 
And if you later decide that you want to purchase an item that you wore previously, you can!

For the month of June I've partnered up with Gwynnie Bee to share summer style options. I'll also share tips on how I decide which items to keep/purchase versus what goes back right away in my next shipment.

I'd love to hear from you: Is this dress a keeper or naw?

Until next time,

XO