Freshly Picked

dress: HERE | belt: Banana Republic| shoes: DSW

Photography by A. Robinson

I received an invitation to attend a preview of Lane Bryant’s exclusive collection co-created with Rochelle Johnson of BeautiCurve two weeks ago. I am happy that I was able to attend! Not only did I get to see my Lane Bryant family, but I also got to sip & shop - what could be better than that?! This collection features a number of dresses, each wonderfully designed with SPRING in mind 😍 Thanks Rochelle!!! I tried on several dresses, however the one that I am wearing in today's post was my favorite by far - yall know how much I love wearing YELLOW! 
Isn't this hue simply gorgeous?!
Until next time,
Xx 

Nip & Tuck

Top: Sold out, similar here & here| Faux leather pleat skirt: c/o HERE

Straw bag: Vintage, thrifted| Suede sandals: On sale HERE + other options here, here, and here

Today’s look features an example of how I like to nip & tuck my blouses from time to time. It’s a perfect style alternative for when you want to feel put together, minus the formal structure of completely tucking in your shirt the normal way, i.e. all the way around. I’ve found that this option is best employed with an over-sized top, this way you have enough fabric remaining for the top to hang down comfortably with ease.

Confession: I’ve been enjoying this skirt in secret for several weeks now... I figured it was high time that I shared it here on the blog while it is still available for purchase 😊 Good looking out right?! LOL! When the Babes over at ELVI sent it to me, I immediately put it to good use. 

The pleated midi skirt brigade is totally holding down the fort right now, however this beauty takes it to the next level not only b/c of its beautiful golden hue but even more so because of the material: faux leather!!! Yes, it will stand the test of time, and will remain a member of my collection long after the plethora of pleated midi options have faded out.

On this particular day I paired it with a frilly white top that I snagged on clearance online, a vintage straw tote, and neutral suede sandals.  I’ve been turning to statement earrings more and more as of late, this pair has a hint of orange, which encouraged me to wear one of my orange lipsticks that has been neglected for way too long… 

All in all: I am totally smitten with how this all came together!

Until next time,

XO

Pastel Wardrobe Capsule | Take 3

The Pastel Parade continues today ;)  Please allow me to introduce "Take 3" of my very 1st wardrobe capsule series!

As noted previously, a wardrobe capsule is 'a set of clothing items that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.' My interpretation: Four main components = Four separate looks. See Take 1 and Take 2 here, and here.

My first two Takes featured three of the four main components selected. Take 3 includes the fourth one, a sorbet inspired midi skirt! My interest in skirts midi length will never fade :)

The top worn here is the same blazer, and button up shirt worn in Take 1 and Take 2. To change up the genre (this time I'm going back to my roots, #vintagelove) I brought in different shoes and a cloth vintage clutch. 

Stay tuned for the final installment of the Pastel Express, coming this week Style Lovers!
-Joi

Sunnies: TJMaxx | Top & Skirt: Custom made | Heels: Call It Spring | Clutch: Vintage
Previously referenced posts: 
http://bit.ly/1z9xOKl
http://bit.ly/1FLCEW2

Ankara in Autumn

I recently seized an opportunity to wear my custom made ankara skirt again, originally worn here.

Don't you just love wearing your favorite pieces again and again? 

I chuckle to myself whenever I read about a non-celebrity saying that they only wear their clothing pieces one time. Why do I chuckle? Because, I personally ENJOY wearing my clothing multiple times, and restyling my looks! I don't purchase clothing that I have no interest in wearing more than once, unless it's a bridesmaid dress...

Dressing is something that makes me feel happy, something that I anticipate and look forward to. My husband teases me that he knows when I really love a new purchase, because I will wear it at least three times in a row! That would be true of the shoes in today's post. 

I had been looking for the perfect pair of navy pumps, and when these arrived in the mail and I tried them on, I was elated! They are in fact excellently made, and fit my feet like a tight, yet comfortable, leather glove.

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn all the time, everywhere)

Striped sweater: Nordstrom

Ankara skirt: Custom made (also worn here)

Navy blue stilettos: Victoria's Secret online (recently worn here)

Tote: Coach (it's been a staple since this summer)

Now it's your turn, do you look forward to wearing your clothes over and over again?

Thinking of Fall with eShakti

Every year as the month of August rolls in, the return of the perfectly mild temperatures that accompany Fall invade the mind. This design from eShakti provides a wonderfully smooth transition from Summer to Fall. 

Not only is this dress cotton, but it's also fully lined, and boasts a fun tribal print.

eShakti allows you to customize their designs to your specifications. I chose the neckline of this dress, added sleeves, requested pockets, and opted for midi-length versus knee-length.

I am thrilled by the custom fit of this dress! It cinches in at my waist fabulously, and the full skirt is a delight to wear. Ordering tip: When you provide your measurements to eShakti, give an extra inch or so if you'd like more room to work with ;)

Keeping the tribal print in mind, I added simple gold hoop earrings, and an assortment of gold bangles.

Sangria colored lipstick, a pair of my vintage sunnies, and embellished sandals from Nordstrom finished off the look.

Have you tried eShakti? If so, how did you like their custom pieces and customization options? 
I'd love to read your feedback below =)
*This post includes gifted item(s) from eShakti. All shared viewpoints are 100% authentically mine.

www.eShakti.com

Leather Midi Skirt

Happy Monday! A co-worker once told me: 'I didn't know Mondays were supposed to be happy', I replied: 'Monday is what you make it'. Make today a good one. There will never be another day, another hour, another minute, nor second - exactly like this one. Enough of my ramblings, on to today's post:

I love leather - handbags, furniture, clothes - you name it. This skirt is another item from my oldie but goodie collection. It's midi length and a straight cut. It seems to have stretched over the years, but I must say this fit and length is my fav thus far.

A note about the booties I am wearing: They are very comfy! I can wear them for 8 + hours = no pain whatsoever!!! I've noticed that I have been wearing them as my go-to black shoes. This proves that not all high heels bring discomfort. I believe that the platform on this pair aids in balancing out the height.

Who I'm Wearing

Earrings & necklace: Heavenly Couture

Top: One Clothing

Bracelets: Thrifted & Ross

Skirt: Saks Fifth Avenue

Booties: Kelsi Dagger

Handbag: Coach

Blue Floral Print Midi Length Dress

Today's outfit post features a midi length floral dress with blues and purples. It's thrifted and vintage, but I am not sure how vintage? 70s or 80s, maybe? I'm leaning more toward 80s, it makes me think of Marianne's or Winkleman's...Does anybody remember shopping at those stores?! I'm aging myself...

This go round I paired it with a turquoise shrug.  Usually on warm days, I wear it as is, sleeveless. Today's fall temps hit 80 (Fahrenheit), and now that I am acclimated to warmer temps most of the time, 80 can feel a tad nippy in the shade! LOL!
I also rocked my new favorite shades from Heavenly Couture.

What I wore:

Shades: Heavenly Couture

Necklace & studs: H&M

Shrug: Calvin Klein

Dress: Thrifted & Vintage

Peep-toe pumps: Giani Bernini

Handbag: Coach