Gingham Girl | Take 2 of 2

Earrings: Nordstrom, old; Another option HERE

Top: Old

Shorts: HERE (I'm wearing size 12)

Shoes: Old, other options HERE & HERE

Hey Babes,
I'm back with the 2nd way (see 1st way HERE) that I styled my newest pair of gingham shorts (see another pair styled HERE)! For this look, I opted to take a roll in blue by way of statement bauble earrings, a striped OTS (off the shoulder) top, plus blue satin/strappy heels.
Which look is your favorite - Take 1 or Take 2?
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

Gingham For the Win

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Earrings: Old, another option HERE & HERE | Shirt: JCP, similar HERE
Dress: Old, similar HERE & HERE| Shoes: Zara| Handbag: Kate Spade, similar HERE

Hey Babes, I'm back in yet another print toss, this time by way of pinstripes and gingham. I mentioned HERE how simple playing in prints can be when using black & white as a base. 
The base for this look is a classic gingham shirt dress with an a-line skirt. In a somewhat unorthodox way, I layered on an over-sized pinstripe shirt, knotting it at my waist while letting the back of the shirt hang down. I purchased this shirt 3 sizes too big with the sole intention of styling it this way. Since it features side slits, it is easy to knot it in the front while still enjoying length in the back 😉 I've also styled it tied around my waist, worn as a kimono of sorts, and next up I plan to wear it as a shirt dress.
Both pieces pictured here are 100% cotton, classic prints, and 100% versatile. 
I look forward to styling both of them again and again!
Until next time,
XO

Get Schooled

There is no shortage of pompom options this season (see my shoes here), and I am HERE for it all! I snagged this cutie of a baseball hat on a recent trip to Nordstrom. I was too star struck to leave it behind- I mean isn’t the yarn topper just the cutest?! It now has a forever home with me, the best style mom in the area :) I’m not really a baseball hat kinda woman (see here), I had a good time determining exactly how I wanted to style this baby in a way that is authentic to me.

While perusing my closet, I figured now was as good a time as any to debut my very first velvet piece of the year (there is more to come, I promise) – totally cannot believe we’re practically at the end of November already!! This black blazer is one of my wardrobe veteran, I’ve personally owned it for more than 10+ years plus I originally snagged it at a thrift shop. It is such a classic, well made piece, I haven’t been able to part with it – and that really is a good thing : )

Since the weather has shifted yet once again, I happily seized the moment to pile on layers underneath my velvet blazer- adding in a chambray top and striped crop top over it. This chambray top is actually from the Men’s department- I snagged it on a thrift outing because I loved the length of it and an added bonus was that it is Nordstrom brand- which is one of my personal favs. Lesson learned: Don't forget to persue the Men's section from time to time. My destroyed denim jeans are c/o of Cello jeans, I think the olive color is so on trend for Fall! Did you notice that I added in a quick print toss up by way of stripes & leopard?! You know, just for the fun of it!

Welp, that’s all from me Loves, until next time!

XO

Hat: Here| Velvet blazer: Old, thrifted| Strip crop top: Here| Chambray shirt: Old, thrifted| Jeans: Here| Leopard sandals: Similar | Leopard clutch: Similar

Mixed Feelings

I’ve recently had one too many conversations with peers who for one or more reasons loathe their own bodies. I actually cringed to listen to a number of things that they said about themselves, as most comments were (not surprisingly) in reference to having gained unwanted weight and how their lives had drastically changed...or so they felt. Their comments gave me cause for pause, because in case they hadn’t noticed, I am a full figured woman! Hello! If they hated the way that they looked, were they not in affect saying that they hated the way that I looked?! And why did they choose to take up those conversations of such subject matter with me?

Yes, those conversations gave me cause for pause, and I have since taken some time to reflect on how different my personal feelings on the matter are. If by chance it isn’t clear, “I am a full figured woman”. I have always been a full figured woman. Give or take a few pounds, I have remained in sizes 12-16 (depending on the cut of an item) for almost 20 years. I’ve previously written about the years of my life that I wasted feeling ashamed of my curves, my body type, and yes my size. I like many women fed into the propaganda that ‘If only I was smaller’ my life would somehow improve by leaps and bounds…

The truth then is exactly the same truth today: Happiness is a choice! Now is the time to love myself, to love my body, to be happy, and to live with gratitude. Of course, I understand the desire to lose a few unwanted pounds, especially when it seems that they have crept up on you! I cannot however, sympathize with hateful speech towards your own body, which in turn teaches young girls, young women, and even influences other adult women that their personal self-worth should be heavily tied to their personal appearance- and even more so- the opinions of others.

If there is only one thing that I could gift every single woman that I come across, it would be constant awareness of everything about 'her' that is truly wonderful. In the interim, I stand in my own truth, embracing this body that I have been given, and styling it to the nine on every possible opportunity : ) Yes I am plus size and I feel fabulous!!! 

Until next time,

XO

Hat: BCBG| Sunnies: Nordstrom| Top: Here| Shorts: Forever 21 Plus| Suede sandals: Via Spiga| Purse: Vintage

Fall Mixer

Fall is officially underway, I figure what better time than the present to host a Fall Mixer?! Not to worry Loves, you’re invited! What type of Fall Mixer do I have in mind? Seizing the opportunity to wear mixed prints of course- LOL! 

I love a good print toss, and as I’ve mentioned before, one seamless ways to do so is by utilizing black & white. See examples here, here, and here. 
Not only is black and + white a favorite color duo, but it also makes for effortless print mixing, whether you choose to do so in pairs, triples, or quads! Today’s print mix features stripes x floral print, which can be worn throughout every season.

Although cooler temperatures are coating most of the US, don’t hastily pack away all of your summer fashions just yet. Take for instance this summer tube dress. I scored it on clearance at the end of the season. Instead of waiting until next Summer to wear it, I decided to pair it with a classic button-up. If the temperatures were cooler, I would wear this layered with a moto jacket, patterned tights, and booties ;) When you think about it, the possibilities are endless, especially when we choose to think outside of so-called dressing norms!

Sidebar: I have a healthy collection of vintage pieces, take for example this netted pillbox style hat. Oftentimes I don’t think to pull them off of display until special occasions arise, but this season I am making a conscientious effort to create opportunities to sport my vintage wins more often. 
Stay tuned to see more & follow me out on social media: Instagram/Facebook/Twitter.

Until next time Beauties,
XO

Netted pillbox hat: Vintage| Top: Talbots| Dress: Forever 21 Plus, ON SALE NOW!| Booties: Marshalls| Handbag: Vintage

Minimal Mix + Exciting News

Hello there! How is your week going thus far? Mine is going pretty well, I’m quite happy that we are already at the mid-way point :) Wednesdays mean that FRI-YAY (b.k.a. Friday) is just 48 hours away; YES, the weekend is almost here! Doesn’t awareness that the weekend is closer instantly put you in a good mood?!

Today’s post is the latest installment with the Blogger Babes of Unitedly PLUS (previous posts here, here, and here)! Our theme this month is ‘Mixed Prints’. Mixed prints have become a rotating staple in my wardrobe style preferences; Examples of such have been blogged here a number of times (see instances here, here, here, and here).

Oftentimes the biggest apprehension in reference to pulling off a mixed prints combo is “Where do I begin?”

One of the simplest ways to mix up prints is to work with a classic color duo, i.e. black + white (see another example here). For today’s look I selected a stripe crop top and a vintage high waist houndstooth maxi skirt. Since both are black & white, although different patterns and variations, notice how well they ‘match’ up.

I added a colorful tote & fringed booties to complete the experience. I can totally picture this look modified in several ways, dependent on individual preferences and needs. It feels like a precursor to fall fashion, which is just around the corner…

Don’t forget to check out Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram) and Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) today and how they do mixed prints! Use the #UnitedlyPlus hashtag and learn more about each of us and the idea behind our collaboration!

Top: One Clothing| Skirt: Vintage, thrifted|Tote: Kate Spade| Booties: Marshalls| Diamond stud earrings & tennis bracelet: c/o Kevin Jewelers

EXCITING NEWS: I GO FOR THE GOLD!!!

Well...I shop for gold! LOL!!! I’m happy to announce that I am now a Brand Influencer for Kevin Jewelers! 

Kevin Jewelers is a family owned retail jewelry and manufacturing business that was established in 1975.The opening of the company's first store was in Beverly Hills, California. With great precision, care, and high quality materials, Kevin Jewelers offers impressive jewelry + impressive prices. August 5^th-21^st they are offering gold medal pricing in honor of “Go for the Gold”- save up to 75% off all things gold!

Until next time Loves,

XO

About Purple

Today’s post features a double dose of genius by way of designers A Leapof Style & K. Jones! Can we discuss this beyond fantastic purple-licious ankara “Garden Midi” in Aztec Berry?! If you follow A Leap of Style on Instagram, no doubt you’ve been swept away by her exhilarating designs and color implosions. I have several personal favorites...

I was so psyched about the opportunity to showcase one her creations that I just had to go double duty and style it in two ways!!! The first look (scroll down for the second look) is my idea of a gander on the casual side- think taking in a meal, meeting friends for Sunday brunch, date night, or even an afternoon of shopping.

I mentioned in my previous post (see here) how I love incorporating suede elements during warm weather versus saving it solely for cool temperatures. I added in a touch of teal by way of suede pumps (previously worn here) and a satin oversized clutch. It seemed like the perfect accompaniment to the purple dominated color palette. 

This custom-made, one of a kind necklace was designed and created by K.Jones. I first discovered it on Instagram. It is exquisite in every single way. I think it goes with this Ankara midi skirt in a way like no other. The necklace is from her “Sienna Sun Collection”. It is made of purple cedrella calantas pods, hand painted wood beads and coconut shells creating a statement in an effortlessly chic way. Visit K. Jones here, and take 10% off your order by using code “JOI10”.

For look number two, I aimed for a more classic approach, but with the unexpected element of a print toss-up. I heart mixed prints!!! See examples here, here, here, and here. This look translates well at the office, for worship, and for an evening out.

Truly, I like this skirt styled both ways, and I already have several additional ideas in mind...which may very well play out on the blog, eventually - stay tuned! 

Separates are made to be mixed and matched; Experiment with multiple ways of doing so, and never forget to have fun with it!!

Until next time Dolls,

XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom & Marshalls |Statement necklace: c/o K. Jones| Tops: Express & Ralph Lauren| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches

Skirt: c/o A Leap of Style| Shoes: Audrey Brooke & Victoria’s Secret catalog| Clutch: Thrifted