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

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

Lines of Color

Fashion experts now admit that stripes are not only all the rage, or simply a passing trend, but more accurately a staple to the every woman’s wardrobe, along with a classic little black dress and jeans. Black and white stripes are my personal favorite (see examples here, here, and here) however I also enjoying venturing over to the colored side of lines (see examples here and here).

As we stand on the eve of the Spring season, it makes sense that a plethora of colorful striped options flood the fashion market. I was reading a few of my staple fashion logs, and it appears that designers will keep stores stocked with stripes from Spring to Winter this year, particularly those of a colorful assortment. Admittedly, rainbow stripes are not everyone’s fashion preference (see my go in them here), especially if you bat for team minimalism, but if you interested in venturing over to the colorful side, try pairing several bold colors together. I like the number three; for today’s look, I went with: white, yellow, and berry tones.

The absolute natural pattern mate to stripes in my head is floral prints (example here and here). The bolder the floral print, the better! I especially love today’s combination because the two prints do not match at all, but yet they do – LOL! For me, fashion is all about having fun, and I love combinations that reflect my personality. My personal style is an extension of my personality, and I generally style myself according to my mood (oh, and my hair too, LOL!). See examples of my varied style genres here, here, here, and here.

So how do you stripe?! Are you a fan of the classic black and white cult favorite or will you venture over to striking stripes?

Note: This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Sahily of Pretty in Pigments (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. Check out the #UnitedlyPlus hashtag to learn more about all of us and our collaboration!

Until next time Beauties~
XO

Sunnies: House of Holland| Top: Vince Camuto, Petite Large| Skirt: Vince Camuto, size 14| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret| Clutch: Vintage

Intentional Mix-up

It's taken me way too long to share this number with you, truly one of my go-to's this summer (I think I've worn it at least 5 times), a mixed up masterpiece by Eliza J.! It truly takes the guess work out of pattern-mixing, which is especially helpful if you're uneasy about joining the clashing prints game.

I discovered the private label about 5 years ago, at my favorite Retailer, in-store <Nordstrom>.  I have been a loyal fan ever since. I'm wearing Eliza J. here, here, and here, but there are many more treasures from her tucked away in my closet... 

This number is referred to as a "pop-over" (I also have one in a solid color). It's a one piece dress that closely resembles a top and a skirt. The print mix is nothing short of inspirational. I love the vibrant colors throughout the skirt and this time decided to pull out teal via my accessories. Each and every single time that I have worn this - the compliments rain in like spring showers. Well done Eliza J.!!!

I have news for you! I perused the web, and learned that this dress is still available at several retailers, some sizes at incredibly reduced prices!!

Check them out: Dillards: Here
Nordstrom: Here *Bonus: Plus sizes, here

Happy shopping Loves and I'd love to see your finds, tag me on Instagram ;)

XO

Sunglasses: Steve Madden| Necklace: Custom| Dress: Eliza J.| Socks: Nordstrom| Heels: Audrey Brooke (worn here)| Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Mix & Match: Take 2

Does this top look perhaps vaguely familiar? It should, I wore it in Monday’s post :) (see here). That’s right, you may have guessed - Welcome to my second run at creating a capsule wardrobe!!

As mentioned here, a wardrobe capsule is: ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’ (The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule here)

For my very first run at creating a capsule, I chose pastel colors as the theme. This time I’m playing with a classic duo for which I have a particular fondness: Black + White

I won’t bore you unnecessarily with the reasons why I simply adore black + white. Instead, I’ll chat it up about the joy and ease of pattern mixing with this duo. You see, I've grown to love clashing prints (see here, here, here)!

Yet, I have heard from friends that they feel somewhat awkward randomly mixing up prints in a look. Do you feel the same way? Perhaps you like the idea, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Never fear, Joi is here - L O L!!! Seriously, one of the most simple ways that I’ve found to be effective when it comes to flirting with the pattern mixing game: Start off with patterns that contain only two colors, i.e. black + white. Think stripes, florals, checks, polka dots, and so on.

Using this method, prints seem to match up instantaneously. To start, go with two clashers. As your comfort level increases, take it up a notch with three or even four prints -at one time! When you do, please tag me on social media: IG,Tumblr,Twitter @InMyJoi!

Stay tuned Style Lovers, Take 3 of Mix & Match is on the way,

XO

Sunnies: Sunscape| Stripe top: Custom| Skirt: Cynthia Rowley| Shoes: Calvin Klein| Clutch: Forever 21

Mix & Match

Black + white delivers winning combinations, add a pattern mix to the scenario and you’ve reached fashion nirvana.

My affection for black and white duos is clearly not new to the blog, see other PDAs here, here, and here.

In my mind it is fresh and crisp; cohesively consistent. If you’re new to the pattern mix game, it’s a safe way to test out the waters gradually.

For this mix up, I went with bold vertical stripes and soft window pane checks. It’s totally doable for the office, after work meet-ups, and weekend nights.

Sunnies: Allen Schwartz| Stripe top: Custom| Pants: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini| Clutch: Kate Spade

Buffalo Print in Check

Hey there fellow Style Lovers! Happy Hump Day to All!!! I feel like it’s been a minute since my last blog post. I sure have missed dishing it up with you. You know, life never ceases to amaze me. Throughout the highs, and the lows, there are certain periods of time when you instinctively know that you are exactly where and what you should be. I am in such a period right now. I feel a level of contentment and fulfillment that is unparalleled to anything tangible, and I must say: it is magnificently wonderful. Now that I’ve bored you to tears with the ins and outs of my innermost feelings, I’ll move along to today’s look!

I find inspiration in just about everything that I lay my eyes on. Today’s combination proves that my new cell phone case is no exception. That’s right, I was inspired by a little ole cell phone case (it's hard to tell, but it has a red and black trim).

I have a thing for mixing up prints (see here and here), which by the way is totally opposite from my husband, whose style preference is classic. I asked him what he thought of this ensemble and his hesitant reply was all that was needed. It confirmed for me that my decision to rock this was totally on point and authentic to me, LOL!

I opted for big hair, or shall I say bigger hair, or even more clearly: I went for full fro mode! LOL! For those who may be curious, this is my natural hair, and here’s the simple process that I follow to comb out my curls:

• Wash & condition hair
• Detangle hair and air dry
• Add a quarter size amount of jojoba oil from roots to ends
• Comb out hair in medium sections with a large tooth comb
• Make a small part according to your preference

Xx

Buffalo check dress:Vintage

Polka dot blouse:Kardashion Kollection (worn here)

Clutch:Ross Dress for Less

Platforms:Calvin Klein (worn here)  

Inspired and Recreated: Mixing Stripes

I'm so happy to be on the mend, and back active on the blog! For those of you that follow my Instagram account, you know that I injured my left hand and have been in quite a bit of pain. I am happy to report that the pain, although still present, is no longer unbearable. I'm hopeful that in a few weeks I'll have the use of BOTH of my hands again. Imagine that! LOL

Today's post is about being inspired by a style/look that you see and then recreating that look in a manner that is authentic to you, as an individual. Often times we are inspired by a particular look, and then we decide to recreate that look in a manner that is consistent with our personal style.

Here's an example:

A few weeks ago I posted this look, and WOW, what a buzz it created! Des over at FancyDime recreated the look, and I just love how she did it!! Notice that our outfits are not identical, but both carry the element of mixing stripes. Authentically, Des paired her skirt with a top that boasted solid sleeves and studded accents. She pulled the studded accents out further using her accessories and shoes. 

Being a lover of differing style genres, I have fallen prey to the obsession that is: Pinterest! Whenever I have a few minutes to spare, you'll find me there, pinning inspiration to my heart's content =)

Over to you, where do you find style inspiration? Have you recreated looks that spoke to you? If so, please share!