Ruffles & Pleats

My current style esthetic includes color-blocking (more details here) and creating textural interest. Color-blocking is a great way to mix pieces and colors that seemingly would not match.

You know what I mean? Like, certain colors always look great together, sometimes it is feels safe to stick to the tried & true. Yet with a bit of experimentation, one sees that the possibilities are endless! For me, herein lies the "fun" of getting dressed ;)

Today's ensemble features teal + purple + pink. Thinking back to the very first time that I wore these items together, it was long before I considered blogging my personal style. This combo is a go-to for me, this time I decided to try adding a second matching necklace.

Not only do I like the color mix, but also the textural interest. Raised geometric shapes, satin ruffles, leather accessories, and poly pleats give this look a lane of it's own. 

What are some characteristics of your current style esthetic?
Until next time Style Lovers, have a great weekend!!
X

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn here) | Ruffle top: Nicole Miller | Leather belt: Ralph Lauren | Pleated midi skirt: Vintage (worn here)

Leather peep-toe cowboy booties: Steve Madden | Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

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

Glammed Up: Tulle Can Do No Wrong

It’s back by popular demand: Today’s post features my custom made tutu, a.k.a tulle skirt :) I posted a #FBF picture to my Instagram account (follow me @InMyJoi) a few weeks ago and everyone loved it, so I thought why not pull out my tulle-licious beauty once again! I love wearing my favorites over and over again, my tulle skirt is no exception.

See previous posts here and here.

This time of year often involves events that give one extra opportunities to glam up, I say what better way to do so than in a tulle skirt?!

Now I originally purchased this skirt for a white party, but I wondered just how much use I'd get out of it afterward. I must say, not only was it worth purchasing, but I also found a number of uses for this pristine white beauty all year around. (Please ignore my hair gone wild in the next picture)

If you’re thinking about ordering or perhaps making a tulle skirt but feel somewhat hesitant, allay your fears.

Tip(s):

Look for density or extra pouf factor which will provide more coverage.

Wear a similar colored slip underneath of your skirt is unlined like mine. 

When it comes to tulle, bigger is better IMO.

Tulle is very easy to clean. 

I used Spray & Wash to clean my skirt: thoroughly spray stains and place skirt in a plastic garment bag overnight. The next day fully rinse the skirt, removing all excess water with a towel.  Hang to dry. *For a skirt that is made exactly like mine, you may also braid the strips while wet to increase the pouf factor. When it dries unravel the braids, you will notice a crinkle effect.

Of course I vote “YAY” for tulle skirts, how about you?!

Jeweled Collar: Nicole Miller (taken off of a sweater)|Blazer: American Rag (worn here)|Tank: Nordstrom|Tulle skirt: Custom made (see here and here)|Shoes: Jessica Simpson (worn here)

Geometry 1:1

Math has never been my strong suit, fortunately my husband is a genius at it! Nevertheless, if you’re like me, never fear: there is hope! We can WIN at geometry with geometric patterns and prints! LOL!!!

Need I even go down that road about about my newest infatuation of black and white color combinations (click here and here)?!

 Yes, black + white = Perfection (In my humble opinion ;)

Moving on, so I purposely sized up in this dress. It’s knit, and I didn’t want it to cling tightly to my curves, as it was designed, but rather to hang comfortably.

Boy oh boy, the black and white contrasting shapes feel so good on my eyes, I can’t wait to conjure up more options for styling this dress!

Please do share:  How do you feel about geometry versus geometric prints?!

Sunnies: Forever 21

Dress: Ross Dress for Less

Clutch: Kate Spade (worn here)

Footless tights: Nicole Miller

Booties: Chinese Laundry (also worn here)