Shoulder Appeal

Headband: Sold out, another option HERE| Earrings: Sold out; close match HERE 
Top: Older, check out this one HERE 

Jeans: Similar HERE, HERE, HERE| Sandals: Sold out, try THESE

A. Robinson Photography

Another dive in my closet revealed yet another top with tags intact that I've never worn 😊 I scored this shirt last year during summer (gifted),however because of its long sleeves it was pushed to the back of my closet. I love the cold shoulder detailing, along with the top foldover design. However, the midriff cut and faux pullover feature confused me then and now 😅 To be fair, I wanted to style it at least one time to determine whether or not it is indeed a keeper, of if I will add it to my donate stack. 
I thought it was a perfect match for my go-to skinny jeans, I added in mustard accessories by way of a jeweled headband and sandals and hit the door. All in all I was pleased with how this look came together!  Nonetheless, I am still leaning towards donating this top...LOL!
Until next time,
Xx

The Season of Sandals

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress c/o HERE| Bangles: Assorted| Handbag: Vintage, thrifted| Sandals: Nordstrom Rack

The unofficial start of summer has begun. Yes, the season of sandals has arrived 😌 Due to the fact that I live in a mild climate, over half of my personal shoe inventory is made up of sandals. Lace-ups, slide ins, ankle straps, you name it - I have it. However, there's something very special about the sandals that I am wearing in today's post. Although they may not look unique, the story behind them is quite interesting 😀
It was a late weeknight, I decided to stop in one of my favs, Nordstrom Rack, you know - just to see...
As I perused aisle after aisle, rack after rack, I didn't see anything extraordinary that caught my eye. The store was due to close in a few minutes. As it would happen, I spotted this pair of sandals. I wasn't enthralled with them particularly, but I thought that they'd make a great pair of 'nude' sandals. It can be a challenge to find 'nude' shoes that actually match my skin color... I tried them on and the fit was good. I finally checked out the price, and what do you know, it was marked at 1 penny! Well, that pretty much sealed the deal. I wasn't going to leave them in the store! I get to the register, and the cashier is just as astonished as I am. She says that the shoes were supposed to be canceled out and removed from the sales floor, but since they weren't - they were mine to keep. I do believe this is the cheapest pair of shoes that I have ever gotten! And that says a lot - I love a good deal! Here's to summertime Loves, may it be full of fabulous sandals 😘
Until next time,
Xx

Sweaters & Skirts Like XO

It’s that time again, I’m back with the Babes of #UnitedlyPlus and this time our style theme is Sweaters x Skirts. I really appreciate collaborating with other bloggers because it constantly encourages me to style pieces in new ways and to think outside of my style box! Please be sure to check out Sheena of I Am She Global & Sahily of Pretty In Pigment  :) Initially I had an idea in mind based on a colorful look that I recently wore to the office, but when I added a sweater to the mix- I didn’t like it like at all. Don’t get me wrong, the sweater matched, but the entire look pulled together just wasn’t “me”. Has that ever happened to you? Sometimes the way things look in my head are entirely different than how they look when all is said & done! LOL!

I previously decided that I would shop my own closet for this look- and so the search into my wardrobe unleashed. Next up came an idea to wear my latest favorite pair of sandals =) Aren’t they the cutest?! I went through hoops to get these, as the store that I initially spotted them in didn’t have my size (I shared portions of this harrowing experience on my Instagram Stories)….Any who, the hassle was so worth it, as they are as comfy as they are stylish!!! That is a WIN + WIN!!!

I knew that I had a silk skirt that was a very close match in color, so I added it to my pile of ideas. This skirt has been with me since 2004, and although it was pricey for me at the time, the investment was well worth it. Would you believe me if I told you that this skirt initially had perfect pleats? Well it did, but one bad trip to the cleaners and the pleats were gone forever. Initially I hated it, so the cleaners reimbursed me the cost of the skirt, at its original price! I decided to keep the skirt anyway, and eventually it grew on me again- thus I added it back to the rotation. Now that I really think about it, it was free, wasn’t it?!

Next up I needed to decide on which sweater to wear, I tried on a few, but this embellished beauty won out. I think I purchased it two years ago, yet I have never worn it- all tags were still intact =) I love it when that happens, it almost feels like a surprise gift to myself, LOL! Since both my sweater and shoes are stellar statement pieces, I opted for classic simplicity with my jewelry. Both my diamond stud earrings and “Journey” pendant are c/o Kevin Jewelers. I’ve mentioned before that I am working with them as a Brand Influencer, and having a ball! 

Now on to the specifics: These certified  ½ carat VS2 diamond stud earrings are elegance personified, encased in 14K white gold. If I had to choose just one of the two pieces, the “Journey” pendant is my favorite. Notice how the diamonds graduate in size? Be still my heart! Both pieces are available during this month’s “Clear the Case” sale, and are a whopping 65% off!!! Head on over to your local KJ and check out the deals available online!
*This just In: Kevin Jewelers is proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness month! For the entire month of October Kevin Jewelers will donate 10% of proceeds to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser for several items, including a diamond tennis bracelet and a diamond halo pendant ;)

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: ALDO| Earrings + pendant (DPANY00056/1622658): c/o Kevin Jewelers (learn more here) 

Sweater: Halogen, Nordstrom Rack (available here)| Skirt: Old, worn here| Handbag: Kate Spade| Shoes: Steve Madden

Curls & Color

If you’ve been following my blog over the years, you may have noticed that I like to change my hair styles frequently. I let my natural hair grow long for several years, but last Summer I was in the mood for a change, so I chopped it all off for a short haircut (picture here).

Of course, here we are one year later, and I’ve changed my mind, again… Alas I must patiently wait until my hair grows back. In the interim, I find protective styling to be a staple to my natural hair care regime. They offer me length and versatility all while maintaining the health of my natural hair. Protective styling comes in a number of styles. My two favorites protective styles are wigs and braided extensions (see examples here & here).

During the years that I wore my natural hair long, I had to forgo my favorite protective styling options simply because they weren't conducive. I cannot contain my excitement that I finally get to wear wigs again! I made my very first purchase of remi hair with Bobbi Boss almost 15 years ago. I am excited to be able to review and share my recent experience with one their premium human hair wigs!*

 I am wearing the Bobbi Boss “MHLF-G” lace front unit. The color is a “2”. This color is a bit lighter than I expected. I will darken it a bit with temporary dye.The wig has a lace inset in the front, around the hairline, and slightly to the side to allow for a natural looking part. There are 3 combs in the netted cap to help secure the unit, and 2 adjustable straps in the back to loosen or tighten for your personal comfort. I wear my hair in corn rows underneath, and find the combs to be most helpful. Note: you do not need to use adhesive to apply this unit.

The wig is made from 100% premium remi human hair. The texture is naturally curly, it has a wonderful sheen, and is very soft. I've washed it twice, using the same shampoos and conditioners that I use on my own natural hair (which is also curly).

This Bobbi Boss lace front unit is an excellent addition to my hair stash; I anticipate styling it in many ways! 
Stay tuned my Loves....
XO

*Today’s post was sponsored by Bobbi Boss Hair.

Sunnies: Forever 21| Statement necklace: Nordstrom Rack| Vest: NY Collection 

Dress: Cynthia Rowley, worn here also| Sandals: Kelly & Katie

Taking a Jog

Hey Style Lovers!

Today’s post features a quick jog down casual lane, featuring an “accidental look”, of sorts.

What do I mean? Well, I picked up this pair of joggers some months back, but took my sweet time about wearing them.

One day I had to run out really quick for an errand, so I grabbed them along with this linen top. I realized it was a bit nippy out, so a scanned for a blue blazer and snatched this chambray one off of my rack. Took a quick glance in the mirror and suddenly realized that I like the combination!

Has that ever happened to you? Please do share with us!

Until next time,

X

Wool fedora: Vintage | Aviators: Tahari | Chambray blazer:Nordstrom Rack (worn here) | Linen shirt: Lord & Taylor | Jogger: Burlington Coat Factory | Heels: Victoria’s Secret (worn here) | Clutch: Vintage

Taupe in the Dark

Plus Size Fashion

Happy Friday Peeps, the weekend has arrived, can you believe it?! Time seems to be disappearing into thin air, I mean the month of March is almost over already! Well, what do you have planned for the weekend? Is it feeling like Spring in your part of the world? I'm on total chill mode this weekend, and can't wait to get started, LOL!

Silk Skater Skirt

Today's post provides one example of how I mix neutral colors with vibrant colors. Taupe is the selected specialty of the day.

Plus Size Blogger

The color taupe is unique as it's actually a mix between nude and beige. For some reason taupe always makes me think of slivered almonds, although it is definitely not the same color (I've mentioned before about how colors/clothing often cause me to think of food, LOL! See here).

Leather moto jacket

For this style recipe I went monochrome on top,  pairing a leather jacket with a vintage silk blouse. This kidskin jacket is so supple and soft, everyone that touches always asks, "Is this leather?". It feels so good, I mean like butter-soft.

Trouve, Context, Nine West

For drama and spice,  a dark canvas print skater skirt is brought to the counter. Instantly hints of gold, deep purple, teal, and turquoise are added to the batter.

Outfit of the night #ootn

After mixing up all the ingredients I added a matching pair of taupe sandals as icing on the cake. I was ready to hit the door! Wasn't that easy?

Have a fabulous weekend Style Lovers, until next time!
Xx

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Beaded necklace: World Market | Leather jacket: Trouve | Silk Blouse: Thrifted, vintage | Silk skater skirt: Lord & Taylor | Taupe sandals: Nine West

Mixing Prints: Leopard on Leopard | Take 2

As promised, I’m back in leopard print, and this time I’m taking a gamble mixing leopard prints!

(Fun filter applied)

In Monday’s post (see here) I admitted that I have not always felt comfortable wearing full on leopard print clothing. An accessory here and there, oh yes, I mean of course – but a full look, um, not so much. I never took out the time to consider why I felt that way, I suppose it’s because I thought it didn’t feel like “Me”. My feelings have changed, and boy am I glad that they have!

I won this Jungle Cat Fit and Flare Dress courtesy of an Eloquii Instagram contest, and it is simply glorious! The bodice has unique faux leather details, while the skirt is super full and generously styled with box pleats.

Being the vintage lover that I am, it seemed only right to pair it with vintage mink accents, and a retro up-do. To accomplish this look, I spiraled my hair with hot curlers, and then pinned it somewhat sporadically with dozens of bobby pins and a few jumbo ones.

My husband says he likes this dress styled best without the vintage accents. 
What’s your opinion: Do you like the added personal touches of vintage fur or not so much?

Oh, and how could I forget to mention my shoes?! My broken toe is just about all healed, which means that I can now step out in fun heels again! I’m in love with this pair of kitties, not only is the style fantastic, but get this: They are comfortable too! That’s a win/win in my book =)

Thank you for stopping in today and for commenting below. Have a great day!

Dress: Eloquii

Mink accents: Vintage (also worn here)

Bracelet: Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail bag: Vintage (worn here)

Sandals: Invanka Trump

P.S. Can you keep a secret? There will be yet another #leopardprint blog post coming up this week ;)

Stay tuned!
Xx

Faux Wrap Dress and a Turban on Top

What's a gal to do when the humidity reaches 100% and her natural hair refuses to conform to any proposed style?

I decided to try my first run at wearing a scarf as a turban!

I'll be the first to admit that I can certainly use additional practice, but for the first go at it I was pretty pleased :)

The biggest challenge was to smooth out my thick mane underneath, but I think that can be remedied with an additional scarf and or stocking cap underneath.

Since I must wear clothes when going outside, I opted for this faux wrap dress. FYI- I dress up 9 times out of 10! 

This dress has quarter length sleeves which reminds me of Fall, although present temperatures are anything but Fall-like. If you're in the throws of the Fall cool down, a dress like this one is perfect for mild days and chilly nights.  

I added a few accessories and I was ready to face the day ahead. 

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn here)

Earrings: Natasha (worn here)

Statement Ring: Betsey Johnson

Dress: Maggy London

Bangles: Nordstrom

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Sandals: Tildon (worn here and here)