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

Laugh Despite the Rain

We've been getting our fair share of rainy days this season, which is technically GREAT considering the fact that we've been in a record break drought for XX amount of years. However on the practical side of things, torrential rain can be a headache, especially when you have to take account factors such as extreme traffic congestion (think sitting in your car 2-3 ours to travel less than 20 miles), mudslides, flooding, and the like... If I don't have to leave my house, I find the rain to be enjoyable, it has such a soothing effect that cannot be duplicated. 

Any who, I decided to get a few shots in of this look, and wouldn't you know it- it started to sprinkle - lightly... There was a damp chill in the air, I simply refused to take my coat off, LOL!
That instance gave me the chance to reflect on how all too often in our lives we have to learn to laugh through the 'rain', even through 'storms'. 

Keeping on laughing Babes, don't let a little 'rain' kill your flame 😉

Until next time,
XO

Coat + gloves: Vintage, options here & here| Blouse: Sold out, similar here| Pleat skirt: Sold out, similar here 
Handbag: Vintage Coach, updated option here| Sheer socks: Nordstrom| Yellow sandals: Old, similar here & here

Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

That's the Bomb

Today’s post marks a second collaboration of #UnitedlyPlus and the theme for this game is ‘Rock the Bomber Jacket’. What exactly is a bomber jacket?  Well according to freedictionary.com, it is “a short sturdy jacket traditionally made of leather and having a fitted or elastic waist, a zippered front, and often a fleece or pile collar.” Oh, and sometimes it’s called a flight jacket too!

Bomber jackets are by no means new, but they have most definitely experienced a fashion revival as of late. Currently you can find them in just about any fabric, color, size, and price range. I wasn’t too keen on bomber jackets back in the day (although I had a few with matching silk jogging pants), and to be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I truly wanted to go down that road again. 

Herein lies yet another perfect example of how I personally benefit from blogger collaborations! Sahily suggested that we rock the bomber trend this go round for #UnitedlyPlus, which prompted me to go outside of my comfort zone, and to actually consider and try out/on bomber jackets. And boy am I glad that I did! I heart the little number that I snagged for today’s post, and was surprised at all of the possibilities that sprung up while trying it out with various pieces in my closet.

There are a number of ways to rock out the bomber trend; I went the feminine route, opting for a smaller cut jacket in a satin finish with dainty details.

If you’re not sure about flossing a bomber, try snagging one from the thrift shop like I did, you just might be surprised ;)

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 Babes!
XO

Sunnies: Forever 21| Bomber Jacket, thrifted (Size medium) $5| Faux leather skirt: Soprano, size L
Sandals: Sam Edelman, also worn here| Handbag: Vintage, thrifted