Blushing

Hey style loving babes! How are you? I’m doing well!!! Today’s style story features this blushed plus size romper from Forever 21’s plus size line. Confession: I recently spent a large chunk of time in a wonderfully stocked plus department/area by the retailer, and I must admit- I was equally shocked and delighted with the variety of styles on hand!

As a result, for several posts I plan to feature items from my mini impromptu shopping haul- just for you! Because I care! LOL! But seriously, what woman doesn’t love a god deal?! This blushing beauty is under twenty-five bucks in-store and online. Oh, and I’m loving the color up against my melanin. Rompers have been trending for a while now; Perfect for date night or Girls Night Out. I wore it out with my husband of 16 years (we recently celebrated our sweet sixteen anniversary) and let me tell you- it was a hit!

With Spring is on the horizon, now is a good time to take inventory and restock your personal wardrobe. My style habit for a number was to seasonally reassess what stays, what goes, nd what gaps I noticed. Now that I live in a predominantly warm climate, I find myself doing this bi-monthly versus seasonally. In the beginning, it took a period of time for me to understand/determine what items I really needed and would wear in my new climate. For instance, back east 50 sweaters made perfect sense, here- not so much. I found that if I even had the opportunity to wear a sweater, it was only once or twice a year, so I downsized my sweater inventory significantly.

Currently I’m in the process of adding more onesies, in the form of rompers and jumpsuits =) I’m also rethinking my shirt selections and skirt needs. Although I could hardly refer to my wardrobe as minimal, I am experiencing a sense of satisfaction with its current inventory and the reduction measures that have been taken.

This fun blush number is super versatile, I could easily see adding layers in the form of a long sleeveless vest, transitioning it to cooler temperatures with tights, or dressing it up even further with statement pieces. I love how it’s made, YES plus size women can rock rompers too! 

Until next time Beauties,
XO

Necklace: Ross Dress for Less| Romper: Forever 21+, size 0X| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini| Clutch: Lord & Taylor

Gray Areas

Fabulous news: I teamed up with SWAK Designs for today’s blog post!!! Check out how their fantastic cardigan can be styled in not one, not two, but yes ----->THREE ways!!!
Stop the press… Isn’t it gorgeous?! When I tried it on after having it freshly pressed, I thought to myself: ‘Where have you been all of my life?!’ To be honest, "The Parker" EXCEEDED my expectations. Its soft texture, glorious flow, added with the fact that it is just short of duster length scores 4 gold stars in my book. SWAK has a variety of styles for the curvy consumer, yes plus size clothing options that are wonderfully affordable for the working class woman. Let’s review each look, starting with my personal favorite first: RED, WHITE, AND GRAY

The Parker Cardigan is the shining star and clearly steals all the thunder.  I snagged the idea of trying out this color combo from an outfit that ‘Dorothy’ of The Golden Girls wore. Do you watch that show?! I have it on DVD, so even when it’s not on Hallmark/Lifetime on cable, I can always pop in a DVD and get my GG fix! Oops, I digress…moving on... This look is great for a night out with your guy or with the gals! I believe accessories make the 'fit', so I added a wool fedora, aviators, and a faux fur collar. Notice that I’m wearing white in the winter! I’ve said time and time again that white is easily worn year round. Granted, I live in a mild climate. It does not snow in the winter, which definitely allows for greater flexibility, which may not be possible in extremely cold climates. However, imagine layering this cardigan with a ankle length coat, and swapping out the sandals for pointy toe booties. Do you see what I see? The possibilities are endless!

Hat: D&Y| Aviators:Fashion District| Faux fur collar: Old (worn here)| Top: Dress to Kill (worn here)| White denim: NYDJs (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Tildon

Now let's move on to what I like to call, MODERN GLAMOUR

This look targets monochrome for the win. If you’re unsure about which colors to pair with what, monochrome is a safe bet for simple slayage. This look features multiple shades of gray, which work hand in hand to generate cohesiveness. I want to keep it 100% with my readers, so I’ll let you in on something: This look was actually my least favorite. Why? It reminded me of the extra pounds that have recently joined me and have since become unwanted house guests. I keep offering them options for departure, however they love me so much that they just do not want to leave. I can appreciate their admiration. Nonetheless, they must go! To be completely clear:  Yes, I love my body. I embrace being plus size. However, I prefer to stay within a certain size range so that I can fit ALL items in my wardrobe. Buying a new wardrobe in a different size is not an acceptable option. 
Moving forward, a cardigan is a great way to add coverage and additional volume to body con dresses and skirts (see more plus size cardigan options here). I am definitely in the market for long cardigans in multiple colors!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress:Komarov (also worn here)| Fur collar: Chinchilla (thrifted)| Suede clutch: Vintage| Shoes: Anne Klein (worn here)

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at THE STATE OF GRAY

A look perfect for daily wear: Think running errands, casual day at the office, or even a lunch date. I paired My Parker* with a classic pinstripe button-up, gray denim, and black open toe booties.

 Sunnies: Fashion District| Pinstripe shirt: Jones New York| Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Gray denim: NYDJs| Booties: Chinese Laundry (worn here)| Clutch & gloves: Old

Now that I've chatted non-stop, I’d love to hear from YOU! Which is your favorite look and why?
Until next time Style Lovers,
XO

*The Parker Cardigan worn and referenced above was gifted by SWAK Designs.

Thrift Store Score: Pinterest Inspired Tye Dye, Lace, and Sequins

Today's #ThriftStoreScore look sprang from an advertisement from Boo Hoo's new Plus line that I pinned on Pinterest. I had similar pieces already in my wardrobe so I took a gander at recreating it.

Several items in this look were thrifted, but the real #thriftstorescore is the Brahmin handbag. I spotted it at a Goodwill store with a broken handle. I approached the manager and asked for a price check, pointing out that the handle was broken. She offered it for $5.00 and I promptly purchased it. Next I contacted Brahmin, and they supplied me with the missing screws needed to repair the handle, free of charge. This bag retails for $300 USD.

When I recreate a look that inspires me, it is not with the intent of replicating the style in an exact way. 

My goal is rather to create a look that harmonizes with my personal style using some of the inspired elements.

Now that you've seen both looks, how'd I do? When recreating an inspired look, do you aim to replicate it exactly to a T?
Thanks for sharing!
X

P.S My updo was also Pinterest Inspired ;)

Sunnies: Tod's
Earrings: Betsey Johnson
Sequins Jacket: American Rag (worn here)
Top: Rubbish
Belt: Thrifted
Skirt: Due Per Due, thrifted (worn here)
Handbag: Brahmin, thrifted
Booties: Kelsi Dagger (worn here and here)

Drenched in Tangerine

 This color reminds me of the bright colored outer peel of a tangerine. I love bright colors, as you can see throughout this blog. There's something about them that feels so me. I've worn this skirt before, but the silk blouse is a recent addition from the thrift shop. It has a boxy shape, and is a bit large on me, so I modified it with a front tie-up. 

 Usually I wear a pair of orange shoes with this skirt, but this time I tried it with nude pumps. 

 Although I work in a very conservative environment,  I wore this look to the office. 

Do you wear bold colors to the office?

Silk blouse: Talbots, thrifted

Statement necklace: Saks Off Fifth

Tube skirt: Vince Camuto

Nude shoes: Jessica Simpson

School Days: High End to Low End in Tartan & Stripes

Today's outfit was inspired by the school uniforms worn back in my day. I had to wear one, and detested it because I felt like it stunted my creativity. Now I rock it my way, by choice. You know which ones I am referring to: 

That navy blazer and plaid skirt deal! 

I wholly embrace tartan, and have done so since it was called plain ole "plaid"! LOL! 

It seemed only logical that my tartan blazer should be mixed with stripes and bold color.

This outfit is a mix of so-called high end brands, and their more budget friendly counterparts. I am a thrifty gal myself, yet I prefer to shop a wide range of brands to sift out quality, well-made pieces. Sometimes I find them in Saks Fifth Avenue (on sale of course), and other times at local thrift shops. In my opinion, quality and durability out weigh 'trends'. The majority of the time, I buy classic pieces, that are intended to last many years. For the fun, less practical side of me, I also purchase pieces that are trendy and hip to stay current, and to add additional flair.

This is easy business attire, and was taken to evening chic status by adding a vintage clutch. 

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Blazer: Evan Picone, Vintage & thrifted (worn here)

Shirt: Finity, Saks Fifth Avenue

Tie: Yves Saint Laurent, thrifted

Pants: NYDJ (also seen here)

Baby Jane's: Nine West (another go here)

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke Milano Collection (seen all throughout the blog)

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Over to you, do you mix high and low end brands? Do you fancy tartan as much as I do?

Lady in Red: Vintage from Head to Toe

I really like wearing hats. Random opening statement right? But I really do! Did you know that I have enough hats that I could wear a different hat everyday for more than 30 days?! Too bad I can't wear hats to the office. I thought California is supposed to be more free, and liberal. For now, I sport my hats after work and on the weekends. One day tho...I will wear hats to work ;)

Here we are at the end of the work week, and the first week of Fall. I decided to pull out my wool hats; this is the second one that I have posted this week from my vintage collection. For your viewing pleasure, I brushed the feathers on this hat in one direction; they looked so nice and shiny. 

Too bad the wind had other ideas o_O

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Who's happy to pull out more fall gear? What do you have planned? Carpe diem!

Hat: Vintage, thrifted

Sunglasses: Vintage, thrifted

Earrings & Necklace set: Vintage, thrifted

Bracelet: Ross

Silver ring: Keepsake from Stockholm

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Booties: Victoria's Secret (purchased via catalog 15 years ago)

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke

Hump Day: Vintage Teal Pleats

Happy Hump Day Everyone! It feels like this week has dragged on and on (although it's been busy), I am so ready for Friday! Why? Because I'm looking forward to getting with friends and having some fun;Work has been work, and I am looking forward to a couple days off!

 

When I saw this dress, there was no question in my mind that I was going to purchase it! I love purchases like that- BTW.The color, pleats, and cut were made for me! I wear it all year round, as there are bascially 2 seasons here. This time I put a 'Fall' spin on it, by play of colors. One day I'll show you how I add sleeves to this fit :)

 

Are you looking forward to the weekend? What are your plans?

 

Pearl earrings: Vintage, thrifted

Necklace: TJMaxx

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Bracelet: Thrifted

Handbag: Coach

Shoes: Bandolino



What I Wore - Casual Chevron Maxi on a Friday

I am so happy that Friday has arrived, I almost cannot put it into words! After returning from vacation, why did I think work would be a breeze this week? I was wrong. Monday-Friday has truly been a blur of meetings, phone calls, and more meetings....This weekend I plan to stay low-key, and get in some R&R. 

I usually shy away from maxi dresses, because I am short and I feel that they can be uncomplimentary. Am I alone in feeling this way? Well, when I spotted this baby at the thrift store, so crisp and clean, I couldn't leave it behind. Who can say no to chevron? 

Bonus: This entire outfit was less than $40.00!

What I Wore:

Fedora: Nordstrom

Earrings: Jessica Simpson

Dress: Liz Claiborne, thrifted

Bangles: Sterling Silver

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Jellies: Unisa, thrifted

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 3: Sunday Best

Part 3 wraps up my series, "Snapshot of Detroit". I took these shots on a Sunday afternoon, in the inner city. I remember when this area had thriving businesses. Now looking at it, you might think that this is a city outside of the US. It isn't. 

This is #DetroitUSA.

Hat: Vintage, thrifted - Jewelry: Jessica Simpson - Dress: Madison Leigh - Shoes: Via Spiga

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 1: Patterned Skinnies

I've been having a blast during my visit here in my hometown, Detroit. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the sad state of the inner city neighborhoods. I decided to take photos in a few areas that may seem unusual. 

What I Wore:

Earrings & top: Forever 21

Necklace: Nordstrom

Pants: Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Sandals: Chinese Laundry

These shots are not from a war torn country, not from a 3rd world country, this is a street in my old neighborhood: 

Detroit, MI USA

Stay tuned for: "Snapshot of Detroit - Part 2"