Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice

hat: c/o HERE| scarf: ZARA, old| duster: c/o HERE| dress: Rachel Roy, OLD| boots similar HERE
Photography by A. Robinson

One of the best things about fall: It is the perfect season to master the layering game 😏 Moving to California has truly been an education, long gone are the days that I can simply throw on a heavy winter coat and expect it to cover all the bases. On one day temperatures may topple 85 degrees, but on the very next day - it might barely make it past 60 degrees. Or even better still, how about when the temperature is 75 on Monday, and yet when it reaches 75 on Tuesday it feels remarkably cooler than it did the day before?! Yes, dressing for this season can be such a conundrum, layering up is often most helpful. One thing that I try to keep in mind when employing layers is that I want each piece to be presentable when worn alone. For instance, if I decided to take off the knit duster worn in today's post, I want to be sure that my dress/scarf/hat/boots still go together w/o it 😊 On this particular day it was too cold to find out, but I was prepared in the event that the sun made a surprise appearance and I found myself suddenly feeling like an inferno, LOL!
Can we talk about this fabulous duster for just a minute?! First of all, the color is what caught my attention immediately in-store. I had to ask a sales rep to assist me in finding my size, I was so happy when we located it. This duster is cozy, amazingly versatile, and perfect for fall layering. I forsee its next appearance being with a great pair of denim, a casual top, and perhaps chunky platforms 😉
Until next time,
Xx

Sweet Talk

Jeweled earrings: HERE| Suit: c/o HERE| Pink ruffle bodysuit: HERE| Pink floral sandals: Kay Unger

In partnership with Rachel Roy & International Women's Day today is a CELEBRATION of WOMEN 💟💟💟
Every single woman deserves a circle of sisters who love and support her unconditionally, consistently lift her up, celebrate her triumphs, mourn her losses, and forever motivate her to be the best version of herself. 
CHERISH each of the wonderful women in your life!
On a personal note: Thank you to each of you who have supported my blog over the years, regularly stopping by, dropping a comment every now and again, and offering words of support and encouragement!!! 
I APPRECIATE YOU!
BTW: This suit is to DYE for!!! I am absolutley smitten by its mint hue and unconventional design! I once said that I’d never wear a suit again because I didn’t like the way that they looked on my body... Herein lies yet another testimonial as to why you should never – say “never” 😉
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Red & Pink

Fur Scarf: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE|  Pink socks: Nordstroms| Pink sandals: TopShop, sold out

Can you believe that today is the final day of 2017?! This year certainly had its share of lows, but with them also came a few personal highs for which I am genuinely grateful. 
I love the feeling that a fresh start brings - it feels like the slate is wiped completely clean and there are countless new opportunities do things differently. 
Of course each day technically is a fresh start, but for a while I wasn't fully utilizing that perspective. 
Happily now things have shifted, I utilize that perspective regularly and it feels wonderful! 
Today's look is perfect for going out with the guys or gals. I paired two of my favorite bolds hues together. Of course, I'm more partial to RED, but then you already knew that...
I ❤ how both colors complement the other!
Until 2018 Loves,
Xx

In Knit to Win It

Wool fedora: August Hat Company| Statement earrings: HERE + weight supports HERE
Knit sweater: c/o HERE| Maxi skirt: HERE| Faux fur scarf: ZARA

A few weeks back I fell in love with thee most beautiful jeweled statement earrings 😍 Have I mentioned that I L❤VE statement earrings?! We all know accessory selections really do matter, for instance statement earrings can elevate a simple outfit effortlessly. Lately I've been partial to colorful fringe and or tassel statement earrings (the bigger the better) - but this gorgeous duo swept me off my feet by surprise. I initially spotted them online, but I wanted to see them in-person prior to making a firm commitment. I headed over to the brick & mortar locale, happily they were in stock, and unbelievably they were just as stunning in-person. I snapped them up in a hurry (along with a few other things that I most certainly did not need), and raced home to play dress up in them.
Surprise, surprise, surprise 😒 They were heavy 😓Very heavy 😖 Too heavy 😷 Ridiculously H E A V Y 😳 
My ears hurt just just from trying them on! 
A decision had to be made. Should I attempt to return the earrings, or try to find a way to wear them painlessly? I opted to search for a way to alleviate the pain (and any possible damage to my ears)...during a google search, I discovered a wonderful invention for earring lovers HERE. Someone figured out that removable lapels can support the weight of an earring and how to apply them to and from the ear with ease. At first I doubted the validity of the advert claims, but I read through hundreds of positive reviews. I decided to give it a shot and I'm so happy that I did! Now I can wear all of my statement earrings carefree! 
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Leopard Stripe

Leopard moto: Zara, old-Similar HERE| Top: Old| Striped pants: c/o HERE & HERE| Booties: MARSHALLS

Have you noticed any differences since daylight savings time ended? That extra hour made a H U G E difference for me - in a good way! I'm waking up an hour earlier than I need to,  which is actually quite wonderful - I always need extra time as I tend to run late for everrrything... Now when I leave in the mornings bright skies greet me versus dark ones, this helps to jumpstart my day. And even in the evenings, although it is now dark super early, I get to watch the sunset 😊 It makes me wonder though, have I technically been off schedule since daylight savings time began?! LOL!
This November must be all about trying 'something new'. I recently tried pearl embellished jeans for the very first time, next it was sequin jogging pants, and now I am going for a spin in the ever trendy one stripe trouser👀 
Sidebar: Gucci has the cutest pair HERE ...
First off, I LOVE the fit and flow of these trousers by Rachel Roy! They are so comfortable, I almost feel like I'm wearing PJs! Aside from comfort, they are also stylish and totally on trend. For their grand debut, I paired them with a leopard print moto (that I sometimes forget I have), a hot pink pussy bow blouse, and nude peep toe booties. Yesterday I styled them for my 9-5 with a white blazer, red ruffled blouse, and black  velvet slides. In my head they offer a number of possibilities. In fact, I already have in mind how I want to style them on their next go round! I'm planning to pair them with a chambray top or denim jacket 😎 Although, a black turtleneck would also be super cute, or perhaps a pale pink coat with matching shoes...I just love it when new acquisitions offer a number of styling options!
Over to you Babes, what new things are you trying this month?!
Until next time,
Xx

Pearl Jam

Hat: Similar HERE| Top: c/o HERE|  Embellished denim: c/o HERE| Camera purse: c/o HERE| Tweed boots: MARSHALLS, another cute pair HERE

Hey Loves! I've been wanting a pair of embellished jeans for what feels like forever. I even considered making my own, and pinned several tutorials to my ever growing Pinterest boards. Before I had the chance to test out my DIY skills, I scored a pair of pearly blues c/o Charlotte Russe. They are so stinking cute! The only con: They are a tad too big...If you order these, please don't size up like I did 😉
For their grand debut, I paired them with a fun one shoulder top, tweed booties, and a cable knit black hat. As if the ensemble wasn't fun enough, I added in a camera novelty bag which really worked well to pull the entire look together.
I think I still may try my hand at embellishing a pair of jeans, but first - I have to find the T I M E 😊
Until next time,
Xx

Cape Fear

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Earrings: HERE| Cape: c/o HERE (sign up for a FREE four week membership HERE) or purchase directly HERE| Denim shirt: Old, similar HERE Denim jeans: Old, same brand HERE & HERE| Handbag: Sold out, another version HERE| Leopard sandals: Old, similar HERE

This post is sponsored by Gwynnie Bee. All opinions shared are my own.

Alas, FRI-YAY has arrived Babes!!! I was talking to my grandma yesterday, I told her that I got my days mixed up. She said, 'You were ready for the week to be over' -  she was right! My schedule is a full one, time/days pass by rather quickly. Yet, as a general rule of thumb: I am always READY for the weekend! 
I've read those sappy quotes about creating a life that you don't need/want to escape from- but for me, no matter what kind of life I have, I will always APPRECIATE downtime to the FULLEST! Yes, I enjoy my secular work, as a whole I am happy and content with my life (give or take a few ups and downs). Still, there is no feeling comparable to the eureka that I feel when the weekend comes on, LOL! Time hanging with friends, an inordinate amount of time spent doing absolutely nothing (my personal fav), and lest we forget - legendary weekend naps. 
I LOVE TO SLEEP! Just thinking about it makes me feel g👀d...
Now let's talk about clothes: I can remember a time when I steered away from wearing capes. Why? I felt that they were unflattering to my frame. You see, I am a full-figured woman 😉 For quite some time this thought was promoted: 'You should never wear anything that makes you look bigger than you actually are'. I didn't want to look bigger than I was, so I discarded the handful of capes that I had, including a super cute cream colored wool cape with fox tail trim 😕...
Fast forward almost a decade later, here I am, back cloaked in a cape, thanks to my pals at Gwynnie Bee 😀 I selected this beauty for my virtual closet, you know, just to see -and wouldn't you know, I LOVE it!? Like seriously! It reminds me of a tuxedo jacket! I am thinking about purchasing it, it is a perfect fall/winter piece for Cali's version of cold weather. But if/when I do, I would size down. I found the fit to be quite generous, even with sizing down, I could still wear a chunky sweater or turtleneck underneath it.
If you are not familiar with Gwynnie Bee (also see HERE):

• Gwynnie Bee is an online women’s clothing subscription service for sizes 10-32. Shipping is 100% free + dry cleaning  + unlimited exchanges. 
• You add items to your virtual closet (from a seemingly endless inventory) that you'd ❤ to wear, they ship them to you in the order of your preference (the "My priorities" feature is LIFE), if you ❤ an item you can purchase it for a discounted price, OR you can mail it back for something that you ❤ even better! 
• Truly it is a win/win, always having brand new clothing at my fingertips without the pressure of a long-term commitment feels wonderful!

⭐You can sample Gwynnie Bee's services ABSOLUTELY FREE for ONE MONTH - sign up HERE to get started on your new wardrobe today⭐

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away below!
Have a great weekend!
Xx

Floral Frenzy

Dress: c/o HERE  + sign up for ONE MONTH FREE| Earrings: Bauble Bar, sold out

Sandals: Vince Camuto, identical twin HERE + another option HERE

Happy 1^st day of spring!!! Depending on where you live, it may not quite feel and or look very much like spring yet- but it never hurts to prepare in advance 😊 I’ve said before that in my mind, floral prints are synonymous with warmer weather. This mixed media shift dress is a part of Gwynnie Bee’s (online women’s clothing subscription service) new spring wear haul. I was curious about how the fit would be, as shift dresses can be tricky on my pear shaped frame. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it fit (I sized up), even my hubby was a fan, LOL! This dress is versatile; it can be dressed up or down, all depending on your style needs and preferences. In true spring-like fashion I opted to style it with pink, but I can also picture it styled seamlessly with pale grey, periwinkle, or olive. The fantastic thing about Gwynnie Bee is that a membership with them affords you the opportunity to try out name brand, trendy and classic pieces at your own pace, plus you have the option to purchase items or to send them back for something even better❣ 
I just might have to purchase this dress ❤❤❤

On another note: I think that this dress caused a car accident!!! While hubby and I were shooting this look, a car accident occurred, literally RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! So, we were just getting started, and less than 10 minutes in, I hear the loudest bang EVER and then see a luxury car spin/side out directly across the street from us-hitting the light pole! All four airbags deployed, but the driver and passengers made it out of the car in one piece.  The driver ran off on foot in true Los Angeles style, while two of the passengers stayed behind to chat with the police (including one that did suffer head/facial injuries). How the accident occurred was that the driver was not paying attention/appeared to be distracted (was he looking at this dress?) and he ran the red light, causing another car who had the right away to hit him at a significant speed. WHEW! After all that and during the investigation and other activities that unfolded, we continued on with our shoot. Distractions are a dime a dozen here! There are so many interesting things that happen while we are shooting, and just in general- I may start sharing them from time to time… 
Do tell: Do you think that this dress caused the crash?!

Until next time,

XO

Mixed Elements

Is it just me or is blush totally having a moment?! Today's style story pairs the blushing hue with an unexpected combination of elements: Lace, crystals, knit, and velvet 💓💓💓
When I received my latest batch of goodies from GWYNNIE BEE (a clothing subscription service, try their services for FREE HERE) I was so siked that this RR pencil skirt made the cut! Warm horizontal stripes (a totally unexpected combination of colors), a fantastic knit texture with a great fit, AND a hint of blush! YESSSSS!!! I reveled in the fact that yet another opportunity was just over the horizon for me to flush in blush 👌  
This ensemble provides a classic example of how I like to transition cool weather wear to Spring effortlessly: Add lace 👀 LOL!
It's true-  I would totally style this skirt differently if the temperatures were cooler (I'm thinking of a turtleneck, leather blazer, tights, and booties), but since they are delightfully on the rise I opted for a bell sleeved lace blouse and wonderfully soft velvet sandals 😉
I'm so glad the Spring has Sprung, Gwynnie Bee has a number of fantastic warm weather options and I cannot wait to frolic in all of them! I'm working with GB this month to spread the word, please do check out what they have to offer for the curvy woman and sign up for one month ABSOLUTELY FREE❣

Top: HERE| Skirt: Try it for FREE HERE or purchase it directly HERE| Shoes: HERE, other options HERE & HERE