It's Still Summer

Hat: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE| Handbag: Older, similar option HERE| Suede Sandals: Via Spiga, old

So it's almost Fall, but not quite, which means that it is still summer 😊 I took advantage of this simple fact, and put this outfit together for a spin. I acquired both the hat and dress about the same time (a few weeks ago), although neither were intentionally meant to be paired with the other. However, when the dress came in the mail I immediately knew that it belonged with this hat 💥 Wasn't I right? Don't they look so happy together?! LOL! 
If you're a regular visitor to my blog I will not bore you again about my ❤ of black & white color duos...Instead, I'll introduce you to a new-to-me brand, Simply Be. Simply Be is a UK based women's fashion retailer. They aren't new to the scene, in fact according to their site - "We’ve been leading the way in plus-size fashion for years, so we know a thing or two about creating perfect fits. Every time. And for everybody."

And check out this ah-mazing mission statement:

WE ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.
AND WE ARE NOT A FAD.

CURVE IS NOT A TREND OR A HOT TOPIC.
IT’S NOT AN ADD-ON OR AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
IT’S AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

IT’S WHY WE EXIST.
WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE DAY ONE.
AND WE’RE STILL LEADING THE WAY.

WE DEMAND STYLE. WE DEMAND FIT.
AND WE HATE COMPROMISE.

WE ARE SIMPLY BE.

WE ARE CURVES.

This vintage inspired midi dress flatters a variety of body types, and it comes with a high neck and cut-out shoulder detailing. It's currently available is sizes 8-28, plus you have the option of selecting from two different lengths (which I didn't realize when I ordered it).

The cut-outs are my absolute favorite feature hands down! Not only are they great alternative to the cold shoulder trend, but they also tie in wonderfully with the vintage design. 

I got a number of compliments both times that I wore this look - I look forward to styling the dress and the hat with existing items in my wardrobe.

Until next time,
Xx

Citron in the City

So my friend Thamarr over at MusingsOfaCurvyLady reached out to me to join up and rock one of Eloquii’s newest midi skirts, the citron yellow laser cut midi. I felt a smidge apprehensive about trying out this skirt! Nonetheless, I threw caution to the wind and decided to have a go at it.

I was pleasantly rewarded with a BOGO offer =) which I happily took full advantage of (stay tuned for that post).

Ladies, let me tell you: this skirt is gobs of fun on overload! I am so happy that I ordered it!!! 
Whenever I purchase something new, the ever present question, "What will I wear it with?" comes to the surface. My first thought went to this abstract print tank, which has been sitting patiently in my closet (never worn). I had the sneaking suspicion that it would match the citron of the skirt exactly. Wouldn’t you know it, I was dead on!

Next in, an added matching statement necklace provided just a touch of contrast (previously worn here). Yet, I was craving more “umph”. After searching through my bracelet birdcage (literally a decorative birdcage) I decided on three rhinestone bracelets for a rocker-chic feel, harmonious with my up-do ;)

Finally, what shoes and purse to wear with it? I have a number of grey and silver sandals, but since I was heading out to an event that would require a bit of walking, comfort was a necessary consideration. I decided to wear my grey wedge sneakers. My handbag was an easy pick, it’s my favorite grey one. Wahlah, hubby and I hit the door :)

Well fellow Style Lovers, you won't believe how many compliments I received on this look at the event; It made me even more excited to share it with you!

Don't forget to visit all of my blogger babes doting on this citron hottie right along with me:


Thamarr- MusingsOfaCurvyLady
Sandra- LapecosaPreciosa
Georgette- GrownAndCurvyWoman

Aviator sunnies: Tahari

Statement necklace: Saks Off Fifth (worn here)

Tank: Calvin Klein

Skirt:Eloquii

Bangles: Zara & Nordstrom

Sneaker wedges: Steve Madden (worn here)

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

30PlusStyle: Trending, Dresses Over Pants

#30PlusStyle (www.facebook.com/30plusstyle) returns today and we’re having a ball rocking dresses over pants (-->previous #30PlusStyle posts)!!!

This concept isn’t new, yet it seems to be surging full speed ahead as we enter Fall 2014. I bubbled over with excitement at the thought of trying it out. Sometimes women are apprehensive about trying styles that may “make them look bigger”. I made the choice not to surrender to that fear. May I say: I have no regrets! =)

Check out all the #30PlusStyle Beauties and our special Guest Blogger today to see how they layered dresses over pants:
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com 
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com 
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com 
www.mode-plus.com 
-->Guest Blogger: www.xlfashionfile.com/

Are you 30PlusStyle's next Guest Blogger? If you’d like to join us for a future #30PlusStyle post, contact us at: 30PlusStyleCollab@gmail.com. Please include your blog's URL!

Now it's your turn! How do you feel about this trend? If you're on board with it, how do you layer dresses/skirts over pants?

Until next time Style Lovers,
Joi
Xx

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn here)/Dress: Calvin Klein/Necklace: Saks Off Fifth/Belt: Kate Spade/Pants: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (worn here)/Booties: Kelsi Dagger (worn here)