This & That

Today’s style edition features a typical merger of Summer and Fall. An easy way to maximize your wardrobe: Layer seemingly seasonal pieces to make them suitable for your local climate at present , along with your personal style preferences.

Admittedly I have an inordinate amount of purple colored pieces in my collection, which makes it easy for me to mix & match this & that. Sidebar: Purple is not my favorite color but rather functions as a neutral color. Basically, purple is like the color black, in my style world.

I typically wear this dress during the summer months, but as it stands it is Fall, so I opted to layer up with my staple silk blouse which is only about a decade young.

On cooler days and or nights this combo can easily be paired with matching tights/boots/or booties. Better yet, if you’ve already had your first snow this cool weather season, I can envision this look with a fun faux fur coat and equally fab knit hat ;)

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Ivy & Blu by Maggy Boutique (Nordstrom), worn here| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Suede clutch: Vintage| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret, also worn here

Turquoise Dewdrop

Happy Fri-yay Loves!!!
Today's post is short & sweet because it's Friday and who has time to read a long blog post?! LOL! 
Let the weekend games commence!

Turquoise drenched silk is easily paired with an abstract skirt and a trim of suede.

During the Spring season, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. 

Long sleeves and suede shoes are appropriate for daytime breezes and nighttime chills.

I've mentioned before that silk permeates my wardrobe. I love the fiber because it's not as breathable as others, which in my opinion gives it a warming factor. I  S T A Y cold! Silk helps me to stay warm when I don't want to wear layers.

What are your tricks for staying warm without adding layers?

Until next time, have a GREAT weekend!
X

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Silk shirt: Vintage|Skirt: Burlington Coat Factory| Suede pumps: Audrey Brooke via DSW| Tote: Coach

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

Silk Petals

It’s feels a lot like Spring here in Los Angeles, a vast array of flowering trees and bushes are in full bloom. I love this time of year! If there is at least one thing that I genuinely appreciate about living in California now, it is hands down… The Weather! As a Detroiter, I was raised in brutal cold winters and regular snow falls. However, at this stage in my life I have accepted that I simply do not have a desire to tolerate that type of weather again! LOL! The past few days have been gloriously beautiful. I innately feel happier when stepping out into the inviting sunshine and warm breezes. Even a few semi-cloudy skies were breathtakingly wonderful and didn’t damper the Spring-like vibes one bit.

Silk is one of my favorite fabrics; I’d say it runs neck and neck with my love of crisp cotton. Today’s ensemble features silk on silk along with my self-proclaimed neutral hue: purple. Purple permeates my wardrobe, yet it is not my favorite color. It serves for me in a similar way as one might use black and/or grey (see here, here, and here).

Like my new hairdo?! 

Not only did I straighten it, I added a demi-permanent red color, plus wacked off a good chunk, taking me from mid back length to neck length. This isn’t my first time chop session, and I dare say it won’t be my last! I love changing up my own hair, and I'm very excited about a few more ideas up the pike…. 

Until next time Style Lovers, have a wonderful weekend!!
XO

Sunnies: TopShop (also worn here) | Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (worn here, here, and here) | Silk dress: Donna Ricco (worn here)
Suede shoes: Victoria’s Secret Catalog | Tote: Coach (worn here)

Sea of Florals

This week is a short one, yet I can hardly believe that it is Wednesday already! Can we say two more days until FRIDAY?! 

This silk floral number is a goodie from my stash, I simply never tire of the spring-like floral print.  So much so that I have began to wear it all year around. I'm thankful for the mild climate here! This floral print has lovely hues of pink, purple, and bursts of gold- irresistible!

It's effortless to wear, and although it is silk, it doesn't wrinkle excessively.

I'm particularly fond of the waist panel detail and runching on the bodice. Wait, who am I  kidding? The floral print sold this number! LOL! 

I'm a girly girl in every way and I love every feminine detail being served in this dress :)

This time around I wore it with a lilac leather handbag and neutral snakeskin pumps. 

Dress: Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique

Handbag: Coach

Snakeskin pumps: Nine West

Sunday Best: Chocolate Tartan

Today's look features one of my wardrobe veterans, a silk tartan skirt.

Generally speaking, I don't gravitate toward long dresses and skirts. A handful have slyly made their way into my closet, for various reasons. This skirt resonated with me because of the easy flow of the silk, and the layered detail at the bottom.

This time around I paired it with a ruffled faux leather jacket and southern style wide brim hat.

 I hope you're enjoying your weekend lovlies!

Hat: DSW

Faux leather jacket: INC International Concepts

Silk skirt: Ralph Lauren

Suede Mary Jane's: Victoria's Secret Catalog

Interview Attire: Idea Number 1

After months of searching and applying for positions, you finally land an in-person interview! While you are elated at the prospect, herein begins the big debate: "What Should I Wear?" Everyone usually opts for a navy blue or black suit. Let's just say that you don't have a suit, or perhaps you don't like wearing suits. Guess what? There are other options!

It may be possible to select pieces from your current wardrobe that will provide a business appropriate look. 

I invite you to take a step outside of the "normal" interview attire box with me. 

I've worked in corporate America for almost two decades (Yep, I started working as an infant :-). Over the years, through three Fortune 500 companies, I have observed interview attire of every sort. I am not a traditional dresser, so it is not surprising that traditional attire rarely impresses me. I am impressed when I see someone who manages to show a glimmer of authenticity (the person that they truly are), yet still looks professional and polished.

Idea Number 1 features uncommonly considered neutral colors, grey and eggplant purple. I inserted hints of the authentic me by choosing: grey (not cream) pearls, jeweled earrings, a jeweled bracelet, and patterned tights.

Instead of purchasing a new grey blouse, I opted for a short dress, and wore it as a blouse. I added a full silk skirt, and peep toe pumps. In some places, showing your toes on an interview is an automatic "No", so to be safe I wore opaque tights.

For outerwear I opted for a classic pinstripe coat and grey gloves. 

Keep in mind that your outerwear selection does matter, as it may be the first thing your interviewer sees. 

First impressions are usually lasting impressions.

That wraps up today's post. What are your thoughts? What interview attire do you prefer?

Coat- Vintage Christian Dior, also worn here

Jewelry- Assorted

Top- Komarov Dress

Silk Skirt- Kate Hill

Tights- Hue

Shoes- Anne Klein

Handbag- Michael Kors, also worn here

Scuba Meets Vibrant Graphic Print

The weather has been unseasonably mild here in Southern California. It's hard to fathom that we are nearing the end of January.

Today's post features an outfit that's perfect for a mild evening/night out. 

Of course, being the lover of vintage that I am, I "needed" to wear my elbow length vintage gloves. 
No, but seriously, they are a nice alternative for milder temperatures when going sleeveless. 
If temps are cooler, a shirt can be worn underneath and tights along with boots.

The dress is easily transitioned to the cooler night air with a moto jacket.

 I really like my crochet collar necklace, as it dresses up the neckline. 
For a more casual look, I remove the necklace, gloves, heels, clutch, and moto jacket. 
Instead, I pair it with a black sweater, ballet flats, and a handbag. 

 The colors and the print in the skirt of this dress are very vibrant. I wanted them to be the main focal point. 
To accomplish that, I kept all accompanying colors dark. 

Jewelry: Nordstrom Rack (For those that follow me on IG, you know that I scored the earrings for $1.00 USD!)

Dress: Just Taylor

Leather Gloves: Vintage, thrifted (similar worn here)

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: Jones New York

Booties: Kelsi Dagger (also seen here and here)

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

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?