Baby Blues

red lip stain: HERE (01)| sunnies: old| earrings: HERE| OTS top: old
skirt: HERE| sandals: old| bamboo purse: HERE or HERE

I'm a certified forever fan of monochrome styling, when I spotted this pinstripe baby blue skirt in-store, I immediately knew that I wanted to pair it with this top. It's not the exact same shade of blue, however it is in the same color family - which makes this look fall under the monochrome category. I especially love how the two sets of stripes contrast one another. The stripes in the skirt are very fine, if you don't look closely (see picture no. 4) you just might miss them. The stripes in my top are just the opposite, bold & totally in your face 😍 

About this skirt: In my opinion, it offers up an alternative to a typical a-line skirt. Not only does it feature extra fabric (which may seem unnecessary), but it also details an excellent example of ruching, plus an uneven hem. Oddly, in a way it reminds me of a straight skirt, although I'm not quite sure why...

For accessories, I kept it simple by sticking to a white color palette. My final touch was a pair of mirrored sunglasses, and my favorite: a red lip stain 😉

Do share, are you a fan of monochrome styling?

Until next time, Xx

Girl Friday

Well Babes, we’ve made it! It is officially the end of the very first week in 2017 😉 I think that merits a celebration, don’t you agree?! LOL! Did you have a pretty good week?  I certainly hope so! I did, and it flew by...literally-like time seemed to disappear! I know this question has been asked for eons, but seriously I want an answer: 
Where does the time go??? 👀

In other news: I’ve had so much fun getting glam with Eliza J. on the blog this week! This latest trilogy demonstrates just how versatile and multi-functional dressy separates can be. If you missed Take 1 & 2, please check them out here and here!

 What I LOVE about separates is that you can mix and match items depending on your style mood and or needs- dress them up or dress them down- basically styling separates gives me full control! 

Now don't get me wrong, I will be an enthusiastic fan of fabulous dresses for as long as I breathe - but- I also enjoy stepping out and showing out in/with separates 😍

Which look is your favorite? To be honest, I think Take 2 swept me away!!

Until next time,

X

Black flower earrings: Betsey Johnson, similar here| Denim jacket: Michael Kors, similar here| Sequin  crop top: c/o Eliza J.-available here

Polka dot skirt: c/o Eliza J.- available here| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, similar here & here| Patent leather pumps, here

Furry pompom shoe clips: here, similar here

Thrift Store Score: Pattern Play

Although the cold weather months are upon us, it is still my goal to have fun with fashion! Take for instance plaid. Plaid is a cool weather classic. Notably it is currently enjoying a well deserved spell in the fashion spotlight. If you’re like me, you may have been wearing plaid for the majority of your life, and now open to new ways of styling it. 

At present, I am thoroughly enjoying taking a dip in the pattern mixing bucket at every opportunity (see here, here, and here). I look for opportunities to take a gander at a clash….Flashback: One summer afternoon while perusing through a fashion magazine, I came across the most unorthodox mash of prints styled with winter pieces. I set it in my mind at that moment; I would try out the madness for myself just as soon as the weather cooled off. I’m no stranger to the pattern mixing game, but for me this took it up a notch.

Clashing prints are a runway sensation. But can they be woven into everyday life? Where there is a will, there is a way. That being said, clashing prints can be incorporated successfully into one's everyday style. From what I have observed, the key lies in making sure that there is at least one commonality. In this instance, the color gray proves to be the common denominator and foundation. Added to that, the skirt conveniently boasts a checkerboard trim.

I had this jacket for over a year, but never worn it. There was no particular reason; I just seemed to keep forgetting about it. One day while shuffling through my wardrobe I pulled it out, and determined that I'd either wear it, or to place it in my “To donate” bag. My monthly shuffle continued (I go through my closet regularly to select items to be donated) and I came across this skirt. I plopped the two together and instantly knew I had a match.

Since both items are vintage, I decided to stick with that theme, and added on a pastel rose quartz (Pantone's color of the year) vintage blouse, along with vintage style pumps, and a leather bag. I was more than pleased with the outcome. I just love stepping outside of my comfort style zone!

Until next time Style Lovers!

XO

Hat: Zara| Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| Jacket: Vintage, thrifted| Blouse: Vintage, thrifted| Skirt: Vintage, thrifted
Heels: Flounce, Nordstrom (worn here and here)| Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Throwback Thursday: Eliza J

It’s officially #TBT time and I would be completely remiss if I did not recap the four gorgeous looks that were blogged with #ElizaJ ! *Eliza J is one of my top go-to brands for dresses of every kind. No matter what my style need may be, from casual to dressy, from chic to snazzy- they have me covered. I personally own just about 20 of their dresses, and that number is guaranteed to continually increase ;)

The first item that I styled for them was a fabulously faux stole (original post here). That’s right- not only do they design dresses, but also stoles, skirts, jumpsuits and more. I’ve got my eye on a jumpsuit, but that’s a topic for another post…LOL! Any who I initially planned to style this stole with all black, but it just didn’t give me that vibe I was looking for. Swapped out a black skirt for a white one and wa-lah, I was ready to hit the door.

The second item featured an a-line cable knit dress in my favorite color (original post here). I went monochrome for this ensemble pairing it with matching socks, pumps, and a handbag. For fun, a splash of citron in the form of a statement necklace served as the cherry on top.

The third item is just what every girl needs: A tea length full midi skirt (original post here) with petticoat in tow. Finally I went with an all black look, adding a touch of vintage with a netted hat, modern with a crop top, glitzy with a sequins blazer, and edgy with sleek booties.

The final item was last but certainly not least. It was the dress that my wardrobe has been waiting for-->you know, that dress that gives off WOW factor the very moment that you slip it on. Yes navy blue (original post here) with a sheer overlay, a jeweled neckline, and cut of genius.

Which look was your favorite one? It’s totally hard for me to pick, because I truly swooned over each look, as each one served different venues. But, if I just had to pick only one, well it would be...

 *Each featured item was gifted and a size 1X/14W. Item(s) are available for purchase at Nordstrom in-store or online, and at similar retailers.

Ambiguity

I once worked with a Manager who had a very ambiguous style of speaking. Each and every single time that we had a meeting, she would wow the room with colorful speech, inspirational ideals, all the while imparting a sense of personal worth to each person. Yet once the meeting was over, I walked away with a fuzzy understanding of exactly what objectives were on and or off the table! When recapping meeting outcomes with colleagues,no one was able to offer any clarity (For a minute I just thought it was me). I came to the realization: No conclusive answers were ever offered, despite direct questioning. Instead, new ideas were often introduced in a fanciful, non-practical way (IMO).

Whenever we were scheduled to meet one on one, I’d prepare a list of detailed questions, specific in nature. As in, choose one of the following: Yes or No. I rehearsed in my mind a game plan to keep the conversation on track, and how to ensure that clarification would be provided.

Yet, once I entered her office, the nostalgia began. Time and time again, each question was met with optimism and addressed ambiguously. I felt powerless to enforce a straight answer... 
When I look back, I can clearly see: We never had an insightful conversation!

To be sure, there are varying styles of speech. However, I would have to say that ambiguity is my least favorite. 

I have a direct style of speech by genetics; I like to ask straight forward questions and to receive straight forward answers. The coveted acquisition of T A C T is consistently a work in progress! Truly it makes no difference to me whether I like the answer or not (usually)- I solely desire a straight answer-preferably one that is also truthful.

In this current era of tolerance and permissiveness, I've observed that ambiguous speech seems to be a safer space than the room where one can state direct thoughts and or opinions. Why? Well, the moment a person states a direct opinion, especially one in conflict with the majority- well social media/the media is in a frenzy about how wrong such said comment was… Which leads me to: Does that mean that it is no longer acceptable to have any real/sincere thoughts/beliefs anymore? Must every word be uttered with the idea of pleasing the masses and not leaning in one direction or another?

Over to you, are you appreciative of ambiguous speech or do you prefer a straight arrow?

Until next time Style Lovers!
XO

Hat: DSW| Leopard vest: Vintage| Orange skirt: Vintage| Leopard sandals: Ivanka Trump (worn here)| Floral clutch: Vintage

Mix & Match: Take 2

Does this top look perhaps vaguely familiar? It should, I wore it in Monday’s post :) (see here). That’s right, you may have guessed - Welcome to my second run at creating a capsule wardrobe!!

As mentioned here, a wardrobe capsule is: ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’ (The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule here)

For my very first run at creating a capsule, I chose pastel colors as the theme. This time I’m playing with a classic duo for which I have a particular fondness: Black + White

I won’t bore you unnecessarily with the reasons why I simply adore black + white. Instead, I’ll chat it up about the joy and ease of pattern mixing with this duo. You see, I've grown to love clashing prints (see here, here, here)!

Yet, I have heard from friends that they feel somewhat awkward randomly mixing up prints in a look. Do you feel the same way? Perhaps you like the idea, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Never fear, Joi is here - L O L!!! Seriously, one of the most simple ways that I’ve found to be effective when it comes to flirting with the pattern mixing game: Start off with patterns that contain only two colors, i.e. black + white. Think stripes, florals, checks, polka dots, and so on.

Using this method, prints seem to match up instantaneously. To start, go with two clashers. As your comfort level increases, take it up a notch with three or even four prints -at one time! When you do, please tag me on social media: IG,Tumblr,Twitter @InMyJoi!

Stay tuned Style Lovers, Take 3 of Mix & Match is on the way,

XO

Sunnies: Sunscape| Stripe top: Custom| Skirt: Cynthia Rowley| Shoes: Calvin Klein| Clutch: Forever 21

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

Glammed Up: Tulle Can Do No Wrong

It’s back by popular demand: Today’s post features my custom made tutu, a.k.a tulle skirt :) I posted a #FBF picture to my Instagram account (follow me @InMyJoi) a few weeks ago and everyone loved it, so I thought why not pull out my tulle-licious beauty once again! I love wearing my favorites over and over again, my tulle skirt is no exception.

See previous posts here and here.

This time of year often involves events that give one extra opportunities to glam up, I say what better way to do so than in a tulle skirt?!

Now I originally purchased this skirt for a white party, but I wondered just how much use I'd get out of it afterward. I must say, not only was it worth purchasing, but I also found a number of uses for this pristine white beauty all year around. (Please ignore my hair gone wild in the next picture)

If you’re thinking about ordering or perhaps making a tulle skirt but feel somewhat hesitant, allay your fears.

Tip(s):

Look for density or extra pouf factor which will provide more coverage.

Wear a similar colored slip underneath of your skirt is unlined like mine. 

When it comes to tulle, bigger is better IMO.

Tulle is very easy to clean. 

I used Spray & Wash to clean my skirt: thoroughly spray stains and place skirt in a plastic garment bag overnight. The next day fully rinse the skirt, removing all excess water with a towel.  Hang to dry. *For a skirt that is made exactly like mine, you may also braid the strips while wet to increase the pouf factor. When it dries unravel the braids, you will notice a crinkle effect.

Of course I vote “YAY” for tulle skirts, how about you?!

Jeweled Collar: Nicole Miller (taken off of a sweater)|Blazer: American Rag (worn here)|Tank: Nordstrom|Tulle skirt: Custom made (see here and here)|Shoes: Jessica Simpson (worn here)