Laugh Despite the Rain

We've been getting our fair share of rainy days this season, which is technically GREAT considering the fact that we've been in a record break drought for XX amount of years. However on the practical side of things, torrential rain can be a headache, especially when you have to take account factors such as extreme traffic congestion (think sitting in your car 2-3 ours to travel less than 20 miles), mudslides, flooding, and the like... If I don't have to leave my house, I find the rain to be enjoyable, it has such a soothing effect that cannot be duplicated. 

Any who, I decided to get a few shots in of this look, and wouldn't you know it- it started to sprinkle - lightly... There was a damp chill in the air, I simply refused to take my coat off, LOL!
That instance gave me the chance to reflect on how all too often in our lives we have to learn to laugh through the 'rain', even through 'storms'. 

Keeping on laughing Babes, don't let a little 'rain' kill your flame 😉

Until next time,
XO

Coat + gloves: Vintage, options here & here| Blouse: Sold out, similar here| Pleat skirt: Sold out, similar here 
Handbag: Vintage Coach, updated option here| Sheer socks: Nordstrom| Yellow sandals: Old, similar here & here

The Golden Hour

I scored this shimmering beauty when gold/sequins/and the like were in ample supply for the holiday season.  I’ve mentioned before that I like to stock up on ‘special occasion wear’ during the months that they are in an abundance, and then spread out the wear of them all throughout the year 😚 I don’t wait for special occasions to dress up- when I look good, I feel good!

The best thing about the items in today’s look is that everything is on sale!!! Check out the links below 😉

Until next time,

XO

→ Photography by Lydia Hudgens

Top: Similar| Necklace: Here| Skirt: Here| Shoes: Here & here| Handbag: Here

Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

Gray Matter

“Baby it’s cold outside” or at least that’s how the song goes…LOL! Here in SoCal early mornings and late evenings are cool- but not exactly cold. Nonetheless, if ever there was an ideal time to pull out pre-existing cool weather items (I’m from the Midwest)- this is it! I love layering up in cozy knits, varying textures, and adding touches of furrr : )

This ensemble is ideal for Fall-like days spent at the office, shopping, or catching a meal. I have a basket (literally, from Pier 1) of sweater dresses that wait patiently all year for days just like this. This gray number is neat because it features a cable print + an a-line cut. The two aren’t often designed together, although I’m not entirely sure why not.

Because monochrome styling has been my thing since the beginning of time, I added additional grey matter via a velvet BF style coat (c/o ELVI), a vintage fur collar (detached), leather gloves, and knit knee high socks. For color contrast, I wore cognac boots and a leopard print clutch. Stay warm out there Babes!

Until next time,

XO

Velvet boyfriend coat: Here | Fur collar/scarf: Similar here| Dress: Similar here| Leather riding boots: Similar here| Leopard clutch: Similar here

All About That Lace

Lace continues to be on the red hot list this season. This is not surprising at all to me, it gives off an air of romance, femininity, and class. I gravitate towards feminine styles of clothing nine times out of ten.  This vintage inspired lace dress caught my eye during a recent impromptu ‘Shop Til You Drop Marathon’. Have you been a victim of this marathon before?  Honestly, I set out the day to hit 3-4 sales, and before I knew it I had been in over 15 stores and had more ‘hits’ than ‘misses’ in my hands…LOL!
Back to the story at hand: I actually ran into this store looking specifically for a dress that I spotted online. This lace beauty just so happened to be misplaced onto another rack - I scooped it up and jetted off to the fitting room. I loved the way that it looked when I saw it on, I mean it has bell sleeves too! I decided to snag one size down. I searched the whole area, yet I could not find another dress like this one anywhere. So… I made the executive decision to get this one anyway…
I generally style items new to my collection in a number of ways. This helps me to get a true feel for which style pairings I like it with best. This dress was no exception. I wore it to the office one day styled with a turtleneck jersey dress underneath. It was a perfect match!  I’m happy that I purchased it in a larger size :) Next up on the list for this number is to style it with a wide leather belt…I just might blog that look too – stay tuned!

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Vintage earrings & necklace| Dress, similar here| Vintage clutch, similar here| Cork sandals, similar here

JCPenney Introduces Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique+™

*Today’s post is in partnership with JCPenney. All expressed opinions are my own.

I am so excited to finally share with you several of my favorite pieces from the brand new Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique+™ collection at JCPenney!!! Boutique+™ is  JCPenney’s first private brand designed for full-figured/plus size women. It is a plus-size lifestyle collection created for the fashion conscious shopper.

JCPenney is actually the very first and only national retailer to feature Ashley’s designs!  As a refresher, Ashley Nell Tipton was the Winner of Project Runway!  The first exclusive Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique+™ capsule collection launched online and in-stores on September 6th. Check out the behind the scenes docuseries here.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, oh yeah, even Twitter, you may have seen a few snippets of JCPenney’s #HereIAm campaign and the specific pieces that I selected from the collection =) This body positive campaign promotes self-love, confidence, and acceptance for all body types {inserts happy emoticon}!!

For Fall 2016, Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique+™ features curve-enhancing looks inspired by 1950’s fashion. You know how I feel about vintage fashion Babes!! I selected what I like to think of as the updated white button up, via a cropped cape-sleeve blouse and a  gorgeous rose colored faux leather midi skirt. In my mind, both of these pieces are reminiscent of vintage styles, and can be mixed and matched in so many ways with other pieces of the collection and your own existing wardrobe.

The collection also includes slash knee jeggings; quilted pencil skirts; boyfriend tees; and bomber and moto-chiffon jackets. Featuring lipstick prints, bold horizontal stripes and sequins – truly with the modern plus size fashionista in mind! For this portion of the collection, I selected the TOTALLY  HIP moto trimmed in chiffon and staple black slash knee jeggings. The moto receives an update unlike any other, now edge is also etched with femininity and #IAmHERE for it!!!

To see the entire capsule collection and to shop it now, head here.

Last but certainly not least: Did you catch the live RUNWAY Show that kicked off NYFW on Tuesday?! If not, you may watch the replay here. I watched it live and the replay -it was everything, featuring models and a number of plus size blogger Babes, so AWESOME!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

A Side of Lemons Please

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Denim jacket: Michael Kors| Top: c/o Ruby Linker

Tulle skirt: Etsy vendor, old (worn here, here, and here)| Boots: Betsey Johnson, also worn here

Today’s style story features a funky tee from Ruby Linker, a California based brand that offers limited edition tees styled with varying shapes and proportions. 

I was invited to participate in the Ruby Linker Style Challenge, and given the fact that I love a challenge- I selected this eclectic lemon print top. It actually fits like a tunic (see here), and is ideally styled with jeans- in my mind I picture skinnies or a cute boyfriend cut. However, I didn’t want to style it with jeans, because it felt…well… boring! LOL! So I opted to step outside of my styling norms and to have some fun with a look that is just as eclectic and funky as the tee itself : )

Interesting facts: Ruby Linker's unique digital designs are transferred to fabric. The company uses a state-of-the-art printing technique called dye-sublimation. This technique transfers thin sheets of color onto paper that is then heated, forcing the dye to vaporize and form a chemical bond with the cloth. The brand states that their garments are based on expressive art that could just as easily been displayed on a canvas or behind a glass frame, but instead have been created as clothing. 


Until next time,
XO

Sweater Weather

Around this time of year in the States, we are greeted by brisk morning temperatures, considerably less hours of daylight, and in some parts- practically no sunshine at all. Leaves fall off of the trees, flowers slowly wither, and expectations of rain and or snow are in the forecast.

For style lovers however, only one thing is crystal clear: It’s officially Sweater Weather!!!
{Insert happy dance emoticon}

I live in a part of the country that is generally mild year round, so Sweater Weather season is even more celebratory than normal. Warm weather 90% of the year can actually become tiring (I wouldn’t believe that if I hadn’t experienced it), the excitement of a genuine cool down is undeniable.

Since I am gal that practically lives in dresses, sweater dresses are my preferred ammunition. I’ve been showcasing how one of my go-to brands, Eliza J. can meet all of your style needs  (see here) and Sweater Weather is no exception!

This beaut of a blue is cable knit, ribbed, and a-line= A winning formula in my book. Comfortably worn to the office, out to dinner with friends, and even jazzy enough for a dressier event- total versatility. I simply love the cut and the drape of the knit. Ok, let’s face it: The color alone is tantalizing!

Blue is MY FAVORITE COLOR see a few examples here, here, and here.

Sweater dresses can be worn practically anywhere, dressed up or dressed down, layered or not- either way you’ve made the style mark! I decided to go monochrome with this look, only deviating slightly with a splash of citron (Check out my friend JewelryFetishGirl).

Now it's your turn Loves, do share your favorite thing about Sweater Weather!

Sunnies: Tod’s| Necklace: @JewelryFetishGirl (IG)| Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)|Socks: Nordstrom| Pumps: Vince Camuto (also worn here)| Handbag: En Cuir