Square One

Hey Style Lovers <-----> heyyyyy!!! It’s been a while,  how have you been?! I’ve been doing well! You’ve most certainly been on my mind, YES - my readers! As you may know, I’ve always periodically taken breaks from social media, and or fashion blogging because down time gives me the necessary space to recharge myself (read more here). However, this Summer I noticed that my break intervals became longer and more frequent. Why? I had to brainstorm to find the answer. Is it simply because my life schedule is full? No, because my life schedule has always been full. So why had I begun to feel a sense of dread, even at times disgust, whenever I thought about sitting down to actually blog a look that I wore? It took some time, but the answer finally became apparent to me. 

Perception
It takes quite a bit of work to write, edit, publish, and promote one blog post, especially when you consider how many social media platforms there are. Many bloggers use a variety of platforms to engage with more readers. My main platforms aside from this blog are Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr (although I am also on Twitter, Google + and Pinterest). In the community of fashion blogging, the current general perception seems to lend itself towards the idea of working one’s way into becoming a full-time paid and or endorsed fashion blogger and or model. 

To say that setting that objective as your own - is a challenge, is the understatement of the year. Consider that this (fashion/blogging regular and plus size) is an industry where literally tens of thousands of people are seeking one common goal- to be The One…The One who all fashion brands (or otherwise) want to work with… The One who all fashion related magazines want to feature… The One who makes it… The One who turns his or her lobby turn into a lucrative career, yes --> to be The One who is on top.

Realizations
Blogging for me began as a hobby. Sure, I thought it might be fun to work with a brand here and there; I had no intentions of marketing for any company/brand for free! LOL! However, focusing on trying to obtain partnerships with brands began to have me feeling some sort of way. Again, I had to think about why. The answer reached the surface. Simply put: I don’t want to “make it” as a fulltime blogger/model/socialite or any of the like. I do not aspire to be “The One”. My beliefs, morals, and priorities are non-negotiable and uncompromisable. I want to blog, on my own terms, in my own way.

Not only am I an appreciative introvert (read more here) BUT I’m truly and genuinely happy with my life as it stands right now: in this very moment :) My hope for the future, my genuine circle of friends, my close family, my long-term personal goals (which have nothing to do with fashion), and my career! I’m grateful to have a comfortable place to live in, a bed to sleep in each night, a variety of foods to choose from for each and every meal that I eat, and in my city: transportation! When I bring myself back to center, shifting out all of the noise, I am able to truly focus on what’s important to ME as an individual/woman, what my intentions are in blogging (read why I started here), and what aspiration is appropriate for me as the whole person. Irregardless of the cut throat ambition, fakery, dishonesty, and cliques present within the fashion blogging industry, my purpose remains the same: Blogging is for me a recreational hobby, I am decidedly different, and I will continue to do ME! 

I am so appreciative of you, my readers! I hope that something you see and or read today will inspire you!

Dress: Eliza J. | Statement necklace: JCPenney | Pumps: Victoria’s Secret | Tote: Dooney & Bourke

Thrift Store Score: Peppermint Stripe

Today's post boasts a #ThriftStoreScore, I'll let you take a gander at exactly which piece I thrifted ;)

I opted for a classic approach this time around; A crisp white button-up and traditional Mary Jane's accompanied my cotton midi skirt.

It can feel quite chilly when not directly in the sun, so I added a faux fur scarf for added warmth. Layers are essential to SoCal winters! Too bad I've still managed to catch a cold :(

So, did you guess what piece(s) I thrifted?! If you guessed my shirt, belt, and skirt, you guessed correctly! An entire look for under $15! For more #ThriftStoreScore(s), click here or catch a few of my personal favorites here, here, and here.

Join me on Instagram and on Facebook :
 www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1 <> instagram.com/inmyjoi

Until next time Style Lovers!

White Shirt: Banana Republic (worn here) | Leather Belt: Vintage | Midi Skirt: Vintage | Shoes: Nine West (worn here) | Handbag: Dooney & Bourke (worn here)

Buffalo Print in Check

Hey there fellow Style Lovers! Happy Hump Day to All!!! I feel like it’s been a minute since my last blog post. I sure have missed dishing it up with you. You know, life never ceases to amaze me. Throughout the highs, and the lows, there are certain periods of time when you instinctively know that you are exactly where and what you should be. I am in such a period right now. I feel a level of contentment and fulfillment that is unparalleled to anything tangible, and I must say: it is magnificently wonderful. Now that I’ve bored you to tears with the ins and outs of my innermost feelings, I’ll move along to today’s look!

I find inspiration in just about everything that I lay my eyes on. Today’s combination proves that my new cell phone case is no exception. That’s right, I was inspired by a little ole cell phone case (it's hard to tell, but it has a red and black trim).

I have a thing for mixing up prints (see here and here), which by the way is totally opposite from my husband, whose style preference is classic. I asked him what he thought of this ensemble and his hesitant reply was all that was needed. It confirmed for me that my decision to rock this was totally on point and authentic to me, LOL!

I opted for big hair, or shall I say bigger hair, or even more clearly: I went for full fro mode! LOL! For those who may be curious, this is my natural hair, and here’s the simple process that I follow to comb out my curls:

• Wash & condition hair
• Detangle hair and air dry
• Add a quarter size amount of jojoba oil from roots to ends
• Comb out hair in medium sections with a large tooth comb
• Make a small part according to your preference

Xx

Buffalo check dress:Vintage

Polka dot blouse:Kardashion Kollection (worn here)

Clutch:Ross Dress for Less

Platforms:Calvin Klein (worn here)