Wardrobe Shuffle: Vintage Lace

Hey there! (Slowly creeps into the room as if it hasn’t been eons since my last post) Today’s post highlights what I like to think of as a wardrobe shuffle. I’ve mentioned before that I intentionally purchase pieces that I know will have longevity. In this instance, I am not solely referring to the quality of an item (although quality does rank #1 in my book) but also in that I know that I will have the desire to wear the item again and again.

This takes a bit of forethought for me at the actual time of purchase, and yet even still, sometimes a piece serves its purpose after a year or so. For the pieces that remain with me year after year, I enjoy exploring new ways to wear them. Flashback: My personality used to be quite rigid. As an example, I could not bear the thought of mixing and matching my clothes. I thoroughly enjoyed wearing items in the same exact way, each and every single time. WELP, all I can say at this point is: I’ve changed! Thanks to Pinterest (check out myboards here), I constantly have ample ideas of how to shuffle pieces around in my wardrobe. We'll take today’s post as one example:

Flashback: I originally wore this dress under a skirt in a post blogged last year (here). At the time, I couldn’t fathom wearing this dress solo, as I don’t particularly care for the cut of it on my body (but I do heart every other aspect of it). I even thought about having it altered…. Yet I digress.. What makes this dress unique to me aside from its age (circa 1970s), is that the lace is cotton! It actually came with a cotton lining, but that was unfortunately too snug for my ample curves, LOL!

One day while perusing Pinterest (as I often do during down time, like in-between emails, and while sitting in relentless LA traffic) I saw a picture of a look worn by Jessica Alba. I immediately thought of my lacey treasure filed away at the back of my wardrobe. I already had all of the pieces needed to recreate this look, my way- so I decided to have at it! 

I wore it on vacation several weeks back, my husband loved it so much that he uses one of these pictures as backdrop on his mobile ;) Join me on Pinterest and let’s be inspired together!

XO

Denim jacket: Michael Kors (worn here)| Statement Necklace: Nordstrom| Lace dress: Vintage (worn here)| Belt:Thrifted| Cork sandals:Market (worn here)

Truthful Thursdays: My style is just that - Mine!

Alas, Truthful Thursdays have returned! My hubby thought that my last segment (expressing my opinions on natural hair) came off a tad ‘strong’. Since then I’ve shied away from speaking my peace. Until now…
I’m a private person by nature (who just so happens to blog) and I often struggle with how much of the authentic “me” I’d like to reveal for public scrutiny. As I’ve mentioned before, one of the reasons that I started blogging was because I personally didn’t feel that there were enough style/fashion images of women who looked like me (those whom I could readily identify with) when seeking style inspiration on various social media platforms. In my opinion, the present up and coming generation of women need to see images of regular/ordinary women, yes of my color, yes of my size, and yes of my taste/style. Today’s society promotes an unattainable idea, one of physical perfection- an ideal that every woman should seek to “attain”. This notion is utterly ridiculous in my opinion; I promote body positivity and have made the personal choice to love every inch of my physically imperfect plus-sized body. Ah, I digressed…

Moving on to today’s topic: This week I was featured on FashionBombDaily.com as Bombshell of the Day! I was extremely excited to be featured!!! Yet, along with any recognition also comes additional exposure to negativity and unsolicited/backhanded suggestions allegedly given in a complimentary manner.

I am so appreciative for the many positive comments received and I sincerely thank those contributors!

However, I want to take a few minutes to address several comments that appeared derogatory and purposed to shame me by making references to one of my all time favorite movies, The Color Purple.

First off, the movies The Color Purple and The Help (also referenced) represent a part of my cultural history and heritage. I am an African American woman. I am not ashamed to be told that some of my style choices bring those movies to someone’s mind. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that vintage pieces truly resonate with me, and that some of my pieces could very well be from the same eras that both aforementioned films represent.

Secondly, there were a few comments about my selection of shoe choices in the looks that were featured in the write-up, over at FashionBombDaily.com. Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I actually suffered from a broken toe not too long ago (which is still sensitive BTW) and my shoe choices were based not only on what matched what I was wearing, but also on which would provide comfort and stability for my broken toe. In any event, I wear the types of shoes that I want to wear, and that are practical for my lifestyle. 

For the record: “My style is just that- Mine!” I wear and style items in the manner that I personally choose, not according to the preference and or satisfaction of “the public” or even others who may be in the blogging community. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy to inspire women in any way that I possibly can. Yet, I recognize that some women may not be “inspired”, or may not appreciate every single one of my style choices. The thing is, despite possessing strong opinions, when I’m not particularly fond of someone’s style choices, I never see or feel a need nor desire to publicly share specious feedback on social media about how they should change a look to suit MY personal preferences.  I guess I truly am an old soul, I was raised with the concept: If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all =)

I do not value unsolicited negative feedback, and I tend to doubt the sincerity of anyone who makes the conscious decision to publicly present suggestions on how I could and or should re-style a look according to their personal preference. I often benefit from constructive criticism, however I do not allow room for insincere feedback laced with negativity.

Basically, just like anyone else,  I wear what I WANT to wear. I am not in the market for field suggestions on how I can change my personal style to suit anyone else’s preference(s). 

Thanks for stopping by today Beauties! Please do share: 
How do you feel when someone offers negative feedback on how and why you should change an outfit that you’ve styled?

Until next time!
XO

30PlusStyle: Cutting It Short

Happy MONDAY Style Lovers! The #30PlusStyle Collaboration returns today, and this time around we're cutting it short!

DID YOU KNOW? 30PlusStyle is on FACEBOOK! Follow us: www.facebook.com/30plusstyle

I can totally count on one hand how many pairs of shorts I own ;) Because my thighs are generously sized and or proportioned, (LOL!) I tend to feel somewhat self-conscious in shorts. Do you feel the same way? Well today's post is especially for you! We aim to prove that yes, "We" can wear shorts! ;)

I wore this look for an evening out with my husband. Honestly, after looking at the pictures, I realize that I ought to wear this pair of shorts more often!  Yet another benefit of style blogging: You get to see/know yourself through the "lens". Sometimes you realize that things actually look better than you initially imagined ;) If you feel apprehensive about wearing certain pieces, take for example shorts, try styling your look at home and then photographing yourself. You may discover as did I, that you have no reason to be apprehensive!

On this particular evening it was scorching HOT, not solely because of the temperatures, but as a result of unnecessary humidity. By the way, when is more than 10% humidity truly necessary?! LOL- I'm just wondering...

This blouse is silk, and therefore does not breathe well. I was HOT! My husband offered up his baseball hat (we represent Detroit wherever we go!) and I was so appreciative of the slight cooling effect that resulted after I put it on.

The fabric and color of this pair of shorts reminds me of a linen/burlap blend. Paired along with an orange vintage blouse (which was a tad too hot for the weather that day), stilettos, and a vintage cocktail bag - I was ready for a good time!

Isn't this vintage cocktail bag the most?! Such intricate beading, done by hand no doubt! It's by Whiting & Davis. If you ever, ever-ever, come across one of their bags: Snap it up and hang on to it for me!

Alas, you must check out how all of the #30PlusStyle beauties "Cut it Short" today:
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com
www.mode-plus.com
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com

FYI: We are looking for guest bloggers to join us for a future #30plusstyle post. If you're interested, contact us at 30plusstylecollab@gmail.com. Be sure to include your blog's URL!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Joi

Blouse:Vintage, thrifted (worn here) -Shorts:Mango-Handbag:Vintage,thrifted-Stilettos:BCBG

Thrift Store Score: Chambray by Day

Today's Thrift Store Score features this classic chambray shirtdress that I scored at a shop just outside of Hollywood.

I love that it fits a little large on me, because that ups the coolness and comfort factor. 
It's 100% cotton, and has one of my favorite features on dresses: 3 quarter inch sleeves!

I added a classic blue paper fedora, because at times, I like to follow the rule: Wear Hat When Possible. 

This enables me to utilize the 365 hats in my personal collection (sarcasm reigns-LOL)! I'm totally kidding- but no, I do have  a lot of hats...

Actually, hats provide an excellent accessory for my protective hair styles. I have worn my hair naturally (without a relaxer) for over a decade. 

Oftentimes I lather it up with my favorite oils/butters, put it in a low bun, and pop on a hat.

The white vintage doctor's bag that I'm carrying is another fantastic #ThriftStoreScore ! It was in pristine condition, and is just the perfect size to hold all of my stuff. For close up shots, go here.

For a hint of fun and color, I went with a pair of printed wedge sandals.

 And that my friends, concludes today's edition of Thrift Store Score!

Hat/fedora: Nordstrom

Jewelry: Vintage, thrifted (also worn here)

Chambray dress: Merona, thrifted 

Handbag: Vintage, thrifted (detailed here)

Wedge sandals: Steve Maddan

Melon Wedge

I really like the bright melon hue of this dress. I scored it for about 10 bucks at one of Macy's sales. I decided to pair it with my lemon colored boxy vest, you know, to switch it up a bit. My hair has been most unruly lately! It might be time to straighten it for a bit, but in the meantime these two pigtails will do.

Dress: NY Collection
Vest: Tildon, also worn here
Booties: Levity, worn here too
Handbag: Coach

Until next time!
X

A New Love: Black & White

I reluctantly typed the words to today's post. I almost felt like I was cheating on the love of my life, you know: Color! I have worn saturating colors for as far back as I can remember. When I was a little girl, red was my favorite color, and my uncles used to call me Blood (long before that had a street meaning). I almost hate to admit it, but it is undeniably true: I now find myself drawn to black and white color palettes. 

There is something refreshing to me about wearing black and white together. I kept asking myself, why am I drawn to black & white?

I finally realized the answer: black & white clears my palate.What do I mean?

A palate cleanser generally introduces a neutral element that enables one to clear the palate from one flavor to another. I believe that black & white clears my palate and prepares me for my next color combo. 

I won't be giving up colors anytime soon, but I'm happy to add a new element into regular rotation.

Have a great weekend everyone and thank you for stopping by & commenting!

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Floral top: Jones New York

Pleat skirt: Talbots

Booties: Chinese Laundry

Draped in Eggplant, Trimmed in Mint

Hey there! 

I can't believe that its been one week since my last blog post. Did you happen to catch that one? It was another #30PlusStyle Production: Tutu the Curvy Woman's Way! Tutu goodness was served across the board. 

I've missed you all! What have I been up to? Well, I had some down time and enjoyed a wonderful vacation with my husband and some friends. I sunbathed, I slept, I shopped, and I ate- what more can a gal ask for? LOL! BTW, I can totally see my tan in these pictures.  That's right, you heard it here: Black chicks tan too ;)

Amidst my total relaxation, I didn't feel like taking pictures. I actually didn't feel like writing, or thinking- so I didn't. That seems to work well for me, because I tell ya, when I returned home, my head was overflowing with ideas and inspiration.

On to today's look:
This dress is a total closet staple. It drapes perfectly, its made of yielding fabric, and it gifts you with a rich hue and fab fit all at the same time. In my mind, deep purple is a neutral color of sorts. If you've seen the other shades that I step out in (like here and here), you'll understand why I feel this way.

I decided to pop out the neutral (purple) with a contrasting cami, and mint colored accessories. 

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Necklace: H&M

Dress: Suzi Chin

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Handbag: Kate Spade

Until next time!
X

Thrift Store Score: Cropped Black Jumpsuit with a Vintage Topper

Today's #thriftstorescore features several thrifted pieces. One of the many reasons that I love thrifting is that it gives me the opportunity to try out pieces that I normally wouldn't. Take as an example this jumpsuit. I would not gravitate toward this piece in a department store. I'm always unsure of how the suit will look on my body, and I steer clear of cropped pants. Under retail circumstances I would not try it on just to see how it looks. Neither would I give this brand a second glance. By thrifting I am able to discover different styles and brands that I like, which probably would be a "miss" otherwise.

Straw hat: Vintage, thrifted

Jumpsuit: Bisou Bisou, thrifted

Booties: Steve Madden (worn here)

Clutch(vintage)/belt/earrings(vintage)/necklace: Thrifted

Bangles: World Market

Stay tuned for an ultra fun post coming in a couple of days; I am so excited to share it with you! {:o)

In the Pink, Neon that is

Happy Friday Ya'll! Are you looking forward to some R&R this weekend? I certainly am ;)

I was inspired by one of my FAV fashion bloggers Assa to try out the Joe Fresh clothing line. I hadn't noticed this brand before (where have I been?), but one day while in JCPenny I spotted it and went over to investigate. I'm so happy that I did! 

I snagged this pink cotton top with neon orange sequins on clearance. Isn't it fun?! I had several pieces already in my wardrobe that would pair up well with it. I try to follow the rule of 'one in, one out' when it comes to making new purchases. Sometimes it works well, and other times, not so much...LOL!

My co-worker subbed as my photographer (normally my hubby) and took these shots for me outside of the office on my way out. As I've mentioned before, my signature style at the office is bold color. 

It was such a windy day, and my hair was all over my head, like in the shot above. Perhaps this post should be titled: "Curls Gone Wild" -LOL! Here's the rundown:

Sunnies: Tahari

Top: Joe Fresh

Statement Necklace: JCPenny (old, also worn here)

Skirt: Liz Claiborne

Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Sandals: Nina

I wish you a wonderful weekend! Until next time.

Xx