Flower Power

Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee --> Purchase HERE or borrow via Gwynnie Bee HERE
Earrings: Kate Spade, sold out| Purse: Free People, sold out| Pink sandals: HERE

I can't say seem to say no to beautiful floral prints, the dress featured in today's post is no exception. It's by a brand that I've shopped for nearly 2 decades, Elie Tahari. In the 90s/early 2000s it was a no-brainer, go to brand, for fantastic power suits. In fact, I had at least 15, acquired from my first love retailer, Lord & Taylor.
Over time, the brand has continued to evolve and expand, now offering a variety of beautiful dresses, on trend accessories, fabulous shoes, and even home goods. I'm a definite fan! 
What are some brands that you have appreciated over the years?
Until next time,
Xx

Undercover

Dress: c/o HERE (sign-up today for a FREE offer)| Red blouse: Similar HERE + HERE| Sunnies: Old| Statement necklace: J. Crew

Purse: Kate Spade, older- similar HERE + HERE| Red socks: Nordstrom| Red booties: ZARA| Red lippie: HERE

With half of October behind us, it's high time to start diving into fall fashion Babes! Am I totally late to the party?! Of course I live in a mild climate...but if there is one thing that I have learned since moving west: Seize the moment whenever it strikes 😀 LOL! I grew up in a climate with four full seasons, each season brought on a new wave of fashion inspired inspiration. My very first year in California I mourned fall! Like seriously. It was extremely hot for most of the year, I found myself wanting to pull out sweaters and coats even when there was no practical need to (especially my furs). Since then the weather has shifted a bit, or perhaps my perception has shifted? Actually, I'm quite sure it is more so the latter. Perception really is EVERYTHING. Flashback: I remember a mentor shared this thought with me early in my career. I rolled my eyes up into my head and silently disagreed. But now...YES- I can totally understand what she was saying! Fast forward: Now I feel like I must have some variation of fall/autumn in my life. 
When I think of fall colors, shades of burgundy (or merlot) near the top of my list. I decided to pair two bold cousins together, adding an extra layer underneath this beautiful deep plum dress (which I've also worn sleeveless BTW). In my head red goes with everything, I have no idea why I haven't paired these two beauties together before 👀
For finishing touches I piled on more red (I've been a fan of red since I was a toddler & I have the pictures to prove it 😊) by way of silk earrings, a bold lippie, socks to add height, and my new booties (which I recently unveiled on my IG Stories)! These booties were totally made for walking - comfort & style -YESSSSS! 
Until next time,
Xx

TRUTHFUL Thursdays: Blue Skies

Have you ever had such a busy work week that it leaves you feeling overwhelmed? I’m sure you have! That has been my feeling this week as each day I am thrown into multiple projects, all with a deadline of the day before yesterday. During times like this, I try to remember that there are 'blue skies'.

What do I mean? Well, for a fact life is happening outside of this storm (the one I'm in feels like a tornado). I think of sunshine, warm breezes, birds chirping, and blue skies. I look back on days like the one pictured in today’s post.

To handle periods that carry a high workflow, I organize my thoughts, and outstanding tasks.  I track each completed task because often questions arise. I set multiple reminders and follow-up indicators. I document E V E R Y T H I N G. And that’s not all….  I just might be an organizational neurotic, but it has served me well in my field. Throughout the day I constantly refer to various to-do lists and track how far I am to completion. Yes, completion. There is no better feeling than a job well done.

Please share, what are your tips for handling stormy seasons at the office? 

Until next time!

X

Aviators: Tahari | Top: Lord & Taylor | Dress: Cynthia Rowley | Silver oxfords: Tildon (a constant on the blog, see here, here, and here) | Fringed bag: Carlos Santana (worn here) 

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)

Winging It

"Oh wings, lift me up, bring me low

Oh wings, just where, I could go
-

Oh wings, gift me breezes, show me sights

Oh wings, glide me high, through city nights
-

Oh wings, make me warm, hold me dear

Oh wings, protect me, from all fear"

~Joi

The poem quoted above was written last night by yours truly. I believe that I have mentioned before here on the blog how I feel that I am a writer at heart. As the saying goes, life happens, and over the past few years I've gotten away from writing. I set a goal to begin writing again, even keeping a daily journal once more. Doing so always gave me a good feeling.

Sometimes goals can feel insurmountable, but the key lies in getting started. Everyone has to start, yes everyone has to start: somewhere.

Moving on to my super cute wing prop for today's post, aren't they fantastic?! I've been eyeing them for too long, even siking myself up to believe that I had to have on a super fancy outfit to take a picture in front of them.

As you can see, I finally threw that unnecessary notion to the wind. I propped myself in front of the wings in a casual two piece denim pinstripe set, and we snapped away.

Words to live by: Carpe Diem :)

Seize the moment my lovies!

Xx

Sunnies:Tahari | Top:Painted Threads | Denim vest & skirt:Ralph Lauren | Oxfords:Tildon (worn here and here) | Handbag:Michael Kors (worn here and here)

Citron in the City

So my friend Thamarr over at MusingsOfaCurvyLady reached out to me to join up and rock one of Eloquii’s newest midi skirts, the citron yellow laser cut midi. I felt a smidge apprehensive about trying out this skirt! Nonetheless, I threw caution to the wind and decided to have a go at it.

I was pleasantly rewarded with a BOGO offer =) which I happily took full advantage of (stay tuned for that post).

Ladies, let me tell you: this skirt is gobs of fun on overload! I am so happy that I ordered it!!! 
Whenever I purchase something new, the ever present question, "What will I wear it with?" comes to the surface. My first thought went to this abstract print tank, which has been sitting patiently in my closet (never worn). I had the sneaking suspicion that it would match the citron of the skirt exactly. Wouldn’t you know it, I was dead on!

Next in, an added matching statement necklace provided just a touch of contrast (previously worn here). Yet, I was craving more “umph”. After searching through my bracelet birdcage (literally a decorative birdcage) I decided on three rhinestone bracelets for a rocker-chic feel, harmonious with my up-do ;)

Finally, what shoes and purse to wear with it? I have a number of grey and silver sandals, but since I was heading out to an event that would require a bit of walking, comfort was a necessary consideration. I decided to wear my grey wedge sneakers. My handbag was an easy pick, it’s my favorite grey one. Wahlah, hubby and I hit the door :)

Well fellow Style Lovers, you won't believe how many compliments I received on this look at the event; It made me even more excited to share it with you!

Don't forget to visit all of my blogger babes doting on this citron hottie right along with me:


Thamarr- MusingsOfaCurvyLady
Sandra- LapecosaPreciosa
Georgette- GrownAndCurvyWoman

Aviator sunnies: Tahari

Statement necklace: Saks Off Fifth (worn here)

Tank: Calvin Klein

Skirt:Eloquii

Bangles: Zara & Nordstrom

Sneaker wedges: Steve Madden (worn here)

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

The Colour Purple

Today marks my first style post for the month of J U L Y.
I truly hope that you're doing well and enjoying the glory that is Summer! 

My idea of summer style/fashion includes going sleeveless (as often as possible), rocking the brightest of colors (of course!) and enjoying an array of floral prints. I mean seriously, can it ever be said that there is too many floral prints? After all, I am a girly girl...

This number has gorgeous hints of turquoise, olive, and several variations of purple.

I simply love it; The cut is wonderful, the fit is great, and the added happiness factor: POCKETS! It's hard to resist a dress with pockets,that is - real pockets...Most dresses have pockets for style versus actual use. However this dress has deep pockets, and I particularly like the placement. Not only can I put my hands in them, also my keys, cell, and so on...

Aviator sunnies: Tahari
Dress: Madison Leigh (also worn here)
Glitter sandals: Zara
Jewelry: Assorted, vintage

Thanks for visiting today, until next time!
Joi

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 

Casually Mixed: Polka Dots & Stripes

Unbelievably today is Monday, March 31st! Did you enjoy this month? I certainly hope so!
It was a quite a month for me personally, and because of the #30PlusStyle Collaboration! Miss that highlight? If so, no worries, check out the details here. I am so excited about what we have in store for you in April ;)

Today's post is short and sweet. I wore this ensemble out and about over the weekend. I've also worn it to work, but a tad dressier. I wanted a more casual vibe this time around and comfy shoes for walking. 

This ensemble incorporates my recent fixation with black & white, mixed prints, as well as a classic closet staple: polka dots.

So there you have it (and my hubby in the shadows)! I think black and white patterns are easier to mix and match than more colorful ones patterns. If you've been hesitant to try pattern mixing/mixed prints, why not start off with black and white prints?

Until next time!

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Blouse: Kardashion Kollection

Skirt: Joe Fresh

Sandals: Tildon

Clutch: Forever 21

Sunnies: Tahari

Fall Fashion Faceoff Winner; Stretch Your Fashion Budget

It was a somewhat dismal day several months ago. I had slammed my hand into a car door (need I specify unintentionally) and finally, yes finally, I was coping with bearable, steady pain (versus the unbearable pain that caused me to request that my hand be amputated). I'm quite sure I was thinking: 'Could this day get any worse"?! Well, imagine my delightful surprise when Kelly Augustine contacted me to let me know that I had won her #fffaceoff challenge! The grand prize was a $100 gift card!!! What would I do with $100?!

Initially I planned to treat myself to something to something special. I had a few sites bookmarked and all I needed to do was to press the "purchase" button. What happened? The bargainista within me screamed in outrage- LOL! I literally could not take the plunge. Don't get me wrong, I DO treat myself, but I decided to shift gears. I wanted to show my readers how far a $100 fashion budget can go. Below are the purchases that I made.  I actually just wrapped it up. Bargain shopping takes time :)

In a nutshell, here's what I got:

Prefer a detailed rundown? No worries, scroll on :)

1. Ralph Lauren boots = $39.00 TJMaxx (worn here)

2. Pink vintage blouse; Wool/angora olive skirt = $5.00 Thrifted (worn here)

3. Banana Republic white button-up; Black & white Sunny Leigh skirt = $12.00 Thrifted (worn here)

4.White vintage doctor's bag = $9.95 Thrifted

5. Gold vintage handbag = $8.00 Thrifted

6. Vintage evening gown = $7.00 Thrifted

7. Purple evening skirt;Bonus it has an attached black petticoat = $8.00 Thrifted

8. Tahari aviator sunnies = $14.99 Marshalls

Each item purchased resonates with my personal style, and was on my radar to "Look For". 

My tips for bargain shopping:

• Be patient (It takes time to find the right item at the right price)
• Look for well-made pieces (Sure $10 is a great price, but will the item withstand the washing machine or one wear?)
• Conquer fear of thrift shops (Not all are bad and there are spectacular finds)
• Know brands with a solid reputation for quality clothing (This way you'll know whether or not the price truly is a good deal)
• Try to think outside the box (For example: I'm planning to wear this evening skirt casually)
• Peruse clearance racks (Especially final markdowns)
• Buy pieces that you absolutely can fit now, and know for sure that you will wear, i.e. have a plan in mind
• You can't go wrong with classic styles (You can always add trendy accessories to bring the look current)

I'd like to sincerely thank Kelly for selecting me as the winner of the #FFFaceoff! I know that I will treasure these items in the years to come!

Xx

Have a great weekend everyone & thanks for stopping by!