Bold Blooms

Earrings: ZARA| Kimono: c/o HERE| Purse: Coach, old

A lesson that I have learned repeatedly over the years: 

NEVER SAY NEVER.. especially when it comes to fashion 😁
There are a number of style features that I don't LOVE on my clothing, included among them are kimono sleeves, elastic waists on dresses, and maxi length skirts. However, the dress that I am wearing in today's post incorporates all of the aforementioned and yet--- I LOVE IT! Somehow all the features come together superbly, plus the color and print is absolutely standout on its own accord. I snagged this dress via a recent Gwynnie Bee shipment, I'm happy to say it is a definite keeper 😉 Check out a free trial offer HERE.
Until next time,
Xx

The High and Low

Dress: c/o HERE (sign up for a free trial membership)

Purse: Coach, vintage| Sandals: Sold out

Hey Babes! I can't tell you how many times I've tried to sit down and type up a new post...
No matter what I did - I just could not focus. 
First of all, my first week back into my norm after vacation has been extremely busy. E X T R E M E L Y. Secondly, I've been in a bit of a funk. Just blah. And blue. And sad. Last but not least, I experienced a touch of  writer's block, like everything that I tried to put down on paper couldn't/wouldn't come together the way that I envisioned.
Alas,  the weekend has arrived! I'm enjoying a spell of peace and quiet...although my furbaby Cotton Candy is subtly harassing me at this very moment 😊
I can think clearly and uninterrupted, finally I am able to start pushing out posts again - YAY!
The dress featured in today's post is c/o my Gwynnie Bee membership. I really enjoy the ease of not being committed to purchase anything, especially trendy pieces like this dress. If you're not familiar with Gwynnie Bee's retail subscription service, check out another post I wrote HERE. 
In short, you can have a endless wardrobe, never wearing the same outfit twice, plan pricing is based on how many items you choose to have out at a given time, and they offer styles in sizes 0-32. WHOO HOO!
While perusing new items, I took note of this dress because I liked the high low hem, and was somewhat intrigued by the unique color compilation used to make up the stripe pattern. When it arrived in the mail, and I actually saw it in person, I wasn't sure if I liked it. I decided to give it a spin out for a day at the office. This is the place where I practically trial run everything! The final verdict, what I liked:
*The soft material
*The ease of wear
*The high low hem - Notice how it flows in the wind? LOL! 
Sidebar: A underrepresented benefit of high low dresses is that they offer the perfect balance to a full on maxi dress or a full on midi dress. If you don't like maxi dresses per se, or perhaps midi length dress - why not try out a high low?
Until next time,
Xx

Stepping Out

Hey Babes!!! Can you believe that today marks the very first Monday of 2017?! I tell ya, time waits for no one! 2016 was quite a memorable year, to say the least. Personally speaking, with it came a number of challenges and rewards. I am so thankful that the rewards outweighed the challenges - I am stepping into 2017 full of hope, joy, and purpose!
But most importantly, let's chat about what I’m wearing! 😁 I’m going to let you in on one of my shopping secrets: The beginning of the year is the best time of year to score BIG on special occasion wear! You know how I love dressing up! Check this out- Not only is there an overflow of styles/sizes available…prices usually drop during the first months of the year which means that you can get the biggest bang for your buck! When considering whether or not to purchase special occasion wear, I always plan ahead. For instance: ‘What events will I be attending in the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2017? Do I have any special travel plans? Which items did I fall in love with this season but I didn’t snag because I didn’t love the price?’ Yes, if I loved it in November- odds are it will be on sale come January/February and it will look just as great the following November- especially if I get it for a steal-LOL!
Oftentimes we think of special occasion wear in terms of dresses, but separates actually make an equally awesome option! You can mix and match items depending on your style preferences and or needs, dress them up or dress them down depending on the event-  basically styling separates give YOU total control 😏 I love styling dressy separates, and one of my Favs , Eliza J., offers up fantastic options on a silver platter. I’ve been a fan of Eliza J. since they hit the scene, in fact to be honest, they are the reason that I rack up a number of points at Nordstrom 😍I am so happy to team up with them, showcasing a few of my favorite style picks!!!! Stay tuned Babes, this look represents pick 1 of 3  😊

Until next time,
XO

Earrings: Similar here| Sequin Top: c/o Eliza J.-available here| Plaid midi skirt: c/o Eliza J.-available here

Faux fur stole: Here| Red patent leather sandals: Old- other options here, here, and here| Clutch: Old

White:White

Aren’t you glad that the old adage about wearing the color white has finally been tossed out the window? I know I AM! Finally, no more mind-numbing banter about the importance of only wearing the white after Memorial Day, yet before Labor Day! You can wear white any time you choose, and for me, there’s no time like the present! Of course living in a milder climate has helped…but I digress…

It’s no secret that I bat for ‘Team Bold Colour’ all day every day (examples here, here, and here), yet for me, the color white can be just as bold and piercing as citron.

White is crisp and fresh. Depending on how it is styled, white really can pack a colorful punch.

Having a healthy obsession with monochrome styling (see examples here and here), it’s not shocking that I love wearing white in exactly the same way right?! LOL!

Well today’s look actually offers a slightly different variation. Did you catch it?

You see, I felt a strong need to wear this pair of knit coral socks with this crochet skirt and pair of strappy sandals. Do you remember? I sounded off a warning last month on tumblr that I would be wearing more socks on trend. Why? Because I have a stock pile that have never been worn - this makes absolutely no sense. Plus, I’m a woman of my word!

More sock love for your viewing pleasure previously blogged here, here, and here.

In other news:

I am a new Contributor for Already Pretty; please check out my very first write-up published just yesterday, click here and share your thoughts on a somewhat taboo topic!

Last but certainly not least, actually for me: most importantly -- Today marks my 15^th Wedding Anniversary!!! It’s been an amazing journey with my husband, traveling and enjoying life, I’m so looking forward to our next 15 years together as husband and wife. Love you Babe and thank you for being such a wonderful husband!!! XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Sweater: Nicole Miller | Skirt: Lord & Taylor | Socks: Nordstrom  | Sandals: Nordstrom | Handbag: Coach | Fur: Vintage

30PlusStyle: LBD Lookbook

The #30PlusStyle Collaboration returns today for it’s final run! In true celebratory fashion, we’re rocking the classic little black dress (a.k.a. LBD)! Please join us in welcoming two Special Guest Bloggers for our last collaborative blog post: Cynthia of www.FlightoftheFatGirl.com and Jennae of www.GreenandGorgeous.net!

I went with a casual spin on the LBD theme. My style recipe includes a flash of sparkle, a hint of shine, trim of fur, and a top of vintage ;)

Coat: Vintage (worn here)

Leather gloves: Victoria’s Secret

Sequin dress: August Silk (worn here)
Statement necklace: Natasha

Leggings: Nicole Miller

Patent leather boots: Penny Loves Kenny (worn here)

Handbag: Vintage

In closing, I must say that today’s post is close to my heart. As I mentioned, this is the final blog post for the #30PlusStyle Collaboration. I’ve been graced with the privilege to work with and learn from an amazing group of women: Georgette, Nefferth, Delilah, Jeniese, and Pepper.  I continue to stand unitedly with them, advertising for the world to note:  Neither age nor size present limitations when it comes to expressing one’s personal style! Each of the #30PlusStyleBloggers have inspired me by their sense of style, and encouraged me to continue to try new things. 

Thank you to everyone that has supported #30PlusStyle over the past few months. I hope that you too will continue to be inspired by these wonderful women, as am I!

www.mode-plus.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.grownandcurvywoman.com


Until next time Style Lovers,
XO

Neutrally Color Blocked

Hey Style Lovers!
I’ve missed ya, how’s  life going for you? It’s been almost a week since my last post, but you can always catch up with me via my Instagram @InMyJoi  and or FB page: www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1. Things are going pretty good in my lane, although I must admit that I am astonished by how quickly time is flying by! Have you noticed?! I mean, in less than 45 days: 2015 will be here, SIMPLY UNBELIEVABLE! It feels like 2014 flew right past me, yet I am so grateful for the multitude of experiences that I have had during this year (life-wise). Yes, the good, the bad and the ugly. Daily I am learning how to appreciate the value of each experience that crosses my path, even the ones that may initially appear to be, not-so-positive. Why? Because through these experiences I have learned more about myself, down to my deepest thoughts, some that were so far beneath the surface that they lay almost completely undetectable. Yes, through every experience, I am presently more resolved than ever to: learn, develop, and grow.

Today’s look is one of several examples of just how much I’ve been enjoying the wave of Fall-like temperatures! I bought this dress a little over a year ago, yet this is my very first time wearing it. For this first time around, I paired it with a Men’s blazer for added warmth. 

This blazer has become a go-to piece, I just love styling it with everything from jeans to dresses. My husband even had to admit that he likes it too, which is odd because we have totally different tastes. 

I wore this look with shoes & boots to show the versatility that can be had; Sweater dresses are an easy choice for cool days and even cooler nights. P.S. Check out the hot pink trim, it's right up my color-loving alley ;)

Dress: Eliza J.| Blazer: Vintage| Crossbody studded bag: B. Makowsky| Shoes: Nine West| Boots: Guess

Fall’s Spotted Neutral: Leopard Print | Take One

Why hello there! How was your weekend? Mine was quite full, but enjoyable. I have some great news to share! I mentioned in my last post how unbearable temperatures have been here in SoCal for the past few weeks. Well, I am happy to report that we finally experienced a cool down, and even a cloudy morning or two!!! =) Doesn’t sound like much to be happy about, huh? It may seem strange, but the best thing about the semi-cool down was that I got to play with my fall wardrobe! Yes ma’am, I promptly set about choosing which cool weather items I would wear first. Can you guess what won out?

You hit the nail on the head: Leopard print!!!

Now, admittedly I have not always appreciated the gloriousness that is leopard print. It’s not that I ever disliked it (see example here), yet I shied away from wearing it in its full glory. I was satisfied with an accessory or two. My, my - how things have changed! I now feel a connection to this exotic print, and anticipate pairing it up in new ways. 

This week on the blog, we’ll take a walk on the wild side together ;) Can you say: "Rawr"?!

Until next time style kittens!

Sunnies: Tildon (worn here)

Earrings: Ross Dress for Less

Jacket: Michael Kors

Dress: Ross Dress for Less (see here)

Belt: Came with jumper a few years old

Clutch: Vintage (worn here)

Bangles: Macy's

Boots: Ralph Lauren (also worn here)

Faux Wrap Dress and a Turban on Top

What's a gal to do when the humidity reaches 100% and her natural hair refuses to conform to any proposed style?

I decided to try my first run at wearing a scarf as a turban!

I'll be the first to admit that I can certainly use additional practice, but for the first go at it I was pretty pleased :)

The biggest challenge was to smooth out my thick mane underneath, but I think that can be remedied with an additional scarf and or stocking cap underneath.

Since I must wear clothes when going outside, I opted for this faux wrap dress. FYI- I dress up 9 times out of 10! 

This dress has quarter length sleeves which reminds me of Fall, although present temperatures are anything but Fall-like. If you're in the throws of the Fall cool down, a dress like this one is perfect for mild days and chilly nights.  

I added a few accessories and I was ready to face the day ahead. 

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson (worn here)

Earrings: Natasha (worn here)

Statement Ring: Betsey Johnson

Dress: Maggy London

Bangles: Nordstrom

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Sandals: Tildon (worn here and here)

Digital Confetti

Hey fellow Style Lovers!
This is the very first weekend in September and everywhere that I look seems to sing 'Fall Mode' (in a loud high pitched tone). Have you noticed that? What's a gal to do when the temperatures just aren't quite yet, shall we say: 'Fall-Like'?

I decided to make the best of it, and to wear this colorful number to a family BBQ. 

About a half hour in, while everyone is relaxing out on the deck, a torrential downpour occurs! You guessed it: I'm not in California :)

BTW- My husband was teasing me on this picture and I'm threatening to throw my bag at him ;)

As I've mentioned before, I'm from Detroit, Michigan. I treasure my visits home. This visit has been no different, and interestingly the stormy weather was a highlight because it's been so long since I've experienced it! I never would have imagined that there would be a time in my life where/when rain would actually fascinate me. The benefit of ample rain results in beautiful lush landscapes, something lacking in Los Angeles.

Now the heat and humidity made for an interesting hair story. As soon as I stepped off of the plane I could feel the pouf factor triple on my curly tresses. I had a mental image of a giant cotton ball sitting on of top my head. With few options in mind, I opted for an up-do. My grandma chuckled when she saw me, and then asked how in the world did I pin up all my hair so neatly. My reply? 'With 1000 hairpins of course!'

Now to talk just a bit about what I'm wearing: The digital print on this dress reminds me of a toss up between skittles candy and party confetti. Either way, it elicits feelings of happiness :)

It showcases a frilly, feminine, one-shoulder double tiered ruffle detail with raw edges. Check out the rounded hem,  it's slightly longer in the back. Now I typically don't crush over high-low hem dresses (and only try them when the price is extremely marked down), but I actually like the balance of this design. Truly just about every trend can be mastered to your personal taste, when the proper balance is in place!

That wraps up today's post- have a G R E A T weekend!
Xx
Joi

Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Earrings: Ross Dress for Less

Dress: H&M

Bangles: Nordstrom

Booties: Kelsi Dagger

Clutch: TJMaxx