Transitioning a Kimono from Summer to Fall

sunnies: TJMAXX| earrings: Bauble Bar| top: Ralph Lauren 
pants: c/o HERE| kimono: HERE & HERE| shoes: Old

Photography by A. Robinson

There's a chill in the air Babes! Seriously, I felt it just the other day 😳 I wore a sleeveless jumpsuit (what was I thinking?) and low and behold a stiff breeze came along plus a parade of goosebumps as I raced to my car O_O
Now that we've landed in October, fall-like weather is indeed expected and inevitable. Since I moved to a mild climate, I have learned to style seasonal pieces across every season.
Take for instance this bright and sunny kimono. I purchased it towards the end of spring this year from a line that was specified for summer. However due to the material that it's made from (it has a good weight to it, not heavy, but not light either), its nice long & wide sleeves, plus a medium density lining, this kimono easily becomes a transitional fall piece. 
For this look I paired it with a silk top and matching jersey pants. I love this eggplant hue, notice how nicely it pulls out the lilac flowers on the kimono?!
Until next time,
Xx

About Purple

Today’s post features a double dose of genius by way of designers A Leapof Style & K. Jones! Can we discuss this beyond fantastic purple-licious ankara “Garden Midi” in Aztec Berry?! If you follow A Leap of Style on Instagram, no doubt you’ve been swept away by her exhilarating designs and color implosions. I have several personal favorites...

I was so psyched about the opportunity to showcase one her creations that I just had to go double duty and style it in two ways!!! The first look (scroll down for the second look) is my idea of a gander on the casual side- think taking in a meal, meeting friends for Sunday brunch, date night, or even an afternoon of shopping.

I mentioned in my previous post (see here) how I love incorporating suede elements during warm weather versus saving it solely for cool temperatures. I added in a touch of teal by way of suede pumps (previously worn here) and a satin oversized clutch. It seemed like the perfect accompaniment to the purple dominated color palette. 

This custom-made, one of a kind necklace was designed and created by K.Jones. I first discovered it on Instagram. It is exquisite in every single way. I think it goes with this Ankara midi skirt in a way like no other. The necklace is from her “Sienna Sun Collection”. It is made of purple cedrella calantas pods, hand painted wood beads and coconut shells creating a statement in an effortlessly chic way. Visit K. Jones here, and take 10% off your order by using code “JOI10”.

For look number two, I aimed for a more classic approach, but with the unexpected element of a print toss-up. I heart mixed prints!!! See examples here, here, here, and here. This look translates well at the office, for worship, and for an evening out.

Truly, I like this skirt styled both ways, and I already have several additional ideas in mind...which may very well play out on the blog, eventually - stay tuned! 

Separates are made to be mixed and matched; Experiment with multiple ways of doing so, and never forget to have fun with it!!

Until next time Dolls,

XO

Sunnies: Nordstrom & Marshalls |Statement necklace: c/o K. Jones| Tops: Express & Ralph Lauren| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches

Skirt: c/o A Leap of Style| Shoes: Audrey Brooke & Victoria’s Secret catalog| Clutch: Thrifted

Lines of Color

Fashion experts now admit that stripes are not only all the rage, or simply a passing trend, but more accurately a staple to the every woman’s wardrobe, along with a classic little black dress and jeans. Black and white stripes are my personal favorite (see examples here, here, and here) however I also enjoying venturing over to the colored side of lines (see examples here and here).

As we stand on the eve of the Spring season, it makes sense that a plethora of colorful striped options flood the fashion market. I was reading a few of my staple fashion logs, and it appears that designers will keep stores stocked with stripes from Spring to Winter this year, particularly those of a colorful assortment. Admittedly, rainbow stripes are not everyone’s fashion preference (see my go in them here), especially if you bat for team minimalism, but if you interested in venturing over to the colorful side, try pairing several bold colors together. I like the number three; for today’s look, I went with: white, yellow, and berry tones.

The absolute natural pattern mate to stripes in my head is floral prints (example here and here). The bolder the floral print, the better! I especially love today’s combination because the two prints do not match at all, but yet they do – LOL! For me, fashion is all about having fun, and I love combinations that reflect my personality. My personal style is an extension of my personality, and I generally style myself according to my mood (oh, and my hair too, LOL!). See examples of my varied style genres here, here, here, and here.

So how do you stripe?! Are you a fan of the classic black and white cult favorite or will you venture over to striking stripes?

Note: This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Sahily of Pretty in Pigments (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. Check out the #UnitedlyPlus hashtag to learn more about all of us and our collaboration!

Until next time Beauties~
XO

Sunnies: House of Holland| Top: Vince Camuto, Petite Large| Skirt: Vince Camuto, size 14| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret| Clutch: Vintage

This & That

Today’s style edition features a typical merger of Summer and Fall. An easy way to maximize your wardrobe: Layer seemingly seasonal pieces to make them suitable for your local climate at present , along with your personal style preferences.

Admittedly I have an inordinate amount of purple colored pieces in my collection, which makes it easy for me to mix & match this & that. Sidebar: Purple is not my favorite color but rather functions as a neutral color. Basically, purple is like the color black, in my style world.

I typically wear this dress during the summer months, but as it stands it is Fall, so I opted to layer up with my staple silk blouse which is only about a decade young.

On cooler days and or nights this combo can easily be paired with matching tights/boots/or booties. Better yet, if you’ve already had your first snow this cool weather season, I can envision this look with a fun faux fur coat and equally fab knit hat ;)

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Ivy & Blu by Maggy Boutique (Nordstrom), worn here| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Suede clutch: Vintage| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret, also worn here

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

Autumn Dreams

As temperatures soar into the 100's, it is so hard to grasp that the Fall season is upon us! SoCal basically has two seasons: Spring and Summer.

Nevertheless, being the Midwest gal that I am and always will be, at times I long for breezy Fall days, drifting leaves, and going to my favorite cider mill.

Not to be mistaken: I have come to appreciate living in mild temperatures all year around, and the natural beauty that is California. Just look up,  you’ll see beautiful blue skies 90% of the time, and palm trees swaying gently in the wind.

Nonetheless, having four seasons, when each are truly in balance versus extreme (hat or cold) is a real treat. One of my favorite things about Fall is FALL FASHION! Who can resist the fantastic textures, colors, layering effects, snuggly scarves, boots and so on?!
I longingly looked in my wardrobe last night, at a recent vintage score (a coat that is just so ME), and wished for cooler temperatures so that I could wear it properly.

Perhaps I need to take another trip, to ensure that I stay in sync with my Midwestern roots :) 
Oh, and better yet, so that I can fully bask in the glory of Fall fashion!

Until next time Loves,
X

Sunnies: Forever 21|Necklace: Sponsored from Rocksbox| Dress: Burlington Coat Factory| Suede bag: Vintage| Pumps: Victoria’s Secret

Taking a Jog

Hey Style Lovers!

Today’s post features a quick jog down casual lane, featuring an “accidental look”, of sorts.

What do I mean? Well, I picked up this pair of joggers some months back, but took my sweet time about wearing them.

One day I had to run out really quick for an errand, so I grabbed them along with this linen top. I realized it was a bit nippy out, so a scanned for a blue blazer and snatched this chambray one off of my rack. Took a quick glance in the mirror and suddenly realized that I like the combination!

Has that ever happened to you? Please do share with us!

Until next time,

X

Wool fedora: Vintage | Aviators: Tahari | Chambray blazer:Nordstrom Rack (worn here) | Linen shirt: Lord & Taylor | Jogger: Burlington Coat Factory | Heels: Victoria’s Secret (worn here) | Clutch: Vintage

Denim & A Tie

Is there a such thing as a wrong way to wear denim? How do you like to wear denim? I discussed in a previous post (click here) that more than a decade went by and I did not wear denim of any kind. That is, until, I stumbled into a pair that fit my curves like a dream…They just so happened to be white, and the same exact brand that I am wearing now.  For me, the key to wearing denim in a way that I truly enjoy involves fit and comfort.

Now I have a weakness for all white ensembles (examples here, and here), but on this day I switched up my game by opting for a blue denim shirt, along with a tie borrowed from my husband’s collection. You do know that I dabble in his collection as often as possible right?! That is one of the highlights of married life! LOL! Seriously, I do love rocking a tie. Don’t believe me? Have a look here, here, and here.

From my perspective, white denim is perfectly suitable for year round wear, as is any other piece of white clothing. I recently saw white paired with chocolate brown over at So What Twenty! and I thought “GENUIS”! If you feel a tad apprehensive about wearing white outside of it’s typical season, try pairing it with a darker color like blue, brown or black (another example here).

On over to you: Do you think that there is a wrong way to wear denim? What does your favorite denim look consist of?

Sunnies: Tod’s |Denim shirt: Thrifted |Tie: Nautica |White jeans: NYDJ (worn here) |Shoes: Victoria’s Secret Catalogue |Clutch: TJMaxx

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)

Pale Pink + Dusty Rose

I plan over 90% of my looks in advance.  How? Well, I spend some time about twice a month re-trying on my clothes, pairing up new combinations, and re-checking my inventory. In this way I know if the fit of a particular item has changed (*hint hint), if it has a stain that perhaps I didn’t notice before, and or a tear or missing button, etc.,. It may sound strange, but I actually anticipate doing this, it’s something that I really enjoy! 

My cat Patch often joins in the fun by watching me, or standing with me in the mirror. Next I log my ideas, and hang up the selected combinations separate from the rest of my clothes. When I get ready to get dressed in the mornings, or sometimes the night before, I check my log and select a look from there. It takes all of the guesswork out of getting dressed for me, and I love that! 

Every now and then I wear something spontaneously, and actually feel happy with what I select. Usually though, I get a dreaded case of... “I have nothing to wear” mania, so I stick to my log! LOL! Inquiring minds want to know: Do you plan your looks in advance, or select them spontaneously?!

Sunnies: Francesca's (worn here)

Leather moto jacket: Black Rivet (worn here)

Top: Komarov Dress

Silk skirt: Victoria's Secret Catalog

Sparkle socks: Nordstrom

Shoes: Flounce (worn here)

Handbag: Michael Kors (worn here)

Have a great weekend Beauties!