Charmeuse in the City

Pink statement necklace: J Crew, similar HERE| Floral kimono/cami/pants: c/o HERE, HERE, HERE

Handbag: ZARA| Gold sandals: Old, similar HERE + another option HERE

Today’s look features the most comfortable coordinates that I have ever worn. This three-piece trio (charmeuse kimono, camisole, and wide leg lounge pants) packs a floral punch- laced with lush greens, gold, and a glimmer of pink. I wore it to the office (of course- as it is my style playground for just about everything😄) and out to dinner by the beach. In both instances, I felt like I had just stepped out of a high fashion couture shop, yet the pieces were as cool and comfortable as a silk pair of pajamas. I have a host of ideas of how I’d like to mix & match this trio, I can’t wait to live them out in real life.

This look is from one of my favorite plus size brands: ELVI. Every season their designs wow me- seriously, I am already considering their Fall line with great anticipation!  When my orders arrive (shipping is a breeze BTW), the fit is fantastic, quality superb, and the craftsmanship on point. I’ve shopped with them directly through their site, but they are also available online at Nordstrom (a great way to rack up points and get a Nordie's Note😉) + ASOS Curve.

This lush watercolor print is Asian-inspired, exemplifying vintage elegance and chic ease. Notice the golden lace insets near the hem of the pants? A perfect accent to the gold rope belt!

Until next time Loves,

Xx

Orangeburst

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Blouse: c/o HERE| Wood watch: c/o HERE| White denim: NYDJs, similar HERE| Purse: c/o HERE| Sandals:Old

Hey Babes!!! Here we are at the start of yet another week- let's make it a GREAT one!
Today's post is short & sweet 😀 After all, it's a Monday, we're all trying to catch up from the weekend... Plus, don't the pictures speak for themselves?! LOL! 
ORANGE is having a moment again (remember this LOOK), just about everywhere that I've shopped over the past few months seems to have a number of citrus inspired pieces available. 
I love the vibrant starburst hue of this blouse, and how the designer effortlessly added in embroidery w/o it looking odd in the least. Some embroidered clothing looks weird to me... like the embroidery doesn't really go with or compliment the item/design, but was rather just thrown on it for the sake of a trend😔 
This top is different, I like how it is made and styled  + the fiery color. It will be added to my repeat offender list for rotation this summer! 
For its first run out into the real world, I styled it with slim cut white denim jeans, strappy thong sandals, and a matching novelty bag for good measure. 
Until next time,
XO

Cool Weather Essential: The Sheath Dress

Dress: Here| Necklace: World Market| Purse: Coach| Coat:  Vintage| Shoes, old| Pom pom shoe clips: Here

Today’s style story features a cool weather essential, which happens to be an exclusive design for Gwynnie Bee! If you’re not familiar with GB, it is an online women’s clothing subscription service specializing in sizes 10-32.  I've partnered up with them to showcase a few of the wonderful styles that they offer (see examples here, here, and here). Allow me to present Exhibit A, a lovely sheath dress designed exclusively by TOCCA for GB!

Now that Autumn is in full swing, and Winter is just around the corner, I began thinking about what style items I consider as essential staples. While a number of items came to my mind, the classic sheath dress worked it’s way up my list. Not only is it figure flattering, easily transitions from day to evening, can be dressed up or down, it is wonderfully suited for a multitude of layers.  I’m looking forward to styling this beauty again and again this cool weather season! PSA: You can style this dress AND MORE for absolutely FREE!!! Sign up here today and share the joy with your friends & family! A GB membership makes a great gift + it also comes in handy for festive events ;) Take full advantage by trying it out yourself for 30 days ---> FREE!

Now it's your turn: What items make your list for cool weather style essentials?

Until next time,

XO

Sweaters & Skirts Like XO

It’s that time again, I’m back with the Babes of #UnitedlyPlus and this time our style theme is Sweaters x Skirts. I really appreciate collaborating with other bloggers because it constantly encourages me to style pieces in new ways and to think outside of my style box! Please be sure to check out Sheena of I Am She Global & Sahily of Pretty In Pigment  :) Initially I had an idea in mind based on a colorful look that I recently wore to the office, but when I added a sweater to the mix- I didn’t like it like at all. Don’t get me wrong, the sweater matched, but the entire look pulled together just wasn’t “me”. Has that ever happened to you? Sometimes the way things look in my head are entirely different than how they look when all is said & done! LOL!

I previously decided that I would shop my own closet for this look- and so the search into my wardrobe unleashed. Next up came an idea to wear my latest favorite pair of sandals =) Aren’t they the cutest?! I went through hoops to get these, as the store that I initially spotted them in didn’t have my size (I shared portions of this harrowing experience on my Instagram Stories)….Any who, the hassle was so worth it, as they are as comfy as they are stylish!!! That is a WIN + WIN!!!

I knew that I had a silk skirt that was a very close match in color, so I added it to my pile of ideas. This skirt has been with me since 2004, and although it was pricey for me at the time, the investment was well worth it. Would you believe me if I told you that this skirt initially had perfect pleats? Well it did, but one bad trip to the cleaners and the pleats were gone forever. Initially I hated it, so the cleaners reimbursed me the cost of the skirt, at its original price! I decided to keep the skirt anyway, and eventually it grew on me again- thus I added it back to the rotation. Now that I really think about it, it was free, wasn’t it?!

Next up I needed to decide on which sweater to wear, I tried on a few, but this embellished beauty won out. I think I purchased it two years ago, yet I have never worn it- all tags were still intact =) I love it when that happens, it almost feels like a surprise gift to myself, LOL! Since both my sweater and shoes are stellar statement pieces, I opted for classic simplicity with my jewelry. Both my diamond stud earrings and “Journey” pendant are c/o Kevin Jewelers. I’ve mentioned before that I am working with them as a Brand Influencer, and having a ball! 

Now on to the specifics: These certified  ½ carat VS2 diamond stud earrings are elegance personified, encased in 14K white gold. If I had to choose just one of the two pieces, the “Journey” pendant is my favorite. Notice how the diamonds graduate in size? Be still my heart! Both pieces are available during this month’s “Clear the Case” sale, and are a whopping 65% off!!! Head on over to your local KJ and check out the deals available online!
*This just In: Kevin Jewelers is proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness month! For the entire month of October Kevin Jewelers will donate 10% of proceeds to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser for several items, including a diamond tennis bracelet and a diamond halo pendant ;)

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: ALDO| Earrings + pendant (DPANY00056/1622658): c/o Kevin Jewelers (learn more here) 

Sweater: Halogen, Nordstrom Rack (available here)| Skirt: Old, worn here| Handbag: Kate Spade| Shoes: Steve Madden

Statement Check

Hey Loves! Today’s style story features a fantastically unique top from Grass-Fields. They call it ‘Royal’, and I must say- I concur!!! This beauty was/is an absolute pleasure to wear, it turns heads at every corner. I wore it to the office and a co-worker commented on how beautiful it was, stating that I looked like a peacock. I took that as a compliment, although I am not entirely clear on whether or not she meant it as one-LOL!!!

My blog provides ample evidence that I totally bat for Team Bold Color and Team Vibrant Prints (often mixing them up whenever possible). When I saw this top online, I was immediately smitten. Made of fabulous Ankara, boasting a glorious high-low hem, and n adjustable waist cincher- come on, what’s  not to love?!

Thus far I’ve only styled it with denim pants, but I can also see myself wearing it with a pencil skirt, and shorts. I open to additional ideas, how would you style this number? Grass-Fields services sizes small-4X - I love their size inclusive options!

Did you notice the beautiful “Journey” pendant that I’m wearing? It's from Kevin Jewelers, I snagged it over the weekend for this month’s blog feature. I previously announced here that I am working with KJ as a Brand Influencer. An awesome perk of our partnership is that I get to check out their fab inventory each month! Kevin’s provides a number of value pieces for the price conscious customer. For example, they offer blue diamond earrings, 1 carat flower diamond earrings, and 1 carat solitaire earrings ranging in price from $29-$995! Get this: For the entire month of October, Kevin Jewelers is having a “Clear the Case” sale---> That means you can score BIG right now! An added bonus --> Kevin Jewelers is a proud supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness month! For certain purchases, KJ will donate 10% to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser ;)

Until next time,
XO

Top: c/o Grass-Fields|14K diamond pendant c/o Kevin Jewelers (1622658)| Denim jeans: NYDJs| Stilettos: Victoria’s Secret Catalog

Checkered & Tied

Today’s style story features a stint over in the Boy’s Club by way of a classic Brooks Brothers stripe tie. I scored it some time ago from a thrift shop. While reorganizing my wardrobe (a continuous process) I came to realize how perfectly it synced up with a vintage Liz Claiborne vest that I scored at another thrift store:) I love happy realizations such as this one! Often, while reorganizing and pruning my wardrobe I come across items that complement one another well – items that I hadn’t previously considered wearing together. Those ‘surprises’ always encourage me to be more diligent about keeping my wardrobe space organized :)

The star of this look appears to be the shades, as I received so many unexpected compliments on them over the weekend! Perhaps I had forgotten how cute they were?! LOL! I think sometimes as lovers of style and fashion connoisseurs- WE often forget how great some of our acquisitions are. Like, getting dressed and being stylish becomes routine, a natural part of who we are and our lives - we may miss the opportunity to take note of/and relish in how fun an ensemble or statement piece really is!

That realization inspired me: Not only do I want to live purposefully in each moment, but I also want to relish more fully in the joy of all my style pieces more fully. Does that make sense? There are so many factors that contribute to being/feeling happiness in life- I aim to take ample advantage of each and every single one of them- including fashion!

Until next time Loves,

XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Earrings: Rocksbox/sign up for free| Tie: Brooks Brothers| White Tee: Ralph Lauren
Vest Liz Claiborne, thrifted| Wood Watch: c/o JORD| Skinny jeans: NYDJ| Suede pumps: Victoria's Secret Catalog 

Back to Work with Gwynnie Bee

Today I’m sharing a recent pick from the lovely service, Gwynnie Bee. Gwynnie Bee is an online women’s clothing subscription service specializing in sizes 10-32.  I've partnered up with them to showcase a few of the wonderful styles that they offer!

Basically, Gwynnie Bee allows you to rent a wardrobe of your choice with free shipping and unlimited exchanges. The best part is: You get to try out items for as long as you want, and then you have the option to either purchase them or send them back for something even better =)

I tried Gwynnie Bee’s services for the very first time in 2013. I am really impressed with the improvements that have been made. There are so many designers, styles, and sizes to choose from! They work with top brands and new styles are launched every week. Frankly, I felt like a kid in the candy store adding clothes to my virtual closet ;) Yeesssss, finally an on trend plus size clothing subscription rental service for curvy ladies like us!!!

The dress that I am wearing is by one of my favorite designers, Eliza J.; See other looks that I've worn by Eliza here, here, here, and here. This dress is ideal for the office, but could also be pared down by adding gladiator sandals, a clutch, and large hoop earrings ;)

I styled it classically this time around, adding in navy pumps, and a hobo bag. The earrings were actually a steal from DSW! Have you ever bought jewelry there? DSW is one of my go-to spots for designer shoes at a discount, but I linger around the accessories clearance rack every now and again... I am so glad that I did! The earrings that I am wearing were less than $5.00, and they are a perfect match to this dress :)

Now back to this wonderful dress! Don’t you just love the print?! It feels like color coming to life. The style is a simple popover one piece, and the fit is purr-fection. I really like the navy trim, it acts as a stabilizer for the prints seemingly going every which way :)

Now YOU are in for a treat: You can try Gwynnie Bee out for yourself for free!!! That's right, you can test it out w/o any commitment by signing up here. This monthly retail subscription service specializes in stylish full figure clothes; You'll be sure to find on trend clothing that you love. Follow me on Instagram to see all of the looks that I sample from Gwynnie Bee!
Limited Time Offer: Try Gwynnie Bee free for 30 days!
Until time Beauties,
XO

Dress: Eliza J. c/o Gwynnie Bee| Handbag: Coach| Pumps: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Sunnies: Forever 21

The Secret Garden

Warm weather has begun to ease in all over the States, and with that comes the inevitable: Summer Weddings! I’ve already received my very first invitation for Summer 2016 which brings us to the ever burning question: What am I going to wear? 

More and more brides are opting for less traditional weddings, not only in terms of bridal attire, but also in terms of location. My absolute favorite wedding venue is outdoors and garden side.

Sometimes attending an outdoor garden wedding can be a tad tricky, especially if you’re like me and you want to dress elegantly, but have some concerns about being comfortable and remaining cool. When I saw this dress over at Shabby Apple, I immediately thought how perfect it would be for a garden side wedding! 

The lace overlay along with the maxi length is effortlessly elegant. The fabric is lightweight with just enough give (although sizes run small, I'm wearing a size 16); you can sit and or stand without worrying about pulling at and or damaging your dress. Even when temperatures tip past 80 degrees Fahrenheit, I think you'll still feel comfortable because this dress breathes.

Next up comes the really fun part: Accessories! Maxi dresses offer guaranteed versatility; you can go mega dressy with jeweled accessories, or mega chill with a denim jacket, chunky heels, and so on. I think I settled for somewhere right in the middle; Can we call it, bohemian meets elegant?!

First off, I knew that I wanted to sport an up-do along with my DIY floral crown (details here). Next I added in a touch of gypsy by way of earrings that I scored at an event hosted by IAmSheGlobal. Golden bangles were an easy addition, and for cohesiveness I added in gold sandals with jeweled assets. My final touch was a vintage clutch from my collection. 

By the way, I teamed up with globe loving Beauty Sheena of @IAmSheGlobal to style this dress. How do we look?! 

Until next time Loves!
Xx

Floral crown: DIY, see here| Earrings: From India| Dress: c/o Shabby Apple| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Clutch: Vintage, thrifted