Stylish Coverage

Sunnies: Nordstrom, old| Earrings: Nordstrom, old
Dress: Sold out, other options HERE, HERE, and HERE
Suede mules: ZARA

Photography by A. Robinson

Happy SEPTEMBER!!! It is undisputed that this has been a year for the record books in almost every single way imaginable. However, amongst everything that has/is transpiring - time still feels like it is moving rapidly. We have now entered the final four months of 2020!!! I find myself wondering - where does the time go?! Beyond that, I find myself in a space of personal reflection. This is my birth month, just as I have in years prior, I am reexamining my footing in the world. 
Questions that I am actively asking myself include: Am I living my purpose? What am I learning from my life experiences? What would I like to accomplish moving forward?  Am I living with intention? What are some areas that I would like to improve in? 
There are more questions than there are answers! Nonetheless, one thing is for certain: I am thankful to see another day!
Until next time,
Xx

Fall Refresh | Style a Dress Over Pants

earrings: old| dress: HERE| jeans: similar HERE| shoes: similar HERE| faux fur bag: another option HERE

I'm always looking for ways to test the versatility of my wardrobe and to play with fashion. I like to think outside the box whenever possible, even when/if it makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable. 
I first tried the concept of wearing a dress over pants back in 2014. I was super curious as to how it would play out on my body, as it is full-figured and curvy. Generally you see the trend of dresses styled over pants only on thin and or tall models. Nonetheless, I decided to go for it. Wouldn't you know- I JUST LOVED IT! 
Previously I've styled shorter dresses with slim cut pants, but the look shown in today's post is my very first time styling a long dress over pants --- and wide leg pants at that! 
Let's break all the fashion faux pas at once, right?!?! LOL!
The idea sprung from one weekly session in my closet, which actually led to a disastrous tornado-like effect... Clothes were everywhere...as they often are...Yet, back to the topic at hand...
I purchased this white dress at an end of summer sale for a GREAT price. It was originally $500... Naturally, I wanted to create an opportunity to wear it this year versus waiting until next summer. However, an added caveat was that I also wanted it to align with fall fashion versus just styling it as a summer dress - which I totally will, at a later date. After a few try-on sessions, plus the acquisition of a cute white faux fur tote, this look fell into place ❤
Over to you Babes: Are you into dresses over pants?!
Until next time,
Xx

Weekend Roaming

Earrings: HERE| Dress/kimono: HERE (currently less than $20)| Purse: Coach, old| Shoes: c/o HERE

BABES!!! Can you believe that today marks the last Monday in AUGUST?! This entire year has been a complete blur! I stand in disbelief that we are on the doorstep of September already!  don't want to say farewell to SUMMER yet! Nonetheless, life experience has taught me the importance of facing facts 😉 It is time for me to mentally prepare myself - summer really is almost over. The change in the weather was noticeable over the weekend, instead of soaring up near 100 degrees, it was humid and in the 80s. Per the forecast, this week we won't get past the 70s. Although I'm sure warmer temperatures will return before all is said and done, I am still ever mindful that summer is truly on its way out. That brings me to the topic of transitional pieces. This kimono makes for a great transitional piece! It's light enough for warm days, yet also functional for easy layering in the fall months. That's right, this wrap dress is actually a kimono styled as a dress 😁 
Based on the reviews of other shoppers, I sized up for this piece, which allows me to be able to wear it as a true wrap dress. Although it came with a belt, I swapped that one out for an older belt in my collection from Banana Republic. I added in olive-colored accessories as a neutralizer and hit the door! 
Over to you Babes: Are you ready for summer to end?!
Until next time,
Xx

Summer Essentials

Hat: Old, similar HERE| Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee (sign up for YOUR FREE membership today)| Wood watch: c/o HERE

Purse: Kate Spade, similar HERE| Brown leather booties: Old, LEVITY

Here we are, in the middle of June and I’m just now thinking about my summer essentials… Could it be because the weather has not consistently reminded me that the official start of summer is less than two weeks away? Perhaps! However, I’ll take my share of the responsibility. After all, as a style blogger it is my job to be on top of these things! LOL!

Three basic items make up my summer essentials list:

A straw hat

An excellent way to shield your eyes and better yet the delicate skin on your face from damaging sun rays is by wearing an over-sized straw hat. Plus it's the perfect disguise for fly away hair! 

A white leather tote/handbag

Every year I treat myself to a new white leather bag. They are perfect for the summer months (and beyond in a mild climate) because they match everything and can instantly brighten up a look.

Note: Use caution when wearing dark colored denim as the dye can easily wear off onto your white leather bag.

A healthy stash of sundresses

In true girly girl fashion, I reach for dresses more often than not. This season, summer dresses come decked in frills, ruffles, faux wraps, and the list goes on and on. Pick styles that suit your fancy and stock a stash of sundresses suitable for every summer venue. Or better yet, stock up with a FREE Gwynnie Bee trial membership😋 I love trying different styles via Gwynnie Bee- I can have a variety at my fingertips w/o commitment! The dress is today's post is yet another example of such. Although this dress was a fun wear (I love that the straps can be worn on or off the shoulders) it wasn't a keeper for me. However I will keep it in my virtual closet, in the event that I'd like to wear it again 😉
If you’re not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, read all about them HERE.

Until next time Babes,

XO

Step into Summer with SWAK

Hi Dolls!!! June 20^th marks the official first day of Summer 2016 {eagerly inserts happy dance emoji}.Unbelievably we are already in the middle of our very first heatwave of the season. How's the weather in your part of the world? In typical girly, style loving fashion, I'm celebrating the very first day of Summer by sharing with you a few of my favorite summer pieces, c/o SWAK Designs. SWAK sells plus size clothing from size 1x-6x. Last month when I received SWAK’s Splish Splash Summer 2016 Look Book via email, I was blown away!!! Beautiful colors, fantastic prints, and summertime goodness was served! 

For starters, take a gander at this wonderful butterfly print duster (Darla Duster). I’m wearing a size 1X. I absolutely swoon over it each and every single time that I wear it. I’ve mentioned before how usually when I acquire a new piece, I like to wear it several times in short succession. This helps me to get a true feel for the piece, and to generate more ideas of how I’d like to style it in the future. So far with this duster I’m already up to 4 times of wear and counting -and I’ve only had it for 2 weeks! The look as pictured here was worn on a getaway with my husband. I found it to be fabulously suitable for day life on the resort and night life out with the girls. During the day, I opted to pair it with flat black suede thong sandals.I wore it actually as pictured, for the night. This duster flows gloriously, and the fabric breathes.  An added bonus for gals on the short side: The length. Despite my height, even without my heels, it does not touch the ground, at all.

Next up we have a great floral maxi dress staple. Maxi dresses are synonymous with warm weather as is floral prints, this dress is no exception. Her name is ‘Erin’ and she has a fantastic print with wonderfully soft material that ebbs and flows. One thing that I really appreciate in all clothing items is versatility. I try to think about how many ways an item can be styled, prior to purchasing it. I can see this dress styled with a belt and cardigan (lightweight or heavy duty, depending on your need/preference) making for a great look in the Spring or Fall. Since the temperatures were in the triple digit zone when I wore/styled this, I opted for a minimal approach. Doesn't going minimal always equate to feeling 'cooler'? LOL! I added a simple gold filigree necklace along with cork heels to fit the bill. Note: This dress is long. If you have long legs and or are tall, you can wear heels with this dress, and it will still look like a maxi dress. If you're on the shorter side like me, not to worry, it can be knotted in a variety of ways, including as pictured here. I wore it with a side knot and frontal knot, and noticed that both ways vary up the length considerably. Plus, I have on four inch heels ;)

Last but certainly not least, we take a stroll over to the tropics via the Lani Wrap Dress. Lani has a wonderful print that makes me think of Hawaiian luau under the stars. It is very generous in size. I’m wearing a size 1X, but could have easily sized down. Actually, I couldn't size down because SWAK starts at at 1x :) Wearing a US size fourteen offers me opportunities to shop straight sizes along with plus sizes. One added benefit that I appreciate about shopping plus sizes is that the sizing is generally generous, versus on the small/tight side. 

Actually, I’ve blogged several looks from SWAK in the past that you may enjoy; See examples here, here, and here. 

Well Loves, I hope that this stroll through down summertime lane via SWAK designs has left you inspired and brimming with new ideas.

Until next time,
XO

1st look: Duster, c/o SWAK Designs-Halter top: Buffalo- Satin Pants: Sejour -Black shoes: Aldo- Sunnies: Marshalls

2nd look: Maxi dress, c/o SWAK Designs- Sunnies: Francesca’s- Cork sandals: Market

3rd look: Wrap dress, c/o SWAK Designs – Headscarf: Vintage- Sunnies: Nordstrom- Statement necklace: TJMAXX- Floral print heels: Unisa