Fall is in the Air

sunnies: similar HERE| denim jacket: Michael Kors, similar HERE| dress: c/o HERE| shoes: old| purse: Coach, vintage - another option HERE

Cooler temperatures have arrived in Southern California. In fact, rain is in the forecast imminently 😨

I really do enjoy the rain 😍 Unfortunately, I don't enjoy driving in it alongside millions of people who don't know how to drive in dry conditions let alone wet conditions...

Nonetheless, it is crystal clear that a fall-like feel has settled into the air. I'm transitioning my summery pieces into fall-ready attire. An easy way to do that? Add in denim 😉 

I love pairing florals with denim, today's look is an easy take on fall style in a mild climate. If the temps were lower than say 65 degrees Fahrenheit, I'd add socks with my sandals ❤

Until next time,

Xx

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

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Sunnies: HERE| Sweater: c/o HERE| OTK boots: Similar HERE & HERE

photography by LETA

It's official, sweater season is upon us Babes. As you may know, I'm totally partial to summer. I LOVE summer! However, even I know when it's time to concede. Instead of resistance, I choose acceptance. One thing that I appreciate about cooler weather is sweaters, sweaters, and sweaters. Oh! And coats, and scarves, and gloves, and boots... What I don't like about cooler weather is any sensation of feeling cold - but that is clearly a topic for another day! 
Today's look is similar to my last one (HERE), the focal point is a sweater styled as a dress. I sized up for this sweater so that the fit would be oversized on my frame, and the length what I desired as a dress. When it arrived in the mail, I was taken in by how incredibly soft it is!!! It is sooooo soft! This is the type of sweater that you want to snuggle up in all day/every day. I love this blush hue, on its next go round, I see myself pairing it with red 😉 Because in my head, red matches everything...
Until next time,
Xx

No Sleeves Attached

Flower crown: I made it| Bra: ELOMI, HERE & HERE + matching briefs HERE
Dress: HERE + similar HERE & I LOVE THIS| Handbag: Coach, another option HERE

While I was in Chicago a few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting with the local team that represents Elomi Lingerie. Little did I know that meeting would be life altering!
First off, I was custom fitted for a bra by a very experienced Fit Specialist. Her name is Suzanne, and she is an EXPERT in her field. If you're shopping on the Magnificent Mile, pop in and see her at Nordstrom! I learned so much during my time with her! Not only was I wearing the wrong size bra, I was also putting on my bras incorrectly. Who knew?! I walked away from that visit with the Elomi Sachi bra (worn in today's post) in tote, as well as an EXCELLENT strapless bra, the Freya Idol Allure . 
Note: Freya & Elomi are owned by Wacoal Europe.
I was so impressed with my new strapless bra that I wore it right on out of the store, and tossed the bra that I was wearing initially! Once I returned back to California, I immediately set about getting rid of all of my ill fitting bras. 
Literally, like on my first day home...
Next, I created a wishlist of Elomi bras that I wanted to add to my personal inventory😍 They have so many gorgeous designs and the fit is on point! As it happened, the brand representative reached back out to me again shortly thereafter - I immediately ordered the following matching sets:

• Elomi 'Matilda' Underwire Plunge Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi 'Morgan' Full Figure Underwire Bra
• Elomi Bijou Flirt Underwire Molded Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi Tia Underwire Bra + briefs HERE
• Elomi Kelly Palm-Print Underwire Plunge Bra + briefs HERE

Ladies, once you experience the V A L U E of exceptional support trimmed in STYLE- you never look back! I am loving the fit that Elomi offers me and my girls, particularly as a full figured woman👀
My posture is improved, my clothing fits better, and I even feel more confident - especially in my strapless bra 😉 There is no pulling, tugging, and or readjusting required - no matter how long I wear it! I never knew such a thing was even possible!
I am proud to say that I no longer own any ill-fitting bras👏 GOOD RIDDANCE!
Since then I have added a few more to my stash, in fact, my entire collection now consists solely of Elomi bras and I have absolutely NO regrets! 
The bra featured in today's post was made for plunging necklines - I ❤ how their designs serve multiple purposes 💣I have an idea -let's info share: What is your favorite bra line and why?
Until next time,
Xx

Denim for Days

Sunnies: HERE| OTS chambray top: c/o HERE (runs large)| Tencel maxi skirt: c/o HERE
Pom embellished straw bag: Marshalls, cute options HERE, HERE , HERE| Metallic pink sandals: TopShop

The month of April has literally flown right on by - I cannot believe that we are just one day shy of entering into May 2018! Chapter 4, AKA April was one choked with highs and lows. Nonetheless, I feel quite resilient and optimistic about the months ahead! I try remember whenever I am going through a blue leg of the journey: No storm lasts forever; Every storm has an ending 😉
Since I've been in a blue/blah mood, it's totally fitting that I should turn to denim for comfort right?! LOL! Seriously, you just cannot go wrong with denim. This off the shoulder top is actually a thinner variation of denim, often referred to as chambray and the material of the skirt is called tencel. I like that both pieces are not as dense as regular denim, therefore making them ideal for spring and summer weather. Babes denim skirts are making a comeback - and I am HERE for it!
Until next time,
Xx

Free Flowing

Sunnies: HERE| Earrings: HERE| Halter top: Old| Pants: c/o YOURS Clothing| Slides: Dolce Vita, sold out

I was reminded of my adoration for palazzo pants a few months ago when I spotted a fantastic pair in lemon print online (blogged HERE). Shortly thereafter I came across  another pair in basic black, I knew that I needed to add them to my collection pronto. When they arrived in the mail I initially thought I might have to have the length altered. Imagine my surprise and elation when I tried them on - the fit AND the length was a perfect match for my body 😍 Despite their dark hue, the pants are wonderfully light weight. I was cool and comfortable (and feeling very cute 😉) on a day where temperatures soared up to 85 degrees.
For their grand debut out, I paired them with a knit, mustard colored halter top, along with tropical print fabric slides. Next time around I'm already planning to pair them with a black OTS bodysuit... Thank you to YOURS Clothing for another delightful find ❤
My one style wish: That these pants were designed with pockets. 
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Golden Girl

Earrings: Nordstrom| Dress: c/o HERE (use discount code inmyjoi20)| Leather belt: Ralph Lauren
Suede boots: Ralph Lauren, similar HERE| Purse: Coach, vintage

What's better than one fabulous bardot maxi dress? Why TWO of course!!! LOL! I blogged a cute off the shoulder dress in my last post (HERE), since most good things come in pairs it only made sense in my head to follow up with this rustic beauty. Let's talk about number two shall we?😁 Color, tassels, and frills - honestly, what is there not to LOVE?!!! I packed it with me for a weekend escape and accessorized it with from the same color family. I can't wait to rock this in the summer with a strappy pair of sandals!

Until next time,
Xx

Floral Flow

Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Dress: c/o HERE (use discount code "inmyjoi20")| Velvet booties: c/o HERE| Purse: Vintage, thrifted

Most of the country has been in a major deep freeze, but  around these parts the weather seems to alternate between fall and spring 😉 Is it chilly where you are? My mom told me that she was looking forward to a warm-up of 10 degrees! I guess wintertime is here!  
Recently I had a chance to wear this closet newbie, an  OTS dress with a fun frilly high/low hem. I paired it with black accessories, and carried along a velvet blazer for the chilly night air. I really like this dress! 
Note: The material is on the thin side, almost sheer - I added a slip underneath it. 
I usually think of wearing dark floral prints during chilly temperatures, but this dress would also be great for summer. 
Until next time,
Xx

Cozy Scarf Season

Sunnies: Similar HERE| Black OTS top: Similar HERE| Oversized scarf: ZARA, similar HERE 

Embellished skinnies: c/o HERE| Black velvet booties: c/o HERE

It's officially winter time here in The States, which means bring on all the cozy weather wear! I am a HUGE fan of vibrantly colored, extra large, super sized, chunky scarves. I been rotating a number from my growing stash since about November ... when the chill hit the air here in SoCal. I snagged the one that I am wearing in today's post at Zara a few weeks ago. Isn't it beautiful?! The color, knit pattern, and size make me love it 😍
For your viewing pleasure, below is a snapshot of a few scarves that are on my radar for purchase, including shoppable links (links are ordered from left to right) 😉

Option 1 (Red)

Option 2 (Multicolored)

Option 3 (Blue)

Option 4 (Multicolored)

Until next time Babes,

Xx

Frill Seeker

Frill lace top: Similar HERE & HERE (plus size)| Floral pants: c/o HERE
Velvet platforms & clip on faux fur poms: Old| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Hey Babes! I'm sorry that I've been missing in action. Since this month started there has been one unexpected event after another - I can barely catch my breath - yet here we are almost halfway through September! One example of a recent setback is the fact that instead of writing this post from the sunny, pristine shores of the Caribbean, I am planted here in the city. You see Hurricane Irma destroyed all of my vacay plans, I vented about this on Twitter... I went from a canceled flight, to lodging reservations put under scrutiny, to modified accommodations (on an entirely different island), and finally to canceled reservations with a credit issued for future use... There were several highs and lows in trying to manage this emotional roller coaster of expectations versus disappointments. However, now that it is all said and done: I am not mad at all! Although I do not believe that everything happens for a reason (as the common phrase goes), especially when it brings suffering to others, I do believe in attempting to make the best of an unexpected situation. Not only did I learn several valuable lessons through this ordeal, I was also reminded of who I am and what is important to me as an individual. 
Without a doubt, I will have other opportunities to go on vacation. In this moment, my heart goes out to everyone around the world whose life has been or is being adversely impacted by natural disasters 💕
Until next time,
Xx