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

Buffalo Print in Check

Hey there fellow Style Lovers! Happy Hump Day to All!!! I feel like it’s been a minute since my last blog post. I sure have missed dishing it up with you. You know, life never ceases to amaze me. Throughout the highs, and the lows, there are certain periods of time when you instinctively know that you are exactly where and what you should be. I am in such a period right now. I feel a level of contentment and fulfillment that is unparalleled to anything tangible, and I must say: it is magnificently wonderful. Now that I’ve bored you to tears with the ins and outs of my innermost feelings, I’ll move along to today’s look!

I find inspiration in just about everything that I lay my eyes on. Today’s combination proves that my new cell phone case is no exception. That’s right, I was inspired by a little ole cell phone case (it's hard to tell, but it has a red and black trim).

I have a thing for mixing up prints (see here and here), which by the way is totally opposite from my husband, whose style preference is classic. I asked him what he thought of this ensemble and his hesitant reply was all that was needed. It confirmed for me that my decision to rock this was totally on point and authentic to me, LOL!

I opted for big hair, or shall I say bigger hair, or even more clearly: I went for full fro mode! LOL! For those who may be curious, this is my natural hair, and here’s the simple process that I follow to comb out my curls:

• Wash & condition hair
• Detangle hair and air dry
• Add a quarter size amount of jojoba oil from roots to ends
• Comb out hair in medium sections with a large tooth comb
• Make a small part according to your preference

Xx

Buffalo check dress:Vintage

Polka dot blouse:Kardashion Kollection (worn here)

Clutch:Ross Dress for Less

Platforms:Calvin Klein (worn here)  

Ball Gown Skirt

I'm head over heels for classic ball gown skirts and some of their trendier counterparts. As evidenced by my preference to wear tulle skirts whenever possible (see here, here, and here), the ball gown skirt's femininity takes me by storm. 

Am I the only one who longs for time eras when it was perfectly normal to dress up on every occasion? 

Curls Gone Wild

It's ironic, although I was not a fan of maxi skirts, in the last two years several have made their way inside my style loving heart. See examples here and here. My style is an evolution, I'm so curious to see what additions 2015 will bring ;) Have you set new style goals for 2015?

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (also worn here)

Ball Gown Skirt: Thrifted

Clutch: Vintage (worn here)

Thrift Store Score: Vintage Trench Coat

I recently spent several days in Las Vegas along with family and friends, today's post features a look that I wore out one night. My pictures aren't the best quality, as I hadn't planned on blogging this look initially, but nonetheless here they are :)

My jeans are the product of a DIY project (or actually DIM=do it myself) that was super easy: distressed denim. A more detailed post on that project is to come, including better shots of the finished product ;) The gem in this edition of #ThriftStoreScore is this fabulous vintage coat, I love it.

Ciao Style Lovers, until next time!

Tie: Brooks Brothers

Necklace: Natasha

White shirt: Jones New York

Distressed Jeans: Thrifted & DIM

Shoes: Victoria’s Secret (worn here)

Coat: Vintage, thrifted

Tote: Coach (worn here)

Glammed Up: Tulle Can Do No Wrong

It’s back by popular demand: Today’s post features my custom made tutu, a.k.a tulle skirt :) I posted a #FBF picture to my Instagram account (follow me @InMyJoi) a few weeks ago and everyone loved it, so I thought why not pull out my tulle-licious beauty once again! I love wearing my favorites over and over again, my tulle skirt is no exception.

See previous posts here and here.

This time of year often involves events that give one extra opportunities to glam up, I say what better way to do so than in a tulle skirt?!

Now I originally purchased this skirt for a white party, but I wondered just how much use I'd get out of it afterward. I must say, not only was it worth purchasing, but I also found a number of uses for this pristine white beauty all year around. (Please ignore my hair gone wild in the next picture)

If you’re thinking about ordering or perhaps making a tulle skirt but feel somewhat hesitant, allay your fears.

Tip(s):

Look for density or extra pouf factor which will provide more coverage.

Wear a similar colored slip underneath of your skirt is unlined like mine. 

When it comes to tulle, bigger is better IMO.

Tulle is very easy to clean. 

I used Spray & Wash to clean my skirt: thoroughly spray stains and place skirt in a plastic garment bag overnight. The next day fully rinse the skirt, removing all excess water with a towel.  Hang to dry. *For a skirt that is made exactly like mine, you may also braid the strips while wet to increase the pouf factor. When it dries unravel the braids, you will notice a crinkle effect.

Of course I vote “YAY” for tulle skirts, how about you?!

Jeweled Collar: Nicole Miller (taken off of a sweater)|Blazer: American Rag (worn here)|Tank: Nordstrom|Tulle skirt: Custom made (see here and here)|Shoes: Jessica Simpson (worn here)

Biker Chic

Happy Fri-Yay Everybody!!! 

Today’s post is short and sweet, featuring a casual look perfectly suitable for kicking it around town.

Have a great weekend Style Lovers!

Hat: Zara|Leather moto jacket (worn here): TJMaxx|Sequin tee: Macy’s|Waxed denim: NYDJs (also worn here)|Oxfords: Nordstrom (worn here)

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

Chocolate Covered Graham Cracker

Have you ever looked at a color combination that you wore and it later reminded you of a particular food? Perhaps it’s because I’m a shameless foodie, but sometimes after I wear something, I suddenly realize that it looks similar to a combination of something edible, LOL! Today’s look reminds me of chocolate covered graham crackers…

This look is perfect for a Fall-esque day. I had planned to wear more shorts this summer, but it just didn’t happen. For the cooler months, I treat shorts just as I do skirts: add tights and push on!

Fur-trimmed Hat: Lord & Taylor| Velvet Blazer: Jones New York| Shorts:Mango (also worn here)| Tights: Lord & Taylor| Mary Jane Shoes: Victoria's Secret

About Truthful Thursdays:
You might remember that back in June I started a new series here on the blog entitled, “Truthful Thursdays”. I created it as a space for me to share more of my authentic self with my readers. Style and fashion is a very small part of who I am as a woman.  Unfortunately, I slacked off in keeping up with “Truthful Thursdays” as a result of a busy schedule. I didn’t carve out the time and energy necessary to sit down and create quality content. Now that the winter months have rolled in, my schedule has settled down somewhat and I plan to get back on track with Truthful Thursdays. Well today is Thursday, and there’s no better time than the present, right?! 

As I’ve mentioned before, I share my style with the intention of inspiring girls and women to confidently OWN whatever body size and or body type they have. Styling options are not limited because of your size, body type, or age. Generally speaking, when one dresses well, and actually likes the way that they look in their clothing, they feel happier as a person. Despite my intentions in blogging my style, I am a ‘private’ individual, one who does not like to open up to ‘strangers’, but rather only those whom have shown themselves to be worthy of trust. This fact causes me to battle within myself: What would I like to share with my audience versus what would I not like to share. However, I realize that for women to truly connect with me, I MUST (as I repeat this to myself out loud) let my guard down even further, and share my feelings. 

Here we go:
So, I’ve been in a reflective state as of late, as to what direction I’d like to go with my style blog. Would I like to talk more about my love of vintage fashion, perhaps sharing tips that work for me? Or, is it my ultimate dream to design a clothing line? I’ve learned that a number of style bloggers across the globe are interested in monetizing their blogs in one way or another. Some do it through advertising for brands on their personal blog and or social media accounts, for which they receive a commission. Others work with specific brands, including attending events and such. This awareness has caused me to ask myself: What are your long term goals? You see, when I started blogging I only set ONE goal. I had planned that if I did not reach that one goal, I’d move on and pursue other interests, discontinuing blogging altogether. Fast forward to now, just over a year of blogging my personal style and guess what? I actually reached my ONE goal! LOL! So now the figurative elephant that is looming in my room: What’s next? I didn’t plan out previously exactly what I wanted to do if/when I actually reached my ONE goal! Lesson to self: Always believe that you can and that you will.

As I continue to reflect on my objectives and goals going forward, I’ll begin implementing changes here and there to align my vision. 

But first, I’d like to get your feedback! What would you like to see/read about here on InMyJoi? How did you learn about this site? What makes you follow my blog?

Thanks for stopping by Style Lovers, I can’t wait to hear from you!
Xx

Geometry 1:1

Math has never been my strong suit, fortunately my husband is a genius at it! Nevertheless, if you’re like me, never fear: there is hope! We can WIN at geometry with geometric patterns and prints! LOL!!!

Need I even go down that road about about my newest infatuation of black and white color combinations (click here and here)?!

 Yes, black + white = Perfection (In my humble opinion ;)

Moving on, so I purposely sized up in this dress. It’s knit, and I didn’t want it to cling tightly to my curves, as it was designed, but rather to hang comfortably.

Boy oh boy, the black and white contrasting shapes feel so good on my eyes, I can’t wait to conjure up more options for styling this dress!

Please do share:  How do you feel about geometry versus geometric prints?!

Sunnies: Forever 21

Dress: Ross Dress for Less

Clutch: Kate Spade (worn here)

Footless tights: Nicole Miller

Booties: Chinese Laundry (also worn here)

30PlusStyle: 50 Shades of Gray

Well, there aren't literally 50 shades of gray in today's look; Nonetheless here's my best effort!

For this edition of the #30PlusStyle run (click here to see previous posts, www.facebook.com/30plusstyle), we warmly welcome Special Guest Blogger Crystal of Sometimesglam.com !!!

Please be sure to check out all of the #30PlusStyleBloggers:
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com
www.mode-plus.com
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com

Follow me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/InMyJoi1 ; Stay fashionable lovlies!

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson
Fedora: Vintage

Crop top: Nordstrom
Bangles: Nordstrom

Dress: Kenar

Fishnets: Loehmann's

Legwarmers: Loehmann's (also worn here)

Wedge sneakers: Steve Madden (worn here)

Clutch: Vintage (worn here)