On Top of the World

I was fortunate to get a shot or two in this look, between appointments, at one of my favorite parks. I’ve read that full figured women should steer clear of stripes because they have the propensity to make you look bigger. While that may be true, I don’t buy into that notion. My sole purpose in getting dressed is not to give the illusion that I am small. Rather it is to feel good in my clothes. Stripes make me feel good so I wear them, as often as I like. This look has become a favorite go to, with horizontal and vertical stripes in full rage =)

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson | Statement necklace: Natasha | Blazer: Bar III | Stripe top: Karen Kane | Skirt: Custom-made | Oxfords: Tildon | Tote: H&M

Color-Blockers Anonymous

Welcome to Color-blockers Anonymous. 

My name is Joi, and I am a chronic color-blocker.

 My main triggers are rich hues. Whenever I see them, I have a strong desire to color-block.

I have been unsuccessful in counteracting my addiction.

Although I am a shameless color-block addict, I do not believe that I need help.

 Thank you for welcoming me to this session. I appreciate your continued support.

Seriously though, I LIVE for beautiful colors! This particular color combination just about floored me. We often see bright tropical colors in the warmer months, yet this color mix of rustic orange, pink, and burgundy displays wonderfully in cool temperatures. I WILL be wearing it repeatedly ;) XO

Sunnies: Vintage | Clip-on earrings: Vintage | Jacket: Michael Kors (also worn here) | Blouse: Liz Claiborne (worn here) | Velvet trousers: Ralph Lauren | Shoes: Calico | Handbag: Vintage (worn here)

2014 | My Favorite Photos

In honor of #FBF, b.k.a Flashback Friday, today’s post centers around my favorite photos from various blog posts in 2014.

My favorite shot of the downtown skyline, with me in it!

When I shared my favorite looks of 2013 (click here) I honestly thought it would be an annual tradition here on IMJ. What's a woman's #1 prerogative? Changing her mind! In support of women everywhere, I am exercising that right today. 

Here's an example of how I take pictures for the blog late at night, and first thing in the morning.

Here’s a few reasons as to why I decided to go a different route this year:

(1) Historically I have dreaded having my picture taken. The evidence of this is that I hardly have any pictures of me from the last 20 years (aside from the blog). I have pictures of family, friends, events I attended, vacations, and other notable sights, but not so many pictures with me in them. I was usually the person behind the lens, by choice.  Although I still cringe at the beginning of any photo session, I am beginning to see tiny signs of progress, and for that I am grateful.

I set a goal of mixing prints & changing up my hairstyles: Mission Accomplished!

(2) I have too many favorite looks from 2014! Should I just repost all of them?!

Bold colors are my main squeeze.

(3) Something inside of me believes that I always need at least three reasons for doing anything! OCD maybe? LOL! With that in mind,  several of the pictures that I picked show glimmers of my personality, I love seeing that side of me captured on film. ;)

Laughter & flowers are good for the soul.

I'm learning to have fun with it; Dancing in the middle of the street always helps!

So, there you have it! Have a great weekend Fabs!

X

Winging It

"Oh wings, lift me up, bring me low

Oh wings, just where, I could go
-

Oh wings, gift me breezes, show me sights

Oh wings, glide me high, through city nights
-

Oh wings, make me warm, hold me dear

Oh wings, protect me, from all fear"

~Joi

The poem quoted above was written last night by yours truly. I believe that I have mentioned before here on the blog how I feel that I am a writer at heart. As the saying goes, life happens, and over the past few years I've gotten away from writing. I set a goal to begin writing again, even keeping a daily journal once more. Doing so always gave me a good feeling.

Sometimes goals can feel insurmountable, but the key lies in getting started. Everyone has to start, yes everyone has to start: somewhere.

Moving on to my super cute wing prop for today's post, aren't they fantastic?! I've been eyeing them for too long, even siking myself up to believe that I had to have on a super fancy outfit to take a picture in front of them.

As you can see, I finally threw that unnecessary notion to the wind. I propped myself in front of the wings in a casual two piece denim pinstripe set, and we snapped away.

Words to live by: Carpe Diem :)

Seize the moment my lovies!

Xx

Sunnies:Tahari | Top:Painted Threads | Denim vest & skirt:Ralph Lauren | Oxfords:Tildon (worn here and here) | Handbag:Michael Kors (worn here and here)

I'm a September Baby

“AÑO nuevo, vida nueva” translates: “A new year, a new life.” 

Each time a new calendar year rolls in, many people choose to use it as an opportunity to try to create a fresh start for themselves. Usually the thought is to set new goals with the aspiration to live life somehow differently than one did the previous year.

 I’ve read some criticism on social media concerning this annual process. Truthfully speaking, studies indicate that an overwhelming amount of “New Year Resolutions” are never seen to fruition. A change in date is simply not enough for an individual to work to make momentous changes in their life. The desire to change, yes the drive, has to come from deep within. When you’re truly fed up with something, you generally feel ready to flip things upside down to be where you want to be, and you take steps to do so immediately, no matter what the date. 

In my opinion, self-reflection along with self-examination is beneficial. I'm in a more reflective state of mind each year during my birth month, September (and now that I think of it, also during my wedding anniversary month). I think about how l lived the previous year, what goals I accomplished, what things I wish I would have done differently, and what types of things I would like to accomplish in the future. I even think back on previous years, how I felt at each age. I find that it is important to have consistent, realistic, attainable goals. They give me something to look forward to, and I feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment whenever I reach a goal.

Officially in my mid-thirties, I have entered what I like to think of as ‘Operation 40’. This operation/goal spans several years, and calls for continuous action. To be clear, I created a Pinterest board for it (LOL!); Check out all of my Pinterest boards here. As far as ‘Operation 40’ is concerned, my main objective is to take better care of ME. My body is changing and my organs have to work a little harder than they used to. My goal is to do what I reasonably can to make the inevitable aging process somewhat easier on my body. This includes making the time for weekly facials (my skin is changing, plus I have too much exposure to sun and other pollutants), moisturizing daily, utilizing treatments for eczema and psoriasis, as well as regularly cleansing my internal organs and taking in what will help them work at an optimal state. 

I may from time to time share things concerning 'Operation 40' via the blog or on my social media accounts ;)
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Until next time Style Lovers!
Xx

Hat:Borrowed from my husband | Sunnies: LA Fashion District

Fox trim sweater: Vintage | Statement necklace: TJMaxx

Blouse: DKNY | Maxi skirt: BCBGMaxAzria (worn here and here)

Gloves: Victoria's Secret Online | Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Riding boots: Ciao Bella (worn here)

Layered Up | Cotton Blues

Winter time is all about layers here in SoCal.  Yet not quite the same type of layers as needed in say, the Midwest (where I'm from)?! Yep, really no need for layering it up with long johns, a turtleneck, a sweater, then a cardigan, add a jacket, plus a down filled coat here in SoCal (but don't rule out seeing someone wearing it all on a 55 degree day)! Can a gal say she misses those days? Well I certainly shouldn't, because I don't - LOL! I love the freedom of wearing warm weather pieces without sub-degree temperatures and the fear of frostbite ;)

This ensemble has been one of my favorite go to looks over the past month, and it's all about mixed prints and patterns: Surprise, surprise! For more of my mixed prints obsession click here, here, here, oh and here.

Cotton is the name of the game, which is perfect, except for it's all to easy to wrinkle factor. It's really great when I get a chance to snap a few photos of what I'm wearing at the beginning of the day-but that doesn't happen nearly as often as I would like. This happened to be one of those days. This is real life, and real wrinkles!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone, until next time!
Xx 

Blazer: Vintage

Men's dress shirt: Hawes & Curtis (also worn here)

Statement necklace: Loehmann's

Dress: Lord & Taylor

White tote: Coach (worn here, here, and here)

Boots: Unisa (worn here)

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)