Gray Areas

Fabulous news: I teamed up with SWAK Designs for today’s blog post!!! Check out how their fantastic cardigan can be styled in not one, not two, but yes ----->THREE ways!!!
Stop the press… Isn’t it gorgeous?! When I tried it on after having it freshly pressed, I thought to myself: ‘Where have you been all of my life?!’ To be honest, "The Parker" EXCEEDED my expectations. Its soft texture, glorious flow, added with the fact that it is just short of duster length scores 4 gold stars in my book. SWAK has a variety of styles for the curvy consumer, yes plus size clothing options that are wonderfully affordable for the working class woman. Let’s review each look, starting with my personal favorite first: RED, WHITE, AND GRAY

The Parker Cardigan is the shining star and clearly steals all the thunder.  I snagged the idea of trying out this color combo from an outfit that ‘Dorothy’ of The Golden Girls wore. Do you watch that show?! I have it on DVD, so even when it’s not on Hallmark/Lifetime on cable, I can always pop in a DVD and get my GG fix! Oops, I digress…moving on... This look is great for a night out with your guy or with the gals! I believe accessories make the 'fit', so I added a wool fedora, aviators, and a faux fur collar. Notice that I’m wearing white in the winter! I’ve said time and time again that white is easily worn year round. Granted, I live in a mild climate. It does not snow in the winter, which definitely allows for greater flexibility, which may not be possible in extremely cold climates. However, imagine layering this cardigan with a ankle length coat, and swapping out the sandals for pointy toe booties. Do you see what I see? The possibilities are endless!

Hat: D&Y| Aviators:Fashion District| Faux fur collar: Old (worn here)| Top: Dress to Kill (worn here)| White denim: NYDJs (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Tildon

Now let's move on to what I like to call, MODERN GLAMOUR

This look targets monochrome for the win. If you’re unsure about which colors to pair with what, monochrome is a safe bet for simple slayage. This look features multiple shades of gray, which work hand in hand to generate cohesiveness. I want to keep it 100% with my readers, so I’ll let you in on something: This look was actually my least favorite. Why? It reminded me of the extra pounds that have recently joined me and have since become unwanted house guests. I keep offering them options for departure, however they love me so much that they just do not want to leave. I can appreciate their admiration. Nonetheless, they must go! To be completely clear:  Yes, I love my body. I embrace being plus size. However, I prefer to stay within a certain size range so that I can fit ALL items in my wardrobe. Buying a new wardrobe in a different size is not an acceptable option. 
Moving forward, a cardigan is a great way to add coverage and additional volume to body con dresses and skirts (see more plus size cardigan options here). I am definitely in the market for long cardigans in multiple colors!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress:Komarov (also worn here)| Fur collar: Chinchilla (thrifted)| Suede clutch: Vintage| Shoes: Anne Klein (worn here)

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at THE STATE OF GRAY

A look perfect for daily wear: Think running errands, casual day at the office, or even a lunch date. I paired My Parker* with a classic pinstripe button-up, gray denim, and black open toe booties.

 Sunnies: Fashion District| Pinstripe shirt: Jones New York| Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Gray denim: NYDJs| Booties: Chinese Laundry (worn here)| Clutch & gloves: Old

Now that I've chatted non-stop, I’d love to hear from YOU! Which is your favorite look and why?
Until next time Style Lovers,
XO

*The Parker Cardigan worn and referenced above was gifted by SWAK Designs.

Bohemian Chic

If you follow me on Instagram, you recently saw glimpses from my wonderful relaxing vacation in Mexico. My husband and I stayed at a fabulous adults only ocean-side resort, in a quiet part of the city. I spent most days basking out in the sun, eating and drinking to my heart’s content. Despite my mega relaxed frame of mind, I did manage to get a few shots of several resort style ensembles. Now whether or not each look will actually make it to the blog is a whole other story…and of course remains to be seen-LOL!

 

Today’s post features a look that I wore to breakfast one morning, and on a leisurely stroll throughout the resort grounds. When it comes to resort style, a maxi dress truly is a no brainer. It’s easily packed, highly versatile, and simply styled.

To be honest, as I believe I have mentioned before, maxi dresses are not my favorite style of dress. In fact, for some time I shied away from wearing them altogether. Generally speaking, I do not find maxi numbers to be flattering on my frame. Despite the current banter of ‘wear whatever’ – that is not and never will be my personal style mantra. I like to wear items that look good to me (personally), and in turn make me feel good. That being said, there are several maxi dresses and or skirts that have made their way into my heart and wardrobe. See examples here, here, and here. This dress won me over because of its captivating shade of hot pink, and fantastic flow of the fabric.

For me, the key to wearing a plus size maxi dress is the cut and flow. I like the way this one cuts in around my waist area, and then gently flows outward. The fabric although beautiful is a bit thin for my taste - wearing shape wear underneath provided a smooth silhouette.

 

My floral headband is a product of one of the easiest DIYs that I’ve ever done. I cut the flowers off of some old stems from Pier One, then used a hot glue gun to glue them to a plain black elastic headband, about 1 inch apart and wa-lah, bohemian chic done the easy way!

Floral headband: DIY (also worn here)| Necklace: Nordstrom| Dress: Cynthia Rowley| Clutch: Vintage

Throwback Thursday: Eliza J

It’s officially #TBT time and I would be completely remiss if I did not recap the four gorgeous looks that were blogged with #ElizaJ ! *Eliza J is one of my top go-to brands for dresses of every kind. No matter what my style need may be, from casual to dressy, from chic to snazzy- they have me covered. I personally own just about 20 of their dresses, and that number is guaranteed to continually increase ;)

The first item that I styled for them was a fabulously faux stole (original post here). That’s right- not only do they design dresses, but also stoles, skirts, jumpsuits and more. I’ve got my eye on a jumpsuit, but that’s a topic for another post…LOL! Any who I initially planned to style this stole with all black, but it just didn’t give me that vibe I was looking for. Swapped out a black skirt for a white one and wa-lah, I was ready to hit the door.

The second item featured an a-line cable knit dress in my favorite color (original post here). I went monochrome for this ensemble pairing it with matching socks, pumps, and a handbag. For fun, a splash of citron in the form of a statement necklace served as the cherry on top.

The third item is just what every girl needs: A tea length full midi skirt (original post here) with petticoat in tow. Finally I went with an all black look, adding a touch of vintage with a netted hat, modern with a crop top, glitzy with a sequins blazer, and edgy with sleek booties.

The final item was last but certainly not least. It was the dress that my wardrobe has been waiting for-->you know, that dress that gives off WOW factor the very moment that you slip it on. Yes navy blue (original post here) with a sheer overlay, a jeweled neckline, and cut of genius.

Which look was your favorite one? It’s totally hard for me to pick, because I truly swooned over each look, as each one served different venues. But, if I just had to pick only one, well it would be...

 *Each featured item was gifted and a size 1X/14W. Item(s) are available for purchase at Nordstrom in-store or online, and at similar retailers.

Set in Stone

Before there was cobalt, there was navy…

BLUE in the form of navy serves up a dish of spectacular in the form of this dress. 

I mean really, it is  a m a z i n g, I cannot even tell you!!!

Sheer overlay - fitted dress- and a jeweled collar -->

Simply perfect for date night, girls night out, or any soiree that you might attend!

The moment that I first tried it on, I was captivated. The fit was generous, and it looked luxurious. 

When I got dressed, put my make up on, and styled my hair: I felt like ‘WOW’! 

Every woman needs a ‘WOW’ dress in her wardrobe. What is a ‘WOW’ dress? 

It is the dress that you always know that you can turn to, the one that instantaneously gives you 

***100% proof*** WOW factor!!!

Honey, I was feeling MYSELF in this dress! 
It's perfect for this time of year, yet can be easily be threaded throughout the entire year.

For instance: I can totally see myself in this dress for a summer wedding 
paired with strappy sandals, topped off with jewels.

For many women the LBD (little black dress, see here) is a closet staple, as it reliably adds in a dose of oomph. However, never underestimate navy blue Loves!!! 

It is is reminiscent of class, elegance, and glamour.

Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)| Suede pumps: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Silver clutch: Vintage| Bangles: TJMaxx

Black, Blacker, Blackest

Friend: “That’s a different look on you…”
Me: “What do you mean?”
Friend: “You never wear black...”

That aptly describes a memorable conversation that frequently comes to my mind whenever I wear the color black. 

You see, for most of my life I rarely purchased black clothing. The first LBD that I purchased was in 1998- YES, I actually remember! Oh, and I still have it- see it here… Any who, it was just about a decade later that I purchased my second black dress.

However, since I moved out to the west coast, I cannot help but notice that I now have more black clothing in my wardrobe than ever before. Why is that? My only guess: I am undergoing a style metamorphosis!

Although an all black ensemble is still not my style staple (as of yet, that is), there is something about wearing all black that now feels classic, even timeless to me.

When I received this fabulous, yes luxurious midi skirt (I mean it has an attached petticoat!!!) that I am wearing in today’s post, I tried it on with a number of combinations. Initially I was quite set on pairing it with denim. But after several trial runs, I decided that I was feeling an all black look, and poof- here we are! LOL!

Like most of Eliza J.'s designs, this skirt is highly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your style needs and preferences. The quality is supurb, and the fit is generous (this is a 14W). Check them out at my BFF's, a.k.a Nordstrom, in-store or online.

Thanks for stopping by today Style Lovers! Stay tuned for my next post, which features another beauty from Eliza J. ;)

Xx

Hat: Vintage| Sequin Blazer: American Rag (worn here, here, and here)| Crop top: LEITH| Midi skirt: Eliza J. (gifted)| Booties: Chinese Laundry| Jeweled evening bag: Vintage

Sweater Weather

Around this time of year in the States, we are greeted by brisk morning temperatures, considerably less hours of daylight, and in some parts- practically no sunshine at all. Leaves fall off of the trees, flowers slowly wither, and expectations of rain and or snow are in the forecast.

For style lovers however, only one thing is crystal clear: It’s officially Sweater Weather!!!
{Insert happy dance emoticon}

I live in a part of the country that is generally mild year round, so Sweater Weather season is even more celebratory than normal. Warm weather 90% of the year can actually become tiring (I wouldn’t believe that if I hadn’t experienced it), the excitement of a genuine cool down is undeniable.

Since I am gal that practically lives in dresses, sweater dresses are my preferred ammunition. I’ve been showcasing how one of my go-to brands, Eliza J. can meet all of your style needs  (see here) and Sweater Weather is no exception!

This beaut of a blue is cable knit, ribbed, and a-line= A winning formula in my book. Comfortably worn to the office, out to dinner with friends, and even jazzy enough for a dressier event- total versatility. I simply love the cut and the drape of the knit. Ok, let’s face it: The color alone is tantalizing!

Blue is MY FAVORITE COLOR see a few examples here, here, and here.

Sweater dresses can be worn practically anywhere, dressed up or dressed down, layered or not- either way you’ve made the style mark! I decided to go monochrome with this look, only deviating slightly with a splash of citron (Check out my friend JewelryFetishGirl).

Now it's your turn Loves, do share your favorite thing about Sweater Weather!

Sunnies: Tod’s| Necklace: @JewelryFetishGirl (IG)| Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)|Socks: Nordstrom| Pumps: Vince Camuto (also worn here)| Handbag: En Cuir

Black Friday

Today I’m gabbing about one of my absolute go-to brands: Eliza J.!!! I acquire Eliza J. at Nordstrom, but several major retailers also carry them. My current inventory shows just how much I am enamored with this brand...I have purchased just under 20 of their dresses!

Today I am pleased to showcase one of several fabulous editions to their deluxe style soiree: faux fur stoles! As you know, this time of year is full of festive events alongside cooler temperatures. What’s a style loving gal to do?

Layer, layer, and layer! Vary up the textures. Deviate from your normal color palette with an unexpected splash of color.

White is fantastically versatile. Time and time again it has been proven that it can be worn successfully during the winter months. Try pairing white with rich hues like currant, eggplant, turquoise, and need I say: black.

This combination serves my textural interests very well: faux fur, silk, wool, patent leather, and calfskin leather. Faux fur is a great way to add umph, texture, and glam to any look. 

Added bonus: Faux fur also keeps you warm during the winter chill.
Stay tuned for more style goodies and outfit ideas via Eliza J.!
Xx

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Faux fur stole: Eliza J. (gifted)| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (worn here)| White wool skirt:1 State

Patent leather boots: Penny Loves Kenny (worn here)| Patent leather clutch: Vintage| Calfskin gloves: Old, Victoria's Secret Catalog (worn here)

This & That

Today’s style edition features a typical merger of Summer and Fall. An easy way to maximize your wardrobe: Layer seemingly seasonal pieces to make them suitable for your local climate at present , along with your personal style preferences.

Admittedly I have an inordinate amount of purple colored pieces in my collection, which makes it easy for me to mix & match this & that. Sidebar: Purple is not my favorite color but rather functions as a neutral color. Basically, purple is like the color black, in my style world.

I typically wear this dress during the summer months, but as it stands it is Fall, so I opted to layer up with my staple silk blouse which is only about a decade young.

On cooler days and or nights this combo can easily be paired with matching tights/boots/or booties. Better yet, if you’ve already had your first snow this cool weather season, I can envision this look with a fun faux fur coat and equally fab knit hat ;)

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Ivy & Blu by Maggy Boutique (Nordstrom), worn here| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Suede clutch: Vintage| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret, also worn here