Neutral in Summer

My previous blog post (see here) featured one example of how to layer it up during the Summer season. Today’s look features a different variation of what I affectionately think of as, ‘Summer Layers’. Truly, lightweight layers can be most practical during the Summer months, and stylish!

I styled this neutral look for the Lovesick Launch & VIP Blogger Event that I attended last week. If you follow me on Instagram & Twitter you may have caught a glimpse of it already ;) Nonetheless, I wanted to be sure to share this look here on the blog too,as I know for a fact that a number of my readers do not use social media.

I scored this edgy tulle dress from Zara recently (new collection), and I tell you it really was love at first sight! I had absolutely no reservations (often I have to talk myself into or out of making a purchase) whatsoever about making buying it- and for me that is ALWAYS a GREAT sign :)

I opted to pair it with black because it just seemed to add to the edge factor that I was after; I topped it off with this fab hat that I scored a few months ago on vacation. Now, let’s talk about this double banded rhinestone cluster necklace!!! Would you believe that I just happened up on it in Express?! 

That’s right---> Express! I haven’t been in there for ages, however I was on the hunt for blush colored separates and I wandered on in. Of course, I found very little to nothing in my size (they give plus size Babes NO LOVE) – but I did score at the jewelry rack! {{Insert happy dance emoji}} This necklace was exactly the bold statement that I needed for my look, so I scooped it up and happily exited :)
P.S. A special 'Thank you' to Sheena of IAmSheGlobal for snaping these photos for me!
Hat: Nordstrom| Dress: Zara| Necklace: Express| Top & bottom: Old| Shoes: Pour La Victoire| Handbag: Vintage
I had fun at the Lovesick Launch! I also snagged a few goodies, and am looking forward to sharing them with you in the near future ;) Here are a few shots that I snapped while there:

Until next time Loves,
XO

Layered Summers

Bolero hat: Tildon, worn here| Tank top:old| Wrap: Nothing to Wear, Nordstrom| Ring: c/o Rocksbox Jewelry
 Jeans: Melissa McCarthy Seven, c/o Gwynnie Bee|  Red bow flats: Zara| Handbag: Coach,vintage| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches

Oftentimes we don’t think about wearing layers during the heat of summer weather months. However, doing so can be quite practical!  All too frequently I find myself freezing indoors despite sweltering temperatures outdoors. I affectionately refer to my office as an ‘arctic blast’, since the temperatures there seem to range about 30 degrees cooler than whatever the current temperature is outside. LOL! Aside from my office, I also usually feel cold when dining in restaurants, and even in a number of retail stores. Imagine that! Do you find this to be your experience too?
A practical solution that I’ve utilized to alleviate the chill factor is to employ layered clothing, even during the summer months. The key for me is to make sure that the layers are practical and functional both indoors and outdoors. Wraps have been an excellent way for me to achieve this objective. The wrap that I am wearing in today’s look is made of a cotton/linen blend and has superb breathability. I simply drape it over both shoulders for more warmth while indoors or wrap it several times around my neck and wear it as a scarf. While outdoors I opt for the cold shoulder affect. If a wrap doesn’t provide enough warmth, I can easily swap out wearing a tank for a top with quarter length sleeves, or better still a long sleeve linen blouse. 
This look actually came together per my desire to wear this red pair of jeans from my latest Gwynnie Bee package =) They’re from Melissa McCarthy’s Seven7 line. The hue of red is saturated to the H-I-L-T and I love it! If I didn’t already have a pair of red jeans that (see here), I am pretty sure that I would have purchased these. That is one of the wonderful things about having a Gwynnie Bee membership! It allows me the convenience of trying out new brands/clothing without making a purchase ;) 
Gwynnie Bee is offering a free trial membership to YOU for a limited time. Sign up here to start your membership and select clothing styles that you’d like to try out- for FREE!
Until next time Babes,
XO

Everything's coming up roses

Sunnies: F21| Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee (free membership here)| Beaded handbag: Vintage| Socks: Nordstrom| Shoes: DSW

Hey Dolls, I missed you so much! Truly I cannot enumerate how many times I sat down or tried to sit down to get a blog post out and yet – I couldn’t seem to get motivated. I can’t say that it was writer’s block, but it was like I just couldn’t seem to get into the groove of things. Blogging is hard work!

Whenever I call myself taking a break from social media, I find it even harder to get back into the swing of things. Aren’t breaks supposed to have the opposite effect? My tried and tested motivation is to get back on track is to focus on my passion for personal style and my earnest desire to see every single woman regardless of size/age/or financial status to be well dressed and feeling her absolute best!

Today’s look is another score from my partner in crime, Gwynnie Bee! This dress was a hit for date night, it fit my curves just right :) I actually wore it twice, and styled it two alternate ways, but this is the look that actually made it here to the blog. Side note: I need to patent a way to instantaneously blog everything that I wear! Or perhaps someone can advise me of a better way? I’m open to any and all suggestions, LOL!

This floral frock gave me vintage vibes. I added lace socks and a beaded vintage handbag to seal the deal. It was a scorcher on the day that I wore it this way, all I could seem to think about while taking pictures was: Where can I find shade and central air?! LOL! Nonetheless, we pushed through it and got this shoot done! I say we, because I am part of a team. My husband/resident photographer/creative director/number 1 supporter/objective feedback giver was on hand. I’m absolutely certain that he was even hotter than I was- I appreciate his support :)  Thankfully after we finished this shoot we were able to refresh ourselves and continue enjoying the day despite the 100+ temperatures. 

REMINDER: Don’t forget to sign up for YOUR free trial with Gwynnie Bee! This is a limited offer for my readers; I am so siked to be able to share it with you ;) If you’re not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, it’s a retail subscription service for women sized 10-32. You can select up to five items (tops/bottoms/dresses/etc.) to borrow at a time. You then have the option to send them all back (via USPS, pre-paid) OR to purchase any items that you love at a discounted price-whoo hoo! I love the option of trying out new styles without commitment :) When you send the items back, you’ll receive another package, per the items that you previously specified that you would like to try out. No need to worry about cleaning items before wear or after- Gwynnie Bee takes care of it all. 

**Click here to learn more and to start your free membership**

Until next time Loves,

XO

Summer Blues

Sunnies: Asos| Earrings: Vintage| Dress: Gabby Skye| Shoes: Mix No. 6| Purse: MMS

Hey Loves! I’m so happy that I finally got to blog this dress that I scored on sale at Nordstrom Rack last year. This was actually my very first time wearing it, and I’m kinda glad that I waited because since then I found these sandals which are a perfect match =) Actually, now that I think about it, I intended to blog this dress a few months back for a colored stripes theme. While getting ready I unknowingly dripped foundation on the skirt of the dress, like a considerable amount. When I saw it, I totally thought I had ruined it O_O I tried a tip that worked for me in the past to remove oil: I used soap and saturated the stain. Next I did a quick mist of stain remover over it. Popped it in the dirty clothes hamper…and completely forgot about it! LOL! Any who once I got around to the laundry, there it was and I was nervous that maybe I had waited too long to wash it and get all the foundation out. Wouldn’t you know that it came out looking brand new?! Whoo hoo!!! Perhaps that tip will come in handy for you one day ; )

Until next time,

XO

Meet Me in the Tropics

Today’s post is the latest installment of Unitedly Plus! Sahily suggested that we go for a tropical theme this time around. I was so game, and had initially intended to focus on a pineapple pattern. That was.... until I discovered what a challenge it is to purchase pineapple print clothing! I guess I missed the memo last year when the motif was red-hot, and this year practically everything seems to be sold out :(

When I tell you that I searched high and low, it is not exaggeration! You name it, I looked. I thought I might have finally nailed the target when I spotted a gorgeous print custom skirt on etsy. However when I contacted the seller, she advised that she did not do customizations, and the skirt was not currently made in my size…Alas, what is a gal to do? GWYNNIE BEE to the rescue!!! When this exotic floral print beauty arrived in the mail, it instantly reminded me of the tropics! Finally success was had! 

This dress is vibrant in color, and made of a soft rayon. It is a touch too big, so I added a belt and a tank top underneath to provide coverage under my arms.  I don’t carry this blinding pink handbag nearly often enough- this dress presented the ideal opportunity :) 

Oh, have you heard of Gwynnie Bee? I discussed them in a detailed post here. Basically it is a fab online clothing subscription service specializing in sizes 10-32. You select items that you like, and place them in a virtual closet. A package is prepped, and soon those items arrive at your doorstep. The best part is, you can either keep them, as in make an official purchase-or- you can send them back for something even better! You can’t beat those options Babes! Try it out for free here.

To recap, today’s post is a collaboration with Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram), Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram), and myself. We are Unitedly Plus. Unitedly Plus is a dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity.  We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show how personal style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression.. 

Please join us in our mission of uniting women from every part of the world, showcasing individual beauty, and authentic creativity! Use the hashtag #unitedlyplus  to be featured on our social media platforms and follow our journey on Instagram (click here) and Facebook (click here)!

Hat: DSW| Sunnies: Forever  21| Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee| Belt: Nordstrom| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| Handbag:  Kate Spade| Sandals: Old Navy

Vintage Love

You’re in for a treat today my Loves; today’s post is all about vintage, vintage, and vintage!!!! You’ve seen me in a number of style genres, but my absolute favorite of them all stems in a love of vintage. 

When I first started this blog, a great number of posts featured this very love.  In a sense, today’s post takes me back to my roots =) See examples here, here, here, and here.

I had the idea to team up with some of my FAVS in the vintage styling game and happily they have joined me for today’s post, all featuring the theme, “Vintage Love”! 

Please check out their vintage looks today:

Cynthia (Instagram)
SkittlisFashionBlog.co.uk 

Ragini (Instagram)
CuriousFancy.com  

Sacramento (Instagram)
mispapelicos.com

Today’s look features a vintage dress, bracelet, and handbag. I scored this dress on a trip back east, and the cost was $2! This highlights one of the many reasons that I will always love vintage clothing: You can obtain extremely well made clothing for a bargain price. I guesstimate that this dress is at least 30 years old, yet the color, design, and garment as a whole have remained 100% intact.

I’ve worn this dress a number of times, and styled it several different ways. For this look I went for ‘sassy’, and added in a modern shoe and red lippie to seal the deal. I happened on this red and white bracelet in my vintage birdcage (which is where I store 95% of my bangles) and wouldn’t know: It was a perfect match. I just LOVE it when things match perfectly =)

This dress has belt loops, but it did not come with a belt. Instead of cutting them off, I opted to add a thin belt from my collection. Fortunately, I had one on hand that matched up wonderfully.

If you find yourself loving vintage pieces, but unsure about how to get started on the fun, here are a few things that I have learned:
1. Shop off the beaten path. Go to stores that everyone does not already know about!
2. Go during the week, early, or just before closing. This is when restocks are often made.
3. Think I outside the box when you spot a great piece. For instance, my handbag is actually for storing perfume =)

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post Beauties, I most certainly did!

Until next time,
XO

Sunnies: Marshalls| Dress/bracelet/handbag: Vintage, thrifted| Belt: Eliza J.| Shoes: Aldo, also worn here

Back to Work with Gwynnie Bee

Today I’m sharing a recent pick from the lovely service, Gwynnie Bee. Gwynnie Bee is an online women’s clothing subscription service specializing in sizes 10-32.  I've partnered up with them to showcase a few of the wonderful styles that they offer!

Basically, Gwynnie Bee allows you to rent a wardrobe of your choice with free shipping and unlimited exchanges. The best part is: You get to try out items for as long as you want, and then you have the option to either purchase them or send them back for something even better =)

I tried Gwynnie Bee’s services for the very first time in 2013. I am really impressed with the improvements that have been made. There are so many designers, styles, and sizes to choose from! They work with top brands and new styles are launched every week. Frankly, I felt like a kid in the candy store adding clothes to my virtual closet ;) Yeesssss, finally an on trend plus size clothing subscription rental service for curvy ladies like us!!!

The dress that I am wearing is by one of my favorite designers, Eliza J.; See other looks that I've worn by Eliza here, here, here, and here. This dress is ideal for the office, but could also be pared down by adding gladiator sandals, a clutch, and large hoop earrings ;)

I styled it classically this time around, adding in navy pumps, and a hobo bag. The earrings were actually a steal from DSW! Have you ever bought jewelry there? DSW is one of my go-to spots for designer shoes at a discount, but I linger around the accessories clearance rack every now and again... I am so glad that I did! The earrings that I am wearing were less than $5.00, and they are a perfect match to this dress :)

Now back to this wonderful dress! Don’t you just love the print?! It feels like color coming to life. The style is a simple popover one piece, and the fit is purr-fection. I really like the navy trim, it acts as a stabilizer for the prints seemingly going every which way :)

Now YOU are in for a treat: You can try Gwynnie Bee out for yourself for free!!! That's right, you can test it out w/o any commitment by signing up here. This monthly retail subscription service specializes in stylish full figure clothes; You'll be sure to find on trend clothing that you love. Follow me on Instagram to see all of the looks that I sample from Gwynnie Bee!
Limited Time Offer: Try Gwynnie Bee free for 30 days!
Until time Beauties,
XO

Dress: Eliza J. c/o Gwynnie Bee| Handbag: Coach| Pumps: Victoria’s Secret Catalog| Sunnies: Forever 21

Dipped in Acid

Today’s post features a simple white t-shirt and a functional twist on an older pair of acid washed jeans. I was in the mood to sport denim, but alas the temperatures were closing in on 100 degrees… I decided to roll up this pair of jeans as a capri alternative (generally I am not a fan of capri pants), and pair them with a plain white tee + fun accessories.

Until next time Beauties!
XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| White tee: Thrifted| Denim: NYDJs, worn here| Fringe clutch: Carlos Santana Fiona Chain Crossbody (the chain is removable)| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| Sandals: Tildon