Shoulder Swag

It’s a guaranteed good time when I step into an animal print dress with billowy sleeves and style appeal! This gypsy inspired number is such a fun wear, I opted for a pop of added color by infusing fuchsia colored tights to the mustard color mix. The fit is over-sized, I am shoulder obsessed: What better way to add in more fun via a white button-up shirt underneath and a hint of shoulder swag! If you prefer a tailored look, I recommend sizing down.

Sidebar:  Would you believe that I have had these tights 5 years or more?! Seriously, I love the fact that they are truly solid opaque and have functioning control top! They are by DKNY and although they can be a bit pricey- they stand the test of time! 

Until next time Babes,

XO

Sunnies: Here| Dress: c/o Elvi, available here| White button-up shirt: Similar here & here| Tote: Dooney & Bourke, similar here
Tights: DKNY, similar here & here (not available in pink)| Booties: Similar here

So Faux Real

By now you probably realize that I am totally infatuated with faux fur right?! I mean faux real!!! Check out just a few examples here, here, and here...LOL! Not only is faux fur warm and luxuriously stylish - but it is also totally on trend with a plethora of colors to choose  from. I scored this blue infinity style scarf a couple of weeks ago while I was out of town, and I simply couldn't wait to wear it 💓 

Secret: Whenever I don’t feel like thinking about ‘what’ to wear to an outing, I usually opt for denim:denim (a.k.a a Canadian Tuxedo). Seriously, you just can’t go wrong with it! I really like the fact that the denim does not have to match, for instance I wore this same shirt with black denim jeans and it looked equally fab (or at least I thought so, LOL) 😉 Actually, I scored pretty big with this top, not only does it play into my obsession with cold shoulders, but it also features an over-sized fit, meaning that it can be work as a tunic, layered, and of course more fitted as shown in today’s post. Did you notice the simple tip that I included, that is- how I altered this top to appear somewhat tailored?  So often we see/think of tops knotted in the front around the bellybutton, but have you every tried knotting a large shirt in the back? You really should! 

Let me tell you, I was totally feeling the simplicity of this look - yet it had just enough umph to have me feeling myself, LOL! 

Until next times Babes,

XO

Blue faux fur scarf: Premium option here  or budget-friendly here| Cold shoulder denim shirt: Here
Flared jeans: NYDJ, similar here & here| Satchel bag: Dooney & Bourke, options here and here| Suede Mary Jane’s: Similar here

Girl Friday

Well Babes, we’ve made it! It is officially the end of the very first week in 2017 😉 I think that merits a celebration, don’t you agree?! LOL! Did you have a pretty good week?  I certainly hope so! I did, and it flew by...literally-like time seemed to disappear! I know this question has been asked for eons, but seriously I want an answer: 
Where does the time go??? 👀

In other news: I’ve had so much fun getting glam with Eliza J. on the blog this week! This latest trilogy demonstrates just how versatile and multi-functional dressy separates can be. If you missed Take 1 & 2, please check them out here and here!

 What I LOVE about separates is that you can mix and match items depending on your style mood and or needs- dress them up or dress them down- basically styling separates gives me full control! 

Now don't get me wrong, I will be an enthusiastic fan of fabulous dresses for as long as I breathe - but- I also enjoy stepping out and showing out in/with separates 😍

Which look is your favorite? To be honest, I think Take 2 swept me away!!

Until next time,

X

Black flower earrings: Betsey Johnson, similar here| Denim jacket: Michael Kors, similar here| Sequin  crop top: c/o Eliza J.-available here

Polka dot skirt: c/o Eliza J.- available here| Patent leather clutch: Vintage, similar here & here| Patent leather pumps, here

Furry pompom shoe clips: here, similar here

Live Out Loud

For a number of years I wished that I could blend in, meaning- I wanted to be able go about my day-to-day activities escaping everyone’s notice. You see, I’ve always been a fan of bold colors, and my style of dress, and or overall appearance (I’m not sure which?) always seems to…well…be noticed! I can remember wishing in grade school that I could somehow ‘disappear’ and just carry on without any notice. Have you ever felt that way? I suspect the fact that I am an admitted introvert had something to do with such feelings…but who can be sure!? LOL! Anywho, I viewed my style of dress as something solely ‘for me’, I didn’t look forward to having face to face dialogue about it or not much of anything else for that matter, HA! Fast forward a number of years later, I am beyond amazed at the length and depth of my personal journey. True, I am the appreciative introvert (I discussed it previously here) but despite such – I live out loud!

Today’s look represents my second style pick from Eliza J. (see my 1st pick here)! This knit off the shoulder top and ball gown maxi skirt takes on GLAMOROUS by storm! Perfection for an after five affair, a dressy dinner party, and alas - a fantastic option for a very special date night! 

Stay tuned Babes for my third and final pick of ‘Get Glam with Eliza J.’!!!

XO

Faux fur stole: Worn here; other options here & here| Off the shoulder top: c/o Eliza J.-available here 
Ball gown maxi skirt: c/o Eliza J.- options here, here, and here| Clutch: Vintage, similar here & here| Velvet sandals with gold heel: Here & similar here

Stepping Out

Hey Babes!!! Can you believe that today marks the very first Monday of 2017?! I tell ya, time waits for no one! 2016 was quite a memorable year, to say the least. Personally speaking, with it came a number of challenges and rewards. I am so thankful that the rewards outweighed the challenges - I am stepping into 2017 full of hope, joy, and purpose!
But most importantly, let's chat about what I’m wearing! 😁 I’m going to let you in on one of my shopping secrets: The beginning of the year is the best time of year to score BIG on special occasion wear! You know how I love dressing up! Check this out- Not only is there an overflow of styles/sizes available…prices usually drop during the first months of the year which means that you can get the biggest bang for your buck! When considering whether or not to purchase special occasion wear, I always plan ahead. For instance: ‘What events will I be attending in the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2017? Do I have any special travel plans? Which items did I fall in love with this season but I didn’t snag because I didn’t love the price?’ Yes, if I loved it in November- odds are it will be on sale come January/February and it will look just as great the following November- especially if I get it for a steal-LOL!
Oftentimes we think of special occasion wear in terms of dresses, but separates actually make an equally awesome option! You can mix and match items depending on your style preferences and or needs, dress them up or dress them down depending on the event-  basically styling separates give YOU total control 😏 I love styling dressy separates, and one of my Favs , Eliza J., offers up fantastic options on a silver platter. I’ve been a fan of Eliza J. since they hit the scene, in fact to be honest, they are the reason that I rack up a number of points at Nordstrom 😍I am so happy to team up with them, showcasing a few of my favorite style picks!!!! Stay tuned Babes, this look represents pick 1 of 3  😊

Until next time,
XO

Earrings: Similar here| Sequin Top: c/o Eliza J.-available here| Plaid midi skirt: c/o Eliza J.-available here

Faux fur stole: Here| Red patent leather sandals: Old- other options here, here, and here| Clutch: Old

Live Colorfully

As 2016 approaches its official end, I cannot help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences that I had this year- culminating with my trip to Africa!!! Yes, it was a hear of highs and lows, but I feel optimistic and determined to gear my focus on all of the positive moments in which I felt my happiest! 
Closing out the final month of the year with a trip that most definitely stirred and changed me was without a doubt thee top highlight of the year. The friends that I made, the people I met, the wonderful experiences we shared, all made it truly the trip of a lifetime. As I look forward to 2017 I feel more determined than ever to live in the moment, to fully appreciate my personal journey, to learn from my mistakes, and yes:
to  L I V E  C O L O R F U L L Y!!!

Until next time Loves,
XO

Multicolor scarf/head wrap: Africa, similar here| Top: Here| Faux fur vest: Eloquii, similar here and here| Faux leather pleat skirt: Here 

Colorful beaded bangles: Africa, similar here| Hot pink socks: Nordstrom, old- another option here| Glitter shoes: Here

Slay in Sequins

Stand-out sequins have dominated the runways this year, I love how they have trickled down into almost every style genre and fashion retailer! Yes, no matter which style you choose (there are so many to choose from), now it is easier than ever to brighten up your everyday wardrobe <3 Today’s look provides a perfect example of a quick way to breathe new life into a plain white t-shirt. Add faux fur + sequins of course!!! I can also see this sequins skirt styled with a denim shirt and or blazer, worn in a more conservative setting, say my office…LOL! Stay tuned my dear colleagues- this look is coming to the office really soon :) So Loves, are you styling sequins this season and if so, how?!

Until next time,
XO

Sunglasses: Old, other options here & here| Faux fur stole: Here| White t-shirt: Old| Sequins skirt: Here

Metallic sandals: Kenneth Cole, another option here| Silver clutch: Vintage, another option here & here

A Touch of Glamour

Hey Loves! It feels like it has been forever since we've spent some time together, how are you?! I’m doing very well, it feels good to be back!!! Did you miss me?!  I missed you! I won't keep you in suspense; I've been away a few weeks on holiday, in AFRICA!!!! It was the trip of a lifetime; You may have seen a few snippets of it over on my Instagram page. Let me tell you,I took in every single moment- rather than attempt to capture every moment on film-I lived it- I breathed it! It was magnificent!!! Now I am completely refreshed and ready to play… dress up that is! Ha!

Today's style story features my December picks from Kevin Jewelers, a beautiful 14K rose gold and diamond duo. I really like the design, the combination of champagne and white diamonds together <3 
You can save an additional 10% off when shopping online with code JOI564.

REMINDER: Don't miss out on KJs Diamonds, Deals, and Destinations promotion!!! In short, if you spend $299 or more you score a FREE trip to VEGAS; if you spend $2,999 or more you score a FREE trip to HAWAII! 
Please note that this deal is applicable IN-STORE ONLY. Visit your closest store for additional details.  

Now, let’s chat about what I am wearing =) I’ve been dying to pull out this vintage coat scored from a thrift shop in my home state of Michigan last year. Winter-ish temperatures have finally made a stop in Southern California – I feel so excited! For the grand debut, I paired my newbie with this fabulous after 5 style maxi dress. The material of the dress is thin and it does not have a lining- the added warmth from my furbaby was essential! Truth be told, I almost froze to death while trying to get in a few shots w/o my topper, LOL! It is hard to believe that I grew up in waist deep snow!  Any who, I couldn’t miss out on showing you the detail of this beautiful dress, it is so complimentary on generous curves ;) I sized up to allow for the dress to drape in the manner that I desire, but it you prefer a bodycon fit I'd say it is pretty true to size.

Until next time Loves,

XO

Fur coat: Vintage, Similar here| Jewelry: c/o Kevin Jewelers| Dress: c/o GCGME| Sandals: Similar here| Beaded handbag: Old