Graphic

Happy Friday Loves!!! Today's look features my first spin a graphic t-shirt! No one likes a so-called "nice" compliment that comes back around and slaps you in the face! Pretty is pretty: Period!

Until next time,
XO

Jacket: c/o HERE| Shirt: c/o HERE| Jeans: Sold out, similar here| Shoes: Michael Kors (old), similar options here, here, here| Handbag: HERE

Laugh Despite the Rain

We've been getting our fair share of rainy days this season, which is technically GREAT considering the fact that we've been in a record break drought for XX amount of years. However on the practical side of things, torrential rain can be a headache, especially when you have to take account factors such as extreme traffic congestion (think sitting in your car 2-3 ours to travel less than 20 miles), mudslides, flooding, and the like... If I don't have to leave my house, I find the rain to be enjoyable, it has such a soothing effect that cannot be duplicated. 

Any who, I decided to get a few shots in of this look, and wouldn't you know it- it started to sprinkle - lightly... There was a damp chill in the air, I simply refused to take my coat off, LOL!
That instance gave me the chance to reflect on how all too often in our lives we have to learn to laugh through the 'rain', even through 'storms'. 

Keeping on laughing Babes, don't let a little 'rain' kill your flame 😉

Until next time,
XO

Coat + gloves: Vintage, options here & here| Blouse: Sold out, similar here| Pleat skirt: Sold out, similar here 
Handbag: Vintage Coach, updated option here| Sheer socks: Nordstrom| Yellow sandals: Old, similar here & here

Ruffle You Up

Happy Friday Babes!!! Are you looking forward to the weekend as much as I am?! I don’t have anything uniquely spectacular planned, but the down time is always very much anticipated ☺ I told a friend, “I only get one Saturday a week”! LOL!

Today’s look features a muted color palette of sorts. You know I obsess over just about anything off the shoulders (see examples here, here, here, here, and here), this ruffled number was a JOI to behold! Score a discount with code "XOJOI"! I paired it with a pair of billowy culottes and velvet open toe booties because my mind has already shifted towards spring! Has spring sprung yet in your neck of the woods? SoCal is getting an unusually late start…. Don’t get me wrong, the rain was so very needed, now all of the vegetation looks incredibly lush and green- for the first time since we’ve lived here! Nonetheless, I might have to plan an escape to a warmer city for a few days! Ha -it’s a good thing that I already have a getaway coming up sooner versus later… Have a great weekend!!!

Until next time,
XO

Off the shoulder top: c/o HERE + 15% off with code XOJOI| Culottes: Sold out, similar here 
Velvet lace-up booties: c/o HERE| Bag: Kate Spade, similar here

A Color Story

I find inspiration in practically every facet of my life. One day while perusing a home décor site I came across a glorious color combination. Immediately I was taken by it, and I thought of how I might be able to play it out in real life, not in my décor- but in my wardrobe- LOL! Yes this duo of pastel pink and rich green was love at first site! I saved it to my ‘to-do’ list on Pinterest to be executed as soon as possible.  

As it just so happened, my friends over at The Perfect Pair Boutique sent me this dreamy top – serious pastel pink perfection.  I was so excited because shortly after receiving it I had the realization that the acquisition of this top meant that I was  finally going to have the opportunity to play out my color adventure in real life 😊

Since this top is over-sized, I opted to style it with a pencil skirt- as a balancing act, but I’m also considering this pair of pants to pair it with in the future. I just love it when a plan comes together! Plus, I have one less thing on my ‘to-do’ list, and we all know how checking tasks off as completed feels wonderful!

Until next time,

XO

Suede top: c/o HERE| Pink faux fur scarf: ZARA (worn here) |Green pencil skirt: Similar here

Purse: ZARA| Leopard print shoes: Options here, here, and here

A Flash from the Past

90s fashion has been trending harder than ever lately. I am not an avid fan of that particular style era, however I was known to rock a slip dress on occasion 😉  I decided to take a walk down memory lane and try my hand at styling a slip dresses, now- 20+ years later. Back in the 90s, I actually owned several slip dresses, all of them were black with slightly different style variations. My favorite one was basic, actually quite similar to the one that I am wearing in today’s post! 

I opted to style this slip dress for 9-5 work wear. I really like how it turned out! Street style images abound in examples of layering a slip dress with a tee. However, I wanted a different effect, so I went with a classic white button up shirt . And what do you know, I like it!  When I put it all together, It seemed like it was missing something, I added a thin gold belt and that seemed to be just what I was missing. 

Actually now that I think about it, another thing that I really like about this slip dress in comparison to the ones that I rocked back in the day-it's the length! Did you notice that it is truly midi perfection?! Love, love , love this length! My 90s slip dresses were all ankle length= BORING!  LOL! Yikes, I’ve digressed….over to you, what are your thoughts on this flash from the past?  Are you slipping back into slip dresses?

Velvet trench coat: c/o ELV, sold outI| White button up shirt: JNY| Oxblood slip dress: c/o HERE| Belt: Similar here

Handbag: Vintage, another option| Glitter loafers: TopShop, sold out-similar here, +  another great option

About my hair: I've been rocking my natural curls for the past few weeks, and I am having too much fun with them! In my last post I shared that I tried out a new product (here) however today's curls were nourished by my tried and test fav, Pantene! I started using Pantene Curl Perfection back in 2002 (name/formula/packaging has changed over the years) when I first went natural (i.e.stopped getting a chemical straightner/relaxer applied to my hair).  There weren't as many natural hair care products available back then as there aretoday, so I learned to use what was available. I also tried John Frida Frizz Ease for a stint, but I didn't like it nearly as much as Pantene. If your hair is naturally curly, what are some of your tried and tested favorites?

Until next time,

XO

Living for the Weekend

You know that feeling when it’s Wednesday, but you have FRI-YAY on your mind? Some might call that, 'Living for the weekend'! Well, that is totally me today!!! LOL! I wore this look over the weekend, and let me tell you: it is so comfy and chill. It’s been a rainy winter in SoCal for the first time in a long while- I find myself relying on trench coats as a staple.  This is the newest member of my home collection, I immediately fell for its color and design. To dress it up a tad I’ve styled it with a matching faux fur wrap, and wouldn’t you know, it was just as FAB! This time around I added a pair of fun sneakers to the mix because what girl can resist glitter and furry accents?!

Coat: c/o HERE| Turtleneck: Similar| Satin joggers: Similar

Sneakers: c/o  HERE| Handbag: Kate Spade & similar here

About my hair 😉 : I decided to bring my natural curls out to play (versus blow drying my hair straight and flat ironing it) for a spell. I’m testing out DevaCurl for the very first time and I think I like it! The Buildup Buster is a cleanser that promises to remove buildup without compromising the health of your strands. From the very first use, I noticed more defined curls- even prior to adding conditioner! I’m on the lookout for my next protective style, but in the meantime --> curls reign! *I received DevaCurl products complimentary, all opinions are 100% my own.

Until next time,

XO

The Golden Hour

I scored this shimmering beauty when gold/sequins/and the like were in ample supply for the holiday season.  I’ve mentioned before that I like to stock up on ‘special occasion wear’ during the months that they are in an abundance, and then spread out the wear of them all throughout the year 😚 I don’t wait for special occasions to dress up- when I look good, I feel good!

The best thing about the items in today’s look is that everything is on sale!!! Check out the links below 😉

Until next time,

XO

→ Photography by Lydia Hudgens

Top: Similar| Necklace: Here| Skirt: Here| Shoes: Here & here| Handbag: Here

Mrs. Fancy Pants

I’m closing out the first month of 2017 with my rendition of a pantsuit: Overalls topped with a blazer 😉 I’ve never been a fan of pantsuits on my frame, although I’ve certainly muddled through a few... If there’s one thing that I have learned about dressing this body, it is: Don’t force it- LOL! Everything is not for everyone! Not to be misunderstood, I LOVE stepping outside of my comfort zone! However, I avoid wearing styles that I simply do not like- styles and clothing that do not make me feel or look my personal best.

I’m a longtime member of the corporate club, at times I felt like I should wear pantsuits and ridiculously square cut blazer + skirt suits. I disliked both, but wore them on occasion because I felt like it was expected and even almost like a uniform of sorts for my field. Finally I decided to throw all that jargon to the wind- and what do you know, I set myself free! No more ill-fitting pantsuits and ugly box shaped skirt duos forced onto my curvy frame- whoo hoo!!!

Yes Babes, this overall x blazer combo suits me just fine- I think I need to add this duo to my regular rotations 😘 More overalls please!

Until next time,

XO

Blush fedora: Nordstrom| White linen blazer: Nordstrom, similar here| White button-up shirt: Jones New York, similar here

Black overalls: c/o Elvi, here (size up)| Leather pompom sandals: Zara, sold out| Blush tote: c/o YouLookFab (SIGFRIED TOTE)

Berry Tones

New year, new me? Naw Babes, it’s the same ole me, doting on monochrome color palettes every chance I get ❤ This look features a trio of berry tones and most importantly: Multi buckle velvet shoes!!!!  Have you ever crafted an entire blog post about an outfit knowing good and well that all you really wanted to chat about was the shoes?! As is such with today’s post, LOL! 
This entire look came together per my desire to break in this pair of velvet beauties acquired back in December 👀 Picture the scene: I was short on time, and had a big meeting at work. I grabbed two items that looked close in color and then ransacked my collection searching for matching tights. Alas, I found a pair, grabbed my shoes and the deal was sealed. 
The decision to add my fav fun loving pompoms to the ensemble actually came about the second go around. Is everything better the second time around?! LOL! I love the low heel on these shoes and their comfort factor. I sized up, as round toe shoes tend to run small. Do share, have you snagged a new pair of velvet shoes this season?

Until next time Babes,

XO

Square sunnies: Here| Faux pony skin vest:  Here| Berry colored dress: Nordstrom, similar here
Velvet shoes: Topshop, sold out-similar pairs here & here| Faux fur pompom shoe clips: Here

How to Wear White in Winter

Hey Babes!  How are you getting on these days? It’s been a bit challenging on my end- I've received a series of bad news within the past week or so. 
Life is full of the unexpected, as I tell myself time and time again. Realistically speaking, there is never an opportune time for bad news. I took some time to reflect on the facts. Most importantly, I reflected on my core values and how I want to move forward. I spent time with friends. I remembered the things that truly matter. The end result: I remain vigilant. I remain undeterred. I am still smiling. I am still focused, perhaps even more so. 
I am determined.
Today’s look features a so-called fashion “Don’t”, that is wearing white in the Winter! I’ve never been a fan of rigidity or unnecessary rules. Actually, breaking fashion faux pas has becoming a fulfilling hobby- LOL! I’m no stranger to white in the Winter (see another example here) but this look is especially close to my heart. You see I recently won a contest hosted by Monique over at Curves and Chaos, and this dress is a direct product of that 😃 Thank you Monique!!! ---> Check out her blog and Instagram page Babes!
You’ll notice that I opted to pair this white shirtdress with black, which is in my opinion the perfect balancing act. To top it off, I can easily picture a black trench coat, a knit black shawl, or a black faux fur over-sized wrap. Getting dressed is all about wearing what makes you feel good and look your personal best. Don’t be nervous to experiment with the unexpected or to stick with your tried and true color palettes when it suits your fancy!

Until next time,
XO

Hat: Nordstrom, similar here & here| Earrings: Here| Dress: Here| Boots: Here| Handbag: Vintage