Cocktail Hour

Jacket: c/o HERE | Red & white bowtie: Borrowed from my Hubby| Sequin joggers: c/o HERE, similar HERE & HERE| Fishnets: OLD 
Patent leather stilettos: Similar HERE| Movie reel novelty bag: SOLD OUT

Another thing that I simply love about this time of year: The fabulous variety of special occasion wear available at practically every retailer, varying from low-end to high-end. Yes Babes, now is the time to shop special occasion wear! Retailers are stocked to the brim with fits and accessories for just about any occasion that you can think of. I always stock up on items that I may want to wear to venues throughout the following year (like weddings, outdoor parties, blogger events, etc), as stockpiles have a tendency to dwindle down to non existent after January. 
Today's look is a perfect alternative for a cocktail themed event. Perhaps you're like me and want to switch it up a bit-  out of the typical LBD, sequin dress, or formal suit routine. This jacket gives me a total tuxedo vibe, with a feminine twist by way of a tie at the waist. The sequin joggers are casual yet playful. Absolutely ❤ them! I added in a bow tie, fishnet stockings, and a novelty bag to seal the deal. 
Note: Although I love the fit and look of these sequin jogging pants, they may not be practical for frequent wear. I noticed that persistent friction causes sequins to get loose and fall off. This was not a total deal breaker for me- yet an important factor to point out 😉
Until next time,
Xx

Pearl Jam

Hat: Similar HERE| Top: c/o HERE|  Embellished denim: c/o HERE| Camera purse: c/o HERE| Tweed boots: MARSHALLS, another cute pair HERE

Hey Loves! I've been wanting a pair of embellished jeans for what feels like forever. I even considered making my own, and pinned several tutorials to my ever growing Pinterest boards. Before I had the chance to test out my DIY skills, I scored a pair of pearly blues c/o Charlotte Russe. They are so stinking cute! The only con: They are a tad too big...If you order these, please don't size up like I did 😉
For their grand debut, I paired them with a fun one shoulder top, tweed booties, and a cable knit black hat. As if the ensemble wasn't fun enough, I added in a camera novelty bag which really worked well to pull the entire look together.
I think I still may try my hand at embellishing a pair of jeans, but first - I have to find the T I M E 😊
Until next time,
Xx

The Softer Side

Earrings: Another option HERE| Dress: c/o HERE (Other cute options HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)
Faux purse: c/o HERE| Nude sandals: Similar HERE

Now that the end of daylight savings time has arrived, I am at the realization that fall is on its way out and winter is just over the horizon. I ❤ warm weather fashion options! With cooler weather comes the perfect opportunities to indulge in an array of soft, plush, and delectable textures/fabrics. A few favorites immediately come to mind 😊 For starters, V E L V E T anyone? How about FAUX FUR? I am totally smitten with the resurgence of furry purses. Velvet is so accessible, and the variety out there is amazing! I've seen velvet scarves, shirts, camis, skirts, dresses, pants, and even socks! I might have to try a pair of velvet socks out, you know, just for feels-LOL! 
Today's look combines two of my favorite fall textures, plus they just so happen to be in the most perfect blush hue - can we call that a win/win? Which one is your favorite?!
Until next time,
Xx

Out of the Blue

Kimono: HERE, HERE, and HERE| Navy tank top: Old, similar HERE| Purse: Gucci| Denim jeans: c/o HERE| Sandals: similar HERE

Several weeks ago, I treated myself to an afternoon of mid-week shopping. I got valet parking and took my time walking from store to store over a two-block stretch.  In my opinion, mid-week shopping is more enjoyable than weekend shopping because stores aren’t full of the masses, parking tends to be a breeze (versus circling 5+ times - a common issue in Los Angeles), and store displays/racks are neat and fully stocked. Crowded stores and messy displays/racks are a complete turn off for me. In fact, once we enter the official holiday shopping period, when things tend to go absolute haywire -I’ll be steering clear of brick & mortar stores… unless they are open around or after midnight… Shopping after hours often offers the same perks as midweek shopping. Moving on, I perused store after store, but nothing caught my eye. I decided to cross the street, and check out a store that I don’t frequent nearly enough. Almost immediately I spotted this lush, navy blue kimono. It was ❤ at first sight. I tried it on, it was the exact fit that I wanted: slightly oversized AND ankle length. The embroidered detail was so intricate, it seemed to make the flowers come to life. Needless to say, it found a new home with me.

Every time I wear this beauty, I get so many compliments. I love that it can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood/need. For today’s look, I wore it casually, with a monochrome color palette. I pulled out a pair of dark denim jeans that a brand sent me a month or so ago. I honestly was surprised with how well and comfortably they fit 😀Why? New brands oftentimes miss the mark when it comes to the quality and fit that I am accustomed to. However that was not the case with this one! Pleasant surprises are the absolute best! Check out other options from them HERE, HERE, and HERE (excellent sale price).

Until next time Loves,

Xx

Cape Fear

Sunnies: c/o HERE| Earrings: HERE| Cape: c/o HERE (sign up for a FREE four week membership HERE) or purchase directly HERE| Denim shirt: Old, similar HERE Denim jeans: Old, same brand HERE & HERE| Handbag: Sold out, another version HERE| Leopard sandals: Old, similar HERE

This post is sponsored by Gwynnie Bee. All opinions shared are my own.

Alas, FRI-YAY has arrived Babes!!! I was talking to my grandma yesterday, I told her that I got my days mixed up. She said, 'You were ready for the week to be over' -  she was right! My schedule is a full one, time/days pass by rather quickly. Yet, as a general rule of thumb: I am always READY for the weekend! 
I've read those sappy quotes about creating a life that you don't need/want to escape from- but for me, no matter what kind of life I have, I will always APPRECIATE downtime to the FULLEST! Yes, I enjoy my secular work, as a whole I am happy and content with my life (give or take a few ups and downs). Still, there is no feeling comparable to the eureka that I feel when the weekend comes on, LOL! Time hanging with friends, an inordinate amount of time spent doing absolutely nothing (my personal fav), and lest we forget - legendary weekend naps. 
I LOVE TO SLEEP! Just thinking about it makes me feel g👀d...
Now let's talk about clothes: I can remember a time when I steered away from wearing capes. Why? I felt that they were unflattering to my frame. You see, I am a full-figured woman 😉 For quite some time this thought was promoted: 'You should never wear anything that makes you look bigger than you actually are'. I didn't want to look bigger than I was, so I discarded the handful of capes that I had, including a super cute cream colored wool cape with fox tail trim 😕...
Fast forward almost a decade later, here I am, back cloaked in a cape, thanks to my pals at Gwynnie Bee 😀 I selected this beauty for my virtual closet, you know, just to see -and wouldn't you know, I LOVE it!? Like seriously! It reminds me of a tuxedo jacket! I am thinking about purchasing it, it is a perfect fall/winter piece for Cali's version of cold weather. But if/when I do, I would size down. I found the fit to be quite generous, even with sizing down, I could still wear a chunky sweater or turtleneck underneath it.
If you are not familiar with Gwynnie Bee (also see HERE):

• Gwynnie Bee is an online women’s clothing subscription service for sizes 10-32. Shipping is 100% free + dry cleaning  + unlimited exchanges. 
• You add items to your virtual closet (from a seemingly endless inventory) that you'd ❤ to wear, they ship them to you in the order of your preference (the "My priorities" feature is LIFE), if you ❤ an item you can purchase it for a discounted price, OR you can mail it back for something that you ❤ even better! 
• Truly it is a win/win, always having brand new clothing at my fingertips without the pressure of a long-term commitment feels wonderful!

⭐You can sample Gwynnie Bee's services ABSOLUTELY FREE for ONE MONTH - sign up HERE to get started on your new wardrobe today⭐

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away below!
Have a great weekend!
Xx

Line Up + A Contest

OTS top: Sold out, similar HERE, HERE, HERE| Skirt: c/o HERE| Suede shoes: c/o HERE | Purse: Old, similar HERE

Today's post is sponsored by Simply Be.

Hey Loves! I'm so siked that I've partnered up with Simply Be to offer YOU a chance to win a one year supply of FREE CLOTHES!!!

To enter:
1. Go to my Instagram account (HERE) and like the picture of this look
2. Go to Simply Be's Instagram account (HERE) like the picture of this look + note the difference between my posted picture and their posted picture of me
3. Follow @simplybeusa
🎯 I hope YOU WIN!!! 

Today's post features a l👀k perfect for the Cali version of fall 😉or for shall we say, 'Indian Summer'? Bare shoulders, long sleeves, midi skirt ready, and open toe shoes. Clearly it is pedicure season all year-round here! Nonetheless, I am still amazed by how quickly the temperatures can shift when the sun goes down... One minute you're sweating, and the next minute you wonder why you don't have a coat on-LOL! I scored this top at the beginning of summer this year, but I instantly knew that it would be perfect for mild fall days. I always think of alternate ways to wear a piece at the time of purchase, often what I come up with is the deciding factor. Before all is said and done, this top will also be styled with a turtleneck, preferably one that is sleeveless...
Moving on: This pinstripe skirt is a closet newbie from Simply Be, I ❤ its classic print and wrap design. Despite its simplicity, it really is a showstopper. I decided to add olive green to the red, white, and blue color trio because olive is a natural fall neutral. It can stand in well for brown and nude hues. I grabbed an old Coach bag out of my stash and hit the door.
Until next time,
Xx

Undercover

Dress: c/o HERE (sign-up today for a FREE offer)| Red blouse: Similar HERE + HERE| Sunnies: Old| Statement necklace: J. Crew

Purse: Kate Spade, older- similar HERE + HERE| Red socks: Nordstrom| Red booties: ZARA| Red lippie: HERE

With half of October behind us, it's high time to start diving into fall fashion Babes! Am I totally late to the party?! Of course I live in a mild climate...but if there is one thing that I have learned since moving west: Seize the moment whenever it strikes 😀 LOL! I grew up in a climate with four full seasons, each season brought on a new wave of fashion inspired inspiration. My very first year in California I mourned fall! Like seriously. It was extremely hot for most of the year, I found myself wanting to pull out sweaters and coats even when there was no practical need to (especially my furs). Since then the weather has shifted a bit, or perhaps my perception has shifted? Actually, I'm quite sure it is more so the latter. Perception really is EVERYTHING. Flashback: I remember a mentor shared this thought with me early in my career. I rolled my eyes up into my head and silently disagreed. But now...YES- I can totally understand what she was saying! Fast forward: Now I feel like I must have some variation of fall/autumn in my life. 
When I think of fall colors, shades of burgundy (or merlot) near the top of my list. I decided to pair two bold cousins together, adding an extra layer underneath this beautiful deep plum dress (which I've also worn sleeveless BTW). In my head red goes with everything, I have no idea why I haven't paired these two beauties together before 👀
For finishing touches I piled on more red (I've been a fan of red since I was a toddler & I have the pictures to prove it 😊) by way of silk earrings, a bold lippie, socks to add height, and my new booties (which I recently unveiled on my IG Stories)! These booties were totally made for walking - comfort & style -YESSSSS! 
Until next time,
Xx

Shifting Seasons

Aviators: HERE| Jumpsuit: c/o HERE| Embellished clutch: TJMAXX| Shoes: Similar HERE

It took only one glance in the mirror for me to realize that this #lotd screams 70s glam- but I am so here for it 😎 I was not alive during the epic style fest of the 70s (80s baby), but who doesn't have a few personal favorites?! My curls gone wild coincided perfectly with my timing of styling this brick colored jumpsuit. I popped on my newest pair of aviators, grabbed a nude embellished bag (also worn here) and hit the door. The great thing about styling a well designed jumpsuit is that they take minimal effort. But beware: All jumpsuits are not created equal! LOL!
Low and behold it is most certainly fall, even if local temperatures don't align with the notion... the sun proceeded to descend at an alarming rate on this particular day. We literally had to pull over, jump out of the car and take a few  pictures in a mad dash before it was completely dark! LOL! Ahhh the endlessly fascinating life of a Style Blogger- or not so much...
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Tailor Made

Dress: Custom made, designed by me| Beaded purse: Vintage, thrifted

Leather sandals: Kate Spade, old

Can you believe it: Chapter 10 of 12 is already underway 👀 I cannot emphasize just how fast this year has flown by. Days seem to go as if they are minutes, and weeks feel like only hours...Time is flying. Time seems to literally disappear.
Speaking of time, I had this dress made 2+ years ago. This is its very first debut here on the blog because it took a while for me to truly like it. 😊 After I had it made (I designed it) it felt like it was missing something. But I didn't know what... Things took a positive turn about a month ago - I got an idea to add some embellishment to it. After two trips to the garment district I finally decided that a fun crochet fringe trim was the answer. I dropped it off at a tailor and voila, my dress finally felt complete! The last two times that I've worn it since adding the fringe trim, I styled it exactly as it is pictured here. I've gotten so many compliments on it. I started thinking- what else I can add a bit of fringe too?! LOL! A little embellishment can go a long way, and can really personalize a piece. 
Switching gears, let's talk HAIR:
After I took my braids down I decided to rock my natural curls for a bit. After a mega intense moisturizing treatment (which I left in for an entire week while I wore my hair in a bun), it was time to let my curls loose. Aphogee is a tried and true personal favorite, I am a bonafide satisfied customer. 20 years of using THIS & THIS keeps my hair healthy intact despite frequent straightening, hair color, and pretty much whatever else... I never have to worry excessively about damage or breakage. Caution: Both products that I just referenced are protein-rich, use them with care if your locks prefer moisture over protein 😉The folks at Aphogee were kind enough to send me a bunch of products, I seized the opportunity to try out a couple of newbies from their Curlific line: 1) Curlific! Textured Hair Wash + 2) Curlific! Texture Treatment. I opted not to use a leave-in treatment this time around so that I could get a true sense of how much I liked the shampoo & conditioner. The shampoo smells great, I really liked the control that the Curlific! Texture Treatment gave my curls! My hair felt soft, manageable, and full w/o a lot of frizz! 
I look forward to trying the Curlific! Moisture Rich Leave-in + Curlific! Curl Definer 😉
Until next time Loves,
Xx