Making Appearances

Some have said that appearances don’t really matter, yet experience indicates something entirely different. For instance, what is the very first thing one generally notices when meeting someone else? Their appearance! Yes, skin color, facial features, condition of teeth, eye color, hair, clothing and even personal mannerisms.

Time and time again people draw firm conclusions based on the outer appearance of someone else. Of course these conclusions and or assumptions have a considerable probability of being inaccurate; nonetheless those conclusions can be extremely difficult to dismiss.

How often have we heard the expression, “First impressions are lasting impressions?” The way that we dress, look, and manner in which we conduct ourselves does matter.
I personally notice a considerable difference in how I am treated when I enter high end retail stores based on my dress being dressy versus casual. When I am casually dressed, and perhaps my hair doesn’t look freshly styled, I notice that sales people are more likely not to approach me to ask if I need any assistance.

In sharp contrast, when my attire is dressy and or upscale, I find myself inundated with sales people from multiple departments asking how they may help me. Point taken? 
Despite awareness of the fact that appearances do carry a considerable amount of weight, I dress according to my own personal preferences. I love to dress up most days, because it makes me feel good, and seems to align with who I am as a woman. However, there are times when I’m tired and or not quite in the mood to do the norm. On those days I throw on whatever takes the least amount of effort (example here), and I set about my day.

Over to you: Do appearances matter to you? Have you observed any noticeable differences in how you are treated based on your attire?

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunnies:LEITH| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Tank: Nordstrom| Jeans: NYDJ (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Giani Bernini (worn here)|Clutch: Vintage

Intentional Mix-up

It's taken me way too long to share this number with you, truly one of my go-to's this summer (I think I've worn it at least 5 times), a mixed up masterpiece by Eliza J.! It truly takes the guess work out of pattern-mixing, which is especially helpful if you're uneasy about joining the clashing prints game.

I discovered the private label about 5 years ago, at my favorite Retailer, in-store <Nordstrom>.  I have been a loyal fan ever since. I'm wearing Eliza J. here, here, and here, but there are many more treasures from her tucked away in my closet... 

This number is referred to as a "pop-over" (I also have one in a solid color). It's a one piece dress that closely resembles a top and a skirt. The print mix is nothing short of inspirational. I love the vibrant colors throughout the skirt and this time decided to pull out teal via my accessories. Each and every single time that I have worn this - the compliments rain in like spring showers. Well done Eliza J.!!!

I have news for you! I perused the web, and learned that this dress is still available at several retailers, some sizes at incredibly reduced prices!!

Check them out: Dillards: Here
Nordstrom: Here *Bonus: Plus sizes, here

Happy shopping Loves and I'd love to see your finds, tag me on Instagram ;)

XO

Sunglasses: Steve Madden| Necklace: Custom| Dress: Eliza J.| Socks: Nordstrom| Heels: Audrey Brooke (worn here)| Handbag: Kate Spade (worn here)

Flushed With Blush

I have a confession…
I have a new color crush….totally different from those of the past….

Vibrant, rich, tantalizing hues have been my M.O. for 20+ years, but lately…well…I find myself intrigued with neutral color palettes. What’s happening here?!
In a word:  C H A N G E.

There’s something about the color blush , it’s not quite pink, yet it is not quite beige or tan either---> it’s blush! While perusing Pinterest I’ve come across several combinations of black & blush that are classically fantastic.

I picked up  this hi-low blush top a month or three ago (debuted it on date night) - it’s high time that I sift more blush colored items into my collection.

TGIF Beauties & have a wonderful weekend!
XO

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| High-Low top:ASTR | Jeans: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (worn here)| Floral Clutch: Vintage

Wardrobe Shuffle: Vintage Lace

Hey there! (Slowly creeps into the room as if it hasn’t been eons since my last post) Today’s post highlights what I like to think of as a wardrobe shuffle. I’ve mentioned before that I intentionally purchase pieces that I know will have longevity. In this instance, I am not solely referring to the quality of an item (although quality does rank #1 in my book) but also in that I know that I will have the desire to wear the item again and again.

This takes a bit of forethought for me at the actual time of purchase, and yet even still, sometimes a piece serves its purpose after a year or so. For the pieces that remain with me year after year, I enjoy exploring new ways to wear them. Flashback: My personality used to be quite rigid. As an example, I could not bear the thought of mixing and matching my clothes. I thoroughly enjoyed wearing items in the same exact way, each and every single time. WELP, all I can say at this point is: I’ve changed! Thanks to Pinterest (check out myboards here), I constantly have ample ideas of how to shuffle pieces around in my wardrobe. We'll take today’s post as one example:

Flashback: I originally wore this dress under a skirt in a post blogged last year (here). At the time, I couldn’t fathom wearing this dress solo, as I don’t particularly care for the cut of it on my body (but I do heart every other aspect of it). I even thought about having it altered…. Yet I digress.. What makes this dress unique to me aside from its age (circa 1970s), is that the lace is cotton! It actually came with a cotton lining, but that was unfortunately too snug for my ample curves, LOL!

One day while perusing Pinterest (as I often do during down time, like in-between emails, and while sitting in relentless LA traffic) I saw a picture of a look worn by Jessica Alba. I immediately thought of my lacey treasure filed away at the back of my wardrobe. I already had all of the pieces needed to recreate this look, my way- so I decided to have at it! 

I wore it on vacation several weeks back, my husband loved it so much that he uses one of these pictures as backdrop on his mobile ;) Join me on Pinterest and let’s be inspired together!

XO

Denim jacket: Michael Kors (worn here)| Statement Necklace: Nordstrom| Lace dress: Vintage (worn here)| Belt:Thrifted| Cork sandals:Market (worn here)

White Noise

Distraction has been proven as a successful strategy. Do you find that you are distracted easily and or frequently? I tend to get distracted more than I care to admit, or prefer. There are so many distractions, which can make it difficult to remain focused on personal objectives.
To avoid distraction, we often use white noise, which equates to adding in more distraction to a scenario - in essence, to drown out the unwelcome distraction. Confusing right?!  A simple example might be: Turning up the TV to drown out your neighbor’s music and or the sound of a TV in another room. In effect, you add in noise to trump out the noise that you do not want to hear. Have you ever done that? 
Unfortunately, utilizing white noise just does not work for me! =(

When I find myself excessively distracted by uninvited elements and or people (I’m an introvert, read about that here), I typically feel inundated with way too much information . Adding additional white noise to the scenario seems to intensify the challenge, which in turn often leads to feeling overwhelmed and then… the inevitable end result: The state of irritation – LOL!

Life experience and awareness of who I am as an individual has taught me the value of knowing when to take a step back from unnecessary ”noise”. I use these frequent intervals to focus on myself, to examine my strengths, to analyze my weaknesses, and to sharpen my objectives.

Isn’t a vacation the BEST opportunity to press the “R E S E T” button?!?! While on holiday this time around I was able to re-direct my focus, shift away from the noise, and focus on the things that are truly important to me. I started an excellent book and seized opportunities to enjoy all of the sights and sounds around me. 
This white dress came into play for dinner plans. It was perfect for the extreme heat not only because it is white, but also 100% cotton = A double win!!!
I simply heart all white ensembles, see examples here, here, and here.  
However white can be paired with other colors just as easily. Think lilac, yellow, peach or blue =)

Over to you, how do you handle distractions? What is your favorite way to style white?

Until next time Style Lovers!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Earrings & Statement Necklace: Ross Dress for Less| Dress: Also worn here| Strappy Sandals:Tildon| Clutch: Vintage

crème de la crème

When I was thinking of what to title today’s post, "crème de la crème" instantly popped into my head. Let me tell you why:

Most fashionistas would agree that there is nothing quite like an all-white ensemble (Nope, not even all black look). Wearing all white looks and feels fresh, crisp, yes clean.  It’s an easy and frequent  go-to during the summer months. Yet, we need not forget about it’s counterpart: Off-White!  An all off-white ensemble can pack a fashionable bang too!  Not to mention, there’s an added bonus: Most people feel completely comfortable wearing off-white outside of warm weather months, i.e. “Winter White”.

While going through my wardrobe and attempting to eliminate pieces that I no longer need (I do this every 2-3 months, I try to follow the 1 in/1 out rule) I realized that I don’t  have many off-white pieces anymore. I know that I used to, but over time, they’ve either been eliminated for of the following reasons: 1) Tossed out due to a stain (like my MK jeans worn here), 2) given away, or 3) donated to charity. The timing was perfect when I scored a lace remnant of fabric on mark down, I decided right on the spot to have it made into a skirt similar to a style that I saw on Pinterest . Sidebar: Pinterest is my #1 Fashion Inspiration source! Follow me here and let’s enjoy being inspired
together!

Oftentimes when lace some to mind we automatically assume it has to be for a dressier occasion. That’s not necessarily true, I pulled this look off by day (casual) and by night (dressy).

Thanks for tuning in today Style Lovers, until next time!
Moi’

Casual Take

Sunnies: TJMAXX| Earrings: Vintage| Top: aerie| Clutch: Vintage, thrifted| Skirt: Custom| Espadrille lace ups: Soludos

Dressy Take

Sunnies: Steve Madden| Earrings: Nordstrom| Top: aerie| Clutch: Vintage, thrifted| Skirt: Custom |Shoes: Call It Spring (also worn here)

Mix & Match: Take 3

Finally Loves, today’s post boasts the final installment, yes Take 3, of my second wardrobe capsule (click here to see my very first go at creating one: The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule!

When I tell you that life is full of the unexpected- I promise I do not exaggerate in the least! I actually intended to blog this look last Friday (6/26), you know, like in short succession to my previous post, i.e., Take 2 here…
Y E T here it is, late PM on July 2^nd and I’m finally getting this post published!  Is late truly better than never-?! LOL!

I‘ve previously written about my intrigue with the Minimal clothing approach; However at this juncture in my life, I cannot see making it a lifestyle change. I NEED variety at my fingertips, at all times. Nonetheless, I like to dabble in the fun of Minimalism, utilizing the capsule wardrobe concept. A capsule wardrobe allows me to temporarily enjoy the principle behind Minimalism without making a long term commitment.  Not familiar with a wardrobe capsule? Well it's said to be ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’

The theme of this wardrobe capsule was dual-fold: Black& White + Mixed Prints. 3 basic pieces = 3 different looks. Each suitable for my lifestyle: Work & Play. I’m pleased with the outcome, and freely admit that all three fits will be in rotation this Summer!

Now down to the nitty gritty: Which look is your favorite, and why?!

Check out the details for ---> Take 1 and or Take 2 Babes!

Until next time!
XO

Furgora: Kangol |Sunnies: A.J. Morgan |Earrings: Steve Madden |Bracelet: Zara |Stripe vest & Skirt: Custom (worn here, here, and here) 
Fringe bag: Carlos Santana (worn here) |Calf skin loafers: Sam Edelman

Mix & Match: Take 2

Does this top look perhaps vaguely familiar? It should, I wore it in Monday’s post :) (see here). That’s right, you may have guessed - Welcome to my second run at creating a capsule wardrobe!!

As mentioned here, a wardrobe capsule is: ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’ (The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule here)

For my very first run at creating a capsule, I chose pastel colors as the theme. This time I’m playing with a classic duo for which I have a particular fondness: Black + White

I won’t bore you unnecessarily with the reasons why I simply adore black + white. Instead, I’ll chat it up about the joy and ease of pattern mixing with this duo. You see, I've grown to love clashing prints (see here, here, here)!

Yet, I have heard from friends that they feel somewhat awkward randomly mixing up prints in a look. Do you feel the same way? Perhaps you like the idea, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Never fear, Joi is here - L O L!!! Seriously, one of the most simple ways that I’ve found to be effective when it comes to flirting with the pattern mixing game: Start off with patterns that contain only two colors, i.e. black + white. Think stripes, florals, checks, polka dots, and so on.

Using this method, prints seem to match up instantaneously. To start, go with two clashers. As your comfort level increases, take it up a notch with three or even four prints -at one time! When you do, please tag me on social media: IG,Tumblr,Twitter @InMyJoi!

Stay tuned Style Lovers, Take 3 of Mix & Match is on the way,

XO

Sunnies: Sunscape| Stripe top: Custom| Skirt: Cynthia Rowley| Shoes: Calvin Klein| Clutch: Forever 21

Mix & Match

Black + white delivers winning combinations, add a pattern mix to the scenario and you’ve reached fashion nirvana.

My affection for black and white duos is clearly not new to the blog, see other PDAs here, here, and here.

In my mind it is fresh and crisp; cohesively consistent. If you’re new to the pattern mix game, it’s a safe way to test out the waters gradually.

For this mix up, I went with bold vertical stripes and soft window pane checks. It’s totally doable for the office, after work meet-ups, and weekend nights.

Sunnies: Allen Schwartz| Stripe top: Custom| Pants: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini| Clutch: Kate Spade

Decidedly Different

pop•u•lar•i•ty - päpyəˈlerədē/ -noun

The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

From adolescence on, there seems to be a desire, perhaps even a need, to be liked and accepted by everyone. For some, the realization that they are not liked and or accepted leads to depression and desperation. In this age of social media fascination, receiving 'likes' from strangers or 'friends', adoring thumbs up, and or a certain amount of followers, has introduced a new intensity for the desire to obtain popularity. It seems to serve as an artificial or virtual ego booster, particularly for those who may not experience the same level of adoration as they may on social media, in their real, physical lives. Yes, in the world of social media, being liked equates to value, marketability, and oftentimes revenue.

Although I have experienced varying phases of physical popularity, completely unsolicited by the way (read more here), I personally believe that there is immense value in this: Realize and accept the fact that not everyone will like the same people or the same things. Everyone will not like ME. Simple, cut, dry. It is not bad thing, it simply is. 

I personally feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that there are things about me and the way that I think that are vastly different from the people around me. My grandma once told me, ‘You’re an old soul’. She meant that my manner of thinking was beyond my age. I believe that she was right. To be honest, it really makes very little difference to me whether people like me or not. I don’t have a desire to be popular, I desire to be MYSELF. I refuse to allow the vacillating sweep of social media, the virtual world, to influence my value of self.(Read the reason why I started blogging here)

I will not follow the crowd. I will not join superficial bandwagons. I will not give insincere praise. I will not do things that I do not want to do - to gain acceptance, marketability, or branding. 
I am, decidedly different.

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Sequin top: ASTR (worn here)| Dress: Vintage| Booties: Moda (worn here)