Black Friday

Today I’m gabbing about one of my absolute go-to brands: Eliza J.!!! I acquire Eliza J. at Nordstrom, but several major retailers also carry them. My current inventory shows just how much I am enamored with this brand...I have purchased just under 20 of their dresses!

Today I am pleased to showcase one of several fabulous editions to their deluxe style soiree: faux fur stoles! As you know, this time of year is full of festive events alongside cooler temperatures. What’s a style loving gal to do?

Layer, layer, and layer! Vary up the textures. Deviate from your normal color palette with an unexpected splash of color.

White is fantastically versatile. Time and time again it has been proven that it can be worn successfully during the winter months. Try pairing white with rich hues like currant, eggplant, turquoise, and need I say: black.

This combination serves my textural interests very well: faux fur, silk, wool, patent leather, and calfskin leather. Faux fur is a great way to add umph, texture, and glam to any look. 

Added bonus: Faux fur also keeps you warm during the winter chill.
Stay tuned for more style goodies and outfit ideas via Eliza J.!
Xx

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Faux fur stole: Eliza J. (gifted)| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (worn here)| White wool skirt:1 State

Patent leather boots: Penny Loves Kenny (worn here)| Patent leather clutch: Vintage| Calfskin gloves: Old, Victoria's Secret Catalog (worn here)

This & That

Today’s style edition features a typical merger of Summer and Fall. An easy way to maximize your wardrobe: Layer seemingly seasonal pieces to make them suitable for your local climate at present , along with your personal style preferences.

Admittedly I have an inordinate amount of purple colored pieces in my collection, which makes it easy for me to mix & match this & that. Sidebar: Purple is not my favorite color but rather functions as a neutral color. Basically, purple is like the color black, in my style world.

I typically wear this dress during the summer months, but as it stands it is Fall, so I opted to layer up with my staple silk blouse which is only about a decade young.

On cooler days and or nights this combo can easily be paired with matching tights/boots/or booties. Better yet, if you’ve already had your first snow this cool weather season, I can envision this look with a fun faux fur coat and equally fab knit hat ;)

Sunnies: Tildon| Dress: Ivy & Blu by Maggy Boutique (Nordstrom), worn here| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Suede clutch: Vintage| Sandals: Victoria’s Secret, also worn here

Ambiguity

I once worked with a Manager who had a very ambiguous style of speaking. Each and every single time that we had a meeting, she would wow the room with colorful speech, inspirational ideals, all the while imparting a sense of personal worth to each person. Yet once the meeting was over, I walked away with a fuzzy understanding of exactly what objectives were on and or off the table! When recapping meeting outcomes with colleagues,no one was able to offer any clarity (For a minute I just thought it was me). I came to the realization: No conclusive answers were ever offered, despite direct questioning. Instead, new ideas were often introduced in a fanciful, non-practical way (IMO).

Whenever we were scheduled to meet one on one, I’d prepare a list of detailed questions, specific in nature. As in, choose one of the following: Yes or No. I rehearsed in my mind a game plan to keep the conversation on track, and how to ensure that clarification would be provided.

Yet, once I entered her office, the nostalgia began. Time and time again, each question was met with optimism and addressed ambiguously. I felt powerless to enforce a straight answer... 
When I look back, I can clearly see: We never had an insightful conversation!

To be sure, there are varying styles of speech. However, I would have to say that ambiguity is my least favorite. 

I have a direct style of speech by genetics; I like to ask straight forward questions and to receive straight forward answers. The coveted acquisition of T A C T is consistently a work in progress! Truly it makes no difference to me whether I like the answer or not (usually)- I solely desire a straight answer-preferably one that is also truthful.

In this current era of tolerance and permissiveness, I've observed that ambiguous speech seems to be a safer space than the room where one can state direct thoughts and or opinions. Why? Well, the moment a person states a direct opinion, especially one in conflict with the majority- well social media/the media is in a frenzy about how wrong such said comment was… Which leads me to: Does that mean that it is no longer acceptable to have any real/sincere thoughts/beliefs anymore? Must every word be uttered with the idea of pleasing the masses and not leaning in one direction or another?

Over to you, are you appreciative of ambiguous speech or do you prefer a straight arrow?

Until next time Style Lovers!
XO

Hat: DSW| Leopard vest: Vintage| Orange skirt: Vintage| Leopard sandals: Ivanka Trump (worn here)| Floral clutch: Vintage

Style Evolution

Through the lens of this blog, I have the ability to watch from the sidelines as my personal style evolves over time.
Have you noticed that your personal style has evolved over the years? Some outlets have identified this process as a 'style evolution'.

At times our personal style may evolve because we literally physically outgrow clothing that we have had for years – and in turn we found ourselves in the exhilarating space of purchasing a new wardrobe, piece by piece. In other instances, personal style may begin to evolve as a result of mentally outgrowing one’s current wardrobe. As we learn and grow, previous style preferences may no longer seem to represent the woman that we are today.

Case in point: Some of my previous go to pieces have been relegated to my recurring “Give Away” pile…I can still fit them, they’re in great shape, and they are still in style- yet…I just don’t seem to want to wear them anymore!  This is evidenced by the fact that I have not worn them during the past 6 months or in some cases, longer ;(

Whatever the reason, a style evolution allows for a fresh perspective and a rejuvenated wardrobe.

Until next time Style Lovers!

Sunnies: TopShop| Vest: BCBG MAX AZRIA| Floral top (worn here): Nordstrom| Waxed denim (worn here & here): NYDJ| Belt: Banana Republic| Fringe booties: Marshalls| Clutch: F21

Square One

Hey Style Lovers <-----> heyyyyy!!! It’s been a while,  how have you been?! I’ve been doing well! You’ve most certainly been on my mind, YES - my readers! As you may know, I’ve always periodically taken breaks from social media, and or fashion blogging because down time gives me the necessary space to recharge myself (read more here). However, this Summer I noticed that my break intervals became longer and more frequent. Why? I had to brainstorm to find the answer. Is it simply because my life schedule is full? No, because my life schedule has always been full. So why had I begun to feel a sense of dread, even at times disgust, whenever I thought about sitting down to actually blog a look that I wore? It took some time, but the answer finally became apparent to me. 

Perception
It takes quite a bit of work to write, edit, publish, and promote one blog post, especially when you consider how many social media platforms there are. Many bloggers use a variety of platforms to engage with more readers. My main platforms aside from this blog are Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr (although I am also on Twitter, Google + and Pinterest). In the community of fashion blogging, the current general perception seems to lend itself towards the idea of working one’s way into becoming a full-time paid and or endorsed fashion blogger and or model. 

To say that setting that objective as your own - is a challenge, is the understatement of the year. Consider that this (fashion/blogging regular and plus size) is an industry where literally tens of thousands of people are seeking one common goal- to be The One…The One who all fashion brands (or otherwise) want to work with… The One who all fashion related magazines want to feature… The One who makes it… The One who turns his or her lobby turn into a lucrative career, yes --> to be The One who is on top.

Realizations
Blogging for me began as a hobby. Sure, I thought it might be fun to work with a brand here and there; I had no intentions of marketing for any company/brand for free! LOL! However, focusing on trying to obtain partnerships with brands began to have me feeling some sort of way. Again, I had to think about why. The answer reached the surface. Simply put: I don’t want to “make it” as a fulltime blogger/model/socialite or any of the like. I do not aspire to be “The One”. My beliefs, morals, and priorities are non-negotiable and uncompromisable. I want to blog, on my own terms, in my own way.

Not only am I an appreciative introvert (read more here) BUT I’m truly and genuinely happy with my life as it stands right now: in this very moment :) My hope for the future, my genuine circle of friends, my close family, my long-term personal goals (which have nothing to do with fashion), and my career! I’m grateful to have a comfortable place to live in, a bed to sleep in each night, a variety of foods to choose from for each and every meal that I eat, and in my city: transportation! When I bring myself back to center, shifting out all of the noise, I am able to truly focus on what’s important to ME as an individual/woman, what my intentions are in blogging (read why I started here), and what aspiration is appropriate for me as the whole person. Irregardless of the cut throat ambition, fakery, dishonesty, and cliques present within the fashion blogging industry, my purpose remains the same: Blogging is for me a recreational hobby, I am decidedly different, and I will continue to do ME! 

I am so appreciative of you, my readers! I hope that something you see and or read today will inspire you!

Dress: Eliza J. | Statement necklace: JCPenney | Pumps: Victoria’s Secret | Tote: Dooney & Bourke

Autumn Dreams

As temperatures soar into the 100's, it is so hard to grasp that the Fall season is upon us! SoCal basically has two seasons: Spring and Summer.

Nevertheless, being the Midwest gal that I am and always will be, at times I long for breezy Fall days, drifting leaves, and going to my favorite cider mill.

Not to be mistaken: I have come to appreciate living in mild temperatures all year around, and the natural beauty that is California. Just look up,  you’ll see beautiful blue skies 90% of the time, and palm trees swaying gently in the wind.

Nonetheless, having four seasons, when each are truly in balance versus extreme (hat or cold) is a real treat. One of my favorite things about Fall is FALL FASHION! Who can resist the fantastic textures, colors, layering effects, snuggly scarves, boots and so on?!
I longingly looked in my wardrobe last night, at a recent vintage score (a coat that is just so ME), and wished for cooler temperatures so that I could wear it properly.

Perhaps I need to take another trip, to ensure that I stay in sync with my Midwestern roots :) 
Oh, and better yet, so that I can fully bask in the glory of Fall fashion!

Until next time Loves,
X

Sunnies: Forever 21|Necklace: Sponsored from Rocksbox| Dress: Burlington Coat Factory| Suede bag: Vintage| Pumps: Victoria’s Secret

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)