Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Stylislers!

I hope everyone is enjoying their respective holidays this year. I am so happy to spend this time reflecting on God's goodness, grace and blesssings to me, my family and friends. There are so many tragedies and senseless acts of violence going on around us, especially recently, that make me want to pull the ones and things I love closer. So, I haven't attended tons of parties, but the few gatherings I have had were special and I wanted to dress the part. Below are some of the looks I've worn over the passed week. 

Again, Merry Christmas!

Church!

Skirt: H&M; V-Neck Sweater: H&M; Denium Shirt: Joe Fresh; Pumps: Jessica Simpson, Necklace: JewelMint; Gray Pearls: can't remember but they were either a gift or a thrift lol

Lo key evening at home...

Sweater: Joe Fresh; Random leggings lol: Cozy socks: Jockey

Christmas Day with the Parents!

Random leggings, santa hats and fleeces all around! lol

Chrismas Dinner at the bestie's house...

Skirt: Joe Fresh, Shirt: Strawberry; Booties: Bakers; Necklace: JewelMint; Coat: Steve Madden: Scarf: Christmas gift

My Holiday Lookbook

Hi Stylislers!

Well we have definitely settled into the holiday season. Winter is my favorite season (I mean hey, I was born in the dead of Winter-February!) and the holidays are one of my favorite times of the year. A time for family, friends, food, faith, fun outings, tinsel, snowfall, hot cocoa and snuggling with the one you love :0)

I decided to put together a holiday lookbook of outfits that range from casual to dressy for all the holiday activities you may have planned. Click below to view the lookbook and I hope you glean some inspiration for how you can sparkle this holiday. 

However, and whatever, you celebrate...be comfortable, be stylish and most importantly be YOU!

All the information on my outfits are in the video.

Animal Prints

Leopard, zebra, cheetah, crocodile...animal prints are a huge trend again this fall and winter. I've never really been into animal prints but I admire those who can rock the trend. More recently, I've been anxious to get my feet wet by incorporating some of these patterns into my wardrobe. There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you want to rock this look successfully:

1. Find a print that compliments your skin tone. If you're extremely pale, perhaps stark black and white zebra is not the way to go. If you're of a darker complexion, brown leopards or cheetah may not stand out enough. You can go bold with zebra and snakeskin.

2. Find the right size print. If you are full figured, look for smaller prints if you're doing a head-to-toe look or look for prints that are strategically placed in order to draw the eye upward (or wherever you want to highlight your best assets). If you have a smaller physique, go for larger, all over, prints.

3. Accents. If you're not very adventurous with your style or your apprehensive about trying animal prints, test the waters with some accent pieces first. Start slow with a purse, flats or earrings to see how you can work them into your existing outfits.

About 5 months ago I bought my first pair of cheetah print crop pants as my first step into the animal kingdom :-) I liked these because the print was small and in a darker tone. I also, went a little metaphoric and paired this look with lion-face earrings. The shirt is a simple mustard colored tee from H&M that picks up the subtle hints of orange in the pants. To finish the look, I added a matching mustard knit scarf, my fav metallic belt for texture and classic gray pumps. 

T-shirt: H&M, Pants: DeJanero (NYC), Metallic Belt: H&M, Scarf: H&M, Pumps: Nine West, Earrings: Essence of Beauty (essenceob.com),

Stylspiration

Hi stylislers! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, I know I did ;0)

I wanted to talk a little about what I call tylspiration. Stylspiration are the things, people and places that inspire your style choices.

I've mentioned in an earlier post that Michelle Obama is one of my style icons. I find I have a lot in common with her aesthetic and I follow her as well as other style bloggers for inspiration and admiration. Amidst the MANY sources from which I glean stylspiration, are the style quiz and a lookbook of outfit ideas that is based on my likes. The style quiz allows you to hone in on your style and put a name to your aesthetic (Boho Chic, Trendy, Classic, etc.). Below is an example of my style quiz from JewelMint.com which is one of my fav accessory retailers. The lookbook is a book of ideas that I separated into categories (dinner, work, jewelry, outwear, etc.). The book is a way to get ideas if I'm in a slump or need to find something quickly for work or date night...cause hey sometimes I don't have time to do all that I do in a day AND generate the brain power to assemble an outfit too lol

What are some of your stylspirations? Maybe creating a book for visual reference or subscribing to style sheets on Facebook will aid your search. What, who and wherever your stylspirations come from remember to take those little gems and make them your own!

A select few style blogs I follow are:
Mrs. O 
Northern Lights - Southern Belles 
Naturally Fashionable 
Moments of Style 

 

Menswear Inspired

Happy Friday!! 

Menswear inspired looks are something we consistently see on the runways and will be another big trend this fall. In my opinion it's a trend that's here to stay (so I guess that doesn't make it a trend anymore). Today I've styled a menswear inspired look that will keep you looking cool and effortless. 

This look is really all about the vest, which I actually "borrowed" from my dad some years back (hehehe). I've paired it with simple fitted trousers and heels, but you could easily wear this look with loafers for a more relaxed look; and of course the studs give me a little bit of edge. I've accessorized with my favorite chunky necklace, a cuff, favorite chevron ring and over-sized watch.

I love menswear inspired looks because it just gives off this easy, cool and effortless vibe. A couple of tips when wearing the trend:

• Keep it tailored. You want something that's fitted to your figure. Remember this is menswear “inspired”. You don’t want to lose those curves that will make this trend pop!

• Stick with the classics. Oxfords, vests, ties and blazers. You want pieces that are clearly identified as menswear in order to get your props for putting together such a dope outfit.

• Keep it simple. Men are very basic and practical dressers. Go for statement pieces like your shoes, hat or leather belt and keep the jewelry/accessories simple.

• Have fun.  So you don’t want to come away looking stuffy or like you left the set of Mad Men (although I think that would be pretty cool). So have fun with your makeup or rock super feminine hair.

Vest: My dad's, Trousers: H&M, Pumps: Nine West, Cuff, Necklace & Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M

Cozy AND Cute

Baby it's cold outside!! Time for gloves scarfs and tights. It can be a challenge to dress appropriately during the winter months and still be stylish, but just keep a few things in mind while putting your looks together and you'll stay cozy AND cute:

 

1. Texture: the fall/winter months are perfect for mixing textures. When else can you get away with combining wool, cashmere, leather and fur? Create visual interest by mixing it up!

 

2. Layer up: layer a collared button down under a cardigan and throw a blazer on top; put on a long sleeved v-neck and wear your sheaths all year long.

3. Outerwear extension: coats, capes and jackets are the first, and sometimes only, thing people see. Don't just throw on any old thing, consider what you put on over your outfit, as an extension of your outfit. Don't be afraid to accessorize your outerwear too! Pin a blingy broach on the lapel or throw a belt on...yes a belt!

4. Give 'Em the Boot: boots are essential to any fall/winter wardrobe. There are many varieties to choose from...booties, knee boots, over-the-knee boots, ankle boots, uggs. 

Of course go for function and practicality also...don't be COLD tryna be CUTE lol With these few tips in mind you can be COZY and CUTE!

Sweater: H&M, Skirt: Forever21, Studs: H&M, Booties: Bakers (correction in previous posts), Necklace: H&M 

Think Pink!

Who doesn't like pink?! Okay so there are some women who aren't into pink. But I think it's so feminine that adding a few touches here and there can put an extra spring in your step...I know I'm walking a little more upbeat this morning :-) There's just something about being a girly girl that's empowering. Like yes, I'm strong on the inside but these pink stilettos will take you out too haha. 

I've paired my pink accessories against a vivid magenta skirt. They're both in the pink family, though on opposite sides of the spectrum and yet it still works. The components of the outfit may be the boring corporate "uniform", but the color pallet makes it totally feminine and fresh. 

Whether you wear pink to make you feel instantly pretty or bold colors to make you feel daring, don't be afraid to play up your femininity. Woman=strength. Enjoy the day!

Shirt: H&M, Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Necklace and Bracelet: Thrifted (Second Time Around, Madison, NJ), Cuff: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: Anne Klein (Thirfted), Watch: JewelMint, Earrings: Strawberry (NYC)

Color Block

Happy Monday!

One of my favorite fashion trends is color blocking because I love combining contrasting colors. It turns a plain outfit up a notch and if placed right, can slim the figure. There are many combinations of color blocking, I chose this sheath dress with a dark color pallet. Added a few light accessories because the dress speaks for itself.

Dress: DeJanero (NYC), Shoes: Nine West, Necklace and Ring: H&M

Oh, You Fancy Huh?

Hey guys!

So today was my church's anniversary and we were encouraged to dress in our Sunday Best! I found this gorgeous golden Isaac Mizrahi skirt and just had to have it :0) I went pretty simple on top but gave the look some golden finishing touches with my accessories. It's always fun to dress up for special occasions but remember make it your own so your totally comfortable and you own it. Case in point, I felt beautiful and didn't want to take this skirt off!

Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi, Shirt: Forever21, Cross Bracelet & Necklace: JewelMint, Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thirfted, Bangle: Ralph Lauren

Weekend Wear

Happy Saturday Styl Islers!

Today was a beautiful fall day with above average temperatures ;-)

I had a few errands to run and wanted to be relaxed and causal but still put together. The print on the peasant blouse I'm wearing makes me feel modern and quirky while the bell sleeves and gathered collar make me feel Jane Austen romantic :-) I felt like being matchy matchy with the accessories; thew on some fold-over suede boots with a low comfortable heel and was good to go! And of course you can't forget a good sturdy weekend tote that will fit all the crap you'll be lugging here and there lol. This one from L.L. Bean, in addition to being a thrift store gem (thanks Mom), is the perfect size and made from good quality leather which will stand up this weekend's packing-unpacking, tossing over the shoulder and in/out of the shopping cart.

Hope you guys are enjoying your weekend and get to flex your style muscles a little ;-)

  Does this print quantify me as the "cat lady"? lol

Corduroys: Joe Fresh, Blouse: Reneec, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelets: H&M, Tote: Thirfted L.L. Bean, Lippie: Black Radiance--Reggae Red

Style Recycle

The skirt I'm wearing today is one of those pieces you find in the back of your closet like "Hey! I remember that!". I especially love feeling the satisfaction of having something "new" without the guilt of shopping and spending money.

One of the things I appreciate about style is the way in which you can take an article of clothing, combine it with other pieces in such a way that your wardrobe seems endless. Okay, so maybe I DO have a lot of clothes ;-) BUT the main reason it's probably perceived as excess is because I rarely wear the same piece the same way twice! This is a great style tip I've learned from one of my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE style icons Michelle Obama. She is consistently seen in the press recycling pieces but they seem so fresh because she combines them differently. Take a cue from Mrs. O and work that wardrobe people!

Below are a few examples of Mrs. O recycling some of her favorites:
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/7/15/dots-on-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2012/6/27/feeling-dotty.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/7/12/black-and-white-florals-and-polka-dots.html

http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/6/16/tracy-reese-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/6/8/nice-day-for-a-picnic.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/4/14/hola-mexico.html

Follow Michelle Obama's style blog @ http://www.mrs-o.com

No lie, just before posting this one of my co-workers came up to me and complimented my skirt saying, "Okay, seriously...you never wear the same thing twice!" I mean this post is predestined*sigh*

Skirt: Forever21, Turtleneck: H&M

Day to Night

So for those days when I know my day isn't ending at 6pm, I try to plan out an outfit that can easily transition from day to night with as little fuss and manipulation as possible. Because most likely you'll have to carry something extra with you and who wants 5lbs. of extra crap to lug around? Often my "to night" consists of just dinner or choir rehearsal, but I usually don't want to start my evening with the same outfit I've been wearing for the passed 9 hours. A change of shoes and accessories are usually my saving grace. Accessories are light-weight, fit easily into your purse and I already keep 6-7 pairs of shoes under my desk at work...hey variety is the spice of life right? Lol 

Below I've styled a couple of "to night" examples for dinner and something more casual. 

However you take it from day to night, remember the Styl Isle approach and put your spin on it...make it unmistakably you!

To the office...

To dinner...

Accessories case doubles as a clutch!

To the office...

To choir rehearsal...

Here are side by sides of the looks at a glance...

Office to dinner: Skirt-Forever21, sequin tank-Express, Blazer-DeJanero (NYC), Booties-DeJanero (NYC), Suede shoes-Bakers. 

Office to choir rehearsal: Blazer-The Limited, Corderoys-Joe Fresh, Cardigan-Forever21, Bracelet-H&M, Tote-H&M