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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Pop Pop Color Block

As you can see I'm feeling happy happy happy today! The East is tired of the Winter doldrums and we're ready for Spring. I'm also getting into vacation mode and will soon be basking in the Bahamian sun :-)

I saw these asos.com wine colored pants on another blogger and had to have them. I'll have to get the waist taken in due to my waist to hip ratio, but I wanted to wear them so badly all I did was fold the waist down and...good to go!

Oddly enough, I see these pants as a neutral and can imagine them in tons of color combinations. Today I've styled them with this beautiful bright orange sweater from Joe Fresh and a simple white collar shirt to polish the look. I also went matchy matchy with my accessories and threw on a contrasting red belt. I absolutely LOVE these colors together.

Don't be afraid to be daring. Go ahead and make those bold color choices and see if you don't walk differently!

Ciao for now,
Maya




Pants: Asos.com, Sweater: Joe Fresh, Shirt: H&M, Shoes: Ralph Lauren, Belt: Thrifted, Earrings: H&M, Watch: JewelMint

Monday, February 24, 2014

Weekend Wedding

Hi Islers,

Hope everyone had a great weekend! This passed Saturday I attended a wedding and thought I'd share my ootd. First, let me say the dress I wore was a bargain and a true find! I didn't intend on purchasing something new for this occasion, as I had a formal dress already picked out. But I happened to be at the mall that morning and decided to "see if I saw anything" [anyone else use that excuse to shop? ;-)] I found the perfect dress that I knew would pair well with my plum fur stole at Windsor. Although, $50 is not a bad price for a formal gown, I just didn't feel like spending that amount that day. Nevertheless, I decided to try it on. Well, the fit is what won me over and had me marching to the register...and boy am I glad I did! I did a double take when the saleswomen told me my total was $9.99!!! "Excuse me ma'am? $9.99 for that?!" 

Needless to say this has been on of the best "see if I see anything" shopping trips I ever had! lol

Special shout out to my friend Joy for the impromptu mini photo shoot hehehe.













Dress: Windsor, Fur Stole: gift, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Coat of Arms

This is a post I have been wanting to write forever...it's all about COATS!! I view coats as another extension of my personality as much as I do with my clothes. My best friend says I'm ridiculous with the amount of coats I have, but I prefer to think of it as a passion lol. I mean there are so many styles/fabrics out there: pea coats, trench coats, puffer coats, bombers, capes, wool, leather, cashmere...okay maybe I do have slight problem BUT I love the way coats and jackets can compliment, and sometimes make, your outfit. You can even throw a belt over them...whew and as much as I love belts (you'll come to see this about me), the possibilities are endless.

Below I've selected a few coats (this was VERY difficult) that I feel every woman should have in their closet. Okay maybe not EVERY one of the nine I've selected but you get the idea...there are a few staples that should be included in any well-armed stylista's arsenal.

1. The Trench Coat: The trench coat is definitely a staple coat that every woman should own. It's classic, polished and sophisticated and comes in many shapes and patterns. I have selected both a patterned trench and thin puffer trench. (Patterned Trench: Macy's, Puffer Trench: Steve Madden)





2. The Winter White: Nothing is hotter than a nice crisp white coat. I'm definitely getting my "Olivia Pope" on here. Albeit nothing in my closet can hold a candle to that white Burberry number Kerry Washington wore in the season 3 premiere of Scandal but I still feel like a gladiator in my own right ;-)

3. The Pea Coat: There's just something so classic about a pea coat. Men and women alike can, and should, rock this slimming option for outerwear.

4. The Dress Coat: You'll need something dressy for those fancy occasions. I've styled this coat with the plum fur stole I received for Christmas for a little added glamor. (H&M)


5. The Lumberjack: I have no idea why I selected this coat lol There's just something about it I love. It's a cross between a pea coat and fur. I like the subtle tartan print and zipper details. (DKNY)

6. The Bomber: This urban chic option should be the in the wardrobe of any self-respecting city girl. It's edgy and instantly ups the cool factor of the wearer. 

7. The Leather Jacket: A leather jacket is a must have investment piece. It goes with absolutely everything,  applies major style points and is quite possibly the definition of cool and edgy. (H&M)

8. The Colored Crop Coat: I'm a big advocate for color in my outfits and surprisingly only have one colored coat in my collection (Shameful! Everyone should have at least two). This cute crop jacket has a cropped hemline as well as three quarter length sleeves and it's pink...I mean could it be any more girly?



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Ootd: Make Me Blush

Hi Islers!

What makes you smile? Is it clothes? Your favorite sweet treat? A kiss from someone special? For me a smile, and the ensuing blush, immediately comes from a well fitting outfit...and how appropriate that today's outfit of choice incorporates the color blush! I feel most confident when my outfit is tailored to perfection and my blazer and favorite Joe Fresh cords do just the that. These rose gold and pink pumps elongate my legs and make my 5'7" frame appear nice and lean (I love a good wardrobe trick) :-D

If you've read any of my previous posts you will know that I LOOOVE rose gold accessories. This stack of wrist candy goes perfectly with the blazer and shoes; and although "matchy matchy" is frowned upon in fashion, in my opinion it's perfectly acceptable on the style front (perhaps not in a head to toe color, to be on the safe side lol). Just make sure you incorporate enough balance (texture, proportion, etc.) in the outfit so not to overwhelm. 

"The rules of fashion don't apply to style." -- Maya Gatewood

Ciao guys!





















Blazer: New York & Company; Blouse: H&M; Cords: Joe Fresh; Pumps: Thrifted (Anne Klein); Chain: H&M; Watch: JewelMint; Pink & Rose Gold Cuff: JewelMint; Gold Cuff: Ralph Lauren; Affirmation Bracelet: Strawberry (NYC)

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Ootd: The Game Changer. The Blazer.

Sometimes I find myself reaching for those simple and basic pieces that I don't have to think about (Ootd: Tried and True) but I'm not a boring person so I still wanted to incorporate some element to make me smile and my outfit pop. Blazers are a great way to bring visual interest to an otherwise "plain" outfit. I have had this blazer in my closet now for about 3 years and have probably only worn it twice, so how fortuitous that this nautical number was within arms reach this morning waiting to spruce up my black slacks and navy blouse.

I have always LOVED navy and black together and combine the two colors regularly. It's chic, totally office appropriate and slims without being covered in head-to-toe black. The white in the blazer makes my outfit pop and the navy trim ties in my navy blouse. Then, of course, I had to throw on my gold chunky wrist candy and decided to add my new addition from JewelMint. Initially I paired my navy peep-toe pumps but it was a bit too cold in the office and my pedi is not exactly on point lol :-/ so my go to Nine West black pumps complete the look.

You don't have to be a fashionista dressed to the nines to look stylish. You can wear a basic top and jeans and throw on a signature piece like a blazer, red pumps, bright belt or stack lots of necklaces. You'll look polished with little effort...score!

Ciao for now!
Maya


























Slacks: H&M, Navy Blouse: Forever 21, Necklace: JewelMint, Pumps: Nine West

Monday, February 3, 2014

Ootd: Tried and True

Happy Monday!

It's snowy day in Jersey today brrrr so I went comfy with my FAV cords from Joe Fresh (should've bought them in every color!). I decided to keep my top classic with a black and white checked vest, which I've mentioned in previous posts as having "borrowing" from my dad lol. I paired the look with a flowy sheer blouse to add a feminine touch (see my menswear post). Threw on my "tried and true" wedges and completed the look with blush and rose gold accessories. 

I love those tried and true stylish pieces you can just throw on without having to think. All in all a comfy style day. 

Ciao for now!
Maya




Vest: My Dad's, Shirt: DeJanero (NYC), Cords: Joe Fresh, Wedges: Bakers, Necklace, Watch and Cuff: JewelMint, Hoops: H&M