Music and Soul Food

This weekend was one filled with laughs, friends, church, ice cream and chill mode. Saturday was especially cool because I got to hang out with my boyfriend (he's a bassist) at his gig. Music and soul food are probably one of my favorite things to do...especially with him!

I felt my recent purchase of this slouchy, cropped knit sweater was PERFECT for the venue (Delta's Restaurant) and event. It's super comfy and breathable so I was happy I could get away with it in the summer (although it was kinda cool in Jersey this weekend). The ONLY negative to this sweater is that the threads got caught on absolutely EVERYTHING and I found myself pulling, stretching and tugging little fibers back into place all night :-/ The style was so cute I didn't really pay attention to the material when I bought it; and although it wasn't cheaply made the nature of the material doesn't lend itself to carefree wear. Ahhh the concessions we make for fashion! This sweater would work on sooo many body types. I simply adjusted the tie in the back so it would fall off the shoulder and reveal a little midriff, but it can be worn to cover the tummy as well...the loose fitting shape is very forgiving (especially on those yummy nights out :-]) I was also glad for the tip in weather because I could wear my FAVORITE cords...even though they were a backup because for some reason I couldn't find a specific pair of jeans (don't you hate that?). One arm pushed up to showcase my favorite stack of arm-candy. Funky tribal print wedges and my miniature Aldo bag (isn't it cute?!) provide pops of color.

Sweater: DeJanero (NYC), Cords: Joe Fresh, Wedges: Strawberry (NYC), Necklace & Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thrifted, Mini Satchel: Aldo (couldn't seem to find online, but similar here)

Harlem Nights

Fourth of July Weekend!!

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans!

So this weekend will celebrate all things Americana, counting and recognizing all the freedoms and traditions that make this country great...and a 4 day weekend doesn't hurt either! I must say I've had a very uneventful holiday weekend so far...just chilling and relaxing with some of my favorite people and my very "special someone" :-D I hope your weekend has been filled with just as much fun, love, family and friends!

Apple pie, baseball, our red, white and blue flag and denim are just some of the things recognizably Americana, sooooo I very appropriately styled 2 denim looks that incorporate the colors of our great nation's flag. This is the one day of the year where you are actually allowed a pass to be as cliché and overtly cheesy as you like. I didn't go the overtly cheesy route but I definitely kept to a thematic color story. Remember to have fun, keep it breezy and make your outfits your own.

"Happy freedom in body, mind and spirit day!"
Ciao,
Maya

LEFT: Skirt: H&M; Denim Shirt: Joe Fresh; Sneakers: Ralph Lauren; Bag: Kenneth Cole; Ring: H&M; Dream Necklace: JewelMint; Stacked Necklace: Strawberry (NYC)
RIGHT: Tank: Forever21; Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger; Jeans: Joe Fresh; Wedges: Payless

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)

Ootd: Monday Blues

Good Morning Islers,

Just a quick outfit of the day "ootd". Today I'm rocking a blue monochromatic look. Though I don't feel a bit blue emotionally, I do feel calmer somehow (hmm maybe a good topic for my next post...which colors evoke which emotions). Anyway, happy Monday and let's have a great week! 

Xoxo,
Maya

Top: Forever 21, Belt: Thrifted, Skirt: Strawberry (NYC), Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Necklace & Affirmation Bracelet: Strawberry (NYC), Gold Bangle: Ralph Lauren (Century 21), Neon Bracelet: H&M

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),

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

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

Black Monday

Happy Monday!

Back into the groove of things at work and I'm still wishing it was Sunday. 

Today I decided to keep things simple with all black. Très chic right?! Slimming, quick and easy--black is a no-brainer. But of course I had to put my personal stamp on it with accessories. 

Bracelets: H&M, handmade by a friend; Necklace: JewelMint; Ring: H&M; Chiffon Shirt and Skirt: DeJanero (NYC)

Bathroom Selfies

Okay so if you've been a member of any social media outlet for more than 5 minutes, you've seen the infamous selfie. Those shameless pictures we take of ourselves and post online. I, for one, LOVE a good selfie...hey as a single woman who else is going to take pictures of my fabulousness in the car, on the train, at dinner, in the bathroom...???!!!

Yes! I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the bathroom selfie is the most pictured selfie on the web. This is a fitting topic for my second post b/c as you will come to see I am a relentless bathroom selfer (can I call myself that?). Since most of my time is spent at work, this makes the most logical location for my photoshoots lol. An abundance of mirrors and great lighting...how can one resist! 

Anyway below are a few (and I do mean a select few lol) of my shameless bathroom selfies which, at this point, I consider a perfectly acceptable commonplace practice! lol

Get it? lol

The Styl Isle approach to pesonal style...

So what better way to start off my first style blog than a few selfies ;-) 

My style is very much about mixing classic pieces with quirky unique ones you may not see everywhere. I shop at mainstream retail like H&M and Forever 21, but I also love to peruse those "off the beaten path" vintage boutiques and consignment shops for special finds. 

As an artist and graphic designer, I approach most things from a different perspective which is why personal style resonates so much with me. As the poet John Donne said, "No man is an island." I say that is true except that everyone's personal style is signature of their own personality and expressions. Individual style is as vast as the sands on a beach hence...STYL ISLE! Okay, enough deep philosophical chit chat let's get to the pics ;-)

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Dress: JC Penny, Head Piece: Capelli (NYC), Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M