A Week in Wears | Work Edition

A Week in Wears | Work Edition

Happy Monday,

I'm thinking of starting "A Week in Wears" Series where I'll blog my outfits for the week. Like most females I dress according to my mood, which can change from day to day but in many cases I notice some underlying theme. I may do all prints  or all black or skirts. I think it's an interesting way to blog my Outfit Of The Day. I'm still going to post OOTD on my Instagram page @styl_isle but the blog will go more in depth so be sure to check back each week!

This post catalogs what I wore to work last week. Do you notice a theme or trend?

Ciao for now!

MONDAY
Shirt: Banana Republic, Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Belt: (thrifted), Flats: H&M, Necklace: JewelMint.com

Love this cool casual look. I really responded to the softer color palette for me with the structured collared shirt. Pulled the look together wither a cobalt blue pencil skirt, and tan colored belt and flats.

TUESDAY
Dress: DeJanero (NYC), Belt: H&M, Sweater: H&M

Wanted to keep with the easy feeling from yesterday and so decided on this effortless dress that has a nautical feel. Brightened things up with a bright coral belt and lipstick. The gray sweater was a perfect neutral compliment for the fidget temps in my office.

WEDNESDAY
Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Shirt: H&M, Pumps: Ralph Lauren

Polished things up mid-week by choosing a sleek pencil skirt and sleeveless shirt. I kept things interesting by choosing a skirt with an interesting snake-like pattern and ruffled shirt collar. I kept the rest of the accessories pretty simple. I especially like how many tortoise shell frames play off of the pattern of the skirt. Classic black pumps complete the look.

THURSDAY
Shirt: Joe Fresh, Slacks: H&M, Pumps: Anne Klein (thrifted)

Old faithful and definitely an old staple...BLACK! I paired this silk shirt with my go-to black slack from H&M (they never let me down!) I've been loving the texture and movement of this necklace this week so I definitely threw it back on for some visual interest and switched up my black pumps for these blush and rose gold beauties.

FRIDAY
I was off...off to the beach!!

The Call Back

Hello Islers, 

It's been quite sometime since my last post...hope everyone is doing well.

I wanted to share a recent outfit of the day that I thought would be appropriate for a call back interview. The call back interview is one where you've been asked to come back because there was something about you that they liked. This is your second opportunity to not only make an impression professionally but personally. In the second, and sometimes third interviews, I feel it's completely appropriate to wear something a little less formal (not casual) and let more of your personality shine through. 

For this look I chose a striped sheath dress and white collared shirt from Joe Fresh. I paired it with chunky ankle boots and a navy and bright orange belt. For a position in marketing I feel this is totally appropriate and lets me feel a little more at ease during the actual interview knowing that I'm polished but comfortable as well. I believe this helped me LAND THE JOB!! 

Sheath: Joe Fresh, Shirt: Joe Fresh, Belt: H&M, Booties: Jessica Simpson

Beautifully Flawed...Imperfectly Perfect

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I wanted to write a post of a different sort and just speak from the heart....

I have thoroughly been enjoying my holidays of time spent with loved ones. For my family and friends, that usually involves FOOD! This is the time of year when I like to take a little time off work, fellowship and dine. Unfortunately, there is a draw back to this period of decadent indulgence... 

I'm not ashamed to say I've gained a few holiday pounds that don't always have me feeling my best.  "I feel like crap." "I don't care today." "All black it is." "I can't fit this anymore." "I'm fat." We've all had those days of feeling fat or unattractive, prompting us to put little to no effort into our outward appearance. These are phrases I have found myself saying recently, specifically in the morning while dressing for work. It's also been the reason for my limited picture and blog postings. 

BUT I want to share a very helpful tip that counter acts these negative thoughts. I pick one thing to highlight about myself, that is not body related, in order to move the focus from areas I feel less confident about. If I don't like the way a dress is hitting my thighs or the muffin-top that is waiting to rise in those trousers (lol), I pick out a dope piece of jewelry, bust out a sexy pair of shoes, try a different makeup look or style my hair in an interesting way to take the attention off my body and help me get excited about something else. When I'm self conscious about my outfit (and ultimately my body), I don't feel my most confident nor do I operate at my best. So this little trick shifts my perspective.

Let's be honest, you may not ALWAYS love the skin you're in, but realize that you are a wonderfully, multifaceted human being. And that loving yourself does not mean highlighting the best parts of you only, but it's celebrating the parts that are a challenge...the parts that require work....the parts that aren't perfect. That's what is beautifully flawed.........imperfectly perfect about YOU!

Xoxo~Maya

OOTD: All Black Everything

Hi Islers...hope you are all having a fantastic day today!

Really quick Outfit Of The Day today...All black everything...Black on Black on Black! I've worn head-to-toe black for the past three days and no, I'm not in mourning. It's just been so easy to throw on without having to worry about what color goes with what, which accessories, print? Solid? Blah, blah blah! Sometimes it's nice to just, rest my "style mind", throw on all black and jet out the door. Plus today's look will easily make the switch from day to night when I go out for dinner this evening.

But black doesn't have to mean boring snooze fest. You can still look stylish, chic and in some cases...FIERCE HONTY!!

"They say black is the void of color, maybe that's where you begin to shine through." --Maya Gatewood

Ciao for now!

#1: Slacks: H&M, Shirt: Strawberry Stores (NYC), Nude Pumps: Nine West, Necklace: H&M, Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Studs: H&M
#2: Shirt: Forever21, Cardigan: DeJanero (NYC), Cords: Joe Fresh, Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Necklace and Belt: Strawberry Stores (NYC)
#3: Silk Blouse: Joe Fresh, Cords: Joe Fresh, Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Black and Gold Necklace: Strawberry Stores (NYC)

 

Baby Pink and Thrift Shopping

Happy Monday Islers,

Would you believe my dress and necklace and bracelet set are thrift store finds? This is why I love thrift shopping. You can buy inexpensive clothing without sacrificing style. I love when a color combination come together...I purchased the dress and jewelry set at different times from different shops but they look as if they could have come from the same collection. This blazer is New York & Co. and I decided to keep the footwear "barely there" with some nude peep-toes. Definitely feeling chic, sophisticated and feminine today. I'm such a huge fan of thrift and vintage shopping, below are a few tips that I've learned while scanning the racks.

5 tips for thrift shopping:

Pencil me In!

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)

"The Devil is in the Detail"

So you've heard the saying, "The Devil is in the Detail"? Well, this holds especially true for my OOTD today. While there is nothing particularly fabulous about my outfit, I really like the small details of texture, print and color that make up the whole. There's something to be said for just dressing smart (as in polished) and casual, with no hidden agenda.

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: Teal Shift

What's up Islers!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far and has some fun plans for the 4th of July Weekend!

I wanted to share a quick Outfit of the Day before heading out to lunch. I was really feeling this teal shift dress when I tried it on a few months ago but hadn't pulled the trigger on styling an outfit yet lol. So today's the day!

Summer Stripes

Hey Islers!

I'm happy to be back and even happier to be enjoying some consistent warm weather with the official "First Day of Summer" this passed weekend! 

In the spirit of summer, and all things nautical, I'm starting off my Monday with this striped sheath from Joe Fresh. I literally had enough time to bathe and throw something on if I didn't want to be late for work. This dress is a perfect and easy stress-free outfit. Of course I had to sinch in my waist and add a pop of color, and so opted for this light lemon-colored woven belt from H&M. Classic black pumps finish off this look for the office but you could easily pair sneakers or sandals for a more casual look. 

Dress: Joe Fresh; Belt: H&M; Pumps: Ralph Lauren

OOTD: Formal Aquestrian?

Happy Thursday Islers! Quick Outfit of the Day...

Besides having an AWESOME hair day, I'm loving today's aquestrian inspired look. There's ALSO something formal about it with a subtle nod to the "tuxedo inspired" pants from H&M. A peplum top is ALWAYS flattering and polished in my book, and I love this blazer version. I just tugged up the sleeves and flipped up the collar...which is how I wear 99% of my blazers. This is a little trick for all my tall women out there. Blazers/Jackets rarely fit my arms all the way to the wrists (a sleeve 1-2 inches short of the wrist gives the appearance that your blazer/jacket is too small) so I usually roll them up my forearms, which happens to look coolier and edgier anyway so SCORE! And of course it wouldn't be ME without a belt ;-)

Although not pictured here, I DID wear riding boots while commuting into work, so I literally felt like all I needed was a bag of carrots and a stead named Morning Star lol.

I kept my accessories simple with my fav black booties and a few silver/black bangles, but added a little pop of color with this goregous bracelet from H&M.

Pants: H&M, Blazer: Old, Booties: Bakers, Bracelets & Bangles: H&M

Ootd: Black and White

Just a quick Outfit of the Day....What's more classic than black and white? Chic, fresh and polished you can't go wrong. I'm loving this textured white skirt from H&M. I paired it with a simple black V-Neck tshirt and this moto inspired black jacket that I've had for years (also from H&M). Simple black and white accessories complete the look. 

This look will be perfect with flats when I meet some friends after work later :) but it's also totally office appropriate as I've styled it here. 

What are some of your favorite black and white pieces to pair?

"Stand out in a simple way." --Maya

Ciao for now. 

Skirt: H&M, Tshirt: Forever 21, Jacket: H&M (old), Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Necklace: JewelMint, Bracelet Stack: H&M

Street Style: Harem Pants

I have been wanting a pair of harem pants for as long as I can remember, but I never did because I didn't think they were particularly flattering for my body type. But FASHION FIND these totally are!!! I picked up these beauties in one of my favorite NYC boutiques...DeJenaro. The clothing line is called ChancesR and I loved them so much I bought a black and white pair as well. 

First, let me start off by saying these are the most comfortable pants I have ever worn! They're so versatile, you can dress them down as I have done with a T-shirt, classic denim jacket and sneakers. Or pair them with a sheer top, blazer and strappy heels for a dressier look. 

The print takes it from a lounge pant silhouette to something more sophisticated, but the key to wearing harem pants is to incorporate structured pieces into your outfit otherwise you will look like you're going to bed lol 

"Cool is a state of mind." --Maya

Ciao for now!

Pants: ChancesR; Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger; Denim Jacket: Old Navy; Sneakers: Polo Ralph Lauren; Hoops: H&M; Ring: H&M