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)

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

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: Colbalt Cool

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I've been dying to style these amazing cobalt blue pants I picked up at H&M last Friday. When I tried them on...oooo weee...they sucked in and hugged all the right places, the price was right at $19.90 and I knew I had a winner! Considering the fact that they don't have belt loops and still fit my waist AND hips (a frequent problem I have with my pants)....it was a PLUS PLUS PLUS!! There are so many ways I foresee styling these pants. I'm definitely inspired.

"Let your imagination inspire a multitude of outcomes." --Maya Gatewood

Ciao for now!

Pants: H&M, Basic Tee: Strawberry, Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Necklace & Watch: JewelMint, Earrings: H&M

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: 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

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.

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