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:

A-Line of Coral and Canvas

I'm back from vacation and I've missed the blog! 

Do not adjust your computer and/or phone screens, I really am like four shades darker thanks to a week of fun in the sun :0) 

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!

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

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

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

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

Stole Sunday

Happy Sunday!

I've been dying to "get my life" and incorporate some fur into my wardrobe. So when my mom gave me this deep burgundy faux fur stole for Christmas, I was ecstatic and have been waiting for the right moment to bust it out lol. 

This stole is seriously the warmest and softest thing I've ever felt and never want to take it off. I also wore it over the collar of my coat for a little outerwear glam. I've also been itching to wear this cream lace top that my coworker gave me for Christmas (I mean people were spot on with the style gifts this year lol). I thought the two would make an interesting combination and ended up being a winning match...one of my friends told me that I looked like a million bucks ;-) I paired it with a dark floral pencil skirt and simple black pumps. But that fur did it...I felt fabuloso!!! 

Shirt: Joe Fresh, Stole: Gifted, Skirt&Belt: Strawberry (NYC), Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Monochromatic Mix

Hi Islers and Happy New Year!


I love the mixed prints and patterns trend we've been seeing everywhere and I can't wait to start incorporating it into my looks but I'm still a bit shy to step out in something THAT different. Here is a stylspiration of what I eventually want to work myself up to lol

Don't these look amazing!!!

But for now I thought I'd go slow by keeping to a monochromatic color palette. This is one of the safest ways to test the waters of any new look or trend. By sticking within the same hues or values, you can mix and create visual interest without the risk of looking like your house was on fire and you layered on everything in your closet ;-)

Today I am feeling gray and not in a bad way ;-) So, I paired these FABULOUS heavy linen patterned pants with a graph-checkered button down and blazer. The look is finished with pumps and simple accessories.

Pants: Joe Fresh, Shirt: J. Crew (thrifted), Blazer: Banana Republic, Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: JewelMint

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