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!!

Sporty Spice

Hi Islers!

Today was one of those lazy Saturdays. I relaxed in bed most of the day with Netflix and later took my mom out for her birthday...she wanted P.F. Chang's and boy was it spicy!

I wanted to wear something that reflected the ease of the relaxed day but wasn't bummy...casual cute! I recently picked up this sweater dress from J. Crew and I've been looking forward to the day I could sport this sweet little number. We're in the dog days of summer so it's still hot, but the material isn't too heavy and I knew we'd be indoors...I'm always freezing. Gray is my favorite color so this dress is already a favorite of mine. One thing I hate about sweater dresses is the cling! Simply because of the nature of the material, sometimes you can find yourself tugging and pulling, which leaves those oh-so-annoying pucker marks in the fabric. No so with this dress, it's very forgiving. I kept the sporty theme going with my brand new, first ever, pair of Chucks! *covers faces with hands* I mean nothing goes better with sweatshirts than a crispy white pair of sneakers? I added minimal accessories to complete the look and headed out for some delicious Chinese food. Hope you guys had a great relaxing Saturday too!

Ciao for now!

Dress: J. Crew; Sneakers; Converse; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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)

 

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)

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: 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

Wedded Bliss

Love is in the air and what's better than a Spring wedding! 

Two weeks ago I had the priveledge to witness two beautiful friends join together in holy matrimony....everything was beautiful from the ceremony to the venue to the food to the music; I had an amazing night *sigh*

I wanted to wear something fairly simple yet elegant and so paired this light gray (my favorite color) one shoulder dress with my fav blush pumps and blush earrings. I bought this dress a few years ago on sale from H&M for a whopping $10!! With the neckline of this dress, statement earrings is all that was needed. 

A great way to conceal problem areas and hug the right places is a dress with rouging. Though I'm not a huge fan of my arms, the rouging offered enough visual interest to distract from wearing them out. Of course my phone died during the festivities so I didn't get to capture as many moments as I would've liked but you get the idea lol

Dress: H&M; Shoes: Anne Klein (thirfted); Earrings: H&M: Cuff: JewelMint, Bracelets: H&M