Statement Coats: A Fashionista's Fall/Winter Must-Have

So it looks like the cold weather is finally here. Can't complain; we've had it good for long while here in DC. Just last week it was 70 degrees...in the middle of November! Boy, did I enjoy it, but deep down I was ready for some typical fall weather.  Autumn has quickly moved up to almost being my favorite season, though summer still holds the title. It's a strong contender not only because of the beautiful colors and the crisp, refreshing chill in the air, but also largely because of the amazing fall fashion. Each year I get giddy with excitement when I know it's almost time to break out the gear. Sweaters, boots, coats, oh my!! (insert 'hands raised' and 'clapping hands' Emoji)

For fashionistas everywhere fall is like a feast. There are sooooo many wonderful style options out there!!! As the temps drop, however, the challenge becomes finding the right mix between fashion and functionality. While I'm all about looking great, I'm also very much a fan of warmth. For a person who is always cold, it's a pretty big deal. When it's all said and done the goal is to be both cute and cozy. I think the mission was accomplished with this look.

I started out with the basics of a classic turtleneck and jeans, a combination that will always be in style. Period. Point blank. Regardless of your body type or size, you just can't go wrong starting there. As in all looks, it all boils down to fit and cut, but it's a great jumping off point. From there, you want to up the ante by choosing accent pieces to add some personality. For me, it was the skinny leopard belt that did the trick. I'm a firm believer that a little bit of leopard goes a long way. A belt, shoe, scarf, bag...a little dab will do ya. Next, I went with the suede thigh high boot and wide brim fedora, both hot trends we've seen for the past few seasons that I think will stay around for a while.  Something about a baaad hat sitting low just makes you start feeling yourself.

No doubt I could have gotten away with just those pieces and been just fine had it not been for the frigid wind that was a-whipping. It was cold, y'all! Style game was strong, but the warmth factor was lacking. What to do, what to do. Enter, the statement coat; the final layer to seal the deal, if you will.

Nothing sets off basic black like a bold color. I chose a burnt orange wool blend coat with clean lines and oversized pockets by Bernardo. I got it on sale at Nordstrom, but statement coats can be found anywhere, at any price point. I've mentioned in previous posts (http://moxystyle.blogspot.com/2016/11/thrifting-works-hunting-for-treasure.html)
that I'm a HUGE fan of thrifting and consignment shopping. It's a great place to start if you want something unique, that not everyone has and that fits your budget. Regardless of where you shop, the key is to look for details: cut, color, funky buttons, trim, faux fur, even patterns. It's about choosing a piece that catches your eye, fits your personality, makes you feel fabulous and keeps you warm.

Style Is For Everyone
The statement coat is a style must for every woman, not just a few. Check out a few fellow bloggers showing how they rock statement coats on their full and curvy body types.

Moxy Style

Here are a few looks I created featuring statement coats. Follow me on Polyvore using the app or the site for details on the items. Just search for me as "MoxyStyle".

Hunting For Treasure:Thrifting Works

It's no secret that I love to shop. While I confess to being a shopaholic, I wholeheartedly believe in getting the best bang for the buck. Let's face it, most of us work hard for our cash and, if we're honest, can't necessarily afford to keep up with the celeb stylings flooding our timelines/social media feeds.  While I love seeing the great outfits they (or, rather, their stylists) put together, I would much rather keep my paper in the bank. I believe a number of you feel the same and want to be smart with your money too. There's nothing cute about being "fly" and broke.  At the same time, however, we want to look good and feel stylish too. So is it possible to be both fashionable and financially responsible? Absolutely! Thrifting and consignment shopping are a GREAT way to achieve both objectives. The key is to have a keen eye, go to the right spots and know what to look for.

When thrifting, I tend to look for both classic pieces that can be worn for years without ever going out of style; functional pieces that can be easily mixed and matched with multiple pieces to stretch my wardrobe. But I also love to find trendy or unique pieces that make a statement. This particular look is a blend of both approaches.

The recent unseasonably warm weather presented the perfect opportunity to pair a lightweight classic white blazer found at Salvation Army ($12), simple cotton tank from Forever 21 ($8) and a knit pencil skirt with an eye-catching pattern, found last year at a local flea market ($30). The leather Aldo clutch was found at one of absolute favorite spots, Plato's Closet (www.platoscloset.com) for just $14. The nude kid leather Aldo pumps were bought years ago for about $50 and continue to be on trend. The effect is a classic look that can be worn to work, church or out to lunch, all within a modest budget.

Now, I know there are a lot of people who feel some kind of way about the idea of wearing used goods. They think it's creepy or beneath them. I've never seen it that way. I actually love the idea of finding good, quality, sometimes designer pieces that would ordinarily be beyond my reach, all well within my budget. With 2 kids in college, I HAVE to shop smart. So thrifting works for me. I've even taught my daughters to do it and at a young age they're quite thrifty and frugal as well. No shame in our game. As they say, "One (wo)man's trash..."

Tradesy, Poshmark and The Real Real are a few popular online consignment options, featuring fabulous authentic designer wares at great discount. Here are a few great thrift store, consignment and eBay finds I've been blessed to come across:

Barneys New York leather blazer

So, if you're a person who loves fashion but doesn't want to break the bank in order to be stylish and on trend, know that there's hope and lots of resources out there for you. I hope this post encourages you to be fabulous and work within your budget. Happy treasure hunting:)

Maxi (Shirt) Swag

Fall is here! Kids are back in school, leaves have begun falling and changing colors and there is a crispness in the air. It's typically the season of sweaters and boots, but lately we've been experiencing unseasonable warmth. No complaints here! It's a perfect opportunity to try out the maxi shirt/maxi t-shirt trend.

The maxi shirt/maxi t-shirt over jeans look is a great style option for just about any dressy casual occasion. From lunch dates to date night, heading to Sunday service or Sunday brunch, you can be both comfortable and chic. Throw on the maxi top of your choice with a pair of your favorite jeans or leggings, add a few simple accessories and voila, the look is complete.

This first look features an ivory button down maxi shirt from It Factor Boutique (www.loveitfactorboutique.com). The covered buttons, lace detail around the waist and toward the hem, as well as the full and flowy sleeve offers a kinda boho chic vibe, which inspired a vintage feel in me. I chose to wear it with my favorite skinny distressed jeans, metallic barrel bag and nude pump, certainly a contemporary pairing, but then I added a scarf and oversized sunnies to channel that 70s feel. An assortment of bangles and baubles finished the retro look. (Sidebar: Maxi shirts can make great swimsuit coverups too! I wore this one as such just this past summer:)

Next up, a maxi t-shirt worn with relaxed fit jeans and nude strappy heel. Where the soft, flowy fit of the ivory maxi shirt inspired a vintage look, the asymmetrical hemline of this maxi t-shirt gave more of a "funky chic" vibe.  An oversized leopard clutch, black turban and large ivory sunnies helped pull the look together. (Sidebar: I'm a fan of leopard anything with just about EVERYTHING!:)

Style Is For Everyone
Check out a few fellow bloggers showing how curvy, full figures can also take on the maxi shirt/maxi t-shirt trend.

http://lindagg.com.br/4585-2/

http://iamweesha.com

www.girlswithcurves.com

Game Day!

Football season is finally back!!!! I know I'm not the only one excited about that.  This past Sunday was the NFL Kickoff and I was more than happy to rep my team (can you guess which? ;) along with all the other eager fans of the game. I like to show my team spirit by rocking jeans and a jersey like the next enthusiast, but this time I decided to spruce things up just a bit, pairing a simple NFL t-shirt with boyfriend jeans and a crisp white cape blazer (Yup, after Labor Day. Take THAT, Fashion Police!). Accessorizing became fun with an accent color to make the whole look pop. I went with a hot trend, a pair of bright red fringe lace up sandals inspired by the popular Steve Madden and Aquazzura styles, these at a much lower price point (work your budget, Ladies!).  A red leather and silver belt with coordinated clutch and a pair of vintage Christian Dior sunnies found at an absolute STEAL on eBay($15!!!!) basically finished off the look. I was ready for the game and anything else that came afterward. Regardless of your team affiliation, you can be sporty and stylish. Touchdown!!!

Clutch: Charming Charlies
Belt: Macys
Sunglasses: Christian Dior (eBay)
Shoe: Can't remember the vendor:/ (eBay)

Style is For Everyone:
Athleisure, taking sporty attire and wearing it "for work, casual or social occasions", has become a popular trend within recent years. Check out how these sister bloggers make the look their own.

www.thefashionspot.com

www.thathayetrida.com

Moxy Style: My Polyvore Creations

Here are a few athleisure looks I created using my favorite app, Polyvore. You'll notice a definite bias toward my hometown :) 

So, how about it? What's your favorite team and how can YOU rep them in a stylish way? 

Ruched Rebel

"No white after Labor Day!" It's probably the most famous of all fashion rules, a faux pas right up there with mixing metals and visible panty lines. While I totally agree with the "No VPL!" thing, (bodyshapers are your friend!), I'm all for breaking the rules every now and again. 

Labor Day has come and gone, yet in today's look, it's all about this fabulous denim wrap shirt from It Factor Boutique (www.loveitfactorboutique.com) worn with a crisp white pencil skirt. I was drawn to each piece because of their distinctive details: the blouse with ruched sleeves, flattering overlapping neckline, eventually tying at the waist, and the skirt from ShiMyer Boutique, which featured an asymmetrical hemline and overlapping open in the back. (Sidebar:wrap shirts are great for defining and accentuating your waist). Leopard clutch, hoop earrings, oversized sunnies and taupe fringed sandals completed the look.

Style Is For Everyone

I opted for a dressy, semi-formal vibe with my look, but there are tons of other ways to rock white and for other body types too.  Check out these ensembles featured by fellow blogger, Shapely Chic Sheri (http://www.shapelychicsheri.com/2015/05/plus-size-options-all-white-outfits-curvy-fashion-blog.html)

So whether you opt for white as your top or bottom; whether you be petite or curvy, rock your after Labor Day white with boldness and confidence. Be a rebel! Rules were, after all, made to be broken.

Moxy Style:

Here are a few "rule-breaking" looks I've put together using my fave app; different types of attire for different occasions:

Cool & Casual Monochromatic

When it's hot outside, sometimes it can be difficult to maintain your cool. High temperatures and stifling humidity all seem to work against your best efforts to look put together. 

This particular day I ran from meeting to meeting, in and out of A/C, finding myself wishing to be back at the beach or near a pool just for some relief. Despite the conditions, it was important that I somehow maintain an air of professionalism and confidence as I met with clients. Looking sweaty and disheveled was simply not an option. I knew I also wanted to be comfortable and ready for all of the running around, so I went for a simple monochromatic ensemble: fitted cotton t-shirt  (Wet Seal) and distressed skinny jeans (Trendsetter Boutique). To add a bit of flair and sophistication to an otherwise simple look, I chose a lightweight sleeveless duster vest in a nude hue (eBay). Metallic barrel bag trimmed in nude leather (Marshall's) and matching nude pumps (Aldo) rounded out the look and once I added a sleek ponytail, aviator sunnies and a few bangles, I was out the door. 

The next time you need to pull together a comfy, cool and stylish outfit, consider a monochromatic ensemble with statement accessories and accents. Regardless of age, body type or size it's a surefire way to be effortlessly chic.

Style Is For Everyone

Here are a few curvier sister-bloggers showing their take on the look.

www.ravingsbyrae.com

Found on Pinterest

www.trendycurvy.tumblr.com

Color Coded: Bright & Bold

I love wearing black. All black. I can remember when it first started for me. It was in high school during the 80s when John Hughes films prevailed and the grunge look first hit the scene.  I used to want to be one of the models in Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible", video. You remember them: sleek, slicked back hair, body-fitting black tank dresses, bold red lip. Even the 90's girl group En Vogue made the look, well, en vogue. What could be sexier??

Not too much has changed today. Regardless of the era or occasion, it seems like wearing all-black is ALWAYS on point.  Put it on and you automatically look chic, slimmer and mysterious. You can't go wrong or really mess it up. It's safe. Comfortable. For me, it's an automatic go-to if ever there's a question about what to wear. For that reason, my closet has an entire section of just black pieces. But recently, something has shifted. I've begun to fall in love with color. And not just mild, subtle, muted pastels or earth tones (though I love my earthy colors a LOT).  I'm talking about bright, bold, vibrant, grab your attention colors. Red, orange, electric blue, yellow, turquoise, fuchsia .... Not sure where it's coming from, but I suspect it has something to do with gradually becoming more comfortable in my own skin. Where I used to just want to blend in back in the day, I'm now a lot more comfortable coming out from the shadows. Perhaps its just a byproduct of maturing and aging, but in my 40s I'm experiencing a confidence and boldness that I never had in my 20s or even 30s. I like to call it the "Grown Woman" syndrome. More regularly now I find myself drawn to colors that I wouldn't have been caught dead in a few years ago. I've even begun wearing red lipstick, something I just could not bring myself to do for the longest time. 

Yesterday, just back from a great vacation in Miami, I felt inspired to rock the brightest colors I could find. South Beach, known for it's art deco pops of color, bright sun and energetic, lively vibe just brought all of this to the surface.  So, searching my closet for something to wear to church, I threw on a shirt dress I found at Express ages ago (but never had the guts to actually wear) and a great bright yellow pair of pumps that I found and fell in love with while on the trip. I rocked them with a bright  red lip, turban and clutch and then added a pair of yellow mirrored frames.  I'd never tried the color blocking technique before, but something in me just felt liberated to go for it.  I felt like a movie star. All of it just popped off my dark skin (which took me many years to learn to love) and there was a sense of freedom and joy that just welled up in me. I think being so refreshed and recharged from the trip, it was actually already there and the clothes just expressed what was going on on the inside. And isn't that what your style should do?? It should be an outward expression of how and what you feel on the inside, about your life, about yourself. So the next time you find yourself reaching for that comfortable, safe, all-black outfit, maybe, just maybe, it's time to question why and shake things up a bit. Come boldly out from the shadows. It's ok to shine:)

Turban: local beauty supply 

Retro cat-eyed mirrored sunglasses: Banzoot 

Shirt dress: Express 

Clutch: Charming Charlie's 

Patent leather pumps: Golden Bar

Bikini: Mint Swim

Style is for Everyone! 

Bold & Beautiful:  Curvy sister bloggers give us the look too!

www.plussizeprincess.com

www.grownandcurvywoman.com