Summer Stylin': Graphic Tees & Dungarees

I love t-shirts. All kinds. My ridiculously overstuffed, "pressed down and running over" dresser-drawerful would attest to it. I somehow seem to keep collecting them! In various colors, from all kinds of events (concerts, family reunions, expos, etc.) stores, vendors...it's just crazy. I've built up quite a collection. The cool thing about them (besides their trendy slogans, flashy images or iconic likenesses), is that though they're considered very casual, when paired with the right pieces and accessories, you can also dress them up (examples of such looks coming soon!).

Today's post shows a laid back ensemble, featuring a simple scoop neck sleeveless tee and distressed jeans. You can pretty much change out the cut/style of both tee or jean and it'll be fine. So long as you're comfortable (and cute!;) that's all that matters. It's a good look for running errands (cuz we all know that's when you run into any and everyone you know) or even out and about with friends. The look is accessorized with open-toe wedges, hoop earrings and a classic straw fedora, perfect to keep the hot sun off the face (gotta protect that skin!). Add a few little touches like a pair of black sunnies and wood bracelet to complement the accent in the wedge and the fit is complete. Though it was definitely hot out, the look was cool, casual, comfy and put together. A win all the way around.

Outfit Deets:
Sleeveless tank with cutout- Juicy Couture (Loehmann's, $20)
Distressed jeans- American Eagle Outfitters (Plato's Closet, $12)
Studded leather & wood wedges- Vince Camuto (Macys, $60 on clearance!)
Metallic barrel bag w/tassle- Imoshion (Marshalls, $40)
Straw fedora, hoop earrings, shades and wood bracelet - (all no name brands, found at local beauty supply store... believe it or not, actually one of my favorite go-tos for cool, trendy and inexpensive stuff;)

Style Is For Everyone
As I've said before, from petite to plus, style is for everyone! It's not just for certain ages, sizes or body types. It's  really all about knowing and loving who you are and celebrating YOUR moxy. For those of you with a curvier and fuller figure, here are a few examples of some fellow sister-bloggers who've embraced their fabulosity and are killing the look in their own way:

www.beauticurve.com

www.musingsofacurvylady.com

Now your turn! Give the look a shot and then comment and tell me about your take on it. Even better, I'd love to see a pic of YOU rocking the trend:) 

Until next time, do YOU!

Nudes & Neutrals

Summertime is typically known for bright, vibrant colors. Red, orange, purple...anything from the vast and broad warm color spectrum is up for grabs. The hotter the hue, the better to match the warm temps. However, the hot weather can also be a great time to boast more muted tones. Think "cool", breezy neutral and nude shades in light, airy fabrics. They're the perfect way to try to combat the heat.

Featured in this look is a Forever 21 stone colored blouse casually tied at the waist and paired with white distressed skinny jeans. This top and bottom ensemble can pretty much be redone in any number of combinations or shades: denim top w/black bottom, patterned top w/denim bottom, etc. The key is finding a shirt that fits you loosely enough to comfortably tie. It hides any problem areas you may have in the midsection, but still gives you a casual and effortless style. Be sure the jeans are fitted and skinny or maybe even try a flare (bell-bottom) cut for a more retro vibe. Pair with your favorite pumps or wedges and you're good to go. 

I tried this look by mixing a few neutral shades together, but if you prefer to follow the conventional rule of matching the shoe to your bag, that's fine too. Either way, you'll be sun-kissed, casual and cute. Long live summer! :)

Blouse- Forever 21
Jeans/ear cuff- Trendsetter Boutique
Shoes- Aldo
Purse(s)- Beige- Charming Charlie's; Tan- Francesca's
Kenneth Cole Reaction aviator sunglasses- Marshall's
Necklace- Icing

Summer Stylin'

It's almost here. Just a few more calendar days and we'll officially mark the start of summer! For many of us, though, it already feels like it's here. Sunny days, blazing temps, shorts, flip-flops, sandals...Summer is made for casual, chill, laid-back fun and fashion. But sometimes you need to dress things up a bit, like for a date or evening out with friends. What better way to do that than with a few statement accessories?

 Here's my take on a basic casual look kicked up just a notch. I took a simple loose-fitting Forever 21 white v-neck tee with 3/4 length sleeves and added a colorful beaded bib necklace found at Walmart. A pair of distressed Old Navy boyfriend jeans add to the non-fussy look. Metallics are an accent to almost any look and can jazz up a simple look with ease. Here I used an oversized clutch in gold to add that dressy feel. Open toe sandals in a shade to complement the necklace finishes off the ensemble. 

In this look, I took the same shirt and tucked it into a basic black pencil skirt. Once again, the accessories are what take an otherwise simple ensemble to another level. Same necklace and shoe are used to accentuate the look, but this time the addition of another pop of color, a bright orange clutch from Aldo, brings life to the outfit. 

This summer, you can keep the clothing basic, comfy and casual. Let your accessories do the work, adding color and personality to every look. Sun's up. Time to shine. 

Fringe n Things

Jeans and a tee. It doesn't get too much more simple than that. Graphic, tank, v-neck, scoop neck, crew. There are a myriad of options when it comes to our t-shirts. And the jeans?? Skinny, boyfriend, wide leg, bell bottom, boot leg...You get the point. There's plenty to choose from.  I, for one, love each and the combination of the two would be my daily uniform if I could get away with it. I'm sure you agree. On the weekend when you want to run out for a few errands, what do you grab? More than likely, it's a t-shirt and a comfy pair of jeans. Of all the great ensembles available to us in fashion, I believe most would consider it their favorite too. Sweats may run a very close second, but for the sake of today's post we'll focus on the aforementioned.

The thing I love most about the pairing of jeans and t-shirt, though, besides the comfort factor, is that it can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and your mood. Trade in the flip-flops for a pair of trendy heels, add a blazer and some funky accessories and you've instantly gone from grocery store to an effortlessly stylish date night look (not that you couldn't also rock your heels to the grocery store...I've done that too ;). I also love that virtually anybody can wear it. It's just a matter of getting the proper fit for your body type.

This past Sunday I woke up and just wanted a non-fussy comfortable look to wear to church. The sky was kind of overcast and it just felt like an "easy like Sunday morning" kind of day. Not in the mood for a skirt or dress, I just wanted to be chill, yet still stylish. Always that:) My solution was this ensemble in muted, subtle tones to mimic the laid back weather.

I started with a classic white sleeveless tank from Target, paired with distressed Aeropostale skinnies found for $12 at Plato's Closet (www.platoscloset.com). To dress it up just a bit, I added a lightweight sweater duster found on clearance at Nordstrom a few years ago for $40. Something about it always makes me feel "gone with the wind" fabulous. Maybe it's the way it billows behind as you walk, making you feel like you're on a perpetual runway, a very cool feeling lol.

Now on to the accessories. Feeling just a little edgy, I added a muted gold and silver metallic fringe (is that a thing??) necklace that I got on clearance from Charming Charlie (www.charmingcharlie.com) for $5 and a spiked bracelet of the same finish found at my local beauty supply for about the same price. I finished off the look with Steve Madden Fringly heels snagged on eBay for $30. Love the way the fringe feels as it moves across your foot with each step! 

Classic aviator sunnies and a faux leather gray satchel help complete the look and tie it all together. I felt comfortable, stylish and ready for the day. Off to church and then brunch, ready to feed my soul and body in a simple pair of jeans and a tee. Amen to that!

How do YOU rock your jeans and tee? Holla back and let me know.

Denim on Denim

From J. Lo to Rihanna to Ciara, a hot new casual trend has been denim on denim. Back in the day we might have considered it overkill, too "matchy-matchy", but today it's considered cool and stylish. A casual denim shirt and skirt, jeans with a denim shirt or even the shirt with cutoffs...I've seen them all worn and they always look great, especially when accentuated with a pop of color or even a nude shoe. Even mixed washes are encouraged: dark with light, medium with slightly distressed. It's all celebrated and the result is a non-fussy, casual chic. Who doesn't love that??

What's also great is that anyone can do it! Doesn't matter your size or body type. This trend is one for all and all for one. Just find the top/bottom that works for you and dive in.

I tried the look on for size, beginning with a great shirtdress from JLuxe Label (www.jluxelabel.com), an online boutique I came across a few years ago. I've worn it as a dress with gladiator sandals, even as a cover-up at the beach, but this time I chose to put it with a pair of old jeans converted into long shorts (great way to get more wear from your fave pair). 

Added an old statement beaded necklace found in a Miami gift shop and completed the look with a pair of rust colored fringe (another big trend) heeled sandals from Charlotte Russe (www.charlotterusse.com). My old faithful Kenneth Cole Reaction aviator sunnies are never far away, whose gold-tone frames subtly pick up the hardware on the olive green studded bag from Laila Rowe, selected to add a bit of contrast. This piece is a more affordable take on those offered by Michael Kors and Valentino. With 2 kids in college, splurging on one of their pieces really isn't an option:) Once again, stacked bangles add a boho flair. Add a quick tousle to the already wild and big hair and I feel like I'm ready for an afternoon out with the girls. Lunch, anyone?

Here are a few examples of celebs rocking the trend.

Style is For Everyone
Plus/curvy figures can get in on the style trend too. Check out a few fellow bloggers and their take on the look.

http://www.kellyaugustine.com/2016/09/off-the-shoulder-denim.html

http://curvenvy.com/page/26/

http://www.xpressiories.com/2014/09/denim-work_23.html

Boho Vibes On A Dime

After a seemingly endless hiatus, the sun finally has returned!! Gone are the overcast cloudy skies and relentless rain showers. Hello, sunnies and sandals! Time to get out and enjoy the onset and return of glorious summer weather. I am more than happy to do so:)

First outfit of the long-awaited season begins with a sleeveless cotton spandex crop top from one of my fave consignment shops, Plato's Closet (www.platosclosetlaurel.com). It was truly a great $4 find and can go with so many other bottoms, but I chose to rock it with a super comfy maxi skirt found at a local flea market for $10. Ivory vintage-looking sunnies, gold-tone "bamboo" hoop earrings, layered wood bracelets (all finds at my local beauty supply store!) and my fave espadrille wedges complete the ensemble.

The crown braid, a great youthful look for summer, topped it all off. It can be done on a variety of hair types and ethnicities and, with a bit of practice, is relatively easy to achieve.

The overall effect is casual, comfy and chic. Entire ensemble cost under $50! Who says you have to spend lots of cash to be fashionable? Certainly not me:)

You can get in on the frugal deals too! To find a Plato's Closet near you, just go to www.platoscloset.com and check your local listings.

"Here comes the sun..." Enjoy the season and happy shopping! Wear sunblock and spend wisely;)

Cool Weather Chic

"April showers bring May flowers". Well, it seems that this May those April showers have just brought along even more showers and cool temps. It's been raining and overcast almost every day for the last 3 weeks! Where is the sun??!!  Ok, so maybe it's too soon to break out those cute summery 'fits, but that doesn't mean one has to sacrifice style. In fact, it's a prime opportunity to get more use out of those fabulous capes, sweaters and wraps every fashionista loves.

Featured here, is a heather gray cowl neck cape from one of my faves, iT Factor Boutique (www.loveitfactorboutique.com). To switch things up a bit though, I chose to wear it as a boatneck. A neutral colored belt was added for a subtle contrast,  as well as definition. Of course, my favorite distressed skinny jeans are never too far away, and add a bit of comfort to the vibe.  The nude open-toe laceup over-the-knee boots, on the other hand, bring an element of "funky". The overall effect is a casual comfort chic, perfect for an afternoon out.

Saturday Swag

Saturday! A day synonymous with fun, relaxation and good times. Though ridiculously frigid temps, black ice and mounds of snow can try to put a damper on things, every now and then, things can look up. Sometimes the weather cooperates and gives you unseasonable warmth. When that happens, you take advantage of it! Time to come out of hibernation, shed your sweats and break out your casual, cute and comfy gear.

This weekend's look: boyfriend jeans (Old Navy), simple white tee (Wet Seal), leopard print belt (Target) and fave "NYC" cap (Hats in the Belfry). Classic aviators, (Francesca's) sweater wrap and bag, plus (Charlotte Russe) leopard print strappy heels all came together to complete the look. I was more than ready to run errands, grab lunch and enjoy the great weather with family and friends.

65 degrees in February? I'll take it...Everytime!

Treasure Hunting: Getting The Look For Less

I confess. I love to shop. It kind of goes hand in hand when you're a fan of style and fashion. Who doesn't love the feeling of getting that new pair of shoes or fabulous dress, right?  What's not so great, though, is the impact it can have on your bank account.

I learned the value of a dollar from a very young age. I watched my mother, a single parent of 3, struggle to make ends meet as she raised my brothers and I in the inner city. Sometimes those ends didn't quite connect and we went without. She did the best that she could, but times were hard. For that reason, I don't like wasting money. In fact, I'm ALWAYS on the prowl for a great deal. Sometimes it can mean that I get basic pieces from Target or even Walmart (yup, sho do!), but every now and then I do like to splurge on more quality items. The trick is knowing where to go to find them at an affordable price.  So how does a fashionista bridge the gap between staying on trend and stylish without blowing her budget? Thrifting! Forget diamonds; thrift stores and consignment shops are a girl's best friend.

Most of us would agree that saving money or finding a great deal is part of the joy of shopping. For me, nothing quite beats the feeling of triumph that comes when you get that extra discount at checkout. In fact, the FIRST place I go to when I walk into a store is the clearance/sale section. Hey, I've got 2 kids in college. Getting a deal means more now than ever.

I know the idea of wearing someone else's hand-me-downs is unappealing to some, but I've never been phased by it. No shame in my game, as they say. As long as the items are gently used and in good condition, it's all good. I've scored numerous treasures this way: vintage Christian Dior shades for $17, Brian Atwood pumps for $36, Barneys New York leather blazer for $15, sparkly Uggs for $50. Just the other day I wandered into a local Salvation Army and found a beautiful 100% silk Diane von Furstenberg dress for $3.99!! Then, because it happened to be during a 50% off sale, it ended only costing $2! #winning!! As the saying goes, "One (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure." Indeed!

Sure, it can be overwhelming to walk into a place with racks and racks of items, many of which are not in the best of shape.  But if you have patience to sift through things of lesser quality and keep your eyes peeled for name brands or even unique, funky pieces that speak to your style sense, you can hit the jackpot.

So, just where do I go to find these gems? Here's a list of a few places/sites that I frequent. Check your local area for locations near you :

• Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• Plato's Closet (www.platoscloset.com)
• eBay (always a favorite)
• ThredUp (www.thredup.com)
• Eye of the Beholder Consignment (www.http://www.eyeofthebeholderconsignment.com/home.php)

 So remember, being fashionable doesn't have to break the bank. You can be frugal and fabulous.  Happy thrifting and may you score big and get the look for less!!

The Leighel Desiree 2015 Fall/Winter Collection- Urban Safari

One of the things I enjoy most about fashion is the ability to create looks by mixing and matching pieces. Sure, sets, suits or dresses make things simple, but there's something to be said about having the freedom to switch things up; interchanging tops and bottoms to achieve different vibes. This is one of the reasons I'm so excited by the Leighel Desiree 2015 Fall/Winter Urban Safari Collection. Business, dressy-casual, day-to-evening, urban and even semi-formal; all possible looks when you mix and match just a few of the separate faux fur, leather, organza and lace pieces of this collection.


Day to Evening
Featured: Leighel Desiree's Legendary faux leather jacket and Bondage skirt paired with her Naked long-sleeved lace crop top. Wear to a business lunch with record label execs...

Then, go sans the jacket and swap out the shoes for the after party.

Featured: Revolution Button-up Dress
Heading downtown to a meeting in the boardroom? Then don this easy-to-wear dress with your favorite pumps. The sculpted neckline and subtle shoulder pads make this piece powerful, yet still comfy. Gold square buttons at just a touch of detail.

A simple change of accessories, and you're ready for an evening out. Dinner, anyone?

East Meets West
Featured: After Glow skirt set
Comfortable and stylish, this Asian-inspired set will be your "go to" when you want to make an entrance. The a-line skirt and hi-low top in bronze stretch knit is distinguished with red trim. Dinner party-ready!

But if you want to make an even bolder statement, swap out the bronze skirt for this daring pencil skirt with asymmetrical side slit. Ready for a night on the town.

Fun & Flirty
Featured: Moon Glow polka dot organza skater skirt is an ultra-feminine take on a classic silhouette. Dress it up or down, whatever your fancy.

Edgy Chic
Featured: Ammo Faux Leather jacket and Bondage faux leather skirt.
Worn as a set, you will surely make a statement.  Supple rustic faux leather and high-fashion design combine to make the most sublime ensemble. With features like this over-sized faux fur collar, you will be sure to keep warm while looking stylish.

But if you want a slightly edgier vibe, pair the jacket with some jeans and boots and you have a completely different look. Give urban chic for an evening out.

The Leighel Desiree  2015 Fall/Winter Urban Safari collection offers versatility and a little bit of everything. To get your custom piece, visit her website at http://www.leigheldesiree.com/#_l_1k

Why I Love Polyvore

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted! It was summer back then, but now the highs are in the 30s and it's a brand new year! So much has happened. I've sent my second child off to college, started a new job and discovered a new obsession: Polyvore!!!

Polyvore, for those of you who don't know, is a wonderful app for fashion junkies like me. It's a one-stop shop for virtually all things style. With it you can shop, create looks and get inspiration/tips from others who've got great style sense.  Imagine: you've got a big event/important occasion and don't know what to wear. Download the app (or sign-in via the website), type "red shoes" or "pantsuit" in the search field (whatever you're on the hunt for), and a bevy of options pop up! Or, if you have no idea what look you want, you can follow style-savvy citizens who post looks they've created and get inspiration or direction that way. Any occasion, any price point, any item. And it's not just clothing or apparel. There are ideas for home decor as well! It's that simple. Can you believe it??! Style ideas AND where to find the looks you love, all at your fingertips. #Winning!

Of all the benefits and conveniences of the app, though, I think I love the "Create" feature most. It allows me to develop looks from every price point imaginable. It gives the stylist in me a creative outlet without necessarily breaking the bank.  It's like shopping with an unlimited budget without actually spending a dime. You can go high end or stick to a more conservative price point. I've created looks, mixing pieces that cost thousands with items that are under $50. Nothing is off limits. Gotta love that!;)  If I find a piece that I'm in love with and that fits my budget (that last part is critical), I can click the link which takes me directly to the site where I can make the purchase and have it shipped. Voila. No lines, no hassle. It's exhilarating:)

Here are a few looks I've put together over the last few months:

Clearly, you can tell how much I love this app/site and can hopefully see how it can help you, too. There's no end to the style possibilities!!  If you'd like to follow me,  download the app or go to the Polyvore website (www.Polyvore.com), create an account and look for me under (you guessed it!:) ModelMoxy. 

Until next time... Stylishly yours xoxo :)