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

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