Crop top and wide legged Pants

Crop top is a piece I hardly ever wear especially when it is off-the-shoulder like the one I am wearing here. My style philosophy is that it is a piece that should be left for the twenty-somethings or college students but if I must wear one, then I try to style it with a bottom that has a high waist to cover my mid-region. My other styling tip is that; if my upper arms and shoulders are exposed as in this off-the-shoulder top, then my lower part has to be covered. It's all about striking a balance at being modest, trendy and stylish at the same time. For this outfit, I paired my printed off-the-shoulder top with a linen white color wide legged pants; added a multi strand choker and completed the look with Steve Madden Velvet Sandals. Thank you so much for stopping by.

The Duster or Kimono: A Closet Staple

The duster or kimono is a piece that should be in every lady's closet because it is so versatile. It can be worn over any outfit; denim, shorts, dresses and even skirts; mini skirts that is. A colorful duster can add a pop of color to any outfit and it can be used as a layering piece too depending on the weight of the fabric or the weather. A duster or kimono can also be used as a beach wear cover and this definitely makes it a great piece to own. I purchased this plaid printed duster from Target a couple of summers ago and paired it with denim, white tee and a pair of mules; "easy breezy" styling.

My Nordstrom Sale Wish List

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There is so much hype about the Nordstrom sale going on right now because we all love a good sale. Nordstrom is a store that sells high end, great quality fashion and on regular days, prices can be steep and that is why there is so much buzz around this annual sale. I do not plan to do a lot of shopping but I came up with a Wish List that with cute affordable fashion and accessories for Fall and with the holiday season not so far away, it's not too early to start shopping for gifts for loved ones. You would certainly find some items at a discount during this sale. I really like this transparent back pack here and this very cute plaid boots. When it comes to gifts, this clear handbag protector is great as a stocking stuffer. The Sale runs from July 20th to August 5th for non-card members and public. Click on the number links to view my list and happy shopping.

Gingham Shirt + Denim

Gingham print is such a summer favorite and though it is not as popular this summer as it was last year, you can still see it here and there mostly in accessories like shoes. I got this gingham shirt from Loft a couple of summers ago and it is the "boldest" gingham print piece I own. Most of my other gingham pieces are in smaller prints and I do not yet own a gingham dress. I had a feeling any dress or skirt in this bold print would quickly go out of style so I settled for this shirt instead. I paired the shirt with dark denim and completed the look with metallic loafers that I purchased from JustFab. Do you own any bold gingham print piece? Thank you so much for stopping by.

How to style: Maxi Dress

The Maxi dress is such a huge trend this summer and I know styling it for casual event is easy-breezy. If you want to glamorize a simple maxi dress, here is some inspiration for you. Pair the dress with a pair of statement earrings like the drop or chandelier earrings and a statement bag and a pair of cute mules and you are good to go.






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                                                                             Beauty        

                                                               

Style inspiration: Polka dots Bikini Style

                                                            FASHION INSPIRATION


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Polka dots prints are trending this summer just like the gingham prints trend we had last year. If you want to take your fashionista status to a higher level, update your beach wardrobe with this print. If you opt for the classy black and white polka dot prints, add color with accessories like sunnies, shoes,  wraps and hats. If you decide to go for the colorful polka dots print which is a twist on the classy black and white like this set here and here, accessorize with neutral color accessories like straw hats and bags. Happy styling 😃

Ruffle hem Maxi Dress + Straw Hat

Ruffle hem maxi dress or ruffle dresses in general are everywhere this summer. I purchased this from Venus several years ago and I have styled it before some where on the blog. This time, I re-styled it with the number one summer accessory this summer; the straw hat. My platform color block sandals completed the look. Click on the links below to shop similar looks and thank you so much for stopping by here.

White Bodysuit + Yellow Skirt

Every woman should own a body suit especially if you work in a formal work place and wear a lot of formal or corporate outfits; gone are those days of shabby "tucked-in" outfits. A bodysuit shirt or blouse stays in place and keeps your outfit neat and chic. And don't be scared of the "Jumpsuit-bathroom-dilema" because most bodysuits are like little kids' onesies. You can just snap out of them when you need to use the ladies' room. I scored this white piece from the Victorias Secret Catalogue years ago and I loved it so much that I got it in a couple other colors. The pleated skirt is from Loft and the camo print sandals are an old purchase from GoJane. Thanks for visiting.

Shoe Lovin' - Jeweled Flats by Amina Jillil

GUNMETAL FLAT BLACK PUMPS

by 

Amina Jillil

These sparkly bejeweled flat heel pumps are not trending this summer but it caught my eye all the same when I saw it online. This shoe is certainly a showstopper and though I have not seen it up close  the craftsmanship seems to be very good. At over $350.00, the price is pretty steep and not on my shopping list right now but it does inspire me about crafts and DIY projects. If you are familiar with the name, you know that the designer, Amina Jillil has an inspirational story on how she became a shoe designer. This beautiful pair here would go well with an all black outfit or all white outfit and would also pair very nicely with a white button down shirt and a great pair of denim. 

How to style: Purple + Lilac

Can we still talk about lilac? I know it's not spring anymore since pastels or the lilac color was a huge trend this past spring but nothing stops us from styling and wearing this beautiful shade of color in the summer especially when we mix it with another great color; purple. This set above is an inspiration on styling these two colors together for a special event this summer. Happy viewing and styling...😍

Summer Essentials: A dress, sunglasses, sandals and a straw bag

We all have definitely laid out our summer wardrobe by now because we are in mid summer but if you are still in limbo; just know that a dress, a pair of sandals and a handbag which would be a straw bag this year, is really all you need in the summer month. The dress can be in any print or color you want but it has to be made of summer friendly fabric like cotton and linen. Last summer, gingham and stripe dresses were trending and this summer, it is the ruffle dress. If you want a classic summer dress that never goes out of style, think denim or chambray dresses. A dark shade (color) denim dress would never go out of style in the summer and with the right accessories, you can just about wear it anywhere; work, school, party. For this look here, I accessorized my denim dress with a straw bag and gingham tie-string flats and sunglasses. For shopping info. about similar pieces, click on the links below.

Red Polka dots blouse + Red wide legged Pants

Happy Monday Friends. I am still on "Blogcation" so to speak but I somewhat find the time to write posts and schedule them every now and then. I'm not taking blog pictures anymore; these pictures are old pictures taken with my iPhone 6 from my archive and their quality is not great but I intend to continue to use them to update my blog while I am away. See my previous post here. Right now, I'm just enjoying myself with the family engaging in fun activities and a lot of reading is still involved too. I go to the library at the end of every week with the kiddos to get books and I take time to gloss through recent fashion magazines while I am there because I do not have a single magazine subscription. I used to years ago until I realized that it was hard for me to let them go. I had boxes and boxes of old magazines in my house and it took the will of God to finally get rid of them 😅 So, library is where I go to read fashion magazines when I need to and I never touch the ones at waiting rooms at the clinic or car garages or any other lounging area; never! And I do not smoke too just in case you are thinking about that because of the picture below. I just asked one of my kids to take me quick pictures at the entrance of the building and if you squint, you can see the reflection of the kids on the glass door 😀

Shoelovin' - White Pointy toe Mule Pumps

The shoe that is the topic of our shoe loving' post today is this Gianvito Rossi pointed toe mule pumps in white color. The pumps are super chic and edgy and can take any casual outfit to a high level of classy. It can be worn with dresses, skirts or denim and the white color stands out in a very good way. This design or shoe trend is super popular this summer and somewhat mimics the white boots trend we had last winter. Another stylish thing is that a lot of retailers have taken this design into mainstream and you can get a similar pair at most fashion retailers at any price point. Click on the links below for shopping info.

SHOP HERE

Pleated Skirt + Platform Sandals

I am wearing this rainbow prints pleated skirt I purchased from Loft last summer and I paired it with a sleeveless white top and block heel platform sandals. The straw bag has become the number one summer accessory and I have been carrying this particular one a lot this summer. I like that it can be worn with casual or dressy outfits. The rainbow color trend has been on the scene this summer too and it's a fun way to add tons of color into your summer wardrobe. I hope you all are having a great summer so far. Thanks so much for stopping by here.

How to style: Polka dots Casual Style

We see the prints everywhere; polka dots this and polka dots that; dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, swimsuits, shoes and even bags! If you are still unsure of how to style the look in order to look glam and classy especially for a casual event,  look at the sets here for some inspiration. Pair your polka dots piece with a classy item like denim or ruffle skirt and accessorize with chic and trendy accessories and you are good to go. Happy styling...😍

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                                                                             Beauty        

                                                               

The Maxi dress; a Summer Staple

Maxi dresses are summer staples; indeed every lady ought to have one in her closet and there are so many options to pick from; prints, solids, off shoulder, sleeveless...just name them. Maxi dresses ae super comfortable and easy to wear. I got this from Loft a couple of Summers ago and if you are a regular reader of this blog, you would know by now that Loft is one of my favorite stores.  Their clothes are affordable and of great quality. This blue medallion print tie-waist, off-shoulder maxi dress is presently sold out but I'm sure you would find similar designs on-line. Thanks so much for stopping by here.

Black Shirt + Pink Paper-bag Pants

This outfit is what I wore a while back; black linen button down shirt with ruffles around the neck and wrists tucked into this fuchsia color, high waisted, paper bag wide-legged pants (Wow! what a mouth full ) and a black pair of block heel sandals; very simple outfit. These block heel sandals were the rave two summers ago and you can find them at any price point; very stylish and comfortable. The pair I am wearing is from Steve Madden. Black is a color that is usually not common in the summer because of the heat but if you must wear black pieces, make sure you are wearing breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. They keep you cool and comfortable in the heat and that is why I love this paper bag pants and shirt because they are made from linen and cotton respectively. The sun rays was very brutal when I shot these pics though as I forgot to wear my sunglasses. You can actually see me squinting from some of the pictures. I hope you are keeping cool wherever you are...😃

Gingham Pant + Pink Mules

This is a look I wore some time last Summer. I scored this bold gingham prints cropped pants off of New York & Company and the sleeveless top is an old purchase I think I got from Loft. The bib necklace is from DSW and if you don't know, they sell clothing accessories too; scarfs, jewelry, bags...the bracelet is a thrifted piece; very cool bracelet; you just wind and twist it around your wrist any how you like it. It can go around my neck too and I use it sometimes as a choker. The pink mules are from Amazon. Thank you so much for stopping by here.

My July 4th Outfit

Hi Friends 😀 I trust you had a stylish and exciting July 4th Celebration yesterday. This outfit is what I wore at the later part of the day to attend Mid-Week Church Service. My Family drove to Wisconsin which is a couple of hours away from where I live in Minnesota and we spent some hours in the country, had picnic on the farm and did some sight seeing in Stillwater, a city on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border I had not explored before. It was a fun road trip and the kids had so much fun. For the trip, I wore a pair of distressed denim shorts, this striped oversized tee I purchased from Victorias Secret a long time ago and completed the look with my white sneakers. I changed from the denim shorts into this denim for Church and threw a blue blazer over the look. When we left Church, we ended up at a Family barbecue where we ended the day with great food and fireworks. How did your own day go?

Beach Style inspiration for 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone 😄 If your independence day celebration is going to involve beach activities or parties or barbecues and you need some style inspiration for a July 4th themed styling, then think stripes in blue and red colors. A great way to pull the look together if you are wearing a bikini is to mix and match. If you decide on a one piece striped swim suit, you can accessorize with red, blue and white accessories in sandals, mules, sunglasses, wraps, cover-ups or wraps. To keep the look classy, stick to accessories that are on trend. The accessories do not have to be expensive but they have to be beach appropriate. Also think straw hats and straw bags. They have really become summer staples. Happy 4th of July.

How to fake a dress for a special Event

There are so many events to attend in the summer time and if you do not want to shop for something new or need some inspiration on how to put together an outfit really quick from your closet, think "Monochrome styling." The outfit I am wearing in this post is actually a tunic and a pleated skirt paired together. The outfit actually looks like a dress or a one piece. I know this because any time I style similar colors together like this in a top and skirt, I get complements about it as a dress. Even when I posted the look on my instagram, I got some comments on it as a dress 😃 The trick is to make sure the colors or shades of both pieces are really similar. I accessorized the look with a statement necklace, a bracelet and a pair of nude sandals. For similar look, click on the shopping links below and thanks so much for stopping by.

Black Sheath Dress + White Shoes

Happy Monday everyone. I'm sure you are all ready for the July 4th celebration if you live in the United States. I'm so ready for the holiday and also a vacation. I'm actually planning on taking another leave of absence from the blog sometimes called "Blogcation"haha! 😌 I need some time off to spend with my kids and hubs and time for myself also. The good news is, I have lots and lots of pictures in my Blog Archive that I have never blogged before so I'm going to see if I can schedule some posts here and there while I am away. The difference would be that I would not be able to write long text to accompany the posts or might not be able to do the "Shop Similar Looks" links or even publish or reply to comments. Don't be surprised to find posts that were published retroactively too. And by this I mean that, you might check in and don't find any posts and then you check in at a later time and find the blog fully updated. My blog is my Fashion Journal and I can upload pics at any time. So, keep checking in and thanks a lot for your support.