Stylenspiration: burgundy grid

Its the eve of the American ThanksGiving celebration, and this officially jump starts the holidays. Through the years, I have noticed that ThanksGiving truly allows people to pause, take stock of their lives and find reason to be thankful, even with little.
Then comes the countdown of days filled with merry making up until Christmas. In my opinion, we live in a time where people do not necessarily acknowledge the reason for Christ's Birthday celebration. Many choose the myth of Santa's globe-trotting-gift-giving excursions with his reindeers, over the truth of a Baby born in a manger for our salvation.
And just when we have survived this merry-moolah, the last few days of the year leads to the birth of a new one filling everyone with the promises of what a New Year holds.
WOW!
I am thankful that today is simply today, and all I have to do is live it, rejoice in it, and be glad. So I went with a laid back look for my pre-holiday eve. The contrasting mix of patterns from my grid-sweater+floral-printed washed denim+striking red scarf+trendy leather sleeve denim jacket, gave my style an enjoyable casual-chic feel. Just what my style story wanted for the day.


Considering the holidays, I pray that we will each celebrate Thanks and Giving through all our days.
Thanks - for the many blessings in all of our lives, no matter how big or small.
Giving - for the wisdom and understanding to know that we are each blessed to be blessing.
"In all you do, whether in word(thanks) or deed(giving), do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." COLOSSIANS 3:17
HAPPY THANKS & GIVING FRIENDS!

 

 

Outfit deets: W118 by WALTER BAKER Sabrina Sweater (grey+ivory option) // Denim & Supply Skinny Floral Print Jeans (fabfind / like it / love it) + Olive & Oak Pleather Sleeve Denim Jacket (buy here / similar here) + Sam Edelman Renzo Ankle Boots (oldie goodie) + Michael Kors Knit Three-Button Scarf (oldie goodie) + Swarovski Crystals rings + Prada Sunnies. All fab finds from my local TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Style can also tell a story of a grateful heart and a life well lived." Y.S

Stylenspire: noir

Last week, someone asked me if it was okay to wear all black. In my head, my immediate response was "I do wear black, I only always compliment it with color". She continued on to explain why she asked, which had nothing to do with whether or not I wear all black. So I canned my 'inside Yemi's mind dialogue' and paid attention. Nevertheless, she had me thinking about wearing all black, so here goes.

I chose to build on this black dress as I was attracted to the mixed-media blend of knit and leatherette, I added the tights to protect my legs from the cold and went for these comfortable heels. To keep the mixed-media theme going, I topped my leather jacket with a fur jacket. Adding the fur on the jacket gave the finished look an added oomph that I enjoyed. 

Mixed-media is a form of art where varied forms of materials are used to create a single artwork. This term is often used to identify art and in this case, style art, as my whole look has a varied mix of materials like knit/leatherette/leather/fur.

 For jewelry, I chose to compliment the look with my newest fab finds, these Swarovski Crystal necklaces. I often get asked why I write about my faith on a fashion blog and what is fast becoming my famous answer is that "for me, fashion and faith translates in my style". A perfect example are the thoughts that prompted the purchase of these two necklaces. At the TJ Maxx jewelry counter, I never ignore any Swarovski Crystals jewelry that I see. Even if all I do is admire it, I will still ask to see it. 

When I picked up the Circle Crystal Pendant Necklace, the first word that came to life in my mind was 'infinity'. I knew I was starring at a circle shaped piece, and a circle is an infinity shape. No beginning no end. With these thoughts, to the best of my knowledge, an infinity goes on forever, it is eternal, and indisputably, only God is eternal. See ISAIAH 26:4, JEREMIAH 10:10 and DANIEL 4:3 He is the Eternal Rock of Ages, the Eternal King Whose kingdom is eternal!

With the second necklace that I admired, it was the Crystal Key Pendant Necklace, and I automatically thought 'the Key of David'. Bearing in mind two things: I already ascribed the infinity shape of the first pendant to an eternal God; second to that I am currently going through a season of learning how praise is the Key of David with which God opens or shuts doors for our benefit. See ISAIAH 22:22 and REVELATION 3:7 Him Who is Holy and True, Who holds the Key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open.

Viola!!!  The two pieces became must haves for me and truth be told, I needed the little retail therapy pick-me-up. Being that I style my way, the inner me is always represented, hence my faith. Do not get the wrong idea, there is no spiritual revelation that has to transpire with what I buy or what I wear. But my style story is my true story, and my story is written according to God's will for therein lies the truth of my being.

I hope these few words will give you pause to consider how your style represents you. Does it tell the story of the beauty of the One Who is at the center of it all? Or are you lost on the corner of 'high street' where fashion fails to fulfill what you do not allow God to fill?

Outfit deets: Calvin Klein Three Quarter Sleeve Quilted Faux Leather Skirt Dress (find here) + Kate Spade Dotted Tights + DKNY Leather Motto Jacket (similar here) + Dena Fur Jacket (find here / color option / similar here) + Nine West Booties (similar here) + Swarovski Crystal Key Pendant Necklace (steal / fab find) + Swarovski Circle Crystal Pendant Necklace (color option) + Swarovski Crystals bracelets and rings + Juicy Couture Watch + Prada Sunnies are each fab finds from my local TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Fashion and style are not to the exclusion of faith and God's prompting. The talents that produce style are also gifted by Him." Y.S

Stylenspire: 'ber days

Wherever did September days run to? And what exactly happened with October? November days are also almost gone! Each day seem to run on by and all of them together are gone before you know it. Now I understand why I was asked to petition God for 30hours per day and 10days to a week. Chuckles* As if that can ever happen.
Though we cannot ever go back into those days, we can relive the joys and challenges they have brought us. We can give thanks for this year in its entirety as it nears its end, and with grateful hearts look forward to the blessings ahead.

In cold months as we have now, the key to creating each outfit is layering. Each layered piece will lend style while adding warmth to your whole look. I paired the blue cardigan with my dress to bring out the deep blue of the dress, but also to elongate/accentuate my slim shape with its length. A shorter cardi would have cut the dress in half, focusing on my short torso which would not look right.

Style tip: When layering, add fashion pieces that will give warmth with its volume and not bulk. Use the pieces to accentuate you physique without ill-defining your body parts.


Outfit deets: C.Wonder Tip Cardi (similar here) + ALICE+OLIVIA Macie Ombre Boatneck Dress (styled here) + Theory Jacket + Fur Trim (belongs to another piece) + Donald J. Pliner two toned heels + Laser Cut Out Clutch + Necklace + Prada sunnies are each fab finds from my favorite TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Let your beauty of the day be borne of a grateful heart. Layer it with thanks and style it in praise." Y.S

Black Laser Cut Clutch

Urban Expressions Cut Out Clutch

Stylenspire: berries be mine

There is something about the richness of any crimson hue for me; there is this ever present attraction that tugs at me. When I received an email alert this week showing these beautiful berry colored fashions, my heart stopped for two seconds and then I exhaled. #dramatics 

The festive season is upon us, and with many reasons to possibly shop, here are some pieces that you can joyfully look to add to your list. Remember that as you delight yourself in the Lord also (better at all times), He will give you the desires of your heart. PSALM 37:4

Including berry beauties like these (*_*) Enjoy!

  

1. lady lock leather briefcase (also love the clutch) 

2. plexiglass cuff with crystal studs

3. necklace with crystal pendant 

4. leather lace-up ankle boots (love it other colors too)

5. brenna open toe booties

6. selma satchel (fab find options)

7. jet set east west top zip tote (pair it with)

8. brenna zip up booties

And this VALENTINO GARAVANI color block scalloped pump is the scarlet piece after my heart.

Lifenspire: VICTOR'S CROWN

You are always fighting for me and there are angels all around.

My delight in You is knowing that You wear the Victor's Crown.

You are my Help and my Defender, You're my Savior and my Friend.

By Your grace I live and breathe to worship You.

At the mention of Your Greatness, in Your Name I will bow down.

In Your Presence fear is silent for You wear the Victor's Crown!

Let Your glory fill this temple, let Your power overflow.

By Your grace I live and breathe to worship You!

HALLELUJAH!

You have overcome! You have overcome!

HALLELUJAH!

Jesus You have overcome the world!

You are ever interceding, as the lost become the found.

You can never be defeated for You wear the Victor's Crown.

You are Jesus my Messiah, You are the hope of the whole world.

By Your grace I live to worship You!

HALLELUJAH!

You have overcome! You have overcome!

HALLELUJAH!

Jesus You have overcome the world!

Every high thing must come down! Every stronghold shall be broken!

You wear the Victor's Crown!

You’ve overcome! You overcome!

Every high thing must come down! Every stronghold shall be broken!

You wear the Victor's Crown!

You’ve overcome! You overcome!

At the Cross the work was finished, You were buried in the ground.

But the grave could not contain You, for You wear the Victor's Crown.

HALLELUJAH!

You have overcome, You have overcome!

HALLELUJAH!

Jesus You have overcome the world!

Every high thing must come down! Every stronghold shall be broken!

You wear the Victor's Crown!

You’ve overcome! You've overcome!

Every high thing must come down! Every stronghold shall be broken!

You wear the Victor's Crown!

You overcome! You've overcome!

VICTOR'S CROWN

Styenspire: nothing to wear

This morning, I had a 'nothing to wear' dilemma.

 There was just nothing in my closet for who I thought I should be today. And it's Friday too!!! I felt I had crossed the line of having too much to choose from to nothing for my choices, somewhere between my awaking and shower time.

With no time and mind left to work with, I went for mute solids on a tri-scale; cream blazer+grey denim+waxed black denim=my Friday Fashion. Flustered as I was, I knew today's grace was already apportioned for me as I had put my TGIF in His unfailing love.
"The morning brings me WORD of YOUR UNFAILING LOVE!" PSALM 143:8

Happy Friday World Wide Wonders! xOXo

Outfit deets: Cloth& Stone Grey Wash Denim Shirt + Ralph Lauren SPR ICON Blazer (fab option) + Levi's Waxed Denim (fab options) + B Brian Atwood BAMBOLA Nude Patent Peep Toe Pumps (fab finds / AmazonShoes / love this) + Swarovski Crystals rings are each fab finds from TJ Maxx from this maxxinista // DIY Statement Necklace as seen here

 Stylenspiration: 

Stylenspire: color rush

In the past three Autumn seasons, we have not had the joy of such richly colored days as we have been enjoying these days. The varying hues of the trees, some with their staying green; the red leaves, the orange husks, the brown limbs, and all the varying colors in between. Oh how I am loving and enjoying the Master CraftsMan display His splendor. 

My style choice today is tribute to the beauty around me. I specifically chose the batik fabric of my skirt, influenced by the colors of nature and designed as a midi skirt, which is an on going trend this season also. I enjoy making skirts as they are such versatile fashion pieces and are fun to style. I paired the skirt with a bright silk tee, added the leather jacket for warmth and oomph, the nude platform heels and blue glass necklace topped off the style for the day. Enjoy! 

Outfit deets: DIY Indonesian Batik Print Skirt (bespoke designed by me) // BCBG Max Azria bias cut leather jacket + Kate Spade ARIELLE top + B Brian Atwood BAMBOLA Nude Patent Peep Toe Pumps (fab finds / love this) + Cara necklace are each a maxxinista's fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Much more than fashions changes with seasons, the glory remains with He Who changes times and seasons." Y.S

Stylenspire: monday blues

My schedule for today requires a more formal attire and I garbed myself in this rich teal pant suit, paired with an embellished top and white shoes. WHITE SHOES??? LOL…I know…it is past Labor Day and fashion has once again embraced a 'wear-white-whenever' sense of style. While the cut of the suit is traditional, the rich blue hue in a knit fabric makes it interesting to wear. For my Monday, the style works well and the color stands out. I do not dress according to the position I have, I attire myself according to the position of Whose I am. 

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised." PROVERB 31:30 

Remember that the fear of the Lord is faith, worship, and the insight to great wisdom. As for me, the  only praise I seek to burst forth from my life is to the glory of my Father Who sits enthroned in splendor.

Happy Monday World Wide Wonders!

Outfit deets: Vince Camuto Blue One Button Blazer (bid or buy) + Vince Camuto Ponte Ankle Pants (bid / buy) + Cynthia Rowley Embellished Neckline top + Michael Kors WrapAround bracelet + Armani Exchange watch are each TJ Maxx fab finds // Pour La Victoire ANTOINETTE pumps (love this color) from Amazon Shoes

Stylenspiration: "Having faith is always in fashion." Y.S