Stylenspire: denim squared

‘Tis the season to be thankful….trala la la la….la la la la!

I am so cheesing right now and I don’t know why. As I came in, I did a two step and a skip dance before I sat down to start typing this. I feel so joyful, but this is kind of a parody because I cannot tell you exactly that there is anything to be happy about. 
In this moment I just am! It’s that simple and I am truly thankful for it!

God will give you His joy even when you are not in the mood to smile. It’s called HIS PEACE, which surpasses all understanding (even mine in this moment and I am dancing to it). God knows where you are today. He knows just how to get you to where you need to be. Simply trust His leading and follow faithfully.
Today's outfit post is a flashback of what I wore last Sunday. I paired denim on denim spontaneously, but chose to wear the mod orange jacket (as seen here) for layered warmth and style. 'Tis also the season to keep warm, so layer on your fashion pieces…pair them stylishly.

Have a Grand Friday World Wide Wonders!

Outfit deets: Fendi sunnies (gift from last Christmas) // Denim shirt (I scored it from my cuz / fab find) // Theory Jacket (paired with a Vince Fur Collar Trim / option1 / option2) + Hudson Denim pants + Orange Sans Souci Tux-Style jacket (M Size) + Gunmetal Platform mules (similar here / love this one) + Necklace + Crystal rings are each fab maxxinista finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiraton: "Sometimes, be spontaneously unusual to your usual style and you will be surprised by how much you'll like the result." 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: 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: plaid play

 

Too often, we all go about our merry way with undue busyness and  no thought to the gift of grace that keeps us at all times. This morning, I cannot help but ponder the fact that "the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places". I am grateful for good health, contentment, and the fullness of God's grace. 

Somehow my ensemble also alludes to this fact. It's Friday, I am thankful and I feel playful in my outfit of choice. Even the teasing banter between Victoria and I tells the same story. What about you? Are you thankful it's Friday? More so I hope there are more joys in your life that you are thankful for. 

The pink plaid of my shirt lined with chambray, and its embellishment are a good choice for a stylish and carefree Friday. I love that this plaid top can be dressed up in the simplest way. I opted for waxed denim and watercolored flats to match my mood, yet a pair of heels could have been just as stylish to wear with it. What do you think?

"I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing...You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. SURELY I HAVE A DELIGHTFUL INHERITANCE!" PSALM 16:2-6

Outfit deets: WhatGoesAroundComesAround plaid top + Levi's Strauss waxed denim + Theory bomber jacket + Michael Kors belt + Juicy Couture watch + Swarovski Crystals bracelets and rings + B Brian Atwood painted snake-embossed smoking slipper (on sale / silver option) are each my TJ Maxx maxxinista fab finds

Stylenspiration: "I have never met a color I didn't love. The brights, the hues, the rainbow, including every shade between black and white; each tell a story I always relate to."

Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: cut25

Happy First Monday of Fall World Wide Wonders!

I had a great weekend basking in God's Grace and I feel strengthened to begin this new week with Him. Yesterday was the first official day of fall and you can feel the chill in the air; which means stylishly layered clothing as evidenced with today's ensemble. I am once again able to incorporate jewel tones with these pieces. My sleeveless mens-styled jacket is another trend piece I shopped from my closet. The price point was an awesome steal when I got it. It is one of those pieces more for your trendy styling than every day wear, so the price point mattered much.

I am not a fan of leggings but I love pants that are a cross between leggings and straight/narrow cut pants. I have a few of these from last fall/winter, one of which I'm wearing today. They are great for work/play and are easily styled tucked into boots or worn with heels or flats.

Bolstered with the goodness of God and styled by His Grace, I look forward to fruitfully enjoying this new week/season and whatever blessings/lessons He has in store. For each of you, I'm trusting Him to be Sovereign in your life in numerous ways through the Person of Christ! 
"As the Father has loved Christ, so does Christ love you! He reminds you to remain in His love so that His joy may be in you and THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE." JOHN 15:9-13

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Cut25 jacket (similar option / fab find option) + Bejeweled Collar Tip top + Thalian pants (options) + Juicy Couture watch + Michael Kors wrap-around bracelet + Necklace are each maxxinista fab find from TJ Maxx // Boutique9 Jacqueline pumps from Amazon.com // Belt = oldie goodie

Stylenspiration: "Some people choose to style fashion, others just wear fashion; they who wear the clothes & those whose clothes wear them. The difference is how each one is remembered."
Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dogde

Stylenspire: providence orange

Good up-bringing & decorum instills in us modesty & humility to graciously accept compliments, but I find that there are different categories of accepting compliments (if we'll take a moment to be truthful). The me that honestly accepts the compliments with gratitude; the me that cringes about it & walk faster away; the me that returns the compliment with one of my own to the giver; the me that brushes it off with a tinge of pride & a 'what else is new' attitude.

Someone I greatly admire recently complimented me on how beautiful I always look. He finished his compliments saying "the beauty of who you are is a testament to God's Providence in your life & I thank God for you!" Wow!!! I walked away hearing his voice over & over in my head.

I love creatively styling with different fashions; for me it is as in-bred & natural as breathing. I know that I am fruitfully blessed by God but I have never seen His Providence in me with what I wear or how I look. If asked, I will tell you of those gorgeous shoes I desire, or the boots I am working hard to justify buying. When I think of God's Providence, I think on all those blessings I don't have now; & I am not talking about material things. I mean this is my Heavenly Father, & His Providence is beyond what I can put into words. Yet, is it not from this same storehouse of His that He provides & fills our simplest needs? My littlest needs? 

How often do we cross the line by belittling God's Grace in our lives in the name of humility? Or without conscious thought like, "the blessings I have are far too small & I am waiting for the bigger ones"? Which of the 'compliment accepting' category do you fall in? No judgment, not even to myself, but how about we start with a heartfelt whisper/shout of thanks for little blessings in our lives; more so for the bigger ones & the ones that are about to manifest.

I am thankful for this beautiful orange tux-styled jacket that only cost me ten bucks off the clearance rack (grateful that my friend Flo did not snatch it from me ...lol); for this dress that is an oldie goodie & continues to serve its purpose; for my gorgeous shoes that I just love wearing; for this hairstyle that I can proudly say I did by myself; & for the priceless smile that testifies to good health, good life & the abundance of God's Grace.

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Dress & Gucci platform pumps are oldies but goodies from Marshalls // Orange tux-style jacket was an awesome maxxinista find from TJ Maxx @$10.00 // Handbag Rebecca Minkoff 

Stylenspiration: "let the world see the purity & reverence of your lives. ³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles & the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1PETER 3:2-5

"It is not about the beauty of who you are. It is in the blessing of Whose you are." 
Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge 

Stylenspire: teal on coral

A little birdie once told me "a lightweight jacket helps put a stylish spin on your summer wardrobe". I say "add color to the spin, & it all styles beautifully". Hence, my teal+white+coral do.

If I may ask, when does that super vibrant sea-ish shade of bluish-green get to be aqua/teal/turquise/cyan or even bluegreen? & when does the reddish shade of pink & orange get to be coral/peach/apricot/melon or salmon? Does one have to measure the scale of vibrancy to determine which color is what? Chuckles* I say pick a color & stick to it (like I did - 'teal & coral'). But if you know another answer, please share it with us in the comments below.

Today's getup was spun from my necklace. Yes, I wanted to wear this gorg' turq+gold necklace so I let the colors inspire me. A soft-snug-fit high waist colored skinnies, a white cotton tank, topped with the trapeze-draped jacket & I was good to go. I have been enjoying these platform sandals through the summer & it gave my whole look the spot on finish.

Enjoy ❌⭕❌⭕❗

Outfit deets: East Lake Necklace by Amrita Singh // Jacket+Tank+Joe's Jeans colored skinnies+Kors Michael Kors ostrich platforms+Jessica Simpson crystal tri-color bracelets all maxxinista fab finds from TJ Maxx   

Stylenspiration: "Infuse your style with color, it can be the difference you need."
Y.S