Lifenspire: spoken beauty

I have a new Team Lead at work and she is just all kinds of awesome-ness. One of the best things about her is how she speaks life into her team members. Her words are encouraging and joy-infusing that you just want to do more, and do better.

This is what I have noticed about her in the two months she has joined the team. At first I thought her words were simple eloquence (as I was unsure of her affirmation), but as time went on I saw the sincerity and confirmation with which she spoke. When someone continually tells you "you're the best", "I appreciate you", "that's awesome" doesn't that just give you life? She even wishes her team members "Happy Friday" either verbally or with funny emails.

When you have someone encouraging you on with their kind words, and challenging you to  be better with such encouragement, don't you just want to give your all? My old boss/friend/mentor, Dr. Wiebke, has never told me goodbye. His parting words to me are always 'do better!' I was able to visit with him a few weeks back and his parting words were the same life giving ones: with a big hug he said, "Yemi, do better until we meet again." 

Are you a LIFE GIVER? 
Do you speak life to those around you, strangers and loved ones alike? 
Do the words you speak to others encourage you too? 
I cannot claim to have perfected this nature in me (as my sarcastic mouth sometimes precedes me), but it is a character trait that I greatly emulate and strive to be better at.

As we begin a new week, ending the month of September (that has so quickly swept by) and beginning October, I hope we will each find great encouragement in the beauty of life, in the blessing of those around us, and in the cretainty of the Ultimate Encourager - Christ!

Happy Monday!

1 Thessalonians 5:14

"....encourage the disheartened...."

Deuteronomy 3:28

"But commission Joshua(EVERYONE), and encourage and strengthen him(them), for he(you never know what blessing you might impart into the world) will lead this people...."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Philemon 1:7

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you refresh the hearts of the Lord’s people."

Hebrews 3:13

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called TODAY!"

2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally... encourage one another. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

May our life's goal be to encourage in heart, and be united in love, thereby grasping the full riches of complete understanding, in order to know the mystery of God, namely, Christ!
See Colossians 2:2

Lifenspiration: "Strive to be better and do better, soon enough the best you is revealed!" 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

Stylensire: trench take

Burberry has the blueprint on making the world's best trench coats ever!

 But this sleeveless Marc Jacobs version was a 'must have' for me and my take on styling it as a dress is simply chic. This trench was a 'high end' 'fab find' from last summer, but for the price, I have quite enjoyed wearing it last fall, this past spring and now again this season. The fact that it is sleeveless makes it irresistible and quite versatile to style.

I love buying versatile pieces for my wardrobe as I never like to be constrained on when and how I can wear a fashion item. The best buys are those you can implement into your everyday styling whichever way you choose to. You wear your money's worth but also get to enjoy doing so.

Trendy this season are animal prints which I see on almost everyone each day. From handbags to clutches to scarves and shoes and clothing; animal prints are on everything fashionable. Trends like this make my heart smile as I can daily shop my closet to style this print. It does help to have a matured fashion collection so you don't have to go out and buy, buy, buy.

My choosing to wear these purple suede booties gave my whole look a stylenspired twist that I very much enjoyed wearing. And oh, these booties were a gift from three birthdays ago! It was such a beauty/blessing to receive and I 'ooh' over it now as I did then. Fact is, each of these pieces  are a timeless style that I will enjoy for time to come. 

Happy Tuesday!

Outfit deets: Marc Jacobs sleeveless trench (fab style finds here) + BCBG Maxazria leopard print long sleeve + Michael Kors wrap-around bracelet + Juicy Couture watch + Swarovski Crystals rings are each from my TJ Maxx fab find collection // Purple Suede Bow booties (gift / Bakers) 

Stylenspiration: "Entrench yourself in beauty that is as much the heart of your character as it is of your style." Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

collage of pictures courtesy of 'google images'

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: the skinny

My business-casual work dress code was recently upped to business-formal with no 'denim Fridays'. 

Was I bummed or what? 

A major part of my denim collection lived for those Fridays that I no longer can enjoy on work days, so on 'non-office' Fridays like this, I gladly pull on a much loved denim to strut in. The tank I am wearing is made of a mesh-like fabric and I have it in three colors. They were $6.99 a piece from TJ Maxx and the quality/fit of it is one that will go the mile with me on my style journey. I added the blazer to keep the look from being too casual and the stud pumps gave an overall edge. Much kudos to whoever invented blazers because I tell you, the are a major 'amp and oomph' for any kind of fashion you wish to style.

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth speaks in thankfulness, for I delight myself in Christ's mercies."

1SAMUEL 2:1

Happy Friday! 

Outfit deets: Express mesh tank top + Theory Viviette blazer (love this color) + Rock & Republic skinny jeans (fab find / white option) are each fab finds from TJ Maxx // Sam Edelman S-Roza suede stud pumps (similar here / gold studs) was fab found from Marshall's // Necklace (gift from sister) from Nordstrom Rack

Stylenspiration: 'Casual Chic'

Y.S

Stylenspire: fall hued

In these early days of cold mornings and warm daytime, it is easy to remember all the reasons why I love fall. Though the leaves are falling, the trees and earth are yet to birth the jewel tones of nature that brings such rich beauty as it yields to the oncoming season. What I dread about this time of the year is that it is a prelude to a nightmarish season for me - winter (I still contend with God on the need for winter).

Oh how I fear those endless dark, brittle, and cold days. Yet I know not to "worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself." In the mean time I will enjoy the pleasant weather fall brings and the opportunity it offers us to style creatively. 

Like my outfit for today; the rich jewel tones and textured fabric contrast kept an extra spring in my step. I was inspired by a tee shirt I saw the day before to wear this skirt today. The jacket I am wearing was a gift from my friend PJ and it feels like butter. The few times I have had it on, I caress it wondering what phantom technology they used to make the leather so, so buttery soft. 

 

If you are looking to style these early days of fall fabulously, be sure to wear and or accessorize with rich jewel tones, and layer up with a mix of textured fabrics. These days, your body is a canvass for style art with no fashion restrictions. The only rule is to do you! 

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Alice & Olivia cropped leather jacket (to die for in red / splurge)  + Kate Spade ellis bow sweater (fab find / bid for it)  + Nanette Lepore button-front skirt (sold out / blue option) + Rebecca Minkoff quited bag are each awesome fab finds from TJ Maxx // Juicy Couture Karina booties are maxxinista fab found from Marshalls 

Stylenspiration:

"The story of my style is also told in the colors that I wear. It is an expression of a life richly lived as I seek to do each blessed day." 

Y.S

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." MATTHEW 6:34

Photo credit: joyfully by V.Dodge

  

Lifenspire: response

"What then shall we say in response to this?

If God is for us who can be against us?

Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or helplessness or danger or sword?

In all these things we are more than conquerers through Him Who loves us!

Neither death nor life, 

Neither angels nor demons,

Neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation 

can separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!"

ROMANS 8:31-39

Stylenspire: emerald

I love many shades of green but emerald is my absolute favorite! The Pantone Inc. are the leading masterminds on color, providing the most accurate color innovations that transcends into every area of fashion. Each year, they forecast the color trends & accurately dedicate a color that will rule for that year. For 2013, they announced emerald as the ruling color & this color has reigned beautifully, staying true to its nature.

Pairing this sweater & skirt was an absolute win, with an interesting take on the choice of shoes. I kept jewelry simple & in line with the gold zipper detail on the sweater. I do enjoy wearing lace pieces & this lace skirt is a bespoke remake. The original skirt came with black lining & I wore it that way for the last few years that I have had it. This spring I took it apart, matched the lace with a gorgeous emerald lining & the result is what you see. 

I think I will change it again come next year. 

Before that time, do enjoy today's take on this brilliant hue!  

Outfit deets: Talbots lace skirt (old, consignment find) // MICHAEL Michael Kors zip hem sweater + Juicy Couture Emerald & Amethyst Stone ring // Donald J. Pliner two tone heels (timed sale) are fab finds from TJ Maxx // Necklace (gift from mom)

Stylenspiration: 
"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty 

that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, is the Color of the Year for 2013.

Photo Credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: dear beauty

Today's style combination was quite spontaneous & I love the result. 
Wearing print on print is quite the rage right now & leopard prints are the foreword to that trend. The top & the skirt are each chiffon & the softness of the fabrics adds lush to the way I feel dressed up like this. My outfit leads me to share some thoughts with you as I see beautiful in these pictures I am about to share. 
Yet what I deem beautiful could very well be the opposite for you. 

This week, I met a few people that I regularly speak to on the phone for work & was quite pleased. Later in the day walking down the hallway, I had an 'omg' moment. One of the ladies I met earlier in the day does not 'look like her voice sounds on the phone'. I wondered about this & humorously mentioned it to one of my colleagues. 

My exact words were "...she sounds like a blonde bombshell but does not look like a blonde bombshell." We laughed at my remark but those words have not left my mind for the last few days. In retrospect, please be aware that I was not trying to be mean when I said what I said.








I do not know why I had a pre-designed idea of how I thought she would look. Maybe because I have always admired & enjoyed listening to her voice (even with the most mundane conversations), & my mind captured some ethereal being to go with the voice. 

There was nothing about her look that was not as beautiful as the God gifted voice she possessed. My mind & misconception had tried to put her in a box that her Creator did not see fit to put her in. How often in our everyday lives does this happen? We each have misconceived preconceived ideas of what ought to be beautiful. When beauty herself refuses to be put in a box that will in any way diminish who she is.

Often we blame mainstream social/fashion/beauty media for this short coming we all possess, when WE choose to narrowly define what beauty is to us. You may never be my/others' conceived idea of beautiful, but the truth is THERE WILL NEVER BE A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU. Who you are, how you look, is who God created, carved out from the very image of Who He is with His very purpose to fulfill.

You know, the short comings that make us think someone else should look/be a certain way, the blemishes that we each cringe from in our own selves, wishing we can be different, is there with a purpose to fulfill. If not for you, then for someone else. The only perfection with the image of our beauty that will ever truly matter is found only on the inside. While the outward appearance that we admire, love, judge, condemn, is nothing but ephemeral. 

Outfit deets: BCBG MaxAzria print chiffon top + Laundry by Shelli Segal print pleated chiffon skirt (fab find here / similar here & here)+ Cole Haan H belt + Kate Spade feathered bow flats + Cara necklace + Printed Leather & Gems cuff + Juicy Couture watch are each this maxxinista's fab finds from TJ Maxx 

SHOP & STYLE PLEATED SKIRTS

Stylenspiration: "Love beautifully & allow yourself to be beautifully loved."

Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: leatherette

From baubles to leather, & all the rage in between, faux fashion have been a huge trend & is ultimately here to stay. A faux anything is a replica of an original. Fashion designers with tiered label lines started creating faux pieces as affordable options for the likes of you & I. 

In time, I have discovered that not all faux pieces are affordably priced (depending on the item & the designer), & that the affordably priced faux does not mean poor quality. Faux trends are also best for non-staple fashion pieces that can boost your collection without breaking the bank.

As with any substitute, it is not meant to replace the faithful staples that make for a fashionably lasting wardrobe. Like our relationship with the Lord; every other relationship you develop on your life's journey should never be more esteemed than the one you have with your Saviour! 
The gift of Grace is indeed the best free gift you can ever receive; to substitute His Grace for any other second best will indeed be costly.

Today's outfit boasts of trends & staples, 
Yet each fashion piece have the potential to journey on with me in style.

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Stella & Jamie sleeveless top (fab find / great options) + Nine West tank top + Leifsdottir printed silk cropped pants (old) + Theory Leather & Knit jacket (old) + Elie Tahari bag + Cole Haan booties + Juicy Couture chain links necklace/watch + Swarovski Crystals bracelets/rings + Michael Kors wrap around bracelet are each maxxinista fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Fashion is fleeting & style stages changes with your life's growth; there's forever going to be the next must have item so bargain for it."
Y.S

"I stumbled on this picture online while trying to find buy options for this post. What is your take on this Gentleman's perspective, & how would you style your choices?"

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: lacing linen

On here I am wearing the same Kate Spade Janis Skirt I wore last week, styled with different pieces. I guess I wanted to put in a good wear before the linen-wearing season ends. Share your thoughts on these choices & how you would style it your way.

Enjoy!

  

Outfit deets: Tory Burch Neely Lace top (on sale here) +  Kate Spade Janis skirt (find it here) + Gucci Sunnies + Gold Grommet belt + Gold cuff + Armani Exchange watch are each fab maxxinista finds from TJ Maxx + MICHAEL Michael Kors Cut-Out sandals (old from Macy's) 

Stylenspiration: "Mix or Match, don't just blend in, style you to stand out!"
Y.S

Stylenspire: Elysha

World Wide Wonders, Elysha is our first gorgeous street style feature & I am super excited to share this post. I spotted her across the street as her hair style caught my eye. A thorough look & I beheld this chic beauty. Everything she was wearing was on point & uniquely styled. 

From the color-block dress, to the aztec-print tights & lace-up oxford pumps, to her choice of tan shoulder bag with the color combo she had going on hints at a woman who wears her own style boldly. Her necklace also adds an oomph to her perfectly styled outfit, but my envy of the entire outfit was her sunnies. How fab are they! 

Enjoy!

Oh, what this girly would do to have gorgeous hair like this.... 

Stylenspiration: "Fashion is an instant language; what you wear is how you present yourself to the world." Miuccia Prada