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: what's fall got to do with it?

Oh Summer, where art thou? And Autumn season, how long will thou stay-est with me that I may possibly escape the Wintery days to come? Sigh*** It has gotten cold with Fall season in full swing and I have resorted to quoting weather-shakespear (what a life! LOL). I cannot help it that as much as I enjoy the cool, sometimes cold-sun days of Autumn, I keep thinking Winter, Winter, Winter. And this little one simply does not enjoy the Winter! 

Okay, so enough of my whining! I have missed out on a few blog weeks while trying to get some things with life on track, and I am glad to be back! During my little hiatus, all I have heard and seen is buy, buy, buy….hence the Fall, Fall, Fall + Winter, Winter, Winter = buy, buy, buy! Chuckles* I mean seriously? Except you are going to be doing a massive haul of your closet from the previous season, if you ask me, there is only so much you can continually buy. 

The best shopping principle that I live by is shopping opposite seasons. At the end of Summer when all the stores are bringing in Fall/Winter trends, they aim to get rid of all current Summer fashion pieces. To this point, they will discount their merch' with a variety of sale events till they are all gone. In reverse, when Spring arrives, traders look to haul out all the Winter pieces which at that time no one will want because most people are looking to shop new for the coming warmth.  This is when I shop! At the end of one season to stock up for the following year. And because I only buy pieces that I love, it never fails to become the IT items in my closet when the new season arrives. 

Like the fur trim collar Vince sweater I am wearing today. It has been my repeat go to since the turn of the weather. I shopped this 'must-have' last Spring and have saved it for now. I paired it with this trendy batik midi skirt I custom made for myself and a cashmere men's sweater. All the pieces I styled my outfit with are very much today's trend with vibrant autumnal colors, shopped from my closet and very much me. 

Enjoy and please share your thoughts with comments below. xOXo!

Outfit deets: Ralph Lauren Black Label Men's Cashmere Sweater (old) + Vince Fur Trim Removable Collar Cardigan (sold out) + B Brian Atwood Fontenay Platform Sandals (metallic gold option) + Elie Tahari fold-over Goat Hair Clutch + Ralph Lauren sunnies are each this maxxinista's fab finds @ TJ Maxx // DIY Indonesian Batik Midi Swing Skirt (custom made by me)

Stylenspiration: "The beauty of a resplendent style, can also be represented in praise in all seasons.
Praise the Lord from the heavens, 
Praise Him all His angels,
Praise Him you highest heavens,
Praise the Lord from the earth,
Let them praise the Name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
In each season,  His Splendor is above the earth and the heavens." Y.S
See, PSALM 148

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: femme fatigue

I can't believe I forgot to wear this skirt this summer, but that is just what happened. Until I spotted it hanging out with dresses in my closet. I know most of the skirts that I have worn through the summer have been ones bespoke tailored by me, hence the oversight. I purposely chose to pair the skirt with this fatigue shirt. The chambray of the shirt & the cotton-linen blend of the skirt flowed well together. A dab of jewelry with these haute shoes & I was ready to go. 

I could not help but notice that the whole outfit is a play of fabrics & materials. From the chambray to the cotton-linen, the silvery leather of the belt & snake print of the shoes, to the metals, crystals & faux baubles of the jewelry. The blend reminds me of the mesh of our lives. The seasons that come & go, the changes that we experience & sometimes struggle with. Even the norm & saneness of our everyday living reflects this mix mash too. 

Nevertheless, the one truth that comes from it all is the beauty of the living; be it on a high or a low. Life well lived is beautiful! Like the beauty represented in each fashion piece that adorns us through style art.

Enjoy! 

 

Outfit deets: Clothe & Stone top + Kate Spade Janis skirt (find it here) + Calvin Klein belt (came with a dress) + B Brian Atwood Fontenay Platform Sandals (on sale here / similar here / options here) are each maxxinista fab find from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration:

"I feel fatigued after being sickly for three days, but my outfit works as a good camouflage with the pick me up sunshine smiling down at me."

Y.S