Stylenspire: black, white and snow

Happy Monday World Wide Wonders!

It seems like I finally got pulled out of the vortex of snow, ice, and rain that has been a nightmare. Thankfully, the horrors of frigid temperatures are behind us now. Through this past week, I kept thanking God for the least simple things; things we easily overlook with entitlement while we go on with life. For one heat and warmth - I was continually grateful for a sanctuary I could call home. For hot water - I was always moved to tears every time I took a hot long shower. 

Do you ever wonder what would happen/who you would be if all the little essentials that provide you daily comfort were taken away? The fact that I have these provisions and much more simply spurs my heart on in gratitude to the One Who supports and supplies my needs on all sides. It also confirms my need and belief to be the difference/make the difference for another. Since His Promise is to meet all our needs according to the riches of His Glory in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19

The pictures from this post did not come out clearly to showcase today's style make up of turtle neck dress, overlaid with a strapless organza dress, and tall boots. But I chose to share it because of the beauty of nature resplendent in the background. It seemed poignant that my silhouette was framed this way; It speaks the truth of my story, that I am only found in the reflection of God the Creator.

P.S. It was fun to be out in the sun and frolic in the snow. Enjoy!

Outfit Deets: Ralph Lauren Collection Jacket (old) (similar here) + BCBG MaxAzria Strapless Organza Dress (good find / fab find / maxxinista find)) + Susana Monaco Cat Turtleneck Dress (top option) are each this maxxinista finds from TJ Maxx  // Vera Wang Lavender LARISSA boots are oldie goodie fab found from Marshall's (similar here / love this one) // Gucci sunnies

Stylenspiration: "When life gives you snow, stylishly layer up for warmth,then go play in it." Y.S

I tell you, old is always new when you have a fab timeless piece to style. Ralph Lauren Collection Runway picture curtesy FABSUGAR

Stylenspire: oldie goodie

I love how I can shop from my closet and make up my outfit with good ol' staples and people keep asking where they can get the pieces from. At the compliments and inquiries, my smile gets wider when I tell them these are old pieces that are just stylishly new. Today's style make up are each oldie goodies and a testament to how important it is for you to buy fashion pieces that are very much you and will become style staples in your closet.

I hope you have had a good holiday season and are each thankfully taking stock of the blessings from 2013. Part of my stock taking process is also to sift through and know what to let go in 2013 and what to embrace in 2014. While sifting through my closet, I found each of these pieces and decided to stylishly enjoy them for today. I am not sure if they will continue with me on my style journey in 2014 but for now, they work.

What about you? Are you counting down to a new year and taking stock of your blessings? If so, what habits/tendencies/style attitudes are you letting go of, or embracing into the new year? 

Rejoice in each opportunity you have each been afforded in 2013 in these last moments. Be assured that God's plans for you in 2014 will be to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future in Him, whereby you will call upon Him and He will answer you. And when you seek Him with all of your heart, He will be found by you. See, JEREMIAH 29:11-13 

Outfit deets: Dena fur jacket + Alice&Olivia strapless dress + Martin&Osa turtle neck (similar) + Michael Kors tall boots + Urban Expressions laser cut out clutch + Vince Camuto belt (borrowed from another dress) + Crystal earrings + Crystal cuff bracelet + Swarovski Crystal rings are each T.J. Maxx fab finds //  Gucci sunnies

Stylenspiration: "The ability to embrace self allows you to be stylishly confident and consistent." Y.S

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.

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: 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: 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