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: faithful friday

It's is the end of the week and frankly I am most glad it's Friday. Not so much for the weekend, but for the blessing I have had to survive this week and the grace to turn each heartache into hallelujahs. To finish it on a non-too-casual note, I styled my outfit with this interesting mohair ombre dress and a fur vest for warmth in style. I pictured two shoe options to share with you how you can style a dress like this in heels or flats. (I went with the flats for the day)

While looking for what to wear this morning, I realized that I have collected a few furry staples in the last year or so. That was an interesting discovery and I look forward to stylishly curate each piece this season. For now, do enjoy your viewing and have a FAB FRIDAY!

Outfit deets: ALICE+OLIVIA Macie Ombre Boatneck Dress (bid for it / fab option) + THEORY Evlyn Fur Vest (bid for it / buy it / fab find option / more fab options) + Steve Madden DARRT Metallic Pumps + KATE SPADE fur flats (sold out) + KATE SPADE Dome Ring + Prada Sunnies + Cara Necklace + Gold Cuff are each this maxxinista's fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Style should be an innate part of going at life with all your heart." Y.S 

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: iLove New York

iLOVE

Like seriously, I really do love New York City. I talk about loving New York, moving to New York, & living in New York all the time. Like seriously, New York is the place for me; I am in love with New York. I mean, have I mentioned New York enough times for you to at least have an idea of how much I love New York & want to be a New Yorker? LOL! While I think, & wish, & dream, & talk New York, God is working behind the scenes to make New York happen for me in the All-Confirming Name of Jesus! 
(can I get some AMEN?)

If I could be any where in the world for the next ten days, New York would be the place. 

Drum roll please......................

WORLD WIDE WONDERS, IT'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Y'ALL!!! 

Where else would any style enthusiast rather be in these coming days than in the heart of the city that births all things fashionably fantastic, & demands that we each create style with it, then own it or go home? Whew! It is indeed New York.

I thought to wear my NY homage tee in honor of celebrating the start of the Spring/Summer 2014 NYFW. When choosing what to pair it with, I spotted the red of this ankara skirt & thought to give it a try - what a mix. I love how my indigenous ankara skirt styled with my love NY tee. For the now cold mornings & even colder offices, I added the trapeze cut faux leather jacket for a stylish cover up (scrunching/rolling up long sleeves give your look added edge); matched the ensemble with good ol' booties plus arm candy & I was stylishly set to conquer today.

I am looking forward to what the oracles of fashion have to show/say for what is to come in our style future. Look below for the link to the shows that I will be viewing far, far away from my beloved New York city, in this no, no land where I for now reside. (lol)

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: DIY Mesh with Ankara skirt (bespoke tailored by me) // iLove Nueva York tee + Prada sunnies + Swarovski bracelets/rings + Michael Kors bracelet + Armani Exchange watch + Elie Tahari bag + Cole Haan booties are each fab finds by maxxinista me at TJ Maxx

                                  Stylenspiration: 

"Need I say more?"

Y.S

NYFW SS2014 - LIVE STREAMING

September 05: 

NICHOLAS K @ STUDIO

BCBGMAXAZRIA @ THEATRE

RICHARD CHAI @ STAGE

TADASHI SHOJI @ STAGE

CANDELA @ BOX

THE ART INSTITUE OF NEW YORK CITY @ STAGE

September 06: 

FASHION LAW INSTITUTE @ BOX

PROJECT RUNWAY @ THEATRE

CARMEN MARC VALVO @ STAGE

REBECCA MINKOFF @ THEATRE

NICOLE MILLER @ STUDIO

ELLE FASHION / NEXT @ DAVID H. KOCH THEATRE

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY @ THEATRE

These are the first two days, more update on schedule & our favorites picks will be posted to update.
Schedule & links provided courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

Stylenspire: tomboy à la chic

Truth be told: "I am a tomboy grown up to become a style artist." LOL! Whoever said tomboys cannot grow into their inner lady. Much as I love feminine chic, I love that I can still rock boy styles without hesitation. Although boy styles in women's fashion are fads that come & go, there is a lure on every woman to them. 

With this outfit, my choice of pants are 'harem pants' turned 'm.c. hammer pants' (almost parachute pants) turned 'stylish & attractive at the whim of each designer'. The pants are simply loose fitting trousers tapered slim at the ankles, with baggy billowing crotch that sags (sometimes) to the knees. This silk pair called to my inner tomboy, & I had to add some flair to take it off the ordinary. As with any outfit, the right accessories can transform a look into a stylenspiration, hence my choices. 

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Embelished-sleeveless top + Silk Harem pants + Camouflage Prada bag + Juicy Couture watch + Necklace + Bracelet + Swarovski Crystals rings are all MAXXINISTA fab finds from TJ Maxx // Gucci belt from S5A // Casadei gold & wood wedge were from Amazon  

Stylenspiration: "Style Art does not fit in a box. Explore & use pieces that range from haute femininity to chic mens style. & whatever your choice, accessories make the difference."

Y.S 

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge