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

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

Styenspire: nothing to wear

This morning, I had a 'nothing to wear' dilemma.

 There was just nothing in my closet for who I thought I should be today. And it's Friday too!!! I felt I had crossed the line of having too much to choose from to nothing for my choices, somewhere between my awaking and shower time.

With no time and mind left to work with, I went for mute solids on a tri-scale; cream blazer+grey denim+waxed black denim=my Friday Fashion. Flustered as I was, I knew today's grace was already apportioned for me as I had put my TGIF in His unfailing love.
"The morning brings me WORD of YOUR UNFAILING LOVE!" PSALM 143:8

Happy Friday World Wide Wonders! xOXo

Outfit deets: Cloth& Stone Grey Wash Denim Shirt + Ralph Lauren SPR ICON Blazer (fab option) + Levi's Waxed Denim (fab options) + B Brian Atwood BAMBOLA Nude Patent Peep Toe Pumps (fab finds / AmazonShoes / love this) + Swarovski Crystals rings are each fab finds from TJ Maxx from this maxxinista // DIY Statement Necklace as seen here

 Stylenspiration: 

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: simple beautiful

Today's style post is a Flashback Friday, from a few weeks ago.  I have some summer outfit posts that I am yet to put up & I wanted to share these with you while the summer sun shines. I am a style enthusiast & I just love, love being beautiful. Even with the simplest outfit like my fashion pieces in this post. The long summer dress worn with this cropped denim jacket is an easy wear, but the smiles in each picture shares a tale of something beautiful.

Happy Friday World Wide Wonders! 

Outfit deets: Cropped True Religion denim jacket old (like this / options here) // Charlie Jade silk dress (available here / similar here / different here) + ZSpoke Zac Posen bag + Zara Hiver Autome sandals (old) + Ralph Lauren sunnies + Juicy Couture necklace + Swarovski Crystals rings + Armani Exchange watch are each maxxinista fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Being stylishly outfitted is a love language for me; from simple chic to best dressed, each ensemble speaks volumes in their display."
Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: lace identity

My lace top is another oldie goodie that I tried on this morning for fit (since I have not worn it in over a year). I liked, so I looked to find what to pair it with. Subconcsiously, I did not think this ankara skirt with lace trim would work. Consciously, I chose to try the skirt on & voila! Perfect pairing!

The skirt is one of my bespoke tailored designs from this summer. The light fabric of the ankara & lace makes it a summer wear, though with layering, I believe the rich jewel tones of the skirt can transition into fall with me. I guess I'll have to work that style & see the result.

I got a lot of compliments about this outfit & it's turning out to be one of those days that I just want to keep the outfit on forever. I'm sure you can identify with that. Yet no matter how lovely & flattered we can be in a fabulously styled outfit, our identity is not in the outfit. It is in Christ the Creator of all things bright & beautiful Who graciously provides for each stylish ensemble.

Enjoy!

I knew my day would be busy with errands, so I chose this kitten heeled pink suede pumps. For oomph effect, I would also wear it with the black d'orsay pumps  for afterhours mingling.

Outfit deets: DIY Ankara lace trimmed skirt (bespoke tailoring by me) // Ralph Lauren lace top + Izabela Nine West suede pumps + Gold on Gold Leather Michael Kors Darrington leather bracelet + Juicy Couture ring + Swarovski Crystals ring all TJ Maxx maxxinista fab finds // Jayra Nine West d'orsay glitter heels (here, here, or here)  // Movado Bold Series watch

Stylenspiration: "Do you ever wonder how others identify with your style? If emulated, what message does it send out? What is your style identity?" 
Y.S

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge