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: 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: 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