Being a born and bred So Cal girl I’ve never had the chance to experience a true change of season. Yes, the weather cools and warms as the months pass but never have I lived in a place where the seasons bring a complete change in the landscape.
I’ve always dreamed of visiting the East Coast in fall to witness the vibrant change of colors as entire cities of trees shift from emerald to citrine and amber. For now, the closest I’ll get is this amazing dress that embodies the East Coast in fall.
The Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge set against a skyline of warm oranges and rich purples definitely has me in a New York state of mind. This cityscape paired with leopard accents is my wink and nod to the “Concrete Jungle”.
I remember the moment exactly, a few years ago. I was looking through a magazine and saw this picture of a woman wearing an outfit composed of mixed prints. I thought it was so cool but that I could never pull that look off. I was just beginning to come into my fashion confidence and this outfit was like stepping into the deep end. I was so inspired by that picture I tore it out of the magazine and pasted it in a notebook as inspiration and promised myself that I would be that woman wearing mixed prints with confidence some day.
Little by little, I tried. Stripes were a classic, comfortable pattern to start mixing so I tried that out in black and white. Then, I started pushing myself to mix prints in bold colors, larger prints, more detailed prints and the evolution began.
I made an internal pact with myself to push my own boundaries of what I was comfortable with. I played with patterns and prints and colors and let them lead the way. I removed the judgment from the process and just enjoyed it. I also told myself whenever I had the choice between a “safe” or “crazy” option, let’s say for an accessory or a pair of shoes, that I would always pick the choice that was least expected. This commitment to myself in exploring fashion blossomed into what is now my signature style.
Today, just a few short years later, virtually my entire wardrobe is prints and color, so I have no choice but to mix them. I even incorporate patterns in my shoes, hats, scarves, jewelry and bags. I receive comments that I am the print mixing queen and that I do it with such ease. If only they knew just a few short years ago, I didn’t think it was possible.
While mixing prints is a fashion trend, for me it was the tool that helped me discover my true style. If there is a style that inspires you or makes you smile when you look at it, I encourage you from the bottom of my heart to try it!! And then try it again, and again and if it feels right and it feels like you, own it!
Today’s look is mixed prints turned all the way up. Every piece is a print, worn in honor of every step of my journey to define my signature style and wear it with confidence.
{Jumpsuit, JCPenny, Blazer/Earrings/Thrifted, Shoes/Peter Pilotto for Target, Necklace/Bag/Bought in Guatemala, Mixed Bangles/Claire’s & Santee Alley, Scarves (one worn as a belt & one worn as a headwrap/Target, Hat/99 cents store}
This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Joi of InMyJoi , Sahily of PrettyInPigment and myself. Together we are #UnitedlyPlus!
United Plus is our dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity. We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show persona style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. Please join us in our mission of united women from every part of the world, showcasing our individual beauty, and authentic creativity.
We’d love you to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages and be sure to tag your pictures with #UnitedlyPlus so we can share in your beauty and self expression!
Bali is an exotic and tropical land with deep cultural traditions. While I have yet to visit I am inspired by the intricate details of its temples, colorful ceremonies and the spirit of the Balinese people.
These looks are inspired by the traditional batik and lush landscapes found all over Bali. They are my modern take on fashion inspired by Balinese elements.
I’d love to hear if you have been to Bali and what your favorite memory is!
I hope that you are enjoying your summer, whether you are traveling or livin’ it up at home! Be sure to stay tuned to the blog because next week I’ll be sharing all my Southwest adventures from last week from shopping tips to folk art festivals to hidden gems you can’t miss! Until then, have a great weekend!
Tropical motifs in fashion scream summer. Whether its palm trees, pineapples or hibiscus flowers you can find tropical prints on just about every clothing item these days. What I love most about tropical prints is how diverse they are. They can be playful or very sophisticated and can be worn casual or dressed up. If you’re headed to a far off island or just chillin’ by the pool, a tropical themed ensemble will have you instantly summer ready!
I personally love palm prints and I fell in love with this vintage set when I found it at the thrift store. What’s more tropical than a jungle, right? I decided to accessorize in a jungle inspired tropical look pairing this set with colorful feathers, a mask necklace and a woven clutch. I love how the rainbow of colors pops off the green background and I think the accessories create an unexpected take on the tropical theme.
What print or accessory instantly makes you think of a tropical getaway? Be sure to tag me on social media @IAMSHEGLOBAL so I can see your island vibes!
{Skirt/Top/Thrifted, Shoes/Lola Shoetique and I added the embellishments, Clutch/Banago, Bangles/Made in The Philippines, Necklace was a gift and I added a mask I bought in Guatemala as a pendant}
This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Joi of InMyJoi , Sahily of PrettyInPigment and myself. Together we are #UnitedlyPlus!
United Plus is our dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity. We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show persona style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. Please join us in our mission of united women from every part of the world, showcasing our individual beauty, and authentic creativity.
We’d love you to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages and be sure to tag your pictures with #UnitedlyPlus so we can share in your beauty and self expression!
I’ve been so excited to share my first collaboration of the Summer of Wanderlust that I did with two amazing ladies, Shana & Edwina, otherwise known as Thrifters Anonymous. I started following their YouTube channel a couple of years ago and not only are these long time friends hilarious, they know how to find the best deals and on trend pieces at the thrift store.
Shana & Edwina killin em in vintage sequins – there go to!!
If you’re headed on a trip or just want to strut your stuff at the neighborhood bar-b-que this summer, more than likely you’re looking to get some new wardrobe pieces. The thrift store is the best place to find seasonal, unique clothing for a fraction of the price. You know, so you have money to do all the other fun stuff this summer!
I personally do almost all my shopping, year round at thrift stores but I thought I would enlist the help of the experts, Shana & Edwina, to give you some pointers on how to get summer ready at the thrift store.
I asked them a few questions below to get you started on your trip to the thrift store!
Q: What are some the summer fashion trends that inspire you?
A: Gtcoth (aka “Get the crap out of the house’) items, i.e., sheer items, flowy tops, iron free dress, that allow you to get up and go without much work but it looks like it was a lot of work. (Wink)
Q: What summer wardrobe pieces are you looking for at the thrift store?
A: More casual pieces, thin layers, bold monochrome colors.
Q: If you are going on a cruise, or a safari or camping those vacations are completely different. Can you find what you will need for each of those at the thrift store?
A: Totally! With ease.
Q: What is your favorite summer accessory to purchase at the thrift store?
A: Formal wear- especially with sequin.
Q: What is the most common misconception that you’d like to dispel about shopping at the thrift store?
A: There is nothing disgusting about it- and there are tons of gems if you have the time and have an open mind.
Q: Are there any items that shouldn’t be purchased at the thrift store?
A: Not really. There are amazing items new and gently used in each section.
Q: What are the keys to a successful trip to the thrift store?
A: 1. Grab a friend and get your Style inspiration with magazines & shopping list/ budget prep
2. Grab snacks and water and wear workout clothes
3. Start with one section at a time for your first trip. When you feel more comfortable, start with the sections you love or need the most.
4. Time each section so you are not there forever.
5. Grab everything you like but try on everything later regardless of size or brand.
6. Stick to the budget, current weather season and staple pieces. Bahaha, we try!
These ladies are so much fun that I had to visit Vegas to experience thrifting first hand with them. You can check out Part 1 of our thrifting shenanigans here.
Here are a few of the summer items I picked up on our day of thrifting in Las Vegas and how I styled them when I got home. What do you think?
I fell in love with the vintage, South Beach vibe of this dress! This was marked $10 and it was 50% the day we were there! Woo Hoo! Side Note: Kinda sad I didn’t buy this hat!
I wasn’t sure about this jumpsuit because of the bright pink but the ladies convinced me and I’m so glad they did. It was brand new with the tags attached for $15. I thrifted the blazer at Savers for $4 in Vegas while I was there!This is a mumu type dress from Indonesia that I found for $4. I loved the print and paired with additional prints and textures in the same color scheme. I wear an XL and this is a size small so be sure to try items on regardless of size.
I hope that these tips and our fun videos help inspire you to visit the thrift store this season for your summer wardrobe. Be sure to tag us @IAMSHEGLOBAL and @taapproved to share what you find! Also, make sure you subscribe to Thrifters Anonymous on Youtube so you don’t miss any of the Shana & Edwina’s thrifting adventures!!
Next to lace, ruffles are one of the most feminine details and this season you can find them everywhere! Tiered ruffles on a skirt or along a neckline, the subtle waves can add volume and drama to an outfit or provide soft and easy curves to your ensemble.
I realize this look is not in traditional light or bright colors you would wear in summer but when I found it thrifting a few weeks ago in Las Vegas, I knew I had to share it with you. It has ruffles everywhere, from the collar to the neckline, on the back and mini ruffles tucked in the hemline of the skirt. On top of that it has built in print on print action which you know makes me a very happy lady! I’ve styled it for a summer night with dramatic eyes and sultry heels.
Will you be wearing ruffles this summer?
This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Joi of InMyJoi , Sahily of PrettyInPigment and myself. Together we are #UnitedlyPlus!
United Plus is our dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity. We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show persona style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. Please join us in our mission of united women from every part of the world, showcasing our individual beauty, and authentic creativity.
We’d love you to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages and be sure to tag your pictures with #UnitedlyPlus so we can share in your beauty and self expression!
{Dress/Earrings are Vintage/Thrifted, Heels/JCPenny}
I have always loved off the shoulder looks as I think they highlight one of the most beautiful parts of the female body. Your shoulders are strong, seductive, alluring and feminine in their curves. What better way to show them off than with an off the shoulder top.
This look is very much on trend as a summer wardrobe staple but so many of the options I found online were in neutrals and you know how I love my color and pattern, so I decided to get creative!
I was inspired by a YouTubers, Mel & Steph from The Fashion Citizen and the easy tutorial they had about turning a button down blouse into an off the shoulder top so I decided to give it a go! I found this top at the thrift store for $2 and followed their instructions and it so was so easy, it makes me want to cut up all my shirts and convert them. The only thing I did different was I used a “no sew” adhesive that I bought at the 99 cents store in place of sewing the top.
My before and after are below. I also created a long sleeve version as well in a different print. Tag me on social media @IAMSHEGLOBAL if you try this out. I’d love to see your creations!
Note: This post is part of a blogger collaboration between Joi of InMyJoi , Sahily of PrettyInPigmentand myself. Check out the #UnitedlyPlus hashtag to learn more about all of us and our collaboration!
{Pants/Calvin Klein, , Shirt/Thrifted DIY, Shoes/Forever 21, Necklace/Bought at Ventura Flea Market, Earrings/Thrifty Upenyu, Mixed bangles from Kenya & India}
“I found I could say things with colors and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” ~ Georgia O’Keeffe
Fashion is art to me. It’s one way I express myself, my creativity and the things that inspire me. I think of my body as a canvas that I can layer color, shapes and textures on in an interesting way. I don’t take it seriously and I think that’s why I have so much fun with it.
I recently thrifted this multi-colored top which looks like brushstrokes of paint and after playing around with what to pair it with I decided the perfect contrast would be the opposite of these brilliant colors: black and white. I really love how this outfit came together. It made me feel like my own work of art.
Does art inspire your wardrobe?
{Top/Thrifted, Pants/Lane Bryant via The Plus Bus, Belt/Bought in Mexico, Heels/Prabal Garung for Target, Hat/Target, Clutch/Querist Vintage on Depop, Bracelets/Santee Alley}
Abstract florals, bold stripes and a hint of animal print = my take on Spring.
{Pants/Ava and Viv via The Plus Bus, Jacket/Anne Klein via Goodwill, Shoes/Nine West via Goodwill, Blouse/Forever 21, Necklace/Clutch/IAMSHEGLOBAL, Earrings/Thrifty Upenyu}
Spring is such a beautiful time of year. It has been such a pleasure to bask in all the stunning flowering trees, in shades of pink, white, lavender and yellow. Their flowers sprinkle the ground with nature’s confetti in celebration of the changing seasons.
Bold blooms that unfold from tiny buds, remind me that all growth starts from something small. You plant the seed of an idea or dream, you nurture it, water it, give it light, all in hopes that it will grow. It is an act of loving something without any promise of reward. You wait patiently as the foundation of roots are laid, deep below the earth, hidden from your sight.
To give a dream your all, day after day, month after month, year after year, not knowing when it will bloom is the ultimate surrender to the cycle of life and divine timing. I’ve been tending the garden of my dreams for quite some time now and I can see the buds puncturing the earth, making their way to the glory of the sun. Brilliant blooms are just around the corner!
{Blazer/Belt/Target, Blouse/Banana Republic, thrifted at Goodwill, Skirt/Bisou Bisou, thrifted at Salvation Army, Bag/Marshall’s, Ring/Made in Turkey, I bought it at a shop in Belize, Shoes/Alfani from Macy’s, Bracelet/Earrings/I’ve had them so long I forgot where they are from!}
