Finding joy or happiness right now is something I cherish with every fiber of my being because, look, it's really hard to want to appreciate anything positive in the current state we're in every single day. I don't know about you. but the minute I get up in the morning I find myself going through a barrage of endless scrolling to make sure I'm updated on what has happened in the last 24 hours. A constant wheel of emotions take over; anger, frustration, sadness, loneliness, desperation, and my day is off to just a great start! I think I do this because I'm trying to find a glimpse of some type of hope that things will change for the better and maybe, just maybe, this particular day won't end on a bad note. Luckily, I have found a few things here and there that have made living in quarantine bearable and have made me feel slightly less alone than I was this time last year, you know when I was also unemployed. Everyone is going through this and we're all trying to survive and be human beings during such a odd and uncomfortable time. So for anyone who is feeling the same way, please know you're not alone and that I hope you're finding something that can make you smile.

All of that being said, I'm not sure what makes today different than any other (maybe it's the fact that it's September and there is a cool breeze in the air) but I've found a fleeting sense of normalcy in coming back to this blog and writing about how I'm feeling. Today, I wanted to share with you five random things that have brought me joy over the past several months. Please enjoy and let me know what has made you feel this tender emotion. 

1. floral getaway: Quarantine has brought about the desire to start a small business. A new revelation that I've never thought I could be remotely interested in, mostly because I've always thought I wouldn't be smart enough to start one, but it has piqued my curiosity as I've been obsessed with learning about flowers and reveling in thoughts of growing (and dying), being planted with roots and other various analogies. THE PLAN: open a flower business that is a brick and mortar here in the Twin Cities, with an added bonus of a traveling truck that goes to street events and other various parties where flowers might be needed. THE GOAL: to start working on this once I'm out of debt and have a solid income, as well as possibly having a partner. Hopefully within 2-3 years, so wish me luck!

2. serendipitous project: What an absolute treasure of a find back in June when everyone was showcasing Black-owned businesses. I came across Serendipitous Project, founded by the lovely Sydney Ziems, and it's very quickly become one of my favorite jewelry brands. It's so aesthetically pleasing, romantic and you can tell there is a lot of love put into the content that is produced. The brand also just came out with a F/W '20 collection inspired by Versailles and I'm definitely eying these gorgeous 'Chateaux' Earrings! 

3. mostra di moda resort: The absence of fashion shows has definitely been prevalent for me the past few months as I regularly enjoy 'reporting' on my favorite looks that go down the runway. However, Vogue has been great and uploaded quite a few collections for Resort 2021. Christian Dior is always a must-see and this season was very special as Chiuri "spotlighted the region’s native crafts and craftspeople." This finale dress made my jaw drop!

4. roseway island: Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been my saving grace for quarantine. I've logged about 300 hours on this game and I have absolutely no regrets. It has been so much fun being able to create something that is my own and to take my mind off of everything. The creativity flows and I can't wait to see what the fall updates bring to the table. Anyone else playing?

5. ask tough questions: We're Not Really Strangers has some really thought provoking prompts to ask yourself and others. It's been a source of inspiration to sit back and dig deeper into how to talk to yourself, how you see yourself and how to be yourself with others. Truly appreciate this being around and to read others responses in their comment sections. Feel free to answer the question above for me and I'll do the same for you!

“How do I stop carrying everything that has ever happened to me?”— Blythe Baird

1. Natalia Dyer in Dior Couture

Why I love it: What is not to love? I had to make her my BEST DRESSED of the entire night. The intergalactic print, paired with a lace bodice makes for the perfect silhouette on Natalia's petite frame. It also speaks highly of her personal taste and style, which I think has improved over the past year or so.
2. Vanessa Kirby in Valentino

Why I love it: For one of the first major award show red carpets I've seen her on, Vanessa did not hesitate to wow the crowd in this gorgeous floral sleeveless gown. I love everything about this - from the makeup to the accessories. Definitely makes me feel like it's spring already.
3. Susan Kelechi Watson in Rubin Singer

Why I love it: Channeling Old Hollywood, in one of three cobalt blue dresses on this list! Can you believe her and the other leading women of 'This Is Us' all showed up in this beautiful color? Serendipity, baby! This color is absolutely stunning on her and matches perfectly with her hairstyle, which I am obsessed with as well, that pulls the entire look together.
4. Brie Larson in Gucci

Why I love it: Look closer at her makeup and you'll see the main reason Brie is number four on this list. That blue eyeshadow has me reminiscing about the early 2000's and I am here for it! The sequin and crystallized Gucci gown doesn't hurt either, making for her to channel her inner femininity.
5. Chrissy Metz in kate spade new york

Why I love it: The second cobalt dress on this list! FYI: I am going to always support Chrissy on the red carpet. She has been killing it lately in regards to getting custom gowns made perfectly for her body. Did you see the custom Eloquii  dress she wore to the Critics Choice Awards? It is so inspiring to see plus-size fashion worn so eloquently and flattering on someone in the entertainment industry. She is unapologetic on the way she looks, she is fierce and funny as hell. Love you, Chrissy!
6. Tracee Ellis Ross in Ralph & Russo Couture

Why I love it: Can you gush over a white gown with a matching cape? I think you can when the daughter of Diana Ross is wearing it.
7. Daniel Kaluuya in Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

Why I love it: You can always expect the classic men's tux to hit the red carpet during award show season, however, there is always that one stand out guy that switches it up. Daniel is that person for me during the SAG Awards this year. The velvet loafers, the detailing on the suit jacket, even down to the jewelry! 👌
8. Mandy Moore in Ralph Lauren

Why I love it: A vision in blue! The third and final cobalt dress on this list features an actress that I have loved for quite a long time. Mandy looks like a shimmering glitter goddess in this ultra-slimming gown that must have been designed and fitted just for her. It's a pretty straightforward look but it obviously made a statement since she is glowing in every photo that was taken of her on Sunday night.
9. Saoirse Ronan in Louis Vuitton

Why I love it: All that glitters is pink for Saoirse, in this floor length, sleeved gown. I particularly like that this pink is such a breath of fresh air. It feels light and perfect for an event like this award show.
10. Kelly Marie Tran in Mary Katrantzou

Why I love it: BECAUSE KELLY IS PURE SUNSHINE AND THIS DRESS PERFECTLY EXPRESSES THAT!

Who was your favorite this year?

The one major concept that I love about fashion for fall is that there always seems to be a re-emergence of past decades and the trends that inhabited them. This year is no different. The one that has really stuck out to me for 2016 is the influence of the 70's, and how to translate the vibe of that decade into a more modern sophistication. What a perfect trend to have for fall! Think "sticky toffee-tinted browns injected with orange undertones," suede and velvet adorning any and every inch of your clothing, and lots & lots of ruffles. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually really intrigued by all of this as fall is finally arriving. I've not always been a fan of the classic seventies color theme of mixing brown, orange and deep reds together but it's changed as I've gotten older. There's something comforting about the way this trend has influenced fashion for the past couple seasons - from Gucci to Cinq à Sept to Monique Lhuillier, this groovy trend is able to span multiple collections.

Since it has been around for a couple of seasons, it's now easier than ever to introduce it into your own wardrobe seamlessly! You may be asking how to do so, I know I am, and I did some research and came across a great article from InStyle last March that features how to take the silhouette of the 70's and compare them to how designers are making it for the modern woman. It's a great visual on the parallel of how fashion cycles through, and when it sticks - it really sticks. I figured I'd give it a try myself, and while it's not going to be the same method of comparing looks from the decade, it will be majorly influenced by it with the items that I've chosen. Hope you enjoy, and happy first day of fall!

I have literally always wanted to find a staple piece that could transition from day to night with ease. Being able to have something that you could wear to work and then seamlessly change into for an outfit later on that night - whether you're going on a date, or having a drink with friends - is a must! A major trend for fall 2016 that I've seen lately is the embroidered bomber jacket, and I thought what better staple piece to bring into my wardrobe that fulfill that need?! The obsession that grew while trying to find the perfect one for me was insane, and luckily the turnaround on finding one went pretty quickly after searching through boohoo.com!  Not only is this jacket fun and playful with the embroidered floral print on the sleeves and back, but the EXTRA magical part is that this jacket can also be turned inside out and be multi-functional.

When deciding what I actually wanted to wear with the jacket, I decided to opt for more neutral tones that would sit back and let the staple piece speak for itself. Fun fact - I actually didn't realize that the night portion of this would have me looking & feeling like a Pink Lady from 'Grease', but I guess that's not such a bad thing. I decided to wear a relaxed tee from Old Navy - that would also transition easily to the night outfit and other outfits that I decide to wear throughout the season. I paired the tee with my favorite pair of dark blue skinny jeans from Ava & Viv - Target, as well pointed Mary Jane flats that are also extremely perfect for fall! Keeping everything the same, besides the pants, the night portion saw me incorporating a black pencil skirt from Old Navy as well.

There is nothing better to me than being able to have multi-functional use for an item, especially when I'm on a budget. If one piece of my wardrobe can accentuate an outfit in several different ways, I'm going to be a happy camper. This bomber jacket is definitely going to be used quite a bit this year and the next!

from day

to night

As most popular trends go for me, I'm a little hesitant to try them when they first appear. I don't really like change, and that seems to even apply to what is in my wardrobe. It may also be because I don't like to draw attention to myself all that often, or broadcast what I'm wearing because I am still a little self-conscious about my body. So imagine my surprise that the trend I'm focusing on today, and never thought I'd try on, is something that I actually really love and it's showing skin! There are fireworks going off right now in my brain, just to let you know.
If you keep up with trends, have two eyes or just simply go shopping, you will have seen the cold shoulder trend everywhere! Whether it's on the runway, in magazines or on blogs, this is the trend for S/S'16. The thing that I love the most about this it, and what I've literally just learned a couple days ago, is that it can be worn as pretty much anything you want it to be. I also learned that it is super flattering for my figure, which makes it even more amazing. If you're someone who likes to leave a little to the imagination and eye, like me, then this trend is definitely something to try out. When I put on the dress (pictured above + #4 below) at Old Navy, I felt sexy, feminine and sensual. WHEN DO I EVER FEEL THAT WAY? To answer that, hardly ever, so this is going to be something to embrace all summer.
Obviously I wanted to go on the hunt to find more options, and I surprisingly found a lot for plus size! ASOS Curve always has the 'on trend' items, but Eloquii has one of my favorite dresses right now that accentuates the cold shoulder. Here are six different ways to rock the trend, so shop them below!
1. ASOS CURVE Off Shoulder Midi Sundress In Stripe ($52): I never tend to gravitate towards wearing stripes, but if they're going horizontal on a chambray fabric? I can deal.
2. Cold Shoulder Gauze Blouse ($25): Longer sleeves are my best friend, so this gauze blouse is now in my circle.
3. Studio Off the Shoulder Chambray Dress ($111): Gimme, gimme! I am SO obsessed with this dress, and it's just been restocked on the website. It truly hurts that I will not be able to wear this for my birthday weekend, but hopefully I'll be able to get it someday. Look at those sleeves, and the length! I could see myself dancing the night away in this.
4. Off-Shoulder Tie-Belt Dress for Women ($26): Ah, the first dress that showed me the glorious power of a cold shoulder. Thanks for opening my eyes!

5. Ivory Floral Cold Shoulder Top ($44): Okay..... How gorgeous is this? I'm all about a botanical floral print, and this would be just so much fun to wear during the summer.
6. Stoosh Plus Size Cold-Shoulder Chambray Top ($40): While this looks like it's part of a top + pant set, I could definitely see wearing this with a cute pencil skirt. Also, I love the ruffle effect on the sleeve.

Would you ever bare your shoulders this summer?