Chocolate

Sweater: Lapis (similar) Turtleneck: Deca de Vous a Nous (similar)

Jeggings: La Bijou (similar) (similar) (similar)Boots: Roberto Cavalli  (similar)  (similar)  

Earrings: Vintage (similar) (similar) Belt: Master Design (similar)

Bracelet: My Mother (similar)

Hair and Make Up: Francisco Estrada
Photography: Franz Swantko

Today, I am wearing vintage gold and pearl earrings with a gold cuff bracelet handed down from my mother.  The dark blue jean jeggings are from La Bijou, my dark chocolate brown long knit sweater is from Lapis and my filigree gold and olive green sheer turtleneck is from a French brand called Deca de Vous a Nous.  The brown suede boots with burnished gold accents and fur top lining are from Roberto Cavalli.  

Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate, Starbucks Chai Tea, Coffee Bean Pumpkin Spice Coffee and Alpine Hot Apple Cider…These are my favorite drinks during the winter season.  What drinks do you enjoy sipping on in winter?  Cozying up in long sweaters while drinking a hot beverage is one of my favorite things to do during cold weather.  Also, wearing a long knitted sweater is my version of wearing a socially acceptable blanket outside of my bedroom to keep me warm.  This sweater look can be casual or dressy depending on how you accessorize it.  On weekends, I usually wear my leggings or jeggings with Ugg boots for a more casual look during the day, and to dress it up for an evening dinner out, I add gold jewelry and boots with heels like you see here to transform the outfit into something more sophisticated.  What do you like to wear to keep warm and stylish in winter?

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend and is staying warm :)

Joanna

Work It Wear Wednesdays- Fierce and Sophisticated

Red Leopard Print Peplum Top: INC International Concepts (similar)

Handbag: Anne Klein

Petite Black Pants: INC International Concepts Sunglasses: Gucci
Platform Heels: Bebe (similar)

Hair and Make Up: Francisco Estrada

Photography: Franz Swantko

Do you ever have those days where you jump out of bed in the morning and can't wait to get started on a fantastic new work project?  

Lately, I have been having those types of mornings a lot.  One major reason is that I started this blog, but also because I recently received a promotion at work.  It's a nice feeling to be validated for not only what you do, but most importantly "how" you do your work.  The reason why I like this outfit for work is because it represents an attitude of fierceness, ready to accomplish a lot and take on whatever tasks the day may bring.  However, I usually wear a cardigan over all of my tops at work for a more polished and professional look (so I would advise that when styling also).  Southern California is a bit more casual when it comes to work attire, so how you style this outfit for work just depends on your office dress code.  When I have something really important to do, I usually wear red and black.  Why?  Red is powerful and people notice you wearing red in a crowded boardroom or when giving an important presentation.  Black is also powerful, but classy and sophisticated.  I would also advise wearing a black suit with a red blouse or button up collared shirt (no leopard print LOL) to a job interview.  This will make you stand out and you will probably have a better chance of being remembered for the position.  Let me know if you do this and it works. Peplum is my new "old" love.  The reason why I say "old", is because it is an old style adopted from the 40's, but is a look that really is timeless.  I also like peplum because I think it's a nice feminine style that looks great on most women.  When choosing accessories, I chose black because red is so bold and I wanted the shirt to be my focal point.  When choosing accessories; it's always a good idea to make sure that the gold or silver hardware on your belt, jewelry, shoes or bag match for an overall cohesive look. 

Hope you have a Fashionably Fierce and Fabulous Work Week!

-Joanna

White as Snow

Coat: Bebe Similar Boots: Gucci Similar from Gucci Sunglasses: Gucci Here
Handbag: Anne Klein

Earrings: Ralph Lauren Pants: Shinestar Similar 

Hair and Make Up: Francisco Estrada 

Photography: Franz Swantko

       I can’t say enough great things about the color white.   

           It has been so cold lately that I have been forced to break out my heavier coats.  This coat from Bebe is one of my dressier white coats with ruffle details and delicate lace sewn on the bottom edge of the border.  I paired it with tan skinny leggings by Shinestar and black leather boots by Gucci (which took years to find the perfect flat boot).  My quilted bordeaux double-handel satchel is from Anne Klein.  I accessorized with rhinestone/ pearl gradiated earrings from Ralph Lauren and oversized bamboo rimmed glasses from Gucci.

           White...it gives a sense of freshness to everything.  White also looks great in the summer and we wear a version of this in the Winter months called “Winter white”. So, in that sense essentially, you can wear it all year long.  However, the one drawback of this color and is the one major reason why people don’t wear it often enough is that it gets dirty quickly and easily.  For this reason, you must be a brave soul to wear any piece of white clothing out at a special event; but especially if you are going to be sitting down for a yummy plate of spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce.  Yikes…may the force be with you!  White jeans, coats, dresses and shoes are items I am always on the lookout for, because the life span of these items is short and I am usually trying to replace them.  

           I feel that when you walk into a room wearing all white, it has the same effect as walking into a room with a red dress on…all heads turn, stare and wonder who is that?  Has this ever happened to you?  If you want attention, wear white, or perhaps red if you are planning to go out for pasta haha.

  Hope you had a nice weekend!

  With Joy,

  Joanna

Work It Wear Wednesdays--Navy Is the New Black

Blouse: Banana Republic  Similar Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic Similar Bag: Big Buddha Similar

Vintage Shoes Similar Hair: Drybar Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Make Up: Francisco Estrada  Photography: Franz Swantko

      Navy is the new black!  Navy is one of those colors that look great on everyone.  It adds interest to an interview suit or formal attire as an alternative to a black suit or LBD.  It also looks great with a pop of red lipstick and gold jewelry accents.  Navy is my new go to color for getting down to some serious business this year.       

Today, my work outfit consists of a lightweight floral navy and cream top from Banana Republic with billowed sleeves and small brushed gold metal button details.  The cobalt blue pencil skirt is also from Banana Republic and has side pockets which I love because of the way the it sits giving a more slim and tailored feel. The high-waisted 3” waist band is also great because it elongates your legs and if you are a shorty like me, who doesn’t love that!  

Hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday!

--Joanna

Happy Valentine's Day! -Romantic Vintage Style

   Red Velvet Mermaid Vintage Dress:   Similar Similar  Evening Clutch from theVarga Store:  Similar Similar Shoes: Pelle Moda Similar Similar Similar Necklace H&M: Simlar Similar 

Hair and Make Up: Francisco Estrada 

Photography: Franz Swantko

     A Little  Valentine’s Day Story for you...

I picked up this awesome vintage red velvet dress at a resale boutique called Retro Reload.  All the women are really nice and helpful there.  There's something timeless and magical about old things. When I saw this Jessica Rabbit mermaid dress; it said to me, "I love you, please take me home and wear me for Valentine's Day."  LOL  These shoes are very comfortable (got them on Zappos.com) and sometimes I wear them out dancing because they have straps,so they won't fall off.  Have you ever heard of the Varga Store?  That's where I purchased this gorgeous pearl and rhinestone purse.  What I really love about this purse is that the rhinestones hang like fringe on the bottom and swing when you move it...it sparkles when it dances:)  It's this charming boutique in the South Bay in Southern California that sells new pin up style clothing and accessories.  The boutique is decorated so girly, you won't want to leave.  It feels like the bedroom you always dreamed of...you'll have to go see for yourself.  I found this bib style "princess necklace" at H&M and it was the last one they had for only $30.00  need I say more, had to have it.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”…a fitting quote by Charles Dickens about Valentine’s Day.  Ahhh… Valentine's Day..it can be so bittersweet.  Why?  Because some years you may have a sweetheart and sometimes you may have no one:(  That being said, we can all have a good Valentine’s Day if we choose to make it fun and surround ourselves by people we “Love” being around.  Of course, having a BIG box of chocolates and wine doesn’t hurt either :)

So, I'd like to hear what you did for Valentine's Day....What did you do?...Where did you go?..Most importantly...What did you wear?  

With Love...

--Joanna

Work It Wear Wednesdays--Sunshine Yellow and Cherry Red

           Sweater: Charter Club (Similar) Skinny Pants: Shinestar (similar) Necklace: Liz Claiborne (similar) Heels: Karen Scott (similar) Sunglasses: Gucci Belt: Master Design (similar) Bag: Christian Dior Hair: The Drybar, Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Make Up: Francisco Estrada Photography: Franz Swantko

           

Red and Yellow equal flat out joy to me!  I love wearing this outfit because it shouts happiness and joy.  However, to pull this outfit off you must add the most important accessory…a smile!  It’s a great pick me up outfit to jump into on a Monday morning or Friday at the end of the week to feel energized and to radiate that feeling to everyone else in your office, cubicle or work space. 

Today, my work outfit is a bit business casual. I am wearing comfy stretchy khaki skinny pants from Shinestar paired with a sunny yellow floral print sweater from Charter Club purchased at Macy’s.  I love these particular work shoes because they are sophisticated, comfortable and can dress up any outfit.  I love this poppy red and gold multi-strand Liz Claiborne necklace because it adds a little dramatic touch.  This red leather flap clutch with gold detail was an authentic vintage find from Christian Dior.

Hope you are having a great work week and hope this post brings you some joy! 

--Joanna

Find A Stylish Love Story on Bloglovin'

I just wanted to make a quick post today to tell you that you can stay up to date with A Stylish Love Story on Bloglovin'.

Meaningful Mondays- Perfectly Imperfect :)

Quote By: Marc Jacobs
Artwork By: Mason Hall

Don’t worry about chasing perfection.  Accepting the things about you that you feel make you different, may also be the same things that make you unique and special.

Happy Monday Everyone!  Today, I hope you are inspired to embrace your uniqueness.

--Joanna

How to Dress Comfy and Cute in Winter

Faux Fur Wrap Sweater: Armani Exchange Similar
Skinny Pants: Shinestar Similar
Tank Top: Gap Similar 
Gold Link Necklace: St. Thomas Similar
Gold Accent Belt: St. John Knits Similar
Boots: Coach Similar

Hair and Make Up: Francisco Estrada

Photography: Franz Swantko

Winter is visiting Southern California for a bit, so I thought I'd get a chance to finally break out these suede Coach boots and fur trimmed wrap sweater to cozy up in.  This time of year cherry blossom trees still bloom with beautiful pink flowers at the end of delicate tree branches.  So pretty!  Personally, I think the key to looking stylish in the winter is to wear boots with heels.  Chunkier heels are more comfortable, but I think any boots with heels are cute.  I also like faux fur.  In fact, I like faux fur so much that I had a white faux fur carpet made for my bedroom (which feels amazing on bare feet).  This sweater wrap is one of my favorites to wear out because it is so versatile ( I also have it in black because I couldn't make up my mind lol).  You can wear it casual or dressy because of the tailored fit and fur accent collar. Also, these stretch skinny pants by Shinestar are extremely comfortable and well-made.  By the way, I met one of the owners shopping a sample sale in Los Angeles and he was super sweet.  Meeting him and seeing how nice he was, made me want to keep buying Shinestar.  Besides, these are really quality pants, reasonably priced and I always get compliments when I wear them.  So, there you go...those are my tips on how to be comfy and cute in the winter.      

Hope you have a great weekend ahead of you and remember to find something that brings you joy!

-Joanna

I love the Piano!

Shirt: Piace (similar) Nordstrom Skirt Ann Taylor (similar): Ann Taylor

Earrings: Ralph Lauren: Macy's Heels: Zahara by Bebe (similar) Bebe

Vintage Purse:(similar) Etsy Tea Cup: Daiso (similar) Etsy
Hair: The Drybar Fashion Island, Newport Beach Make Up: Francisco Estrada
Photography: Franz Swantko

I love the Piano!  Have you ever tried to learn how to play the piano?  I have.  I remember taking piano lessons for about a year in middle school and dreading how my music teacher would tap my fingers with a pencil to make sure I arched them into a perfect “C” shape over the keys.  I struggled with different types of meters and playing the value of each note appropriately.  Let’s just say that hand-eye coordination didn’t exactly come easy to me either, so it was no surprise to my parents when I asked them if I could quit piano lessons for my birthday present….hahaha.  However, the ironic part is that I still “love” the piano dearly with all my heart.  I love the way it sounds from classical to Tori Amos.  It’s still my favorite instrument, well of course when it’s played correctly.  After all that, I decided to take up a less frustrating instrument for sight reading…my own voice.  That being said, if you aren't good at a certain hobby or sport, it's good to try something else that you might enjoy doing more. 

Today, I am wearing a lightweight blush pink top from Piace with billowed sleeves adorned with tiny rhinestones and pink pearls on the cuff.  This blouse is perfect for the Spring and Summer months, but I would recommend wearing a tan long sleeve camisole underneath if worn in winter.  The cream woven textured skirt is from Ann Taylor.  This is one of my favorite brands to wear to the office.  I never have to get anything tailored because the proportions are spot on for petites.  

Hope you have a great Wednesday :)

--Joanna

Meaningful Mondays

Artwork by Mason Hall

I chose this quote from Coco Chanel for my first post because it really spoke to me about the things in my life I wanted to pursue, but had been putting off.  Recently, I realized that I had been living so much of my life to please other people, that I hadn't been pursuing things that I really enjoy. However, I was the only one in control of changing that.  It meant taking 100% responsibility for creating my own happiness. I hope you are inspired to go forth and pursue your passions and joy in life today.  

Happy Monday :)

-Joanna Joy