The Freedom to Choose!

*This is a sponsored post and a dress was provided by eShakti.  However, all opinions are my own and I was not paid for a positive review.

Dress: eShakti

Heels: Bebe

Umbrella: Forever 21

Hair: Angie Williams @ Flaunt Salon in Long Beach

Makeup: Elizabeth Jones @ No Labels Just Beauty

Photography: Franz Swantko

Happy 4th of July everyone!  What an appropriate post, just in time for the 4th!  "Freedom" is definitely a gift, and is something that we should celebrate with great joy.  What better way to celebrate, than with a dress from eShakti!

Recently, I was contacted by eShakti to write a review on a dress from their company.  However, they also offer: tops, pants, skirts, jumpsuits, shorts and special occasion dresses.  This company's slogan is  "We Design.  You Customize."  I prefer to call it "The Dream Dress Store" because only something this good could exist in your dreams right?  eShakti allows a shorty like me, the freedom to customize a dress in the perfect size and length according to my height and individual measurements.   They offer clothing from size 0-36W.  

Additionally, they offer customers the freedom to choose a customization option in regards to the length of the dress, the type of sleeves, and the necklines they desire.  Also, they have plenty of nice selections offered in classic and modern styles to suit your taste.  While scrolling through the choices, I had a difficult time deciding on which one I would pick because they had so many cute dresses to choose from!  If you have unusual sizing issues like myself, and have to get practically everything altered to fit just right, then this is definitely the online store for you.  I chose this dobby-dot print dress with a corseted top.  It arrived quickly and the material it is made out of is really soft and of high-quality fabric.  The stitching is sturdy, and as soon as I put it on, it fit my proportions perfectly!  I chose the length to the knee and kept the sleeves in the original design.  It came with a matching belt that you could tie at the waist, but I thought it looked better without it.  It also gave me the option to choose pockets with this dress, but I opted to have no pockets.  I liked having so many options in the ordering process.

I love my dress from eShakti!  It fits me perfectly:)  Thank you eShakti!  This will not be my last time ordering from here. 

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!  Now go ahead and exercise your freedom to choose something "made perfectly just for you" from eShakti!

XO Joanna

Self-Acceptance

Photography: Kendra Blair
Hair: Danielle June "Madame Pompadour"
Makeup: Charlotte Paul
Jacket: Kim Kardashian for Bebe Similar Similar
Faux Leather Leggings: Spanx

Boots: YSL Tribute Platform Bootie 

Handbag: YSL Medium Loulou 

Lace Tank: Similar

Hello! How are you doing today? I had some old photos that I never posted from my fall photo shoot, so I thought I would post them anyway.  I usually work full-time and have to do blog photos on the weekends.  How do you organize your photo shoots?  

It's been no secret that things have been pretty tough for me lately.  I have been through a lot!  As perfect as we make our blog photos look online and on Instagram, we all know that this is probably the only place that our version of perfection exists.  Holding onto this unrealistic ideal can be painful in real life. Comparison and competition amongst us can be challenging and can lead to an unhealthy mindset about our bodies and ourselves.  After dealing with an eating disorder for almost 15 years and overcoming it, I now believe that I can be my own best self not in comparison to anyone else.  I also believe that God created us in his perfect image without making a mistake. 

What do you believe?  

For a long time I thought that I wasn't "pretty enough" "smart enough" "skinny enough" or "good enough" to deserve love and happiness.  It was an awful way to live. 

Have you ever felt this way? 

Thankfully, someone close to me had a stern yet caring intervention talk with me about going to rehab and getting help to heal from my destructive eating habits.  I had to leave work for two months, but it was the most important two months of my life.  It changed me in ways I could never have imagined and I truly feel that I owe my life to that center.  

In case you wanted to know where I healed, it was located in Long Beach, CA at a center called Shoreline on 2nd street in Belmont Shore.  So, in case you ever wonder why I love Long Beach so much, it is not only because the people in the community are exceptionally friendly, but mainly because it was the city that housed the center where I healed.  Shoreline is equipped with the most knowledgeable caring therapists and staff that helped save my life.  I'm definitely not the same person I was then that I am now, and I am truly grateful for that experience.  

I also wanted to share with you that I learned radical-self acceptance is...

• Letting go of what other people think.
• The belief that one self has value.
• Acceptance of personal flaws, weaknesses, or mistakes.
• The belief in your ability to overcome challenges.
• Realizing what we can and cannot control.
• Accepting what is right now without judging.

Let me know how you enjoyed this post in the comments below and I hope you have a wonderful week!

With Love,

Joanna 

How to Style Your Dad's Old 70s Shirt

How to Style Your Dad's (or Granddad's) Old 70s Shirt

 To be "stylish", look no further than your dad's closet!

Yes, you heard me, your dad's old 70s shirts can actually be considered "stylish" in the year 2015.  Shocking!  I know.  You should see the smiles that come across their faces when you start pulling out their old burnt orange polyester bell bottom pants, lime green leisure suits, cornflower blue and olive green checkered or plaid printed pendleton jackets, a festive linen guayabera shirt, or a fun paisley print polyester button down.  Trust me, there's a whole Sunday afternoon of stories and family history in their closets.  

For this post, I paired this old polyester vintage 70s shirt with a highly embellished belt over black flare leg pants. This shirt can also be worn layered with a black lace camisole (Free People has a ton of cute ones) underneath or over a tight black long sleeve shirt.  This print was so fun, I couldn't pass it up!  I paired it with these beaded fringe earrings and bag to give it that extra flare.  How does it look?

Today's post is not a actually a photo with my dad's old 70s shirt (because my mom made him throw those old things out ages ago), but finding this amazing shirt inspired me to write this post because of the time we spent sorting through his old clothes to make room for new "modern and stylish" clothes.  If I knew my dad's old 70s style would be on trend in 2015, I just may have saved a few.  If you don't know how to be stylish in 2015, just ask your dad what he used to wear, then make him go shopping with you to pick out some old polyester 70s shirts:)

Do you own any fantastic 70s clothing?

Shirt: Vintage

Belt: Vintage

Pants: Bebe

Bag: Carlos by Carlos Santana

Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue

Earrings: Free People

Sunnies: Gucci

Hair: Angie Williams @ Flaunt Salon

Makeup: Elizabeth Jones @ No Labels Just Beauty

Photography: Franz Swantko

Work It Wear Wednesdays-Style Blogger in the City

Floral Tunic: Simply Vera Vera Wang Similar

Python Clutch: Zac Posen Similar

Kick Flare Jeans: Free People

Stiletto Heels: Bebe Similar Similar Similar

Sunnies: Gucci
Hair and Makeup: Francisco Estrada
Photography: Franz Swantko

Happy Wednesday to you!  How is everyone's week going?  Today, I wanted to represent the style bloggers out there who do photo shoots in the streets, crossing busy sidewalks, along the sides of buildings, in front of beautiful doors, fences, etc.  I'm still new to blogging, so I'd like to find out a little more about you...

What do you like most about style blogs?
Do you blog full-time or part-time? or not at all?

What kinds of things do you juggle in your day?  

What do you think is the hardest part about blogging?

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I wanted to go for a more casual look today.  These jeans by Free People are the best of both worlds because you can literally pull them on, look great and still eat!  They are very comfortable and have the cutest kick flare to the legs.  I hemmed mine because I am a shorty, but they come in different lengths as well.  This is an older tunic top that I got at Kohl's from Vera Wang, but I love it and still wear it a lot because it is so comfortable and stylish.  I always get a ton of compliments when I wear it too.  Lastly, this python embossed olive leather clutch from Zac Posen is my most recent love.  It was one of those pieces that called out to me.  It is made of high-quality materials and has a slinky gold chain inside for a shoulder strap if you'd like to wear it hands-free for a better shopping experience lol.  You can find several Zac Posen versions of this exact purse in different colors and materials with the same distinctive design at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Shopstyle, 6pm.com and Lyst.com.


Well, I hope you enjoyed this post.  I always like hearing from you!  Please leave your responses in the comments below.  Thank You!

Hope you have a Stylish and Joyful Week:)

XO Joanna

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dress: Lily Similar Similar Heels: Bebe Similar Similar Similar

Flap Bag: Vintage Christian Dior Similar Similar Similar  Similar 

Belt: Vintage Similar

Necklace: Liz Claiborne Similar
Hair By: Heather Smith @The Drybar Newport Beach, Fashion Island
Makeup: Francisco Estrada
Photography: Franz Swantko

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

No pinching!  I'm wearing GREEN:)

How will you be celebrating today?  This is a fun day to celebrate with your friends, whether it's dressing up and wearing green wigs, green clothes or drinking the infamous green beer.  St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate.  Today, I am wearing a green and white floral print dress from Lily and I wanted to make it pop with some red accessories by Bebe and Christian Dior.  Don't forget to wear your green today!

Here is a list of 5 Things to do in Los Angeles to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day:

1. Shamrock ‘n’ Roll Aboard the Queen Mary

2.  Casey’s 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival

3. Tom Bergin’s All-Day St. Patrick’s Day Party

4. St. Patrick’s Day at the Original Farmers Market

5.  St. Patty’s Beer Fest at the Legendary Pig ‘n Whistle

If you live in the area (or are visiting), you may want to check out this list.  My personal favorite is the Shamrock 'n' Roll aboard the World Famous Queen Mary.  I love this beautiful historical ship!  There are many bands with different types of Celtic music being played from traditional to rock in various parts of the ship.  This is a fun and entertaining night of music and celebration. 

You can check out more on this site:  http://www.queenmary.com/events/shamrock-n-roll/

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

XO Joanna

Work It Wear Wednesdays- Conservative Chic

Scarf: Berkshire (similar) Sweater: Charter Club (similar) (similar)

Skirt: Bebe (similar) (similar) (similar)Shoes: Vintage (similar)Bracelet: From My Mother (similar)

Bag: Ralph Lauren (similar cream)  (similar black)  (similar red) (similar red) Belt: St. John Knits (similar) Hair and Makeup: Francisco Estrada

Photography: Franz Swantko

Conservative Chic

This outfit is a little conservative for Southern California, but I am not one to always follow what everyone else is doing.  I wanted to style with accents handed down from my mother today.  She left me her scarf and gold cuff bracelet and thought it would work well with these clothes.  I felt like styling with a scarf, a glossy red handbag, and vintage accessories, so here it is!  This bag by Ralph Lauren is so pretty!  He always designs beautiful things.  It's a deep dark red with an equestrian embossing print on it.  It's a great size for an everyday classy work bag and has two zippered compartments and a main compartment in the middle which is nice to keep everything sectioned off and organized.  You can also wear it two ways because it comes with an additional cross-body strap so you can wear it across your shoulder.  Navy is a trending color this season and I happen to like the way it looks paired with white.  Vintage gold accessories always adds a touch of class to work outfits and are usually well-made quality items, which is why I enjoy mixing modern and vintage into looks.  So, there you go...something borrowed, something new, and something blue LOL.  However, no one is getting married on this Wonderful Wednesday :)

Hope you have a Wonderfully Conservative Chic Week!

Best Wishes,

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

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