Dressing Up With Joy

July 15, 2013

Lookbook: How To Get Instant Peplum Effcet In Any Outfit

Asos leather peplum belt, ASOS gold and leather belt, ASOS peplum belt
The answer is - a wide, contoured belt with a little flair on the sides. I have to say that I didn't get on to peplum train (even when the trend was red hot last year) and I don't have any peplum style top/skirt/dress, but his ASOS faux leather peplum belt had me excited at the first viewing! I immediately mind-inventoried my pencil skirts and plain black dresses that could get a makeover via this edgy little belt. This belt can uplift any look and glamorize the every day casual dress/skirt. Exhibit A - This shell is from Walmart (yes, for $9!!) and the skirt is from Old Navy that I scored for just $8 - but with wide cuff high heel sandals and this chic belt, this outfit instantly becomes much more polished and looks expensive! Don't you think so?
Belt - ASOS
Shell - Walmart (old)
Skirt - Old Navy
Shoes - GoJane,

This leather handbag from Cuore & Pelle is fast becoming my go-to bag! It has two looks (sides out like a trapezoid bag (very Celine like)  or ends-tucked-in in a rectangle like above (reminds of the Grace Kelly style of top-handle bags)  and the black and white colors work for most outfits!
Linking up with Monday Mingle today. See you there!
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Do you like removable/reversable/detachable pieces that change the look of an outfit? Share your thoughts?  For daily dose of style delights, connect with me on
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All photos by Javi (nimiouno@gmail.com)
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July 12, 2013

A Charming Shopping Heaven in Downtown New York : Trinity Place Department Store


I have said it many times on the blog before - one major attraction (among many) of  living in New York is the shopping! No matter what your style is, you will find amazing stuff on your shopping excursion in the city! One such shopping heaven in downtown NY is Trinity Place department store, a charming three storied store  located on 61 Broadway (1 block south of Trinity Church, between Rector and Exchange Plaza).  Last week, I had an opportunity to have a private shopping tour of the store and I loved every minute of it! One step in the store and you find yourself surrounded by chic decor, unique, one of a kind merchandise and trendy clothes and accessories from European brands that are fit for a cosmopolitan globe trotter! Trinity Place department store has clothes and accessories for men, women and children and uber chic pieces of furnitures that really really caught my fancy! I loved their vintage inspired dresses for women, sleek, modern and very stylish shirts and jackets for men and super cute (and so very European) clothes for kids! The iconic satchels by The Leather Satchel Company and butter soft loafers and ballet flats by Le Blue Bunny will steal your heart too as they did mine!! No wonder Trinity Place department store was picked as one of 100 best places to shop by Tie Out new York!
I picked out this preppy-chic striped dress with an oversized red bow at the bodice during my recent visit. July 4th is not the only day to rock red, white and blue when the colors come in such a cute dress, right? Accessorized with the iconic leather satchel in neon and Le Bunny Blue loafers, I am ready to take this baby out on a day of fun in the city!



The famous satchel by The Leather Satchel Company of UK is making handcrafted satchels since 1966 and The Trinity Place carry these babies in every color under the rainbow - so hard to pick just one!!
And these shoes are made for walking on Manhattan streets! The romantic, vintage style of Le Bunny Blue shoes has a retro vibe, but totally modern and appeal. I loved their ballet flats and pastel loafers so much!
This sofa is one of the many elegant furniture pieces they sell in store! The fun thing about this store is that their merchandise is never repeated, once they are sold out, they replenish the inventory with totally new and fresh styles!
If you are in NY area, checkout Trinity Place department store yourself or shop online at trinitypl.com
For more, check out their Facebook Page - they frequently have amazing sweepstakes and giveaways for their fans!
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All photos by Javi (nimiouno@gmail.com)
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July 9, 2013

Tia & Tamera And Lessons In 'Having It All'!

I am not a big reality TV fan as most of the time it doesn't feel 'real' but there are some shows that suck me in with the story line that I really can relate to!! Style Network's Tia & Tamera is one such show that tells the story of  two sisters who are juggling the same things like many of us regular women do - like the family, kids, career and being their own person! They are striving for the proverbial 'work-life balance' that all of us are too! I got on to the series from the get go, given the cheerful, happy, funny and stylish personalities of twin sisters Tia Mowry Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley and as the show progressed, I realized why the show is as popular as it is! It tells the tale of not only the Mowry sisters but thousands of women who are not only going through the same emotions and  same hurdles but overcome them with same tenacity as Tia & Tamera! The only difference is they deal with it all with a crew of cameras following their every move! (Aren't we happy that we are the audience of the show and not the members!!LOL!)

The light-hearted, playful and warm show has its 3rd season premiere on July 14th, on Style at 8/7 central! If you have not watched it before, it is the perfect time to start and catch up all the fun! Things are about to heat up y'all!
A wise woman once told me "You can not have it all at once, but you can have it all eventually!" That woman was Oprah Magazine's beauty editor Val Monroe, who was referring to her own journey as a full time mom and a busy magazine editor and how she balanced being both in her life. The show Tia & Tamera underscores the fact that we actually can have it all, (even in installments!) and enjoy it too. My own personal experience from a full time professional to stay at home mom to being a free lance writer/ blogger has taught me that having fun is more important than trying to have it all! Tia and Tamera are having fun in whatever are doing and that shines thru in their show as well!
My mantra for managing motherhood, wifehood (oh, believe me, it is a word!), my blog and my life is just enjoy every moment and keep a positive attitude- it is all about seeing the glass half full for me! You may have to run in 5 inch heels with a stroller with a broken wheel, but hey, at least it is not raining! But this attitude sometimes requires a certain someone who helps you see the light among the darkest of days! For me my husband is that someone. He tells me quite often, everything will be okay! And it often does:-) Do you have a someone in your life you is your other side of life-coin? The one who is your  you '&'?? If you do, tell about him/her/it via Style Network 'Who is your &' instagram sweepstake and you can win $2000!!!

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To know more about Tia & Tamera's other halves Cory Hardrict and Adam Housely and more information on the show, see the show homepage here!
For the adorable baby Aden photos and baby Cree photos, see the photo gallery!
Make sure to tune in for the season premier of Tia &Tamera on Sunday, June 14th 8/7 central on Style Network! For the $2000 sweepstake, check out Style Network on instagram!

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Style Network. 
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July 7, 2013

Summer Wardrobe Essentials By Sears Style

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. #ThisisStyle #cbias

Seasons come and go, but our wardrobes and (closet space) stay with us for long time. That's why I love to shop for pieces that I can use with my existing wardrobe to create new looks by just a little tweak of styling. So when I got the opportunity to shop for summer wardrobe essentials at Sears, I immediately thought of the items that are on trend, versatile for their use and not to mention that can create summer fun looks! Summer is all about having fun, after all! Speaking of which, Sears Style is all about fun, versatility and chic looks. Have you been to Sears lately? If not, you need to check out their Summer apparel and accessories, I promise you will find a lot of style inspiration and versatile pieces that you can transition in every occasion and season! Their Shop Your Way Rewards program lets you get cash back with your purchase - the more you shop, the more you save!


Who says stylish wardrobe and affordable fashion are mutually exclusive?  I used my points that I had collected as a Sears Shop Your Way rewards member, and scored these amazing pieces for just little over $50!! My game plan for these pieces is to mix and match to create multiple looks by just changing up my accessories! 
I picked up a fun pair of printed pants that are a sophisticated neutral, can work with a fun patterned blouse for a lunch date or with a basic shell and a blazer to work!
I am a big fan of polka dots - the cheerful pattern is timeless and you can wear it in any season! So when I saw this tie sleeve polka dot blouse, I knew I had found a multi-purpose top! Wear it with a pair of white cut off shorts for a casual look, or pair it with a pencil skirt for work. You can wear it with a pleated skirt and statement necklace for a dinner or even a wedding! Transitioning one piece in various looks what Sears Style is all about!
All pieces above via Sears

I know we have seen a lot of the bubble bib necklaces recently, but this is such a fun accessory and I found the best price yet on this trendy necklace at Sears - less than $15!! (that is before any discount from my Shop Your Way Rewards points!!) Bold, bright and making a big statement without breaking the bank! My kinda style:-)

For a casual day time look that is fun yet polished and put together, I paired this polka dot top with summer print twill pants and comfortable nude loafers. Easy and stylish in a snap!

I took this blouse from a funky, mixed print look to sophisticated evening style, by playing up with accessories, high heels and taking my hair down. 

By changing the styling, you can take any outfit from day to night from play to work!! BTW, for great styling ideas for summer, check out Live SoFab Summer Digital Magazine and let your imagination soar! 

Whether we are in a laid back, relaxed setting or at a fast pace workplace, the way we put together our outfits decides the way our day will shape! Versatile pieces can make any wardrobe abundant, all you need is style inspiration! Check out Sears for your style inspiration and your summer wardrobe essentials (see what's in store for you in my Google+ album) and keep up with the stylish updates from Sears via their Facebook page and on Twitter at @searsStyle . Join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #Thisisstyle

Linking up with Monday Mingle. For daily dose of style delights, connect with me on
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July 4, 2013

Happy Independence Day!

Today's outfit comes from Style Delights Archives! As we celebrate the Independence day with firweorks, BBQs, parades and July 4th sale shopping, lets pause a minute to say thanks to all those who have served or serving this country -in uniforms or out of it, in battlefields abroad and in at home, to make America safe and free for all. As an immigrant, I am grateful for the freedom, future and happiness this country has given me! I proudly call this nation home and hope to leave it better than I found it for my kids! There is no other country like this, lets keep it great!:-)
Happy July 4th everyone!
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July 2, 2013

Celebrity Style - Heidi Klum In Black & White Stripes

I am in love with Heidi Klum's stripe on stripe look. The supermodel plays with the proportions in this outfit -mixing thin stripes of her sheer Nili Lotan blouse with broad stripes of her figure hugging pencil skirt. I think the blouse with diagonal stripes will work equally well! Specially when Heidi's blouse costs more than $300 and this recreation Dorothy Perkins blouse is just $38! The jewelry is minimal with just a hint of color with the horn shaped pendant necklace. 
Learn from the pro-copy her look for your next nautical outfit!




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July 1, 2013

Lookbook: #AvonSummer Is Here!


If you are like many of my readers who commented on my shoes in this post saying they didn't know Avon sells shoes and apparel, you need to check out Avon right now! They have got a lot of great styles and chic pieces for the summer on amazingly affordable price! This Avon Blue Goddess Dress is one such piece that I am loving for its versatility, easy styling and comfortable fit. The color is just gorgeous and its light weight makes it so easy to pack for vacations! I can see it multi-tasking as a beach cover up to pool party dress to a cool dinner dress on a hot summer night!


Speaking of versatility, Avon have great accessories, shoes and jewelry to make your summer beautiful at any budget! Their pieces are so easy and fun to mix-and-match! This dress can go from day to night just by switching the bag, shoes and stacking up the enamel bangles to bling-up the look!
All the pieces in these looks are from Avon.


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Linking up with Monday Mingle and DCinStyle. For daily dose of style delights, connect with me on
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