Frenchie & Jewels

Wearing: 

Frenchie Sweater: The Limited | Pants: The Gap | Statement Chain: J. Crew | Black Pumps: Steve Madden | Ring Stack: Henri Bendel 

                                     

Some always wonder why I chose to go by Plum on the blog. 

I feel like this is a space where I am allowed to be completely myself, and in order to do so I must shed the preconceived notions of Jess -- and become someone else altogether. Someone who is not hindered my inhibition or scared of the judgement of others. 

{Here I am Plum} 

And as such I am fearless. I am bold. And I am completely and utterly myself. The bolder the Plum, the bolder the attitude. 

In Corporate America, it isn't the bold look that gets you far. It's the bold choices you choose to make. However, I have found the inverse is true for fashion. The bolder the look, the more recognition you achieve. You ventured into a space others are hesitant to step into. As such, I will always choose bold -- whether in a professional or personal setting. 

And I will not apologize for doing so. 

Being completely myself has freed me, from myself. 

My outfit choice is a mix of bold statements & patterns with the classical twist of simple elegance. It gives an overall effect that allows you to make your own take on the look. It allows the option of deciding who you wish to be -- while mixing multiple aspects of who you are. 

Until next time friends <3

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To: Lorde -- Tennis Court 

Currently Reading: Bloglovin' Feed (some interesting stuff today!)

Geometrical

Wearing: 

Geometric Shift Dress: Lulus | Flower Statement Chain & Bracelet: J.Crew | White Pumps: Jessica Simpson | Black Optics: Ray Ban | Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Gold Watch: Michael Kors 

Four years ago today, my life changed forever.

February 4, 2014 I was involved in an accident that would change the course of my life. And these circumstances, as horrible as they were to live through, brought me here: to this moment.

The months, days, and years leading up to this event have been repressed into the subconsciousness of my psyche. Yet the moments walking away from the accident are forever ingrained in my mind. It was from that moment I made a conscious effort to better myself & my future.

I grew from this moment, I evolved and I changed. I became a woman who loved herself above all others. It was in the small moments after the accident I would pep talk myself into loving me. I had been broken, and it was up to me to fix myself – no one else would be able to take on the job.

|| Flash Forward 4 years ||

I know I matter. I know my life and my choices are important to none other than myself, and that is enough. I know that whom I choose to be, and the life I choose to live is up to me. I cannot allow the words and opinions of others to influence how I choose to live my life – or allow these comments to break me down. I make a conscious effort to define what I want, and then take the steps to ensure I get it. I’m a tenacious go-getter, and it’s gotten me to where I wish to be.

My life is my own. And the choices I make define the lifestyle I choose to live.

My outfit choice?

Is as loud and eccentric as I wish to be. The mixture of colors and patterns on the soft fabric make the overall look – feel as though this shift dress was made specifically for me. It defines me in a way I didn’t think possible when I originally made my purchase. To accentuate the look I added soft gold jewel tones that were enough to make a presence, but not enough to overpower the look. And although the polar vortex seems to be taking over much of the country, here in Sunny Miami – the weather is perfect for light fabrics, short dresses and bared legs.

{I’ll admit it was HOT outside during the shoot}

I hope fashion will encourage others the way it has for myself. I hope it allows you to become the best possible version of yourself.

Just remember, evolution is timeless.

xoxo

Plum 

Modern Day Darcy

I don’t really know how to explain the feeling reading produces within me. When I read I get lost in the text and the fictional world the book creates. It’s as though these stories and adventures come to life, and offer an escape from my reality. I assume the role of these heroines I read about. Their lives are my life. And their trials, adventures, hopes, and dreams are those of my own. In each of these {fantastical} novels, the heroine falls for the brooding, strong, arrogant hero. But upon further reflection, he falls so hard head over heels for her – he reveals himself for the love sick sap that he is. It’s romantic and beautiful, to the point you feel yourself falling mercilessly in love. Eventually you begin dreaming of your own Mr. Darcy, and the qualities you wish him to possess.

I’ve always been the kind of girl to always be involved in a relationship, or otherwise dating. But three years ago, I suffered a serious {life altering} accident. My eyes opened to the reality of what my life had become over the previous 2 years – and I made a decision to break from my reality and take the time to love myself instead. I spent 3 years focusing and learning each corner of my mind, even the dark unopened spaces I always feared to venture into. There are places in the far reaches on my mind that still, to this day, I term “unchartered territory”. Corners which I wish to remain in the shadows.

During these dark times, reading became my therapy. It was through these heroines I was able to develop a sense of the kind of woman I hoped to be. Strong, confident, and graceful. A woman who took pride in her intelligence and used it to its fullest potential. A woman who accepted the love and support from those around her. Someone who was brave enough to face down her fears and conquer the world beyond her reach. I wanted to succeed in the areas I applied myself, but up until this point, I had never applied myself to any area. I was a quitter, and I fled when things got tough and scary.

 Except  for literature. 

My love for literature has only ever grown. Stories and texts became my escape from the dismal reality of my world. I grew both personally and morally, because of the fictional characters I discovered in Stephanie Laurens Cynster Series.

(Historical Romance is officially my favorite genre).

It was at this moment, I no longer wished to settle for less than what I deserved. I came to terms with the fact that I was a smart, exuberant, and social young lady. These were not qualities I wished to shy from any longer– and therefore I realized one vital fact: I deserved to be happy. I began to fantasize of my very own Mr. Darcy, my one true love who would come to sweep me off my feet. He would accept that my intelligence was vast, and that my love would always reside in the written text of published works. He would accept that I had a fast smile and friendly face for strangers of all walks of life, and furthermore he would encourage me in pursuing these qualities of my personality. He would be ok with whatever skeletons were hiding in my past, and learn to accept that my life would begin with him the day we so chose it. He would love my inner beauty before any superficial outer shell.  

And so after 3 years of discovering myself and the woman I wished to be, this man revealed himself to me. I guess it was my own wrongdoing for not noticing that he had been at my side for the last 10 years. Patiently waiting, and coaxing this woman from the inner guards of the most private places of my mind. He brought me to life. And still to this day he continues to encourage me to better myself. He slowly teaches me the virtue of patience, the effect a loving or forgiving word can have on others. He shows me life is not about getting what you want, but loving what you currently have. Because it’s enough.

In April of 2013, I fell in love with my best friend of 10 years. And it was quite possibly the best decision I have ever allowed myself to make. He was already a part of my family, but now he is the most integral part of my support system. He currently holds the key to the future I want, and the life I have always envisioned for myself.

He’s every bit the modern day Mr. Darcy I have always dreamed of. And it’s safe to say I have been thoroughly swept off my feet.

 

Until next time friends <3

Love,

Jess

This Week's Fashion Diary: 

Monday 

Wearing: 

Blazer: The Limited | Blue Skinnie Minnies: The Gap Inc. | Chic Minnie Mouse Shirt: Forever 21 | Jewelry: Michael Kors Black Leather Watch, Stacked Rings (multiple designers)

Tuesday 

Wearing: 

Blue Sweater and Cotton Button Down (underneath): Old Navy | Pants: The Limited | Optics: Ray Ban | Flower Chain: J. Crew | Watch : Michael Kors | Stacked Ring Set: Henri Bendel 

Wednesday 

Wearing: 

White Polka Dot Button Down: Old Navy | Red Wool Sweater: The Gap Inc. | Statement Chain & Bracelet: J. Crew | Black Leggings: Romeo & Juliet | Stacked Ring Set: Henri Bendel | Black Leather Watch: Michael Kors | Optics: Ray Ban

Thursday

Wearing: 

Sheer Flower Blouse: Forever 21 | Blazer: The Limited | Blue Skinnie Minnies: The Gap | Watch: Michael Kors | Arm Party: Michael Kors, Gigglosophy 

By the By: This week’s fashion looks are provided from my business looks for this week. I work in Corporate America, but try to infuse a sense of chic into my style. Business professional, does not always mean Business Boring. I always add some kind of color, texture, and/or print in order to make any style my own. I’ve heard once, that “an outfit without accessories is like sex without the orgasm”. I found this statement to be extremely accurate. The weather in sunny Florida has been somewhat dismal with all the rain and overcast skies; however we were blessed with two days of cold weather.  Since I currently work in IT Services (tech gal, surprising! I know lol) I always opt for pants and blazers as they provide a certain level of comfort. But {again} comfort does not always mean frumpy and boring ;)

p.s: all these looks can be found daily on my instagram account @fashionxplum

I hope you enjoy everything this blog has to offer, and look forward to whatever else life has to offer. 

Errand Boy

Pictured Above: 

Blue Skinnie Minnies: Gap Inc. | Red Sweater (w. navy elbow patches): The Limited | Oxfords: Forever 21 | Black Leather Watch & Leopard Ring: Michael Kors | Bracelet: J.Crew | Leopard Purse (not pictured): Michael Kors

Date Night at the pizzeria calls for a casual/comfortable look. Saturday night's outfit was dedicated to a boy-chic look. Comfortable in worn in oxfords, and a soft, light sweater brought to life my "boyish" look. However, pairing these pieces with dress socks, a simple black leather watch, gold jewelry, and leopard purse gave the "studious school boy" look a girly charm. This look seems to embolden my inner tomboy, while still giving credit to girlish tendencies. Who says men's apparel cant be chic? 

Love, 

Jess

p.s: sorry for being unable to capture a full body shot of this nights boy chic look. 

"Fashion is going against all odds, in order to make a statement of who you are."

Coffee Lunch Date

 

Pictured Above: 

 

Black Cozy Sweater: The Limited | Pleated Maxi Skirt: Forever 21 | Black Leather and Leopard Purse: Michael Kors | Jewels (Ring, Buckle Bracelet, & Watch): Michael Kors | Sunnies: The Gap Inc. | Multi-Chain Necklace: The Limited | Black Optic Wayfarers: Ray-Ban 

 

Today's look is dedicated to neutral boho-chic. I got to catch up with long time friend, and fellow fashion blogger +Carol Perez of Carolosiphy. In sunny Miami FL, the weather rarely allows for sweaters. However, today's weather was warm enough for the maxi, but chilly enough to pair with this black cozy sweater. Color blocking neutal tones is one of my favorite styles, and I love how the chic look of leapord was able to heighten the overall look.  

Love, 

Jess