Secret Garden

Wearing: 

Maxi Skirt: Forever 21 | Grey Crop Top Tee: Forever 21 | Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Statement Chain: J. Crew | 

Sometimes, I wish I had a tape recorder for my mind. In the hours before sleep, my mind seems to wander to the oddest places, and I think of the craziest things. And in the morning? They're gone. Vanished into thin air. Not one question, curious trail of thought, or epiphany is remembered. 

{Gone} 

Into the oblivion that is sleep. Those 8 precious hours in which nothing seems to exist. The end result being only scattered remembrances of what came before. And yet, approaching slumber on the following morrow, are the {vague} reminders of yesterday's thoughts.

What if you could record these thoughts? The thoughts which only seem to surface in the still moments of night, when the world around you seems to fall silent. The only voice to be heard is the one running in the corners of your mind. 

What pattern would emerge? What could you learn about yourself from where the mind wanders at night? As with all trials of life, this thought begins with written word and observation. 

But where will it go? 

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To: One Republic -- Light It Up 

Currently Reading: T. S. Eliot Wasteland 

Social Friday at Happy Wine

Wearing: 

Striped Maxi: The Limited (online exclusive) | Statement Chain: J. Crew | Beaded Bracelet: Michael Kors | Sandals: Nine West | Gold Watch: Michael Kors | Bold Lip: MAC Rebel Assorted Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Lunch @ Happy Wine 

From Left to Right

Fresh Spanish Tapas of Cold Mussels in Garlic with Tomatoes-- Chorizos al Sidra --(2) Prosciutto Paninis with Fresh Tomatoes, Cheese, and Special House Sauce. 

Fridays is something my mom likes to call "viernes social" -- or Social Friday. She makes it a point to not cook on Fridays as she believes it is a time for good eats in a good atmosphere, without having to put in work in the kitchen. She has happily instilled this belief in her (4) daughters, as she particularly enjoys these Fridays with us. Visiting the various restaurants and dinner tables she chooses -- Social Friday in the Roque house is time for family. 

This special little place in located in the heart of Flagami -- or Calle Ocho. Today's lunch date was a working one, while Aimee ( I love you <3 ) and I enjoyed tapas at Happy Wine, a local wine shop which specializes in serving small plates for those who work in the area. You can come, sit, and enjoy a bottle (or two) of a wide variety of wines, while enjoying freshly prepared Spanish Tapas. All while sitting amongst the hundreds of wine bottles which call this little hole home. The seating arrangements are small tables and chairs shoved into small corners of free space, and/or you can choose to sit high top amid the wine barrels which act as makeshift tables and chairs. 

I paired my outfit choice with gold sandals, as at work it's Casual Friday. The overall ensemble does give a classy spin on the usual casual feel of Friday's in the offices of Corporate America. As always, my statement chain is recent piece to my collection. As with all others, this one was purchased from the J. Crew Collection (always a my go-to place for any statement chain). 

Until next time friends! 

Adieu <3 

xoxo 

Plum

Currently Listening To: John Mayer - Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
Currently Reading: Ezra Pound Canto I 

Seeing Spots

Wearing: 

Leopard Skirt: Banana Republic | Burgundy Blouse: H&M | Black Pumps: Steve Madden | Gold Studded Belt: The Limited | Oversized Link Bracelet: J. Crew 

Leopard. 

Always a classic, timeless piece. It's hard to find a fashion forward girl, who isn't obsessed with the print. And quite frankly, it's hard to find some color or look -- that doesn't go well with it. As my favorite leopard combo is a classic one of red and leopard, I paired this particular piece with a black studded belt and black leather pumps. It's classic, it's timeless, and it's elegant. 

What more could a girl want!? 

As always, in sunny South Florida -- the weather is scorching hot {while the rest of the country is covered in snow}. As such there has been practically no need for sweaters, scarves, or coats (some of my favorite fashion items) and we opt for skirts and sheer blouses in the middle of winter. Floridians! 

I've been so preoccupied with studies as of lately, I've had no time to enjoy the happenings of NYFW. Between Linguistics, and Modern British Poetry, I'm not really sure how to survive the semester. However, after 8 grueling years of suffering through college -- I refuse to let these classes stop me from achieving my goal {the finish line is just on the horizon}. 

However, there are certain events I have kept my tabs on. Anyone check out Chiara's theblondesalad x steve madden collection? It's only some of the best pieces I've seen as of yet (but then again the woman is genius). 

I always look forward to J. Crew's Spring and Summer lines, as my heart screams J. Crew at all hours of the day. Some of my favorite pieces in my current collection originate from this heavenly store. What's not to love about the simple prep chic look? 

Until next time friends <3 

Adieu! 

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To: Fun. Some Nights 

Currently Reading: Yeats "Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen"

Got the Blues for Red

Wearing: 

Blue Pattern Pants: Forever 21 | Grey Sweater Shirt: The Limited | Statement Chain: J. Crew | Ring: Coach | Gold Bracelet and Watch: Michael Kors | Black Optics: Ray Ban | White Pumps: Jessica Simpson | Polish: Essie Forever Yummy

New York Fashion Week has begun. There seems to be a frenzied excitement in the air as we all look forward to the Spring and Summer lines of our favorite designers. The over the top fashion shows, the after parties, and of course {the outfits}.

Some of my favorite bloggers have already touched down in New York – where temperatures are frigid. Reminds me of my first time visiting New York at the tender age of 14, where the temperature was at a cool 14ºF. How lovely {not}! I myself, am a tropical woman. Growing up in sunny Miami, FL there is not much need for coats, scarves, and sweaters. We do occasionally enjoy the low dip into the 40’s – but nowhere near as cold as temps up north.

Today’s post is dedicated to the frigid blues of the north, with a touch a red for the hot tropics. Interesting, isn't it? How two primary colors can accentuate each other in such a way. As always there must be a pattern and/or texture added to the ensemble.

My pants?

Silky smooth, delicious material you simply want to live and breathe in. Forever.

Paired with a light grey sweater/shirt & classic white pumps – gives off the perfect look and feel for a hot South Florida day.

 {And trust me, it was hot!}

My chain?

An ode to the simple (yet complex) looks of pearls – always my favorite. This piece is from the J. Crew Collection, which just so happens to be my all-time favorite place to buy my chains.

And the red?

A touch of me, in everything that I do. Red is my statement go-to color. I was conflicted at first in incorporating such a mix. However, upon further perusal it was clear that it worked – and made the ‘me’ shine through. 

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To: One Republic - Native 

Currently Reading: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 

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