Jalisa’s Fashion Files

Dress: Max Studio (similar style here) | Purse: Michael Kors (here) | Sandals: Bongo (similar style here) Bracelet: Bali Cotoure (similar style here) Sunglasses: Salvatore Ferragamo (similar style here)

Hey Everyone!

On Wednesday night, Eddie and I made a trip down here to Jacksonville, Florida to visit some family. We've only been here one other time, briefly. This time around, we vowed that we would do and see more, so we headed to Old St. Augustine, the oldest town in the U.S! We saw so many amazing places and historical artifacts. There is so much to see and do that I feel we only scratched the surface of it. I definitely suggest you plan a trip with your family, you will love it; especially if you have any history buffs (like me) in your family! 

Since we were going to be doing a lot of walking, I wanted to be comfortable, but still look cute ;) I decided to wear a maxi dress and added my Michael Kors lime green (the color is actually called pear) cross body - a recent purchase. I love it because I can fit my wallet, phone, and other essentials and not feel weighed down, perfect for long walks in the warm weather and it adds a nice pop of unique color. 

Have you guys every been to St. Augustine's or heard of it? Where was your most recent trip? Share in the comments' section, I'd love to know! 

XO,

Jalisa

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Photo via Instagram @jalisasfiles

Hey Lovelies!

I am a workout buff, at least I'd like to consider myself one, haha! I've been working out consistently for 9 years now and have lost and kept off roughly 25lbs. I'm not going to lie, the beginning was the hardest. I started my senior year in high school, mainly because I wanted to look fabulous for prom and I also had realized that my eating pattern was absolutely horrible, which lead to the unhealthy weight gain. I was skipping breakfast, eating garbage for lunch and dinner, and no healthy snacks in between. Oh, and water, the only water I had was mixed into some processed juice. It was bad. I had to come to the realization that I had to take action and my health and body into my own hands. I signed up for a gym membership and that's when the journey began and has yet to stop. I would sometimes go with friends  but a lot of the times I went by myself. I would walk from my high school in the rain, snow, the hottest day, you name it (I didn't have a car). When I lost about 10lbs, I was thrilled, especially when everyone was noticing my hard work. It wasn't until a few years later that I truly took this whole fitness thing even more seriously and you won't believe what got me going, gym clothes! Prior to this awesome discovery, I would either wear old pajamas (I know, embarrassing ) or some of my friend's sports team clothes. I had no idea that there was such a thing as awesome fitness clothes, I mean, at the gyms I was going to, no one really wore bright fun clothes. After I started to find some pieces that were bright and that fit me well, it made me feel even better about working out. I felt great about my body and the process I was going through to loose the other 15lbs. Of course fitness doesn't start and end at the gym, it's continuous  You have to watch what you eat and say no, even when those around you are indulging. However  I do suggest having one cheat meal a week, for me that's me and Eddie's date night dinner. 

I want to encourage all of you reading to get active and stick with it. If you prefer exercising outdoors, than do it! But don't let your routine become seasonal and not continue on during the fall and winter months, get a gym membership during those months. Get active not just to have the scale read a certain number, but to feel good in the body you're in, while taking care of it, you only get ONE! Work out clothing is very important in continuing on your journey, it keeps you motivated and feeling good. Wear bright fun colors, this is the time and place you don't have to worry about sucking anything in or hiding certain areas. Go for it! 

1. Champion Performance tank: Kohl's (on sale here) | 2. Weight lifting gloves (here) | 3. Nike tank: Kohl's (here) | 4. Calvin Klein Performance leggings (on sale here) | 5. Lifefactory water bottle (on sale here) | 6. Printed Temp running shorts (here) | 7. Nike Air Max Thea Sneakers (on sale here) | 8. Adidas Women's Squad Duffle Bag (on sale here) | 9. Nike Air Max 2015 Running Shoe (here)

I hope you liked my gym picks and that they help to get you motivated and started to becoming a more healthy you, fashionably off course ;)

PS: If you're new to the gym and you feel insecure about everyone looking at you, trust me, they're NOT! It's all in the mind :)

XO,

Jalisa

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Blouse: Marshalls (similar style here) | Shorts: Forever 21 (similar style here) | Purse: Kate Spade (similar style here) | Shoes: Steve Madden (similar style here) 

Hey My Loves!

When putting together this outfit, I started off with these amazing shorts I purchased from Forever 21 roughly two years ago. When I first bought them, I wasn't quite sure how often I'd wear them, but thought they were so different, I decided to buy them anyway. I challenge you do to that once in a while. You know I'm a huge proponent for thinking ahead and determining a purchase based on versatility to avoid waisting your money, but sometimes it's okay to step outside the box and challenge yourself. You know that saying, "nothing great ever comes from comfort zones"? It's so true, even when it comes to fashion and getting dressed. I've been feeling really inspired by Solange Knowles lately. She is THE master of bold color and mixed pattern pairings. She's not afraid to take some risks and I really love that about her. With that, I revisited these shorts in my closet and challenged myself in selecting another pattern to mix it with and I ultimately decided to go with this sporty zipped up blouse. What made me think they'd work together is that they both have a color in common, blue. I think that's the base to start with when creating any mixed pattern look, finding a common color. They don't always have to be the same exact shade, but at least in the same color family; it'll make the match much easier to determine. I love the way the look came together and I hope you do, too! 

Style Tip: One thing you may want to consider is the size of prints you're working with and where you'll place/wear them. You know I try to make as many suggestions on how you can wear something for your body shape, but I kind of want to change my approach a bit. I don't want you to ever feel you can't wear something simply because of your body shape. I want you to consider how you'll feel in what you're thinking about wearing and have that determine the outcome. So, with that, I'd say that if you're insecure with a specific area of your body, perhaps you want to avoid placing the largest print there, as it can bring more attention and add some unwanted visual weight to that area. You could do this, however, on an area that you feel most confident about, which will highlight it. 

Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate your time and interest :)

XO, 

Jalisa

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1. Top: Boohoo (on sale now here) | 2. Clutch: Glint (on sale here) 3. Necklace: Kendra Scott (here) 4. Skirt: River Island (here) | 5. Ring: Ela Stone (here) | 6. Shoes: Schutz (here)

Hello Beautiful People!

I'm thinking of starting a series on the blog, "Get Styled." It wouldn't really be any different than the posts I do that look like this, where I create a shoppable collage of looks I've personally styled, I would just have a title for it. I think it keeps things more organized and easy to find, especially once the update/revamp to the site is complete and ready to be revealed (I've been working on it for about a month now). If you have any other names in mind, let me know, I'm open to suggestions! Anyway, a trend that I really love is the midi skirt. I love how lady-like it is; it instantly adds some class and that chic factor, effortlessly to a look. When creating this outfit I used this paisley printed one as the starting point. To make it more modern, I decided to pair it with a boxy top. The color scheme is perfect for spring/summer, since it's very light and refreshing. Going back to the skirt, I would totally rock it with a black leather moto jacket come fall; I tend to look ahead to other seasons when I shop to ensure myself that I'll get a good use out of the piece, something I strongly suggest you do, too! Lastly, I added these fringed sandals for some added texture and to enhance the focus on the ankles, the only part of the leg this midi exposes. 

I think this pairing would look great on every body shape, since the top is boxy and has longer sleeves, which could help in boosting confidence in those who may have larger arms or midsections, they're instantly gone! For those who don't have an ample bust and are insecure about that, the boxy shape can create the illusion of one and for those who are naturally boxy or rectangular, the contrast with the skirt's shape and style will help to visually distinguish the upper and lower portions of the body and can make the waist line appear slimmer and defined. So, with all of that said, what do YOU think of it?! Let me know in the comment section! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

XO,

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Blouse: Cynthia Rowley (similar style on sale here) | Skirt: LuLu's (similar style on sale here) | Bracelet: Alexis Bittar (similar style here) | Purse: Michael Kors (on sale here) | Shoes: Ralph Lauren (similar style on sale here) | Lip color: Milani's Violet Volt (on sale here)

Hello loves! 

When it comes to color, you already know that I'm all for it! However, I do understand for many it can be a little intimidating. Especially when it comes to what colors look best on different skin tones or which colors compliment each other and blend well in an outfit. It can be challenging, but once you become more comfortable and find what truly works for you, it's cake. I promise. 

A great way to test the waters is to add subtle pops of one color in your outfit. You can do so by starting off with a basic or neutral piece that's guaranteed to work well as a canvas, such as white. Think of it as a piece of paper and the subtle touches of color, a crayon. I love that analogy! I would suggest wearing the white piece in an area that you're most comfortable with because just as black tends to slim, white tends to highlight and creates visual weight, so you definitely want to keep that in mind. For example, if you're self-conscious about your midsection, but love your legs, I'd suggest wearing a white skirt or shorts. The second thing you can do when it comes to adding pops of color is to wear a piece that has a few colors within a print. It makes it so much easier to choose which color you want to stand out more in using your accessories, since you already know that the color looks great with the others in the piece. 

In the look I'm wearing, the top has some subtle pops of a purplish color. I wanted to bring it out more, since I felt it was getting a little lost in the dominant blue print. I chose to do so in 3 ways: my lip color, purse, and shoes. You don't need 3 accents, you can choose two or if you want it a little muted, just one. If you're just getting started with color, I'd suggest starting off with just 1 piece and then work your way up to 3 or even more if you begin to feel even bolder (I love it!). 

I hope you found these tips helpful! If you don't know which colors would look best on your skin tone, I highly suggest you watch my video, "The Best Colors to Wear for Your Skin & Hair Tone." I have a lot of tips and visuals I know will help make you feel more confident in experimenting with colors that would look phenomenal on you!

Thanks for stopping by!

XO,

Jalisa

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