MARLEY SIMONE

Alligator Pond Beach, JAMAICA

2013-05-03T14:17:00.000-04:00

Island Life! Island Girl!

My grandmother recently passed away so I went back home to Jamaica to be with my family and lay her to rest. She suffered a massive stroke in January 2012 and fought for over a year until silently, with tender loving compassion, God ended her fight and took her away from this world peacefully. It was devastating, but being at home in the place where I find the most peace, I managed to have a great time just relishing in everything that my neighborhood had to offer ... beach, food, and a great family community.

To see more from Jamaica, check me out on instagram.

What I Wore?

Scarf as a Shirt | Cut-off Jeans Shorts | Forever21 Hat | Clip-on Earrings | Castellar Wedge

Cheers!

CASUAL DAYZ: Exploring the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

2013-04-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung and so has the orchids. The orchid show at the NYC Botanical Garden is a beautiful adventure. It's perfect for viewing, learning, and for a casual day of exploring. I love the gardens so much, I can't wait until the outdoor garden really comes to life to go back for another casual day exploration with my daughter.

What I Wore?

Cheers!

BLACK AND WHITE: Zara Leggings +Fun Flirty White Top

2013-03-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

What I Wore?

Zara Leggings | Urban Outfitters Sunnies | H&M Gloves | Gracia Top | Ralph Lauren Earrings & My Favorite Cross Necklace

Black and white is a sexy look that can be relied on when in doubt. What do you think of this look?

Cheers!

MIXING CLASSICS W/TRENDS: Pink Coat + H&M Ripped Jeans

2013-03-05T10:16:00.001-05:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

This coat is an oldie but a goodie. It's one of my all time favorites. I bought it several years ago at Daffy's (She's no longer around ... it was bankruptcy that did her in ... such a great store ... sad ... bless her soul as she RIP ... truly missed) many sizes too big. It was beautiful so I wore it anyway. Then I didn't wear it for a couple of years, but this winter I decided to get it tailored to fit my true size and it's like it's brand new. The moral of the story is sometimes you will find a lovely piece and it's not your exact size, but you can always bring it to a local tailor and have them tailor it to fit you perfectly and fall in love with it in a whole new way.

What I Wore?

Cheers!

FUR & THE COLD: High Waist Jeans + Vintage Fox Fur

2013-02-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

Temperatures so low, you just want to stay indoors, but cabin fever can get the best of you. My girlfriends had a good laugh watching me strut around in the middle of summer in hot-ass Miami in a fur coat, but that's what happens when you find something you absolutely love! Weather doesn't play apart. Today, the temps rose a little and I decided it was time to get out, so I broke out the vintage fox fur I purchased a few summers ago at a vintage shop in Miami. No, I wasn't really walking around Ocean Drive with a fur coat, but I did walk around the shop with it. I really had to feel it out and confirm it was well worth the purchase.

Do you tend to wear a newly found item around the store while shopping until it's time to checkout? I do it all the time. Hats, scarfs, jackets, coats, etc. you name it. If it's love, it's usually the perfect compliment to the piece and it's the best way for me to truly fall in love instead of affirming love at first sight. We need a moment to build a bond and no other way to bond than to actually wear it and feel it out. Impulse buying is so the nineties. lolz

What I Wore

Vintage Fox Fur Coat | High Waist Skinny Jeans & Sunnies from Urban Outfitters | Icone Pumps | Juicy Couture Scarf | Asos Earrings

Cheers!

CASUAL w/A FLAIR: Proenza Schouler for Target Sweatshirt + Ripped Boyfriend Jeans

2013-01-30T09:42:00.001-05:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

Remember when the Neiman Marcus for Target collection hit both Neiman Marcus and target over the holidays? The 50 holiday piece collection had some really cool pieces. 24 CFDA designers created a blockbuster range of 50 holiday products that allowed the designers to create products outside of their usual. Consisting of clothing, accessories, home goods, gadgets, and lots more (seriously -- the stock ranged from flasks to skateboards to children's clothes to wrapping paper). It was pretty darn awesome.

I mean, I was swooning over practically everything, but on the verge of losing my 9-5, I refrained from buying until after the season when everything they had, I repeat everything, went on sale at 75% off. It was then, I caved because I couldn't resist this Proenza Schouler sweatshirt for $9.99 + free shipping. It'll be with me for a long time because it's the perfect casual fit that really, at such a steal, I should have bought two instead of one.

I hope you are off to a fabulous 2013! I've been busy focusing on finding a new job and revamping the blog to bring better content and more offering. Stay tuned...

What I Wore?

Proenza Schouler for Target Sweatshirt (a great alternative here) Old Ripped Boyfriend Jeans | Croc Pumps by Icone | Bag (I have no clue who the designer is) | Urban Outfitters Cat Eye Sunnies

Cheers!

THE OUTCOME! Hair Complex & Hair Changes

2013-01-09T20:09:00.000-05:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Though I was totally obsessed with my mid-length hair, it got to be too much maintenance. The question of whether to love on my mane or succumb to a new look laid fixed on my mind for months and despite my discomfort about the uncertainty in my final decision, I scheduled an appointment with the hairdresser.

"Scheduling means no turning back?"

No!

Yes!

Yup, no, no turning back," I argued with myself.

Clearly, battling internally, I still decided to move forward. I sat in the hairdresser’s chair and looked at my hair one last time and had a brief conversation with her, "I love you. I don’t want to let you go, but you are too much damn work. But, you are so me! I don't want to lose you!"

“Ok! Let’s do it, but please make sure you keep the length,” I said matter-of-factly to the hairdresser.

“Uhmm, how is that possible? You want to cut your hair, but you want to keep the length? Ok! Not possible, but proceed as you will,” rambles my internal voice.

Slowly and patiently she cut while checking with me every step of the way.

Then, there was the big reveal…

I hated it! I wanted to die! I cringed inside and thought, "You are such a fool! Why did you do that? You were so much prettier with more hair."

I went home, frustrated and remorseful, I started to group text to share my horrid feelings about my new hair. That approach was fleeting because I only found myself fueling my upset.

Deep breath, I settled on giving myself a pep talk, "ok, work it. What other choice do you have? You have to work with it."

Not entirely confident, I stood in the front of the mirror and was noticeably struck with the feeling of stepping backwards. I was donning a similar hairstyle I had several years ago. I was looking at a girl who was a bit risqué in her hair choices and who so happened to have been dating someone who preferred someone a bit more demure in her hair choices… longer length preferably.

As time went by, I did evolve. Albeit on my own terms, I graduated from hair that felt remotely risqué to something a bit more demure and what I proclaimed fun and flirty.

Recognizing that I had to face the outdoor, I began to feverishly work at re-styling my hair to make it all better, or more knowingly, reconcile the notion of going backwards and misrepresenting who I was today. Flip here, flip there, hair sheen and then more hair sheen later, it got real, maybe it’s not workable or maybe it is. "You used too much hairspray. It’s not straight enough," my loquacious internal voice kept chanting.

This continued until 2am. I had to start over because all the products I added only made it worst and weighed my hair down. Finally at 3 am**, I decided to wash my hair and reconvene later on that morning.

"Fine! You've made a terrible decision. Get some rest!" my inner voice said, sounding defeated.

Agreeing, I retired to bed

Fast forward to a new day, I got up, got dressed, styled my hair and smiled skeptically! I love it! I actually love it! It’s ok! I love it! And, it was a #fabulous decision! Or was it not?

Truth is, as much as I love it, I'm struggling to embrace it!

I know that my hair doesn't define me and though undeniable fierce, I haven't accepted that it's fitting for who I am today.

Do you find that your hair defines you and where you are in your life? Or, is it just hair?

What I Wore?

Cheers!

** Yup, I spent most of the night lamenting in the mirror about how much my face needed the hair I just chopped off to swoop this way and that way and how, unlike my new hair cut, it wonderfully reflected my growth and sophistication.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Our Holiday Photos by CAPTUREDInstyle

2012-12-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

'Tis the beautiful season!!!

I'm in love!!!

My best friend of CAPTUREDInstyle did an incredible job of making our holiday photos come to life.

What I Wore?

H&M Tulle Skirt as a Dress & Lace Open Front Top Worn Backwards Over the Skirt Worn as a Dress

Cheers!

THIRTY & FABULOUS: A Party Thrown by Friends

2012-11-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to share the details (and ample facial expressions) of my 30th birthday celebration. This was no regular shingding; it was a magnificently crafted way of ensuring that I did not allow 30 to pass by without ushering it in with nothing but fabulosity built off love, support, and thoughtfulness.

Embarking on a new chapter meant celebrating in ultra chicness ... so said my bestest girlfriends.

It all started out with positive inquires which led to a full on takeover by my dearest and closest friends! A takeover that manifested itself into ...

Cheers to a new chapter with tai ice tea martini at Kittichai!

7 fabulous ladies

An ultra chic restaurant

A fancy vintage fox fur coat

A sexy dress

That accentuated the curves

Super cute personalized party favors

Which allowed each guest the privilege to have a 'Taste of Sandy'

Each bag included a unique color lipgloss, nail polish, and ....

A clever way to give everyone the privilege to 'taste Sandy's face'

Naturally ... I was nothing but smiles

Slamming mouth-watering thai ice tea martini (Malibu coconut rum mixed with the traditional thai ice tea)

Amazing chilean sea bass that makes you want to lick the plate and sap up all the sauce ... YES! It was that serious!

An incredible thoughtful collage from my BFF, Marsha, of CAPTUREDInstyle, of her favorite photos she's taken of me for the blog

Cherished soul - my BFF, Marsha, of CAPTUREDInstyle

My sister - super talented creative genius with the purest heart

Sassy Savitree - sweetheart who is endearing and beyond thoughtfulness

The beautiful Lydia - a sunshine with a soft kind heart. I adore her!

Me and SEXY Akua - body, class, incredible sense humor, wittiness and smarts.

The undeniable sweet Beth of MyChicMyWay who makes my world so much warmer and brighter with her love and constant support. She's forever making me laugh!

Gifted Missoni scarf & Julep nail polish

The heavens opened up and showered me with everything my heart desired and more

#1LOVE perfume - Chanel No5

The Cake: Ombre ribbon cake. I mean! Beautiful? Yes! Beautiful!

A full length back view

Gifted Essie's 'forever yummy'

No caption needed...

Goodbye Twenties...

During my twenties, I relished in self-doubt, coddled it, loved it because fear crippled me. But the fact is, self-doubt served its purpose and now it needs to be kept in check as much as my growing confidence.

My heart bleeds with passion and desires for experiences yet lived and opportunities that will afford those experiences, but my self-doubt always crippled me and as a result, in my twenties, I failed at realizing my full potential.

It's not a happy place to be filled with doubt when everything in you wants to break free. It's also not easy to turn it all around and control all the doubt that imprisons you, but doubt is for the weak and failure is for the strong. Failure birth wisdom. Failure and success comes hand in hand. Things don't always work out, things have a habit of falling apart out of nowhere, but there is always the ability to pick up and start again.

When I look back on things, everything that didn't work out, no matter how much it hurt at the time, only made way for something better. Every single time.

Hello Thirties...

With that, this new chapter is mine and I am the author!!!

What I Wore?

Zara dress | Icone Pumps | Vintage Fox Fur | Chain Bag

Cheers!

Psst Psst for more, follow me on Instagram

TOTALLY CASUAL: Old Navy Lumber Jack Plaid + Furry Boots

2012-11-12T10:45:00.002-05:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

What I Wore?

Old Navy Lumber Jack Plaid Men's Button-Up Shirt & Madonna T-Shirt | Bear Paw Furry Boots | Good Ole' Fashion Leggings | Grass Collection Faux Leather Jacket

Cheers!

It Didn't Come Naturally: Thrifted Gingham Skirt + Juicy Couture Scarf

2012-09-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

The truth is I couldn't find anything to wear.

I started off by first avoiding to shave my legs because I was determined to end up in pants. Clearly, that plan of avoidance backfired after several (too many to recount) wardrobe changes and finding myself in this gingham skirt. From there, the rest of the look came together, but not until multiple scarf ties, wraps, and unwraps later. Eventually, I morphed myself into an imaginary vision of riding in a drop top old school convertible. The look was fitting.

What I Wore?

Cheers!

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING: H&M Tuxedo Pants & Vest

2012-09-21T09:08:00.000-04:00

Photographed by CAPTUREDInstyle

Totally exploring the inner parts of my closet and finding some forgotten things. i.e. these tuxedo pants I got on sale at H&M for $15 and this long lost vest I've held onto. Wal-lah! A feminine tuxedo look!

What I Wore?

H&M Tuxedo Pants & Vest | Kate Spade Chain Bag | Assorted Jewels

Cheers!

Red Thrifted High Waste Pencil Skirt + Red Pointed Toe Pumps

2012-09-13T09:01:00.001-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

As of late, I've been in my closet doing some shopping. My latest purchase is this long lost red pencil skirt. A girlfriend of mine found it about 4 years ago at a thrift store and thought it was perfect for me.

Well fast forward pass a forgotten trip to the tailors and years of being hidden in the back of the closet, I decided to try it on for fit the other night. It was then, I realized that sometimes holding on to things that you haven't worn in years is not such a bad idea.

You know that rule that has been thrown around!? If you haven't worn it in a year, you should get rid of it! Yeah, that rule! I don't believe in that rule! That rule will have you mess around living in regret. You end up getting rid of things and later regretting it. I know I have! That's why I hold onto things! Just like this skirt! I've had it for over four years and I've never worn it!

The thing is, I have a complex relationship with pencil skirts. I love them and I think they are a great staple to have in your wardrobe, but I'm a pencil and pencil on pencil is not a good look. Pencil skirt is for women with a little tush and some hips. I was blessed with ...uhmm... neither!

Low and behold, came along this summer!

This summer I packed on some pounds and I have a little something something! Not much, but it's enough to make my clothes fit! Just like this pencil skirt! I do need to get into the gym though because once the clothes come off, there is a bit of unwanted giggle! But, heck! I got to rock my pencil skirt after being left dormant for over 4 years and see, if I had gotten rid of it, I would not have gotten the chance. The moral of the story is, save your clothes. You may one day gain weight or lose weight and your clothes will fit! If neither of the latter, one thing is for sure, it'll come back in style! #promise

What I Wore?

Cheers!

CASUAL CHIC: Boyfriend Tee + Stripe Flared Jeans

2012-09-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

Summer is coming to a close very soon and a great transitional piece is the boyfriend tee. I'm currently obsessed with loose fitting tees and shopping in the men's department is a sure way to find the best kinds. They are great for adding a relaxed cool look to any outfit. You can wear them with jeans, skirts, pants, and shorts.

What I Wore?

Plain Black Tee in Men's Small | Bag by Zara | Stripe Flared Jeans (I rarely wear these jeans, but I refuse to get rid of them. I've had them since early 200x) | Thrifted Felt Hat | Urban Outfitters Cat Eye Sunnies (so happy I was able to replace the ones I lost over a year ago) | Assorted Jewels (collections from all different places and time) | Red Icone Pumps

Cheers!

STYLE MUSE: Ulyana Sergeenko

2012-08-16T09:37:00.000-04:00

I saw her pieces and I fell in love. It was the AW 2011-2012 lookbook to be exact. I wasn't sure if it was her or if it was her pieces that were named Ulyana Sergeenko. After much googling, I learned that her designs were her namesake. She's a Russian fashion designer, photographer, and a MARLEY SIMONE style muse. Undeniable, she has a unique flare for fashion and style. There is something modern yet timeless in her pieces and I love that her designs are reflected in her personal style. Far too many times, designers design, but their own personal styles are unreflective of the art and workmanship that they pour into their pieces. I'm often asked what is my style and though I don't have a true identified style, if I were to identify with any, it would closely mirror Ulyana's. It's fun, daring, feminine, and beautifully thought out.

Cheers!

CASUAL ATTIRE: Barack Obama T-Shirt + DIY Cut-Off Denim Shorts

2012-08-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

Spent the weekend in Lamberville, NJ & New Hope, PA.
This was the bridge over the Delaware River which connected the two cities and states.
On either side, there are endless shops, restaurants, and something interesting to take in.

Fun on the Delaware river.

Nina's Waffles & Cream is sinful goodness.

You can buy their specialty waffles in bites, whole or half.

Take your pick from the unique flavors of homemade ice-cream

Back to the Wall at Lambertville Inn Station

Purchased this hat at one of the local stores and of course, I threw it on right away.

What I Wore?

Check out my instagram for more outtakes.

@marleysimone

Cheers!

MIXING SPORTY CHIC: Thrifted Sports Jacket + Denim Shorts

2012-08-09T13:28:00.000-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

What I Wore?

Cheers!

STYLE TREND: Statement Sunglasses

2012-08-07T11:00:00.002-04:00

Long live the days of boring sunglasses! Those days are dead! I've mourned and moved on! Get funky and have fun expressing yourself by donning a pair of eccentric pair to spice up your look.

I hope you are getting funky with your sunglasses and having fun this summer.

*Affordable Finds*

Cheers!

MIXING URBAN CHIC: Urban Outfitters + H by Halston

2012-08-05T11:51:00.001-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

What I Wore?

This was my attempt at mixing urban with chic. So not me, but everything me.

Urban Outfitters Top, Men's shorts (literally), & Sunnies | H by Halston Color Block Suede Wedge with Forever21 Polka Dot Rosette Clip | Visible Muli-color Bra | Silk Scarf as a head wrap

Cheers!

Zara Stripes + ASOS Floral

2012-08-01T21:07:00.000-04:00

Photographed by Captured Instyle

What I Wore?

Zara Black and White Stripe Baby Tee & Sequins Heels | ASOS Floral Skirt | Assorted Silver Jewels | Anne Klein Chain Bag

Cheers!

COLOR TREND: Brights

2012-07-25T22:09:00.003-04:00

I say go all out and don't be afraid. The brighter, the more exciting and eye catching. Mix it up and make your ensemble pop with bright neons... nails, jewels, make-up, clothes...your options are limitless. Pretty much!

Cheers!

STYLE TREND: T-Shirt

2012-07-22T21:09:00.002-04:00

T-shirt, a staple that will forever live on. How many times have you raided your boyfriend, brother or dad's closet for their one of a kind tee!? Don't have access to the aforementioned? Raid the boy's or men's department at your favorite retail and get your t-shirt expression going. Get personal! Get Funky!

Graphic | Plain | Small | Medium | Large

*worn*

Shorts | Jeans | Pants | Skirts

Cheers!

Vintage DIY Head Piece + ASOS Triple Strap Back Maxi Dress

2012-07-18T09:56:00.000-04:00

Photographed by CAPTURED Instyle

What I Wore?

Cheers!

SUMMER STYLE TREND: Braids

2012-07-17T09:49:00.001-04:00

With the weather scorching, who wants to be bothered with those lose tresses!? Restrain the frizz and the loose unruly hair with a plait, braid, twist, pin, or tuck. Don't know how, check out youtube for a ton of great tutorials like the waterfall and the fishbone.

Cheers!

MARLEY SIMONE's on Instagram

2012-07-14T11:18:00.000-04:00

Week in rewind...

Find, follow, share xx

@marleysimone

Cheers!