May 31, 2012

Diamond in the Rough

Dress: Thrifted, Forever 21 via Plato's Closet | Cardigan: The Limited
Shoes: American Eagle for Payless | Clutch:Thrifted, Maurizio Taiuti (100% Leather) via Plato's Closet
Belt: Thrifted (100% Leather), Plato's Closet | Brooch: Gift | Sunglasses: Fossil via Marshall's | Watch: Fossil via Macy's

Photos by K|D Imagery

For those of you who are worried about where I was in these photos, don't worry... I'm safe and I didn't touch anything. But thank you very much for your concern :)

I was going for a "diamond in the rough" look here, but I realize it looks a little more like "girl in the unsightly alley." Pretend with me, ok? Whichever setting was achieved, the point is I stand out, right? Mission accomplished.

May 30, 2012

Look on the Bright Side

Dress: H&M | Cardigan: Merona for Target | Belt: Thrifted, Plato's Closet | Shoes: Gianni Bini for Dillard's
Bag: Forever 21 | Brooch: Gift

Photos by K|D Imagery

I took these photos in Hollywood's bright and sunny Downtown District. I think it's one of the rare places in South Florida where people are actually somewhat friendly. In between shots, I must've had my pensive "mean mug" face on (bad habit) because an older gentlemen said to me as he walked by, "Smile! Look on the bright side!" I wasn't exactly sure what he meant, but I chuckled, nodded and smiled as anyone would have done. Since then, I try to remember not to get so consumed with my thoughts and to be more aware of how I may come off to others. Besides, there are too many happy things to think about to ever wear a frown... Look on the bright side! :)

2 Corinthians 4:8-15
Galatians 6:9

May 29, 2012

Modesty is the Best Policy

Shirt: Banana Republic | Skirt: Express | Shoes: Aldo | Bag: Ninewest | Brooch: NY & Company

Photos by K|D Imagery

There are a few reasons why I started this blog. Some of them I've already shared in the "About" section or in a previous post, others are more personal. Let's get a little more personal, shall we?

Near the end of last year (2011), my husband Dwayne and I fell into a significant transitional period, and I desperately needed a creative outlet. I wanted to find a way to stay inspired and be consistent with my writing as a new freelancer while increasing my motivation to read the Word and share it with others. At the time, I was following a few fashion blogs and was blown away daily by their interesting posts and trendy outfits that were practical for the everyday woman. I then began to search for Christian fashion blogs... Unfortunately, I was beyond unimpressed.

Although I don't by any means consider myself the best dressed female on the planet, I thought the world needed to see something different -- style from another perspective, if you will. When it comes to style, most fashion bloggers and gurus will tell you that it's personal. I agree 100 percent. Every look will not work for everyone because personalities and lifestyles are different. Personally, my style is influenced primarily by my relationship with God and who I am in Him. I believe that my appearance is just as great of a witness as my words. Therefore, when I shop or get dressed, modesty is the best policy in guiding the decisions I make. I admit, I do hope to attract attention from the way that I dress... but it's the type of attention that I receive that sets me apart.

Keeping up with the trends is fun, and I enjoy it. (Today's outfit trend is mixing black & white print with color.) But I make an effort to find ways to do it while staying true to myself and Who I represent. I hope this post encourages someone not to be a trend-chaser, but to work on your own personal style. Allow what's on the inside of you to show on the outside, and I promise you'll be more comfortable and confident, and others will notice too :)

May 28, 2012

Reminiscent of Cooler Days...

Dress: H&M | Cardigan: Ann Taylor | Tights: Ninewest | Boots: Ninewest | Clutch: The Limited
Brooch: Monet via Macy's | Watch: Fossil via Macy's

Photos by K|D Imagery

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

Is it just me, or has it been unbearably HOT lately?!? Obviously I would NOT be dressed in thick dark fabrics with black tights and ankle boots around this time of year. These particular photos were taken a few months ago, and while the outfit is reminiscent of cooler days, I'm sharing it because it is somewhat patriotic in honor of the holiday. I call this my "First Lady" dress because Michelle Obama was seen stylishly wearing it during her husband's first run for office!
See photos here and here :)

Back to the heat... I'm missing cool weather right about now. But every season comes with the good and the bad, so I'll just enjoy the soon-to-be-summer weather while it lasts.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall -- which is your favorite?

Genesis 8:22
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

May 25, 2012

Stripes

Dress: Matty M. via Ross | Jacket: Guess | Sandals: American Eagle for Payless | Crossbody Bag: Forever 21

Photos by K|D Imagery

This dress has everything I want in a "ready-for-the-weekend" dress. It's cotton. It's cinched at the waist to create shape. It's long, but still cool enough for spring and summer. It has side pockets and even a cute little front breast pocket for "style and fashion." It has sleeves so I'd feel comfortable wearing it with or without a jacket. And the stripes... Oh the stripes. Stripes are great in that they're simple, yet they can make any garment (dressy or casual) or any color combo interesting. Whoever invented stripes was brilliant -- brilliant, I tell you.

Oh stripes, how I appreciate thee... Let me count the ways...

May 24, 2012

The Wind Bloweth

Top: Forever 21 | Skirt: Banana Republic | Shoes: Vince Camuto via Macy's | Clutch: Express

Photos by K|D Imagery

As you can see, I'm "gone with the wind" in these photos. I was trying so hard to work with the breeze and get it to do what I wanted at first, but alas, after two hard-to-get shots I gave in. The wind did not care that I wanted to take photos. Or maybe it did and decided to steal my spotlight. Whatever the case, it surely did have its way.

John 3:8

May 23, 2012

[Extra]ordinary

Top: The Limited | Cardigan: The Limited | Skirt: Worthington for JCPenney
Shoes: Ninewest | Clutch: Thrifted, Plato's Closet | Brooch: Monet via Macy's

Photos by K|D Imagery

Today's outfit is pretty ordinary. There's no interesting mix of color nor a clever play on patterns. Risks weren't taken and trends weren't shattered. But, I'm happy and smiling!

Remember, the best thing you can ever put on is a smile :)

Happy Wednesday, everybody!
 

May 22, 2012

Let Your Light Shine

Top: The Limited | Cardigan: The Limited | Skirt: The Limited
Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Ross | Clutch: Express | Brooch: Gift

Photos by K|D Imagery

Simple post today...

I got some heavy news, but I'm still choosing to let my light shine. Anyone with me?

May 21, 2012

Worry-Free

Dress: Forever 21 | Cardigan: The Limited | Belt: Thrifted, Goodwill
Shoes: Antonio Melani | Bag: unlabeled, from Ross

Photos by K|D Imagery

Easy dresses make me smile. They're comfortable, simple to dress up or down, and comfortable. Yes, comfort is worth the dramatic emphasis of a double mention. I really like being comfortable. Not having to pull, tuck, fix, or adjust throughout the day gives me one less thing to worry about.

May 18, 2012

Finders, Keepers

Top: Thrifted, Ann Taylor via Goodwill | Jacket: The Limited | Skirt: H&M | Belt: The Limited
Shoes: Thrifted, Jessica Simpson via Plato's Closet | Bag: Ecko Red via Ross

Photos by K|D Imagery

Thrifting takes a lot of patience... and searching. Admittedly, on the rare occasions that I go, most times I leave empty-handed. But there are those moments when I find a vintage-inspired lace top or nearly new black pumps that remind me -- it can be worth it. I'm convinced that these pretty little things were just waiting for me... and I found them before another savvy shopper snagged them.

Sorry, savvy shopper... Finders, keepers. Losers, weepers.

The moral of the story, boys and girls, is that patience is key. Keep searching, and you'll find what you're looking for. And when you find it, you won't want to let it go.

May 17, 2012

Seven Times Hotter

Cardigan: Apt 9 for Kohl's | Cami: The Limited | Skirt: Worthington for JCPenney
Shoes: Steve Madden via Nordstrom Rack | Clutch: Thrifted, Plato's Closet | Belt: The Limited

Photos by K|D Imagery

To celebrate my seventh post, let's do a little activity!
What are some of the first things that come to mind when you think of the color red?

Here's my list...
Fire
Heat
Dresses
Miami Heat
Blood
Hot Peppers
Heat (again)

By the way, I don't wear red very much... Maybe it's because I don't like heat :/
But, I do like this story >> Daniel 3:19-25