April 30, 2014

Not Your Typical Black & White

Top: Lauren by Ralph Lauren via Marshall's | Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: French Connection via eBay | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

Ever been at a point in your life when there is a lot going on and so many decisions to be made, and none of the options are in clear black and white? I'm at that point now, and quite frankly more often then not, so I suppose I subconsciously decided to dress like it.

I scored this skirt during a major sale, and fell in love with the ensemble the model was wearing. (You might remember it from this post.) Here's my take on this look.

April 28, 2014

Customized

Dress: eShakti (c/o)  | Cardigan: Express | Shoes: Zara

Thanks to eShakti.com*, an online women's fashion apparel company offering a wide range of sizes and custom clothing, I was able to wear this adorable dress to a tea party a few weeks ago. I've known about eShakti for a while and was impressed with the idea of an online clothing store that offers modest, vintage-inspired dress designs and allows customers to provide special design instructions. For example, if you love a particular item but would like to adjust, add, or remove sleeves or for the design to be longer or shorter in length - eShakti will make one just for you! How convenient is that?

Even more convenient, eShakti has a 30% off sale happening now! Check out the site for yourself, and let me know what you think.

eShakti


*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

April 24, 2014

Don't Mind if I Blue

Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) | Camisole: Forever 21 (similar) | Skirt: The Limited (similar)
Shoes: BCBGeneration via Ross | Clutch: Forever 21 (try this)

Post-pregnancy, blazers have been life savers on many occasions. Since I do not yet have that flat stomach that most women strive for, blazers give just the right amount of dimension needed to hide unflattering areas while accentuating my shape. Colored blazers take it a step further by adding an interesting aspect to an otherwise dull ensemble.

A little cobalt blue with that black and beige skirt? Don't mind if I do!

Speaking of post-pregnancy, I've reached a plateau as it pertains to natural weight loss, and I just. might. have. to start... exercising. I know, I know. I should have caught onto the healthy living trend lifestyle a while ago because my life depends on it. I'm sad to say, self-motivation in that regard just doesn't come naturally to me. (If my moaning about this sounds familiar, that's because it is.) I truly admire those who eat clean and work out every day, and while I don't think I'll ever be able to give up certain foods or get to a point where I'm working out twice a day, seven days a week, I don't want to live a sedentary lifestyle. I'm sure between the two extremes, I can find a happy medium. Suggestions welcome!

April 23, 2014

Pinspiration // Just My Style


Just sharing of few pins from my Pinterest board, "Just My Style." I've always been a fan of simple pairings, delicate designs and full skirts, so naturally I'm ecstatic that all of those classic style staples are all the hype for this spring and summer.

I'm going to try to recreate some of these looks and share them here on the blog. Stay tuned.

Check out more "Just My Style" pins here and follow along.

April 21, 2014

Cheerful

Dress: Zara | Shoes: Vince Camuto via Macy's (these would work) | Clutch: Thrifted (similar)

I have a new-found respect for the color yellow. It's one of those colors that evokes emotion - in this case "cheerfulness" - and it's perfect for spring. I thought starting a Monday off with some "cheer" was 
the way to go. 

Color aside, there's a lot to be cheerful about... Hope you all had a beautiful Easter weekend!

April 18, 2014

Good Friday

Shirt: Target (similar) | Skirt: Target (similar) | Shoes: Target (similar) | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

TGIF!

It wasn't until I started writing this post that I realized how much I really love Target. These are some of my go-to pieces that I just happened to put together for this outfit. Target is a great place to get basic clothing items for the low, FYI.

Just a quick post to share a signature weekend look of mine. 
Have a great Easter weekend!

April 16, 2014

Let's Discuss // Vivian and Clair


If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember my post about this t-shirt. (...And me wishing it didn't cost all of $50, not including international shipping!) I came across it while browsing through another fabulous blogger's site, and I couldn't help but wish I had it in my hands -- or better yet, on my person -- at that very moment. Not only because the shirt is A-MAZING, but because of the many great things the fictional characters, Clair Huxtable and Vivian Banks, represented during the '80s, '90s and even today.


Clair Huxtable has always been my go-to TV mom and role model since as far back as I can remember. Watching The Cosby Show growing up, I admired her expressions of warm, loving kindness toward her husband and children and was in awe of her flawless ability to use that same love to cut someone up with her words if reason presented itself. Her stylish grace and elegance exuded through the television whether she was wearing a flowing evening gown or garden overalls. She showed strength and commanded respect as the worthy matriarch of the Huxtable family, and represented a gold-standard through her personal and professional accomplishments -- one that was hardly depicted in the media for the sake of 
little black girls at the time.

To this day, I still want to be Clair Huxtable. In addition to wanting to emulate her undeniable fashion sense, self-confidence, inside-and-out beauty and grace, I wanted the genuine relationship she and Cliff had. (I'm grateful to say, I think I'm pretty darn close thanks to my wonderful husband.) I was devastated when it dawned on me that Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad weren't really married in real life. Cliff and Clair's chemistry, love and preference for one another was, and still is, inspiring.


Vivian Banks, an added bonus on this t-shirt, often gets overlooked. Perhaps it's because it was the "first" Vivian who captured our hearts and to whom true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans remain loyal. She, too, was a character of color to look up to. The episode I will always remember her for was the one in which she was given the short stint of being Will and Carlton's Black History teacher. She truly epitomized the meaning of a strong, educated black woman who did not tolerate ignorance and was determined to stay true to her roots but not allow the past struggles to dictate her future and that of the future generation.

I know this post is a little different, but hey, that's the beauty of blogging, right? The freedom to switch things up! Plus, with mother's day coming up in a few weeks, I thought it fitting. 

So, let's discuss: Did Clair or Vivian influence you growing up? How so? Who are some of your other favorite and inspirational TV characters?

Proverbs 31:10-31

P.S. - Sorry about the horrible images from Google!

April 14, 2014

Clean + Classic

Dress: H&M (similar here and here)| Blazer: H&M (similar) | Shoes: Zara | Clutch: Forever 21 (similar)

I love to wear black. When I don't wear black, I want to get credit, so naturally my next choice is to go for bright memorable colors. I tend to forget that neutrals and pastels can create classic looks (like good ol' black) that are fun, fresh and clean-looking for spring. Best of both worlds!

The benefits of clean, classic looks are that they are smart, timeless, and always relevant regardless of the season. For someone interested in maximizing their wardrobe, investing in quality black and neutral items is a great place to start. Next, make things interesting by adding prints to your closet that are likely to be around for a while such as stripes and subtle patterns. Lastly, add a few pieces that are in your most flattering colors - and viola! - you're well-prepared to mix and match to create some head turning looks.

Just a few things to keep in mind as you do some spring cleaning... 
...and subsequent warm weather shopping.

April 10, 2014

Stand Out

Shirt: Forever 21 (similar) | Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) | Shoes: Ninewest via Ross | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

Here she is again.

This clutch is always going to stand out and be the life of the party, no matter what. 
So why not let her?

I wore this outfit on a Saturday spent running errands with my son, Adam. He's such a good baby. He's fun, friendly, loving, and for the most part he sleeps straight through the night. Quite different from all of the horror stories I've heard about babies. I hope he keeps it up. They say parents spoil the child, but he has surely spoiled me.

April 7, 2014

Clear Skies

Dress: Taylor via Nordstrom Rack (similar) | Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) | Shoes: Aldo | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

I love when the weather forecast indicates clear skies. It's ideal for photo-taking. The sun shines uninterrupted light, and there's no chance for rain. I have to take advantage of those days because the weather in Florida can never seem to make up its mind.


Ecclesiastes 11:7-8