May 30, 2014

Phenomenal Woman

T-shirt: c/o Apartment 349 | Blazer: Marshalls (similar) | Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) | Shoes: Thrifted, BCBGeneration

Last month, I came across this Vivian and Clair t-shirt which inspired a post I wrote about how these fictional matriarchs impacted my life. A few days after the post, the designer reached out to me, told me how much she enjoyed what I had written (especially the Proverbs 31 passage that accompanied it), and sent me a shirt as a 'thank you'. I was so excited!

In light of recent events*, I thought it fitting to wear the shirt in today's post sharing what is arguably one of Maya Angelou's most popular poems, a piece that I think further describes the vibe Vivian Banks and Clair Huxtable both evoked on their respective television sitcoms. Enjoy.

Phenomenal Woman
BY MAYA ANGELOU

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,   
The stride of my step,   
The curl of my lips.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,   
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,   
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.   
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.   
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,   
And the flash of my teeth,   
The swing in my waist,   
And the joy in my feet.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,   
They say they still can’t see.   
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,   
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.   
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.   
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,   
The bend of my hair,   
the palm of my hand,   
The need for my care.   
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

*R.I.P. Maya Angelou

May 27, 2014

This & That

Top: Marshalls (similar) | Skirt: Talbots via T.J.Maxx (similar) | Shoes: Calvin Klein via Ross (similar) | Clutch: Forever 21 (similar)

My long weekend was a blur. My plan was to have a stay-cation vibe going on, but it ended up being the typical busy-still-but-feel-like-nothing-got-done kind of weekend. Story of my life.

Speaking of things not going as planned, this outfit wasn't planned either. It's just a mix of this and that worn together on the hope that it would all work. My husband is a pro at this. Me? Not so much. I'm the girl with the notebook full of outfit ideas who plans what she wears weeks in advance (and of course I change my mind at the last minute half of the time). I can't believe I just admitted that to you. Hope you still love me now that you 
know the truth.

May 23, 2014

What I Would Wear // Mini-Vacation

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, I thought it would be a good time to respond to some requests I've gotten to write a post about modest vacation wear. Of course when traveling, exploring tourist attractions or heading to the beach, many of us wish to maintain a modest approach to dressing. However, as much as I am a believer in dressing modestly, I believe just as much in dressing appropriately for the occasion. And let's face it  wearing a long-sleeved turtleneck ankle dress is just not practical for a sunny getaway. So, I've listed 15 must-have items for a mini-vacation below, and I share some tips and tricks for packing light.


Vacation Packing List Edited


1. Black Cover-Up
2. Black One-Piece Swimsuit
3. Black & White Swell Sandals
4. Straw Sun Hat
5. Black Celine Sunglasses
6. Happy Tee
7. Yellow Midi Skirt
8. Cadaudda-Black Print Aldo Heels
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Headband
10. Grey Maxi Dress
11. Denim Jacket
12. White Shopper Bag
13. Red Converse All-Stars
14. Dope Tee
15. Coral Aztec Print Pencil Skirt

Guaranteed, you can get through an entire weekend trip with a few fun tees, a basic dress, a good mix of comfortable shoes, and a swimsuit. Who wants to check a bag and stand the risk of losing it for the entire weekend? Or, if it's a road trip, why crowd your car or trunk with an over-sized suitcase when you could potentially have more room for snacks? (Sorry, food and I have a serious relationship; I always have to consider it.) The trick to packing light is to choose items that you can mix and match to create multiple looks, dressing basic pieces up or down. For the girl who says, "I don't believe in packing light, I believe in options," – try this method. You might be pleasantly surprised as to how many options you're able to come up with.

May 20, 2014

Perforated

Top: Marshalls | Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: Thrifted, BCBGeneration | Wallet: Gift

Perforated leather and see-through clothing ran the runways last year, making the styles on trend this spring. Funny how a designer can make intentional holes in clothing, call it "fashion" and get us to fall for it. I must admit, though, the perforated trend is one trend I like. It creates the perfect "edgy-meet-chic" twist for outfits that are otherwise too simple, and I'm all about subtle outfit enhancers. See more inspiring perforated fashions on my "Spring 2014 Trends" Pinterest board here.

May 15, 2014

To The Maxx

Top: T.J.Maxx | Skirt: TopShop (sold out, but try it in black) | Shoes: Aldo | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

This is a story about how T.J.Maxx saved my life...

I'm significantly more top heavy now since having a baby, and was in desperate need of some tops that would "fit the bill," if you know what I mean. With a tight budget (really, when is the budget not tight for us regular folk?), I needed to to find quality tops that suit my style – classic simplicity with a modest and feminine fit. My go-to stores when I need something fast are usually Nordstrom Rack for dresses, Ross for shoes, and Marshalls for everything else; but after searching my usuals, I left each one empty handed.

Then I tried T.J.Maxx.

In the back of my mind, I knew that T.J. Maxx was pretty much the same as Marshalls, but I'm a creature of habit. Thankfully, my habits let me down, and I finally got the opportunity to let my inner Maxxinista come out. I scored a number of great tops at even better prices as well as a suitcase and some sandals for my recent trip all for under $100. Needless to say, I added "the Maxx" (we're friends now, I can call it that) to my list of go-to's. 

May 13, 2014

Morning Light

Dress: (similar) | Belt: Charlotte Russe (similar) | Shoes: Zara (similar) | Clutch: Love,Cortnie

Hands down, photo shoots in the early morning are the best. The lighting is perfect and distractions are limited; really, all you need for great photo taking.

I decided to take a typical fall color combo  burgundy and leopard  and make it fit for spring. Thanks to the sun-kissed lighting, I think it works.

May 9, 2014

My Heart


"Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your 
heart go walking around outside your body."  Elizabeth Stone

Wishing you all a lovely Mother's Day.

May 6, 2014

Anniversary Trip to Jamaica


Last week, my husband and I celebrated our 4-year wedding anniversary by taking a family trip to Jamaica, just the three of us. It was a lovely time spent with friends and family who were excited about seeing us and meeting Adam. Well, let me be honest with myself... I'm sure they were more excited about meeting Adam. Either way, we had an amazing time.

We managed to steal away for a few days to a resort in Ocho Rios. (The photo above was the view from our room.) Rest and relaxation was the name of the game, and if you know me, those two things along with good food is all I need to have a great time. And so we did! Just sharing a few snapshots from the trip...


Enjoying dinner one evening at the resort in Ocho Rios // Adam admiring the view // The view from our dinner table // Adam ready for the beach // The beach // “What are you doing to me, Daddy!? I just got this outfit!” // “I don’t think I like this” // Dunn’s River Falls // Family Shot // Father and son moment on the Falls // Adam, TKO // Obligatory photo at my grandmother’s house in Spanish Town