Thanksgiving Threads

H&M Dress (worn as a top) | Express Skirt | New Look Shoes (similar) | Sole Society Bag

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No matter how amazing or tough the year has been, there's always much to be thankful for. 

If you're still scrambling for a Thanksgiving outfit, try pairing a solid top in a color perfect for fall with a printed bottom. Make sure you have room to "expand," if you know what I mean.

I originally wore this look to church a few weeks back, but I would totally wear it to a daytime work event in the fall or Thanksgiving dinner. It's the perfect mix of comfy and festive.

Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Timothy 4:4-5

New In // Zara, H&M & Chicwish

Zara Long Tube Dress | Black & White Striped Jersey H&M Dress (also purchased in solid black) | Chicwish Black Chiffon Blouse 

H&M Black & White Sweatshirt Top | Black Velvet Zara Shoes | Chicwish Grid Print Pleated Midi Skirt 

Not Pictured: Zara Navy Tube Skirt | Black Bucket H&M Bag (smaller version)

Black, grey and white were [unintentionally| the focus of my last shopping haul, a trend that typically manifests for me around this time of year. I can't help it; cooler temps inspire me gravitate towards darker, basic colors, if nothing else because of the ease of mixing, matching and layering.

If I've learned nothing else this go 'round, I've learned I can't say no to a black knee length dress with sleeves... So, don't ask me to. Zara came through with the perfect all-purpose corporate or dress-up option while H&M provided the comfy casual style. I've always wanted a blouse with an embellished neckline, and Chicwish had a great quality choice that will pair nicely with my new full pleated skirt boasting an adorable check pattern. 

While my fall/winter color palette has transitioned, I bought my first "sweater" for the season in the form of a black and white knit sweatshirt top from H&M. And, shocker -- I bought another pair of black pumps. But, they are warranted due to the unique velvet/patent mix and sexy silhouette ideal for ensembles for this time of year. Not pictured are my navy mid-calf length tube skirt from Zara and black bucket bag from H&M, both of which I plan to style so many ways, you may just get tired of seeing them. So, don't be too sad that I didn't include their photos in this most.

You can grab most of these pieces for up to 50% off during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, so feel free to check the links!

Dressed-Up Denim

H&M Dress | Zara Heels | Rebecca Minkoff Bag (similar)

A denim dress is one of the most versatile closet staples. Dressed down with a pair of flats and a carry-all tote for errands or dressed up with t-strap heels and a statement bag for a lunch date, the denim dress rules daytime.

Psalm 42:8

Little Black Dress with a Twist

Dress - from Ross | Steve Madden Shoes | Forever 21 Bag

Every girl needs a little black dress (LBD). Extra points if you have a fun, casual dress with a twist for daytime. I got this one from Ross years ago, and even more than the adorable literal animal print (birds!), I love that it fit me when I was small, grew with me when I was pregnant, and is still flattering and faithful now that I... am not so small. Loyal until the end.

Proverbs 20:6

Life Hacks // Planning with Purpose

We're in the homestretch of 2015, and truth be told, I have mixed feelings about it. It's been a challenging year for me to say the least (the most challenging, since we're being honest), but I'm nervous about what's to come. Either way, good or bad, I want to be prepared. I'm not into new year resolutions, but I am a fan of attainable goal-setting and working towards goals with an actionable plan in place. What better time to start planning for success in 2016 than now? So, while I attempt to get my own stuff together, I figured I'd share the steps I'm going to take to plan with purpose.

Plan

The first step to planning with purpose is... to plan! However, it's not always as simple as it sounds. For me, planning includes praying, scripture studying, and soul searching to ensure that whatever plans are made line up with God's plans. 

Planning also requires honesty. What's the true purpose of the plan? If the plan has no purpose, there is no place for it. Is the motive sincere? Negative or vindictive motives aren't grown and sexy, let's just put it that way. Is the timeline suitable? Setting a realistic timeline is key, or else failure is imminent. Will unquestionable commitment be applied? Commitment is the element that will keep a plan in motion.

Prepare

Planning and preparation go hand-in-hand, but the steps are not the same. We can't know how to prepare for a goal without a plan first being in place. Preparation can include ending toxic relationships or restoring valuable ones, getting in shape physically or mentally, becoming spiritually aligned, or even acquiring the tangibles necessary to execute the plan that's been formulated. Whatever the case, a plan without preparation will be useless in the long-run.

Process

Lastly, preparation should help to strengthen the ability to be disciplined, to be patient, and to persevere, as enduring the process and processing the outcomes along the way are important throughout the plan execution phase. Additionally, self-evaluation and reassessment of the plan are sub-steps of the process.

The process should start right after the preparation phase is complete. If not, procrastination can creep in, and that is a step we all want to avoid. Let's not procrastinate; plan with purpose.