January 2016 Favorites

January 2016 has been an amazing start to a new year and I’ve fallen in love with a lot of stuff, but I’ve separated my favorites into two categories: fashion and entertainment. Click here for my 2015 obsessionsLet’s get into fashion first.

I’ve been loving to layer and a lot of my favorites revolve around that. I love my plaid shirts and right now I only have 3 and I’d like to add a black/white/grey one along with a black/red one. Then there’s the turtle neck trend. Modernly known as the “mock neck.” I prefer for mine to be ribbed opposed to the typical cotton shirt. I need to a grey one for sure.

I also have been loving basic long-sleeved shirts, preferably crew necks. I like v neck t-shirts, but as far as long sleeved I just prefer crew necks. I definitely need to buy a black one soon. Lastly as far as layering are these tanks that i have and unfortunately I don’t know the brand at all. I love these because they’re long and if I’m wearing leggings they’re long enough to cover my bottom.

My last fashion favorite for the month are my Timbs. I’ve had them for about 8 or 9 years now and they’re my STAPLE for winter. I wear them with any and everything. They just work. Eventually I want to get a new pair, but I just can’t let these go. Links to similar styles mentioned are below:

• Forever 21 | plaid shirts
• JCPenney | ribbed turtle neck 
• Teddy Fleece Fold Down Timberlands

Moving on to entertainment I have a book, a TV show, plus music. First up for the book, I loved reading and taking notes on La La Anthony’s “The Power Playbook.“It will be the first installment to my ‘Chaotic Reads’ series so be on the lookout for that. As for a TV show, Netflix comes through again. I fell in love with ‘Fixer Upper’ which is similar to ‘Flip or Flop’ and ‘Property Brothers.’ I just love the vibe of this show so much more.

Lastly, it just wouldn’t be a favorites list for me without music right? Right. I’ve created a playlist on Spotify that I’ll be adding to frequently to highlight all of my music favs. If I had to pick just one song from my list as #1 favorite, I’d have to go with Yo Gotti’s ‘Down in the DM.’ I freaking love that song. Check out the playlist below:

 

Accessory Collection

After a major declutter of my accessories, I wanted to share parts of my collection. I’ve realized that I’m not really into statement rings or big earrings. I do love a statement necklace which I will be sharing entirely in this post. As for the rest of my collection, I’ll be picking and choosing a few of my favorite pieces. Be sure to click below for related posts:

• Declutter 101: Accessories & Handbags 
• Handbag Collection

I love statement necklaces because you can take the simplest outfit and dress it up. As I get older, I’ve purchased more statement pieces from H&M opposed to Forever 21. The H&M style appeals to me more and I’ve found great option in store and on major clearance. Shopping for statement pieces from Forever 21 would have to be online opposed to in store due to more variety. I love the trinket necklaces that I have from Forever 21 and I kept hem more so as a collectible since I don’t wear them often.

As I expand and tweak my statement necklace collection, I prefer silver over gold and I like the layered chain look. My friend gifted me the silver and lime green H&M necklace for Christmas one year and as simple as it is, it’s one of my absolute favorites. The layered look is my favorite style.

I have a couple long necklaces which are good to pair with cardigans for a more simplistic look, but I prefer necklaces that stop right at the middle of my chest. An outfit goes to another level once you pair the right statement necklace with it. I like to wear mine with either a collared shirt of my new favorite look for the season, the turtle neck.

Three of my favorite accessories aside from my necklaces would have to be my Gucci watch, my praying hands ring, and my silver charm bracelet. Each of these have  sentimental value to me.

My mother gifted me the praying hands ring when I was in high school and I was careless when I received it. I went outside in the snow with my ring on and I ended up stepping on it and it was too bent for me to wear. My grandmother took it for quite sometime and re-gifted it to me on my 21st birthday. On top of that she gifted a Gucci watch that was my mothers as well. Both gifts are priceless.

I graduated from high school in 2009 and the silver charm bracelet is reminiscent of that. The organization I was a part of in church gifted it to each other girls and it has our names and graduation years. I don’t wear it as often as I used to, but I still love it.

Below are links to few styles of necklaces that I’d like to add to my collection:

• Forever 21 | Mixed Charm Layered Necklace 
• Forever 21 | Tiered Statement Necklace 
• Forever 21 | Feather Bib Necklace

Handbag Collection

I love bags. Then again I love planners. I also LOVE the Steelers. I have of love to go around. I  shared my Declutter 101: Handbags & Accessories and I wanted to share a closer look at my handbag collection. A lot of the bags that I decided to keep are not only staples that will last me for, but a few are designer as well. Take a look at my beauties below:

All the bags that I decided to keep are bags that I interchange frequently. Usually when I use a bag I’ll use it for a few months before switching to another. The Victoria Secret’s bags each have a different purpose. The larger black one I love to throw everything into. You need days like those. The Pink one is for the beach (Nicki Minaj voice), and the black and pink one I use for a variety of things.

I could never have enough black bags. Each one has a different purpose. There’s my quilted one which is my go to for a night out. Then there’s my drawstring bucket bag that I love, but I don’t wear as much simply because it doesn’t fit my planner. It’s become more of a weekend bag for running errands.

Lastly, my designer bags. The Louis Vuitton and Coach bags were my moms and I could never give those away. I wear the Coach one more frequently opposed to the Louis Vuitton one. When it comes to designer bags that I would like to add to my collection I would like the Michael Kors ‘Selma’ in black and yellow and the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM in the Monogram print. Other than that I’m pretty happy with my bags. You do not have to spend a lot of money on a purse and yes, I wear all of my bags. No sense in keeping everything pretty. Use what you have.

Links to bags featured/similar styles are below:

• Louis Vuitton Croissant GM Monogram canvas
• Marc Jacobs ‘New Too Hot to Handle’ leather satchel
• Coach Crosby Carryall 
• Aldo quilted clutch
• JustFab ‘Savant’ (blue & orange)
• H&M Tote
• Victoria’s Secret PINK Tote
• Liz Claiborne Drawstring Bucket Bag
• Sammy Dress cognac purse

Declutter 101: Handbags & Accessories

My handbags and accessories are an area, similar to my pantry, that I’ve hesitated to declutter. I’ve had no problem getting rid of things in my closet, but when it coms to my handbags especially, it’s difficult. A lot of my jewelry from Forever 21, H&M, etc., has been accumulated over the years, but I don’t really wear it. The main purpose of this declutter was to keep what I absolutely loved, donate what I didn’t use, and to toss any broken jewelry that I had hoarded.

Flashback to NYE 2014

With 2016 less than  a week away, I look back on NYE of 2014. What I wore, who I was with, and my resolution/goals for 2015. Well as for what I wore, I kept it pretty simple with an all black ensemble. Since I had a small party at home with family I ditched the heels and opted for boots. Then again, I had on fuzzy socks. The boots were for picture purposes only.

So here it is, another year has come and gone and I thought now would be a great time to reflect and see if I’ve accomplished any goals I set for 2015. Check out my Happy New Year post HERE. Here’s a glimpse of my list:

• No soda; drinking more water
• Daily devotions & tithing bi-weekly
• Daily blogging / at LEAST every other day !

Of those three things that I wanted to stay consistent with, I didn’t fully stick to my guns. That’s why I don’t really make resolutions, more like yearly goals. I was pretty consistent with my blog, blogging every other day and for the month of December daily. My daily devotions I definitely need to make a priority along with tithing in 2016. I started out the first 3 months of the year not drinking soda and then in March when I fell ill, I drank some to settle my stomach and it sparked my craving again. I will say that I was better at tracking my water intake this year, but I definitely want to cut back on the soda. If I have one occasionally fine, but I definitely want to up my water intake.

I’ll be sharing my goals for 2016 in the new year, but I wanted to reflect on my top 3 goals of 2015 to see if I really did what I planned to. Life can easily get in the way, but one thing I learned this year was that I need to stop overthinking and take life day by day. I can get so wrapped up in the bigger picture that I overlook the current moment and get off track too easily. It’s great to look ahead, but it’s also nothing wrong with living in the moment.

Holiday Wish List

The holiday season is in full swing and I wanted to share my wish list featuring the website Spring.Com. Spring offers a variety of products from clothing to beauty, home decor, and entertainment from top brands such as: Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Warby Parker, Kate Spade, J Brand, American Apparel, Smashbox, and countless others. What’s great about Spring is that not only can you surf on the web, but there’s a convenient app to shop for yourself or your loved ones with just the click of a button. Small budget, no problem. There’s items for the high end and low end.

As for my wish list I comprised items based on need and want. I also made sure to keep my ideal budget under $500. I’ve been downsizing a lot from my closet to my overall possessions so I added items that I would actually use. There’s no sense in adding items to a wish list that I would not see myself actually using for a long period of time.

I picked out two pairs of eyeglasses. The two styles I picked out have a similar shape except one is a complete frame. Price wise, both frames fall in under $350, but for me that’s no problem since I wear my glasses ALL THE TIME!

Next up, SHOES! I’ve been having Hunter rain boots on my wish list for quite some time and until I actually buy a pair they’ll always be added. Then there’s FRYE boots which I love. The style i chose has a cute low chunky heel and they’re over the knee. Hunter rain boots are $160 while the FRYE boots are more of a splurge at $498.

I’ve always wanted a sheepskin jacket and this reversible one would be a great addition to my wardrobe. With the camel colored side I could pair it with countless outfits, but flipping it to the white side I’d love to do a white cozy outfit. White jeans, white flowy top, and a white beanie. I’d probably add grey as well since I won’t really wear all white. Great staple to a wardrobe especially in a colder climate.

I found this cute chain necklace that it one of my favorite styles of jewelry. This one has a gold plate in the middle. Then there’s the bluetooth speaker that I’d love to have. I wonder just how much ‘umph’ would come out of it.

My favorite add to the wish list are the lippie trios. The lipstick, lip pencil, and lip gloss are an awesome deal for just $69 from the brand Charlotte Tilbury. I couldn’t forget to add a bang for your buck item to my wish list. Awesome deal!

Click the links below to check out all the item featured. Happy Holidays:

• Rowan Black (Optical)
• Kennedy Black Optical 
• Hunter rain boots (black)
• FRYE ‘Parker OTK’ (dark brown rugged leather)
• Tangy Reversible Sherpa Coat
• ID Necklace – Rose Gold
• Grey switch bluetooth speaker 
• Vintage Vamp Lip Kit
• Rock Chick Lip Kit  

Fashion Lookbook | The Jumpsuit

I absolutely love jumpsuits. I love how they can be casual or dressy. You can pair them with heels, sneakers, Uggs. The possibilities are really endless. The great thing about jumpsuits are that you don’t have to figure out the top or the bottom. It’s one piece that you can accessorize to your liking. I’ve created four looks that would be great, whether you’re going shopping with friends or going to parties.

The first look is one that can go from the office to a night out on the town. I love the periwinkle color and with a  nude heel you can’t go wrong. You could add a blazer or even a faux fur jacket with this. For the night out a clear bag would be super cute or even a simple nude clutch. For the office a nice long coat with a tote bag would be great. You could even pair this with flats; pointed toe preferably. Links to recreate the look below:

• Sleevless Jumpsuit | H&M
• Nude Pointed Toe Pump | Lulu’s 
• Perfume Bottle Purse | Torrid 

Look #2 is definitely for a night out with your girls or for a date night. The romper is super simple yet adding the thigh high boot makes it work for the winter as well. If you’re wearing it in the winter, I highly suggest a longer coat. For date night or girls night you could add a leather jacket with a chunky scarf. The boots are the real main attraction of this look. Click the links to recreate the look below:

• Olive Green Romper | Lulu’s 
• Peep Toe Thigh High Leather Boot | Loft30

On to look #3, this look is great for the moms out there, the college girl on-the-go, or if you’re just going out to run errands. The denim romper is not only on trend, but you could even go further and pair a denim jacket along with it. A leather jacket would go with this as well. This is another look that you could dress up with a  pair of heels, but the converse really amp up the casual look. The neon yellow bag could be a splurge, but you could pair any tote you want. Whether it’s a baby bag, school bag, or a cross body bag, it’ll work with the look. Links to recreate it below:

• Denim Jumpsuit | Asos
• White Low-Top Converse | Converse 
• Pebbled Faux Leather Backpack | Forever 21

The last look is a look I’d wear casually or even dress it up. I really, really, really love the shoes. I know these mimic the Timberland style, but what I love more about these is the chunky heel. The chunky heel is really my fav and with the ripped jumpsuit it works. A cargo type jacket would go great with this or you could always pair the wardrobe staple, the faux leather jacket. I’d personally layer this with the cargo jacket, a chunky scarf and the book bag type purse would work great. Links to recreate the look are below:

• Ripped knee jumpsuit | Fashion Nova
• Timberland Glancy Wheat Heeled Boot | Urban Outfitters
• Faux Leather Drawstring backpack | Forever 21

OOTD #17: Cozy Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing. I wanted to share my outfit from Thanksgiving. I was thankful that I was able to spend it with my siblings, my grandmother, and my nephews. The holidays are a time to reflect on not only what you’re thankful for, but to spend it with the people you love. Being 1 of 5, to spend any holiday with my four siblings is a major plus.

I think of all the traditions my mom started such as the Christmas tree going up the day before Thanksgiving. My sister went for a white tree this year with gold decorations and I’m in love. Of course I had to snag a picture next to it.

My outfit was based around my shoes that I purchased from ShoeDazzle. I got semi-dressed for family photos, but adding my Banana Republic cardigan really added a ‘cozy’ feel to the look. By the time I got to my sisters I ditched the heels for fuzzy socks and curled on the couch and watched football. My jeans were high-waisted from Forever 21 and my shirt is one of my ultimate favs from H&M.

I didn’t wear any jewelry, but if I wanted to dress this look up even more I’d switch the cardigan for my leather jacket. In keeping the cardigan I could’ve added a statement necklace and a pair of studs. Ditching the heels I could easily pair this with ankle boots or a pair of Uggs, grey preferably. I’m really loving black & stripes. Also my grey cardigan has become a staple and I can pair it with just about anything.

I’ve linked below items to recreate the look.Be sure to click the links bolded above for related posts!

• High-waisted black jeans | Forever 21+
• V-Neck Jersey Top | H&M
• Long grey cardigan | H&M
• Chunky Faux Leather Bootie (Burgundy) | GoJane

Fall Haul

In no way am I a fashionista yet when I go shopping there’s no mistake as to what I want. I used to be an indecisive shopper simply because I didn’t know my style. I was shopping through the eyes of others. What other people were wearing, what they purchased, and those infamous YouTube hauls. I’d end up buying something, wearing it once, and placing it in the back of my closet.  I’m not a huge fan of trends and these when i purchase pieces, thrifted or not, I’m looking for staples for my wardrobe. I really love neutral tones and you can never have two much black/grey in your closet.

Outerwear:

The first three items are from Banana Republic and Gap. The Banana Republic cardigan is definitely one of my favorites. It’s grey, long, and it has pockets. I have a few cardigans that don’t have pockets and I don’t wear them often simply because of that. I also have a jacket that has elbow pads from Gap. I like the contrast in material, but the elbow pads really sold me. Lastly is the windbreaker from Gap. It has plaid on the inside, a hood which is essential, and it just works. I’ve notice that I can wear a Medium from places like this yet other times I have to go up to an XL just to get it to zip. Very pleased with the quality.

Shirt/Sweater:

I love the blush tone color and who doesn’t love a flowy t-shirt. Both items are from Banana Republic. The blush tone sweater is great to dress up or down and the saying is not so teeny bopper that I won’t be able to wear it for years to come. The grey t-shirt reminds me of the Sex & The City movie (part 1) with Jennifer Hudson’s ‘All Dressed In Love.’ I’d style the t-shirt with the grey Cardigan above with a pair of jeans and ankle boots. To dress it up it would look great with a leather jacket, high-waist jeans, and a pair of boots.

I’ll be featuring these items in future OOTDs. In the meantime, be sure to click the links below to purchase similar items!

• Banana Republic ‘All Dressed Up’
• Banana Republic ‘Dream on Dreamer’
• Banana Republic Long Cardigan
• Gap Windbreaker

What’s In My Bag: Fall Edition

I love watching videos on what people have in their bags and here on my blog, every now and then, I like to share. The bag that I used last season was either my cobalt blue or orange ‘Savant’ bag from JustFab. I’ve featured those bags in previous posts which you can find HERE. While I love those bags, I’ve decided to use one of my newer handbags that I purchased from H&M.