Reagan: in my own world....

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A Simplistic Summery Style...

5/31/2021

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Hello! Happy Monday, and Happy Memorial Day! 

Thank you all you men and women who have served or are currently serving! You are very much loved and appreciated. What you do is huge! And I'm very grateful for you! 

I wish I had a red, white, and blue themed post for today, but I'm a bit behind on my posting schedule. I was doing really well of on my days off making sure I got enough pics in for a few posts. If you didn't know, my hours at my day job changed and are much longer and since I don't have a set schedule, I never know what my work week will look like. Like I said, I was doing pretty well at making sure I made the most of my days off as far as getting blog pictures ready. But I have kind of fallen behind though. So I rushed home today to get these pictures in since this was the look that came to my mind first. 

Its a pretty simple look and mostly from Shein. That was kind of what I was going for. Something simple, fun, summery, effortless. The dress for one is just wonderful! One of my favorites! I love the color, I love that it is pretty plain but that asymmetrical hem really makes it so beautiful! 

The other new piece to my Shein collection is this tiny Croc embossed baguette bag! I haven't had a bag like this in a long time! I love how well it goes with the dress! It all just flows together so effortlessly! 

So I just got a few things in from Shein which I will be sharing with you in upcoming posts! Thank you for reading! Stay tuned! 


Dress: Shein.com
Bag: Shein.com
Sandals: Off Broadway Shoes
Shades: Shein.com
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The Perfect Summer Heels and A Neon Twist...

5/27/2021

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Hey Friends! Happy Friday! 

Today I am continuing my -shoes I don't wear often enough- series! This time with a neon twist! 

So the look itself is simple; dark colors! Black shorts and a velvet spaghetti strap shirt and then my favorite neon heels! I just love these! I really wanted them to pop -which is why I kept the rest of the look simple and relatively dark. 

I never thought I would love the neon look like I do. I mean I wouldn't go crazy overboard with it -at least not yet... but who knows!?- but a bright burst of neon here and there, like these heels are fun!

I also like build of the shoe. The thicker heel, the open-toe feature, and the strappy look. It all just comes together to be a very comfortable, perfect summery shoe! 

What do you think?

Tell me what you think in the comments! 

Thanks for reading!! Have a great long weekend! 

Shoes: Target
Shirt: Target
Bag: Target
​Shades: Shein.com
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A Conversation About Mental Health with Sophia Hartman!

5/25/2021

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​With May being Mental Health Awareness Month I was asked to dedicate a post to talking about mental health. I am happy to be able to do that today, because it is important. I personally have dealt and currently deal with mental health struggles which I will talk about a little later. But let's be honest, after last year and pandemic hitting, I would imagine most everyone has had their fair share of mental health struggles. From various losses of loved ones or jobs, to the transitioning to working at home or remote learning, to the loneliness of not being able to see family and friends, to the anxiety of not knowing how long we would be living like this -we were all affected. 

For this post, I was able to chat with Sophia Hartman, who is a a Qualified Mental Health Professional working as a community based counselor for children, adolescents, and adults in Virginia. In addition to answering my questions, Sophia also supplied me with resourceful sites which I used while researching for this post and will be pulling from as well. So, what is mental health? And why is it so important? "Mental health is a disorder of the brain," Sophia explained, "it can be caused by several different factors which include things like trauma/abuse, genetics, social influences, or chemistry of the brain." As for why it is important, "there is a wide range of mental health disorders which can affect your mood, emotions, behaviors, cognitive processing and physiological responses," she explained that "a mental health concern is often identified as a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and impact an individual’s ability to function in every-day life.”

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The problem however, is that people seem to be nervous to talk about mental health and according to Sophia, "it is because of the stigma around it." "Many people fear mental illness. It is a degrading attribute that produces a feeling of isolation to those struggling." In fact, Sophia sent me several videos that address stigmas in more detail, which I will link below. One gentleman broke the stigma of mental health into four categories; Public stigma -how the public views mental health/illness, Institutional stigma -laws that prevent people from full rights and/or lack of health care, Internal stigma -how do I feel about myself being part of a group that is not valued, and Courtesy stigma -what if me or my family is associated with someone who is stigmatized? There was one line that stood out to me. "Stigma can be just as debilitating as the illness itself." 


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That hit home for me. 

This post is personal for me because like many others I am struggling with my mental health. I noticed a few years ago that my anxiety was creeping up on me. It wasn't often but I'd have moments where I'd worry that my life was going by too fast and I hadn't really accomplished anything. It gradually kept getting worse. Then Covid hit and my anxiety was probably the worst it had ever been. Not to mention some other personal things happened that just made me feel like I was drowning, and I began to realize I was using alcohol to cope. While I'm going to counseling now -shout out to Thrive Counseling!-  it was not an easy thing to admit I needed to do. I was afraid of what people might think of me or how they may look at me. I felt like something was wrong with me. That's the stigma.

And me being afraid to admit it and struggling on my own was an example of how the stigma can be just as debilitating. Now I feel much better. I feel like I have a grasp on things, I'm finding better ways to cope with stress and anxiety, I am journaling. I still have bad days, but they are easier to handle with help.


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That being said, how do we break the stigma? How do we change people's attitudes about mental health? The answer seems simple; just start a conversation. Of course, that is sometimes easier said than done, but like the video points out, talking about it and speaking out can cause a ripple effect. Start one on one with a family member or a friend and have an open and honest conversation. The goal is that the more we do it the easier and more normalized it will become. "Advocacy can help educate." 


One question that came to my mind was how to check in on yourself as far as your mental health. "SELF CARE!" was Sophia's emphatic response. Self care is the best things you can do for yourself. Some ways you can practice self care include but are not limited to: getting professional care if you need, getting physically active, helping others, developing coping skills, getting enough sleep, and connecting with others. Those came from MentalHealth.gov -another excellent site Sophia sent to me. It gives other ways to maintain a positive mental health practices and the benefits of maintaining positive mental health. It also gives a list of early warning signs of potential mental health concerns. Some of those include, but are not limited to: eating or sleeping too much or too little, pulling away from people and usual activities, low or no energy, experiencing severe mood swings, smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual, and/or difficulty performing day to day tasks. 



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​Mental Health is not something to fear away from because truly, the further you run from it, the more difficult dealing with it may become. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health! I encourage you all to try and reach out to your family or friends if you think they may be struggling, just remember to be honest and open-minded while having these tough conversations. As a final note, please don't be afraid to reach out if you need someone to talk to and make sure to follow @nvznworldwide to learn more from Sophia Hartman as she begins introducing her expertise and effective mental health resources as the Lifestyle Management Director for Nvizion, LLC. I want to end by giving a HUGE thank you to Sophia for offering some insight to help me shape this post!



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For more information on mental health please check out these sites!

www.mentalhealth.gov (This is where I got a lot of my research from and I highly recommend! It gives you information about mental health, early warning signs, tips about self care, and resources if you need to reach out.)

www.bringchange2mind.org -This was the site with the videos about stigmas and how to change them. Full of information!

https://afsp.org/mentalhealth4all?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZiFBhD9ARIsAGxFX8D6GjkkYXF5QJjOhgzPl8pliyhuCSj3fqFmygI0Zvn3Tn0RLMnaG50aAj2mEALw_wcB
(This site is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It has information on mental health as well as resources if you need help as well as stories from other people who have struggled themselves.)

Home - Mental Health Is Health (This is a great site to figure out your emotions and figure out a way to deal with them. Its helpful and helps you focus on what it is you are dealing with and gives you resources to help you.)
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If you need places to reach out to I would recommend:

www.betterhelp.com  -it is virtual and you can pick a counselor that is right for you. This is a great site because it can be done anywhere because it is virtual. 

Also I personally want to shout out Thrive Counseling, they are in the Charlotte, NC area and that is where I am counseling at. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend them. They are very sweet and you can do in person or virtual as schedules require. 

And if you are thinking of harming yourself please, please call this number! The National Suicide Hotline: 800 273 8255
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Restyling A Jumpsuit with a Graphic Tee...

5/23/2021

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Hello and Happy Monday! 

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I really did! I was very productive this weekend! I spent a good bit of it working on purging my closet -yes, AGAIN!- and the other half working on a special post coming up, I'm hoping later this week. So stay tuned! 

For today's look, however, I am restyling several of my favorite pieces. This fuchsia jumpsuit has easily paid itself off. I got it a few years ago and I have worn it many different ways. I've worn it as a standalone piece, I've thrown a denim jacket over it, I've thrown a crop top over it -a look I really loved! And now, I'm pairing it with a graphic tee. 

This graphic tee has also paid itself off. You've seen it many times on the blog for sure. I really like this pairing together. Its a bit different but it works. Its very comfortable and breezy for a warm spring day like today! This is a good lunch date look or errand running look. A family dinner look! It can cover all of the above! 

I think I will hang onto both of these pieces a little while longer =)

I hope you like it! Thank you for reading! And, if everything goes as planned, I'm hoping I'll have a special post for you on Wednesday!  =)

Jumpsuit: Versona
Tee Shirt: Vestique Boutique
Sandals: Shein.com
​Bag: Target
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A Perfect Spring Look...

5/16/2021

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Hello and happy Monday! 

So today continuing my 'shoes I don't wear often enough' series! Today it is these criss-cross wedges. I found them a while ago but I have only worn them a few times. I love them very much! They are very cute and comfortable. I tend to have more trouble walking in wedges though as opposed to other heels. Maybe because I don't wear them as often? Maybe my feet are more acclimated to regular heels? I am not quite sure what it is. 

But all the same I do love them! 

As far as the rest of the look it is a pretty simple. Relaxed khaki shorts and a button down in my favorite half tucked-half untucked style. 

This maybe the last summer for these shorts. I've had them for a few years now and I love them but they are kind of becoming worn in. They get wrinkled easier. There was a belt that came with it that I have no idea where it is now and so pairing it with other tops just... so so. 

But we will see. Maybe I'll keep my eyes open for a similar pair of shorts! 

Thank you for reading and have a great week!
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Better Late Than Never....

5/14/2021

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Hello and Happy Friday! 

I'm so sorry for the late, late post! Its been a looooong day and a long next three days. Lol. But better late than never right?! This continues my series of the shoes that I don't wear often enough! 

Today's shoes in question are these gorgeous mule slides. The deep maroon color is so beautiful! I don't know why I don't wear them as often as they deserve! But they are being broken out tomorrow night -fingers crossed!- I'm going to an event and I plan on wearing this whole look to the event. 

I have to work 10 hours before so I feel like this is a good combination of dressy and comfortable. 

Everything in this look is subtle, yet striking. Going back to the shoes. I think I got them at Off Broadway Shoes because I was drawn to the look of them. I've worn them a few times. I do remember the first time or two, they were a bit hard to keep on my feet. I felt I had to pinch my toes and squeeze my foot to make sure they didn't 'slide' right out!..... (I'll see myself out...)

But that's been the case with many a pair of shoes. Sometimes it just takes time to break them in. During this shoot, they were a dream. No trouble whatsoever. 

Actually, side story time! One of my favorite pairs of heels are the nude pairs -I've used them many a time on this blog! The first time I wore them was to a graduation ceremony. My feet KILLED the whole time and afterwards! I didn't wear them for a long time and then tried them out again for a shoot and what would you know? They were fine! And ever since, they've been fine! They are now one of my favorite pairs of shoes!

So, my advice is don't give up on a shoe right away. Give it a few wears. The first wear or two (or three) maybe just breaking it in. 

I'll let you know how these bad boys do tomorrow night! Stay tuned! 

Thanks for reading! 

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Spot Light Series... Lite Jones and The Overview/Movie Night

5/12/2021

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So I got to see the video from Big Rucks its called The Overview/Movie Night and it is jammed packed!


 From a stylist perspective I was intrigued by the style choices. As a viewer and stylist, I felt as though in the video the couple was coming from a wedding or or some type of party (her dress to me, put me in the mind of a wedding dress). Then you have the voice over of another lady who was a side chick? But felt it was more and was pissed that it wasn't -or that maybe he wasn't honest with her.

The video follows the couple fighting until the girl decides 'No, I'm not having it." That is when the video changes. 

This is where I'm excited to introduce the director Austin Edwards, better known as Lite Jones -which is how I will refer to him during this post. He got started early in the 12th grade doing video production classes and he even made a web series. Growing up he was always creative, but it was in high school when he really tapped into his creativity. There were two people that inspired Lite, one being Kendrick Lamar and one being his teacher, Robet Connelly, a communications teacher that really impacted his life. 

Lite really loves telling stories, in particular "tragic romances" and you really feel that in 'The Overview/Movie night' video. As a viewer I saw a couple was meant to be together and dude stepped out. He was caught and then had to deal with the consequence of his actions -this is when the video changes. 

But I want to take a step back and talk about the color effects of the video. I was enamored with the black and white effects of the video. To me, honestly it has an old school, hollywood glamour to it. Then the song changes and I don't know how exactly to express it but it's like I want to prove my ex wrong kind of vibe. I'm going to be great. I'm going to succeed. 

What I love about Lite is that he puts his all into his projects. For example, I asked him what all went into directing a video and he told me it can take roughly 2 days. But the work that goes into it is another story. "Its all about the description, and what it is you are trying to portray,"


As far as his future goals? "Learning coloring on a video -that skill set- is key," he told me. But also Lite as a dream to create a short film! 

As a viewer I loved the video! I thought it was very well done and shot. I watched it a few times and each time I felt like I learned something knew or found a different layer to the video. From the color effects, to the little bit of audio in the midst, and then the change of song. There is so much to unpack and think about. As a creator myself I love when another artist gives you something to really dive into and think about. Which is what I think you get with this video.

And you know, after seeing this video, I am 100% going to keep watching what Lite Jones does! I feel certain you will see more from him!

If you haven't seen The Overview/Movie Night by Big Rucks. you really should! It is a great video and Lite Jones is behind it! 

​Thanks for reading! And Stay tuned! 
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For the Shoes I Don't Wear Enough Part 1....

5/9/2021

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Hello all and Happy Monday! 

And Happy Mother's day to all you mothers out there! We had a great day celebrating! We cooked out steaks and corn on the cob! On a weird turn of events, I ended up getting my first shot of the COVID vaccine. I wasn't planning on it, but it worked out so I just thought 'what the hell? lets do it!' and I ended up getting to surprise my Mom with my vaccine card. 

So it was a good day! 

On to today's look! I actually tried this same look with flared jeans and heels and... I don't know.... I just didn't love the way it came out. I love this look much better! I'm also making it a point to wear shoes I don't often wear. Most of them are flats! Not all, but several! 

These loafers are very comfy albeit a little big. I may get some insoles to try and fill up some of the space, because I do love the look and feel of them. I think they dress this look up perfectly. 

What do you think?! Check it out and tell me your thoughts! 

Sweater Vest: Shein.com
Button Down: Shein.com
Bag: Versona
Shoes: H&M
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Slipping into Sandals Part 2!

5/6/2021

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Hello! And happy Friday! 

Today I'm sharing another casual look with you, and another spring sandal look with you! Now I know the sandals are a bit hard to see in the pics. I apologize for that. They were from Off Broadway Shoes and I've loved them for a few years now. 

This look in general, is one that I've never tried but I have always wanted too. And I'm glad I did! I think this is a great spring look! Very effortless and chill. I tried to keep the pink theme going. From the button up to the subtle pink in the graphic tee, to the sandals. 

Where I took a turn was in this beautiful faux suede bag! I found it at thrift shot and fell in love with it right away! Its so beautiful! And I have held on to this beauty for a few years now! (And hopefully many more to come!) 

Thank you so much for reading and stay tuned!

May is Mental health month and this is very important to me. I am personally seeking counseling because my mental health is not great. And that is not something that has to be hidden away. We need to normalize seeking therapy/counseling. After this crazy ass year... c'mon! We are all probably struggling one way or another. And if you need help that is 100% okay. You're not in that alone. I'm here with you! 

Stay safe my friends and stay tuned for more mental health posts!

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Photo Shooting with Terrence Brown!

5/2/2021

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Happy Monday! 

I'm taking a break from my typical shooting routine to shoot with my friend and colleague Terrence Brown! I'm sure you've heard me mention him a lot lately. I did a post for him not long ago, then he introduced me to some artists and -in a mentor like way- tasked me with doing a quick write up for their singles. 

He has been very helpful in helping me with new opportunities and for that I am very grateful! Then about a week ago -give or take- we headed out for a photo shoot. We shot at a beautiful park and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. 

As you can see in the pictures, the location was beautiful, plus the sun was out and clear blue skies! The temps were perfect, not terrible hot but not cold either and a steady breeze.

We shot two different looks (the second I'll be sharing with you in a future post.) This was my favorite look for sure. Its simple, casual, effortless. Bonus points, this dress has pockets! You can't go wrong with a dress that has pockets! 

Once we wrapped, I left feeling so inspired and ready to get to work! 

I'm so grateful that our paths crossed and I'm looking forward to working with Terrence more in the future! 

Thank you so much for reading! And stay tuned! 




Pictures by: Terrence Brown
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    Hello world! Welcome to my fashion diary! :) I am excited to share my journey with you! 

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