Hello! Happy Wednesday!

This will be the final post of the year and to celebrate I wanted to look back at what a fun and crazy year it has been! This year has been such a fun year and I have see such growth in my personal life and my blog! This time last year I didn't have my own domain name, I knew nothing about blogging really. I resolved that in 2015 I would work to improve my blog and I did! I got my own domain name and printed business cards. I began going to a blogger meet up group where I met other bloggers, was able to ask questions, brainstorm ideas with others, and get advice on how to improve.

I collaborated with another blogger -Meredith- for several shoots. Completed a style challenge in May, successfully! I landed my first partnership with Lou Lou Boutique, and I even did a collaboration with Fresh Boutique here in Charlotte. I even have begun partnering with Versona (we had out first shoot today, which I will share with you later). And while it sounds fun (and it is) it has not been easy. It has been a lot of work, sometimes frustrating and sometimes awkward, but ultimately worth it.

I have been so blessed this year and I am so excited to see what 2016 holds! One of my main resolutions for the new year is to venture into YouTube! Its something I have been thinking about for a while now, and I think I am going to do it this year! I hope you all join me in that venture!

Below are some of my favorite pairings from the past year. I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for reading and supporting me in this journey! I appreciate you so much! Have a safe and Happy New Years!

XOXO

Hello! Happy Tuesday and Happy Birthday to my Dad!

He is heading to Ohio to visit his mother so we will be celebrating later this week, but I love you Pops! I hope you are having a great time today! =) Fun fact about my Dad, he is pretty shy. He's not nearly as shy now as he used to be. Actually he is the lead singer of our church's praise band, Promise (they have made four CDs!) But he has told me before that when my parents first moved to Charlotte and started going to that particular church, he was really shy and had anyone told him that years down the road he would be leading a worship team, he probably would have laughed at them. But its funny how things work out and how people change. Years ago I was an awkward, chubby, and terribly shy kid and had anyone told me that I would one day have a fashion blog that was actually doing well, I would have laughed at them as well.

But my Dad found his calling in praise and worship, and I have found satisfaction, clarity, courage, and creativity in my blog (whether or not its my calling only time will tell!) But I love you, Pops! Happy Birthday!

On to the ensemble! Today's pairing is a fun one for me. I love these pants! I saw them at target months ago and loved them then but I wasn't prepared to spend $30 on them. Granted it isn't terribly expensive, but with the holidays I felt it better to save my money. Turns out that was a genius decision! I found them the other day for $13! They have such a tailored, polished feel that I just love. The Versona blazer adds to the professional/polished look. While the paisley printed, Forever 21 blouse and Versona clutch have a playful feel to them.

Speaking of Versona, I am going tomorrow (along with Jen) to do our very first blog shoot of our partnership! I'm very nervous as well as excited! BUT I will take all of the prayers, good vibes, luck -anything positive you want to send my way, I will gladly take it! =)

Thank you so much for reading and being on this journey with me! I appreciate you all! =)

XOXO

Hello! And happy Hump Day!

We are only three days away from Christmas! Are you as excited as I am!? I am excited for a couple of reasons. Mainly because I am actually off work this year! I work at a retirement home, so I work many a holiday typically. But I was lucky enough to get this Christmas off! I will miss the residents and my co-workers, I love them all and think of them as my extended family (which is why I really don't mind working on holidays.) But I am happy to spend Christmas with my family!

On to my second holiday look of the week! This is the GORGEOUS cape dress! I found this gem at Tash Boutique here in Charlotte! Tash Boutique is such a cool place in general, not only are the ladies that work there and the owner  incredibly sweet and their pieces amazing, but they have a cool story and an incredible message. They discourage women from talking negatively about their body shapes. It is even written on their wall! But it is truly amazing and refreshing to see. It is all about finding the right style and fit to really bring out the best of yourself.

And they also have some amazing things! :D 

Take this cape dress for example. I am planning on wearing it to Christmas eve services with the family. I fell in love with this dress on Instagram and finally had to have it. It is so crisp and clean cut! Not to mention stunning!  You don't see dresses quite like this in most stores. It has such an elegant feel to it, its so beautiful!

I paired it with navy blue pumps, A floral Versona clutch, and delicate necklace. I did not want to take away from the dress nor did I want to play it safe as far as accessorizing. I felt like I made a perfect compromise. I hope you think so too!

If you are in the Charlotte area, check out Tash Boutique! Or check them out online! Thank you so much for reading and have a great day and a great holiday! =)

XOXO

Hello! Happy Monday!

We are only four days away from Christmas!! I can hardly believe it!

Which means this week I will be featuring holiday looks! Starting with this one. I fell in love with this H&M peacoat! The print and colors are so fun! I paired it with a black dress, nude heels, and an orange R&J bag. The colors were just fresh, fun, and vibrant!

This is a relatively low-key look, but I will have more looks coming up! ;)

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Hello!

I wanted to write a quick post before starting the day! Here lately we have been having the most beautiful weather! Although it does not feel like December outside, I have been enjoying it all none-the-less! Actually, it provided Jen and I not only with beautiful scenery during our blog shoots this weekend, but the lighting was all too perfect. Just look at how the light streams in and out between the trees! I felt this amazing, refreshing energy while we were shooting. It just was this overwhelming feeling of happiness mixed with excitement and inspiration.

That feeling came out in this look. Although it is a more casual and simple look, the colors that spoke to me -the teal of the striped tee and the canary yellow heels- just exude confidence and creativity. The darker hue of the blazer really anchor the look, giving it a crisp, polished feel. The oversized, roll-up clutch is another Versona piece -a long time favorite of mine!

Thank you so much for reading and have a great hump day!

XOXO

Hello and Happy Monday! =)

Today's post is a fun one for me to share with you for a few reasons. First, I was really happy the look I came up with. The high-low hemmed button down shirt was a Versona find. Although I am not a huge fan of high-low hems, this shirt jumped out at me. The forest green color is rich and delicate. It is comfortable, breezy, and the contrast between the beige, textured skirt is stunning.

It is a fun mix of textures, fabrics, and designs that come together to create a unique look.

Another reason today's post is special for me, is because Jennifer and I went "on location" for the shoot! We got to explore more of our lovely city. We could not have asked for a more perfect weekend for shooting! It was gorgeous and warm! All of the Christmas-y décor; ribbons, wreaths -they put me in the holiday spirit! We had a great time and got some beautiful pictures! I think we both had a lot of fun!

 I hope you like it too! Thank you so much for reading! =)

XOXO

Happy Friday and TGIF -right?!

This week has been such an off- week for me! My work schedule has been a little different and so it is throwing my whole routine off. So, to make up for my missed post on Wednesday, I decided to do a double post today! The first look is perfect for the chilly, early mornings we have here in the QC. The plaid, pea coat is so warm and comfy I couldn't resist it when I saw it in the store!

I especially love the booties! Actually, they are a throwback to one of my very first blog post! It was back before I had my own domain name and before I knew anything about blogging. I think there was a total of maybe three or four pictures. That was almost two years ago! I am going to attempt to incorporate throw back pieces in future posts, through the end of the year. And if you think that is nostalgic, just wait! As we get closer to the new year, I'm going to get more and more sentimental! ;)

BUT, we aren't there yet! So, on to the second post....

Hello and happy Monday!

I hope you had a nice weekend. I was feeling a little tired after a busy weekend, so I kept things a bit simpler by using a favorite piece, faux leather leggings, to dress up a graphic tank and striped blazer. I typically discourage wearing leggings as pants unless its paired with a tunic or a longer tee (like I chose). My main reasoning for this is obvious; leggings are made with thin fabric and sometimes (most of the time) very sheer. Also they fit closely and can be very unforgiving. Faux leather leggings are made with a much thicker fabric. Though the sheer factor is not an issue with these leggings, they still fit closely -which is why I choose to almost always pair them with longer tops or tunics.

I really appreciate the simplicity and effortless look of this outfit. It is a great go-to look for any occasion. The leggings elevate the look from just so-so to edgy and confident. The blazer ties everything together perfectly.

I absolutely adore this delicately layered necklace from Lotus Boutique here in Charlotte. It's barely-there design adds an extra chic without competing with the leggings.

I have some fun holiday looks coming up later this week! But you will be seeing these leggings again in the near future, I feel certain! ;)

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Happy Hump day to all!

Hope you are all having a great week!

I absolutely LOVE this crisp colors of the ensemble and how they never stray too far from the color families. I love the over all polished look that is portrayed through the ensemble. I especially love how the over all casual vibe of the A.N.A button down and leggings allow the accessories to really anchor the look.

I used the opportunity to layer necklaces, I restyled my Delicate Kate Necklace from Lou Lou Boutique and a new piece; a longer, silver, tassel necklace from Tash Boutique here in the QC!

I actually stopped by there a few weeks ago and was able to shop around and meet some of the staff. One lady in particular was so kind! She indulged me as I told her about my blog, she showed me around the store and was more than willing to set me up with a dressing room and kept asking me how I was doing. She even took a selfie with me! It also has a lot of great pieces! I fell in love with this tassel necklace at first sight and have found several ways to style it.

The wide brimmed fedora was from Versona, which I will be working with soon! I cannot wait to share those posts with you in the near future!

Lots of great things coming up! Stay tuned and thank you so much for being on this journey with me! =)

XOXO

Coat:: Mossimo
Strip Button Down:: A.N.A
Necklaces:: Lou Lou Bouties and Tash Boutique
Fedora:: Versona

Hello! Welcome to my special Tuesday post!

Does this outfit seem familiar? That would be because I have used it before! Actually, for today's post, I wanted to do something a little different. Back in November, I attended a 5th anniversary party for a local boutique here in Charlotte, Lotus Boutique (which I wore this outfit to). The party was amazing! Not only was it fun and chic in design -it was complete with a neon green floor, couches, a large mirror for guests/shoppers to try on get a good look at clothing, balloons, music, and champagne- the store had some amazing pieces! Everything from bags, to shoes, to dresses, skirts, and tops and they were all unique in design and texture.

I fell victim to the trendy set up, making several purchases and I feel certain that I will be going back in the near future. My mother was my "date" for the night! She had a great time as well, finding several things that she liked a lot. I also ran into an old friend, Mariya, who I used to work with and has always been really supportive of my blog. It was great to catch up with her! I made some new friends as well, the owner of the boutique -Effie Loukas- and I even met another Charlotte blogger!

I wanted to share the experience with you today. I was a great experience and I left feeling so inspired to be around all of that creative, supportive, and friendly energy! Congrats to Lotus Boutique! =)

Thanks for reading! =)