Author: Shakira

Red Floral Co-ord

Last night’s presidential debate between Secretary Clinton and Donald Trump has me feeling like I’m nursing a hangover this Monday morning. This whole race is just too much. Too darn much.

I seriously wish ABC  would’ve just aired the latest episode of Quantico instead of the school yard fight we were subjected to, but I digress. This is a fashion post and I will not overshadow today’s fashion goodness with a rant about the candidates, perhaps I’ll do an opinion piece soon?

Forgive me loves, let’s focus on this beautiful Monday morning and the fresh 24 hours we have to slay! Speaking of things that slay, today’s outfit is taking away my campaign blues baby. This cropped two-piece, also known as a co-ordinate set, features a floral design across the front of the top and skirt.

The red and yellow florals stand out against the black base. The material is actually quite thick and not ideal for humid weather. However, the long sleeves make this set pefect for fall. I opted for peep toe booties instead of sandals because I’m honestly ready to dig into fall footwear.

Here’s to squeezing a few more wears out of our co-ords this October lol!

Co-ord Set//Misguided , Shoes//Bebe , Handbag//Calvin Klein 

One Month to Love: Acting Intentionally

Previously in our devotional study we learned how to give those in our circle the undivided attention they deserve by being present in every moment and actively listening to what’s being said. In week two, we now focus on the intentional actions needed to foster deep connections. This inquiry raises one question in particular…

Is your life too crowded? 

Have you become such a slave to your to-do lists and your demanding work or school schedule that you’ve completely neglected to spend real time with the people closest to you? The truth is, you don’t have time to do everything that everyone wants you to do, and you never will. However, you do have time for the important things… which is building our closest relationships. We must intentionally create space for these relationships to grow by not overcrowding our days with busy work, and taking time with God, family, & close friends.

Remove the obstacles. 

For many of us, this Thanksgiving will be the first time we’ve actually spent real quality time with our families. In our frantic dash to buy ingredients from the markets and bake the necessary pies, we’ve lost sight of what the holiday is actually about. To intentionally create space, we need to prioritize who gets our precious time. Family first… everyone else is second. Allow God to divinely interrupt your regularly scheduled program. After all an “annoying” interruption, is often God’s way of slowing us down to show us what’s really important to Him & Us!

Purple Dress + Satin Booties

Is it really October already? Are we seriously down to the last three months of 2016? October is a busy month for me in ministry because it is church anniversary month and my Apostle’s birthday celebration. Not to mention this is national Clergy Appreciation Month. In addition, people all across the country are walking, running, and donating this month in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

It is estimated that 1 in every 8 women will battle Breast Cancer in their lifetime. It is a disease that has claimed the lives of so many women and has torn apart numerous families. All month long city buildings, major companies, churches, and other organizations encourage us all to wear pink in honor of those we’ve lost, in tribute to those who’ve survived, and the efforts to find a cure for the disease.

Aside from these major observances, October is also the designated month for Domestic Violence Awareness. This is a cause that near and dear to my heart as I have seen firsthand the damage such violence can do to famlies. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic abuse in her life time. This means domestic violence is a more likely threat for a woman than a diagnosis of breast cancer, and just as fatal.

The official color of domestic violence support is purple, which has inspired today’s look. It’s my small way of honoring the many women (and the 1 in 7 men) who have bravely faced the horror of abuse. This super comfy pleated purple dress and satin lace up booties are the perfect remedy for a case of the Monday’s. The jewel toned shoes and the leather sleeved blazer add an edge to the overall look and a dose of fierce to my mood.

Let’s make today a great one and remember to show your support by wearing your purple! XO – Kira

Dress//Jessica Simpson , Shoes//J. Lo , Blazer//H&M , Jewelry//Macy’s 

One Month To Love: Being All There

“Right now, there are three relationships in your life that trouble you.”  This was the bold statement that greeted us in the opening chapter of our 30 day devotional “One Month To Love” by Pastor Kerry & Chris Shook. I’ll be honest, this statement caught me off guard, however as I seriously considered it, I knew it to be true. As I begin examining the relationships I have with the people closest to me, I see much room for growth and improvement.

September 12th we began this devotional and week one was all about The Art of Being All There, how to truly be present with those we love. I have to be honest, I seriously struggle in this area. We are a generation of multitasks, possibly even more so than our parents due to the reality of social media and technology overload. How often are you having a conversation with someone but going through your mental to do list? Or sitting at the dinner table on a date while checking your IG notifications?

Active Listening involves being fully concentrated on what is said rather than just passively hearing the speaker. It is the act of listening and responding with the intention of producing mutual understanding. Knowing this, I’ve realized that I’m often not as attentive as I should be with my loved ones. It’s my desire that I become a daughter, friend, and wife who can be all there. One of my fiancé Jason’s favorite sayings is “Just be”. It’s a reminder to actually live in the present, to take it all in, and to love, listen, and nurture those in my inner circle.

Green Mesh + Polka Dots

The weekend is here beautiful people, how was your week? I had some unexpected challenges this week but I haven’t let them steal my joy and I hope you can say the same. Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall (or Autumn if you reside outside of North America) and I will be the first to tell you that I am so excited!!

This is my favorite season and I am ready like Freddy boo.I have the weekend ahead to reorganize my clothes as these temperatures slowly drop from eighties to low seventies here in Philly.

Until then, I will be great in a pretty dress like this little number I have on today. I found this mesh polka dot dress on http://www.asos.com a while back and immediately fell in love. This shade of green is amazing and the large dots are so playfull! The a-line cut has a full skirt which is so flirty and feminine.

Just the pick me up I need to get through a Friday night at work. I’ve added a pink necklace for a pop of color and stayed monochrome with sparkly green pumps for added flare. What a great way to start the weekend!

Dress//Asos , Shoes//Mascote , Jewelry//H&M 

Cream Lace + Ruffles

Every now and then you have to get showered, dressed, and out the door in thirty minutes… today was that day. I have a full weekend ahead of me with wedding planning and organizing new music for my church choir. As a result the entire weekend’s outfits are planned and pressed and today’s look was a great way to start my Friday.

I found this beautiful dress in Marshall’s a year ago and can you beleive it was only $20 ?! I promise you guys I do not spend a lot of money on my clothes, namely because bills –  but seriously lol.

The cream lace has a nice texture and the larger design looks amazing against the ivory lining. The cap sleeves and tiered ruffles add a playful touch. I can totally carry the dress from day to night by wearing flats to work (which I always do) and adding my strappy sandals for a night out in Old City.

Since it is Friday and I’m a working girl, my trusty cream Dooney & Bourke bowler bag and cat eye frames are all I need to complete my ensemble. Summer weather means I live in dresses and with the last lingering balmy temperatures soon to go, I’ll wear one any chance I get.

Here’s to a good weekend loves, stay safe! XO – Kira

Dress//Muse , Shoes//Steve Madden , Purse//Dooney & Bourke , Accessories//Macy’s 

Blush Babydoll Dress

Happy Monday love bugs! I hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend. After an amzing Sunday I’ve gotten just the charge I needed to tackle the week ahead. This week I’ll be doing some much needed sorting through my clothes to prepare for fall, aka my favorite time of the year. If you’re a summer lover I do not share your enthusiasm at al honey, God bless you, lol!!

To start the work week I’ve pulled out one of my favorite dresses. This babydoll dress is so light and airy that I always feel like a princess. The jeweled neckline and tiered design are delicate and feminine without appearing too juvenile or childish for a 30 something. It’s extremely comfortable and virtually wrinkle resistant. Just the dress I need to have a fabulous Monday. Let’s be great today, talk to you soon! XO – Kira

Dress//H&M , Shoes//Mascote , Jewelry//H&M , Glasses// Kardashian Kollection

Peplum Top + Floral Skirt

Hello beautiful people and cheers to the weekend! This week just flew by and I still can’t beleive it’s September already. If it weren’t for the slight chill to the start of my weekday mornings, I would swear we were still in mid-summer.

I have quite a few friends who are sad to see summer leave but I’m a winter baby and I’m excited about the season ahead. For now, I’ve decided to continue getting wear out of my summer wardrobe for as long as possible while adding layers when needed. Today’s look is a blend of fierce and flirty by pairig this structured top with this bright pencil skirt.

 

The precise cut of the sleeveless peplum along with the netting add an element of edge when paired with the floral pattern of my skirt. To play on the colors in the skirt I added a white necklace and opted for cobalt accessories for an unexpected pop. Perfect outfit to take me from day to night! XO – Kira

Top//Gracia , Skirt//H&M , Shoes//Zara , Purse//Ross , Jewelry//H&M 

Sulfur + Silver

Happy Hump Day ladies! After a challenging weekend it seems as if this week is moving by so quickly. Work has been uber crazy and it’s surely tepting to get a little overwhelmed and have a mini meltdown. However, I’m in full on beast mode trying to accomplish my tasks. If you’ve been following me for a while then you know I see fashion as an instant mood booster. So today’s look is my way of realsing my inner Girl Boss.

You may recall back in 2013 that high fashion label Prabal Gurung collaborated with Target to release a bold, artistic collection of ready to wear pieces. Each garment told a story and the color palate was vivid – totally not for the fashion faint of heart. The collection literally sold out in no time. I had to ask a co-worker from North Jersey to stop by her local Target to score me the fabulous dress featured here.

This ruffled chiffon number immediatley caught my eye due to the rich sulfer color. I’ve decided to stay organic and add some metallic silver accents and completed the look with a bold tangerine lip. Guess who’s ready to slay the rest of this week? XO

Dress//Target , Shoes//Zara , Clutch//Zara , Jewelry//H&M 

Off Shoulder Top + White Denim

It’s Fri-Yay everyone, woo hoo!! I’m excited to get the weekend started and hang out with some friends I haven’t seen since high school. We have Praise in the Park here in Philly this Saturday at Penn’s Landing (our version of the Bmore Harbor). It’s a concert featuring the nation’s top Gospel artists and it’s absolutely FREE. What a great way for local families to kick off the back to school season!

Since Fridays mean denim at work I’ve decided to sport my white skinnies. They have a high waist and are super comfy. The great thing about denim is that it’s a year round fabric – even this light shade can be worn into fall. If I had to choose the number one trend for this S/S 16 season, I’d say it was off shoulder tops and dresses. I’m sporting the trend today with this light blue number and matching tote.

A neutral sandal and my sunnies mean I’m all set for the day. Hope you have an awesome weekend, see you right back here on Monday! XO

Top//H&M , Jeans//H&M , Shoes//Aldo , Tote//Ross


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