Author: Shakira

Dark denim + Plaid Stole

I generally love the beauty and festivity of the holidays, especially during the winter. I enjoyed this past holiday season for many reasons. I spent Thanksgiving indoors and under covers cuddling my husband. We decided against turkey dinner in favor of dry rub barbecue. No dinner hopping from one house to another, just the two of us and a slew of movies. Surprisingly no one protested or made a fuss. I guess it was to be expected, being newlyweds and all.  Christmas was also a treat because we opted for a Christmas Eve lunch at one of our favorite restaurants instead of a traditional pot luck dinner on Christmas day.

After lunch we took some time to explore center city Philadelphia and take a tour of Christmas Village, the city’s beautiful outdoor holiday market modeled after traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Over 80 booths comprise the village with everything from Belgian waffles and bratwurst to hand crafted ornaments and jewelry. This year I saw more diversity among the merchants including some African skin care lines. It was definitely a wonderful way to spend time with one another, begin new family traditions, and make pleasant memories with our 11 year old daughter.

While I had plenty of cider and cocoa to keep me warm I still opted for jeans instead of a dress. I used one of my favorite plaid blanket scarves as the focal point and just layered from there. I paired this red silk top with dark denim skinnies and my black riding boots. This blanket scarf is advertised as a two-way stole but I’m sure I can think additional ways to style this piece. This was the perfect outfit for a day of exploring. I like to think that it was a great introduction to a new season and that it set the tone for a beautiful 2018. How did you spend your holiday? Tell me in the comments below!

Scarf//Uniqlo , Blouse/Jeans//H&M , Boots//Clark’s

2017 Style Star : Cardi B

Cheers to the New Year folks! I’ve had a little hibernation but I pray you and yours had a lovely holiday season. Our first order of business for the new year is the reveal of my annual star. First introduced last year, you may recall my 2016 pick was the beautiful Zendaya Coleman. All throughout the year I kept my eyes peeled for the woman who consistently “stole the show”. Be it a new kid on the block, fashion veteran, or a quirky rebel. I believe my choice for 2017 Style Star is one we can all agree on – the funny and fabulous Cardi B.

First of all, NO ONE has had a better year than this self proclaimed regular schmegular girl from the Bronx. Cardi captured Love & Hip Hop fans with her down to earth personality and quickly became one of the most beloved celebrities of the year. Cardi’s single “Bodak Yellow” broke industry records by topping the Hot 100 for three weeks, making it the second solo hip-hop number-one single by a female artist in the chart’s history, behind Lauryn Hill‘s “Doo Wop“. In week 26 on the chart, the song re-entered the top 10 with her other singles “MotorSport” and “No Limit”, making Cardi B the third act, behind The Beatles and Ashanti to place their first three chart entries in the top 10 simultaneously.

No matter how you feel about Cardi’s lyrical content, her provocative outfits, or her skills as an M.C. you can’t deny that she owned the sidewalks and the catwalks this year. Front row at all the biggest NYFW shows with her loud crazy laugh, Cardi represented for the ’round the way fashionistas across the country. For the girls who are just as comfortable in Giuseppe Zanotti heels as they are in Steve Madden. 

I should mention that my 2017 runner up was the beautiful, talented, consistent veteran Tracee Ellis Ross. I mean, sheesh, what a babe! So what say you? Did I get it right this year? Drop me a comment below and let’s chat.

Floral Shawl + OTK Boots

Velvet has always been a winter fashion “do” in my book, but there’s no denying that the fabric has been trending everywhere this season. I picked up a few new velvet pieces this past fall to add to my collection. This velvet floral shawl is one of two from Marshall’s aka one of my favorite places. I love a good wrap, shawl, blanket scarf, etc. The colors in this shawl make it versatile. I can just as easily pair this with a slip dress for the spring!

I’ve been living in dark denim for the past month so I opted for a lighter wash to play off the blues in the pattern and added one of my go to cotton turtlenecks. Back in November your girl caught a killer sale on the Go Jane website and was able to bag four pairs of OTK (over the knee) boots for $100 bucks so I added these faux-suede babies for a little height.

The taupe color is the perfect neutral against the shawl. Since I hardly ever wear my navy blue suede hobo from Zara, I jumped at the chance to shoot it with this look. A few gold accessories with turquoise accents and I’m ready to go. How about you, have you added any velvet to your wardrobe this fall/winter?

Shawl//Marshall’s , Turtleneck//Uniqlo , Boots//Go Jane , Jeans/Jewelry//H&M , Bag//Zara

Printed Blouse + Peach Trousers

Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone and hopefully you’ve enjoyed your holiday. Hubby and I spent our first Thanksgiving (and Black Friday for that matter) in bed watching movies. We opted to barbecue instead of preparing a traditional turkey dinner, although we made sure to bake an apple pie.

It was the most relaxing two days I’ve had since out trip to Avalon and we were rested enough to spend the weekend out and about with our daughter. Now that fall is winding down the trees are full of colors and the grass is littered with leaves. I’ve been taking full advantage of nature’s photo ops by shooting blog pics in the neighborhood.

I chose a nearby park to shoot today’s look because the backdrop was perfect for my outfit. Rich warm colors always look sublime on brown skin so I decided to layer them. A dark brown v-neck underneath this sheer printed blouse really makes the colors stand out.

I then added a pair of loose peach trousers with an elastic hem to give a relaxed look. The earth tone accessories compliment these separates and make everything cohesive. Here’s to seeing another wonderful Thanksgiving and the start of a great week.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you did over the holiday, XO!

Cotton Shirt//Old Navy , Blouse//New York & Co , Pants/Jewelry//H&M , Shoes//Donald J. Pliner

Khaki Trench + Navy Silk

 


Guess who turned thirty-four over the weekend? Yup, your favorite Philly Jawn is officially in her mid thirties. There is so much left to process from year thirty-three that I’m sure it’ll take me til the end of the month to finish reflecting but as far as I’m concerned, my new year started Saturday. I’ve definitely had some growing pains but they’ve given me a whole new swag. All I can say is this chapter finna be lit! In other news fall lasted about a week so here’s one of the few outfits I got to shoot while it was still “wear your bare legs out” weather LOL.

This is the same DKNY trench from Daffy’s (RIP) that you’ve seen for the last three years because I can still fit it and it matches everything. I genuinely love the way it hugs my frame. This was the perfect outerwear to cover this navy silk number I wore to work. This silk dress features a delicately ruffles with a slightly v-shaped neckline. The pockets made it an instant win for me and they’re surprisingly deep.

I added a printed silk scarf to add some rich color to all this navy and chose a caramel (aka my shade of nude) shoe and bag to balance out the look. You may have noticed that I have this tote in black as well. They’re definitely my go-to bags for work since they’re big enough to carry my flats, tablet, purse umbrella and more. Simple and sophisticated, perfect for another Monday at the office. For those of you working like me, here’s to a short work week – let’s make it awesome!

Jacket//DKNY , Dress/Scarf//H&M , Shoes//Donald J. Pliner , Tote//Rampage , Jewelry//Burlington Coat Factory

3 Ways to Wear a Tee for Fall

Nothing gets my fashion wheels turning like a challenge and recently Jamelia Blackman-Sonny, lifestyle blogger at jbsinspires , presented me with a good one. She asked me to style a t-shirt three ways for the season and y’all know your girl couldn’t resist! I decided to create a look for church, date night, and weekend errands. Jamelia’s entire Faithfull Queens line is adorbs you guys, but I fell in love with this “My Daddy is a King” tee immediately.

For my church look I decided to add a big pop of color. This super soft long cardigan brings out the pink lettering and this full polka dot skirt brings just the right amount of whimsy. A bold color and bold pattern meant subtle jewelry and a classic shoe. This can easily be worn to the office as well if your dress code allows.

Next up I wanted to take the tee from day to date night. This structured blazer is one of those pieces that you don’t see often. The dramatic shoulders give me life and the slim fit is great. I paired it with a pair of high waist stone wash skinny jeggings. However, the real mvps are these rhinestone sandal boots from warriorprincess that I wear for a quick slay.

Finally, I kept it cool and threw on a pair of ripped jeans and a moto jacket for the weekend. I have to be honest, this look is how I’d wear a message tee 99% of the time. So I’m actually pretty stoked that Jamelia presented me with this challenge. I added a pair of comfy slip on sneakers and my favorite sunnies (seen in all three) to complete my casual look.

There you have it loves, three different ways to style a t-shirt for Fall. If you like what you see grab your favorite shirt and try your own challenge. Be sure to check out Jamelia’s blog and grab a dope inspirational tee from her shop I promise you’ll love it!! Happy Friday loves 🙂

Jeggings & Cardigan//H&M ,  Ripped Jeans & Polka Skirt//Forever21 ,  Moto Jacket//KMart ,  Blazer//JCP ,  Sneakers//Payless

Wrap Shirt + Ripped Pearl Jeans

So here’s the thing, I have a horrible habit of buying clothes and leaving them in my closet for months. This front-tie wrap shirt for instance, was purchased early this year and has since collected dust. It was one of my first ever purchases from Go Jane along with some patched denim. I figured it was time to rock this baby before jackets are mandatory. An afternoon lunch date with my Hubby and daughter at our favorite Chines restaurant was the perfect occasion.

I even got another wear out of my wedding sandals. Ladies I’m telling you, these babies are the gift that keeps on giving! To keep things cute but comfy I added a paired of jeweled ripped jeans that I’ve had for years. I found these at Bare Feet Shoes here in Philly and the pearls won me over immediately. Not to mention the small rhinestones add to the glam factor.

These jeans make the quintessential white blouse/blue jean combo even more chic; and my daughter totally agreed so it’s safe to say I’m a cool mom, LOL. Well, I’m off to celebrate my Mother in Love’s 4th anniversary of beating breast cancer tomorrow, so have a fabulous weekend darlings, XO!

Shirt//Go Jane , Jeans//Bare Feet , Shoes//K&G , Jewelry//Kmart

Ivory Wrap Dress

For those of us living in the North Eastern part of the U.S. we know that nothing indicates the true end of summer like that very last heatwave we receive in September. Last week said heatwave hit and hubby (omgosh I can’t believe I say that now lol) surprised me with a weekend getaway to Avalon, New Jersey. A lovely four bedroom home only a few feet away from the beach meant three full days of sun, sand, and all the waffle cones we could handle. This was my first time in Avalon but it definitely won’t be my last! The people are super sweet and the town itself is absolutely charming.

Needless to say, with all that sunshine and temperatures in the mid eighties, ya girl just had to squeeze in a mini shoot! I decided to pack at least one white look because the beach demands it and well, it’s after Labor Day. Believe it or not, this ivory dress has been in my closet since March just waiting to be worn. Only one button and one belt closure means this dress was the perfect no-fuss item to go from day to night. The only necessity was choosing the right accessories. I purchased these $20 clear sandals for my wedding back in May and I’ve lived in them all summer! I decided to add touches of gold with my bag, jewels, and metallic lip.

This trip was the perfect end to an amazing summer. How about you? Share your summer highlights with me in the comments below!

Dress & Clutch//H&M , Jewelry//Aldo , Shoes//K&G

Trousers + Trainers

If you’re an 80’s baby like me then you remember growing up and seeing women, possibly even your mom, walking the streets in business attire and sneakers. I’m talking full on power suits paired with scrunchy socks and Reebok Classics. Nothing says “I’m a working mom” like a Clinton pant suit with a pair of LA Gears.

Today’s look isn’t nearly as dramatic but consider it a nod to my childhood because I’m wearing a pair of my designated work pants with my favorite weekend sneakers. I admit these geometric print trousers are usually worn with a button down and a stiletto but let’s face it – that gets very boring.

As you know, I’m always looking for new ways to style a sweatshirt so this pastel pink was the perfect addition. A bold necklace and cat eye sunnies mean I’m out the door and ready for work. This is the perfect hump day/ I have horrible cramps/ I’ll be eating carbs and comfort food ensemble lol.

So what do you think, did our moms do it better?

Shirt/Pants/Jewelry// all H&M , Shoes//Nike

Silk Separates + Platforms

Although I know we still have seven weeks, I’ve always mentally associated Labor Day as the unofficial last day of summer. Before you chime in lamenting over summers end, let me tell you, I am #TeamFall one hundred percent. Being sweaty is not my cup of tea and these Philly heatwaves have me consistently trimming the curls I’m trying to grow out. Nevertheless, I’m going to enjoy the remaining days of summer; and now that I’ve finally unpacked all of my summer clothes, prepare to see some brights on the blog this month!

Follow me long enough and you’ll know I have a soft spot for thrift stores and resale shops. A recent trip to my local Buffalo Exchange in the mere twenty extra minutes I had before work proved to be the work of the Lord. You see, I’ve basically always worn these green silk pants with the same fuchsia top. I bought them both about five years ago from Zara solely because my wardrobe lacked any bright solid summer clothing, not to mention they were styled together on the mannequin.

From that point on, the green silk pants were always worn with the same fuchsia silk top… as a set. It has literally never occurred to me to wear the pieces as separates. That is until I stumbled upon the blouse I’m wearing in this post. I found this silk top for just $7 about a month ago. On the look out for the ever so popular chain link detail we’ve all grown to love from 80’s and 90’s fashion, this was a steal! I hesitated for a second, but the shoulder pads sealed the deal.

I decided to keep things comfy by adding the flat platform sandals I’d purchased to take on my honeymoon. I finished the look with gold jewelry, mirrored sunnies, and my current go to summer purse. Here’s to clothes that last and switching up your style routine by wearing pieces as separates more often… Happy Friday!! XO

Blouse//Thrifted , Trousers//Zara , Shoes//Zara , Purse//H&M , Sunglasses//Forever21


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