Khaki Trench + Navy Silk

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Ankara Skirt + Head Wrap

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Recently I decided to take a stroll through Penn Center Suburban Station here in Philly and browse through the shops. There I discovered the CeCe Boutique. To be honest, I’m sure I’ve passed by many times before in my way to work but had never been inside.

However, this time the most beautiful skirts and wraps were visible from the window and I just had to stop. Today’s look features one of the two sets I purchased that day. Ankara designs are made using an Indonesian dye technique called batik on which cotton is waxed in such a way that the colors don’t spread across the entire fabric.

This creates the beautiful designs we see. This process, although developed in Indonesia and used by the Dutch, was made wildly popular in West Africa where the style eventually became exclusively associated with that region.

While many have begun wearing Ankara and other African inspired clothing as trendy, I pause before wearing anything of serious cultural importance unless I have a clear understanding of the ceremonial garb. These designs however,  are made to be globally shared.

I must say I’ve fallen in love with this style of dress. I especially like that the headwrap doubles as a bandeau top, which is perfect for our summer heat waves and trips to the beach. So how about you, have you worn Ankara fabric? If so, how are you styling yours?

Peach + Denim

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Have you ever wanted to wear something but hesitated because you weren’t sure if it was in season? Well this leather skirt was the source of my apprehension. Right now you’re probably thinking “Girl you DO know it’s summer right?!” and yes, indeed it is but I assure you that I wasn’t Sweaty Sally in these streets.

I love leather and there are some black leather shorts somewhere in my mess of a closet dying to be worn this summer. I sincerely wanted to rock these heels and this skater skirt matches perfectly lol. The perforated fabric makes it super lightweight and comfy.

I added a classic denim shirt and my light blue tote to play off the snakeskin on my heels. The best part is that this entire outfit was $100 and this skirt was thrifted. Here’s to slaying on a budget, have a happy Monday & enjoy Independence Day!

Shirt//H&M , Skirt//Buffalo Exchange , Shoes//French Connection ,  Tote//Rampage 

Fishnets + Button Skirt

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Every now and then you gotta add a little drama to an outfit. An unexpected dose of sass to match your level of cool. Today’s outfit includes such sass as brought to you by my hosiery.

Recently fashion girls everywhere went gaga when Kim Kardashian paired her fishnet stockings with ripped denim. I have to admit it had never occured to me to wear my own with denim as opposed to my usual Sunday lay.

Yes, those of you who don’t know, diamond fishnets are a staple in urban church girl fashion. Today I’ve decided to take my ‘nets out for a spin and slay this here Hump Day. On a trip to Zara earlier this year I racked up at their annual end of season sale. I was in shopping heaven and came down from the clouds with this fabulous pencil skirt.

The chic plaid pattern is so sophisticated but it was the gold buttons sealed the deal for me. I’ve decided not to play it safe with a white oxford and wear a red silk blouse instead. Fishnets for drama and gold accessories because I’m feeling sassy.

I’d love to hear from you, do you wear fishnets? If so, how are you styling yours?

Top//H&M , Skirt//Zara , Shoes//Donald J. Pliner , Bag//Rampage

Khaki Trench + Floral Pants

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Happy Friday beautiful people!! I’ve missed you all terribly but ya girl has been quite busy these last few weeks. You are now looking at a married woman. That’s right, two weeks ago I tied the knot with my very best friend in the whole world. Shakira Keys is now Shakira Johnson, can you say “new name who dis”? Afterward we spent a week on a honeymoon cruise to Bermuda which was absolutely fabulous. Rest assured pics are soon to come in next months wedding posts.

We’re back home this week and are devoted to moving into our new apartment. We’re starting from scratch which means zero furniture, decor, etc… Fix it Jesus, lol. So there’s lots to do, not to mention all the changing my name and such, but it’s all apart of a new chapter in an exciting journey.

Since it looks like I’ll be too busy to shoot new looks for a couple weeks I’m SO GLAD I have some on deck from last month. Today’s post is the first of two shot by Adam Martin , an awesome photographer servicing Philly and it’s surrounding suburbs. Adam and I connected via IG and I jumped at the chance to work with another local creative.

This featured look is all about staying chic in spring staples, especially when navigating this inconsistent Philly weather.  Truth be told, I’ve had this DKNY trench coat for about ten years. The fit is perfect and every time I consider buying a new one I change my mind. Perhaps I’ll replace the buttons to update it for next spring.

These floral trousers are a comfy cotton blend and come permanent pressed. I’ve paired them with a sweatshirt which is a trend I’ve been dying to try. I have three pair of these pants in different styles and will be challenging myself to spice it up a bit. Well darlings, I hope you’ve all had a fabulous work week. I’m looking forward to an awesome weekend… with my hubby. Ahhh, XOXO – Kira

Sweatshirt//H&M , Pants//H&M , Jewelry//Burlington , Shoes//Zara , Trench Coat//DKNY 

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