Color Block + Stripes

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. Leave a Comment

Happy Monday beautiful people! I can’t speak for you but last week was a rough one for me. However, today’s a beand new day. The sun is shining and I woke up – so basically I’m blessed. How about you? There’s lots to do this week, one of which is finally introducing our new reading material for 3rd Quarter devotions. I’m excited about what’s to come for us on this journey, I hope you are too!

Since Monday’s generally get a bad rap for being gloomy I’ve decided to brighten up my mood and hopefully yours by sporting a bold outfit. A great mix of comfort and style, I’ve paired a cotton striped skirt with a bold top. The contrast is eye catching and the comfy wedges mean I can be fabulous all day, even while traveling on the train. To top it off I’ve added a bold clutch and a leather belt to cinch the waist. Color has an amazing effect on our senses, and this combination has me ready to slay and take on the work week. Xoxo!

Top//Zara , Skirt//H&M , Belt//Forever 21 , Shoes & Bag//Aldo 

Floral Skater Dress

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 2 Comments

So I woke up yesterday and umm, apparently it’s August. Anybody know where the first half of the year went? No seriously – everything is a blur. In any case, we have about six or seven weeks of summer left so let’s make the most of it and have some fun! I plan on hitting up some local ice cream shops to beat the heat and I still have to visit at least one beach before the fall.

 

While the fall is my absolute favorite time of year I am intentionally trying to enjoy this summer. I’ve even stopped reciting how much I hate the sumer and it’s blistering heat. Rather than be perpetually annoyed at the humidity and the heatwaves, I’ve decided to focus on slaying summer fashion. Yes, I’ve made it my mission to dress happy and therefore, feel happy in this heat.

Today’s look is no exception. A few years back I purchased this skater dress from Daffy’s for about $20 bucks. I absolutely love the fit and the cross back, not to mention the pattern. The red and hot pink poppies stand out against the white base. This little number is perfect with flats and a bolero for day or the heels featured here and a clutch for night.

Dress//Fire by L.A. , Shoes//Zara , Clutch//H&M , Jewelry//H&M 

 

Printed Minidress + Lucite Heels

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 4 Comments

 

Happy Humpday beauties! The DNC is here and Dems have taken over the city of Brotherly Love. I love my city and I hope our guests are enjoying their stay. The people here are awesome, the food is amazing, and our museaums are national treasures. Most of my time is spent at work but when I’m not in the office I am out with friends or my fiancé.

On a recent afternoon date we decided to catch a movie and chill in town. We decided on Ghostbusters since Star Trek was sold out and I have to say it was funnier than expected. I was pleasantly surprised lol. I decided to wear this fun little number on our date but don’t worry I brought a sweater for the theater. I absolutely love the newspaper print and the little cut out chain detail in the mid section.

To accessorize I added some vintage chain earrings given to me by my grandmother and a pair of lucite sandals from Aldo. To be honest, I seriously forgot about these sandals til I found them in the back of my closet. They are about ten years old…just old enough to be on trend now. A super simple outfit without a lot of fuss is just what I needed for an afternoon out in the heat!

Dress//H&M , Shoes//Aldo , Jewelry//H&M {earrings vintage} 

Y – Back Dress + Folded Clutch

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 2 Comments

Hey girlfriend! It’s back to business here at SPS and after the events of the last two weeks, I’m in a much better space mentally thanks to prayer and self care. We are in full heatwave season here in Philly with temperatures in the nineties daily, and let me tell you, the struggle is real! I’m trying to keep my skin as clear as possible which often means keeping my hair and all it’s tropical product off of my face. Trust that updos, pinned wash & go’s, and some head wraps will be in full effect this summer!

Today I’ve decided to beat the heat with a bold and beautiful dress. This soft chiffon material in watercolor pattern has a Y-Back design. The slight ruffle along the bustline add a chic touch. I’ve added some oversize sunnies to compliment my retro undo. With so much gorgeous color in the dress, I opted for clear mules and finished the look with a bright folded clutch. Simple, sophisticated, and summer ready. Stay cool in this heat loves, XO – Kira.

Dress//Marshalls , Shoes//Aldo , Clutch//Ross , Glasses//Michael Kors 

Navy Stripes + Red Accessories

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Happy Independence Day loves! I hope your weekend has been a good one. We’re right in the groove of summer, can you believe how time is flying? Philly is the place to be this time of year for our Welcome America festivities. Since Memorial Day the city has steadily seen an increase in visitation and this past weekend kicked off our 4th of July celebrations. I can assure you the waterfront will be ablaze with fireworks and the Ben Franklin Parkway will be lit tonight. If you ever get the chance to come celebrate with us, please do!

 

In honor of the holiday I’ve chosen to keep it patriotic for today’s look. In the mood to dress up for some reason ( as opposed to cut offs and a tank top ) I opted for a striped sheath dress. Although many are against horizontal stripes I find that the slim fit and precise tailoring gives me a chic silhouette. I especially love the rounded neckline and the wide shoulder straps.

With rain in the forecast today is the perfect day for an undo. To cap off my patriotic theme I’ve decide to wear my go to red heels and red clutch purse. MAC Ruby Woo on my lips for all day wear and a lightweight scarf because… anemia ( lol ). And there you have it, my city chic Independence Day lay. Here’s to burnt hot dogs and good potato salad, enjoy your day!! XO – Kira

Dress//H&M , Shoes//Zara , Clutch//H&M , Scarf//Thrifted 

Lavender Mini

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 2 Comments

      

While watching the classic Sidney Portier film To Sir With Love last week I was reminded of how much I loved the Mod dresses of the 1960’s. This popular London trend swept America by storm during the decade and models like Twiggy helped increase it’s popularity. Today I’ve decided to take this classic trend and make it my own.

      

A few years ago I stumbled upon today’s dress in one of my favorite stores, Buffalo Exchange. The beaded peter pan collar and lace detail caught my eye immediately. Mod dresses tend to have very short hemlines, so I absolutely love that this mini is balanced with long sleeves. It stays true to the trend while still looking demure.

By adding a pair of chic low heels and a vintage purse, my retro look is complete. My entire outfit, accessories included,  cost about $90 ( with my heels being $50 alone ). Whenever I see baby boomer fashion trends reemerge, I take a trip to the thrift store instead of buying off the rack. You’ll stand out without breaking the bank to do so. Cheers to baing a bargain beauty!

Dress & Purse//Vintage , Shoes//Zara , Sunglasses//Smak Parlour , Jewelry//Burlington 

Black and Gold Maxi

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 4 Comments

Hello beautiful people, I hope your week is finding you well. The heat is here in Philly and I’m excited about all the summer fun to come! Food trucks, festivals, shows, etc.. I can’t wait to experience what the city has to offer.

 

Meanwhile, back at the office summer means the air conditioning is on full blast and I have to dress accordingly.Today I’ve decided to go with this beautiful printed maxi dress. A quick updo to camouflage my messy hair, gold jewelry, and a pair of comfy slides complete the look.

The long sleeves will keep me warm in the office while the thin fabric lets me breathe outdoors. Due to the sheer nature of the fabric I had to add leggings underneath, but they’ll be an added benefit to beat the office chill. How about you ladies, do you dress for a cold workspace as well?

Dress//Warrior Princess Closet , Sandals//Schultz , Necklace//H&M 

Vintage Paisley Dress

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 4 Comments

So listen, I have a confession to make. I’ve basically been in my feelings since this time last week because both of my younger siblings graduate this month. My sister is leaving undergrad with a degree in graphic design and my brother is headed to college for computer engineering.

 

I am both overwhelmed and overjoyed. I’ll never admit this to my mother but, I too have moments where I find myself tearfully replaying all of their milestones in my head. I feel so old staring at their yearbook pictures. My babies are all grown up and there’s no stopping them! I wonder what actual parenthood must feel like…

Okay, enough talk about graduations and nostalgia, how about we shift to fashion instead? As you know by now, I love a good trip to the thrift store or consignment shop. One such trip a few years ago introduced me to today’s featured frock, this fabulous silk dress.

A vibrant grass green color with multi colored paisley and gold threading throughout, I couldn’t pass up this dress. It was originally two sizes too big, but some alterations and a second thrifting trip to buy shoes proved to be all I needed. By adding a few go to accessories I am totally ready to enjoy some sun in the city. Here’s to finding hidden treasures!

 

Dress//Vintage , Shoes//Etienne Aigner , Glasses//Michael Kors , Clutch//H&M , Ring//H&M

Plaid + Polka Dots

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Happy Friday loves! We prayed for the weather to shift and didn’t God answer our prayer? Won’t He do it?!! I normally hate anything over 80 degrees but God is teaching to stop complaining, especially after the winter we’ve had recently. Now I can finally pack up my sweaters and pull out my spring/summer wardrobe without fear of waking up to an arctic chill again.

 

Although it’s casual Friday at work, 90 degrees is just too hot for jeans in my opinion, so I’ve decided to have some fun. Dressed in head to toe Zara, I’m mixing prints and adding a pop of color! I’m not one for polka dot…which is exactly why I challenged myself to leave my comfort zone. I’ve done it already by adding red to my wardrobe, so now it’s time for bold prints.

The top has zipper detailing with a slight flare at the hem, while the plaid skinny pants elongate my legs adding height. My trusty red shoe and some bold accessories are just what I need to kick off this holiday weekend. Enjoy your Friday, see you Monday XO!

Top//Zara , Pants//Zara , Shoes//Zara , Clutch//H&M , Bangles//H&M , Watch//Overstock

Cheetah + Leather

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. 2 Comments

   

So this is what a true Spring feels like huh? I promise you I’ve experienced all of the seasons in the last 24 hours. We’ve gone from mild and sunny to wet and chilly repeatedly this week. To keep from totally getting sick, I’ve been wearing my trusty Zara moto jacket. It’s light enough for milder days and heavy enough for the chilly days which require a scarf. Between this and my trench, I’ll be set until Summer!

   

Today’s look is all about these cheetah print pants. Slim fit and ankle length, they are among the most comfortable pants I own. They are a thick cotton blend and the gold zipper detail in back adds a chic touch. I paired them with a black leather tee and gold accessories. I went with kitten heels for the office but I have a pair of stilettos in my desk in case this look inspires Bar to call an impromptu date night, lol… XO! 

 

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