Tag: black style blogger

Sequin Top + Glitter Pants

Once upon a time there was a girl who loved sequins. Tops, bottoms, bags, accessories, it didn’t matter as long as they sparkled. Years passed and that girl got a desk job, gaduated college, and let her love of all things glam take a back seat to pencil skirts and wrap dresses. Eventually her collection of glam dwindled, until one day she found a thrifted top and it reignited her love. Obviously, said girl is me and this week it’s all about my sequin top and glitter pants.

Adulting makes it incredibly easy to lose your sense of adventure when it comes to wardrobe. Cubicles, dress codes, and seminars pressure you to abandon your bright colors and certainly your sequins. Commuting an hour to work on public transportation doesn’t help. However, this second half of 2019 I’ve reconnected with my happy place.

The fun pieces I’ve worn in times past are coming out of retirement. Well, at least the ones I can still fit. This color block sequin top is one of them. A random trip to my local Goodwill and there it was, for just $5! Seriously, if you’ve never gone thrifting, you’re missing out. There are so many goodies waiting to be purchased. Soon after, a trip to H&M is where I found these glitter ankle pants.

The entire outfit was meant to be worn as my 33rd birthday look. However, that party never took place and I gained weight so the pants just sat unworn. A recent try-on had your girl feeling lovely since they now fit. I honestly couldn’t wait to wear this outfit. Remember those gold mules from last month? Well, here they are in silver. The perfect way to finish off the metallic theme.

Most people shy away from wearing these statement pieces during the day. But the idea that metallics are only for nighttime is ancient. Mix it up and add some pizzazz to your wardrobe!

Top//Thrifted , Pants//H&M , Shoes//Zara

White Button Down Dress

A friend of mine asked me to describe my style last week and it took a moment to give her an answer. After some thought I told her that my style consisted of boardroom and the block. I pride myself on having a healthy blend of haute and hood and I make no apologies. That’s the great thing about style, there are no limits. When I shot today’s look, I was feeling minimal. The focus needed to be all about this v-neck white button down dress.

Summer is all about ease for me in terms of wardrobe. Dresses are always my go to because they require little effort. Just slip one on and go. The perfect routine when temperatures are high and humidity is a beast. With most of my summer white pieces now too small, a new white dress was a necessity. Before heading to Amazon I decided to try Zara.

Clearly that was a great decision. Since the brick and mortar store at 18th and Chestnut closed, I haven’t shopped there lately. But this dress was waiting for me and it was on sale. A cool $20 this lightweight knit dress is a steal. You may be thinking “Isn’t it too warm for knits?” However, the dress is thick enough to keep you warm on a cool night, and thin enough to keep you from sweating buckets.

The shoulder straps on this dress are actually a bit too long for me. A common problem I encounter being a petite woman, but that’s an easy fix. Something one trip to the cleaners will handle. The large round buttons going down the front are what attracted me to this piece. They stand out against the off white and add an unexpected twist to your basic white v-neck dress.

To ensure the dress alone was the center of attention I kept it simple with my accessories. For footwear I opted for low black wedges to match the buttons. Then chose these white and gold statement earrings. They are far from minimal but against this big curly wig, they are somewhat muted. No purse, no bracelet, no necklace. Just me and the dress. What are your thoughts? How would you rock this dress?

Dress//Zara , Shoes/Earrings//Aldo

5 Self-Care Tips for Fashionistas

Self Care is defined as any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. I can’t say when, but within the last 5 years we’ve all become obsessed with self-care. Although it’s become synonymous with spa days and mimosas for some, the practice of caring for oneself is something to be cherished. In a world where anxiety is higher than ever and women are dying at alarming rates from heart disease, we all need to prioritize ourselves. While there’s a plethora of information about self-care practices online, I thought I’d try offer something for my fellow stylish ladies. Here are five self-care tips for fashionistas.

1. Donate Your Clothing

We all know that you can earn a pretty penny by reselling your preowned clothing and accessories online. Ebay, Poshmark, and consignment shops are awesome when you want to boost your bank account. But you know what’s equally awesome? Helping a woman who can’t repay you. Now don’t trip, I know this is a “self” care list but being a blessing to someone else is sowing seed that will produce a good harvest. Trust me, be a blessing and watch God bless you in return.

2. Stay True to Size

Wearing properly fitting clothes is totally a form of self-care. You honor your body when you treat her with respect… which includes honest sizing. Fashion is not a numbers game. Don’t get hung up on the number on the tag. Every woman knows her weight fluctuates depending on the time of month, lifestyle, etc. So be kind to yourself and stay true to size.

3. Dress to Express

Remember when you were a kid having fun playing dress up? Get back to that place! The business of adulting can sometimes stifle your creativity if you let it. Go ahead, wear your favorite color. Colors have the power to shift moods and evoke emotion. Feeling playful? Try that new trend you’ve secretly been afraid to wear. Don’t let your fear of others opinions keep you in fashion bondage.

4. Ditch the heels

Believe it or not, it’s okay not to wear stilettos every day. You only have two feet and they’re pretty necessary. Show your tootsies some love by taking care of them. Wearing flats is not corny (pun intended) or reserved for little girls and elderly women. There are tons of fabulous flats and sneakers out there waiting to be styled. By all means be comfortable, but make it fashion.

5. Treat Yo Self

A true fashionista knows how to look fabulous whether her budget is one hundred dollars or one million. Why? Because she knows that style isn’t about labels but about execution. I used to be a fan of “retail therapy” until I realized I was actually just impulse buying. Spending money unwisely is never a fashion do. However, treating yourself to something on your wishlist can be self-care. Buy the one of a kind purse or those red bottoms. Just don’t drain your savings.

Top//H&M , Pants//Ross , Shoes//Wild Diva , Earrings//Aldo

Gold High-Low Dress

After wearing headwraps every day for two weeks I felt the need to switch it up… and do the most. This new “Game Changer” lace wig from the Sensationnel Curls Kinks & Co line is just that, a game changer!! The texture is bomb but the volume is what won me over. I’m in a big hair mood and this is as big as it gets. Its synthetic and can easily be washed and air dried. What do you wear with a wig like this? A dress that’s equally as eye catching; something like this gold pleated swing dress.

For as long as I can remember I was opposed to wearing anything high-low. Being a 5’3 petite woman I’ve never liked the way I look in that style of dress. However, when you find a metallic gold dress that’s lightweight and perfectly pleated, all bets are off. While this dress is at least four years old, it’s still one of my go-to’s for a steamy summer day.

It was 100 degrees during this shoot so I kept my accessories simple by pairing this dress with a matching metallic mule. These high heel mules are by Zara, but I found them at Marshall’s for only $13. Yes hunny, THIRTEEN BUCKS!! I chose a simple black tassel earring and black clutch to complete the look. It’s not my normal practice to play down my accessories but this year I’m trying to vary my approach.

Get used to this wig because you’ll be seeing it all summer. It’s the perfect no fuss protective style for my every day. I make sure I keep my hair moisturized and braided underneath. How about you? What’s your go-to protective style for summer?

Dress//H&M , Shoes//Zara , Purse//H&M

Black Floral Short Set

So you mean to tell me that after 8 seasons of diabolical treachery Cersei dies due to structural damage at Casterly Rock?! A freaking building collapse… really? I’m convinced Game of Thrones writers are trying to make fans livid (if so, it’s working). *Deep sigh* I could go on but refuse to go down the rabbit hole. Instead let’s lighten the mood and focus on fashion. Spring is such a hodge podge of temperatures (because global warming), it seems the only consistent theme are the flowers my wardrobe. Ones like this black floral short set for instance.

Last year my mother took me shopping for Mother’s Day and we spotted this outfit at Mandee’s in Springfield. If you’ve never been to Mandee, every item in the store is priced at $10 or less. It’s insane, I know, which is why I can’t believe I don’t shop there more often. This floral short set came in three variations: pink, black, and white. White was my first choice but I couldn’t find my size. Nevertheless, the black proved to be a great pick because I can wear this in the fall as well.

Both pieces were $10 each, sold separately. Something that stood out to me was the long vest. Had it been shorter, the set may have appeared cheasy. A long vest adds a level of sophistication to an otherwise trendy ensemble. I also love the contrast of a dark background against bold flowers. Having never worn shorts with over the knee boots I knew that’s exactly how I wanted to style this outfit. I’m aware that some find the pairing a little too risque, especially for a Christian blogger. However, I honestly believe that it’s how you wear your clothes that makes the difference.

The plan was to layer a classic white button up underneath the vest. Would you believe I couldn’t find a single one in my closet? Epic styling fail an hour before my shoot. This pastel pink button up is plan B. I still don’t think it works but hey, the show must go on. Black fringe earrings and a quilted chain handle purse complete this look. Have you ever worn boots with shorts? What do you think of this combo? Let me know in the comments and lets make this a great Monday!

Short Set//Mandee , Boots//Go Jane , Shirt//H&M

Green Floral Midi Dress

Hello beautiful people! I hope your holiday weekend was wonderful, I’m still buzzing from my church’s Resurrection Sunday service. Pastor delivered the story of Calvary from Judas’ perspective (chile… amazing). Hubs and I attended a christening and became proud God Parents; then we ended the night with episode two of Game of Thrones season 8. You guys, I’m truly not ready for this show to be over, it’s one of my favorites. Instead of crying over G.O.T, I’ll just focus on the fashion. Now we’ve all heard the old saying “April showers bring May flowers” right? Today I’m bringing the flowers a little early with this green floral midi dress.

Let me start by letting all my fellow fashionistas know, YES this is an H&M dress sis. In early fall of 2017 I purchased this dress on clearance for $20 (right before the whole monkey debacle). I keep releasing a disclaimer whenever I wear this brand because I know many of my favs have been quite problematic recently. Am I purchasing new items from H&M? Honestly, haven’t given them my coins in over a year and the jury is still out (shoulder shrug). For now, wearing everything I have while they still fit is the move for this season. A resale is in the near future because… weight gain lol.

Rather than style this dress predictably, I decided to give y’all a little drama. Adding green opaque tights immediately makes it more interesting and also highlights the floral design. The soft pinks and creams stand out against the abundance of hunter green. For the first time in SPS history, I wore sandals with my tights – something I’ve been trying to do forever. This was the right outfit for the job, so to speak. These blush sandals hurt like crazy but darn it if they don’t slay!

Minimal accessories and a bold green lip are all I need. My trusty trench coat was the icing on the cake, perfect for this spring weather. This may be my favorite shoot of the season thus far. What say you? Will you be wearing tights with sandals this season? Let me know in the comments below!

Dress//H&M , Jacket//DKNY , Shoes//Anne Michelle , Tights//Target


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