NEW YEAR

We are just a few days away from the New Year. I'm sure everyone has written out their New Year's resolution or at least thought about what they plan on doing different in 2016. Some may be trying to decide if they are going to church or attending a New Year's party.  Whatever you decide to do, I have a few looks that will have you GLAMOROUS for the New Year!

This year, I wanted to pick a color that will represent what I want the New Year to look like for me.  After tussling between a few different colors, I finally decided to go with Gold.  I chose Gold for many reasons.  Although gold is mostly associated with wealth and prosperity, it also represents love and compassion. One of my New Year's resolutions is to spread more love and compassion to others. Seldom times, we get so caught up on self, that we forget to appreciation the people around us.  Of course we all want wealth and prosperity each and every year, but what is it to have those things and not share it with others or use it to live out our true purpose in life.

As we prepare to close out this year and enter into a new year with a clean slate, let's keep in mind some of the key components of life.  I pray that each of my readers achieves everything they desire in 2016. Let us make this a year of triumph; breaking barriers.  Let us have the courage to seek the things that challenge us to be better people. Most importantly, let us gain wisdom to make better choices. Remember, there will still be snares we face in 2016; for life is a freeway full of obstacles and pitfalls. But with wisdom and courage, we will have the ability to rise from failure and strive again.  See you next year.  Happy New Year!

Jumper: Gift | Skirt: Forever 21 | Gold Blouse: Macys | Leggings: Asos 

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

JACKETS

The weather has been so unpredictable this holiday season.  One week it's warm, the next it's cold, and now, it's raining pretty heavily.  It's important that we are prepared for the unexpected, with a jacket to match the weather changes.  If you plan on being out shopping and/or attending holiday parties, jackets are an essential piece to every outfit. Here are just a few jackets that have helped me weather the storm!

 This red moto jacket that I purchased from Forever 21 is to die for. It is warm and stylish. This look is perfect for a night out on the town.

This army jacket is perfect if you are out shopping. It's heavy enough for the cold weather, but can also be worn around the waist if it gets a little warm.

This is my all time favorite moto jacket.  I purchased this from Forever 21 about 3 years ago and it is still trendy till this day.  I literally wear this jacket with everything. I particularly like it because it can be dressed up or down; with the spikes giving it an edgier look. 

I wish you bundles of joy this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Red and Black Moto Jacket: Forever 21 | Army Jacket: Charlotte Army Consignment 

Scarf:  I Wanna Crochet

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

CROCHET

This holiday season, I wanted to bring back a classic look that we all know so well.  Crochet has been around for centuries. I'm sure you remember your grandmother making little blankets and hats for you growing up.  Even as a teenager, I remember getting a hat for Christmas that my grandmother would make that I would never wear.  That has since change and crochet has regain its popularity; being sold in stores all over the world.  I came across a scarf one day in H&M that looked similar to the one my grandmother use to make.  They wanted $20 bucks for the scarf.  I chuckled to myself and realized in that moment that fashion only repeats itself. Sometimes at a pretty penny!

A friend of mine name Andrea Steward crochets some of the most amazing pieces. From adorable baby booties to warm and fuzzy scarves, she has been fulfilling her passion for over four years.  Having the ability to interlock yarn and threads to create clothes with a hook is fascinating to me.  I could not wait to model a few of her pieces.  Check her out if you are looking for handmade pieces for not only the holidays, but any occasion. To see some of her latest work and/or place orders, click here I Wanna Crochet.

Jacket: Forever 21 | Shirt: Old Navy | Jeans: Old Navy | Timberland: G. Sneaker Choice 

Scarf:  I Wanna Crochet

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

SUPERSTAR

How has holiday shopping been for you so far? I have found so many great deals this holiday season.  I could not wait to share one of my most recent finds.  It's rare that we find classic items on sale. Let's face it; there are just some things that don't go down in price. At least that's what I thought until I ran across these classic kicks.

While shopping on my lunch break last week, I stumbled across these iconic "Superstar" Adidas.  I was never a huge fan of Adidas. I just recently fell in love with them when they released the Superstar design in bright, bold colors earlier this year.  Since then, I fell in love with the shell toe sneaker as they are mostly referred to as.

These classic designs only set me back a whopping $20 bucks! Yes, you heard it right. I only paid twenty American dollars for them.  The pink and white design was considered a summer color, so they were discounted tremendously.  Guess you can say I'm something like a Superstar when it comes to finding deals, huh?

Jacket: Forever 21 | T-Shirt: Ross | Jeans: Old Navy | Sneakers: DTLR 

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

REFLECTING

As we gear up for the New Year, it's imperative that we take some time to reflect. This year has been an amazing one for me; with a few bumps here and there. I appreciate the bumps, because it pushed me to step out on faith and do some of the things that I always wanted to do.  Starting this blog has been monumental; giving me a voice to share the many ideas that cloud my head daily.  It allowed me to touch individuals far and near; to make minimal changes in their lives for the better.  How rewarding is that!

We all should begin to recognize our shortcomings and try to recreate ourselves.  While some may think they have it all together or feel their life is grand, there's always room for growth. Life has a funny way of helping us evolved much faster then we want to sometimes; through situations and/or circumstances.  The situation is the test and how you handle it is the lesson.  Do we pass or fail?  I've failed many times, but holding myself accountable is where growth started to take place. We can always point fingers at external influences for our pit falls in life, but what good does that really do? I began to realize that the problems and challenges that we face in life are just problems and challenges.  What does that really mean?  It means that we will always have problems, but they are only as big as we make them. The more you focus on self, and improve areas in your life; only enhances your power. The lesson that I've learned this year is that the biggest antagonist that I face is ME!

As we move into 2016, let us not allow our reflections to whittle away.  Besides, awareness of our own thoughts and feelings is what make us human.  If we sacrifice a significant amount of that, who do we really become?  As my brother would tell me, "Make you a priority without compromise." Ask yourself, what will I do different to contribute to my success?  EXAMINE your failures and find ways to avoid them. EVALUATE the people worthy of your time and effort.  ELIMINATE any and everything that do not contribute to your growth.  Continuously aim to maximize your potential, and see how well you do. Always remember, that the biggest force that has control over you is... YOU!

BOOTS

The winter is here and it's important that we are prepared.  I live for cold weather being reared in New York.  If only it snowed more here in Atlanta, it will feel just like back home. Nonetheless, what better way to stay warm then in some thigh high boots? These boots are made for walking sounds so cliche, but it's literally the truth.

It has been one heck of a journey for me finding boots to come up my big calves. Needless to say, the wait is over. I was ecstatic when I went shopping over the weekend and found these boots. They are super comfy and keep my legs warm. Thigh high boots can be a little tricky. If not worn appropriately, it can give off a not so conservative look.  Pairing it with a mini skirt works well, depending on your height. The skirt I decided to pair with the boots I purchased over two years ago from forever 21.  It literally still had the tag on it.  When I got home and tried the skirt on, it was a little too short for my taste so I never wore it until now. After pairing it with the boots (with the boots covering so much of my legs), I pulled off a sexy look just in time for the holidays.

Remember style is not what you wear, it's how you wear it.  When it comes to boots, be sure to look for quality and comfort. Never be ashamed to tastefully emphasize your assets and I dare you to try revamping clothes and shoes that you already have in your closet this holiday season.  Besides, we're not here to keep up with the latest trends, rather reintroduce classic styles. Stay Thoro!

Dress: Pink Clove | Boots: Pink Clove | Sweater: Danice | Skirt: Forever 21 

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

COLOR

As holidays are upon us, let's add a little color to our wardrobe.  I get so excited around this time of the year. The lights, dinner parties, and off course spending quality time with family and friends fills me with so much joy. We want to ensure that we are looking our absolute best at all times. What better way to brighten up the place with a splash of color.

This holiday, I wanted to do things a little differently.  Each and every year, we get so caught up on tradition. Every holiday party I attend, you find people wearing the same colors; red and black.  While I too love those colors and well aware of the holiday theme, I thought it would be cool to brighten things up a little. Besides, who said you could only wear bright colors during the spring and summer?  I found the perfect dress a few days ago while shopping for an all purpose dress for the holidays. I initially went searching for your typical holiday colors, until I laid eyes on this dress.  It is both festive and conservative.  It's actually not that bright; but more of a mustard color. This dress can be worn on a date with that perfect guy, holiday parties, and even to a wedding.  My favorite part of the dress is the built in girdle which holds my body in so well.  I scored this dress for only $40 bucks. How could I beat that!

Let this holiday season be a fun and joyous one.  Don't get so hung up on tradition; break the rules a bit.  Be the life of the party, with a stylish new look. Remember, don't be afraid to add color to your holiday look and I promise it's guaranteed to be a conversation piece for years to come.

Dress: Pink Clove | Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti | Watch: Marc Jacobs

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR