HAPPY BIRTHDAY & DIY!!

Before I start this post, I MUST wish my 10 year-old sister a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I cannot believe that she is 10. I remember the day she was born; I cut the umbilical cord, held her in my arms and knew from that moment on she'd change my life...for the better. She and I have a very special bond and I am so thankful for that. She has taught me so much about life and about myself and I am so proud of the little lady she's becoming. So help me wish my favorite little person a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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Now, onto today's my post....

I guess you can say that I've been bitten by the DIY bug! LOL Last weekend, I spent about and hour in the craft store looking at the different items and I was determined to walk out of the store with a glue gun, and at least ONE DIY project. Well, I walked out with the glue gun and about 5 or 6 DIY projects!! 

I follow a few bloggers (Love Maegan, Rush our Fashion, Consider Me Lovely) just to name a few, who are really into DIY and I've become to inspired. I've even made a DIY album on my Facebook Page, here. To be honest, I've never been an arts & crafts person. I love to write poems, short stories, create photo albums and different collages. But get my hands dirty and sticky from glue and and paint, I'll pass!! However the older I get and the more immersed I become in the blogging culture, I find myself fascinated with the things you can do/make/create yourself. And it makes perfect sense; as picky as I can be, why not make something the way I want it to look???

Well, I've done just that! I decided to start small and work my way to the bigger projects. I made 2 headbands, one for my little sister and one for a friend, a cuff with a lace flower (for my mom), and a starfish necklace for my mom (not pictured). I have a few more projects to go but hey, this is a start. Now that I am in the groove of things, I am excited to see what else I can make. My little sis, mom and friend LOVED the creations. And I know if anyone is going to be honest with me, they will be! So thumbs up for me ;-) I hope to create some more things this weekend. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress.

Enjoy the photos below and let me know which DIY creation is YOUR favorite. Also, what would YOU like to see me tackle next??? Be easy on me tho ;-)

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Thrifted Beauty

Hello out there ;-) Hope you're having a happy Tuesday thus far. I must start by giving a HUGE thanks for all the comments and love on my Facebook page. I really appreciate it and I LOVE connecting with you all so I hope you continue to hear/see you all via-FBK.

Today's outfit is one I like to call a treasure! I was in the thrift store awhile back with my babe and I was on my way to the cashier when I saw this colorful frock peaking from the rack. The sizes on the rack read "S-M" but something told me to go look at the garment anyway. When I did, I was in LOVE!! the dress was soo colorful and pretty. Plus, it was my size; I guess someone misplaced it and put the "XL" in the wrong section. AND, the price tag was.....$9.90 with 1/2 off (because it was on a Monday). #WINNING I bought the dress when it was sold outside so I wore it a few times with tights, a blazer and boots/flats but I couldn't WAIT to wear it when the weather warmed up. On this particular day, I wore it with my hand-me-down sandals (thanks, Mommy!) and some of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My thrifted clutch (also seen, HERE) was the perfect ending. 

While being photographed, I was jammin' to my play list and I think Fantasia was playing. I included the video as well...enjoy ;-) Do you have an item in your closet that has a "story" or that you just LOVE to pieces??? Love when that happens ;-) Take care and be blessed! And as always, MUCH LOVE to my new and old followers....LOVE YOU ALL!!! XO!

~Nic

Dress: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Sandals: Bakers

Clutch: Thrifted, also seen HERE (2nd Avenue) 

Chunky Bracelet: Bakers

Watch: Charming Charlie

Pearl/Crystal Bracelet: Macy's (Monet)

*jammin' to my song, Doin' Me....SANG it Fantasia!!! ;-)*

More Color!

Hey everybody!! So I decided to shake it up a bit. After being featured as the Fashion Bombshell of the Day, (see post HERE) I started thinking about some of the comments. You know how we say, "I don't care what people say or think about me". Well, in a way I don't and in a way I do. I like to get feedback and constructive criticism, just not ignorant and hurtful comments. All that to say, I took a few of the comments to heart and really thought about how I can incorporate more color into my wardrobe. As well as, how to show off my best assets in a tasteful way. 

So I've had this thrifted skirt for a loooong time and I've NEVER worn it. I posted about it HERE ages ago. I went form being able to fit it, to not being able to fit it and now, it fits again! Which means all this working out and changed eating habits is working after all ;-) I added a colorful/floral sweater with it, and topped it off with my new nude pumps. The shoes are like a dream...they feel SO good. I received a lot of compliments on the outfit and the fiance' was LOVING this skirt. So I guess you can say I am in the process of beginning to embrace more color, as well as embracing my curves. I absolutely LOVE the outfit and I plan to wear it to church sometime soon. It's such a transitional outfit---work, date night, church, etc. 

Enjoy the pics, and be blessed!

~Nic

Top: Macy's

Skirt: Thrifted ($4.50)

Watch: Charming Charlie

Shoes: Ellen Tracy 

Earrings & Bracelet: Bakers

Necklace: Gifted

The Blue Dress Twin!!

Remember my cobalt blue dress from the other day (see HERE)? Well, meet her twin!!! When I went to Marshalls that day, I saw both and I had to get them. My mother has always told me that if I see something in my size that fits nice, get it in every color! LOL...I used to think that was the corniest thing but now that I am older and I pay for my own shopping expenses, I understand her philosophy. I like both colors because they are bright, and unlike something I would normally wear. The green and blue colors give me something to play with;  I can have fun with accessories and my shoes. So I think when purchasing these dresses, I did a job well done! AND, I can make them Spring/Summer dresses too. I can't wait to throw on some sandals and shades with each one....siiigghhh. Where are you warm weather??? ;-)

My favorite of the two would have to be.....the green. I just like how the color pops. I do LOVE the blue as well, but something about this green does it for me. Which dress is your fav? The blue (seen HERE) or the green? I'd like to know what you think :-) Thanks for your input and as always, thanks for your support and comments!

~Nic

Dress: Marshalls

Blazer: 24/7

Shoes: Toms (Nordstrom)

Tights: Target (Spanxx)

Necklace: Nordstrom (Borrowed)

Watch: Charming Charlies

Bangles & Black Bracelet: Borrowed from Mom

Chunky Silver Bracelet: Bakers

Ring: Bakers

Love Always...{2.14.12}

I hope you all had a great Valentines Day! Whether single, engaged, married or dating, it's important to be loved and show loved....every day. My V-day was nice and simple. The boo and I had reservations at a Sushi spot near our house but even with the reservations, the place was jammed packed! So, we opted to go to the Chinese restaurant right down the way called, Red Pearl . The food was amazing! I had the Chicken and Cashew Platter with brown rice, and my favorite cocktail, Lemon Drop Martini. We shared the Crab Wontons as an appetizer, while he had the 5 Flavor Shrimp and brown rice. The meal was divine and I keep craving the meal. I took some left overs home and ate it for lunch the next day; I LOVE leftovers, LOL! I didn't take any food pics because we both agreed not to take our cell phones into the restaurant. We had the best conversation(s), and just really enjoyed our time with one another. I love him so much, and I can truly say our 1st Valentines Day as an engaged couple was a success!

As far as the outfit, I opted for my red blazer I thrifted last week, a black dress I've had forever, and my sparkly B.P. heels from Nordstrom. I topped it off with my Love, Cortnie clutch and Traci Lynn chunky necklace (gifted from my friend Bre). I love the look because it was comfortable, and simply sexy. The dress was a tad short with the heels but it was an appropriate length for the occasion ;-)

Be blessed & talk to you all soon! XO....

~Nic

Blazer: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Dress: Marshalls

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Necklace: Traci Lynn

Shoes: B.P. (Nordstrom...also seen HERE & HERE)

Tights: Target (Spanxx)

Watch: Charming Charlie

Black & White at Work....Part Deux

I did it again! ;-) I wore another black and white combo to work this Friday! I absolutely despise wearing heavy coats, although I have a ton of very pretty/cute ones. So I always opt for a nice, warm, wrap. This black and white checkered one happens to belong to my mother. I always borrow her items; she has the best selection when it comes to accessories, blazers and outerwear. Somethings Ii can't wear but the things I can, I sure do wear!

I decided to try out a cute hair clip in my hair. My mother has been telling me to try them for the longest but, I always feared it was too juvenile. Well, I am glad I listened (mother's know best). I loved it as soon as I put it in! The clip also reminded me of Tanya, over at Major Must Haves (also seen, HERE). Not only does she have a lovely sense of style, but her hair always looks flawless. And sometimes, she wears the best hair accessories. So, she too was an inspiration for me to try it out.

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend, and I look forward to getting some more entries for my Valentines Giveaway!! If you haven't already, enter HERE. Good luck & Talk to you all soon! xo...

~Nic

Wrap: D&Y Brand

Blazer: Denim 24/7

Jeans: SW Jeans (Marshalls)

Top: Ellen Tracy (Macy's in NYC)

Shoes: Deichmann (Site, HERE)

Purse: Marshalls ($10.00)

Bracelet: Bakers

Watch: Charming Charlie

Hair Clip: Target (Goodie Brand)

Art Decoish + Instagram = My Weekend

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!! Other than the random snow on Saturday, all went well. Oh yea, to the NY Giant fans, congrats (in my muffled voice, LOL) and to my RAVENS fans....LET'S GET READY FOR THE NEXT SEASON!!!

Anyway, this outfit is a simple one I wore Sunday afternoon. My top is thrifted and I am happy to finally wear it. As promised, I am shopping my closet a lot more and I plan to keep it up. The top reminds me of an art decoish painitng, hence the title of the post. I saw it and love how different it was. Plus, it was only a few bucks so, why not??

I also made a purchase this weekend---I finally got my iPhone :-) I am on Instagram, and yes....I am already addicted LOL. I am  also happy to use my Kate Spade iPhone case that I won from the CapFABB, BNO (Bloggers Night Out) event in December (see post, HERE). With that being said, some pics in this post are from Instagram...LOL. Addicted, yep!

All in all, I had a good, relaxing weekend and I am geared up and ready for a new week. I hope you all have a blessed one and as always, thanks for following :-)

~Nic
{Follow me On Facebook & Bloglovin'}

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Top: Thrifted

Jeans: Marshalls

Watch: Charming Charlie

Earrings: Fancy Q

Shoes: Target

Ring: Thrifted

Necklace: Gifted

Beaded Bracelet: Gifted 

Silver Bracelet: Gifted

iPhone & Kate Spade Case

Instagram Weekend Snaps

{follow me on Instagram --> msnicjames}

Pink Friday

Happy Friday & a big smile and hello to my new followers!! Thank SOOO much for following and commenting. It so great to have someone read/look at my daily fashions, thoughts and other "stuff". I get giddy when I see new followers, lol. As long as one person finds what I say/or wear interesting, my blogging is not in vain ;-)

Anywho, I am Glad to see the weekend come; it has been a long week. Blessed to see it thru, but happy to have a few days to chill. I've been wanting to wear my pink pants for quite sometime and I can happily say, i wore them this week to work. When I purchased them from the Goodwill a few months back (see HERE), my friends were skeptical of me getting them. But I was determined to make them work. Well, I did and I loved them! I got so many compliments that day. I also looked up on the net to see how other celebrities were wearing their colorful pants/denim. In a way, I guess you can say their outfits were inspiration. I paired it with my favorite Love, Cortnie clutch and a blazer. Hope you like! Be blessed and talk to you soon.

~Nic

PS Don't forget to follow me on Facebook & Bloglovin'...we all know what's going to happen with Google in March :-/

Blazer: Macy's (INC)

Pants: Thrifted

Shoes: (Marshalls) Fergie

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Sunglasses: Goodwill

T-Shirt: Target

Watch: Charming Charlie

Cuff: Bakers

Necklace: Gifted

Black & White at Work

Top: Style & Co. (Macy's)

Slacks: Marshalls

Shoes: Fergie

Purse: Love, Cortnie

Watch: Charming Charlies

The Sweater, The Blazer & the Clutch

The title of this post alone makes me giggle. Let me just tell you that I have had this sweater in my closet for about a year or so. I have probably worn in twice, but I have been wanting to wear it for quite sometime. So, yesterday before I left for work, I was determined to make it work. So, I figured all black (slacks and a top) would allow the sweater to make a 'statement'. Plus, I wanted to wear my taupe-ish heels. Bam! The outfit was a success, in my mind ;-) Then, I had somewhere to go later that evening and I wanted to wear the sweater, and my Love Cortnie clutch that I haven't worn yet. I knew the patterns might be a bit too much soooo, I opted for my thrifted blazer. I took pics of ALL of the outfits and laughed to myself. I have worn the same basic pieces and made 3 outfits. I LOVE THAT!!

I get excited when I can recycle items and accessories and things. I am really enjoying shopping my closet lately as well. I have some hidden treasures in there I see ;-)

Enjoy and thanks for commenting!

~Nic

P.S. I got a new camera!!! My "photographer" (the fiance') is still learning how to zoom, focus and all that good stuff, and I am learning how to edit pic using this new software so bare with us ;-) I am SOOO excited to be using my new Nikon ;-)

{Collage of my outfit & some inspirational pieces as well}

{What I wore to Work}

Slacks & Top: Marshalls

Sweater: The Salvation Army

{Option 1 for the 'Afternoon Look'}

Jeans: The Gap

{Option 2}

Blazer: Thrifted (also seen HERE)

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Watch: Charming Charlie

Earrings: NY & Co.

Necklace: Thrifted

Cross Bracelet: Gifted

Silver Bracelet: Thrifted

Shoes: Impo ($15)