Simple Sunday & Weekend Recap

Can't believe another weekend has flown by! I hope you all had a great one.

One of the highlights of my weekend was being able to judge my 1st pageant. My little sis was asked to help out at the Elkton (MD) Fall Fest this Saturday. The director of the event also asked if I was interested in judging. Of course I accepted with great pleasure! I had such a wonderful time and the contestants all did so well. I truly feel the girls who won deserved it. Both winners were poised and were genuinely nice girls.

*The outfit I wore Saturday*

I also attended church today and enjoyed family dinner afterwards. For the most part, I was relaxed while dressing this weekend. With the weather changing, I am still in the midst of changing my wardrobe from summer to fall. This afternoon, I threw on some comfy pants and a cute top, both from Target. Most, if not all of my jewelry is thrifted. 

*I can see a little bit of my work out paying off in these pics...YAY!!!*

All in all, the weekend was pretty good. As I type I'm watching the Ravens game, hoping they come back and win this game against the Patriots. My boo is next to me yelling at the screen and telling me what they're doing wrong. As if I don't know, LOL! 

Have a good night and I wish you a productive and blessed Monday. TTYS! 

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Today, I'm linking up with:

 

The Complete Look

Good afternoon friends!! Before I get into this post, I just want to say thank you ALL so much for your kind words on my most recent post. I really appreciate the support and love; it truly touched my heart. 

Today's post is short and to the point. I just wanted to share the rest of my leopard & black look with you. I purchased the dress at Target a few weeks ago and I've worn it 3 different ways. I thought about doing another dress challenge (last one HERE), and I even wanted to include some of my readers/fellow bloggers. But life got crazy busy so, I said hey. I'll just share how I styled this dress sporadically throughout my blog. 

I hope you enjoy the look, and be sure to check back tomorrow for Facebook Friday. I'm sure you'll love it! Until then, be blessed & take care.

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Dress: Target

Tee: Target

Sandals (that broke the other day):Target

Clutch: Marshalls 

Jewelry: ALL Thrifted

Seeing Clearly

Hello friends, and welcome to yet another Monday. I'm not even going go on and on, talking about how quick the weekend went by because I am sure you ALL agree ;-) Regardless, I am thankful to see another week and I'm ready to start off on a great note.

Yesterday, my fiance' and I went to church and when I say the message was right on time I mean it. The topic was, "Do You Know Him (God) Like That?". The minister preached from Philippians 3:1-14 and although he focused on vs. 10, he broke down every verse which was AWESOME! He explained that materials things, degrees/education, money, family background, etc. mean NOTHING if you don't have God. After all, how do you think you got all of those 'things' and accomplished so much??? He also went onto say that in order to GAIN the great things God has in store for us, we must NOT be afraid to LOSE somethings/some people in our lives. It's all apart of God's plan so we are to trust HIM.

I really felt connected to the message and I left the church feeling like somethings that I've been wondering about were all made clear. I get it now, and I am not afraid to continue walking into my GREAT future. Somethings, habits, and people may be left behind but I truly believe what God says he will do will be done.

I didn't realize this post was going to be a testimony when I stared writing it but hey, that's how it goes sometimes. This message was on my heart and I felt compelled to share. I hope you all enjoyed and maybe it helped someone or made you at least think about how certain things in your life. Either way, be blessed and enjoy the pics below :-)

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Dress: Gifted from my Mom

Tank: (under the dress) Target

Earrings: (borrowed) Mom's

Bracelet: (borrowed) Mom's

Curves Rock Weekend, Runway Show Recap Coming Up Next.....

The Weekend & A Big Fat Challenge

Hello everyone!! A Happy Belated Father's Day to all the father's out there. Before I go onto post, I must say that my father is the best that I know. He is always supportive, always loving, always patient, and can always make me laugh---no mater what! I love him so much and I am so blessed to have him in my life...❤❤❤

Now onto today's post....I had one busy weekend and to be quite honest, I am super exhausted. I have a lot going on, personal and work-wise, as well as few events and trips coming up. While I am thankful for these upcoming opportunities, I don't feel that I can go into as much detail on my upcoming posts as much  I'd like. I am a writer and I LOVE to go into detail about my days, weekends, outfits, etc. But sometimes life takes over and you have to step back and prioritize. Therefore, the next few weeks of posting will be more pictures than words and hopefully, more guest features. I'm also in the process of working on 2 upcoming guest features for 2 wonderful blogs; I will be sure to post the link(s). 

In the meantime, the outfit below is what I wore Saturday to run errands and hang with my babe. The sweater is beyond comfortable...I LOVE IT!! To finish the outfit, I piled on the accessories and called it a day ;-) Enjoy the pics/outfit and I will talk to you all soon. As always, thank you for your support...it is MUCH APPRECIATED!! 

PS This look is the my 1st at attempting to do the Big Fat Summer Challenge, inspired by the blogger behind Jasifers Lion Club. This outfit falls under the maxi dress choice. The "challenge outfits" are listed below so feel free to join in on the fun! I am super excited about this :-)

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DOUBLE TAKE ;-)

Sweater: American Rag (Macy's)

Maxi Dress: Merona (Target)

Sandals: Target

Rings: Flea Market

Earrings: Ebay

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Necklace: Unknown

Readers Choice & The Green Dress

So, I'm done with my edition of "The Same Blue Dress". I've really enjoyed styling it in several different ways. Thanks to Lexy (Beauty Fash) for the inspiration! Below are pics of how I wore/styled the dress, each time. Now that I'm all done, what's YOUR favorite look??? If I had to decide, I would go with the denim shirt look. I was so comfortable that day. Plus, I wore my Dad's shirt and I LOVE wearing menswear from time to time---their blazers and shirts have a great structure. 

Moving on, I'd like to introduce you to my next dress series, "The Same Green Dress". Are you ready??? Scroll down to see how I styled my green dress, Day 1!!! You will see similar items form last week, but that's the whole point. LOL! I often remix items and I think its the smartest thing to do if you want to not only challenge your self, but also save time in the a.m. when getting dressed. These past couple days, I have saved A LOT of  time in the morning getting ready, thanks to this mini series/challenge. I wish I could do this everyday! 

Thanks in advance for the kind comments and encouraging words, and a HUGE XXOOO to my new followers. See that I have new blog buddies to talk to always puts a smile on my face ;-) I hope you all enjoy the pics...be blessed!!

PS I am subitting my green dress looks to The Pleated Poppy's,  What I Wore Wednesday and A Little Bit of Lacquer, Work it Wednesday! 

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Which look from last week was YOUR favorite????

*my 1st time ever wearing the blue dress was in the winter (see post HERE)*

Moving onto the Green Dress, Day I....

Dress: Marshalls

Denim Shirt: My Dad's

Shoes: Aldo

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Necklace: (still can't remember, LOL...)

*worn to work & to run errands*

Blue Dress, Part III

Hey there!! I hope your weekend was LOVELY!! I still can't believe how fast the weekend has gone by...where does the time go???

The following are a few snaps of one of my weekend looks. In keeping with the "Same Dress" theme from my previous post (HERE), I paired the dress with my Dad's denim shirt, bold jewelry and my fave summer sandals from Target. This outfit is so simple and comfy and has become a weekend staple look for me. Its perfect for a cool summer day, dontcha think??

Enjoy and talk to ya soon! My weekend recap post will be up next :-) Also, be sure to check HERE tomorrow for my latest thrift find from the weekend!

Dress: Marshalls

Denim Shirt: My Dad's

Necklace: Purchased this years ago...can't remember ;-)

Sandals: Target

Watch: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Flowers, Neon & Facebook Friday...a Day Early

Happy Thursday and TG(its almost)F ;-) I want to first thank Lynn (L A Lynn's) for collaborating with my for my Mother's Day Giveaway. The winner was Brittany from, Midweek Escape. THANK you for entering and I know you're mom will LOVE the pearls!!!

Toady's post is an outfit that I absolutely love! Wait, haven't I said that in my last few posts??? LOL Anyway, as I've said before, I'm beginning to embrace color more and more and I am truly happy about that. This dress is SO colorful and pretty and the added neon cardigan gives it that extra pop! I actually plan to wear this outfit tomorrow for a business breakfast but, decided to post the pics a day early. I have an extremely busy weekend coming up and I won't be able to post that much. I knew I wanted to share the outfit though so I said hey, posting my outfit of the day a day early won't hurt.

I am also including Facebook Friday in this post as well so this post is a bit picture heavy (forgive me), LOL.  Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy all the pics. Have a wonderful day and a great weekend!

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, I plan to update there as my weekend progresses...XO!

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Dress: Macy's (INC)

Cardigan: Target (Merona)

Shoes: Impo (DSW)

Earrings: Bakers

*I also posted this look on, Work it Wednesday...check it out, HERE & link up!!!*

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FBF (Facebook Friday)

The lovely Tanesha from, A Girl with Curves was my fave look this week! Click the pic to see her FABULOUS site! 

Nude & Tan by nicjames featuring yellow shorts

Ginnifer Goodwin; my FAVE look from the Met Gala

Ginnifer Goodwin Inspired by nicjames featuring neon dresses

Giveaway & a Feature

Good morning everyone!! I hope you all are well. I am so excited to share some news with you. If you follow me on Twitter & Facebook, you already know but for those of you who do not...I was featured yesterday as the Fashion Bombshell of the Day!

{Click the photo for the link}

I was super excited that they decided to feature me. It's so funny because I was skeptical at first to even submit my photos but, I finally decided to go through with it. I wanted to share my sense of fashion with others, as well as explain my love for thrifting all in one. There were some positive and negative comments but at the end of the day, I am VERY pleased and happy about the outcome. If everyone likes you and if everyone agrees with your ideas then life would be pretty boring. There are always going to be haters and naysayers but hey, if you don't have them you're not doing something right. So my submission was a lesson in itself and it was a part of my growth as a blogger and as a fashion lover. Thanks to all those who showed me love; I REALLY appreciate your kind words :-)

Now onto this 1Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway that I have been talking about. According to Blogger, My first post was March 25, 2011. Therefore, this coming Sunday is the actual day of my blogs anniversary!!! As a HUGE thank you, I am hosting a giveaway that is pretty awesome if I do say so myself  ;-) Below are the rules and the contents of the giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

1. You must leave a comment below with your name and an email address stating that you did or have done the following...

2. Be a follower of my blog via-email, Bloglovin', etc.

3. Tweet, "...I just entered Nic's Blog Anniversary Giveaway at, www.nics-picks.com..." 

4. For an extra entry, follow my on HERE on Facebook

The Giveaway Contents:

1. A $25 Target Gift Card

2. A $25 Starbucks Gift Card

3. Ask Beauty Mini Handbook

Giveaway ends Saturday March 24 at 12 midnight. Good luck to you all and talk to ya soon!

~Nic