FBF: Chic & Simple

Let's here it for another Friday!! What a week this has been. It's been productive, but I am so exhausted. I've been working out and getting back to my workout routine so my body is still trying to adjust. I've also been studying a lot so that's a factor as well. Oh and I must tell you; the most random thing happen to me. I was eating dinner the other night and all of a sudden, I felt something weird. I broke my tooth!!! Yep, broke a tooth. SMH, how random. The only good thing is you can't really see it but I know it's there!...or half there, LOL! Anyway, pray for me y'all; I have to get oral surgery and I absolutely HATE the dentist!

Now onto today's post. This FBF is all about chic and poised fashionistas. The first look I recreated is from the lovely Jillian of Nusopisticate. I've been a follower of her blog for a while and I always love her use of patterns, color and accessories. In the look below, I like how she mixed patterns so perfectly. So, when I did my version I used a print for the bottom, but kept the top basic. It's still a great use of print, but the denim top adds a casual feel to it. I decided to pick up the color in the skirt by adding a color block heel.

The next look is the forever fashionable, Kim Kardashian. While I am not a huge fan of the boots she's been wearing lately, I do LOVE a good sweater dress. And black and white is such a classic, simple color combo that is always in style. I recreated the black and white dress because I can see myself wearing a look similar to this. I love the flats with the sweater dress; it's unexpected but still chic. The knee boots are sexy and very "night on the town". I have worn knee boots before and I must say they are SO comfortable. More comfortable to me than heels.

So, what look do YOU like better? Can you see yourself wearing either look this season? Let me know. Have a great day and talk to ya soon!

P.S. I will announce the winner of my giveaway this afternoon via Twitter (@wnicjames) & my Facebook page.

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Blogger Inspired by nicjames featuring amrita singh

Black & White - Kim K. Inspired by nicjames featuring sweater dresses

Nic's Picks in DC

Hello friends!!! 

I am super excited to share this post! This weekend, I was a vendor at Dewdrop's Swap & Shop. The event was an intimate get together full of bloggers, shoppers, swappers, and beautiful people! I had the pleasure of meeting some great people but most importantly, I was able to showcase my vintage goodies! While it was my first time as a vendor, I felt totally comfortable and in my element. My little sister Taylor and my boo came with me and were the greatest helpers! Taylor manned the table as I spoke with customers, and Darrius snapped pics throughout the event. 

When I got there, I first met Kyrstin form Be Loud Be You. I felt like I'd already known her because I've been a huge fan of her blog for a while now. I also saw my blogger sis Nae (whom I forgot to snap a pic with), Waverly, and Emily (click on their names to see their blogs). Below are some more pics, as well as a quick video of the vintage items I had for sale! The remaining items will be for sale by the end of the week, via my Facebook page! 

During the fashion show, the bloggers/models rocked items from my rack. I was so honored that they decided to wear my items. I think they all looked GREAT and made each look their own! They worked the  items so well that the blazer, (gold) necklace, AND the tiger jacket sold immediately following the show. Krystin wore my greenish/blue blazer and one of the fabulous bloggers form Spicy Candy DC wore my vintage pink dress. The other items from my collection were the shrug and gold necklace (3rd photo) and tiger jacket (last photo). 

Afterwards, these lovely ladies came over to purchase some runway items. I cannot wait to see how they style their newly purchased goodies! Journalist/blogger, and my new thrifting buddy, Kirstin from This is my so-called life is in the blazer, blogger Nakia from Vouge & Vintage is rocking the tiger jacket, and swapper Amanda is wearing her new red & black blazer. I LOVE those smiles ladies :-)

Here are some more event shots!

The rooftop is where the swapping went down. Check out the tables full of GREAT items!

All in all, the event was a huge success and I really enjoyed the experience! I would like to thank Dewdrop once again for the opportunity, and thanks to those who purchased items form me. As I said before, I WILL be selling the remainder of the items on Facebook so I will keep you updated. Be blessed and have a great evening! 

BLM Girls in the DMV

For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of groups, clubs and teams. While I love my alone time, I also love the comradery of a group. I also enjoy being around positive people who are doing positive things. So when I was asked to be apart of the blogging group, Bloggers Like Me (BLM) I was ecstatic. I saw the BLM group as a way to mix my love for blogging  and my love for people. I love being able to hang out and network with uplifting, fun spirited, driven African American women like me! The creator, Leslie (see her blog, HERE) is a God-fearing wife and mother, and not to mention a woman with great taste ;-) I want to thank her for the invite; I am so grateful to be apart of this movement! I can't wait to see what else is in store for BLM next!! 

Now onto the rest of the post---last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the BLM (Bloggers Like Me) Meet-up in Silverspring, MD. It was held at Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge and the lovely Karen was the hostess with the most! I came a little early to help with the set up and was immediately greeted with smiles and hugs. I knew then it was going to be a great night! The salon, owner (pictured below with Karen) was a sweetheart and her establishment was VERY nice. I plan to make a trip back there very soon to enjoy a mani, pedi, and spa treatment! 

Anywho, the event filled up as time went on and the DMV bloggers were just chatting and laughing away. I had the pleasure of meeting a few bloggers that I hadn't met yet, as well as caught up with some old faces (Jennifer, Nae and Janeen). Along with the delicious sweets (cupcakes, cookies, cakes, etc.) there were a few raffle winners and some great items in our goodie bags. Special thanks to Mimi's Boutique for the GREAT earrings (which I will be wearing in my next post), and Honest Tea for providing the refreshments ;-) 

At the end of the night, I left feeling like I bonded with and rekindled with my sisters. It was a great meet up, and I can't wait until next time. Enjoy the pics below, and be blessed!!

PS If YOU want to be a BLM Girl, see what the hype is all about HERE!  

*Karen & the WONDERFUL salon owner*

*Check out Nae's AWESOME Arm Party---I LOVED those beads!!!*

*Stella Dot Jewelry, compliments of Karen*

*DMV BLM Girls!!!*

*2 of the raffle winners---I cannot get enough of Nae's face; LOVE her!!!*

*Marie signing in...*

*The lovely Karen and Janeen, the other raffle winner*

Check out Some of the DMV Bloggers:

Nae: ichoosethesun.com

Janeen: classysimplechic.blogspot.com

Iysha: milesoffashion.com

Simona: goodlooknout.com

LaToria: facebook.com/NextBrides

Tevyka: missprettyasapeacock.net

Michele: eatstyleplay.com

Kara: acreativereality.com

Jennifer: commecoco.com

Jaye: single2gether.com

Taya: mrstdj.com

Karen: facebook.com/yourstylistkaren

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If you're looking for another DMV event, come out Sept. 15th to the Dewdrop Swap & Shop!!! I WILL be there selling PLUS SIZE clothes (sizes 14-24). I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Get tickets, HERE!

Facebook Friday: Blogger Edition

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! Boy am I glad to see the weekend finally come; I feel like this week was just dragging by. Not that I am going to be able to rest much this weekend but, LOL, I'm still happy to see Friday :-)

This edition of Facebook Friday features a look I wore and posted on Facebook/Instagram a few days ago. I simply love the simplicity of the look. The turquoise thrifted pants have become a staple item for my Summer wardrobe. I added a tan, over-sized top and wore gold accessories. The look is very fresh and summery and wearing these pieces together is SUPER comfy---the material of the pants and top are so soft. I recreated the look using a turquoise skirt and tan top. This look gives the same simple and fresh feel as my outfit does. After recreating my look, I'm on a hunt for a turquoise skirt!! Know where I can find one?? ;-)

My last look is from Eboni, over at The Fashionista Next Door. When I saw this look I instantly LOVED it! I really like how she added the pops of red to her look as well. And her dress is a perfect fit--not to mention I love the print :-) I used 2 dresses to looks on Polyvore to recreate her look. One with a dress, and the other with a skirt and top. I am more partial to the dress, but I am loving the top I used for the other look. The doff-the- shoulder top with the bow is too cute!

Which is YOUR favorite look???? Enjoy the pics and thanks, as always, for your support :-) Don't forget to follow me via-Facebook and Twitter!

PS I am also using my look to link to Work it Wednesday over at A Little Bit of Lacquer. You should link your looks too! ;-)

*****

Turquoise & Tan by nicjames featuring 14k hoop earrings

Eboni Inspired by nicjames featuring jersey knit dresses

Naturally FabEllis: My 1st Guest Blogger

I hope you all have had a wonderful day!! I am super excited to announce that this post features Natural Hair/Beauty Blogger, Ashley. She and I met a few months ago and quickly became blogger buddies. We clicked instantly and I am so happy and honored that she agreed to be my first Guest Blogger on Nic's Picks. My goal is to feature a different guest blogger/topic each month this summer. If YOU are interested, let me know and we can make it happen :-)

I felt this post was a great idea because when I was natural for 2 1/2 years, I only knew braids and kinky twists as styles to go to. However, so many women are either natural or thinking about becoming natural that I wanted to give them other styles to think about, while reminding them the importance of hair care. So who would I turn to?? ;-) Ashley, of course! She has the best tips and the best advice for all you natural hair beauties out there. I know a lot of my followers are natural and I want to continue to connect with you ALL. With that said, enjoy this post and be sure to check out Ashley's blog, FabEllis and her Facebook page, HERE. 

*****

My decision to go natural was a scary decision at the time, but I knew that it was a must in order for me to have healthy hair.  A year later, I can truly say I made an awesome decision.  My first year being natural was a huge learning curve, but through trial and error and wonderful resources like YouTube, I was able to find a regimen that works for me.  Ever since my journey has begun, it has been a goal of mine to share any tips I have learned for healthy hair. 

With that being said, here are my top three tips for healthy, natural hair:

1. Moisturize

If there is one thing I have learned, it is definitely that natural hair needs moisture.  Natural hair can easily become dry, especially in the summer time, so it is important to keep it moisturized.  Many get caught up in the various regimens that are out there, but the key to keeping hair moisturized is to begin by using a sulfate-free shampoo.  Sulfates strip hair of moisture that natural hair needs.  One of my favorite shampoos is Shea Moisture’s Moisture Retention shampoo. 

After shampooing, I condition my hair, rinse and then use a deep conditioner for 20-30 minutes.  After rinsing the deep conditioner, I put a leave in conditioner on my hair and style with a cream based product like Beautiful Textures’ Moisture Butter.  By using a heavy cream on my hair, my hair is able to stay moisturized for up to a week without reapplying.  I apply light oils like tea tree or olive oil to my scalp if needed.

2. Avoid Heat 

I think this is one of the hardest things for naturals to do.  We are so accustomed to using heat on our hair, but trust me… If you lay off the heat, your hair WILL grow.  It’s important for you to remember this.  Heat alters your hair.  Every time you add heat to your hair, no matter how much heat protectant you use, you have the potential to damage your hair.  Now the next question typically is, “Well, if I can’t use heat on my hair, what am I supposed to?”  This leads me to my last tip.

3. Protective Styles 

Protective styles are awesome when it comes to natural hair.  Plus, they allow you to achieve, twists and curls without adding heat.  From two strand twists to bantu knots to braids, I love protective styles.  Some of my favorite styles are two strand twists and braids.  Please just keep in mind that if you do use extensions with a protective style that the style should not be too tight and after you take them out, give your hair at least two weeks to recover.  I have learned the hard way that going from extension style to extension style can be very damaging to hair.

With these three tips, you are sure to be on the road to healthy hair!  To stay updated with my natural hair journey and the products that I love, follow me here:

Blog:  www.fabellis.com

Twitter:  @missfabellis

Instagram:  missfabellis

Mother's Day Giveaway

Good Sunday morning to you all! I am so excited to announce that Lynn, from L A Lynn's, and I are hosting a Mother's Day Giveaway :-) If you haven't checked out Lynn's page, you MUST do so. Not only is she stylish, but she has some of the best accessories in her shop (see her site, HERE). See the rules below for your chance to win!

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Timeless & Classic Pearl Necklace

The contest starts today and ends Wednesday at MIDNIGHT. You MUST do the following for your chance to win: 

*please note that for EACH entry, you must leave a comment stating that you did so*

1. Leave your name & email telling why your mother is special to you 
1. Follow both Lynn & I on Google Friend Connect
(click HERE for Lynn's site)
2. Follow both Lynn & I on Facebook
(click HERE for mine and HERE for Lynn's site) 
3. You MUST tweet the following about the giveaway: I just entered @wnicjames & @LALynns Mother's Day Giveaway over at www.nics-picks.com!
4. Added entry if you follow both of us on Twitter

1 Year Blogging & An Instagram Weekend

Hey everyone!! Guess what today was????

MY 1 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!

YAY me!!! I have had a blast growing and learning how to become a better blogger and I am so grateful for all of my followers and supporters. I cannot wait to do more, explore more, and meet new bloggers who can continue to inspire me. I love you all and here's to another GREAT year!!!

I hope you had a marvelous weekend. Mine was wonderful!! As usual, I spent it with family and did a bit of shopping at Yankee Candle. They were having a sale and I needed a refill so it was perfect. The sale is still on so go check it out HERE.

My lil sis was in The American Girl Fashion Show and did an EXCELLENT job. Then we went to celebrate my fiances birthday (which is actually tomorrow). Sunday, I spent the morning with the lovely Ashley from, F.A.B. ellis{Fashion & Beauty} . She came in MD for the weekend and we were able to grab breakfast before she hit the road back to NC. She is such a lovely person, inside and out and I feel like I've know her all my life! WE instantly clicked and I cannot wait until she comes back so we can hang out longer! If you love make-up, natural hair, and fashion, be sure to check her blog, HERE.

Enjoy the pics and if you have Instagram, follow me @msnicjames and on Facebook, HERE. XXOO!!

~Nic

@msnicjames - Instagram

Sandals: Bakers (a few years old)

Panera Lunch, Yankee Treats & Me and Mommy :-)

*The fashion show set up was so great, my Mom purchased a centerpiece!*

*Lil Sis & the Fiance' *

Blogger BFF's

Let me just start by saying, I've met some of the best people since I started blogging! Be it via-email, text, meet-ups, or whatever I know some pretty fab people ;-) And meeting up with Bisi, Kiah, and Vivi this weekend was NO different! These ladies are all genuinely nice, sweet and simply lovely!

I got a tweet/text from Vivi asking if I was free to meet up with the ladies that Friday and I was so excited! Kiah came up from TX to visit her sister and new nephew and she wanted to get together. I brought my good friend Jessica with me, and we all had a blast! It was as if we all knew one another for years. I felt like I was on an episode of Girlfriends and Sex & the City!! We all greeted with hugs and giggles like school girls, lol and then sat down to enjoy a GREAT dinner!! I had sushi and my fav drink, Lemon Drop Martini as well as tasted some of Jessica's dish--DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere was great, the conversation was HILARIOUS and the company was delightful.

Vivi is so funny and down to earth and her fashion sense is great! She knows how to dress her body, and does it well. This is the 3rd (or 4th) time she and have seen one another so it was great to see an old friend ;-) Bisi, ugh! Just the sweetest thing, EVER. From her blog to reality, her make-up is always on point! I'm glad she enjoyed her first sushi rolls :-) And Kiah, my big sis and the guest of honor...well, she and I are such kindred spirits. Her personality is wonderful, and she is just as gorgeous on her page as she is in real life. I love her! Her sister is a TRIP!!!! I felt like she and I were on a comedy tour--we had thee best time cracking jokes, talking about out reality show guilty pleasures, and doing impressions. My girl Jess is always a riot and when we are together, its always a great time. That's my girl! 

To sum it up, the night = FUN TIMES!!! I love them all and can't wait to do it again. XXoo & be blessed!

~Nic

Me & My Blogger BFF's

My Drink & Meal; HEAVENLY ;-)

Jessica's Meal

She is LOVELY (Kiah)

Me & Kiah

Me & Jess

Bisi & Kiah :-)

Me & Vivi!

I've Been Tagged...

It seems that I have been posting a lot of lifestyle and 'personal' posts lately rather than fashion/style. But I don't mind at all. Between the 30 for 30 challenge and this post, its just another way for you all to get to know lil 'ol me ;-)

So, remember when I posted that I LOVE getting to know people?? Well, I have been tagged by the lovely Tavia from, Nine to Fly. After reading her responses to the questions, I see we have a lot in common. Now, it's my turn to answer her questions. As with most things, I put my own spin on the challenge ;-)  Enjoy the post & be sure to check out her page HERE. As always, be blessed!

~Nic

8 Random Facts

1. I have 2 middle names {Nicholsonne & James}

2. Nic comes from my 1st middle name, Nicholsonne ;-)

3. My "real" name is Whitney and NO, I was NOT named after Whitney Huston

4. I love eating cereal

5. I collect key chains from different states, cities and countries

6. My mother collects snow globes

7. My favorite number is "3"

8. I went to college on a Soccer Scholarship---I was the Goalie

My Answers to Tavia's Questions

1. If you could be any profession besides your current profession, what would you be? A marriage/family counselor

2. What guilty pleasure TV show can you not miss? The Kardashians---I am addicted to anything Kardashian

3. What was the last song you heard? Joe - Time of Your Life

4. Cat or dog? Dog

5. Who is your celebrity crush? My top 3 are Idris, Nigel Barker & Tyrese

6. What is your preferred style of shoe? Flats or Wedges

7. After a bad day at work, what will make you feel better? Seeing my little sister

8. What is one of your bad habits (we all have them)? I tend to over think everything

9. Do you speak any foreign languages? I understand conversational Spanish

10. Have you ever broken a limb? My thumb

11. What is your favorite genre of music? Jazz/Soul/RnB

{Lalah Hathaway}