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.

***

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 (forgotten) Printed Love

Hey there!! I actually forgot to post this look a while ago. But I figured, better late that never ;-) This outfit has to be one of my FAVES! How many times have I said that on my blog???? LOL I just love this dress to pieces. So much so that I have 2 more different patterns! I've already shared with you that when I see something I like, I get them in every color/print. This dress is no different ;-) It's super comfy and can be worn so many ways. Here, I decided to wear it with my Aldo sandals, which were a gift from my friend Kamille. She gave me a giftcard last year for my birthday and I bought these shoes and another pair. I actually did a post on them...see it HERE! 

When I wore this, the weather in was in the low to mid 70 degree range so it was a perfect look. Have you ever forgotten to post an outfit? LOL...take care and enjoy the pics! And don't forget FBF (Facebook Friday) tomorrow!! Be blessed!

~Nic

*worn out with my babe*

Dress: NY&Co.

Shoes: Aldo (also seen HERE)

Jacket: Calvin Klein 

Clutch: Bakers 

Bracelet: Bakers

Shoes: Aldo (also seen, HERE)

Suited Up

Happy Hump Day!! Have you had a chance to take a look at my "Wishful Wednesday" items? If not, take a look HERE! Also, Happy National Sibling Day to all you sibling out there!! I love my little sister to pieces and couldn't imagine life with out her...love you T!

Now let's get to my Wednesday look. I purchased this suit at a Thrift Store in Laurel, MD for $10. I am NOT a pant/skirt suit girl at all. However, this one is super comfy and it fits like a glove. It's also a great color, and can be worn to work, church, at conferences, you name it! And for $10, why not ;-)  The grey pumps are also just as comfortable; the heel is JUST RIGHT for my comfort level. I purchased them via-eBay for $20 and have worn them several times. They are easily becoming one of my fave pair of shoes. Also, because it was a bit chilly outside, I decided to throw on my purple leather jacket (also seen, HERE).  

I know I said a few posts back that I had a lot going on and good things were in store for me and now, I am happy to share with you a few of my recent blessings :-) My finace' just started his new job and things are looking up for him. I am so very happy and proud of him for ceasing this opportunity. He and I are also in the process of possibly purchasing a home. There is NOTHING etched in stone at the moment, but we are starting the process and things are moving along slowly, but surely. Also, my little sister is well on her way to becoming the star we all know she is. She is doing extremely well in her pageants, acting, and dancing and things are really taking off for her. I am so proud of her as well. At 9-years-old, she has the mind and determination of a 29-year-old. She sees and knows what she wants, and does what it takes to get there. We couldn't ask for more! To watch her blossom into a "big girl" and to watch her achieve her dreams and tackle so much at this age, and be okay with everything, is truly a blessing. 

Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks, as always, for reading, commenting and showing love. XOXO & be blessed!

~Nic

*Thanks to my lil sis for taking the first few pics ;-)*

Jacket: Borrowed then Gifted ;-)

Outfit: Worn to Work

 OOWW! loving my shape in this photo ;-)

Suit (black): Thrifted 

Heels: eBay

Shoes: eBay

Bracelet: Bakers

Necklace: Gifted

Work-bag: Gifted

Clutch: Thrifted

Earrings: Bakers

Watch: Charming Charlie

Fancy Pants

Happy GOOD FRIDAY to you all! Today is such a beautiful day and I hope you all have sometime to enjoy it. My post today features a pair of my favorite pants. These thrifted, hot pink pants are so comfortable! The first time I wore them was (HERE). It's funny because when I purchased them, it took me forever to style them but now that its Springtime, I've got so many outfits planned around them. On this particular day, I started out wearing them with sandals and another Love, Cortnie clutch (see HERE) but when I went out later that evening, I threw my heels on with them to give it a more chic and "grown up" look, LOL. This is such a light and flowy outfit and I absolutely love it. I was also excited to wear my one of a kind cuff bracelet. It was my mothers and she decided to give it to me after I kept asking to borrow it ;-) Although it look heavy, its really light and goes with just about anything. However, when I wear it I like to keep the rest of my accessories simple so the stone in the middle stands out. 

Enjoy the pics and enjoy the day. Be blessed!

~Nic

Pants: Thrifted

Top: Macy's

Shoes: Lord & Taylor (Ellen Tracy)

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Bracelet: Gifted 

Life isn't a Sprint...

Good morning and thank goodness its almost the weekend! I hope you all are having a productive and blessed week so far. As previously mentioned, mine has been quite busy but great nonetheless. 

I've had a lot on my mind lately  and found myself extremely emotional and overwhelmed last night. You ever feel that sometimes everything just builds up, and you just want to burst? Well, I sure did...burst into tears. It's strange because I am a very happy person and I am extremely blessed. However, life sometimes has a way of knocking the winds out of you. At times like that, you just need to let it out (cry, scream, whatever), regroup, and pray. Life isn't a sprint...I keep reminding myself that. It's a marathon and it matters not how quick you get to your destination. It's the path in which you take to get there. I am so blessed to have the support system that I do. We all need reassurance at times...

I didn't meant to make this a long drawn out post but, I did feel the need to share that with you all. I like to be honest and open with you all. It's venting for me and who knows; maybe my story can help someone. You never know. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day, and enjoy the outfit pics. Be blessed, stay strong, and don't forget to smile ;-)

~Nic

Top: Thrifted ($2.50)

Jeans: Lane Bryant

Clutch: Thrifted

Sandals: Bakers

*worn to run errands and to lunch*

InstaGREAT!!

Morning darlings!! I hope you all had a great Monday---happy Tuesday!!

As you all know, I am on Instagram (msnicjames) and I love making picture collages. The first is one from this weekend. I planned a surprise b-day party for my fiance' and he had a great time! Not only was he surprised, but he was so grateful that our friends came out to celebrate him :-) The theme was "Game Night" because Darrius, and all of our friends, LOVE to get together and play Taboo. My mom and I went to Party City and found decorations that reminded us of the casino/Atlantic City. My lil sis blew up some balloons, we got out fav snacks and food from Target....everything was just wonderful! I hate that I didn't take pictures but I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off so, LOL, i didn't eve remember to snap shots of the decor. I did however get to snap a pic of my him with his money hat and dollar chain on. LOL...he's  mess! 

This next set of pics are from yesterday. I wore my Love, Cortnie clutch, my thrifted pink pants (also seen HERE), my favorite South Moon Under sandals, and my thrifted ring. I was unable to take full body/outfit shots, but I still wanted to share parts of my look with you all.

Yesterday after work, the babe and I went to see Hunger Games and then to our favorite spot, the Tomato Palace. The movie was GREAT---I now want to read the book. Despite the killing of children, I enjoyed the fashion in the movie, as well as the action/suspense. It is definitely a must see for those who haven't gone yet. As far as dinner, I opted for the Meatballs and Palenta, and some Mango wings. OMG, they were divine!!! The meatballs are served with grits...amazin'! I allowed my fiance' to share them with me, just this once ;-) 

All in all, I had a pretty GREAT Monday. This week is going to be an eventful one for me. Tomorrow my mom, sister and I are headed to see Raven Symone in Sister Act, and Thursday, lil sis, the fiance' and I are going to DC to a few museums. Friday, it's all pageant business with mom and sis. We have to find her a few dresses and other items for her upcoming appearances and pageants. WHEW! Busy and eventful to say the least. But, I wouldn't have it any other way ;-) Be blessed , enjoy your day, and talk to you soon. XXOO!!!

~Nic

PS Don't forget to connect with me HERE on Facebook...I'd love to have you follow!!! :-)

Springtime Floral

Happy Hump Day!! This is a quick post of what I wore this weekend. I haven't been posting outfits in my last few entries but, I really wanted to share this one. I wore this to my little sisters fashion show (see post HERE). The F21 dress has been in my closet for a bit so I am VERY happy I finally got around to styling and wearing it. I don't know why it's been sitting there, as nice as its been outside...I absolutely love it and the fit is perfect. And it has pockets ;-)

When I was putting the outfit together in my mind, I felt that it was a bit all over the place. However, when I looked in the mirror it worked for me. I wanted to be comfortable so I opted for my Toms and matched it with my favorite Love, Cortnie clutch. My mom said it was too many patterns, and my sister and fiance' said it worked. LOL; I love having my family's input. In the end, I guess lil sis and my babe won ;-)

Enjoy & have a wonderful evening! Be blessed...XO!

~Nic

PS Don't forget to click HERE to see info on an amazing event coming up here in MD this weekend!

Dress: F21 Plus

Shoes: Toms (also seen, HERE)

Blazer: Nordstrom

Clutch: Love, Cortnie (purchase, HERE)

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