So Much to Celebrate

Hey there!! Happy Wednesday :-)

Recently, I saw that I'd reached 50,000 page views on my blog. WHOOP WHOP!!! I am so excited and greatful to all of my followers, new and old, as well as those who browse my page every now and then. It's such a sense of personal fulfillment when I see my peers really appreciate and enjoy my posts; it makes being a blogger worth while! I am becoming a better blogger as time goes on, and I thank you all for hanging in there and taking this journey with me. 

If you follow me on Facebook, you may remember me mentioning a giveaway of some sorts once I reached 50,000 views. Well, I am a woman of my word so here goes!...

As you may know, I am participating in the Dewdrop Swap & Shop event next Saturday as a plus size vendor (get tix, HERE). So in keeping with the swap theme, my giveaway consists of some of my favorite jewelry pieces from my closet. I also added my mothers Michael Kors handbag. She takes very good care of anything she purchases so the bag is as good as new! Now until 21st, you can enter below to win the following items:

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and please remember to leave your name AND email address below. Be blessed!

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!

***

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

The Winner Is.....

CONGRATS to the lovely Ashley from, A Sassy Woman!!!! This girl is on fire when it comes to winning giveaways! LOL....Although we've never met, I can tell that she is such a sweet person and truly a down-to-earth woman who has such a great sense of style! She is a true Nic's Picks supporter so I am happy for her! Be sure to visit and support her site, HERE.

Congrats to you again Ashley, and I will be emailing you ASAP! Thanks to everyone who entered and as always, thank you for your continued support!! XXOO!

~Nic

True Random Number Generator

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Max: 15

Result: 2

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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' *

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

Off to a Great Start!

Happy weekend everyone! I hope yours is off to a great start. My mom and I are headed to breakfast and then to Bed, Bath & Beyond to finish up the wedding registry. But before I go, I just wanted to quickly share somethings with you.

Yesterday, something really made me smile! I've been following blogger and thrifting guru, in my opinion, Mr. Goodwill Hunting for sometime now and a few days ago, I emailed him a few pics of my recent outfit. It was the first one I've worn that was completely thrifted head to toe. When I turned on the computer Friday morning and when to my Facebook page, I saw my pic on my news feed. Mr. Goodwill hunting posted my outfit (see HERE)! Now to some of you it may not be a huge deal but to me, it def is! When you admire someones work and they take the time to communicate with you, and even showcase your outfits, talents, or whatever, its a good thing. It made me feel good and I definitely appreciate it! So huge thanks to him and as an avid thrifter, I hope to continue to make you proud! ;-)

{this is the shot used I sent...click photo for the link}



Now onto more exciting news...my blog anniversary is coming up!! I am super duper excited about this. Long ago, I created a blog that was more geared towards the poetry and my creative writing, but I didn't stick with it. When I started this blog, I was a bit skeptical because although a lot of people were inquiring about where I shopped or got certain items from, I didn't know if I wanted to put myself out there to be 'judged' so to speak. Well, I quickly got over that fear and just went for it. Boy am I glad I did! Since I've been blogging, I've met amazing people, challenged myself in ways you can't imagine, and blogging has actually brought me and my fiance' closer. He takes about 90% of my photos and is just the biggest supporter, ever. He dreams just as big as I do and I love him for that. And of course, my followers....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I feel like all of you are friends in my head (like Wendy Williams, LOL). Your support has been amazing and I love you all for that!

With that being said, I am hosting a HUGE giveaway to celebrate my 1 year of blogging. I am still in the process of putting together this awesome gift bag but trust me, you WILL want to enter to win!! I am also hosting a blog celebration. Not 100% sure if I am going to do something with just me and my family, or plan something a tad bigger. Either way, I will be celebrating ;-) I truly believe that everything should be celebrated...I throw parties and get togethers for any and every reason. Life is too short, why not? So stay tuned to the blog and my Facebook page for more giveaway details!

I leave you with a few Instagram photos of some of my 'happenings' this week. Take care & be blessed! XXOO!!

~Nic

*I got my hair cut, and I LOVE it!...so much fuller and healthier!*

 *snippet of what I wore one day this week; sweater is from Lord & Taylor*

 *my fav ring & bracelet...this pic is older but I try to wear them at least once a week*

The Blue Dress, the Purse, & the WINNER!!

Happy Valentines Day to you all! This day is super special to me because it's my first Valentines Day with my fiance', it's my Mommy's birthday, and my parents anniversary. WHEW! And, I recently found out that my blogger friend and handbag creator extraordinaire, Cortnie from, StyleLust Pages & Love, Cortnie has a birthday today as well. Special Happy Birthday to her as well :-*

Now onto my outfit....I was so happy that I got to wear my latest purchase yesterday; my brown, leather purse! It was perfect for my planned outfit. I've been wanting to wear this blazer/top for sooo long. I thrifted this months ago but never wore it. But as I have stated before, with this whole shopping my closet thing I'm doing, I get so excited when creating and putting together outfits. I really do have a lot of good stuff, lol.
I paired the purse with a cobalt blue dress which I LOVE (I have the same dress in Green), and brown tights...along with some comfy flats. Perfect for a day at the office ;-)

Lastly, I want to congratulate Lynn for winning my Valentines Day Giveaway!!! {see her page, HERE}  She is such a sweetheart and it is an honor to have her win my 1st giveaway of the new year :-) Another giveaway will be coming next month so no worries; more goodies in store ;-) Congrats again and enjoy!!! Be blessed everyone...

~Nic

Dress: Marshalls

Blazer/Top: Thrifted

Purse: Thrifted

Flats: Aldo

Tights: Target (Spanxx Brand)

Watch: Kenneth Cole

Bangles: Random

Necklace: ATL Museum Gift Shop

Congrats to you Lynn!!!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 7

Result: 5

~XXOO

Simple Weekend & A Tribute

Happy Monday!! How was your weekend? Mine was quite relaxing. I didn't do too much but I did get to go to a new thrift store in Bladensburg, MD. My babe wanted to go because he's been looking for the "right" black shoes so of course I tagged along ;-) I found some awesome items, and was under my budget; So proud of myself! He found some good items too, but he's so picky so he ended up just getting like 2 items. I also went to Target with him and my lil sis on Sunday, after I did my hair. I needed to get a few items to help me re-organize my closet(s) and bathroom. As usual, I purchased more than I thought. But, I (honestly) did need it all. My lil sis also practiced for her upcoming pageant by showing off her runway walk, and practicing her talent/introduction. I am just SO proud of that little lady ;-) She also got contacts this weekend and LOVES them. If only she can get them in her eyes in under 25 mins, LOL!

I also watched the Grammy's last night and I thought LL Cool J did a great job! See my top outfits of the night HERE. Enjoy the pics and more details and pics of more specific items I purchased. I am a little behind in showing some things so I am going to get on that! Thinking of starting a Youtube channel JUST for showing my thrifted goodies. What do you think? That means I wouldn't show them here. Let me know :-) Also, today is the LAST DAY to enter my GIVEAWAY! It's a great one so click HERE to enter!

Lastly, I wanted to post my favorite Whitney Houston songs. I am still in shock over her passing, and I pray for her soul. As well as her family; especially her daughter. Loosing anyone close to you is hard, but I can only imagine the loss of a parent. Whitney was a legend, point blank and was in my opinion the best voice in music. Its so sad to loose her, but even worse is the way we lost her. May her soul rest...

~Nic

Follow Me on Instagram

{ msnicjames }

Whitney Houston Video Favorites

My Recent Favorites = A Valentines Day Giveaway!!

Happy Hump Day!!! Just a quick look at my 3rd giveaway coming up. Below are a few items I've been wanting to showcase for a while. I was going to use most of them, but I've decided to give them away instead. I know its a lot of accessories and whatnot but, I really do appreciate the comments, follows, and support you ALL have given me. I love to give gifts to friends and loved ones; seeing someone happy/or smiling makes my day! PLUS, I said I was going to do a giveaway a month so consider this a 2 for 1 deal. If you win, you get January AND February items ;-)

 All in all, I hope you like what you see, and I wish you the best in winning!! Be sure to read the instructions below. The contest will run from today, 2/8/12 until 2/13/12. I will announce the winner on Valentines Day (2/14/12)! Be blessed!! xo...

~Nic

Giveaway Instructions

(You MUST be a subscriber to my blog & this giveaway is only open to U.S. Residents)

1. Comment below with your email address & let me know that you have done the following...

2. Subscribe to my Blog (via Bloglovin', Email, etc.)
3. "Like" me on Facebook (if you haven't already)

4. For an extra entry, Tweet "I just entered @wnicjames Valentines Day Giveaway over at, www.nics-picks.com"

Giveaway Items:

Gold Earrings & Silver

Colorful Hoop Earrings

Salon Nail Effects

Bronze & Silver Bracelet

Maya Angelou Book

Small Vintage Earrings

Crystal Costume Earrings

(Large) Tan Envelope Clutch

...& You Are the Winner!!!

And the winner is.....Kristin!!! Check out her blog, Handbags, Hair & Heels. Thanks so much for entering and for your continued support. Congrats again, Kristin :-)

~Nic

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True Random Number Generator


Min: 1

Max: 16

Result: 11

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100(+) Followers = GIVEAWAY TIME!!

As promised, I am posting to let you all know about my 100 (+) follower giveaway!

I started my blog back in March and really started it on a whim. My (now) fiance' suggested I get back into writing, which is my #1 passion. But I just didn't know what to write about. After brainstorming and whatnot, we both figured a blog of my fashion likes, outfits and purchases would be cool. Skeptical at first, I debated back and forth. I have had a blog before but never stuck with it. It was like a blog of my poetry and writings. Anyway, I NEVER knew there was such a large community of "fashion/style bloggers" until I really began blogging. I also reached out to a few people to help me get stared, again on a whim. I wasn't sure if I would get a response but, they were SO kind and really confirmed that I should just go for it and give it a try. Sooo, I want to thank Vanessa at Simply Chic, Jenn with Style My Fashion, Prissy over at Rush Our Fashion, Cortnie with StyleLust Pages, and Corie from Its My Taste.Thanks for answering my MANY questions about blogging and for basically talking to a stranger, lol. I really appreciate it :-)

Now onto what I am giving away and how you can enter to win these GREAT items below. The first item is a handmade clutch by Cortnie (visit her Etsy shop HERE). You have seen her clutches on my page before and believe me when I say, you will want to get your hands on this clutch! Inside the bag will be a recent purchase I made of a pair of black studs from Amuse in Tysons Corner (VA), and some surprise nail polishes (BRAND NEW).

 The rules are simple: (1) Follow my Facebook page HERE  and (2) comment below with your email address below. That's it! I wish you all the best of luck and I will announce and contact the winner on Friday, December 16th by 9pm. Giveaway ends on Friday , December at 6pm.

Take care!

~Nic

{the Elizabeth clutch from Love, Cortnie---see other images HERE}

{Black, Sparkle Studs also seen HERE}

{2 BRAND NEW polishes}

& the winner is....

Hello friends!!! This morning, I want to announce the winner of my first giveaway. A HUGE congrats to.....the Lovely Rose, From Rosedale. Check her blog out here. Congrarts to you lady and have a GREAT day.

~Nic

P.S. Thanks to a few lovely blog friends for helping me figure out this generator thing. LOL. I don't know how to get it on my blog exactly, so here are the results copied & pasted.

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 19

Result: 3


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From Nic, With Love...

Well today I must say I am so thankful and blessed to see another year. I am now 25 years-old, and it never felt better! I pray that this year is filled with happiness, good health and LOVE!! I am headed out of town for vacation with the family so I will not be blogging while away.

But as promised, I am hosting my first giveaway! I am really excited to do this because I am so appreciative of all the love and support I have gotten from you all. So, I wish you the best in winning!

The rules are very simple; you must be a follower of my blog, and you must comment on this post and leave your email address so I can contact you. This giveaway will close on August 21, 2011 at midnight. That's it.

With that said, below is the giveaway mini package. Happy winning :-)

Be blessed!

~Nic

The contents include: Charming Charlie Watch (Stainless Steel), A Colorful/Fashion Ring (Size 8-9), A Mini Sample of Escada Perfume (My favorite fall scent), and a Yankee Candle Hand Sanitizer

*NONE OF THESE PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN USED*

Facebook Style

Hello my lovely followers :-)

Just wanted to remind everyone that I am on Facebook. Check me here and 'like' my page. I am going to be doing my first giveaway in a few weeks also so be on the look out!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Be blessed.

~Nic

throwback pic of my in NY last summer (man, i miss that forever 21 necklace :-( it broke...UGH!!!)