Curves Rock!

Hey beautiful people! As promsied, this post is all about my Curves Rock Weekend, Runway Show experience. Most of you know that I won the tickets, thank to Kim over at Curvy CEO. I was SUPER excited to attend, seeing as how this was the first runway show I've been to that caters to women my size. The founders, Tykesha "Ms. Diva Doll" Reed and Chanell "Stallion N' Stilettos" Jones are both plus size models. The ladies brought this Curves Rock Weekend to the DMV and their 1st event was a huge success, to say the least. Both ladies are involved in the community and from what I have read/seen, they're ambitious and extremely talented young ladies. 

(click pic for more info)

Thinking about the event, the first thing that came to my mind was, of course, what am I going to wear??? I turned to my mother and little sister, fashion diva in training, and they gave me a few suggestions. I knew what look I was going for and when I saw this one-shouldered, maxi dress, I just KNEW it was the one for me! I wanted soemthing to accentuate my curves, but above all I wanted to be comfortable. This Allen B. dress fit all the criteria. I borrowed my mom's jewelry, bag and did my own make up. I felt like a million bucks ;-)

So outfit, done! Now onto the event...it took place at the BWI Hilton, which also happens to be the place where I will be getting married :-) I walked in and there were several vendors, participants and fabolous women! I knew I was going to have a great time. As I was eyeing some nice items on a accessory table, I glanced up and saw a gorgeous woman with a head full of hair. I looked again, and realized it was Shanda from the popular YouTube show, Shanda Says! She was so sweet when I introduced myself, she was kind enough to take this photo with me....talk about starstruck ;-) Check out her YouTube channel, HERE. She also has her own clothing line coming out, the Gemini Collection, which she will showcase at Maryland Fashion Week on August 12th. The dress in the picture is a piece from her line. Yes, it looks just as fabulous in person ;-)

These are some of the accessories I saw while browsing the table(s). I ended up purchasing a pair of earrings and they are SO unique. I can't wait to wear them!

The earrings, and the jewelry seen above, are from the House of Mimi. She has some VERY unique and stylish pieces and I can't wait to shop for some more items very soon.

Now onto the show...the show consisted of several designers but my favorite collections were from Baltimore's own Couture Queen, Tru Diva, and the featured designer, Qristyl Fraiser. Fraiser, who has been on Project Runway, had some great designs. I did not get pictures of her looks (unfortunately) but there is a swim suit HERE that I am dying for!! I also  LOVED the bustiers that were showcased. The designer, Alter Ego Clothing, did a great job and my favorite is the animal print on pictured below. I can do some thangs with that right there!!! LOL. Below are other looks from different designers that really caught my eye. Let's just say I can't wait to go birthday shopping in a few weeks!

The hosts of the events, Liris Crosse (more info, HERE) and Chenese Lewis (more info, HERE), were great and really kept the audience engaged. Both ladies who are very active in the plus-size industry and looked great every time they an outfit change throughout the show. 

All in all, the event was one I won't forget. I met a lot of great people, was able to network, and I gained even more confidence. Being a curvy woman in today's society may not be the 'norm' but it sure is A-OK with me. Curves Rock and I intend to flaunt them every chance I get ;-)

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.....

Insta-Week & Weekend

Well another weekend has come to an end....where does the time go?? Sigh, well I can say this weekend was pretty chill. I planned to just relax and for the most part I did. Now let me explain, relaxing to me is hanging with my fiance', maybe catching a movie or going to dinner and maybe some thrifing. {Side note: I will be showing my thrifty finds in one of my upcoming posts; I can't wait!} Anywho, I pretty much spent my weekend doing those activities (except the movie). We also rented 3 movies from the Red Box and chilled out at his place Saturday evening. I seriously feel like the weekend escaped me but, I am always thankful for the time we spend together.

My fiance' is usually my photographer but lately, we've been focusing our 'alone time' mainly lounging/chilling so I've been doing my best to click a few pics of my outfits from the week with my phone. I upload them on Instagram and Facebook (sometimes) so for now, I hope those pics will do. I still want to show my thrifted looks so I always make sure I am connected with you all in one way or another. Thank goodness for the MANY social media networks out there ;-) As I've said in my recent posts, my life has been really all over the place lately so I am doing my best to keep up with all that I have going on. Thanks SO much for the continued support and thanks to my new followers. Every time I log on I realize I have a few new followers...I truly thank you for taking this journey with me!

So until next time, enjoy the pics and don't forget to follow me HERE & HERE! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone...TTYS!!!

PS My Instagram name is msnicjames ;-)

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Insta-Outfits

Insta-Weekend

*my weekend: new hair (it sweated out thanks to the humidity, LOL), dinner and drinks with my love, and a thrifitng trip*

*DMV thrifters, take advantage of this; i did and got 9 items for $950...yes, $9.50!!!!

CLICK PIC FOR LINK*

Insta-Pics (The Week & Weekend)

The Princess Diaries ;-)

1. Taylor's Spa/Sleepover B-day party

2. Another Princess Appearance at the Miss MD Pageant 

(Taylor was chosen by Miss Baltimore, her mentor/pageant coach, to be one of her Princesses)

1. Taylor receiving her Princess Crown

(with Miss MD Outstanding Teen, Miss Historic MD, Miss Baltimore, Miss Cumberland & Miss MD)

2. Miss Baltimore & Her Princesses

3. Silly Faces ;-)

4. Taylor & Mommy, who is rocking her Love, Cortnie clutch :-)

1. Taylor at The Miss MD Pageant

(she is one of  Miss Baltimore's Princesses)

2. Taylor & Harlynn

(my good friends daughter; they came with us on Friday Night)

1. Me with my "Team Viki" Pin (Miss Baltimore)

2. Taylor and her other friends/Princesses 

3. Taylor and a Princess friend 

The Outfits

1. Worn last Sunday (Father's Day) to the Miss MD opening Festivities

2. Outfit worn to work/class (thrifted top, 2nd Avenue)

3. Worn to the Miss MD Pageant Preliminaries on Weds. night

Lounging around the house Sunday

(thrifted top, 2nd Avenue)

Worn Monday...*side note: I'm taking this outfit with me to FL for sure!!*

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

The Beginning of Summer...

Hey there!!! How was your weekend??? Mine was rather busy, but what's new right?? LOL! I spent most of Friday working and preparing for my my little sisters Princess Party that we hosted at the house. She had all of her friends/Princesses over as a celebratory event. They will be going to Orlando, FL to compete the week of July 4th and needless to say, they are super excited!!! 

Saturday, the fiance' and I spent the Day in Delaware shopping---market, thrifting, and the mall. I must say my babe know me very well because I found some amazing items at this outdoor/indoor flea market called, Spence's Bizzare. I always love to find unique treasures and vintage pieces at flea markets and thrift shops. When I got to the mall, I was more on a mission to find certain items (i.e. maxi dress, skinny jeans, running shoes, and a LBD). I was successful, and then some!!! LOL I found what is easily the most comfortable dress I own, which has to be my favorite purchase. I actually wore it today during my Ladies Brunch. It's SUPER colorful and the fit is perfect! (pics below)

Today, my girls and I met at Rusty Scupper in downtown Baltimore. I planned the gathering because it's been awhile since I've been around all of my girls at once. I promised myself that before the wedding, I would plan events here and there just so we can all hang out continue to build on our great relationships. I have such a diverse and interesting group of friends and when we all get together, its thee best time! I am truly blessed and thankful :-)

Enjoy the pics and I hope you all have a GREAT Monday! Make sure you check back tomorrow for a special guest feature!! If you have natural hair or are thinking of going natural, you will LOVE what's coming!!!

Be blessed! 

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Friday Night

*lil Sis & her fellow princesses....& she and her Director*

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Saturday

*dressing room goodies*

Floral/Pleated Dress: American Rag (Macy's)

*shoe craze!*

Both Men's Shoes: Aldo

Purple & Neon Sneakers: Reebok

(my new running/workout shoe)

Rings: Spence's Bizarre (Dover, Delaware) 

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Sunday

Me & My Lovely Ladies at Sunday Brunch

Maxi: Macy's

Earrings: Thrifed (2nd Avenue)

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Bracelet: Bakers

Ring: Bakers