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.

*****

Blogger Inspired by nicjames featuring amrita singh

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

Headed to FL...

Hello everyone!! I just wanted to let you know I'm going to be taking a blog break during this upcoming week. My family and I are headed to Orlando, FL for Taylor's International Pageant. I plan to enjoy some quality time with the family, as well as soak up some sun and fun ;-) I know Taylor will do well; I am so excited and ready to see her do her thang!!

I didn't want to leave you all high and dry soooo, I put together this post of some pics I've accumilated throughout the week/weekend. I've been packing, running around getting last minute things for the trip and so much more! As I told you before, my posts will be less wordy and spaced out bc of upcoming events. Thanks so much for bearing with me and THANK you to my latest followers. I am tickled pink that you've decided to follow Nic's Picks. I love having new friends to talk to ;-)

Take care, and if you want to follow my week in FL, feel free to check my Facebook and Instagram page(s). Be blessed & TTYS!!!

*******

 pretty much scored these shoes, for FREE!!! my friends mother wears the same size as me and she was getting rid of some shoes, and thought of little ole me :-) thanks ms 

kim!!! ❤

*my fave pair by, ivanka trump :-)*

*lil sis ready for her week in FL; sneak peak of her interview suit :-)*

* a few outfits i packed for FL*

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!!*

According to Nic: Thrifting 101

Hey there! I am really excited about this post because its about a topic I am very passionate about...THRIFTING!!! It's funny because as a young girl, I remember my Fafa (grandfather) always talked about the Goodwill and Salvation Army. I didn't get why he would go there to get clothes that once belonged to other people. In my young little mind, I thought the idea was gross. I didn't see it as an art. Fast forward years later, I am beginning to follow in his footsteps more and more! I now appreciate thrifting and I really feel that it's the best way to find/add unique pieces to your wardrobe.

I know many people thrift and find it to be a great experience. For example, I am completely taken by the dedication and skills that Mr. Goodwill Hunting, Looking Fly on a Dime, and Virtuous Styls (just to name a few) encompass when it comes to thrifting. They have, in my opinion, taken thrifitng to a new level and they've really made me examine my thrifting techniques. They've also made thrifting 'cool' to other bloggers.

So what can I bring to the thrifting table?? Well, just some basic tips that I use before, during and after my thrifting excursions. Below are my 5 easy tips, a few of my fave thrifted looks, as well as the links to some thrift stores in the MD area. I hope you find this helpful and I hope to have opened your eyes to the great world of thrifting ;-) Feedback on this post would be GREAT so feel free to leave a comment/message. I really hope this can help someone and maybe urge others to get out there and try thrifting :-) Be blessed and take care!

How do I begin?
1. Scan your closet (what do you have / what do you need??)


2. Make a list (needs/wants)


3. Decide on a budget
-it is so easy to overspend b/c thrifted items are inexpensive; however, budgeting is key...decide what you really need based on season, event, etc.


4. Have a plan (a good thrifting trip for me takes anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours... depending on the size of the store and the size of my list, LOL)
-when you enter the thrift store, do a walk through...make a note of where everything is before you start to shop; this will help increase implosive spending too ;-)


5. GRAB IT & TRY IT! (once you get in the store, it's every man.woman for themselves, LOL) 
-if you see something that you like, grab it! try it on over your clothes, if possible, then decide...i usually wear something comfy while thrifting so i won't have to go in the dressing room to try things on...saves a lot of time1


Nic's Top 5 Thrifting Staple Items
1. Handbags & Clutches


2. (Seasonal) Jackets & Capes


3. Blazers


4. ACCESSORIES (my fave!)


5. Vintage dresses (perfect for special events, or to wear just b/c!)


Purchased some great items...Now what???
1. Dry Clean (certain items) and wash the clothes (READ THE LABELS)


2. Tailor certain items
-you're only spending a few bucks on the item anyway; if its a little too big, buy it anyway and have it tailored to fit you body!


3. Sanitize Accessories & Handbags 
-when purchasing jewelry, i usually use alcohol to wipe them down, or i freeze the items (a tip i learned form Looking Fly on a Dime on the Nate Berkus show)
-with handbags, i use a Lysol wipe to wipe the inside (depending on the material), and i use alcohol to wipe off the hardware on the bag (i.e. zipper, buttons, studs, etc.)
-when i purchase shoes, i do the same thing... Lysol wipes (depending on the material)/or alcohol...i even use foot powder or something like that (LOL)


Other Helpful/Fun tips
-Find & clip inspirational items from Magazines and take them with you!

-Use the Pintrest app on your phone and have it handy when thrifting---it's great!
-Go with friends!---everything is better with your girlfriends :-)
-Plan your visits (bi-weekly, monthly, seasonally) depending on what you need and your budget!
-HAVE FUN :-)

My fave Thrift Stores in MD

(click on store name for information)

1. 2nd Avenue (Columbia, MD)

2. The Goodwill Super Store (Jessup, MD)

3. Village thrift Store (Laurel, MD)

4. The Goodwill (Rockville, MD)

5. The Goodwill of Greater Washington 

(haven't been here yet but i've heard nothing but GREAT things!)

Some of my Fave Thrifty Finds 

(click on pictures for the blog link)

*thrifted suit, eBay (BCBG) heels*

*thrifted tunic (so soft & comfortable)*

*blazer & sheer cardigan type thing, LOL*

*thrifted dress, free booties (from  a shop & swap event)*

*thrifted purse*

*brand new, thrifted men's shoes*

*all thrifted accessories*

*thrifted necklace*

*sun and the moon*

*accessories, make-up bag & jacket*

*clothes form goodwill & salvation army*

Pin-spirations

Morning loves, rise & shine :-) I hope you had a good Monday! Below are pics that I've gathered, thanks to Pinterest, that I've seen and 'pinned' over the past few weeks. I am quickly becoming addicted to pinning, as are most of my fellow blogger and friends. It's the best! Are any of YOU on Pinterest? What are some of you fave pins?? I find myself pulling out my phone to see what I pinned while I'm shopping...it's wonderful inspiration while on-the-go! I separated the pics into categories and for one reason or another, when I saw the pics, I was instantly inspired. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest, HERE. I also share some of my pins HERE as well so take you pick or follow me both places ;-) Enjoy and have a blessed day ;-)

~Nic

*Home-spiration *

*Shoe-spiration* 

*Food-spiration*

*Style-spiration*

*Random-spiration* 

I Love Weekends Like This...

Happy Sunday to you all. Hope your weekend was a great one! While busy, I did enjoy mine. I must share with you some good news before I get into my weekend happenings. To my surprised, when I turned on my phone after church I received an email that I was featured on The Looks for Less website. I submitted my outfit awhile ago and kinda forgot I did it so it was such a joy to see that I was indeed featured! See the link, HERE, or click on the picture. Also, a huge shout out to Cortnie over at, StyleLust pages for her beautiful bag. It's definitely one of my faves from her collection. Check out her other clutches, HERE.

Now onto the what I was up to this weekend. I attended the Style Tour, featuring Stacy London, at the Montgomery Mall here in MD. My mother and sister joined me and it was such a fun experience. While we weren't able to meet Stacy, I did take a few pics of her. She is really tiny in person...and she died her hair like a dark brown and I could barley recognize her. LOL. However, she looked well put together and seemed very warm and kind as she talked to her fans. I also LOVED her shoes...wish I would've taken a pic of those, LOL! 

After we took pictures, my mom and I made our appointments for our mini-makeover and 1-on-1 style consultation. The mini-makeover was great and rather educational, due to the fact that I don't wear much make-up to begin with, lol. I LOVED my eyes, which I took a picture of below. The Sephora make-up artist and I really hit it off and she was such a sweetheart. She gave me some great tips! Then, once I finished my mom and I went for our consultations. They style-for-hire stylist was great! I told her a few things about myself in about a minute or less and she came back with clothes that fit my sense of style to almost perfectly! She suggested certain colors for my skin tone, as well as styles for me to wear to work and then for casual. Also, they gave my mom and I a print out as far as certain items to purchase with the prices, and store locations included! I have the print out and plan on keeping it for my future shopping trips. 

{a look similar to one the stylist suggested for me}

To conclude everything, we looked for dresses for lil sis for her upcoming appearances and events. She was quite a handful while trying on different dresses. Miss Taylor is the ultimate mini fashionista; has an opinion about everything as far as the color, the bow, the cut and style of a dress...EVERYTHING! LOL...that girl is something else. I also went to the Washington Wizards game Saturday with the hubby. He and I had a blast! This was a late b-day gift to him, thanks to my cousin who has season tickets ;-) We enjoyed good food, good times most importantly enjoyed one another. Today, we went to church and ate and our favorite diner afterwards. I was craving one of their delicious waffles! LOL. The rest of the day, we pretty much chilled, meaning we watched movies and took a nap, lol. 

WHEW! Well I suppose that about sums up my weekend. Thanks, as always, for reading and be sure to check me out on Instagram (@msnicjames) and Facebook. XXOO & be blessed!

~Nic

Thrifted Beauty

Hello out there ;-) Hope you're having a happy Tuesday thus far. I must start by giving a HUGE thanks for all the comments and love on my Facebook page. I really appreciate it and I LOVE connecting with you all so I hope you continue to hear/see you all via-FBK.

Today's outfit is one I like to call a treasure! I was in the thrift store awhile back with my babe and I was on my way to the cashier when I saw this colorful frock peaking from the rack. The sizes on the rack read "S-M" but something told me to go look at the garment anyway. When I did, I was in LOVE!! the dress was soo colorful and pretty. Plus, it was my size; I guess someone misplaced it and put the "XL" in the wrong section. AND, the price tag was.....$9.90 with 1/2 off (because it was on a Monday). #WINNING I bought the dress when it was sold outside so I wore it a few times with tights, a blazer and boots/flats but I couldn't WAIT to wear it when the weather warmed up. On this particular day, I wore it with my hand-me-down sandals (thanks, Mommy!) and some of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My thrifted clutch (also seen, HERE) was the perfect ending. 

While being photographed, I was jammin' to my play list and I think Fantasia was playing. I included the video as well...enjoy ;-) Do you have an item in your closet that has a "story" or that you just LOVE to pieces??? Love when that happens ;-) Take care and be blessed! And as always, MUCH LOVE to my new and old followers....LOVE YOU ALL!!! XO!

~Nic

Dress: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Sandals: Bakers

Clutch: Thrifted, also seen HERE (2nd Avenue) 

Chunky Bracelet: Bakers

Watch: Charming Charlie

Pearl/Crystal Bracelet: Macy's (Monet)

*jammin' to my song, Doin' Me....SANG it Fantasia!!! ;-)*