A Lace Crop Top

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Hello Friends, I hope you all have a great weekend. I was most excited to send the weekend inside resting and relaxing because of the rain. I’m sad to report that did not happen for me this weekend because it barely rained. I shouldn’t be complaining because I could have been stuck inside because of a hurricane. So let me count my blessings.

I actually, though I donated this shirt a few years back, and was sad about it. I wore this to my bridal shower and never really thought I would wear it again. Here I am wishing and wanting a white lace shirt, and I never got rid of it. Turns out I never took the bag to the thrift store. I guess I win 🙂

Shirt: Banana Republic (old) similar here ~ Jeans: Gap old similar here

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My Striped Fall Staple Dress

Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1720Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1669Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1730Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1696Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1801Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1753Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1761Striped Dress with Denim Shirt-1789

So… I love stripes. I went back and forth about keeping this dress when I got it in the mail. I decided to keep it, of course, but I have to say it is one of the most versatile dresses I’ve come across in some time. I plan on styling it in various ways because I can imagine dressing it up or down for the fall. This is your warning you will be seeing this dress a few more times this season.

Dress: Old Navy ~ Shirt: T.J. Maxx similar here~ Shoe: DSW similar here

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The Last Summer Look

Red Walmart Top-2965Red Walmart Top-2899Red Walmart Top-2907Red Walmart Top-2979Red Walmart Top-2932Red Walmart Top-2990Red Walmart Top-2941Red Walmart Top-2944Red Walmart Top-3010

Looks like this is going to be my very last look for the summer. Guys, you know I love a great deal… I actually found this top from Walmart for $9. Typically, I don’t think about my clothing needs when I go into Walmart. I usually run in grab what I need and run out as fast as I can.

I want to encourage you all to walk through the clothing section of these types of stores, you never know what kind of items you may find there. Granted, you may not find the very best quality, but how many times would I really wear this type of shirt? Not very often, which means there is no need to spend a lot of money on something you may wear only a few times. I actually wore this shirt for the first time on Independence Day. I wore it with a pair a denim shorts just like these but I was going for the red white and blue look.

Shirt: Walmart similar here ~ Shorts: Abercrombie and Fitch ~ Shoes: Target 

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Simple and Easy Dress

Olive Green Dress with Slides-3369Olive Green Dress with Slides-3305Olive Green Dress with Slides-3312Olive Green Dress with Slides-3354Olive Green Dress with Slides-3344Olive Green Dress with Slides-3349Olive Green Dress with Slides-3390Olive Green Dress with Slides-3352

I love love love a simple dress that I can throw on and still feel great. I am always on the move, especially on Saturday’s. I can go from one event to another, I like to have a look that can transition from event to event.

I found this dress while walking through T.J. Maxx one evening and I knew it was a dress that had to come home with me. It was a great choice simply because I wore it a few times before it even made it to the blog. I am really strict with myself when it comes to wearing my clothes before I photograph them for the blog.

So here it is, what is your go-to easy outfit?

Dress: T.J. Maxx similar here ~ Shoes: Target

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Natural Hair vs. The Gym

Keep your heart rate up-0843So many black women, choose not to go to the gym for fear of messing up their hairstyle. It’s no secret we try to make a look last as long as we can. But when we are spending an hour sweating every other day that cute hairstyle may not last very long.

One question I get often is how I work out, without it affecting my hair. I think I’ve mastered the trick. But let’s be honest here. I do wear my hair natural more often than not. When my hair is straight, I am most likely not doing any heavy workouts (prob. just yoga lol).

My secret is… I do my hair twice a week. I wash or co-wash my hair on Sunday, do my style depending on what I am feeling that week. usually a twist-out. Then I go about my life. Every night I pineapple my hair, which means putting it into a really high ponytail. Then on Wednesday night I spray my hair with water and re-twist to get me through the rest of the week. This routine has been working for me for about a year. Sometimes that Wednesday refresh doesn’t happen and it is a bun for the rest of the week. Which is fine because I love a big curly bun. I think the major key is, to pineapple. I work out in a high ponytail and I sleep in it at night.

What are your tricks to help your hair last through your tough workouts? I would love to hear.

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The Ultimate Summer Look

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Today’s look screams summer! It actually reminds me of my childhood. A tank top, shorts, and sneakers were my summer uniform. Back in the good old days, I spent my summers riding bikes, playing tag, and making up obstacle courses. What were some of your best summer memories?

Shirt: Abercrombie similar here and here ~ Shorts: T.J. Maxx similar here and here ~ Shoes: Nike

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Staying Hydrated

Processed With DarkroomSo many people are chronically dehydrated. It is recommended that we each get at least 8, 8oz glasses of water a day. Or you can drink half your body weight in ounces. Whatever is manageable. All day I’m drinking water to try to stay hydrated.

I’ve discovered the best way to ensure you are drinking the recommended amount of water is to have an amazing cup you are excited to drink out of. My favorite of all favorites is they hydroflask. I bought my first one last November and I was hooked. I love how they don’t sweat when you have cold water in it. You can leave them in the car and your water will stay cool. They even come with interchangeable tops. Some days you may want a cup, others you may want a straw. Whatever you like it is customizable.

If you are looking for a way to get more water into your diet, try using this amazing water bottle and see if you are instantly hydrated.

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Minimalism and Fashion

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Last year I watched a documentary about minimalism. Ever since I’ve been fascinated with the topic. Something about living a more simpler life sounds so amazing. Imagine you won’t have to spend the entire day cleaning and wake up to an immaculate home. Sounds like a dream come true to me.

Those of you who love fashion and styling just like me, here are a few ways I like to keep my closet as minimal as I possibly can.

  1. Just buy what you need. Having a closet full of 8 v-neck black shirts is unnecessary. If you prefer a black v-neck, get a really good one that will last you through the season. 
  2. Know your style. I talk a lot about personal style here, but knowing your personal style will take you a long way when building a wardrobe. For example, I prefer a more basic color palette, so when I come across that neon green cardigan, I know it won’t work in my closet and therefore I need not buy it. No matter how cute it may be.
  3. Stick to basics. Basics will bring you a long way. Now, if you have to have that neon green cardigan, you could buy it because your basics will make a great backdrop to this cardigan.
  4. Don’t keep up with the Joneses. This is what minimalism is all about. Not being sucked into consumerism. You can have everything you need to style an outfit but not go overboard. You don’t need those Gucci slides in the summer just because everyone has them, the black sandals you already have are just as cute.
  5. Discard often. I like to get rid of things very often, simply because I shop a lot. It’s the one in one out principle of minimalism.

Overall, if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle you can, but you may just put your joy into your closet. Which is fine because you can do minimalism your way.

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How to Style Basics

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One of my favorite ways to put together an outfit is to pair basics and add a fun piece to bring it all home. In the styling world, it is called the third piece, or the finishing piece. Every outfit needs something to top it off, today I’m sharing five ways add the finishing touches on an outfit.

  1. Jacket or Vest – As shown here, I am wearing a vest over a pair of skinny jeans and a plain tee shirt. I also, like to do the same look with a jacket, but in the summer jackets are of course a bit to warm.
  2. Statement Jewelry – you can wear a big bold necklace, fun earrings, or a wrist full of bracelets. Whatever you decided to make sure you just pick one statement and let that be the focus.
  3. Shoes – I love making my shoes the main even in my outfit. Honestly, the shoes make the look so why not wear a pair of fun shoes. Imagine wearing an all-black outfit and metallic shoes, I’ve been loving that look this season.
  4. Bag – bold bags are great to make an outfit look very well styled, plus if you are anything like me, you like to have a lot more accessories and more classic pieces. An outfit will always pop when you accessories are fun.
  5. Let the basics be the look- wearing a monochromatic look is a statement in itself. My favorite is wearing all black or all white. I think it is such a chic look and that says a lot.

Shirt: Banana Republic Factory similar here ~ Jeans: Old Navy ~ Vest: Target ~ Shoes: Nike similar here and here

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