Miss Thang

Jeans: Madewell / Turtleneck: OldNavy/ Fur Stole: Ivanka Trump/ Shades: Cole Haan / Pumps: Enzo Angiolini 

A few weeks ago I went to a J.Crew sample sale in my hometown and lucked up on these Madewell jeans. They are probably the most flattering pair that I have in my arsenal and are of great quality. Madewell can be pricey, so I was pretty jazzed about the $20 price tag on this pair. This outfit made me think about Monica's song "Miss Thang," in which she proclaims " Now I'm fly as I can be, got responsibilities... It's alright for me to think it's all about me." After all, your 20s is the time when it's okay to be a little selfish, right?

         linking up with: Style Elixir 

Land of the Snakes

Blouse: Old Navy / Pants: Jones New York / Pumps: Rainbow / Shades: House of Harlow / Wallet: Zac by Zac Posen 

Labor Day has come and gone but I still have no problem rocking white, especially these fantastic winter white Jones New York pants.What I love about these pants, besides their color is that they are fitted without being too tight. Nothing is cute or classy about skin tight slacks! I've talked plenty before about the frustrations of being a pear shape, among them finding pants that fit your smaller waistline and larger hips. These pants do just that for me! 

For a business chic look I paired with these slacks a sheer snakeskin blouse from Old Navy with pumps I found on clearance at Rainbow. My MAC Lipstick in Hangup and over-sized shades really polished the look off. 

Soul Sista

Dress: Goodwill/ Shoes: Gianni Bini / Bracelet: Rue21/ Ring: OldNavy 

I LOVE this dress. In fact the instant I ran across it in the Goodwill I said a silent prayer that it would fit and boy did I breathe a sigh of relief when I got into the dressing room and it did. It doesn't have any type of tag or size on the inside of it but it reminds me of a Missoni print. I guess this is why it also reminds me of the 70s, since Missoni was super popular during the 70s.

These shoes were a surprise gift from my mother. Earlier in the summer I had been talking to her a lot about how I wanted some chunky platforms. When I got these I thought they were adorable but really had no idea what I would wear with them. Finding this dress, quickly answered that question and together the pair made for an outfit reminiscent of something that a real Soul Sista would wear.

Beetle Juice

Shirt: Kohls/ Shorts: Lucky Brand via T.J. Maxx/ Sandals: Rue21/ Earrings: OldNavy/ Belt: Target/ Bracelet: Charlotte Russe/ Sunglasses: Gianni Bini 

This past weekend I attended the African American Culture Festival in downtown Raleigh and this is what I wore. When I met my friends downtown, one of them looked at me and the first thing she said was, "You look like Beetle Juice." If you know who/what Beetle Juice is, you would understand why I gave her a salty glare in response.

Despite being told that I looked like a zombie, I think this look was a hit, and perfect for the transitioning weather.Plus these shorts were on clearance for only $3! The inspiration for this outfit came as I was scrolling through my Pinterest boards and came across a neon green monochromatic outfit pinned beside a pair of black and white stripped pants. I instantly thought of these shorts and shirt and paired the two together!

This is a simple look that I would wear again with flats or heels. Pairing shorts with a button down is also an easy way to make daisy dukes a little less risque.

The Showstopper

 

 

Dress: Malloy via TJMaxx/ Shoes: ZooShoo/ Clutch: Victoria Secret via Goodwill/ Ring: OldNavy/ Bracelet: Rue21

Everyday this summer as I drove home from my internship, I would pass by the marquee of the Carolina Theater and I would always think to myself, "I really want to take some pictures there." 

The day before I returned to Raleigh for school, I did, wearing a dress that I absolutely love.

The dress is a black ballerina-esque number that I purchased from T.J. Maxx. I love how the leotard -style slims my body and also how the chiffon skirt hangs. It really is a lovely dress. 

The dress is a Malloy Los Angles Design. I've got several dresses from this brand (All via TJ Maxx and Marshalls). I would love to find the website for it however, because the dresses are all so flattering and inexpensive and  I want more! I originally wore this dress to a fashion show I covered for my school newspaper back in April. It definitely turned a few heads. 

I'll even go as far as to say it was a showstopper. Which is fine with me, because occasionally I like to turn heads and break necks. 

I accessorized this look with my (favorite) gold link bracelet from Rue21, snake ring from Old Navy and gold sparkly clutch from Victoria Secret. 

What is your favorite showstopping piece of clothing? 

How Could I Forget!?

You ever mean to do something but somehow forget? Yeah, me too. Which would explain the looks in this post-- all ones that I forgot to post, until now! 

                                                                     

Stepping Out 

I wore this sassy look to the Spring Step Show at school. The romper is Gianni Bini and super comfortable. My wedges are some of my favorite Steve Maddens ones that my dad purchased for me about two years ago now. I finished off the look with my Forever21 gold earrings and cat eye shades.

Teacher Shirt 

A fabulous find from the thrift store, this retro blouse reminded me of something a teacher would wear in the 70s. I wore it to my Great Grandma Mae's 90th birthday party paired with my orange chiffon skirt, emerald green cardigan from Old Navy, tights and sparkly black booties from Forever21. I remember getting lots of compliments on this look and specifically a lady yelling across a store to tell me that I looked "so ladylike and cute!" 

Purple Cheetah

I wore this purple number that I picked up on clearance at Dillard's to my best friend's 21st birthday.  The shindig was a bit of a classy affair so my monochromatic purple look fit the bill for appropriate attire. When I couldn't decide on what shoe's to wear with the look, I threw on my cheetah print Jessica Simpson's in frustration. Surprisingly enough though, they looked good! I accesorized with gold hoops and a gold pendant necklace that I purchased from Francesa's. 

Painted On

On the Eve of New Year's, I made my way out in black sequined leggings that looked like they were painted on to my body, my black chiffon top, black faux leather jacket and bright pink BCBG pumps. This look was so effortless and very sexy, if I do say so myself! 

Golden Girl

So, this little stunner is what I wore out to celebrate the completion of my Junior year of  college and the end of the semester. The gorgeous dress was only $14 at the Dillard's clearance center in High Point , NC. I loved the peplum and it didn't hurt that it fit my body great. My shoes were also a fab find from Shi by Journeys...only $19.99. They are magenta platforms with a gold heel and t-strap. I polished the look off with my fave Forever21 gold earrings and a single gold cuff. 

Which of these forgotten fits do you like the best? I think I'm sold on this last one! 

Tying the Knot

Shirt: Old Navy (old) / Skirt: Forever21 (old) / Shoes: Keds/ Sunglasses: Forever21 

This summer one of the trends I've wanted to experiment with is a knotted shirt. This trend works great, if like me you have a top that is grossly out shape and by knotting it you can bring it back to life. My stripped orange tank from Old Navy had seen better days, but being the (clothing) hoarder that I am I had been holding on to simply because I liked the variation in the stripes. After scrolling through Pinterest and seeing oodles of outfits with knotted shirts I decided to knot this top and pair it with  my orange pencil skirt from Forever21 and my Keds. I placed a white cami underneath the tank because it was so loose and low. I think it made for a simple but cute look. 

     Are you a fan of knotted shirts? 

Welcome to The Good Life

 Boy, this must  be the life! Imagine it. You get all dressed up— nails done, hair done, everything did— and head to the Fashion Capital of the world, New York City, for a totally “EnVogue” party. What makes this party so “EnVogue” you ask? Well, besides the fact that its hosted by Teen Vogue Magazine, the fact that the 500 guests in attendance were hand selected by the editorial staff of Teen Vogue Magazine. Also, these same 500 people will likely be some of fashions biggest superstars, and they’re all gathered in the same place at the same time. To be exact, they are all gathered in the H&M store on East  42^nd and 5^th streets, which by the way was closed just for their shopping pleasures. What makes it even more surreal, is that you are among those people. 

Yes, that must be the life and last weekend I got my first taste of it! 

After the longest 10 hour ride  of my life, I arrived in New York City and was immediately intrigued by all of the lights (I promise this post is not an homage to Kanye West...promise). Though I've been to NYC several times in the past, this time was a bit different in that it was as a result of my own accomplishment. Needles to say I was ready to begin my stint at Teen Vogue Fashion University and more importantly my night. For the occasion  I got a lil' fancy in a pair of silk leopard shorts from Cache, a sheer tie neck blouse from OldNavy, Jessica Simpson Collection tights, and boots from T.J. Maxx. My cross necklace and gold bracelet were from Forever 21 while my gold hoops came from Express. 

Where it all went down

A look inside the party

The H&M shopping event was a lot of fun and me being me one of the best part of my night was checking out all of the amazing outfits. Not only that, but there was also a 25% discount for the students of  Teen Vogue Fashion U, hors d'oeuvres, an incredible DJ and a live band. 

Okay, so besides being surrounded by gorgeous people and gorgeous clothing ( I've never been so aesthetically pleased before!) The absolute best part of my night was being able to spend time with my best friend, who is currently in NYC pursing her modeling dream! Luckily, Fashion U students were allowed to bring one guest with them to Friday nights shopping event, and given that I hadn't seen my bestie in over 2 months I thought it would be the perfect time for us to catch up! 

A'storia and I waiting in line for the party to begin

A'storia with her Farrah Fawcett going on

Friday night was just the kick off of my three day weekend in New York City and at Teen Vogue Fashion U, but just from the first night I knew the rest of my trip was going to be a blast! This was all just the start of The Good Life.

Stay tuned for parts 2 & 3!

-xoxo

Kisses from Kierra