Life is a Beach

Romper: Maison Jules / Flats: Steve Madden / Jacket: Old Navy / Purse: Zac Zac Posen / Sunglasses: The Limited 

Four days shy of November and some how I managed to find myself in a sleeveless romper splashing around in the ocean. I purchased this romper by Maison Jules for $12 bucks and thought I was going to have to wait until next summer to wear it, but the 80 degree weather at Myrtle Beach made for the perfect opportunity to show a little skin in these Carolina blue and cream stripes. I played around with a little pattern mixing pairing stripes with my favorite leopard print flats. I also threw on my denim jacket and over-sized shades to complete the look. 

The Perfect Boyfriend

Lace Cami: Express / Jeans: American Eagle/ Pumps: Steven / Purse: Z by Zac Posen/ Shades: House of Harlow 


I thought all hope was lost when I parted ways with my favorite boyfriend jeans from GAP earlier this summer but, had I known an equally wonderful boyfriend was waiting for me on the clearance rack of American Eagle, I wouldn't have. In a two week time frame, I've worn these jeans a total of three times and have already been scheming up new ways to incorporate them into my fall wardrobe. 

Paired with my slouchy lace cami from Express and Steven by Steve Madden Ravesh pumps, this look is ideal for a casual dinner date night. I'm also happy to debut on the blog my Z by Zac Posen Hayden Crossboy Wallet. Though it was a bit of a splurge, it was well worth the cost because it pulls double duty as both a wallet and purse! How's that for versatility? 

Prints & Bow Toes

Blouse: Gianni Bini via Dillards / Shorts: Rachel Roy (Old) / Pumps: Steven by
Steve Madden / Watch: Michael Kors/ Purse: c/o Deb / Shades: Rue21 

When it comes to adding class to a pair of shorts, my rule of thumb is to always balance out the leg being shown on the bottom with a less revealing blouse on top. I know pattern mixing is all the rage right now, but if you haven't quite worked up the courage to pair multiple bold patterns, a simple and stylish way to gather your gumption is by balancing a bold print with a solid. For me, a white button-down blouse is a staple that can make the transition to every season. When I purchased these Rachel Roy shorts last year in Hawaii, I wasn't sure what I would wear with them, but this simple white blouse and my Steven by Steve Madden pumps that I can't seem to get enough of was the perfect combination. 

Purple Reign

Top: Zara (thrifted) / Jeans: Gap / Purse: Kate Spade / Pumps: Steve Madden / Shades: Rue21 

On this month's cover of Essence magazine is music legend, Prince, who turned 56 on Saturday. In the magazine, Prince shares his [recent] decision to refrain from using profanity in his music. Though for many people Prince, the artist, is synonymous with racy lyrics and good music, for me, mention of Prince elicits thoughts of curls, platform heels and of course, a long purple trench coat. Even though this outfit doesn't quite match the grandiosity of something Prince would likely wear, the richness of the purple hue and silky texture of the top made me think of him and his Purple Rain music video nonetheless. 

I came across this purple silk tunic in Goodwill one day last week, and despite its enormity, had to have. Purple is not a color I wear often, so the uniqueness of this color to my wardrobe only made me want it more. Before long I'm going to have to retire these ripped jeans, but for as long as I can still wiggle my way into them, I plan to keep them around. I threw these on with the top to add a little bit of a grungy edge to the look, but sprinkled back in hints of prissiness with my pink and purple snakeskin pumps and hot pink Kate Spade. I wore this to my younger cousin's graduation party for something that was casual and youthful, but most of all, sophisticated. I have plans of belting this tunic so that it can be worn as a dress. I guess one good thing about it being so blousy is that its pretty versatile. 

I Didn't Get Invited To The White House, But....

Top: Express via Marshall's / Pants: Express via Marshall's / Shoes: Steve Madden/ Bracelet: Rue21 / Bag: Michael Kors 

My Invite! 

I did get an invite to my Chancellor's House for a Student Leader Reception! Never would I have imagined four years ago as a freshman at N.C. State that I would eat dinner with my Chancellor, but last night it happened. As the editor-in-chief of the Nubian Message, a weekly African American newspaper at my university,  myself as well as several other Student Leaders were presented with this cool opportunity. 

I know how difficult it is to get in touch with Chancellor Woodson, (the Nubian has attempted before without luck for quotes) so to receive this invite, was a big deal! When I got it, I had no idea what I was going to wear, but I knew it needed to be polished, classy and most importantly, professional. I eventually decided on this printed peplum top from Express (via Marshall's) and these cropped black slacks (on sale for $15!). I really wanted to wear my Jessica Simpson Cheetah print heels, but ultimately decided that my black pumps with the lower heel were more appropriate for the occasion. 

We had a nice dinner of Spaghetti with cheesecake for dessert, and while the food was good, I was most impressed with the "mature" nature of the conversation my fellow peers and I had with our Chancellor. We discussed everything from the North Carolina Legislature passing a law that allows concealed weapons on UNC-Campuses (check out this article in the Nubian's sister publication, Technician) to Women's Safety on campus, and a Tweet sent by a student at App State that was among other things, racially insensitive and bigoted. 

It made for a fun evening and is just another awesome opportunity that life at N.C. State has presented me. I won't get sentimental, well...at least I'll try not to, but I must say that my school has treated me well and that I will definitely miss it come this May when I graduate! Shout out to the Class of 2014! 

 

p.s. - how bazaar is it that guests at the Chancellor's home park on the grass? o_O haha, check out Miss B chilling on his front lawn! 

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! 

Christmas 2011: Rocking Winter Blues

While across America brawls broke out with people fighting-- yes, literally fighting trying to get a pair of  Air Jordan Concords, my parents waltzed right into Macy's asked for a pair of  Steve Madden Brandyy Boots in  a size 8 1/2, paid for them and then continued on their Merry little way! Yes, while half of America was fighting over a stupid pair of shoes, that in 6 months time will have been replaced with something "cooler" my parents were able to score me a pair of boots that will be a staple in my closet for years to come. 

Steve Madden Boots, A Jessica Simpson purse, an iPhone, clothes, and cash-- that pretty much sums up my Christmas and I must say that, I'm one happy little girl :). 

While I was dreaming of a White Christmas, North Carolina had other plans in store. The high for the day was 54 degrees. I opted not to wear the same old same old red and green and instead put on my new dress from Rue21with blue, purple, and black stripes (only $4!), black leggings and a black t-shirt, and my new cognac brown Steve Madden Boots. 

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

-xoxo

Kisses from Kierra