For the King

Coat: Tracy Reese/ Pants: Express/ Shoes: Jessica Simpson/ Purse: Michael Kors/ Blouse: JcPenny

As much as I would love to step out into the cold wearing my orange Tracy Reese coat on a daily basis, I've had to come to grips with the fact that its not an everyday coat. But, two Sunday's ago I took it off the hanger for the first time in a while and got snazzy for the King. My friends and I made a trip down Tobacco Road to hear former NAACP President, Ben Jealous speak at Duke Chapel for the University's annual celebration the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here lately I've been swamped with school work and one very special application, so baseball caps and beanies have pretty much been my daily uniform. I relished this small break from the hoopla that's been keeping me busy. Underneath my coat I was dressed in a creme blouse and khaki colored slacks, it was too cold for a photo without it. Since this event was at Duke Chapel, I was concerned that my outfit may be a little bold so balancing out the orange and blue I wore the muted colors underneath. 

I had a great time celebrating Dr. King's legacy and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Jealous' message. I heard him speak once before at the 2012 DNC and both times I was a blown away by his speaking skills. Members of the Nubian Message staff and I managed to snap a picture with him (and show him a copy of our newspaper) after the event was over! 

The Nubian Message Staff, Me! and Ben Jealous

P.S. Check out my friend Amanda's ( 3rd from the right) blog! She's chronicling her journey to Grad school and has some good posts! 

Presidential Swag, Part Two.

Earrings: Deb / Sweater: Target/ Skirt: JC Penny/ Shoes: Rainbow/ Coat: Kenneth Cole 

So this happened.

 Again. 

President Obama made a trip to the campus of North Carolina State University to announce the creation of the Next Generation Power Electronics Institute which will be head-quartered at NCSU. Two years after his first visit to my campus, yours truly was in the building again to hear Mr. President speak. This time with press credentials, working as a part of the White House Press Pool. This was an extremely long day for me as I had been up all night in the newsroom and had to be up and in line to be checked in just a few hours after leaving. I must say that it was all worth and that it was an amazing experience. How many people can say that the President came to their schools not once, but twice before they graduated. I am so lucky and glad that I had the chance to cover the President's speech! You can read about President Obama's first visit to N.C. State here. 

Ms. Pope in a White Coat

Coat: Kenneth Cole (similar) / Shirt: The Limited / Jeans: Gap/ Shoes: c/o Deb 

Though I was temporarily preoccupied by Beyonce's surprise album release (Drunk in Love remains on repeat!), I'm currently going through withdrawals from my favorite show, Scandal. There won't be another new episode until Feb. 27, which means I have to wait another two months before I'm able to spend an hour lusting over Olivia Pope's wardrobe again. In my opinion, one of the most iconic pieces from Olivia's closet  is her white Tory Burch trench coat.

I've been dying to have an Olivia Pope moment of my own, so when my Nina gifted me with this white Kenneth Cole trench, I knew the time was finally right. She managed to find this coat priced at more than 60% off at Rugged Wearhouse. It was also the only one in the store and luckily, in my size. I hope the weather doesn't begin to warm up anytime soon, because I am looking forward to more Olivia Pope moments in my white coat.

Young Professional

Blouse: JcPenny (similar) // Pants: Banana Republic // Shoes: Rainbow (similar) // Bag: Michael Kors 

It's the first day of my last semester of undergrad, so I think today's post title is very fitting. In a few months I will be entering the work force as a young professional. My mom and I have had many conversations about diversifying my wardrobe with pieces that I will be able to wear in a professional setting. I've slowly started taking heed so, I guess this outfit is the result of my doing so. 

I got these pants on super sale at Banana Republic while I was Christmas shopping (I'm talking 40% off the sale price!) and loved the fit of them. I paired with them my cream button down blouse and cheetah print flats and just like that I had a cute outfit, perfect for a soon-to-be young professional. 

Blue Suede Shoes

Sweater: Forever21 // Jeggings: The Limited // Shoes: Jessica Simpson// Necklace: WetSeal// Purse: Michael Kors

Two days into the New Year and I still can't believe that its 2014! So much is going to happen this year--I turn 22, graduate and hopefully will be moving away to start the next chapter of my life. To ring in this momentous New Year, my family and I decided to make the short trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. I hadn't intended on taking any blog pictures while away on this trip, but when I saw the bright blue and yellow background of this beach side concession stand I instantly thought of my new blue suede Jessica Simpson pumps and had to take pictures. 

Over the last year I think I have become more comfortable and sure of my personal style. Whereas I used to think that I had to be accessorized to the T, I've grown more comfortable with simplicity. Despite the bright colors of my sweater and shoes, this look was overall very simple.

Here's to more simple but fabulous looks throughout the year...and to Jessica Simpson for these blue suede shoes that I can't get enough of! 

14 Things I Want To Do In 2014

These aren't necessarily New Year's Resolutions or even goals for that matter...just 14 things that I would like to do before 2015.

1. Try Macaroons
I'm not even sure of how to properly pronounce the word, but I'v seen the pretty colored confections all over Instagram and Pinterest and I've got my mind set that I will fix my lips around one before this year comes to an end.

2. Buy a Pair of Sneakers 
The last time I brought a pair of sneakers to wear for fashion purposes was probably in 7th or 8th grade when I rocked Air Force Ones. Its no secret that I love a good pair of heels or a dainty flat, but this year I want to up my shoe game with a funky pair of sneakers.

The view from my window on the way to Hawaii

3. Board a Flight 
My last flight was a 10 hour flight from Raleigh, NC to Honolulu, HA in May of 2013. I'm itching to get back up in the air and off to another destination once again. I probably wont be going to Hawaii again any time soon but a vacation or just a temporary change of scenery would be nice.


 4. Record a Vlog 
So far So Sophisticated. 1992 has consisted primarily of outfit posts. I really want to incorporate new forms of media, so I'm looking forward to recording some vlogs.

5. Read
I've always loved reading but with all the many things I have to do, I'm not always able to read for pleasure as much as I would like. Now that I'm graduating, I'm hoping I will have more time to devote to reading.


6. Graduate! 
There are no ifs ands or buts about it....come May 2014, I'm graduating. Just thought I would add it to the list because I am rather excited about it.

7. Get a Passport 
 There are so many places in the World (can't wait to go to Africa!) that I want to see, obviously that wont be possible without a passport.

8. Try a Pink Lip
I've grown comfortable with red lips, now I think its time to find my signature shade of pink!

9.  Style an All- White Look 
Something about all-white screams style. I've been wanting to put together a monochromatic white look for a while now, so this will be the year that I actually do it.

10. Complete a Squat Challenge 
We've all seen the 30 day squat challenges on Instagram. This year I'm going to actually finish one and hopefully by the time I'm through, I'll no longer be the butt of my sister's jokes (pun intended).

11. Cook Dinner For My Family 
Since going away to school, my cooking skills have improved tremendously. However, my parents and sister continue to tease me about my cooking skills, so I really want to prepare a meal this year that makes it impossible for them to ever tease me about my cooking abilities again.

12. Write a Guest Post
It's been a while since I've written a guest post. One of my last guest posts was for J's Everyday Fashion Blog back in September of 2011. I was so excited to be featured on her site because she was one of my favorite bloggers and it was actually from reading her blog that I got the idea to start my own!

13.  Create a  Vision Board
When my high school graduation rolled around I thought of it as "The End." With my undergraduate career coming to an end it truly feels like the beginning of the rest of my life. I want to create a vision board to help map out my goals and plans for the next few years.

14. Be Happy! 
Is it cliche? Maybe. But being happy is truly something I want to do and be in 2014. At the end of the day, who doesn't?