Transitioning to Fall with Julep

Dress: Express / Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors/ Shades: House of Harlow / Sneakers: MICHAEL Michael Kors 

All Summer long I stalked this asymmetrical jersey knit dress from Express but was never quite willing to pay full price for it. As fate would have it, I was in Express a few days ago and happened to stumble across it on the clearance rack for $29.99 plus an additional 30% off the clearance price...so of course I bought it! Though it is clearly a dress made for the summer, I am super excited to spruce it up and transition it into Fall. Though this leather MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket and camo print slip on sneakers will help, it's these three shades of Julep nail polish that will really add the finishing touch. 

So many people think that transitioning a summer look into fall involves actual articles of clothing, but in reality your beauty regimen has a significant impact as well. Weekly manicures are my guilty pleasure and these new fall colors from Julep only give me more of a reason to indulge.Check out more fall polishes from Julep here! 

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? 

Werk.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've known for about a month now that I'm officially a member of Corporate America. The transition to 9-5 life has been an interesting one but I think I'm finally starting to figure out the work/life balance and am glad to be back from my  [unanticipated] blogging hiatus! 

My current position is as an executive for one of the nation's premier retailers. That being said my work wardrobe is 95 percent black but, because I work in such a fashion oriented business and will forever be a fashionista at heart, I've made a point to create a work wardrobe that includes more than black suit separates.

 These past five weeks I've had lots of fun experimenting with different textures and fabrics and maybe a bit too much fun buying funky accessories to add some flair to my professional looks.This is a typical work outfit for me - polished, sleek and stylish. I'm particularly smitten with this faux-leather dress because it can easily be transitioned into the fall with boots and tights. These color block wedges are also my latest obsession. Not only are they comfortable but look great with nearly everything. 

Dress: Gianni Bini (similar) / Wedges: Express / Bag: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Charming Charlie / Rings: Express 

 Even though this outfit is for work, something about it screams "Werk." -- and that's exactly how I like it. Who says professional attire has to lack pizzazz? 

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! 

Sunday-Go-To-Meeting Clothes

Shirt: Forever 21 (Similar) / Skirt: Thrifted (Similar)/ Belt: Express (Similar) / Shoes: c/o Deb/ Clutch: Charlotte Russe (Similar) 

If you've never heard the term "Sunday-Go-To-Meeting Clothes" you're probably not from the South. Sunday-Go-To-Meeting Clothes are the sharpest items you have in your closet, that are reserved for special occasions (Sunday Morning Church Service, a Date, Funeral or Wedding) and when you want to make a good impression. I pulled out my Sunday's best yesterday for Church and a lunch date with my little sister. 

Though I think it is important to wear modest dress to church, I don't think style should be omitted from the equation. Alone both my thrifted houndstooth skirt and floral printed blouse make for modest separates, but put together they created a noticeably stylish pair. My sparkly pink belt proved to be the perfect accent and my caged heels from Deb were also a good accessory for this particular look.  

Also, I typically am hesitant to mix prints but the cohesion that existed between this shirt and skirt was undeniable. It was ultra feminine and I felt very much like a Southern Belle should when she gets all dolled up in her Sunday-Go-To-Meeting Clothes! 

Casual Glam

Jacket: c/o deb / Shirt: Express (old) / Jeans: c/o deb/ Shoes: c/o deb/ Necklace: c/o deb/ Clutch: Victoria Secret 

I'm all about being classic and feminine, without being too stuffy. While the top half of my outfit could have easily read "I'm ready for high tea," the jeans and cheetah print pumps balanced it out and made the look more modern. This look is an example of what I like to call, Casual Glam. It has elements of glamour to it, but is also still very casual. I wore a variation of this outfit to dinner and a movie recently (replaced the sparkly blouse with a grey tee + nixed the jacket) and it was just as cute. Do you think my Casual Glam look is practical? 

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! 

You a Bad Girl and Your Friends Bad Too.

While it's undeniable that Beyonce is a bad girl and her friend Kelly Rowland is too, let it be known, that  they're not the only ones dripping Swagu. Because, in case you didn't know, I'm a bad girl and my best friend A'storia is a bad girl too.

So, Saturday night in preparation for the New Year, I stockpiled up on some Swagu, and stepped out on the town with my bestie. What can I say, #weliketoParty!

Ok, so who am I kidding? I'm definitely not the World's biggest Party Animal, but every now and then I like to get all dolled up in a pretty dress and strut my stuff. Which, is exactly what I did Saturday night December 31, 2011. 

The last 365 days of my life were filled with some major accomplishments, a little sadness surrounding the unexpected death of a friend, and a year in which I was placed in some difficult situations that ultimately made me a stronger, wiser, and better person. All in all, I think 2011 deserved from me a heartfelt goodbye and 2012 was deserving of a smashing grand entrance! 

To ring the NewYear in right, I splurged on this Herve Leger inspired multi color dress from Express. Although I really liked this dress, I can't lie-- I really wanted to dazzle in a sequined mini but I had a strong inclination that a lot of other girls would be wanting to do the same.

Therefore I stuck with this baby, and if I do say so myself, it was a knock out! I think this dress was also fitting for the night given that one of the top designer brands of the year was Herve Leger.

Christinia Milian, Kelly Rowland, and Victoria Beckham are just a few of the celebs spotted out in these figure flattering dresses in 2011. And though my dress was barely even a fraction of what one of the infamous bandage dresses cost....

                                                        
                                                      ...I still think it looked just as good!
                                                              
                                                                     That said, 

                                 Happy New Years!

From One Bad Girl and her Friend, to another! 

-xoxo

Kisses from Kierra