one word: POCKETS

…extra pockets.

One thing I really try to focus on when blogging is style over trends. YES there is a difference…trends are what everyone seems to be wearing and style is what you do with what you wear as an individual. Especially with trends.

Last month, while in NYC…I went shopping for the first time at Zara and I quickly found out that its a little slice of Heaven.

I laid my eyes on this denim jacket, and literally put everything else back. I am extremely picky when it comes to  three things…black boots, coffee, and denim.

Perfect denim…perfect “wear”…and extra pockets. Two outside and two hidden pockets inside.

“YASSS”

Huge shout out to my sister for getting me the sweetest coffee mug from Tj Maxx.

(Breakfast club?)

You can even see the relaxed fit in the arms of my denim jacket. Hello, perfection.

http://www.forever21.com [shoes] http://www.freepeople.com [Roller crop skinnies]

Jacket: Zara | Lace top: Forever21 | Jeans: Free People | Booties: Forever21 | Sunnies: Return Passage

 

just B E

S E A S O N S.

A love/hate relationship. We all have different seasons. Its how we remember certain milestones & memories in our life.

It also brings me comfort to know our seasons will come and go.

The time length is never known.

For the last 5 years, I’ve been in a season of working my butt off. Before I moved here, I was working 3 to 4 jobs and even when I moved here I was working two jobs that put me working from 5am to 10pm. The last 8 months of my life consisted of me working full time and attending school full time.

E N O U G H.

Its been a long season of working more than living and ME leaning on all of my own plans. Plans that didn’t seem to pan out.

JUST BE.

Since moving here a year and a half ago, God has shown me that its okay to make my own plans if they align with His. Diving right back into school was a slight regret the last 8 months. I wasn’t able to enjoy living and exploring in Raleigh or investing in the people around me. Not even myself.

OVER IT.

It was time for a season of rest…a season where I can just BE. A season where I just live and STOP planning my next step. I’ve always had the next step planned and I always had this never to settle mentality…but I was driving myself crazy. Between work & school both full time and doing a lot of volunteering at church, something had to go. Goodbye overly priced education that hid behind the name.

SEE YAH.

Just because I quit school, didn’t mean I was a quitter or someone who didn’t have enough drive. I just cared too much about my sanity and well-being to continue to crush my spirit and to let my relationship with Jesus and others take the end of the line.

FREE…thats WEIRD

I’ve been free from school for a month now, and I am so happy. I’ve been able to do the most simple things like read, go for coffee with my friends, and get back into my work out routine. I can finally take trips home and even spend more time reading scripture. This doesn’t mean I stop pursuing my calling or career…because that is always on my mind.

I’m just living a life thats meant to live where I love God and love people.

After all…this new season just allowed me to go to Hillsong Church’s Colour Conference in New York.

step up your basics with this..

| B A N D A N A S |

the once 90s trend worn as a headband or even as a top (cue Buffy the Vampire Slayer), is making its way back as a top accessory this year. Except this time, with more of a statement.

Step up your basics with a bandana accessorized around your neck. Aka “necker chief” Running late? Throw up a messy bun & tie a bandana around your neck. Add a bright lip, and your once in a hurry or causal look leaves you feeling like a fashionista.

For my girls on a budget, like me…a thrift shop or online store such as Asos has bandanas under $10.

For my girls looking to splurge on this accessory, Free People has your standard bandanas and embellished bandanas that jingle as you walk.

For more how-to’s, check out one of my favorite websites Refinery29.com

 

How I’ve styled my bandana. (BlankNYC fringe leather jacket, white vneck, black ripped denim, and my black lace up flats)

http://www.freepeople.com +  us.asos.com

Pantone had me at…

It may be snowing today, but Pantone has me day dreamin’ of warmer days. Their color palette forecast is incredible for this S/S 2016. I’ve made mention that I wear a ton of dark colors, but I’m already investing in these muted colors and adding a splash of fiesta to my wardrobe. I’ve chosen my top fav colors from Pantone and now I’m more eager about Spring than ever! Pink hasn’t been in my vocab since I was a little girl but Rose Quartz has me in awe.

These colors are truly fitting for the minimalistic trend, and adds a feministic appeal to the boho, sophisticated and grunge style.

Fiesta

Rose Quartz

Serenity

Snorkel Blue

Lilac Gray

Iced Coffee

channeling J A N E L L E | M O N A E

one word…MENSWEAR.

SO excited for this years Autumn 2015 trend for women which is all about the menswear look (not to mention suede is trending). Making us women look even more fierce and ready to say GIRL POWER. I have always been a fan of oxfords and lace up shoes, but now designers stepped it up a notch by adding a platform or a masculine appeal to them. I found the cutest pair of black & white studded Michael Kors oxford at TJ Maxx. Talk about // in love  //.

Not only are the shoes a take on the menswear look, but clothing from blazers, to button ups, slacks, & structured pieces that hang off the frame.

If you haven’t yet seen this trend for 2015, I highly encouraging you to venture through Vogue and Elle.

Below is my take on the trend.

Because I have had these pieces in my closet within the last year, I am going to show you ladies where to |G E T the L O O K|

Deets: Hat @urbanoutfitters | lipstick, Diva by Mac | Necklace @freepeople | shoes @dolcevita

white button up $82 at http://www.madewell.com

Black Coated Pants $98 http://www.express.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!

hair didddd // Bottega hair studio

So….we all get our hair done, yah? But its more than just a good cut/color that keeps us coming back to a certain hair studio.

Well, I decided it was time to switch up my bangs & cut a little length off so I called up a friend at Bottega Hair Studio. After all, they did my blonde color last month.

As I sat there waiting for the stylist, Summer…I couldn’t help but think that this place has me coming back for numerous reasons and one being they play THE best music. The hair studio has so many little detailed pieces that bring such character to the place which creates a vibe that makes them S T A N D O U T. From the cute plants & bottle caps, to the rad “tree stump” you place your feet on while getting shampooed.

They believe in other refreshments…not just water or coffee (that red wine though!)

They support local artists. Both painters and jewelry artists!

The hair products they use are some of the best out there and  not to mention, healthy for your hair. I am obsessed with the root blaster by Altnera Bamboo that Summer used on my hair.

Bottom line…if you’re in the area, you should check them out! I’ll be back for more!

Pretty sure I was mid- sentence when this picture was taken, but with this being a style blog…I needed to get a picture of my outfit.

follow them on IG!

His plans > my plans

I’m a couple weeks delayed on posting, but for good reason.  I am so excited to share how good God is and how His presence is everywhere in my life. Since I moved here in November, I have been holding tight to MY plans, even when I could feel myself losing my grasp in many areas of my life. I finally learned to lay it all at His feet.

Moving here, I just knew exactly how my life was going to go in every aspect. Career/job, and even the relationship I was in. All I have to say is God stepped in and once I finally laid it down…I was able to see all the great things that were to come. My car quit on me, my relationship ended, and I was working 5:30am to 10pm which ended when I quit the job I left home for. Before all of this happened, I really started walking with Christ and working on my relationship with him. I had no idea how much He was about to show me.

None of this was easy and in fact…the struggle was R E A L L Y real.

Following what was on my heart and attending Elevation Church back in April helped me tremendously. That was just the beginning of the G R E A T work God was about to do. It felt just like home. I’ve met so many amazing humans whose hearts are on fire for Christ. The support & encouragement I feel when I’m there is so uplifting. Now I volunteer there, and my heart is full of so much joy I’ve never felt. That was just the beginning.

Quitting the job I left home for was “crazy” I thought. WHY would I leave the job I left home for?                       This wasn’t part of my plan..this job was suppose to take me to NYC..NOPE.

Then it hit me. As much as I “hated” living here, I knew this was exactly where I was suppose to be and where God needed me. That job was His means of getting me out of my hometown. Prayers in full effect, trusting in him…I quit.

The next thing I know, I am an ASM for Aldo…a volunteer at Elevation Church & going back to school for my Bachelors in Fashion Marketing & Management. I’m even loving where I live.

Going back to school is a HUGE leap of faith for me. Working full time & going to school full time?! Going back had been on my heart for a while, but I never thought I could for many reasons. Four years after I getting my Associates, I am finally going for my childhood dream. It won’t be easy, it’ll d e f f be hard but God shows up in full force at my weakest moments and if I have learned anything…its that faith requires action. When you “do your thing, God does his”

This post was longer than I ever wanted any of them to be…but I can’t sum up Gods g o o d n e s s in one short paragraph and I don’t even feel as though I gave you guys enough of it! Learning to trust in God is a journey but I promise when you let go of the things you THINK you need…He gives you exactly what you DO need to do GREATER and BETTER things. He is so so good and I can not wait to see what else He is stirring up in my life and what He has in store for Elevation Church.

Cheers to coffee//leather//messy buns

what did I tell y’all? I love (vegan) leather. I also love a simple outfit, it’s classic. So I really enjoy mixing the two! My go to Old Navy tank top, plus my newest addition…these half vegan leather/half denim pants found at TJ Maxx! I chose to wear a simple necklace because simple can be a statement. 

For the ladies who are a little unsure what to wear under loose summer tanks, I HIGHLY suggest Urban Outfitters simple bras or Free People’s bralettes. They’re beyond comfy! 

Shout out to Caribou Coffee!

   
 

Ps: yes…that’s my patio. I LOVE the woods as my view! 

The caffeinated heart never stops

it may be 11pm…but my brain is working on overdrive thinking of ways to improve my blog & chasing my dreams.

Earl grey tea + brainstorming = Gods goodness is happening. 

  

I’m talking about a L E A P of faith

It may be a little late at night, but someone out there may need this. I feel the need to share because moving away from home was a leap of faith for me. Though it was a small one, only two hours away into a bigger city…it was the BIGGEST step. Self discovery is the most empowering and amazing feeling. I dare you to take your leap of faith and find your undiscovered strength.