Search Results for: summer with nic

Personal Style | Summer Personal Style Recap, Part II

September 8, 2015 by Whitney 22 Comments

Hey there! I hope you all had a marvelous holiday weekend. I spent most of my time organizing and cleaning up our new place, swimming, and cooking with hubs. All in all, the weekend was a great one and I’m so happy we have a short work week! Before I get into fall style, I want to take one last look at my favorite summer style outfits from the blog. I had so many I wanted to re-share so I figured a Part II post was necessary. Let’s take a look!

Casual Chic // Black Maxi

Kimono // Travel Style

This summer was probably one of my favorites style-wise because I finally became 100% comfortable with my personal style. I know what colors, prints and styles work for me and I know how far I’m willing to step outside my style comfort zone. After much experimenting, donating old clothing and shopping around, I’m very comfortable with the clothes in my closet. That’s such a great feeling!

Building your personal style should be fun, precise and realistic! #wnjstyle

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I now know the stores and brands are my go-to’s and for the most part, I don’t stray from those places. I’ve become very adamant about wearing clothing that’s comfortable and practical for my lifestyle. So much so that I’m in the process of creating a How-to Find Your Personal Style post and webinar for the upcoming season. Be sure to sign up for my mailing list so you can be the first to find out when that goes live!

Thrifted at Work // Wearable Art

Kimonos & Backpacks // Printed Dress

So tell me, how would you define your personal style in 3 words? What do you struggle with while trying to create your personal style? Let me know!

As always thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to show off your personal style by linking your recent OOTD pots(s) below. Be sure to link your outfit back to this post. Also, visit the other bloggers who’ve linked up and say hey. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | 5 Things Summer 2015 Taught Me

September 1, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

Summer 2015 is winding down and as I said in yesterday’s post, it’s been a GREAT one. Thinking back, so much has happen this summer. I’ve grown in many ways and through it all, I’ve learned so much. Here are 5 things Summer 2015 has taught me.

1. My family is the best. I’ve known this for years, but I really realized how awesome my family was this summer. We’ve been able to spend a lot of time together through traveling, working together or just hanging out, and it’s been great. I genuinely appreciate their crazy quirky ways (lol), they’re unwavering support, constructive criticism and the love they have (and constantly show) hubs. They treat him like one of their own and seeing that warms my heart. My family has become the (very) few friends I can totally depend on…and I’m OK with that.

5 lessons learned from Summer 2015.

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2. I really LOVE Twitter. I’ve been on Twitter for years, but this summer I’ve really become a twitter fan. There’s SO MUCH great information out there and there’s also a lot of funny, intriguing info too. A twitter feed is like a huge ongoing conversation; one big game of telephone. Once you sift through the “mess” on Twitter, it really is an awesome platform to promote, engage and learn from. Check out this post for more of my thoughts on social media.

3. I (really) can make a living being a blogger & social media consultant. It’s no secret that I’m pretty serious about this blogging thing. And over the past few months, I’ve been serious about helping others understand and use social media properly. I’ve been able to generate income from blogging and social media consulting and it’s been wonderful. I genuinely enjoy creating content and helping others with social media, so to make money while doing both has been nothing but a blessing. Hard work, research and taking your time before diving into a new venture are the key factors that have helped make blogging and social media “a business”.

4. Downsizing really isn’t that bad. In this post I shared that hubs and I were downsizing. This decision was a “gown up” decision and to be honest, I griped about it for months. I just wasn’t feeling the whole live with less thing. But after reconsideration and talks with hubs and my parents, I came to realize that downsizing was indeed a wise decision. Especially since hubs and I are planning to purchase our first home and have our first child in a few years. Now is the perfect time to save and learn to live with less, all while living in an affordable chic downtown-loft like space in one of the best counties in the country, close to my parents. In 2-3 years, we’ll have a nice down payment for the home of our dreams and less financial stress. After all that is the American Dream, right?

5. I love being married. I always knew I wanted to be a wife. I never really thought about my perfect wedding and really didn’t have an idea of when I wanted to be married. I just knew I wanted to be a wife. Being married to my best friend has been sheer joy, especially during summer 2015. It hasn’t been easy nor perfect, but it’s been a fun, uphill ride and I wouldn’t want to travel this road with anyone other than Darrius. This summer has taught us that with God at the head of our relationship, #TeamWest can make it through anything. We’re a solid team; partners ’til the end. He has truly displayed unconditional love all summer long, and I’d like to think I’ve done the same for him. 😉

So tell me, what do you think about my summer lessons? What are somethings you’ve learned during Summer 2015? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and for supporting me throughout the summer. My blog has really grown and I owe you, my readers, a HUGE thank you! I couldn’t have done it without you. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to linkup your recent OOTD to my Personal Style Linkup!

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Style | Summer Style Recap, Part I

August 31, 2015 by Whitney 32 Comments

Tomorrow is September 1st. Just typing that feels weird. I mean my goodness; the summer has come and gone like that! I do love the fall season, so I’m not complaining. However, Summer 2015 has been quite a memorable one and I’m a little sad to see it coming to a close. But I’m sure September, and the fall season, have plenty of greatness in store! Before we sashay into a new month, let’s take a look at my summer style recap.

Printed Pants in DC // Sheer in All Black

Shift Dress & Sunnies // Floral Tunic & Backpacks

I mentioned that I was all about being casual and chic this summer, so I gravitated towards black and white, tunic dresses and jumpsuits (one-pieces). I also play with accessories and hair; always fun to do! I knew this summer was going to be busy, so I styled lost of pants, leggings and practical shoes. From pageants to road-trips, comfort was my #1 priority.

My summer style was casual and chic; lots of tunics, leggings and shift dresses! #wnjstyle

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Always a fan of statement necklaces, I tried to style as many different ones as possible. I mean after all they sit on my dresser begging to be worn, so why not?! My summer style also included backpacks. I’m so glad I gave this trend a try because I honestly LOVE wearing them. Yes, they’re on trend and super cute, but also functional and practical for trips, weekend errands and even casual days at the office.

Joggers & Gold Flats // Tunic Top & Leggings

Short Tunic Dress // Perfect Jumpsuit

So tell me, what do you think about my summer style? What styles have you been wearing this summer? Let me know!

Feel free to catch up with me on Snapchat (@wnicjames) or Instagram to find out more about my weekend. Hubs and I finally moved into our new place and I’ve been snapping and sharing a few pics. Of course there will be a full update on the move later, but until then be sure to link your recent outfit to today’s Personal Style Linkup. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Linkups: How I Summer, Mix it Monday, Sophisticated Style, Mingle Monday, Mahogany Monday, WIW, Garay Treasures, On Trend Tuesday, Spotlight Weekly

GIVEAWAY | End of Summer Giveaway c/o Firmoo Glasses

August 25, 2015 by Whitney 15 Comments

Awhile back I was sent a pair of glasses from Firmoo. I’ve always been a fan of fashion glasses so I was more than happy to receive and review the glasses! I’ve worn this pair several times since I last styled them on WNJ. The kind people over at Firmoo want you to wear a stylish pair of specs too! Check out the all the info and rules to win a FREE pair of Firmoo glasses below!

One winner in has a chance to win a pair of Firmoo glasses with FREE shipping to U.S. from this page.
Glasses include the frames (standard 1.50 index single vision lenses).
Upgraded lenses and add-ons will be charged for an extra fee.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Style | Floral Tunic Dress for the Weekend

August 21, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

Today’s outfit is the kind I’d wear on any given sunny, summery Friday. I love the floral design, the style and length – all perfect and very “me”. The tunic dress style is perfect for a casual, laid back summer day. Adding the Betsy Johnson backpack adds even more personal style to the outfit. Stylish backpacks like this one have become a must-have for me this season. I love the convenience of a backpack and there are so many styles to pick from at stores like TJMaxx, Marshall’s and Forever 21.

Tunic Dress: City Chic, Nordstrom Rack // Shoes: Via Spiga, Bloomingdales // Watch: Charming Charlie

I love this tunic dress. It’s extremely comfortable and can be worn during all seasons. It’s also yet another garment that can be styled for several occasions. I feel this dress, and outfit, is perfect for casual Friday’s at the office. It’s a pretty and semi-flirty dress, but the style is relaxed and chic. A pair of cute flats and a stylish bag do wonders for this outfit!

Casual Friday’s call for tunic dresses & comfy, cute flats! #wnjstyle

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Going back to the backpacks – is this not the cutest one you’ve seen?! The cutsey bow and gold trim made this a no brainer purchase. I’ve started carrying this backpack with me on road trips, as well as while shopping on the weekends. It holds so much and surprisingly, it’s comfortable to carry. I find it more comfortable than a huge tote bag.

Backpack: Betsy Johnson, Marshall’s

So tell me, what do you think about my floral tunic dress? Are you a fan of this style? Let me know!

Wishing you all an amazing weekend! Thanks for reading this week and be sure to keep up with me this weekend on social media. Until Monday, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | How to Wear a Tunic Dress

July 27, 2015 by Whitney 41 Comments

Let’s get into today’s outfit! This black and white tunic dress was hidden in my closet in a Nordstrom Rack bag, with a few other goodies. After digging through the bag and realizing how amazing the items were, I knew I HAD to wear them ASAP. I mean, who doesn’t love a good tunic dress during the summertime?

Tunic Dress: West Kei, Nordstrom Rack (Sold Out // ANOTHER OPTION)

For my taste, this outfit is a little on the sexy side because of the length. But it’s still appropriate and hubby gave me the seal of approval so I figured, it was a go! The tunic dress is the perfect outfit for an evening event like a wedding, business cocktail function, a possible blogger event, date night, and the list goes on. While it does reveal my legs more than I’m used to, I feel GREAT in the dress; very confident. I actually love my legs and I’m beginning to enjoy showing them off every now and then – this tunic dress allows me to do just that.

Whatever you wear, be sure to feel confident. #wnjstyle

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Heels: Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdales (Same) // Crystal Bracelet: Charming Charlie

The heels, an early gift from my grandma, are the perfect heel height which makes them very comfortable. The nude-grey color can be paired with several outfits, so these heels are definitely an item I’ll be rotating. I’m all about investing in versatile pieces like nude color heels, accessories and certain clothing items. Your wardrobe should be fashion forward and stylish, but also versatile and practical. If you can’t wear an item at least 3 times (or 3 seasons), be ~~really~~ sure that you want make the investment.

Your wardrobe should be stylish, versatile and practicle. #wnjstyle

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Earrings: Thrifted

So tell me, what do you think about my black and white tunic dress? Are you a fan of tunic dresses? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by today and until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Thrifted Style | 5 Thrift Shopping Tips for the Summertime & Beyond + a Thrift Haul

June 18, 2015 by Whitney 5 Comments

I think I finally got my thrifting mojo back! Don’t get me wrong, I still love thrifting. But I have not been excited to thrift for months. Because I’m (still) going through a minimalist wardrobe (and lifestyle) phasing period, I haven’t been that into purchasing random pieces. And to be honest, that’s one thing I’m guilty of when thrifting. I’ve been known to thrift the most random pieces from time to time.

Nonetheless, I have made up in my mind which items I need and I was able to thrift quite a few of them. From housewares, books, accessories, and clothing, thrifting for necessities has become easier because I’m clear on what I want and need. Here are a few quick and easy thrift shopping tips for the summertime, and beyond!

1. Create a Thrift List (NEEDS, WANT & TRENDS TO TRY) | I have done a thrift list for years, but making the 3 columns within the list has been a great addition. The items I need (i.e. black purse, long gold chain necklace and kitchen items) are the items I make a point to look for first. The want list may consist of earrings and books; items I don’t really need but want to have. Trends to try are the items like overalls and fringe. I’ve seen them on others and I want to thrift the trend before committing to making a department store purchase for them. So, I add them to the list and see if I can thrift the items to give them a try. This section is the last section I shop for.

2. Throw it in the Cart | If you see something you like or something you maybe kind of like, throw it in the cart! If you leave it on the rack and try to come back to it, I highly doubt it’ll be there when you come back. Throw it in the cart if it catches your eye and sort it out later.

Thrift Tip: See something you might like? Throw it in the cart and evaluate later. #thriftwithnic

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3. Try it On | Another reason I say throw it in the cart is because when you try items on, you’ll be able to decipher what you want to keep or not. I always suggest trying items on when thrifting, even if it’s trying on a dress in the aisle over your clothes. Not all thrift stores allow returns/exchanges, so TRY IT ON in order to avoid that yucky buyer’s remorse feeling.

4. Re-evaluate | Once you’ve tried everything on and know what you’re going to purchase, reevaluate one more time to be absolutely sure. Check your list and check off the items you’ve found. Also, price check. When I reevaluate towards the end of my trip, I usually ask myself if I’d really pay “x” amount for an item. I then figure out 3 ways to wear or use the item.

5. Bring Cash | Cash is king. Most thrift stores accept credit cards, but paying with cash is so much easier. It also helps keep you on target with your thrifting budget. If I bring $40 cash and I know that was my budget for the trip, I only spend that money. I don’t even reach in my purse for my card. It’s a mind thing, and it really does work!

5 quick and easy thrifting shopping tips for any season. #thriftwithnic

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So tell me, what are some of your thrift shopping tips? What’re your fave items from my thrift haul? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and watching and until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Guest Blogger | What to Wear to a Summer Blog Conference

June 16, 2015 by Whitney 12 Comments

Blogging conferences bring about so much excitement! While they can be so much fun, the conferences are truly educational, offer opportunities to network, help you develop your business and usually provide you with plan of action. As with any other activity related to your blogging business, the way that you present yourself at a conference is important. While attending, you are your brand, every day, every minute of the conference. Be prepared to represent your brand very well. You want to be taken seriously.

Once you register and plan your traveling, it’s time to pack for a stylish, professional, oh so cute, and comfortable experience. But….HOW? Most conferences are Thursday-Sunday so this snapshot should take you through those few days. Here’s a sample agenda and a visual (celebrity inspired) for What to Wear to a Summer Blog Conference.

*Author’s Note: I recommend substituting shoes that are pictured, for comfortable flats sandals/shoes to suit your walking needs.*

Thursday and Sunday Travel – Boyfriend jeans and tee with a little layering for the cool flight or train ride.

Thursday Night Networking Event – Fun jumpsuit; jazz it up and impress. First impressions are lasting ones.

Friday workshops – Nice pants & blouse. You can layer with a cardigan/light blazer for those cool conference rooms.

Friday Night Networking & Fun – Fun summer dress; time to show off & grab cocktails!

First impressions are a lasting one. – @misssassystyle

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Saturday Workshops – Stylish dress or skirt. Show your personality and style; add cardigan/light blazer for layering.

Saturday Night Dinner / Out & About with New Blogger friends – Jeans and an easy, cute top.

You are so ready! Oh, don’t forget your FIVE must-haves since you are there for blogging business:

1. Camera

2. Laptop

3. Phone/Laptop Chargers

4. Business Cards

5. Note Pad (some of us still like to take quick notes the old fashioned way)

Make sure you pack these items for those summer #blogging conferences!

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So tell me, what are a few of your must haves to wear to a blog confrence? What do you have to take with you? Let me know!

Okay…go, go, go and have a FABULOUS time! I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Written by: Stania Romain of Miss-Sassy.com | Wardrobe stylist & style blogger in Washington, DC.

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