Whitney Nic James

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Personal Style | Creating a Signature Style

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As you know, I’m all about comfort when it comes to clothing. I’ve documented my personal style for years, and the one thing that remains consistent is my need for comfort and functionality. I love to look good and I’m all about being chic and fashion-forward. However, you don’t have to compromise comfort to accomplish those things. So, how do I achieve my signature comfy, yet chic and fashion-forward style? It’s all about the 3 F’s; Fabric, Fit, and Function.

See Also: Tips on Stretching Your Wardrobe
Creating a Signature Style

 Sweatshirt: Marshalls // Denim: Wit & Wisdom, Nordstrom Rack (same) // Sandals: Birkenstock Essetials, DSW (same) // Tote Bag: Marc Jacobs, Marshalls (similar)

Creating a Signature Style

  1. Fabric
    • Knowing how certain fabrics fit your body is something every woman should know. This will help make curating your closet such an easy process. 9 times out of 10 I can tell if I’m even going try something on just by feeling the item and examining the fabric. For bottoms, I prefer a soft cotton with a little stretch (i.e. rayon, spandex, or both). When it comes to tops, the more flowy and forgiving the better. Depending on the brand, I can do a stiffer cotton, like the sweatshirt worn here, but my preference is a fabric that moves with me (i.e. polyester, rayon/spandex blend)
  2. Fit
    • If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. Period. Why would you want to wear something that’s uncomfortable and unflattering? If a garment is ill-fitting save your money and find something else. Now, if you really LOVE the item and you honestly think having the piece altered will make the fit more comfortable, by all means, purchase it. However, if the alterations are going to cost more than the item, is it really worth it?
  3. Function 
    • Being able to function in your clothing is very important. Think about your daily lifestyle and figure out what kind of items are ideal for your day-to-day activities. Purchase items that cater to your lifestyle (and budget), not the latest trends.
The 3 F’s to Creating Your Signature Style #wnjstyle

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Creating a Signature Style

So tell me, what tips do you have when it comes to creating a signature style? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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* Linkups: Visible Moday, Trend Spin, Style on the Daily, Fabulous Friday *

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Personal Style | Wearing All Black + 3 Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

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From adopting a minimal sense of style to emptying out several overflowing closets and drawers in our home, I’ve been on a quest to find ways to simplify my wardrobe. It hasn’t been easy because I still LOVE a good shopping or thrifting trip. However, I’ve become much more aware of the clothes I already own. I’ve also become an expert at remixing certain items to wear during different seasons.  If you want to try minimizing your wardrobe this season, here are 3 easy ways to simplify your wardrobe. 

Related: Creating a Minimal Wardrobe 

Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

1. Purchase more solid colors. | This is a small and easy step that can easily help simplify your wardrobe. Buying more solid colored clothing allows you to mix & match your items more often, which in turn helps ease the stress of figuring out what to wear every day.

2. Create a work uniform. | I pretty much wear the same 5-6 basic pieces to work each week. To keep things interesting I switch up the accessories/shoes, add a vest, kimono or cardigan and change up my jewelry. Creating a work uniform has made getting dressed in the mornings a breeze. No worries; I’m still stylish, chic and cute every day at work!

3. Declutter your space little by little. | We often want to get rid of our junk right away, all at once. However, if you declutter little by little, one closet or drawer at a time, it’s less overwhelming. It also makes decluttering and reorganizing a more realistic task for you to complete.

Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

Vest: Dalia, TJ Maxx (Another Option) // Dress: Kenar Woman, Marshall’s (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Exact, Size 6 & Similar)

Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe - All Black Outfit

Related: 5 Things to do at night to Prepare You for the Next Day

I also suggest wearing purchasing a few all-black wardrobe staples. A little black dress, a black vest, a couple pair of black leggings and a few black t-shirts can do wonders for your personal style! As I mentioned over on Instagram the other day, I used to think wearing all black was boring. But I’ve learned that with the right accessories, an all-black outfit can be just as exciting as one with color and prints. 

3 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe #wnjstyle

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ootd-details

Sunnies: H&M (Similar) // Necklace: Purchased in NY (Other Options)

living-a-simple-life

So tell me, do you have any tips on how to simplify your wardrobe? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know your thoughts on simplifying your wardrobe, as well as my all-black outfit, below. I love reading and responding to your comments! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Timeless All Black Outfit

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Wearing an all black outfit is something I do at least 3 times a week. Yes, I love a pop of color here and there and I’m fond of many colors. But those all black outfits are just too easy to pass up. Whenever I wear one I feel ultra chic. All black outfits are without a doubt timeless and they’re great for just about any occasion. Having several black pieces in your closet is also a simple way to stretch your wardrobe and create several different outfit options.  

OOTD - All Black Outfit

Top: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue (Serena Williams) // Hat: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Pants: Sejour, Nordstrom (Casual Version) // Gold Hoops: Target (Another Affordable Option)

All Black OOTD

All Black Outfit - WNJ Style

I decided to wear this all black outfit for date night with hubby. It was an easy go-to outfit, since we made plans to head out at the last minute. I decided to wear my fancy thrifted hat again because I was having yet another blah hair day. It happens, LOL!

All black outfits are timeless, chic and a wardrobe must have! #wnjstyle

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One tip to remember when wearing all black is to accessorize. Have fun with it! This gives, what could easily be a boring black outfit, some personality. I opted for gold accents/accessories and nude heels this time. Simple and easy enough, right?

When wearing an all black outfit, don’t forget to accessorize! #wnjstyle

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Black OOTD

Details - All Black Outfit

Cuff: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Clutch: Steve Madden, Marshall’s // Heels: Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdales (Same)

Black Outfit

So tell me, how often do you wear am all black outfit? Are you a fan of today’s outfit? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to share your thoughts on today’s look below and let me know your thoughts on all black outfits. Clearly, you know that I LOVE them. 😉 Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Style | Summer Style Recap, Part I

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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. 

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.

 

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

Style | Floral Tunic Dress for the Weekend

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 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 - OOTD

Casual Outfit - Tunic Dress

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

Tunic Dress

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.

Floral Tunic Dress

Backpack: Betsy Johnson, Marshall’s

Plus Size tunic Dress

Casual Outfit - Tunic Dress

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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