Style Archives - Page 11 of 45

Personal Style | Styling Patent Leather Platform Oxfords

May 9, 2017 by Whitney 8 Comments

If you’ve been reading WNJ for a while you know I love wearing flats. Every once in a while I’ll throw on a nice pair of heels, but if given a choice I’m going with flats. Not wedges and not platforms. FLATS. So imagine my surprise when I purchased a pair of platform oxfords at DSW a few weeks ago. I saw the shiny patent leather shoes sitting on the (sale) rack, glanced at the price, took one shoe out of the box to examine the height, but put it back once I saw how high the platform was. Moving to the next aisle, I heard my husband’s voice saying, “Babe, what about these? Trust me, just try them on and see how they feel.” I looked over and guess which pair of shoes they were? The patent leather platform oxfords

Personal Style | All Black Outfit + Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly

May 7, 2017 by Whitney 14 Comments

When it comes to personal style, all black outfits are my go to choice. The chicness of an all black outfit will never go out of style; it’s timeless. Chic and timeless are 2 words I keep in mind while shopping for my growing minimal wardrobe. While I love to add funky accessories and style trendy pieces every once in a while, I prefer to keep the majority of my clothing simple.

Related: 3 Ways to Make Having a Minimal Wardrobe Easier

Blouse: Edista, Nordstrom Rack // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack // Leggings: Philosophy, TJMaxx // Glasses: Local Beauty Supply Store

Building a minimal wardrobe is a process and it’s one that, in my opinion, will never stop. For a while, I was good with the amount items I had in my closet. I rotated and restyled several pieces, and still do, but as seasons change and as my style evolves so does my wardrobe.

Building a wardrobe never stops, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive process. #wnjstyle

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So how do I keep my minimal wardrobe budget friendly? Here are 5 tips:

Create your own definition of a minimal wardrobe and do what works for you.
Purchase certain items, like accessories and outerwear, at the thrift store.
Keep a running list of what you already have and what you need.
Purchase items offseason to avoid paying full price.
Only purchase what you’re going to wear right now.
- not what you’ll wear when you get to a certain size or when you lose a certain amount of weight

5 Ways to Keep a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly #wnjstyle

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Purse: Arcadia, Gifted // Flats: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom Rack (similar style)

So tell me, what do you think about my chic and timeless all black outfit? How do you keep your wardrobe budget friendly? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Auto Review | 2017 Genesis G80

May 4, 2017 by Whitney 2 Comments

I attended the Washington Auto Show back in January and as you can imagine, I saw and sat inside of several large, mid-size, small and luxury cars. However, the car that stuck out to me the most was the Genesis. After sitting inside of and learning more about the Genesis G80 and the Genesis G90, I was in awe of one of the newest luxury vehicles on the market. I secretly wished that one day I’d be able to test drive one of the cars and to my surprise, my wish came true! A few weeks back, I test drove the 2017 Genesis G80 for a week. The experience was nothing short of amazing.

At first glance, the Himalayan Gray 4-door 5 passenger luxury mid-size vehicle was absolutely stunning. Sleek and polished in design, I was already sold! Once inside the swooning continued. To say the interior is spacious would be an understatement. There is plenty of legroom for the driver, front seat passenger, and backseat passengers. The plush flooring, full-grain leather seats, and chic technology settings were extremely impressive. Below are several other key features.

Key Features

– 9.2-inch HD Touchscreen Display with Split Screen (ability to check navigation & audio at the same time)

– Integrated Memory System for Driver Seat, Exterior Mirrors, Steering Wheel, etc.

– AM/FM/SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio™, Bluetooth® Connection & Calling

– 9 Airbag System (dual front, front & rear sides, driver’s knee & curtain)

– Panoramic Sunroof & Power Sunshades for Back Seat

– Full-Grain Seats with 3 Levels of Heating & Cooling

– Lane Keep Assist (detects lane departure)

– Automatic Emergency Braking

– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

– Hands-free Smart Trunk

– Automatic High Beams

– Blind Spot Detection

* Price Starts at $54,550

While driving the Genesis G80 back and for to work, as well as back and forth to Dover, Delaware, I felt extremely secure. The lane departure and blind spot features made me feel even safer. I was also impressed with the traffic alerts and navigation system. Not once did I have an issue with directions while driving. When my husband wasn’t being lulled to sleep by the smooth ride, he and I enjoyed the crisp surround-sound system. We even got a chance to test the panoramic sunroof, thanks to good weather.

The 2017 Genesis G80 is a mid-size luxury car that’s incredibly sleek in design. (@GenesisUSA )

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Genesis G80? Does it look like a vehicle you would drive? Let me know!

If you ever get a chance to test drive the Genesis G80, do so. Especially if you’re in the market for a luxury mid-size vehicle. This one will wow you, I’m sure of it! Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

Personal Style | Black & White Floral Kimono

May 3, 2017 by Whitney 7 Comments

Even though it’s been a while since I’ve posted an outfit, not much has changed. I still LOVE wearing and styling kimonos! The one styled in this post is actually my latest kimono addition. I purchased it a few weeks back during a shopping trip. I desperately need(ed) to add some spring and summer pieces to my wardrobe, so I headed to a few places I knew would have just what I was looking for. Of course, Nordstrom Rack was my first stop.

Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Black Bodysuit: Forever 21 (Similar) // Leggings: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom (Another Option)

Becuase I’ve been taking much better care of my body, thanks to eating healthier and being more active, I’ve shed a few pounds. Buying clothes and being in between sizes makes shopping trips a bit more strategic. I can’t grab an item and go straight to the register anymore. I literally have to try everything on, even bras. No complaints, but it’s something I’m getting used to. So imagine my surprise when I was able to comfortably fit a OSFA (one size fits all) black and white kimono, found in the regular women’s size section. Can you say, SHOCKED?!

Clothes shopping while in between sizes? Try EVERYTHING on in the store before you get home.

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Clutch: Love, Cortnie (same) // Flats: Ted Baker, Nordstrom Rack (Same)

So tell me, what do you think about my new black and white kimono? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be filling you in some more, as far as what I’ve been up to during the past 2 months, little by little in the coming weeks. In the meantime, be sure to join my weekly mailing list. I’ve been sending out Friday emails for 3 months now; it’s a great way to see what I’ve been doing, get a dose of inspiration, and find out some of my monthly favorites. So until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Auto Review | 2017 Mazda CX-9 Car Review + a Life Update

April 5, 2017 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Hello and Happy April! You’re probably wondering where I’ve been, right? Let’s just say the month of March was C R A Z Y. No complaints at all, but sometimes life happens, priorities shift and you have to go with it. However, despite the crazy month, I was able to skip town and travel to Atlanta, Georgia for a few days. I planned this trip back in December as a surprise for my husband’s 30th birthday.

A lover of African American History & Culture, especially Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I knew he would be thrilled to visit The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. My husband is also a Coke drinker, so visiting the World of Coca-Cola was the icing on the cake! Thanks to Mazda, I was able to chauffeur the birthday boy around all weekend in the 2017 Mazda CX-9. Take a look!

2017 Mazda CX-9

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Review

The 4-door Mazda CX-9 provided a smooth ride while driving in and around the city each day. Although the body of the car is a bit large, the backup camera made maneuvering in and out of parking spaces a breeze. Just like the Mazda CX-3, I felt very safe while driving the CX-9. I was also in control of the steering wheel. I’m not a fan of driving lightweight vehicles; the heavier and sturdier the car the better. Below are a few other Mazda CX-9 key features:

Key Features:

– Bluetooth, AUX and USB Inputs (4)

– Heated Front Seats & Power Moonroof

– Wheel with Audio & Cruise Controls

– 8” Color Display with Rear Camera

– Auto On/Off LED Headlights

– Leather Trimmed Upholstery

– Push Button Engine Start

– Blind Spot Monitoring

– 7 passenger seating

Price: $41,810 (with additional features)

Fuel Economy: 24 MPG

Check out this 2017 Mazda CX-9 auto review! #wnjdrives

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mazda CX-9? Would a car like this fit your lifestyle? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading. I’ll be back to posting more frequently very soon, but in the meantime, I encourage you to sign up for my weekly newsletter, The WNJ Insider. You can look forward to the latest edition every Friday at 12 noon. If you want to be inspired and if you want to keep up with me, become an Insider! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | 3 Ways to Make Having a Minimal Wardrobe Even Easier

February 22, 2017 by Whitney 11 Comments

Since embarking on my minimal wardrobe journey, I’ve never been less stressed when it comes to figuring out what to wear each day. I literally have 5 work outfits. I rotate the items, change up the jewelry/shoes and go about my day. When it comes to weekend-wear I rotate 3 outfits, depending on what we have planned. Doesn’t get much easier than that, right? Well, here are 3 more ways to make having a minimal wardrobe can be even easier.

Related: The Start of My Minimal Wardrobe

Kimono: TJMaxx (Another Option) // Shoes: Via Spiga, Amazon (Exact)

1. Stop Using the Iron | Since creating a minimal wardrobe, I’ve started purchasing clothes made with certain materials. This tactic has saved me a lot of time in the mornings when getting dressed. Fabrics like spandex, wool, polyester-blends, and certain knits are great if you want to avoid ironing. These materials also have a tendency to be wrinkle-free. Granted, some items may need a touch up here and there, but for the most part, my closet consists of ready-to-wear garments that don’t need to be ironed.

2. Write Down Your Outfits | Knowing what you have makes shopping for clothes and getting dressed a breeze. I keep a notebook in my dresser drawer and it’s filled with all of my work, weekend and workout outfits. In the same notebook, I’ve written down sample outfits that I can wear for certain events, as well as my shoes and the outerwear. Granted I don’t write down every single item I own, but what I do write down keeps me on track especially when it’s time to shop for different seasons.

3. Buy More Than One | Even before creating a minimal wardrobe I did this. Having more than one of something you wear often just makes sense. Take black leggings for example; I have 5 pairs in rotation. 3 pair are the heavy spandex material and 2 are some kind of cotton spandex blend. They’re all thick enough to be worn with just a t-shirt, although I rarely do this, and they’re sturdy enough for me to wash weekly. I also have 2 more pairs that I wear on the weekends or while I’m walking/exercising.

How to make having a minimal wardrobe even easier! #wnjstyle

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Clutch: Thrifted, Goodwill (Another Option)

So tell me, do you do any of these things? Let me know!

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Personal Style | Dressing for Your Body Type with Confidence

February 20, 2017 by Whitney 8 Comments

Learning how to dress for your body type can do wonders for your confidence! This is something I’ve been working to perfect for the past several years, and I finally think I’ve got it down pat. I pretty much know what clothes, materials and what designers/brands work well for my body type. Granted my weight fluctuates from time to time, but overall my body type really doesn’t change that much. I’ve also learned how to accentuate some of my best physical features, including my legs.

Dressing for Your Body Type - Plus Size Fashion

Dress: Want & Need, Nordstrom Rack (Exact) // Shoes: Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdales (Another Option)

Although I was taught at a very young age to love my body, there were times where I didn’t feel 100% comfortable with showing off my legs. I didn’t think wearing dresses above or at the knee, or even wearing shorts, was the best way to dress for my body type. Once I started experimenting with different styles, lengths and materials I found that dressing for my body type could very well include a few short dresses and shorts. I realized that shorter dresses, with a little flare at the bottom, worked wonders on my body type!

Learning how to dress for your body type can instantly boost your confidence! #wnjstyle

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Because I took the time to experiment with clothes, I was able to become comfortable with showing off my legs. I realize now that my legs are one of my best features! I just had to figure out what to wear that would make me feel comfortable and confident enough to show them off. The concept of dressing for your body type takes time, but once you’ve figured it out your self-confidence is elevated. Trust me.

So tell me, do you know how to dress for your body type? What body part(s) do you like to accentuate the most? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, stay blessed and be safe…XO!

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Auto Review | 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

February 8, 2017 by Whitney 2 Comments

I’ve been asked a few times why I post car reviews and how it correlates with the WNJ brand. It’s really quite simple. Driving is something I do every day and as a Lifestyle Content Creator, my purpose is to share certain lifestyle experiences in hopes to inspire you in some way. Many of you, myself included, are or will be in the market for a new car in the near future. If I can make your car buying decision a little easier, why not? That said, let’s get into my latest car review!

Related: 2017 Washington Auto Show Recap

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of test driving my first loaner of the year! The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander was my companion for 7 days. Thanks to the fold down back seat(s) and a spacious trunk, the Outlander was extremely helpful during grocery store and Target runs. During the week I drove the car to and from Baltimore and D.C. and to my surprise, I didn’t have to fill the gas the entire time I had to the loaner.

This 4-door SUV comfortably seats 7-passenger and the Quartz Brown/Black color was very attractive. The SUV also has Government 5-Star Safety Ratings. Knowing that the Outlander is a safe and secure vehicle made my rides even more comfortable. For more specific information take a look at my list of pros and cons, as well as the price, below.

Price: $32,390.00 (with additional features)

Fuel Economy: 26 MPG and 3.8 Gallons per 100 Miles

Pros

Handsfree Link System with Bluetooth Technology
One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) Engine Switch
3rd Row Cupholder & Storage Space
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Heated Steering Wheel
7-Passenger Seating
Rear-view Camera

Cons

2nd Row Seats Don’t Go All the Way Down
60/40 Split Fold Down in 2nd Row
Leather Seats

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander? Let me know!

Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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See Also: Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly

Related: 3 Ways to Make Having a Minimal Wardrobe Easier

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Review

Related: The Start of My Minimal Wardrobe

Related: 2017 Washington Auto Show Recap