Whitney Nic James

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Personal Style | Wearing Burgundy and White

October 25, 2016 by Whitney 11 Comments

In my last outfit post I wore burgundy and black, but today I’m switching things up and styling burgundy and white. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of re-purposing certain wardrobe items. So when it came to this outfit, I had no problem restyling these pants! Since the weather isn’t that cold yet, the lightweight burgundy pants are still a staple in my early fall wardrobe.

* See Also, Styling Burgundy & Black 

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Blouse: Daniel Rainn, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Pants: American Ragg, Macy’s // Purse: Forever 21 (Another Option)

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I knew adding a white blouse would make this outfit look very classic and fresh. I also wanted to keep the outfit as minimal as possible, so I decided to keep the jewelry simple. Sometimes less is more, don’t you agree? 

Adding a crisp white shirt or blouse makes an outfit instantly look fresh & chic! #wnjstyle

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This is the perfect outfit for a business casual work function/meeting, a date night or even a night on the town with my girls. I can also wear this outfit to church. This burgundy and white outfit is yet another all purpose, remixed outfit and that makes me very happy!

Styling Burgundy and White

outfit-details

Heels: Bloomingdales (Another Option) // Necklace: Macy’s

Burgundy and White


So tell me, what do you think about outfit remix? Are you a fan of my white and burgundy outfit? Let me know! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting. It’s always a pleasure reading your comments and engaging with you all. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Linkups: Let it Shine, Garay’s Treasures, Style Me Wednesday, Visible Monday, Spotlight Weekly *

Filed Under: Style, WNJ Style Tagged With: Bloomingdales, Macy's, Nordstrom Rack

WNJ Feature | Know Your Worth: Who Are You Video

October 21, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

Have you ever looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the person looking back? Have you ever asked yourself “who am I?” I’m sure if you take a moment, to be honest with yourself, you’ve been there. I know I have. Thankfully, I can now look in the mirror and smile at the woman I’ve become. I can also confidently answer the question, “Who are you?” But not everyone is there yet, and that’s OK. As confident as I am, there are still times when I revert back to trying to figure out who I am and what my purpose is. That’s normal and that’s life. 

A few weeks back my dear friend Erika Akwo, CEO & Founder of Know Your Worth, LLC, brought a group of women (and young girls) together to talk openly and honestly about our fears, struggles, and goals on camera. It was a pleasure to be part of this video and I’m thrilled to share it with you. My hope is that after watching the video something said will resonate with you and hopefully, it will motivate you to have this conversation with the women and young girls in your life. Check it out!

* See Also, Erika Akwo | Fearless Woman I am Feature

WATCH and SHARE this powerful “Know Your Worth” video. It’s truly inspiring! #knowyourworth

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Know Your Worth - Erika Akwo


So tell me, what do you think about the Know Your Worth video? Let me know!

Again, I am so thankful that Erika asked my younger sister and me to be in this video. To be in the room with these women/young girls and to hear their stories was truly a blessing. My sister was also excited to take part in the video. As a 14-year-old living in today’s society, she understood the importance of having and sharing this conversation. I hope you do too. 

I challenge you to share this video with at least one woman or young girl in your circle. Help keep the conversation going and allow women to see that they’re not the only ones struggling to figure out who they are. For more info on Know Your Worth, and to see details about Erika’s next event, click here. Thanks for watching, commenting and sharing. Until next week, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ERIKA

Upcoming KYW Event // Website // Facebook Group

Filed Under: Events, Style

#WNJInspired | 11 Things You Should do Every Day to Live a Better Life

October 20, 2016 by Whitney 14 Comments

I’m big on having daily routines and adopting positive habits. Doing this has helped make my life better and not to mention, less stressful. Sure, life doesn’t always go the way we plan. But it’s still nice to practice good habits and set routines. It makes the day run so much smoother.

All year I’ve been tweaking my routines and practicing different positive habits. Today, I want to share 11 things you should do every day to live a better life. I’d never tell you to do something that I haven’t done or practiced so yes, I truly strive to do these 11 things on a daily basis.

Related: 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

Things You Should do Everyday

1. Journal & Express Gratitude | I’ve mentioned this several times, but after my morning prayer and devotions, I journal. Even if I’m short on time, I always make sure to jot down at least 3 things I’m grateful for before starting the day. Doing this puts a smile on my face and definitely puts things into perspective.

2. Feed Your Mind Something Positive | I’m always listening to upbeat and positive songs during the morning hours, but I’ve recently started listening to podcasts and certain audiobooks in the a.m. I’m in the car a lot during the beginning of my work days, so I usually turn on one of my favorite entrepreneurial or lifestyle podcasts.

Related: The Morning Playlist You Need to Have an Amazing Day

4. Drink Water | Before tea, coffee or juice I have a glass or bottle of water. We all know the benefits of drinking water, but I will say that increasing my water intake has done wonders for my skin and energy.

5. Move Your Body | Setting aside the time to go for a 1-mile walk or do a 30-minute workout is everything! Doing those activities is yet another energy booster. Walking is so therapeutic for me. It helps clear my mind and calms my spirit. Working out is a great way to get out any frustrations from the day.

11 Things You Should Do Every Day #selfcare

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Things You Should do Everyday

6. Read Something | I think it’s SO important to read something, every day. Even if it’s an online article or a short devotional, exercise your mind by reading on daily basis.

7. Genuinely Compliment Someone | This random act of kindness is something I started doing a few months ago. Genuinely complementing someone can do so much for their confidence. I know how great I feel when others genuinely compliment me, so to return the favor to someone else is the least I can do.

8. Moisturize | I mean, who doesn’t want soft, supple and clear skin? Find a moisturizer that works for your skin type and slather it on, day and night. Don’t forget your neck too!

Related: 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for Tomorrow

9. Say, “I love you.” | Simply put, life is way too short not to tell those you love that you do.  If you don’t already, tell those you love “I love you” every day.

10. Sit in Silence | Most days, when I get home from work, I sit or lay across my bed and close my eyes. I don’t turn on the TV or look at my phone. I just lay or sit in silence for at least 20 minutes. Doing this is a great way to download from the crazy or busy day you’ve just had. It also helps unwind and relax your body in preparation for the evening.

11. Set Intentions for Tomorrow | Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. Take a few moments each evening to set your intentions for the next day. This small task will help you feel more be prepared and it will leave you less stressed the next morning.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. #wnjinspired

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So tell me, what are some things you do every day to help make your life a little better? Let me know! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting. I really enjoy sharing inspirational and lifestyle posts with you. It not only helps me continue to strive to live a positive and uplifting life, but I’ve also seen it inspire others to do the same. If you want even more uplifting and inspirational messages, in a more condensed version, keep up with me on social media! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: habits, inspiration, lifestyle, routine

Personal Style | Wearing Burgundy and Black in Ellicott City

October 14, 2016 by Whitney 12 Comments

My little sister told me that burgundy was the color of the season. So I guess you can say this outfit is “on trend”, right? This isn’t my first time wearing burgundy and black, but it is the first time I’m pairing the colors together this season. I’ve had these pants for quite sometime and I always LOVE styling them. The material is lightweight and the elastic around the tummy area is perfection! I figured this outfit would be perfect for a weekend stroll through Old Ellicott City with Darrius.

* See Also, The Perfect Weekend Staycation Outfit

Wearing Burgundy and Black

Cardigan: Jessica Simpson, Macy’s (Another Option) // Pants: American Rag, Macys // Sunnies: H&M (Another Option) // Purse: Nine West, Gifted

Wearing Burgundy and Black

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We love to take outfit pictures in Old Ellicott City – the stone walls, quaint streets and little shops are the perfect backdrop. But since the flood that took place at the end of July, we haven’t visited the area in months. While there were still several signs of water damage on the sidewalks, as well as some boarded up storefronts, the historic city still has its charm. Smiling from the other side of the camera, Darrius said, “Some of your best outfit pics are shot here in Ellicott City. We should just keep coming here!”

Wearing burgundy and black is the perfect color combination for the season! #wnjstyle

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After stopping to visit a few open stores, just to look around, we then drove to one of our favorite locations and started snapping. We had to walk a bit to get to this location, but that was no problem. This outfit was extremely comfortable! It’s not secret that I love a good casual, comfy and chic outfit. This look was all that and more. As I often say, being stylish AND comfortable is always the way to go!

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Sneakers: New Look, Asos (Same)

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So tell me, do you like wearing burgundy and black? What’s your favorite color combo? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure let me know your thoughts on my latest outfit. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Linkups: Garay Treasures, On Trend Tuesdays, Pink Sole, Let it Shine *

Filed Under: Style Tagged With: Asos, H&M, Macy's

WNJ Beauty | 4 Carol’s Daughter Products Perfect for Fall and Winter

October 13, 2016 by Whitney 6 Comments

I’ve been a fan of Carol’s Daughter products for a while now. Late last year my good friend and I won a $100 Carol’s Daughter giveaway. So of course, I went crazy! I ordered my favorite items, as well as some other items I’d been wanting to try. After that experience I kept using my favorites and added 2 new products to the mix; the Mimosa Hair Honey and the Acai Foaming Face Wash. I’ve been using those 2 products, along with the others below, for months now and I couldn’t be happier. The products can be used year-round, but I find that I use them more during the fall and winter months. That said, here are 4 Carol’s Daughter Products to try during the fall and winter seasons!

Related: 11 Ways to Pamper Yourself at Home

Carol's Daughter Products

1. Mimosa Hair Honey | Without weighing your hair down, the Mimosa Hair Honey is the perfect product for any style and any hair type. It keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny and it’s great for everyday use. I use the product to help smooth my edges, as well as to moisturize my scalp. It also smells really good!

2. Acai Clarifying Foaming Face Wash | I’ve never been a fan of foaming face cleansers until I tried this one. The foam is soothing, revitalizing, non-drying and a little bit goes a long way. After using the product my face feels super soft and refreshed. I used to think foam cleansers left your face dry, but that’s not the case with this product.

4 must have @carolsdaughter products for fall and winter. #wnjbeauty

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3. Almond Cookie Body Butter | The smell of the Almond Cookie Body Butter is simply divine! The scent is very warm and sweet and includes Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and other natural ingredients. My mother and sister love this product just as much as I do and we all agree that it’s perfect for all skin types. If you’re looking for a good smelling product that helps nourish your skin naturally, give it a try!

4. Body Jelly | You may remember this product from my Summer Beauty Must Haves post. I literally cannot go a day without using my Body Jelly. Right after I shower, while I’m still damp, I lather up. Afterwards, my skin looks and feels SO good. The product melts into your skin and leaves you with such an amazing glow. This product helps repair dry and itchy skin without leaving you oily and greasy.


So tell me, have you ever used these, or any other, Carol’s Daughter products? If so, which ones? Let me know!

I love Carol’s Daughter products and I especially love that the products work well for men too. My husband uses the Almond Cookie Body Butter and Body Jelly just as much as I do! As always, thanks for reading and be sure to let me know some of your favorite fall and winter beauty products. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: beauty, beauty products, Beauty Review, Carol's Daughter

#WNJDrives | 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE

October 12, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

As you know, I had the pleasure of test driving several cars over the summer. The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is the last car I tested during Summer 2017 and to my surprise, I enjoyed driving it! My first reaction was, “WOW. That’s a small car.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about the size, but I quickly got over that once I saw/heard about the features. And the size actually came in handy when trying to find a parking spot.

* See Also, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

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Not only was I impressed with the Apple CarPlay feature, but I also appreciated the Bluetooth hands-free feature with steering wheel controls. I’m in the car A LOT during the week for work, as well as for my own personal activities. So being able to safely talk while driving it necessary. I thought the inside would feel a little tight, due to the fact that the car is so compact, but I was wrong. The inside has plenty of room. My passengers didn’t complain either; they all rode very comfortably. Here are some of my other favorite features:

– Bluetooth Hands-Free with Steering Wheel Controls 

– 6.5” Display Audio with Smartphone Link 

– Push Button Start/Stop Engine Switch

– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

– Power Windows & Door Locks

– Steering Wheel Audio Controls 

– Child Safety Rear Door Locks

– Rearview Camera System 

– 12 Volt Accessory Outlet 

– Front Seat Heater 

– Fog Lights

* See Also, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage

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The one thing that irritated me a bit was having to open the glove compartment to hook up my phone. I mean, you don’t have to use the cord if you don’t want to use certain features, but I did. I found a way to close the glove compartment and still have my phone plugged up. It worked for the week, but what if I had to do that everyday? Can you imagine the wear and tear that might have on the cord? But hey, that was my only complaint. Nothing’s perfect, right?

Check out this review on the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE. #wnjdrives

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This list price for the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is $17,830.00. Talk about affordable! It’s perfect for those who want a compact car with a lot of trunk space. My 14-year-old sister actually asked our parents if she could get this as her first car. She said it was cute, affordable, safe and perfect for teens! I have to agree. It really is the perfect car for a younger demographic. You can get about 37 MPG which is approximately 2.7 gallons per 100 miles. If you’re only driving to and from work/or school, you’ll be just fine. If you’re always on the go (like me) and do a lot of car traveling on a daily basis, you might want to consider another option.

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and commenting. 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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Drive Shop

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

October 5, 2016 by Whitney 22 Comments

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

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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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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: H&M, Marshall's, minimal wardrobe, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx

#WNJInspired | 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

September 29, 2016 by Whitney 17 Comments

If you subscribe to my newsletter you probably remember me saying that this summer was “a wild one”. I can honestly say that I’ve gone through just about every emotion there is over the past 3 months. Despite the wild and craziness of the season, my saving grace has been my evening and morning routines. Having set routines makes navigating through my days so much easier. Therefore, I want to share a few of my “night before” tips with you. Here are 5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day!

* See Also: 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

7 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

1. Clean up your surroundings. | I always tidy up before heading to bed. When everything is in order and in place, I can breathe easier. Plus it helps to know where things are when you’re trying to head out the door in the morning. Spending 5-10 minutes in the morning frantically looking for your car keys or phone, when you’re probably already running late, is no fun – trust me.

2. Make a list. | When I jot down a few reminders for the next day I feel like I’m already 5 steps ahead. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; a short list of 3 or 4 reminders will do. I often list 3 people I need to email/or call the next day on a post-it and stick it on my computer screen.

3. Pick out your clothes. | This is something I’ve been doing since I was in grade school. My husband does the same thing. Hang your next day outfit in the front of your closet, or even on the outside of your closet door. Place your shoes, jewelry and any other accessory you’ll need on the dresser or somewhere visible. This simple task will save you so much time in the mornings.

* See Also: The Ultimate Playlist for an Amazing Day

7 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day. #wnjinspired

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4. Set your alarm. | Thanks to the iPhone iOS 10 upgrade, the ‘Bedtime’ feature reminds me when I need to go to bed in order to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep. Since I’m working on consistently going to bed and waking up at a certain time during the week, this feature is the perfect way to keep me on track.

5. Unplug. | After you’ve set your alarm, put your phone on silent and place it face down on your dresser. Also, turn off the TV or laptop. The worst thing you can do is sleep with those on. The bright light from both is distracting and makes it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep.


So tell me, what things do you do at night to prepare for the next day? Anything I mentioned above? Let me know! 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Doing these 5 simple things has really helped me prepare for a productive “next day”. I plan to share my morning and evening routines with you in the near future, but in the meantime feel free to follow me on Snapchat. I often share snippets of my routines over there. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: inspiration, lifestyle

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