Style Archives - Page 36 of 45

Style | Wearable Art

May 18, 2015 by Whitney 36 Comments

Hey, friends! This weekend was filled with fun, family and fashion. From fashion shows, church and thrifting I was definitely out and about in this ~~heat~~. My trusty thrifted weekend outfit (below) surely came in handy. I also added a little pizzazz to my look by added some hair. Yes, adding some hair. I’m a big fan of curly hair and I embrace wigs with a quickness. It gives me a different look without fully committing – can’t beat that!

Dress: Vintage (2nd Avenue) // Purse: Nine West (Old)

On this day, hubby and I ran a few errands and decided to take a walk around the Wilde Lake area. We’ve been doing a lot of walking lately and Columbia, MD is truly the perfect backdrop for our new found hobby. There are so many lakes, parks and pretty neighborhoods to explore. This summer we plan to take full advantage of our surroundings.

Of course being cute and comfy while trekking around Columbia is a must. My thrifted Egyptian inspired dress is perfect for that! The semi-stretch material makes the dress easy to move in. The pattern is fun and easy to wear, and also makes me think of my amazing trip to the pyramids. I also feel like I’m wearing a piece of art when styling this dress. Do you have a piece of clothing like that?

Sunnies: Vintage (2nd Avenue) // Watch: NYC Street Vendor // Beaded Bracelet: Thrifted (2nd Avenue) // Sandals: Mossimo (Goodwill)

Every woman should have at least 1 piece of wearable art in her wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what do you think about my wearable art outfit? Do you like to play with wigs and different hairstyle options too? Let me know!

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. I’ll be sharing my favorite linkup next Monday! Check out my favorite linkup from a few weeks ago here! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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[inlinkz_linkup id=527084 mode=1]

** Linkups: Style to Inspire, How I Summer, Sophisticated Style, Let it Shine, Manic Monday, Visible Monday, Trend Spin, Garay Treasures, Mahogany Closet, The Wednesday Pants, Style to Me Wednesday, Whatever Wednesday, WIW, Style Me Weekly, Fashion a la Mode, Top of the World Style **

Monthly Favorites | Bath and Beauty Favorites

May 15, 2015 by Whitney 5 Comments

Although I don’t claim to be a beauty girl, I am a product junkie who will try just about any beauty (and bath) product once! For the month of April I had several beauty favorites, but I narrowed it down to a few of my April must haves.

As I mention in the video below, I have used these beauty products for months. I suffered from really dry skin on my neck a while back, and the exfoliating scrub and Aloe Vera Gel have been life savers! On Facebook and Instagram I shared that I’ve been researching a lot of skincare products in my late 20’s. I finally think I’ve found the tools to keep my skin looking AND being healthy and vibrant! Some of the products I talked about in the video are listed below.

1. Jolie Bloom Caribbean Coconut Salt Scrub

2. Nyx Lip Pump Nude Gloss

3. Olay Pro-X Brush

4. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner

5. Aloe Vera Baby Oil

So tell me, what are some of your beauty favorites? What have you been using lately? Leave a comment below or on the video and let me know!

Be sure to follow my Youtube Channel and catch up on some other videos I’ve posted. I hope you have a great weekend…stay blessed and be safe! XO!

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#WNJInspired | 2 Years Down, Through Sickness & Health

May 12, 2015 by Whitney 24 Comments

Yesterday hubby and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. Thinking back on our year, I am extremely blessed and thankful. Last year we both dealt with some health issues and to be honest, I encountered some dark days. Yes, I broke down a time or two. However, it wasn’t because I was sick. When I’m sick, I can handle it. I roll with the punches and keep getting up. But when my husband was diagnosed with diabetes, I was heartbroken. I was numb.

Realizing that your best friend and partner in life is sick puts life in perspective real quick. It makes you stronger as a person, but also as a unit. You have to be strong for the other person and deal with your breakdowns in private. God knows there were times I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but by His grace I remained strong, my faith tested but not lost.

I’ve never seen him in the hospital and I’ve never witnesses him being somewhat helpless. I was scared, so of course the first thing I did was call my mother. Thank God for a praying and compassionate mother. I needed to know how to be strong for him. I’m always used to him being super man, handling everything and taking care of me. After talking through things with my mother and praying on my own, I realized that I could be there for him because I had to. There was no option. I made a vow to be with him through sickness and health and while that part came faster than I was prepared for, I was equipped to be his rock.

Through dealing with Darrius’ diagnoses, we have learned quite a bit, about ourselves and our marriage. Here’s a look at 3 things we learned:

Darrius’ 2 Year Lessons

1. Put yourself in their shoes.

2. Date your spouse.

3. Trust the pace of your relationship; move at your own pace, with guidance from the Lord.

Whitney’s 2 Year Lessons

1. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”— I Corinthians 13: 7-8

2. Pay attention to your spouse.

3. Marriage is what you make it.

Trust the pace of your relationship; move at your own pace, with guidance from the Lord.

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So tell me, what are some lessons you’ve learned in marriage along the way? Let me know!

As Darrius and I continue to thrive as a couple, we always remember to put God first and always have faith. My husband is getting healthier everyday – he is not allowing a diagnoses to control his life. Together, we’re fighting and we will be victorious! Marriage is fun, hard, worth it, but above all is it’s a blessing. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

** Linkups: Monday Mash-Up **

Style + Events | Macy’s American Icons Event

May 11, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

If you’re looking for a free style event with a great cause, join me this Thursday, May 14th at 6 p.m. at the Macy’s Pentagon City in Northern Virginia for the Macy’s American Icons event. As part of their salute to all things that make us proud to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, Macy’s is hosting a party and you’re invited! This fashion event is perfect for the entire family. I mean, what kids don’t love taking selfies? They can do plenty of selfie snapping with the Macy’s patriotic photo booth. Just snap away and share you self with the hashtag #AmericanSelfie!

Macy’s partners with veterans who served with Got Your 6. Melissa Fitzgerald, actor of the West Wing and Got Your 6 activist, will be there for talk more about this cause. Beauty blogger Stephanie Telford of All Things Beautiful XO will also be there to join in the conversation. Of course there will be a fashion show filled with the hottest fashion and beauty trends of the season afterwards. Lite bites, mini manicures/makeovers, and a chance to snap those selfies at the photo booth will also be included.

If you’re unable to attend this event in the Northern, VA area here’s a list of a few other locations:

5/14 New York, NY (HSQ)
5/16 San Francisco (Union Square)
5/16 Miami, FL (Dadeland)
5/16 Fayetteville, NC (Cross Creek)
5/16 Atlanta, GA (Peachtree Mall)

So tell me, will you be attending the Macy’s American Icons event in VA with me this Thursday? Will you check out the event in your area? Let me know!

Every event will be different and for a full list of locations and dates, check out this site! All in all the event is perfect for families, our military heroes and lovers of fashion and beauty. Come join the party snap a few selfies, learn more about Got Your 6, and enjoy the latest fashion and beauty trends at the same time. Hope to see you there!

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#ShareTheGood | Goodwill Industries Week + Goodwill of Greater Washington

May 7, 2015 by Whitney 6 Comments

Today is Thrifty Thursday and I’m more than happy to shed some light on an organization that I hold close to my heart, The Goodwill of Greater Washington. I’ve been a shopper and supporter for a few years now and this year their celebrating 80 years of giving back and serving the DC community. They have done an excellent job by sharing the good throughout the community and they go above and beyond to continue to do so!

Over the years, Goodwill of Greater Washington has been known for its fashion shows. The Fashion of Goodwill began in September 2005, in hopes to change the face of its thrift stores. These shows allow the public to see that shopping at Goodwill stores has contemporary and vintage fashion and apparel. I’ve attended and covered several of the shows and every year it’s better than the last. The 2014 show was held at the new Marriott in DC; great times!

Not only does Goodwill of Greater Washington provide affordable and stylish clothing, but they also put the community to work. Last year’s fashion show, themed “Let’s Get to Work”, celebrated Marriott Marquis Job Training Program. The Goodwill of Greater Washington partnered up with the Marriott Marquis to create this workplace development program which allowed native Washingtonians a chance to work at this brand new hotel. Also with each new location, Goodwill is able to provide at least 25 jobs for the residents. These are just a few examples of how Goodwill does indeed #ShareTheGood.

So tell me, how do you #ShareTheGood in your community? If you could walk in someone else’s shoes for just one day would you help them? Let me know!

For more information on Goodwill of Greater Washington and to see the good their doing in the community, visit their Facebook page and website. If you’re inclined to get involved, do that . There’s always a way you can help #ShareTheGood. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Event Recap | 5 Things l Learned During Blogger Week 2015

May 6, 2015 by Whitney 8 Comments

I spent time in D.C. this weekend with some of my fellow bloggers and creatives at the Blogger Week conference, held at the Impact Hub on 7th Street. Last year I served as an ambassador and was pleased to serve in the same capacity this year. It always excites me to be surrounded by like-minded people; conversing and networking with other bloggers is such a treat! Although I was unable to stay for the entire day, I made the best of my time while there. Here are 5 things I learned during Blogger Week 2015!

1. Share. I’ve always been good at building relationships, but the older I get I find it more difficult to trust people with certain information in regards to my vision/goals. Attending Blogger Week allowed me to not only meet new people, but also continue working on cultivating relationships with other creatives. Listening to their goals and sharing bits and pieces of mine allowed room for growth. I was able to connect with the right people and I honestly felt we were on the same page. Sharing your visions with others can be scary, but in times like this it’s necessary. You never know who knows who and you just may be surprised how someone can help point you in the right direction.

2. Keep Writing. After listening to Danielle Belton of Black Snob it was clear that ~~I must keep writing~~. Memorable content is key and figuring out how to fit certain topics and trends into your posts is very important. You have to stay relevant and you have to keep writing. Writing for free? Well, Danielle says nah. I have different views on that, but I understood her point. To me writing for pay (or not) is a personal choice and at times, the exposure you get from writing is payment. Do what works for you, just keep writing!

3. Be Social. Social media can be intimidating, but being social on social media is a must. DC Fab creator Joi-Marie McKenzie suggested that bloggers pick 3 social media sites and stick with them. I agree wholeheartedly with this advice. Sticking to 3 sites and mastering them is better than being on 6 sites and barley engaging on any of them! Know your strengths and work with that. I’m good with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

4. Be Open. Being open to new blog topics will help your brand grow. Collaborating with other bloggers/writers is a good way to get this started. During the How Bloggers Can Help Each Other Drive Traffic panel, 5 bloggers (GG Renee, Erica Nichole , Tyece Wilkins, and Shefon Nachelle) articulated this point extremely well. Working with other bloggers is an excellent way to further connect with your readers on other topics that you may not be too familiar with. Open up and allow those bloggers to share something new with your readers. Bridge the gap and grow, together.

5. Ask Questions. Never be afraid to ask questions. There were so many bloggers and so many different sessions to learn from, so of course people had questions. I for one was so happy to see people ask! How will you ever know if you don’t ask? The panelists were open and honest with their responses, which made the Blogger Week environment comfortable and safe. I had a few questions jotted down in my notebook under each session I planned to attend. Being prepared with questions helps keep me on track and 9 times of of 10, the speakers end up answering those very questions during their speech.

So tell me, what are your thoughts on what I learned during Blogger Week 2015? Were you able to attend? Let me know!

Huge thanks to Jessica for allowing me to be an ambassador once again this year. And shout out to my BLM Girls Jonna and Kim for serving as speakers at the event. You ladies are inspiring…keep it up! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…xo!

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Linkups: Garay Treasures

Beauty | #BeautyBesties Recap with SPANX & Clinique

May 5, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

This weekend I had the pleasure of heading to Nordstrom at Towson Town Center (MD) to find my Power Pair of SPANX, as well as test out Clinique’s latest spring must have foundation + concealer. Both consultations, free of charge, were part of the #BeautyBesties event they had going on all weekend!

I haven’t worn a pair of SPANX in a while, but after my consultation, I was ready to try a pair of the power shorts! This pair goes perfectly under spring and summer dresses, skirts and even jumpsuits. Wearing SPANX ensures smooth lines and no bunching; I can get with that! I can’t wait to show you all the before and after pics when I wear mine. I’m all about clean, smooth lines! By the way, the sales associate also let me know that SPANX offered knee highs too. Never knew that!

After browsing and learning about SPANX, it was time to head to the Clinique counter for my next consultation. I was a bit skeptical because I’m not really a makeup girl. But the associate (Jessica) was extremely patient with me and very helpful and knowledgeable about the product. The new Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer was so smooth, lightweight and perfect for my complexion.

Purchase Your Shade HERE

Jessica used number 18 Sand and the color matched my skin tone perfectly! I took her advice and wore the foundation for the rest of the day; just to get a feel for it. I was nervous about sweating and rubbing it off, but I didn’t have any of those issues. I literally forgot I had it on! To me, that’s good makeup.

So tell me, did you go to the #BeautyBesties event at Nordstrom this weekend? Have you tried the new Clinique foundation + concealer or any of the SPANX products? Let me know!

It’s safe to say that I’ll be purchasing the foundation + concealer ASAP, and I can’t wait to show you my smooth silhouette when I wear my SPANX. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO

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#WNJBlogs | 5 Things You Need to be Taken Seriously as a Blogger

April 29, 2015 by Whitney 20 Comments

When it comes to blogging I’ve learned a lot over the years. While I thoroughly enjoy the art of blogging, it’s no secret that it takes a lot to be taken seriously as a blogger. If you have the right tools and remain consistent, blogging can easily become your side hustle and possibly your full-time career. Sound like something you might be interested in? Check out 5 blogging must-haves you need to be taken seriously as a blogger.

1. Professional Headshots | These are a must! Professional headshots are great to have for several reasons. If you’re being featured on other sites and need a photo to accompany the content, use your headshot. If you’re planning to present at an event or if you need to create an event flyer/announcement, use your headshot. It’s also nice to have an updated headshot to in your About Me section. You can also use the shot for your social media pages. Doing this instantly makes you appear more professional.

2. Long & Short Bio | I’ve been asked several times for a bio and as of this year, I’m happy to say I have 2 on deck! It’s nice to have 2 to choose from because there may be times you’re asked for only 2-3 sentences about yourself. In this instance a short bio is perfect. If you’re asked for a full bio the longer one, of course, is the way to go. Keep in mind that the person asking for your bio may chop it up and only use what they want. It’s all good; you still gave them what they asked for. Lastly, be sure to keep your bio updated. Just like a resume, read over and add (or take out) certain information to keep it relevant.

Be taken seriously as a blogger with these 5 must-have tools! #wnjblogs

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3. Reliable Camera | If the bulk of your posts include pictures, a reliable camera is a necessity. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive camera and you don’t have to be a genius to figure out how to use it. Simply use your resources. Head to YouTube and search for “how to” videos to learn how to use the camera you own. You can also ask around to see if your peers can give you tips and pointers on how to use the camera. Knowing the basic functions is really all you need. Trust me, you’ll figure out the rest as you go along.

4. Clean & Simple Website | I’ve always been drawn to clean and simple websites. The easier is it for me to navigate the more I’ll come back. If you’re just getting started and have a limited budget, there are tons of free templates to choose from. I used a few free WordPress templates before I hired Her Name is Kim. If you’re not into the DIY themes and have the funds, hire a designer. Not sure who to hire? Do your research and ask around. Compare prices, check the designer’s client portfolio and figure out what it is you really want. Keep in mind that when hiring a professional, it may cost more than you expected. But trust me when I tell you, you get what you pay for.

5. Business Cards | Your business card is your mini resume. The information provided must be accurate and spelled correctly. Keep the design simple and clean, just like your website should be. Also, don’t be scared to use your professional headshot on the card. Including this is a great way to set you apart from your peers. A few other ways to make your business card stand out is to create vertical cards, upgrade to a thicker paper quality, or add a quote or a short mission statement. To keep your business cards clutter free, order double sided cards.

So tell me, what do you think about these basic blogging must haves? What do you have to add? Let me know!

As always thanks for reading! If you have any questions or tips, leave them below or feel free to contact me. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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