Style Archives - Page 40 of 45

#WNJInspired | The Year to be Fearless

January 12, 2015 by Whitney 28 Comments

Happy New Year, friends! It seems like forever since I’ve written to you. I hope you had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and friends. We relaxed, ate, cooked, laughed, played games for hours on end and just had an all-out GREAT holiday.

I made some time sit and think about how I was going to make 2015 the best year yet. While I still have somethings to put in place, the year has stared on a pretty good note. I’ve adopted a 2015 motto which is, Be Fearless. In all aspects of my life, I plan to take a fearless approach. Going for what I want has never really been an issue, but the way I execute needs some work. Being fearless is empowering and a bit scary, but it’s necessary. Be it my health, business decisions, relationships, personal style decisions, it’s time for me to spread my wings a bit further! I believe that we all have something special inside of us, but it’s up to us to be fearless enough to show that something special to the world.

In keeping with my Be Fearless attitude, I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone and tried different physical activities while on winter break. Thanks to my good friend Kamille, I’ve found some new and fun ways to get my body in shape and let’s just say, it’s already starting to pay off!

Remember my bucket list? Well, I can officially cross off taking a pole dancing class! The pole dancing classes at Xpose Fitness are extremely liberating and my ENTIRE body was stretched and worked out; I love that! My adventurous friend also introduced me to a trampoline workout class at Sky Zone. While I enjoyed the class, it’s not something I can see myself doing on a regular basis. Jumping, running, stretching and doing crunches on a trampoline is a lot harder than it seems. It was a definite challenge, but I did it!

Pole Dancing Workout at Xpose Fitness

Couples Work Out Session at Sky Zone

So tell me, how do you plan to Be Fearless in 2015? Have you recently stepped outside of your comfort zone? Let me know!

Again, happy new year to you! I’m thrilled for what’s to come for WNJ and I hope you all are too. More 2015 blog plans and goals to come later this week. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. I’ll be back to my Personal Style Linkup in February!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Newsletter

Linkups: Let Your Light Shine

#WNJInspired | 7 Vision Board Ideas to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life

December 16, 2014 by Whitney 12 Comments

I just started reading Sun Stand Still and the book talks about having audacious faith. The book couldn’t have been more on time because for the past few months, I’ve been praying and trying to figure out how in the world I’m going to achieve some (very) bold goals next year. I’m a firm believer in faith, but audacious faith is a whole other level. So while reading the book, I started my 2015 vision board. My goal is to make my vision board come to life and having audacious faith is the only way I’ll be able to do so. That said, let’s check out 7 Ways to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life!

1. BEGIN. So many people have asked “how to start a vision board”. It’s simple; just begin. Commit to making one and go for it!

2. Be Specific. In order to make your vision board really come to life, be specific with the words, phrases and pictures you decided to add. On my 2014 board I had a phrase that read, “work out at least 30 minutes 3 time a week”. That is very specific and although I didn’t live up to that as much as I would have liked, the specific phrase and goal was clear.

3. Keep Track of Your Progress. What I did this year was thumbtack my vision board ideas to a cork board. Every time I achieved a goal, I took whatever picture or word down that symbolized that goal and put it in a jar. At the end of this year, whatever is left on my board, I will re-evaluate and see if that goal fits into my 2015 plans. If so, I’ll figure out how to tweak it. In doing so, I hope it won’t be left hanging at the end of next year.

7 Ways to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life #wnjinspired

Click To Tweet

4. Create a Board with Friends & Family. When creating a vision board, it’s fun to invite a few family members or friends to join you. You can share and verbalize your goals with the people you trust. In a way, sharing your goals out loud helps hold you accountable. When you tell someone your plans, they know and can remind you of your goals throughout the year.

5. Refer Back. Throughout the year, refer back to your board. What goals have you already achieved? What goals do you want to tweak or even add to your board? It’s OK to change your goals; just be sure they’re specific, sensible, and well thought out.

In order for your vision board to come to life, you have to SEE it on a daily basis.

Click To Tweet

6. Make it Visible. Hang your vision board on a wall you walk by or look at everyday. In order for your vision board to come to life, you have to SEE it on a daily basis. Seeing the board will serve as daily motivation, as well as a daily reminder to get things done! I actually took a picture of my 2014 vision board and for a few weeks out of the year, that picture was my lock screen on my phone. It was constant reminder of my purpose and it really helped keep me on track.

7. Be Encouraged. Some days, weeks, or even months it may seem like your vision board just isn’t working. Don’t get discouraged. Achieving goals takes time, effort and persistence. Don’t give up; keep going and remember that tomorrow is another day to get it right! 😉

So tell me, have you started working on your 2015 vision board yet? If so, what are some of your goals for the new year? Let me know!

For more vision board ideas or ways to stay inspired, check out my tips on how to stay motivated. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

The Best of 2014 Personal Style Edition | What I’ve Learned About Personal Style

December 15, 2014 by Whitney 42 Comments

Happy Monday, everyone! This weekend was such a great one. Not only was I able to spend some QT with hubby, but we also got a lot of things done around the house. It’s that time of the year when I start cleaning out closets, drawers and everything in between. So, we did a little bit of that on Saturday and Sunday. By next weekend, we should be done….I hope. 😉

Today’s post is a recap of my favorite outfits from my Personal Style Monday posts. I started this linkup as a way to express my personal style and of course, I wanted to give you all a chance to do the same. I started out by having just 8 or so links for months and now I have 30+ linkups almost each week. I LOVE it and I thank you all for linking up and sharing my links each week. Check out some of my favorite Personal Style Moments of 2014, as well as some things I’ve learned about my personal style along the way.

Black + White // Colorful Maxi

whitney nic james - plus size blogger outfits

LBD // Skirt Dress

Clearly I embraced my curves, wore a lot of dresses, and had no problem showing a little bit of skin earlier this year. I enjoyed experimenting with different looks, hairstyles and trends; all while staying true my personal style. I feel like my style has grown, yet has remained simple with a touch of uniqueness that only I can bring. I’ve “found myself” as far as personal style goes, and I’ve pushed my limits when it comes to what I will and won’t wear. Daring to bare my legs in certain outfits, like the black Jessica Simpson dress (above), was liberating and wearing shoes other than flats and sandals was huge for me.

I enjoyed wearing a bit more color this year and I wasn’t afraid to go bold with my outfits. I also learned the importance of knowing your body type. I know what looks good on me and what works for my body; 2 very important things to know when figuring out where to go with your personal style. Something else that’s important to learn while curating your personal style? Trying different things with makeup. For me this was tedious task, but I must admit that it was fun. Weather it was a lip color or a bit of mascara, I took myself to another level in terms of my day to day beauty routine. From makeup to skin care, I’ve re-learned the importance of taking care of my skin as well.

F21 Body Suit // Nordstrom Kimono

Black + White // Thrifted Sweater

One of my favorite personal style posts this year involved statement jewelry. It was fun sharing my favorite pieces with you! Wearing statement pieces this year saved a lot of my outfits form being boring and blah. It was rather enjoyable styling different pieces and my collection has grown a lot since I published that post. I’d planned to do a separate post on how to shop for statement pieces on eBay, but I didn’t get around to it. No worries; it’s on the top of my to-blog-about list for the new year.

Of course I’ve stayed true to my love for thrifting. Showcasing different outfits with several of my thrifted purchases has been a personal style highlight. I’ve been able to influence others to try thrifting, as well as teach people how to successfully thrift for certain items. Thrifting is a huge part of my personal style and it will continue to be…forever. From thrifted accessories to sweater coats, I’ve had fun showing how to stay on trend without breaking the bank.

Statement Pieces

Black & White // Sweater Coats

So tell me, what did you learn about your personal style this year? Are there any your favorite personal style look from 2014 above? Let me know!

Since this is the last of my Personal Style posts of 2014, I’ve decided to leave today’s linkup open until the last day of the month. Feel free to post as many looks as you’d like from now until then. Thank you all SO much for linking up with me and I look forward to seeing your outfits in the new year. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Newsletter

[inlinkz_linkup id=477186 mode=1]

*****

Linkups: How I Fall, Style to Inspire, Sophisticated Style, Visible Monday, Let it Shine, Manic Monday

Personal Style Monday + Audible Amazon Giveaway

December 8, 2014 by Whitney 37 Comments

Happy Monday to you! This weekend was all about cleaning and relaxing for me. I did something a little differnt with my hair (pics below) and I also pulled out most of Christmas decor. While relaxing, I made time to catch up on my Netflix watching, as well as my reading. As I mentioned in this post, I’ve become a huge fan of audiobooks lately. It’s just makes it so easy to read these days. During the car ride to Delaware for Thanksgiving, I was actually reading an audiobook. I’m addicted!

Sweater: Vintage, 2nd Avenue // Denim: Dress Barn // Flats: Micheal Kors

With the new year approaching, I’m looking forward to using (and subscribing to) Audible. This audiobook site is absolutely perfect for every occasion and event throughout the year. You can even gift a yearly subscription to the book lover on your list. Talk about the perfect gift! Not only are audiobooks perfect for book lovers like me, but they’re also great for children. My tween sister does a lot of traveling for pageants and acting, so something like an Audible yearly subscription would be perfect for those long car, train or plane rides.

Right now, you can check out Audible’s gold offer for a chance to save 50% off! This offer gives you the first three months of your subscription for only $7.49, which is half the usual price. There are also several Audible coupon codes and other ways to save as well.

Sunnies: Retro// Scarf: H&M (old)

Are you convinced, like me, that Audible is the way to go this year for audiobooks? What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in the new year? Oh yea, what do you think about my outfit and hair style too? 😉 Let me know!

Before I go, be sure to check out this amazing Audible giveaway me and a few other lovely bloggers are hosting below! One winner will receive a $200 Amazon gift card! FYI, Audible is an Amazon company. This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents and will run from December 8th – December 12th. Until tomorrow, stay blessed and be safe…XO!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[inlinkz_linkup id=475061 mode=1]

*****

Linkups: Sophisticated Style, Let it Shine, Manic Monday, Style to Inspire, How I Fall, Thrifters Anynomous, Style Sessions, Style Me Wednesday, Trend Spin, WIW, Random Wednesday, Beautiful You, Style Me Wednesday, GYPO

Giveaway | Holiday Cards from Minted

December 5, 2014 by Whitney 14 Comments

Is the art of giving or sending holiday cards a thing of the past? I think not. I love getting cards in the mail; especially cards with things inside (i.e. money, checks, gift cards, etc). More importantly, I enjoy giving cards. Doesn’t matter the occasion, I’ll find a card for it! This holiday season is no different. Hubby and I have decided to send out holiday cards! The holiday’s came so quickly that we didn’t have a chance to do so last year. So when I was contacted about the holiday cards from Minted a few weeks back, I knew I should take them up on their offer.

We ended up ordering the cutest holiday/new year cards to send to our family. It was hard to narrow down a design, but we eventually agreed on the one below. Instead of the traditional folded card, we opted for the postcard style. This style is my favorite because you can easily frame the card and use it as a picture or stick it on your fridge. People still stick things to their fridge, right??

On the back of the card there’s a brief new year’s message. We also ordered the envelopes, with our name and address engraved on the envelope seal, as well. Fancy, huh? I felt so grown up after I order from Minted. I used to see my mother order our family holiday cards year after year and I loved helping her pick out designs, colors and fonts. Now that I’m married, I get to do the same and I must say it was fun!

I want you to join in on the fun too! Thanks to Minted, I’m giving away a $50 credit to their site. This giveaway is right on time for the holiday season! There are so many options to pick from, and adding your favorite family photo makes the cards that much more special. You can also order holiday menus, place cards, invites and MUCH more! So be sure to enter for your chance to win and share this giveaway with your fiends and family too! Giveaway ends next Sunday at midnight, so be sure to enter ASAP. Have a great weekend, stay blessed and be safe…xo!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thrifty Friend #18 | Nikki of Style Rehab

November 26, 2014 by Whitney 15 Comments

I’ve been grabbing a lot of style inspiration from Instagram lately. So it’s no surprise that today’s Thrifty Friend is someone I found while style searching on IG. When I first came across Nikki‘s IG feed, I stopped in my tracks. This girl is a vintage/thrift queen, I said to myself. Her feed was filled with sequins, prints, vintage blazers, and her hair cut was fierce! Of course, I followed her, and began looking forward to her stylish posts day after day. Nikki has an eye for vintage and knows how to style her items in a very fun, unique and fashion-forward way. That said, be sure to check out Nikki’s thrifty blog, Style Rehab, when you get a chance. Enjoy her interview and have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving holiday! 🙂

Name, Blog Name & Location?

Nikki Ellis of Style-Rehab from Clearwater, FL.

How long have you been a thrifter?

I have been a thrifter for 3 or 4 years now. I wish I could say longer.

How did you get into thrifting? Did someone inspire you?

I honestly don’t know who or why I started thrifting. I think I heard co-workers talking about it and decided to try it. I’m not 100% sure.

How often do you thrift?

My thrifting comes in waves. Once I start I get super addicted and I can’t stop. However, now I am trying to use some restraint as I am completely out of closet space. I also try not to wear the same thing twice so this enables my thrifting habit and is more financially feasible.

What are some of your favorite Thrift Stores in your area? (Name & Location)

Goodwill – Ocala, FL
Salvation Army – Holiday, FL
Super Thrift – Clearwater, FL
Sheriff’s Youth Ranch – Dunedin, FL

I also hit any local church thrift stores in the area. They always have the best jewelry! Ok, now you have all my secret haunts!

What would you say to someone who wants to try thrifting but has no idea where to start?

There’s so much! Don’t go in looking for specific items. You will be let down. Just go for the excitement of it.
I started small with just blazers then slowly progressed into other areas like skirts and tops. Thrift stores can be so overwhelming due to the size so just start small. Eventually you will be a pro.

What items do you look for most when you thrift? Clothing, Accessories, Home Decor or a little bit of everything?

I look for everything. I love the home décor because it makes your place look eclectic and interesting, but I do not discriminate I look at it all jewelry, clothing, etc. Are there certain items you will not thrift? If so, what? I can’t do swim wear that really freaks me out. Shoes were the last thing for me to thrift. I had a really hard time with shoes for years.

What are 3 words to describe your style?

Eclectic, unexpected and my own

Any fashion/style inspirations? Celeb or non-celeb?

I have always loved men’s wear and men’s inspired fashion so I do grab inspiration from Ralph Lauren the mens collection. I think Teen Vogue has great styling and ideas. I like the styling and color combinations in J. Crew, but I find inspiration anywhere really.

What’s the biggest misconception, in your opinion, you think people have about thrifting?

That it’s gross or that everything is garbage. I have found some amazing pieces that would have been ridiculously expensive in a store for a fraction of the price.

I think thrifting has enhanced my personal style because I gravitate towards very different items. I am truly thankful I started thrifting.

How can WNJ readers keep up with you?

Twitter

Music Therapy | Mary J .Blige Releases The London Sessions

November 25, 2014 by Whitney 2 Comments

I’m always excited when my favorite artists drop a new album. So when I heard that Mary J. Blige (MJB) was working on something new, I was thrilled! I don’t know about you, but I’m still listening to What’s the 411 and Growing Pains – those are my favorite albums from her. So what’s new for MJB? Her highly anticipated and universal 13th album, The London Sessions, is set to drop on December 2nd. Christmas gift, anyone? 🙂

I had the pleasure of listening to the entire album last week. When I listen to new music, I like to listen to the album all the way through once, no skips or repeats. Then I listen once more to try and pick out my favorite songs. I listen for head-nodding beats, lyrics with depth, and the overall vibe of the songs. I did just that with MJB’s The London Sessions and I must say, she’s got something really great with this new project.

Nobody But You is a song I can see doing very well on a plethora of radio stations. The sound is very London, but that’s a good thing. It has universal appeal, just like the rest of the album, and has the potential to reach so many people. MJB took a leap of faith with this project by not only recording (in 3 weeks) in London but also working with artists like Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé, and Disclosure.

My favorite song, hands down, is Whole Damn Year. It was as if she was singing from a page of her diary. From the beat to the lyrics, to her vocal tone, the song is very MJB. It’s a really good song filled with so much raw emotion and passion, and that’s what MJB is known for. She is a passionate artist and her previous bodies of work prove that she’s a remarkable storyteller. That’s something I feel is extremely important for a good artist/songwriter to be – a good storyteller.

So tell me, are you a Mary J. Blige fan? Will you be purchasing The London Sessions on December 2nd? Let me know!

The London Sessions definitely reveals MJB’s evolution as an artist and I cannot wait to add this classic and universal album to my collection. If you want to pre-order The London Sessions, head to iTunes or Amazon. Trust me when I say this album will make a great Christmas gift for any music lover on your Christmas list. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

Mary J. Blige Facebook Fan Page

Mary J. Blige – The London Sessions Website

**I participated in the Mary J. Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of bLink Marketing Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.**

Personal Style | Repeat Outfit + Maximizing My Wardrobe

November 12, 2014 by Whitney 23 Comments

As of late, my fall style has really been easy peasy! I credit that to my (firm) decision to maximize my wardrobe to its fullest potential. The fact that I remembered I had this black cardigan in my closet has opened up my fall style options even more. Cardigans are the perfect wardrobe addition to help maximize any wardrobe. With this look I decided to add sneakers instead of heels; I was going for a dress down look without being too casual or too dressy.

Cardigan: Gifted // Sweater: Lane Bryant Outlet // Skirt: I.N.C., Macy’s// Tights: HANES HOSIERY

Once I made the decision to add my comfy Pumas to this look, everything else effortlessly came together. The hoop earrings and thrifted clutch were a must and the sunnies, well…I kind of think they make me look pretty cool, right? 😉 Truth be told, I wore this outfit for a casual dinner the same day I wore this outfit with heels (and different jewelry). In my mind, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and cute. Swapping out heels for sneakers and adding the cardigan gives the outfit the right amount of casual without looking sloppy because let’s be honest, sometimes adding sneakers with dresses or skirts can be tricky.

You never know the potential of an outfit until you start trying different style options. #wnjstyle

Click To Tweet

Sneakers: Puma, DSW (Same) // Clutch: Goodwill // Sunnies: Ivanka Trump, Nordstrom Rack

This outfit can also fit into the sporty fall trend. Granted, I’m not wearing a stylish jersey or track pants, but I am wearing sneakers with a more dressy ensemble. That counts! 🙂 It’s funny – you never know the potential of an outfit until you start trying different style options. That said, I’ve already come up with several ways to re-style this skirt, cardigan and “LOVE” shirt with other pieces in my wardrobe. Let the fall style maximizing continue!

So tell me, which look is your favorite? How have you been with restyling and maximizing your fall wardrobe? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and as always, thanks for commenting. Before I go, I just want to remind you that I have a bi-weekley newsletter and the latest issue is coming out today! If you’d like to join the email list, sign up here. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Newsletter

*****

Linkups: Mix it Monday, Whatever Wednesday, WIW, Three-fer Thursday, Beautiful You, Thursday Favorites, Thrift Sisters, Share in Style

« Previous Page