WNJ Style Archives - Whitney Nic James

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 | 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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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

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

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!

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

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 *

Personal Style | Styling a Thrifted Blouse and Denim

September 21, 2016 by Whitney 14 Comments

When’s the last time you went thrifting? If I’m being honest, I haven’t (really) been thrifting in ~~months~~. I know… Crazy, right? Well, that changed a few days ago. I had to urge to add some new pieces to my wardrobe for the fall, so I figured a quick thrift store trip wouldn’t hurt. 7 items and a few dollars later, I walked out with this sheer animal print thrifted blouse and a few other items. Mission accomplished!

* See Also: Thrifted Dress + Kimono

Blouse: Thrifted, Value Village // Flats: Aldo Brand, Nordstrom Rack ( Another Option ) // Necklace: oNecklace

Although this thrifted blouse is sheer, it’s still great for fall styling. It’s the perfect layering piece, which is why I decided to layer it over a black bodysuit. I’m all about comfort and style whenever I’m figuring out what to wear, but especially when it comes to work-wear. I’m often running errands or out and about during the day so I like to look presentable and chic, without compromising my comfort.

You can still wear your sheer pieces in the fall. They’re great layering pieces! #wnjstyle

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When styling a piece like this thrifted blouse, it’s important to remember to wear something fitted at the bottom. Because the blouse is flowy and over-sized, a fitted or slim pair of pants/denim helps balance out the look. Staying in the neutral family, I topped off the outfit with a pair of nude flats and one of my favorite purses. The subtle gold tones in the purse bring out my gold necklace and studs.

Denim: JCP ( Another Option )

So tell me, do you like my thrifted blouse? When’s the last time you visited your local thrift store? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Minimal Styling with an Asos Kimono

September 14, 2016 by Whitney 12 Comments

When it comes to personal style, I’m all about no-fuss, yet chic, outfits. Throwing my braids in a bun, wearing a pair of leggings, a kimono and a pair of big hoops is “my thing”. It’s the kind of look that’s perfect for someone trying to achieve a minimal sense of style. You maybe looking at this outfit and thinking, “is she wearing another kimono?!” I’m guilty. But this time it’s a kimono from the men’s section. That counts for something, right?

Related: Styling a Kimono + a Thrifted Dress

Men’s Kimono: Asos (Same) // T-shirt: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Leggings: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option)

So, how did I end up shopping in the men’s section? After seeing fellow Lifestyle Blogger Sam – AKA my kindred spirit – style a black and white men’s kimono, I had to know where I could find it! I frantically searched the ASOS website, found it in the men’s section, yet fell in love with the simplicity and versatility of the kimono worn in this post. I knew that I’d get more wear out of a solid kimono, so I opted to purchase this one instead.

Ladies, don’t be afraid to shop in the men’s section for certain wardrobe items! #wnjstyle

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The material of the kimono is heavy enough to be worn throughout the fall and versatile enough to be styled multiple times. It can easily be styled over a casual dress, a tank top, or a light weight t-shirt as shown in this look. This minimal style purchase is certainly one I do not regret.

Purse: Nine West, Gifted (Another Option) // Sandals: Target, Old (Another Option)

So tell me, do you ever shop in the men’s section? What do you think about my latest minimal style purchase? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Styling a Kimono and a Dress…Again

July 6, 2016 by Whitney 23 Comments

One wardrobe item that will forever have a place in my closet is the kimono. I absolutely love styling them all year! My collection of kimonos are the most versatile and easy to wear pieces in my closet. They’re perfect to throw on over a sleeveless dress, which is exactly how I styled the kimono in today’s outfit. I had a feeling I’d get cold during a night out with hubs, so I grabbed one of my favorite kimonos and my outfit was complete!

Dress: Thrifted (Another Option) // Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Flats: Aldo, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option)

Purse: Nine West, Gifted (Another Option) // Necklace: Macy’s (Another Option) // Earrings: Thrifted (Another Option)

It’s no wonder my love for kimonos runs deep; I’m such a fan of lightweight, no-fuss and flowy clothing, especially during the warmer months. I usually thrift them, but there are times I find quality and unique ones at department stores. I purchased this one at Nordstrom Rack a while back and since then, I’ve seen them sold pretty much everywhere. Chances are if you’re on the hunt for a kimono this season, you’ll definitely find one!

* See Also: Maxi Dress + a Kimono

Kimonos are a perfect year-round wardrobe must have. #wnjstyle

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So tell me, are you a fan of wearing kimonos? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Weekend Staycation Outfit

June 1, 2016 by Whitney 15 Comments

A few weekends ago Darrius and I planned a staycation in downtown Baltimore. Our friends were getting married in the city, so we decided to make a weekend of it! We stayed Friday – Monday at the beautiful Renaissance Harborplace. It was also our anniversary weekend, so of course, we wanted to spend some quality time together celebrating. We lounged around, ordered room service, enjoyed the wedding festivities and made time to hang out in the city.

In case you didn’t know, I was born and raised in Baltimore. Whenever I go back to visit for more than a day I get super giddy! I love my city. It’s truly a lovely place to visit, especially during the summer. Knowing that I’d be walking around downtown, I planned the perfect weekend staycation outfit, including the one below.

Sheer Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Pants: American Rag, Macy’s (Another Option) // Flats: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Sunnies: H&M (Another Option)

I knew my weekend staycation wardrobe had to be practical. The sheer blouse and lightweight pants were a perfect choice. Of course, the sunnies were necessary and bringing a pair of my most comfortable flats was a no brainer. If you’re planning an upcoming weekend staycation this summer, here are the 7 wardrobe items I suggest packing:

1. Comfortable Shoes

2. A Pair of Sunglasses

3. All Purpose Purse/Clutch

7 Weekend Staycation Wardrobe Essentials #wnjstyle

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4. Interchangeable Jewelry/Accessories

5. Flowy Top

6. Comfortable Pants (or Leggings)

7. Extra Undergarments

I definitely suggest #7 because you may extend your trip for a day or two at the last minute. That happened to us. We’d planned to leave on Sunday afternoon, after we spent the day shopping and exploring, but we were so tired by the end of the day we ended up staying until Monday. With Darrius working right downtown his commute the next morning was a breeze. My 25 minute drive back to Columbia, MD wasn’t that bad. Being able to spend a carefree weekend with hubs was worth it.

Ankh Necklace: Purchased in NY (Other Options) // Purse: Nine West, Gifted

So tell me, do you like my weekend staycation outfit? What would you pack? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Wearing Stripes and Sweatpants

May 25, 2016 by Whitney 16 Comments

For the past several weeks, wearing stripes and sweatpants seems to be a reoccurring theme. I’m not talking about the drab and baggy grey sweatpants with the drawstring, although I do wear those around the house to clean sometimes. I’m talking about the straight-leg, comfy and flattering pants made of sweatpants material. You know, the ones I’ve worn several times here on the blog. Yep, those sweatpants.

* See Also: Sweatpants for the Weekend

Tunic: Sejour, Nordstrom (Another Option) // Pants: Sejour, Nordstrom (Another Option) // Flats: Steve Madden Outlet (Similar)

These sweatpants are heaven-sent and they’re easily my favorite pair to date. The fact that their straight-leg makes them extremely flattering and easy to style with just about any top. However, of all the times I’ve worn these pants, styling them with a tunic (or other loose fitting tops) is my favorite. I think you get the picture – I love styling these pants! Now let’s talk about my glorious tunic…

Don’t let stripes scare you. Figure out the best kind of stripes for your body type and rock it!

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The whole “plus size girls shouldn’t wear stripes” thing doesn’t phase me. After learning what kind of stripes work for my body type, I haven’t looked back. Vertical stripes, preferably vertically striped tunics, seem to be my best bet. Just like the sweatpants, I’ve worn this tunic several times. It’s flowy nature and lightweight material makes it the perfect top to wear during the warmer months.

* See Also: Dressing up Sweatpants

Drop Earrings: Macy’s (Another Option) // Bracelet: Macy’s, Monet (Another Option)

So tell me, are you a fan of wearing sweatpants and wearing stripes (together or separately)? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and linking up. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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See Also: Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly

Related: Styling a Kimono + a Thrifted Dress