H&M Archives - Whitney Nic James

Personal Style | Melissa McCarthy Floral Tunic and Denim

November 28, 2016 by Whitney 23 Comments

At the beginning of the season, I decided to browse the Nordstrom Rack website for some new tops to add to my fall/winter wardrobe. Knowing that I’d probably find a lot of spring and summer items on sale, that’s where I looked first. After only browsing for a few minutes, I spotted this vibrant Melissa McCarthy floral tunic. I didn’t care how much it was, I just knew I had to have it!

I’d already figured out how to wear the top at least 3 times and thankfully, it was in my size. There was nothing left to do but add it to my cart! I knew the item would fit, thanks to trying on a few Melissa McCarthy items before, so I was very pleased when the floral masterpiece arrived at my front door. I tried it on immediately and of course, it was perfect.

Cape: Harvé Benard, Thrifted (Another Option) // Sunnies: H&M (Similar Option) // Clutch: Love, Cortnie (Same)

Have you ever had an item of clothing that you just KNOW you’re going to wear constantly? Well, that’s how I feel about this tunic. It’s the most comfortable top I own and the oversized fit is perfection. Anything that’s flowy and not tight to my body, I’m a fan. The fact that it was on sale for less than $40 is also a major plus!

If you don’t love it and if you can’t wear it at least 3 times, don’t buy it. #wnjstyle

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These days I’m very particular about what I purchase. If I don’t love it and if I can’t see myself wearing it more than 3 times, I’m not going to buy it. Of course, I make exceptions for accessories, shoes and some one-of-a-kind pieces, but for everyday wardrobe items that’s my rule.

Tunic: Melissa McCarthy, Nordstrom (Other Options from Designer) // Denim: JCP (Another Option) // Flats: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom Rack (Cute Option)

So tell me, what do you think about my Melissa McCarthy floral tunic? Do you follow the same rule as I do when shopping? Let me know!

I can’t wait to read your responses! I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday weekend and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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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.

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

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!

Sneakers: New Look, Asos (Same)

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 *

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

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.

Vest: Dalia, TJ Maxx (Another Option) // Dress: Kenar Woman, Marshall’s (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Exact, Size 6 & Similar)

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)

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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Personal Style | Wearing a Maxi Dress in the Winter

December 17, 2015 by Whitney 5 Comments

During the spring and summer months, I’m all about styling a maxi dress. I live in them during those seasons! When it gets cooler, I tend to push them to the back of the closet and wear pieces that are a little heavier in material. This past (December) weekend however, I was able to style one of my favorite summer maxi dresses.

Maxi Dress: H&M (Another Option) // Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option)

During the cooler months wearing a maxi dress is just fine, but the key to wearing one is layering and wearing the right shoes. I decided to layer mine with another favorite wardrobe item, my lightweight kimono. I’ve worn kimonos on the blog over and over….and over again. I also took layering a step further and wore a heavier cape (not pictured) as outwear, in case the weather dropped.

The key to wearing maxi dresses in the winter is layering. #wnjstyle

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I think every wardrobe needs at least 3 kimonos. As stated in this post, kimonos are not only versatile but they’re easy to style year round. Like kimono’s, maxi dresses are great investment pieces for your wardrobe; they’re also comfortable and timeless. Style these items together and you have the perfect pairing!

Heels: Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdales (Similar) // Purse: F21 (Another Option) // Necklace: oNecklace (Purchase HERE – 10% OFF)

So tell me, do you style maxi dresses during the wintertime? Let me know!

Thanks for reading! Quick reminder; be sure to sign up for the WNJ Newsletter. Tomorrow morning I’ll be sending out a jam packed issue and next week, I’ll be sending the last newsletter of the year. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Colorful Plus Size Shift Dress ft. Nordstrom Rack

July 28, 2015 by Whitney 25 Comments

I’m all for colorful, stretchy, printed shift dresses…all year! Plus size shift dresses have become one of the easiest garments to style and shop for. During the warmer months I tend to gravitate towards dresses, especially maxi’s and tunic dresses. So when I saw this Maggy London beauty on sale online at Nordstrom Rack I knew it had to be a wardrobe addition. Another reason I was drawn to this dress was the versatility; this garment can be worn during any and every season.

Dress: Maggy London, Nordstrom Rack (Same & On Sale) // Shoes: Via Spiga, Bloomingdales (Same – On Sale in Store)

I’ve been searching for a stylish black backpack, ~~preferably one to fit my broad back~~, and thank goodness I found the perfect match. I was browsing TJ MAXX last week and there it was, on sale and in near perfect condition. It was ALL MINE!

The perfect casual and chic #ootd for sightseeing and hanging out! #wnjstyle

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This backpack was the perfect addition to this casual chic outfit. I actually wore this OOTD while hanging out with hubby in downtown Old Ellicott City (MD). Although our main purpose was to snap pics, we ended up walking around for a while. It’s the perfect quaint and historic location to visit for a day trip. There are tons of cute shops and restaurants and the cobblestone streets give off that ideal historic vibe.

Black Studded Backpack: T.J.Maxx (Another Option)

Sunnies: H&M (Same) // Gold Cuff: Thrifted // Watch: Charming Charlie// Sunnies: H&M (Same)

So tell me, what do you think about my plus size shift dress? What’s your favorite go-to casual chic outfit? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by today! If you signed up for my newsletter, THANK YOU – I hope you enjoyed the free info I sent your way yesterday. More freebies and a few announcements to come so be sure to sign up today. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | Downsizing + Affordable Home Decor

July 21, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

Darrius and I couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming move! After several conversations, we finally decided that downsizing to a smaller apartment is the smartest option for us right now. When we first got married, I was gung ho about having a two bedroom apartment; after all, I needed that extra bedroom for office space. After two years I started to realize that I really wasn’t using the 2nd bedroom as an office, at all. Instead, hubs uses the room to iron his clothes for work in the morning. I store a few things in there, mostly clothes, but it’s just not the best use of the space. Recently we’ve vowed to only pay for space that we know we’re going to use. Downsizing to a one bedroom was our final decision. So what better time to start searching for affordable home décor items, right?

We also have plans to move into a home in the next 3-4 years and to put it simply, the amount we’re paying now will not allow us to save as much as we need to buy a home within that timeframe. So the decision to downsize and get serious about saving is where we are. Needless to say, I’ve been excited to start apartment shopping, just for a few items. We’re blessed to have the big items already, but bathroom accessories, kitchen needs and a few other odds and ends are needed. Therefore, I’ve been browsing and shopping for affordable home decor items and H&M was my first stop.

Affordable home decor items from @HM. #wnjhome

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2 Pack Knobs (Other Colors Available)

Another Option

Another Option

Another Option

I decided H&M was a good start because of the affordable price points and great selections. We’ve scored affordable home decor items that are chic, minimal in design, and functional. The items we’ve picked for came to $27.98; not bad, huh?! Of course, this is just the beginning, but it’s a good start.

Home decor should be affordable; no need to break the bank. #wnjhome

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We’re also looking at H&M for bathroom towels and rugs, a shower curtain, and possibly a duvet/fancy quilt. The key is to shop H&M’s home décor sale section; they’re deals are sometimes unbeatable and the quality is superb. If you’re in need of simple, minimally designed home décor items, H&M is a great starting place.

So tell me, where do you shop for affordable home décor items? Do you like our picks from H&M? Let me know!

I’m really excited about the process and thankfully, Darrius is getting excited too. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Style | Wearing 1 Dress 2 Ways

July 9, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

Last year I did a One Dress Many Ways series. The goal was to re-purpose one wardrobe item and style it 3 different ways for different occasions. It was a fun challenge, so I decided to do that again with another dress; this time I’ve decided to style it 2 ways. This black maxi dress has been in my closet for years and during the summer months, it’s a definite wardrobe staple. So I figured it was the perfect item to show how to style 1 dress 2 ways.

The 1st outfit is definitely a wear to work option. The long cardigan adds a bit of drama to the plain dress and the clutch is a perfect addition, and would come in handy if I had an event to attend after work. While the outfit may seem a bit dressy for some, it’s the perfect mix of comfortable and elegant for me. I like to look nice while at work while still being comfortable. Therefore the “fancy” cardigan and dramatic statement necklace are perfect!

Dress: H&M (Another Option) // Cardigan: Thrifted // Necklace: Monet, Macy’s

Flats: Steve Madden (Similar & On Sale)// Clutch: Love, Cortnie // Watch: Charming Chalie

I’m all about saving time and money, so remixing this maxi was very beneficial. The next look is yet another outfit I’d wear to work. The leopard flats help add a personal touch, something I always do when styling an outfit. Every girl should have at least 2 leopard print accessories, shoes count, in her wardrobe. Trust me, the print goes with everything! In my book leopard print is a neutral, don’t you agree?

Remixing your wardrobe is a sure way to save time and money. #wnjstyle

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I added also added a black sleeveless vest to give the outfit a chic feel. I actually saw this vest as I was walking to the cash register at TJMaxx a few weeks back. It was in the women’s section, so I was a bit skeptical on how it’d fit. After trying it on, the size large tag was laughable. I usually wear a size 1X and sometimes 2X, depending on the cut of the garment. But this is a prime example of garments being cut larger than expected, and why trying on items is SO important. You just never know how an item is cut and how it’ll fit until you take a few seconds to try it on.

Vest: TJMaxx (Another Option) // Purse: Gifted // Watch: Charming Charlie // Flats: Nordstrom Rack, Sam Edelman (Similar)

How to style 1 dress 2 ways. #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what do you think about my 1 dress 2 ways OOTD? Are you a fan of remixing items in your wardrobe? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and leaving your comments. In case you were wondering, there’s still time to enter your recent OOTD to my Personal Style Linkup. We’ve already got 50+ bloggers who’ve linked up, so head over and join in on the fun! Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: WIW, How I Summer, Thursday Favorites **

Personal Style | Where to Shop for Affordable Statement Necklaces

July 7, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

This summer I’ve made it a point to ~~really~~ wear more of my jewelry. After all, I have tons of it that’s been sitting on my dresser, season after season, collecting dust. So I vowed to incorporate more statement necklaces into my #CasualSummer wardrobe. So far, so good. I often get asked, where to shop for affordable statement necklaces. After I run off the stores and sites most people are really impressed by the stores selections and prices. So today I’m sharing my top 5 go to stores for affordable statement necklaces.

1. Thrift Stores. Of course I’m a fan of thrifting and thrifting statement necklaces is one of my favorite things to do. You just never know what you’re going to find! The prices, well it should go without saying that their prices are (often) unbeatable. Thrift stores are my 1st stop when looking for unique pieces, and it’s a great place to start if you’re just getting into the whole thrifting thing. So next time you need a new statement necklace, don’t count out the thrift stores!

Thrifting for jewelry is a GREAT place to start for 1st time thrifters! #thriftwithnic

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2. Aldo Accessories Store. Physically shopping their store is like walking into a candy shop. There’s SO MUCH bling and prettiness to gawk at and the prices are just right for me. The Aldo Accessories Store (online and in store) is great for last minute shopping. I needed a piece to go with an outfit the day of an event. I walked in and within minutes I not only found this gorgeous necklace, but 2 packs of affordable studs as well. #WINNING I also snagged this beauty a while back in store. I absolutely love it and it’s easily on of my favorite purchases to date.

Aldo Necklace

3. H&M. It never fails; I always find at least one unique statement necklace when browsing the H&M jewelry section. Their necklaces start as low as $2.99 (when they’re on sale) and go up to $34.99. Whatever your budget or style, H&M has got you covered on statement necklaces!

4. eBay. I haven’t purchased a necklace form eBay in a while, but when I do need a new statement necklace I know I can find what I’m looking for there. The prices on eBay are excellent and all you have to do is type in “statement necklace” in the search engine and bam! You have endless options, styles, and options to buy (either auction or buy now). A lot of the necklaces I purchase from there are from China or somewhere else overseas, so I don’t expect the same quality as I would from other stores/sites. But that’s OK. Sometimes an expensive piece can be a good addition to your collection. And from time to time, the quality is actually better than I expect.

5. Nordstrom Rack. It’s no secret that this store is one of my faves for clothing. The last time I was in the store, I noticed their jewelry department was pretty good too. I purchased the necklace below and a few other items, all for under $30. My kind of prices, great quality designers, and a plethora of options. Their online selection is great too!

Nordstrom Rack Necklace

5 places to shop for affordable statement necklaces! #wnjstyle

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So tell me, where do you shop for affordable statement necklaces? Let me know so I can check out their selection!

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

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