Whitney Nic James

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Personal Style | Wearing Printed Bottoms

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Leopard print is a bold, fun, and fearless print. It’s also a timeless print, and some, including myself, consider it a “neutral color”. Wearing leopard print makes me feel confident and, of course, fashion-forward. As I’ve shared before, my confidence took a slight hit when I cut my hair. Since then, I’ve been paying close attention to how clothes and certain prints make me feel. It’s important to me now more than ever to wear clothes that make me feel confident.

Related Post: Building Confidence in Leopard Print
Wearing Printed Bottoms
Wearing Leopard Print Pants

Pants: Lane Bryant (another option) // Tunic: Nordstrom Rack, RDI (same tunic, different print) // Sneakers: Converse, Converse Outlet (same)

Wearing Printed Bottoms

To be honest, when I first saw these pants hanging on the rack at Lane Bryant, I was unsure how they’d look on my body. As much as I love wearing prints, sometimes I shy away from wearing them on the bottom. Nevertheless, I grabbed this pair and whisked off to the dressing room, silently praying these pants would look and make me feel A M A Z I N G. Prayer, answered.

Related Post: Casually Styling Platform Converse

Wearing prints on the bottom can be tricky, regardless of your size. Something I keep in when wearing printed bottoms is to wear tops that cover my bottom, or tops that are mid-thigh length. Such tops can include:

    • Tunics 
    • Long/mid-length cardigans (worn over a tank top, cami, bodysuit, or fitted t-shirt)
    • Over-size sweaters (this works best with leggings or straight-leg pants) 

I also suggest, if at all possible, trying on printed bottoms before you purchase them. If you’re really feeling bold, create different looks while in the dressing room. This will give you a better idea of how you can style your printed pants for future outfits.

Related Post: Leopard Print & Faux Leather
Wearing Leopard Print Pants

Purse: Nordstrom Rack, Marc Jacobs (similar) // Earrings: Gifted

Wearing Leopard Print Pants

So…are you a fan of wearing printed bottoms? Let me know by commenting below!

Until next time: be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

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*THIS POST DOES CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

 * Linkups: Trend Spin, Trendy Thursday, Style Me Wednesday, Fashion Frenzy, Style Sessions *

Personal Style | Leopard Print + Faux Leather

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At the beginning of the year, I knew I wanted to continue refreshing my wardrobe. I started this process a few months back. First, I figured out what items were missing from my closet. Next, I gathered personal style inspiration; finally, little by little, I started shopping around for certain pieces.

Related Post: Wardrobe Refresh

Leopard Print Denim: Lane Bryant (same) // Tunic: Nordstrom Rack (another option) // Flats: Tory Burch (similar)

I knew I wanted to add color, (more) prints, and different textures to my wardrobe. That said, purchasing these leopard print pants were a no brainer! I tried them on in the fitting room of Lane Bryant and immediately fell in love! I was more than pleased with the fit and length, and the slightly fringed hem made this pair of denim even more appealing.

Related Post: Life Update

Turbans and hats were also on my shopping list. Both are the perfect accessory for just about any outfit and, because I’m not 100% comfortable with wearing my semi-bald head out in public just yet, stocking up was a must. So, I purchased two handmade turbans from Emijaa Jaaemil during the holiday season: a black faux leather and a multicolored leopard print one. Wearing these turbans not only makes me feel comfortable in public, but it adds an effortlessly stylish touch to my outfits.

Turban: Emijaa Jaaemil (same) // Necklace: oNecklace (shop here)

So…how are you refreshing your wardrobe this year? Let me know by commenting below!

Until next time: be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

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Personal Style | How to Add Color to Your Wardrobe

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It’s no secret that I love wearing black. But lately, I’ve been adding more color to my wardrobe. It’s been a gradual process, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve never been opposed to color, I think I just got comfortable wearing mostly black.

See Also: How to Create a Signature Style

Black clothing is effortless when it comes to styling, and it’s such a chic and powerful color to wear. Styling colorful clothing takes more effort, for me anyway. But I’ve found a few ways to make adding color to my wardrobe both fun and practical. Check out 3 tips on how to add color to your wardrobe below!

Neutral Colors and Leopard Print

Adding Color to Your Wardrobe

T-Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (other colors) // Turban: Amazon Fashion (same) // Necklace: Thrifted

How to Add Color to a Wardrobe

 

  1. Start Small
    • If you want to start adding more color to your wardrobe start small. Try adding colorful accessories, shoes or even lipstick to your wardrobe first. Get comfortable with a little color before making larger purchases like tops, bottoms, and outerwear.
  2. Pick a Season
    • Plan ahead and decide which season you’re going to start adding more color to your wardrobe. Research magazines, Pinterest, Instagram and other sources to find seasonal wardrobe inspiration. When adding color to your wardrobe by season, I suggest focusing on certain clothing items. For example, if you want to start in the fall, focus on adding a few sweaters and maybe one or two jackets. Being selective about your additions will help you avoid overspending, and it’s a great way to build around the wardrobe you already have.
  3. Have Fun
    • Incorporating color in your wardrobe should be fun! Don’t overthink the process like I did. Choose colors (and prints) that you enjoy wearing. Of course, I always suggest gathering fashion and style inspiration. However, when it comes to picking the right colors and prints for you, wear what makes you happy.
3 Simple Ways to Start Adding Color to Your Wardrobe #wnjstyle

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Neutral Colors and Leopard Print

Neutral Colors and Leopard Print

Shoes: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom Rack (same) // Pants: Melloday, Nordstrom Rack (same in black)

How to Add Color to Your Wardrobe

Tell me, how do you incorporate color into your wardrobe? Comment below! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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*THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS*

* Linkups: Visibile Monday, Trend Spin, Get Your Pretty On * 

Lifestyle | 5 Quick & Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood

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Throughout the month of July, my mood was like a roller coaster. My workout routine dwindled, my workload picked up a bit, and my eating habits, well, let’s skip that part for now. All those things, I’m sure, had a lot to do with my everchanging moods. Nonetheless, I tried not to let those things throw me off (too much). Instead, I began making small changes and figuring out simple ways to boost my mood. If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to boost your mood, I’ve got five that I’m sure you will find helpful!

Related: 7 Practical Ways to Deal with Stress
5 Quick & Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood

Pants: Nordstrom Rack, MELLODAY (another option) // Tshirt: Nordstrom Rack, Bobeau (Same)

  1. Take a Break from Social Media 
    • Constantly scrolling through your Instagram and Facebook feeds can be draining. Give your brain, and your fingers, a rest. Try designating certain times to check your social media feeds, and if you’re up for it try a social media free weekend. I do them quite often. No posting, no scrolling, and no commenting. I just enjoy my surroundings and focus on engaging in activities that make me happy. If you find that you really want to share what you did on social media, snap a few pictures and post them later.
  2. Create a Playlist
    • I’ve mentioned this several times, but listening to music helps improve my mood tremendously. Creating a playlist full of your favorite songs is one of the easiest ways to boost your mood!
  3. Go for a Walk 
    • I love to go for leisurely outdoor strolls and nature walks. Connecting with nature can definitely rejuvenate your mood. The perfect times (for me) to go for walks are early morning or late evening. The weather is perfect and your surroundings are usually peaceful. Hearing birds chirp in the morning or watching the sunset in the evening is the perfect way to start or end any day.
  4.  Treat Yourself (and don’t feel guilty about it)
    • I’m not one to encourage constant indulging, but every now and then it’s OK to treat yourself. Treating yourself to something as simple as an ice cream cone or a new book can do wonders for your mood! You deserve a pick-me-up every now and then.
  5. Put on Your Favorite Lipstick
    • This is new for me. I usually prefer a nice nude gloss but lately, I’m noticing that putting on a nice red lip is an instant mood booster. It makes me feel powerful and it makes me feel FEARLESS!
5 Quick and Easy Mood Boosters

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Black Outfit and Leopard Print

Sunglasses: TJMaxx (another option) // Flats: Nordstrom Rack (another option) // Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (another option) // Turban: Amazon (same)

Tell me, what are some of your quick and easy ways to boost your mood? Comment below! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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*THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS*

Personal Style | Casually Styling a Pair of Ripped Jeans

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It’s no secret that I love wearing leggings, but occasionally I’ll wear a pair of jeans. It took me years to find the perfect fit for my body type but after much trial and error, I found that straight leg and ankle length jeans are my perfect fit. Recently I’ve become a fan of ripped jeans, hence the pair I’m wearing below. The strategically placed rips and slightly frayed bottoms make this pair of denim fun to style. They can easily be styled from day to night but in this post, I opted to show how I wore them for a casual daytime look.

Related: Styling Patent Leather Platform Oxfords

How to Style Ripped Jeans

Sweater: Ava & Viv, Target (Another Option) // Denim: Torrid (Another Option) // Turban: Amazon (Same)

How to Style Ripped Jeans

When I’m out and about running errands on the weekends, I like to be super comfortable. However, no matter how comfortable the outfit, I never want to compromise being stylish and chic. By adding a few key pieces to this outfit, I was able to achieve a comfortable, yet stylish and chic look.

No matter how comfortable an outfit, never compromise being stylish and chic. #wnjstyle

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So, how can you accomplish a comfortable yet stylish and chic look? Below are 5 simple tips that, of course, don’t have to be implemented at the same time. Pick at least 2 of the 5 tips and I guarantee your comfy outfit will instantly become stylish and chic!

  1. Hoop Earrings or Big Studs
    • or another pair of oversized earrings
  2. Statement Necklace 
    • preferably a low hanging necklace when wearing long, dangly earrings 
  3. Hat, Turban or Headwrap
    • solid color or print, depending on the outfit
  4. Oversized Tote Bag 
    • solid color or print, depending on the outfit
  5. Add Some Color to Your Lips
    • red, nude or even a clear gloss – just make those lips pop
How to Casually Style Ripped Jeans #wnjstyle

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Styling Ripped Jeans

Styling Ripped Jeans

Tote Bag: Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom Rack (Another Style) // Flats: Via Spiga, Amazon (Same)

How to Style Ripped Jeans

So tell me, are you a fan of wearing ripped jeans? How do you remain stylish and chic while wearing a really comfortable outfit? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Black & White Floral Kimono

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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.

Black & White Floral Kimono

Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Black Bodysuit: Forever 21 (Similar) // Leggings: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom (Another Option)

Black & White Floral Kimono

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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Black and White Kimono

Clutch: Love, Cortnie (same) // Flats: Ted Baker, Nordstrom Rack (Same)

Black & White Floral Kimono

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 | Burgandy and Leopard Print

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Well, hello there! It’s been a while, almost 3 months actually, since I’ve shared a Personal Style post. It’s also been a while since I’ve wanted to share a Personal Style post. Let’s just say I wasn’t feeling the whole process of getting dressed, taking pictures and blogging about my outfit while. For the past few months I’ve been living in leggings, sweaters and sneakers while hibernating in our one bedroom apartment, my office and my parents house. But please, don’t feel sorry for me…at all.

* See Also, Holiday Wishes & a Happy New Year

I thoroughly enjoyed the last few months! During my “hibernation” I made time to plan and prepare content, among other things, for the months ahead. I also spent much needed quality time with my husband, family and good friends. Catching matinee’s and finishing some really good books is also something I enjoyed during that time. But alas, it’s time to resume sharing those minimal #WNJStyle posts and re-enter my world of Whitney Nic James, the blog.

Maroon and Leopard Print

Cardigan: Target, Ava & Viv (Same) // Body Suit: Forever 21 (Similar) // Leggings: (Similar) // Clutch: Love, Cortnie (Same) // Flats: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom Rack (Anoter Option)

Burgundy and Leopard Print

When I think about my wardrobe last season, as well as the current one, I notice that I’ve worn a lot of burgundy and black and burgundy and leopard print. It seems to be my go-to color combo. Deciding to wear these colors together is a chic style choice; the warm tone of burgundy is perfect for the fall and winter season(s). Adding leopard print to the mix brings it all together, don’t you agree?

Adding a touch of leopard print to a burgundy and black outfit is a perfect style choice! #wnjstyle

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This burgundy cardigan is one of the few pieces I’ve added to my minimal wardrobe this season. I’m still being very selective about the wardrobe items I add to my closet, but this piece was a must. It’s versatile, the color is timeless and the material incredibly warm. There have been quite a few days that I’ve worn this cardigan as a light jacket/coat, with a scarf of course. And did I mention it was on sale when I purchased it? The sales racks at Target (still) get me, everytime. 

* See Also, Wearing Burgundy and Black in Ellicott City

Burgundy and Leopard Print

Maroon and Leopard Print

Necklace: Gifted (Another Option) // Studs: Target (Another Option)

Burgundy and Leopard Print

So tell me, how have the past few months been for you? Have you been wearing a lot of burgundy and black like me? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for still visiting WNJ, and keeping up with me on social media, during my blog break. I’m excited to be back and even more excited to catch up with you all. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Weekly Spotlight, Mix in Monday, Visible Monday, Style Me Wednesday, Trend Spin **

Personal Style | Melissa McCarthy Floral Tunic and Denim

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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.

Melissa McCarthy Floral Tunic and Denim

Plus Size Winter Outfit

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

Melissa McCarthy Floral Tunic and Denim

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.

Winter Outfit Details

Melissa McCarthy Floral Tunic and Denim

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

Plus Size Winter Outfit

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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