Steve Madden Archives - Whitney Nic James

Personal Style | Summer Personal Style Recap, Part II

September 8, 2015 by Whitney 22 Comments

Hey there! I hope you all had a marvelous holiday weekend. I spent most of my time organizing and cleaning up our new place, swimming, and cooking with hubs. All in all, the weekend was a great one and I’m so happy we have a short work week! Before I get into fall style, I want to take one last look at my favorite summer style outfits from the blog. I had so many I wanted to re-share so I figured a Part II post was necessary. Let’s take a look!

Casual Chic // Black Maxi

Kimono // Travel Style

This summer was probably one of my favorites style-wise because I finally became 100% comfortable with my personal style. I know what colors, prints and styles work for me and I know how far I’m willing to step outside my style comfort zone. After much experimenting, donating old clothing and shopping around, I’m very comfortable with the clothes in my closet. That’s such a great feeling!

Building your personal style should be fun, precise and realistic! #wnjstyle

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I now know the stores and brands are my go-to’s and for the most part, I don’t stray from those places. I’ve become very adamant about wearing clothing that’s comfortable and practical for my lifestyle. So much so that I’m in the process of creating a How-to Find Your Personal Style post and webinar for the upcoming season. Be sure to sign up for my mailing list so you can be the first to find out when that goes live!

Thrifted at Work // Wearable Art

Kimonos & Backpacks // Printed Dress

So tell me, how would you define your personal style in 3 words? What do you struggle with while trying to create your personal style? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Casual Wear Outfit from Nordstrom Rack

August 19, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

I’ve mentioned before that this summer has been quite the #CasualSummer as far as style. Sure, I can dress up with the best of them when necessary, but on most days you can catch me in a comfy and cute casual wear outfit like this one. I won’t bore you about how important I think it is to be comfortable and fashion-forward when dressing. I think by now, you get how important that is to me, LOL. However, I will say that casual wear is more than just leggings and denim. These pants are the perfect example!

Blouse: Bobeau, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Pants: Sejour, Nordstrom Rack

The pants in today’s outfit are made of sweatpants material; so perfect for casual wear! The pants are also straight leg which makes them chic, not frumpy. Adding a pair of sparkly flats and a fun top gives the outfit personality without being too over the top.

@nordstrom_rack is the perfect place to shop for casual wear outfits! #wnjstyle

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All of these style elements make this OOTD a contender for perfect casual wear options. I can easily pair the pants with another top and I can do the same with the top. Just another example of how re-styling items saves money and expands your wardrobe.

Flats: Steve Madden (Similar) // Bracelet: Thrifted // Clutch: Aldo (Old)

So tell me, what do you think about my latest casual wear outfit? What’s your go-to casual OOTD? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Why You Need Kimonos in Your Wardrobe

July 30, 2015 by Whitney 13 Comments

Kimonos have been a wardrobe staple for me since last year. I’ve always been a fan of styling them, but over the last year I’ve been gravitating towards them more and more. When I’m out shopping that’s the first thing I search for – they’re such a necessary wardrobe addition. So of course, I must share the 5 reasons why you need kimonos in your wardrobe.

1. Versatility. There are several variations of the kimono trend and that’s a good thing. It keeps the trend versatile and makes it simple for you to find a style that works for your aesthetic. Weather full length, mid length or cardigan style, kimonos are extremely versatile; there’s a perfect style for every shopper.

2. Easy to Style & Wear. If you don’t know what to add to an OOTD like a maxi dress, throw on a kimono! Want to add a little something over a tank top and jeans look? Pick a kimono! They’re the easiest garments to style and wear.

5 reasons you need to add kimonos to your wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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Kimono: Marshall’s // Bodysuit: F21 // Flats: Steve Madden (Similar) // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

3. Affordability. Oftentimes I find my favorite kimonos at the thrift store, for less than $10! Even if they’re not thrifted, more often than not kimonos aren’t that expensive. And they’re also on sale often at stores like TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and Asos.

4. Timeless. I don’t think the kimono trend will go out of style anytime soon. Their classic and timeless wardrobe staples; perfect for any wardrobe and every season.

5. Comfort. If you’ve been a WNJ reader for awhile, you know I’m all about looking stylish and being comfortable. Kimonos are the perfect garment for comfort because they’re usually lightweight and flowy. The garment moves with you and the various prints and colors help amp up your personal style instantly!

Kimono: TJ Maxx // Backpack: TJ Maxx (Another Option) // Sunnies: H&M (Same)

So tell me, are you a fan of wearing kimonos? How many do you own? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you’ve been inspired to purchase a few more kimonos for the season and upcoming seasons. If you signed up for my newsletter, THANK YOU – I hope you enjoyed the free info I sent over. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Kimono and Leggings

July 20, 2015 by Whitney 25 Comments

Happy Monday! Despite being under the weather, my weekend was pretty good. I was able to get out of the house and browse the #Nsale at Nordstrom. I ended up purchasing this kimono that I’d been watching for a few days. When I saw it in the store (on sale) I knew it had to be mine. After all, wearing a kimono and leggings are staple pieces in wardrobe. No matter the season, I’m known to heavily rotate those items.

Kimono: Sejour (Another Option) // Bodysuit: Forever 21 // Leggings: Nordstrom Rack

This outfit is perfect weekend wear and because the kimono is nice and lightweight, it’s perfect for running errands and being on-the-go. It’s also the perfect piece to dress up over a little black dress or a pair of slacks. Versatile, indeed!

Kimono’s and leggings are the perfect pieces for a casual and chic outfit. #wnjstyle

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Flats: Steve Madden (Similar) // Earrings: Bakers (Old)

So tell me, are you a fan of wearing a kimono and leggings? What’s you’re go-to casual and chic outfit? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by today and leaving your comment. I love reading and responding to your feedback! Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Travel Style

July 13, 2015 by Whitney 42 Comments

Happy Monday! I hope you’re all well and ready for an amazing and productive week. Hubby and I traveled to Delaware for an unexpected, yet fun and enjoyable, road trip yesterday. We visited his family and also ate some really good cookout food! It’s not out of the ordinary that we hop in the car for a weekend or day road trip, so I thought this week I’d talk about some of my travel style outfits/travel must haves.

Blouse: West Kei, Nordstrom Rack // Travel Bag: Calvin Klein,Thrifted

Of course when traveling comfort is key, so I like to wear clothing that’s fit a bit looser (and leggings). Tunics, oversized tee shirts and plazo pants are at the top of my travel style list. Hubby and I do a lot of road trips, so functional wardrobe pieces are a must for me as well. Shoes that can easily be removed while in the car like sandals and comfy flats are important too. The flats in this outfit are perfect. Not only are they comfortable, but they’re in style and can go with just about any outfit.

Your travel style should be comfortable, stylish and functional. #wnjstyle

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I can usually fit my outfits and personal items in the same bag as hubby, so we often road trip with one bag. If we’re going somewhere for an entire weekend and have different events to attend while there, we carry 2 bags max. I also carry a big tote bag or purse and I keep it next to me on the ride. More on what’s in our bags and how I pack later this week. In the meantime, check out a few of my miscellaneous road trip essentials here!

Pants: Bobeau. Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Flats: Steven Madden (Similar & On Sale) // Earrings: Gifted (Other Options)

Take a look at this road trip/travel outfit; it’s perfect! #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what do you think about my travel style? What do you wear when traveling? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Another Black and White Outfit + a Statement Necklace

June 30, 2015 by Whitney 20 Comments

Have you ever worn outfit and felt really cool? LOL. Well, that’s how I felt in this black and white outfit. Worn for an outdoor date night, it’s the epitome of an easy, breezy, and stylish outfit. You shouldn’t be surprised that I’m wearing yet another black and white outfit. After all, this color combination reigns supreme when it comes to picking out my OOTD’s. And really, can you blame me? Styling a black and white outfit is probably the most chic and easiest thing to do, style-wise.

T-Shirt: Nordstrom Rack // Pants: Sejour, Nordstrom (Another Option) // Flats: Steve Madden (Similar) // Clutch: Love, Cortnie (Same)

By adding a statement necklace, I gave the look a little umph. I love a good umph with any outfit and statement necklaces (and jewelry in general) is the easiest way to do add that element. Some of my favorite bloggers are statement necklace obsessed too. Lately they’ve inspired me to try different pieces that I wouldn’t normally go for. For example, Ty of Gorgeous in Grey has an amazing collection and after seeing it, I was ready to up my statement necklace game…like for real! LOL!

Add a little “umph” to your look with a statement necklace. #wnjstyle

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I purchased this piece (and the earrings) from the Aldo Accessories store in Columbia Mall. It’s funny because as much as I’m a jewelry lover, I don’t frequent the store like I should. I did however stop in this past weekend and purchased this item. I was looking for a bodacious necklace to add to a plain white dress. Their prices are really reasonable, options are endless, and they always have a 2 for 1 sale. My kind of shopping! 😉

Necklace: Aldo, Columbia Mall (Another Option) // Earrings: Aldo, Columbia Mall (Other Options) // Sunnies: Ivanka Trump: Nordstrom Rack

So tell me, are you a fan of black and white outfits? What about statement necklaces? Let me know!

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

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Personal Style | Sheer Blouse, Statement Necklace & Personal Style Linkup

June 29, 2015 by Whitney 43 Comments

Happy Monday, friends! If you haven’t noticed, I’ve decided that Summer 2015 is all about being casual, comfy and chic. Therefore most of my outfits will consist of a lot of basic wardrobe pieces. Today’s outfit proves that my #CasualSummer is in full effect!

Blouse: Daniel Rainn, Nordstrom Rack // Leggings: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom // Flats: Steve Madded (Similar) //Purse: Nine West (Old)

This sheer blouse and statement necklace were among the few purchases I made a few days ago at Nordstrom Rack. I’m getting very particular about my style these days. The less fuss, the better! Again, I’m all about basic and simple wardrobe items. Although far from basic, I decided to add a statement necklace to this look and topped it off with my $4.99 tortoise readers from eBay. Hubs actually suggested I add them to complete the look. I think he was spot on with that addition!

Adding a statement necklaces or a pair of cute glasses really gives a simple outfit personality! #wnjstyle

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Glasses: eBay // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

Speaking of casual and chic and wardrobe basics, take a look at Rachelle from Pink Sole. Her look was my favorite from last week’s linkup! She effortlessly styled her top with a cute skirt and a sensible pair of chic blush heels. I LOVE this look and it’s perfect for a #CasualSummer. Rachelle is always so fly and so simple with her style; her style is easy to digest, practical, and always stylish.

Rachelle | Pink Sole

So tell me, what’s your take on my sheer blouse and statement necklace outfit? Let me know!

Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Style | What to Wear to Work + Personal Style Linkup

June 15, 2015 by Whitney 55 Comments

Happy Monday! This weekend was a busy one, thanks to my now 13-year-old sister. Her birthday was yesterday and she enjoyed a weekend long celebration. It all started with her Sky Zone party with a few friends on Friday night and ended with a family dinner at the Melting Pot last night. Now. she’s headed to Vegas with my parents to continue the celebration. Pretty sweet 13th birthday package, huh?

Needless to say, I am exhausted…LOL! But all for a good cause, so I’m all smiles. When Monday came, ~~early this morning at 5 a.m.~~, I knew I want to wear something simple and quick for work; preferably minimal ironing. So I decided my new thrifted dress was the perfect solution for the age ‘ol question, what to wear to work?

Dress: Jessica London, Thrifted (Savers | Owings Mills, MD) // Flats: Steve Madden (similar) // Cross Earrings: H&M

This lightweight Jessica London dress was purchased this weekend at Savers thrift store (in Owings Mills, MD). When I saw the dress, I knew I had to at least try it on. It fit, 3 or 4 women complimented me while trying it on in the aisle, and hubby was a fan. Above all the dress made me feel and look great. SOLD!

Pairing this dress with minimal accessories was key. The print is already bold and the fringes along the dress make for amazing detail. So a pair of earrings, cute flats, and possibly a clutch were all I needed to complete the look. When styling a dress with loud prints, be minimal with the accessories; let the garment speak for itself.

If a garment has a bold print, be minimal with accessories. Let the item speak for itself. #wnjstyle

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Clutch: Purchased in the Bahamas // Watch: Charming Charlie

Speaking of printed dresses, my favorite linkup from last week is Adrienne’s beautiful kaftan. The print is stunning and the way she effortlessly styled the garmnent deserves an applause. I LOVE Adrienne’s feminine and cute style and whenever she links up, I’m inspired and excited to see what she’s wearing! She is one stylish woman who enjoys wearing prints, fabulous heels and pretty things.

Adrienne | Sweene Style

So tell me, what did you wear to work today? Do you like dresses with bold prints? Let me know!

Don’t forget to enter my Minted giveaway here. Also, be sure 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! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: How I Spring, Style to Inspire, Let it Shine, Monday Mingle, Small Victories, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, Trend Spin, Whatever Wednesday, Lisa a la Mode, Thursday Favorites