Who Wore It Better: Blair Eadie or Courtney Kerr?

It's the battle of two of my favorite fashion bloggers: Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific and Dallas' own Courtney Kerr of What Courtney Wore.  I've noticed a TON of bloggers wearing the deep v-necked sweater with striped detailing on the edge of the sleeves and was quite intrigued when I caught both Blair and Courtney sporting the same look. 

Courtney's sweater is actually an oldie but goodie from Forever 21 but tells readers that it can be purchased from either Rag & Bone for $395 or Nasty Gal for $58. I can't say that I'm quite surprised, but Blair is wearing the Rag & Bone rendition of the ever so popular sweater.

So the question bids: Who wore it better? I have my thoughts but am curious to hear yours...

Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific on the left and Courtney Kerr of What Courtney Wore on the right

Does This Skirt Make My Butt Look Big?

So I went into H&M several weeks ago to get this sweater that I had my eye on.  I've been into this big print movement and just wanted to try it out.  It's a huge oversized sweater that I can wear with a skirt or with leggings/jeggings.

All H&M Everything...Large Over-sized sweater, Leather skirt with Studs and textured tights

So of course I go into H&M and the sweater is only $14.95...so excited! If I'm going to wear a large oversized top then I always make sure to slim my bottom so that I don't look large.  It's a way of balancing the whole look out. So this leather studded skirt from H&M was perfect in mixing in a more fitted bottom and balancing out the huge sweater on top. If I ever want to slim it out, I can add a belt around the middle. The whole look was under $50, so score!

My favorite fall collection, Nic +Zoe

It's completely rare that I will have favorites when it comes to the world of fashion because there is just so much to choose from but.....(shhhhh don't tell anyone), I have crowned a favorite for this fall.  Vogue Magazine granted me an exclusive look at fashion brand, Nic + Zoe's, fall/winter 2013 collection--before it hits stands in major magazines in September! I am head over heels with the multiple print patterns and styles from this collection.  All I can envision is pairing these looks with over the knee stiletto boots or booties.  But....I live in Texas, so boot season is somewhere far off in the distance right now. :(

I'm so excited to share this with you all. Take a look at some of my favorite styles and selections...don't be surprised if you see me sporting one of these in one of my next posts!

(Photo credit: Mario Sorrenti; Model: Anja Rubik)

For being a loyal follower, enjoy 30% off your first purchase from nicandzoe.com by using promo code VIPF0813. (Promo code only good for a limited time)

Fall's A'Comin'...so "Fall" in love with Clarks

So I was one of 25 bloggers chosen by Vogue to show how I would style the new Lida Sayer boots from Clark's Fall collection.  I received my boots as a gift from Vogue last week and chose my look below to show how I would style the boot.  Since I live in Texas, I mixed shorts with a short-sleeved sweater to make the outfit "Fall-inspired" but appropriate for Texas.  Since the boot had gold detailing on the buckle and towards the top of the boot, I really wanted to draw attention to these features which is another reason why I chose to wear shorts.  The neutral colors are a great balance for Fall along with my teal pop of color shown with my bangles.  For  more style inspiration with Clarks, check out the photos below! (All photos were taken by Thomas Garza and my make-up was done by Melanie Ann.  Sunnies by Kate Spade....Sweater, Belt and Shorts by Express)

My ad creation for the Clark's Fall shoe collection created through the Vogue Influencer's Network style statement tool, pretty cool huh?

Another ad I created with the Vogue Influencer Style Statement Tool!

New Year: Living a Life of Abundance

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(From top to bottom...shades: Dolce and Gabbana, Necklace: Loehmann's, Sweater: AnnaLee + Rose, Jeggings: Express, Shoes: Bandalino from DSW, Handbag: Brahmin, Nails: OPI Russian Navy)

I hope that everyone will have a great and abundant 2013.  While we have entered a new year, it is never too late today or tomorrow to get on the right track if you falter.  We shouldn't wait for the New Year to adopt resolutions as this should be something that is continuous and ongoing as we mature.

A big shoutout goes out to my lil' sis Ashleigh Ray (again) for the awesome photos!

In 2013, I will continue to smile and to instill a beacon of hope to those who feel hopeless. In doing this...I will continue to put God first. I may not be the "conventional" fashion blogger, but even in fashion God will go first.

In 2013, I will continue to become a better me in Christ.

CHEERS TO A FULFILLING AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!!!

Smile...even when no one is watching

"A glad heart makes a happy face..." ~Proverbs 15:13~

There's something to be said when the light from within can't help but to shine all over one's face. That's how I felt when I took this photo today.

My day didn't start out so great. I woke up today consumed with thoughts about work and other things that easily stress me out. I wore "army" green today purposely because I knew today at work would be a battle for me. Who does that? Yep, that would be me...

When I truly thought of my blessings...how blessed I am to have a job to go to, a family to relay my stresses to and a place of my own to lay my head down at night...I couldn't help but just to smile.

So if ever anyone catches me smiling...even when no one is watching and at times when they can't understand why...I'm smiling because He has blessed me beyond measure.

*For those who always ask me about my hair/clothes.....I did a wet two-strand twist for my hairstyle using Curls Unleashed leave-in conditioner, Entwine styling cream and a setting lotion.*

*For the look (even though you can only see me from the neck up) Classic green button-down army inspired top by Express with gold-button details, tassel necklace by Lia Sophia*

Cool, Confident and Collected

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about what we cannot see. ~Hebrews 11:1~

I took these pics fresh off of learning that I had passed the California bar exam. Knowing that all of the odds were stacked against me but that I had God in my corner was just a light that was beaming from inside of me and ready to shine upon the world.

The odds were NOT in my favor...I had to continue to work full-time and study at night. My bar study course administrator pretty much hinted that I would not pass during our first conversation because I continued to work full-time.  I had co-workers who doubted and other horror stories of individuals who took the bar 3 or more times only to see another "FAIL".

I did the best that I could, prayed about it, gave it up to God and rested assured that in my faith, I would pass.  I also had many amazing women from my Covenant Church group who prayed every hour on the hour for two days while I was taking the exam to see me through. 

All that to say, you can do anything that you put your mind to.  This phrase is not cliche'....it's the absolute truth.  Imagine how many people shy away from their desires and dreams because they listen to other people who doubt them.  Surround yourself by people who will support you and your dreams...who will uplift you when you're feeling down.  I guarantee that you will be steps closer to achieving your purpose here in life and experiencing your dreams.

I guess I should talk a little fashion, huh?  In my celebration, these pics were taken.  Are we loving the infamous Angelina Jolie leg action?

• Jewelry - Red[i] by Chelsea
• Belt - NYC and Company
• Skirt - Urban Outfitters
• Black Mesh Cuff - Lia Sophia

Unpredictable and Unconcerned

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.  This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful...they trusted God. ~1 Peter 3~

This was probably one of my most simple outfits because this Texas weather is so unpredictable.  It's November and I'm still wearing peep-toe wedges, cropped pants and flimsy blouses!  Can you believe it?  Often times as a lover of fashion I can become consumed by what I'm wearing, my make-up and how my hair is styled.  Why so much emphasis on outward appearances..when all along it's what's on the inside that's most important?  At times when I need to humble myself and go back to what truly should be my foundation of beauty, I reference the verse above.

For this photo, I went sans make-up *STARE* and pulled together my most comfortable pieces.  I left my hair natural and pulled into a simple bun.  Funny how the most simple of outfits turn out to be the most beautiful of photos.  [Jewelry: {Red-i} By Chelsea, Blouse: Nordstrom's, Peep-toe Wedges: Nine West]

When in doubt, taupe it out

Fall in Texas is super crazy.  It goes from 80 degrees one day to 50 degrees the next.  So how do you cope?  How do you adjust?  Here, I was able to pair a short-sleeved over-sized sweater with fitted Express magenta jeggings.  (Note: if wearing an oversized sweater, always slim your figure back down by pairing with fitted pants.  Otherwise, your shape will get swallowed by both an oversized top and bottom.) 

Since magenta served as my "pop of color", I toned the rest of my outfit out with taupe.  Taupe boots, taupe purse and a taupe scarf.  I've found that taupe balances with just about every "pop of color" and is an essential color for Fall and Winter.  Since taupe drifts into the grey/silver color scheme, make it pop even more by adding gold accessories.  Finish it off with your favorite sunnies (mine are my animal print Jimmy Choo's pictured here) and you're good to go!  While Fall weather in Texas is crazy, your outfit doesn't have to be.

This Week's Fashion Obsession...Animal Prints (Unleashing my wild side!)

So just a couple of weeks ago I said to myself "I NEED an animal print scarf!"  Went shopping on Etsy.com then to some other stores and finally found this infinity animal print scarf at Express for $20.00.  SCORE!  I paired it with a plain white tee from Nordstrom's, Boyfriend Blazer (old), mustard-colored jeggins from Express, moto boots by Guess and jewelry by Deborah Gaspar and RedibyChelsea.  I will be rocking this scarf all fall and winter!  I'll try not to abuse it but my wild side is ready to come unleashed!