Happy Monday all!

Every year I make a ton of resolutions that I basically forget all about on January 2nd (LOL!).  This year I’ve decided to only make one resolution…to be kinder to myself.  This year was filled with a lot of emotional highs and a few lows.  During my lows I was really, really hard on myself.  This year I want to stop beating myself up when things don’t work out or when life gets complicated. I can be so hard on myself and I need to stop giving into those negative thoughts.  It’s okay to be frustrated and pissed off but it isn’t okay to turn those feelings on to  myself.  I’m making this resolution because it’s something I know I can stick to and will achieve.

Are you making any resolutions this year? If so, what are they?

Have a wonderful day and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Turtleneck: JCrew (here, similar here)
Dress: Shein (here)
Boots: c/o Eloquii (sold out)

Happy Hump Day all!

Visiting my family during the holidays is something I always look forward to.  We spend the holiday relaxing and spending quality time with one another.  This year my sister suggested that we go out for Christmas dinner.  We have been talking about doing this for awhile but never got around going out.  My sister lives right outside NYC so we have plenty of restaurant options to choose from.  Since we’ve decided to go out for Christmas dinner I’ve decided to dress up for the occasion.  Instead of going with some red and green ensemble, I’ve decided to wear this leopard print Lane Bryant set.  While it’s an unconventional choice, it’s a sleek and festive alternative to wearing an ugly Christmas sweater!

Have a wonderful day!

Thanks to Lane Bryant for partnering with me on this post. 

Jacket: c/o Lane Bryant (here)
Pants: c/o Lane Bryant (here)
Cami: Lane Bryant (here)
Shoes: BCBGeneration (here)

Happy Hump Day all!

If your job is like mine, your company’s holiday party is on site during the work day. Some on site parties take place after lunch and continue throughout the afternoon. Others are just during the lunch hour and then it’s back to work (bah humbug!). Either way it can be a little tricky to be dolled up and work appropriate. Since not all work spaces will allow a sequin skirt, how do you balance the two? Well John Witherspoon said it best… “you got to coordinate!”. A co-ord outfit is a great way to look festive and still follow the office dress code. As y’all know I love Who What Wear’s Collection with Target. They have some of the best on trend work wear pieces out there. Their mustard flower co-ord set is perfect for any office soirée. The below the knee skirt length and demure neckline are sure to win get your boss/supervisors nod of approval!

Jacket: ASOS Curve (old, similar here)
Blouse: Who What Wear x Target (here)
Skirt: Who What Wear x Target (here)
Booties: Nine West (here)
Bag: c/o Eloquii (here)

Happy Monday all!

While the holidays are synonymous with giving gifts, we shouldn’t forget to treat ourselves. Treating ourselves doesn’t mean buying an insanely expensive gift. It can be getting your mom or in laws to watch the kids while you go get a massage. It can be buying your favorite book and carving out “me time” to read it. It’s important to take care of yourself during this fun but stressful time especially if you’re hosting folks for the holiday. I remember when I hosted my family for Thanksgiving a few years ago. It was a stressful and busy time.  When they left I felt I needed a  week long vacation! This is why treating yourself is so important. Taking care of yourself should be just as important as taking care others. It’s not selfish to treat yourself during the holidays because you’re worth it!

Have a wonderful day!

Coat: c/o Eloquii (here)
Sweater: JCrew (goes up to a 3X, here)
Skirt: c/o Eloquii (here)
Shoes: Zara (old, similar here)

Happy Monday all!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

While the holidays may be merry and bright, being single during the season can be a challenge.  The constant bombardment of romantic holiday movies (Hallmark Channel I’m looking at you!), surprise engagements and over the top declarations of love can create an atmosphere where it feels like being single isn’t so great.  These feelings can easily have you buying into the hype and feel like you’re missing out.  As someone who will be single again during the holidays I can completely relate .  There have been times I’ve felt melancholy and have had thoughts that maybe I’m to blame for my situation.  But fear not! Over the years I’ve learned a few things that have helped me be okay with being single during the holidays.

1. Be Kind To Yourself:  Eliminate or severely limit negative thoughts. Being single is a small part of who you are.  Having a mate doesn’t define me and it shouldn’t define you.
2. Practice Self Care: While you’re running around buying gifts for others, take time to do something that you love. That can be listening to your favorite musician, reading a great book or binge watching a TV show.  Take time and just relax!
3. No Explanation Necessary:  You don’t owe anyone (including your nosy aunt) an explanation as to why you are single.  So don’t entertain any interrogations into why your love life doesn’t meet their standards because frankly its none of their business!
4. Get Out There: With tons of things to do during the holidays, there is no reason to sit home. Round up some of your other single girl/guy friends and head to brunch or a holiday show!

I hope some of my tips will help you navigate being single during the holidays.  Remember “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?!”-RuPaul

Have a wonderful day!

Sweater: JCrew (here)
Skirt: Fashion To Figure (old, similar here)
Booties: Nine West (here)
Tights: Lane Bryant (old)
Bag: Mango (here)