GIRL TALK: Can You Really Have It All?

 

Victoria Beckham is totally channeling my entire mood today. Happy Monday beautiful people! It's been a little while since I've posted a GIRL TALK write-up so here it goes. For the past several weeks I've had numerous conversations with mostly my girlfriends and a few guys friends about whether or not it's possible to have it all. By having it all, I mean the amazing husband-dotting father to your kids, the career that you've always imagined, the very active social life that keeps you youthful, the beautiful home that you always pictured and just the amazing trips across the world with the person you love and admire. I've pondered on this topic of the possibility of having it all and I've come to the conclusion that even though my "eternal optimist" of a brain tells me it's possible, I know it doesn't all happen at once. I think the most beautiful part about me turning 29 a few months ago is letting go of the idea of who "I'm supposed to be" or who "I'm supposed to date" or the time table of events that should be occurring right now. I'm in a very special place in my life where I'm making the right mistakes and learning from the journey that I'm on.  

 

I'm a firm believer that God is the captain of the ship I'm on, he knows it ALL and knows what's best for me. If I would've got all those "Have it All" things I imagined for myself, would I be as appreciative or grateful for them? Would it make me happy? Did I really deserve this at this time? Did I work hard enough? Am I fulfilled? Does this feel right in my soul? Sometimes I get frustrated and ask myself why something isn't happening in my life then something happens randomly, when I say to myself, the time isn't right and I'm glad that God waited. I have this instinct that everything you put into the universe has a way of coming back to you and all of your ideas/wishes/dreams are already pre-destined. Sometimes what we ask for isn't what we need and sometimes there is something better lined up for us. I like to think of my 20s as the growing pains/wild rollercoaster that I am on because I feel like everything constantly changes, we are surprised by the adventures life takes us on and there is just a sense of fulfillment that makes it all worth it in the end.   



 

The thought of having it ALL scares the living shit out of me, excuse my French but I'm glad I didn't get everything I wanted when I wanted it. Let me explain,  I've planned everything in my life (at least in my mind) and I've done mostly everything by the books. I've made the good grades, I went to the right schools, maybe dated a few guys that weren't right for me but I loved very hard, I have the 9-5 post-college job that I wanted and the very active social life I desired. I live a great life and I'm extremely grateful for it but there is still a part of me that always yearned for the "Have it All" dream. I think I was always stuck on the idea/thought of happiness, who doesn't want a perfect life? In your 20s we are all so busy trying to figure it out we forget about living in the present and accepting that things aren't always what we imagined and that happiness is not just a mere destination it's a lifestyle. I had to do a attitude adjustment lately and stop being Negative Nancy (we all know a few Negative Nancy's and Pessimistic Peter's) about the direction my life was going. My sister recently told me that I have to start seeing a silver lining in everything in life, even the small things and it's totally made my outlook on the future that much better.   

 

 

 

Once again, the idea of "Having it All" is much more than everything being perfect in your world and everything happening all at once, life doesn't work that way and I'm glad it doesn't. Could you imagine having all those things you wanted all at the same time? I'm soooo okay with waiting a little longer for certain aspects of my life to add up because I'm still mastering the juggling act of the current things happening right now. I'll always be the eternal optimist and learn to appreciate every moment/chance I'm given by being who I am and knowing that what's meant to be will be. No need to stress over life and the time table we've created so that our "planned life/schedules" align, let's continue to strive for the dreams we want but eliminate the pressures of perfection. Who want's that perfect love story anyway? Lol...

 

I hope this helps someone today and reassures you that "Having It All" is indeed possible with the notion that it can take sometime before it ALL happens. I wish everyone a great and productive week, I can't wait to share with you my summer series of "Outfit of the Day" pictures (above is a sneak peek from my photo-shoot last week), stay tuned!

 

 

*bows out gracefully*

 

 

TALK THAT TALK: Finding A Balance

 

I write this post from the deepest part my heart and meaning every single word. It took me a few weeks to get the courage to post this but the day has come and I'm confident that this will resonate with someone that is struggling to find their balance. Blogging is not only my hobby, passion or bored obsession, it has become my outlet to deal with life's series of ups/downs. For the past couple of months, I've sat back, observed and watched so many things change in my life without notice and I couldn't be more grateful for the life lessons. At first I couldn't understand why things were going my way it did and why I was feeling the way I did but it became so clear to me after I started journaling and learning to find my inner peace. My 20s has taught me so much about myself and yes I know that's so "cliché" to say but it truly has, I'm not sure I would be the person I am today if it wasn't for all the experiences that taught me "life goes on" and always strive to be the person you would want to meet.

 

 

And I'm not just saying that because I'm 28 and feeling like I should've had things all figured out by now, but because I've really taken charge of my life with guidance and direction given to me by the man upstairs. My female intuition has grown, my love for God has blossomed, my family has expanded in ways I've never imagined, my friends have become my extended family, my dating life has been a series of highs/lows that keeps me on my toes, my work life has become my daily routine and my heart...well my heart has become use to trying to find a balance with it all. I'm constantly having discussions about "getting my life together" with my girlfriends and how I want to be that super woman that can do it all. Yes, I know it's all about timing so I've heard and learned. I think my biggest challenge this year was with my friendships, and finding the balance to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships with women that I grew to admire and whole heartedly look up to.

 

I'm perfect by no means, but I like to think that my girlfriends are a direct reflection of me and the things I aspire to be. What's the point of being surrounded by people you cannot learn or grow from/with? I'm extremely blessed to have them in my life and without them I don't know where I would be (Thank you!). Again, it's all about BALANCE...I have girlfriends that are married, in serious relationships, complicated situationships, phenomenal mothers, chasing their dreams and trying to figure out their purpose and we all make time for each other because we know that's important. If you know anything about me, then you know I come from a huge Caribbean family and we are ALWAYS celebrating something. Making cameos and showing up to celebrations near/far has been a commitment of mine since I was younger, my parents instilled in me the value of showing support by your physical presence and until this day I still think it's important to support your family and friends by attending their events, etc. My friends constantly tease me about my social calendar and not knowing "how I do it", it's simple...I find the time.

 

Over the past couple of years I've definitely realized that I am only ONE person and capable of doing so much so I say "NO" now when I have to without any apologies because I come first and I am my first priority (Whew..that was hard to say!). I have learned to prioritize my hectic social calendar and find time for myself because at one point I would overbook myself so much that I would skip meals, lose sleep and forget to even look in the mirror. I was running myself ragged and people could tell because of the bags under my eyes and the constant need to "be somewhere". I would be so busy running around and making everyone else happy and feeling like they were #1 that I forgot to put myself in the running for 1st place. It happens to the best of us and that's when I looked up the word BALANCE (an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady) because I lost all sense of this in my early 20s. I use to know how to party on a Wednesday night, wake up and study for an exam and pass with flying colors in college then when I graduated it became harder because my responsibilities were piling on and there was no time to do all of that in the real world. Graduating from college and entering into the workforce then going back to school with so much on my plate, finding a balance was a goal I set a few years back and I'd like to say that I've finally accomplished it!! I've learned to take a necessary step back when I had to, re-evaluate my relationships with people when needed, get dressed up and show up for important events/things, and prioritize where "Schuntel time" fits in my schedule. With some adjustments and life throwing me a few hurdles along the way I've learned to keep my head high (and heels higher) while I aimed to find my balance in my quiet moments.

I think there is a real beauty and strength to finding your balance in this world we live in especially in knowing that YOU are just as important as everyone else you are making a priority in your life. With every season there comes change and growth, so I'd like to think at 28 years old I've learned something about balancing my rollercoaster of a life. I've watched my sisters become phenomenal mothers and still make time to socialize with their friends, go on date night with their husbands and even have some "me time". There is certainly a way to finding the balance we all need to surviving our 20s and conquering our 30s ladies (and gentlemen...if you're reading lol). Have you found your balance? Do you make time for yourself? Is prioritizing certain things in your life going to bring you the most peace? What are you doing to make YOU happy? These are questions I ask myself often because after all, you are first and it's important to take care of you first before you can take care of someone else's needs/wants. I really hope this post resonates with someone and it reassures you that finding a balance is healthy and necessary to sustaining meaningful relationships needed for growing and learning. 

*bows out gracefully*   

GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT THE MOVIES: "Think Like A Man Too" Advance Screening

Pre-Birthday Celebrations @ The Source: Myself (White Knitted tank from H&M/ White cross button skirt by ZARA/ Christian Louboutin "So Kate" bronze heels/) & D'Angela

 

Yesterday, I got the chance to kick it with my girls in the city. My first stop was to the popular restaurant The Source for my friend, D'angela's pre-birthday celebrations. It's currently in the mid-90s in the DMV so I was super eager to try the cocktails after walking a few blocks in my heels. I tried a very flavorful pear cocktail and some appetizers that were delicious, I forgot how great this place was! Anyway, after doing some mingling and enjoying the beautiful décor at The Source it was off to the advance screening of the movie "Think Like A Man Too" with a few of my girlfriends.

L-R: Kim, D'Angela, Myself & Terrin @ The Source

 

The Trio: Terrin, Myself & Denisha

 

TLAM2 Screening @ Mazza Galleria, Chevy Chase L-R: Kyra, Myself, Kim, Brittney & Denisha

 

Whoaaa what a funny movie, Think Like A Man Too is definitely a movie that you must see! It comes out in theaters this Friday, June 20th! I laughed the entire movie, who knew Kevin Hart was so funny? I'm not a "go to the movies every week" type of girl and wasn't a big Kevin Hart fan but he was HILARIOUS from start to finish. I loved the concept of the movie, it was light hearted and touched on a few issues in relationships that mirror real life situations (I won't tell you the movie...but it's a good movie to talk about afterawards with your girlfriends or significant other). It really looks like the cast had a fun time making this movie, the extra cameos from some of my celebrities didn't hurt either. If you need a good laugh or a girls night out this movie is definitely for you, it's a true romantic comedy. Most importantly, I'm so glad I got the chance to spend time with my girlfriends and laugh, that's all you need sometimes. They are my #WCW's this week...Happy Wednesday!!

TALK THAT TALK TUESDAY: What Does Your Social Media Say About You?

 

I'm finally back to my "Talk That Talk Tuesday" posts and I've been pondering this particular topic/post for a few weeks as I know it is a touchy subject. If you follow any of my social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr) you know the fashion lover, Carrie Bradshaw personality, Social Butterfly throughout the DMV but I'll be the first person to tell you that there is so much more to Schuntel aka 'Ms.Style & Grace/ Ms_Schuntel' than you will even know! Let's rewind a bit, to my first stab at social media...my roommate and Best friend in college got super excited that our school was chosen to be on Facebook (at first Facebook would only allow Ivy league schools on until they realized the high demand from other great institutions like my school, Elon!) so I would always beg her to log on her account to see what everyone was doing until I finally got the courage to create my own account. I remember losing my social media virginity to Facebook in 2005 and I can tell you that it has reconnected me with so many friends and family. It was my first online relationship (lol) that molded my social media experience in a way I would've never imagined! 🙌

From Facebook then there was twitter where I used 140 characters to give my opinion on mostly everything then it was the birth of my blog. Then, there was Instagram after getting my first iPhone and now my latest obsession Tumblr! I remember during my obsession with Facebook I would be so eager to post EVERY picture I took (with no filter) and make a album with a clever caption and share with my 1,000+ "friends" to show them how much fun I was having and being super prest to put up the "in a relationship/it's complicated status" or event the "married to... my bestfriend" just because! Why did I have to do all of that? What was I trying to prove? Was I really having fun or was I was just good at pretending? Out of 1,000+ friends I could only name about 50-75 (friends & acquaintances) that I really knew and cared about. I would say about 3 years ago when my first real relationship failed, I was in the midst of grad school, friendships were changing and I was finally growing into the woman I always wanted to be it hit me..."Schuntel, you don't need to share every aspect of your life. Protect the intimate and genuine moments in your life. Share only moments you wouldn't mind the whole world/Washington Post to know." It was then that I began to become more choosy with what I shared as I was feeling more comfortable in my skin. And although all of my social media accounts needed to be "public" and accessible because of my "Fashion Blogger/Freelance Stylist" title I knew I wanted to keep certain aspects of my life private as those were my moments to bass in not the worlds to judge, mock or speak negatively about. 

As Beyoncè would say "I'm sensitive about my sh*t" and I think social media has a way of taking things to another level that it shouldn't be (I'm no Beyonce but you get my drift). After being addressed on numerous occasions by my social media name in public (A bit awkward but hey, I've been called worse) I realized that what I was portraying to the world would be exactly what I would attract. So I mainstreamed my social media accounts to reflect only that--- fashion, positivity, socializing/networking, certain milestone accomplishments, and quotes here and there to share with everyone. I reserved my intimate moments for close family and friends as they were moments that I held close to my heart. I decided to keep my dating life private as well as limit my family related events that I would post to keep my private life MINE.  When it comes to social media, we've left very little to the imagination...I usually know if a girl is mad at her boyfriend by the subtweets or indirect quotes talking about cheating/loyalty; what someone is eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and even their favorite snack and I'll even know the intimate moments of someone's family without even having to ask them the details. I think it's important to leave some room in your social media for a bit of mystery and privacy, I don't see much of this and it truly disturbs me. Does every picture and thought/quote in your head (thanks to improvements in technology i.e. cell phones) need to be shared on your social media accounts? I find that my quiet time with God would just be that (and NO I'm not ashamed of my faith, just trying to maintain a sacred and genuine moment without taking a picture for Instagram or posting a status on Facebook). Even my girl nights-in with my bestfriends would be just that, there is no need to broadcast to the world why I'm in the "house" versus being at the club or lounge. There is a need for validity on social media that needs to change. No shade to those who share alot of their life on social media, my point is to be mindful of the energy you put out as it is a reflection of you. So, that leads me to the BIG question...What does your Social Media say about you? I find me asking myself this sometimes. Do you?

Does the world know your every move? Can we tell how many times a week you go out? Have we've been "informally/socially" introduced to your significant other? Are you being the best version of yourself? Are you really having fun on vacation or you just good at pretending? When it comes to social media, we must first understand that social media is a tool that we yes WE use as a channel of communication with the outside world. The status updates, tweets, and no filter/filter pictures can say ALOT about you before you can even formally meet someone. 9 times out of 10, if you've seen someone's social media account you can come up with a few conclusions without having to "actually" get to know them (not all just a few...remember people only show you what they want you to see). It's so important to do a few check ins with yourself to see what your social media says about you. Are we so eager to post a picture of us out having a good time that we forget to have a good time with the people we are with? I'm totally guilty of this....#Selfie #Usies, etc. lol! Let's learn to be in the moment and use our social media handles to reflect the best version of ourselves so that we attract the things/people we want 😊.

 

Let's stay socially aware of what we are portraying to the world as that is what we will attract and be addressed by. Let's maximize our social media to promote good versus negative commentary and let's use it as a tool to further our career goals. Social media has it's ups and downs but for the most part it keeps us in tuned with what's happening in the world, and that has been the best part if it all! Stay informed, stay aware, stay purposeful and more importantly stay true to who you are!

Happy Tuesday ❤️

TALK THAT TALK TUESDAY: Investing Into Your Friendships

 

I've been going through this "invest into your friendships" phase lately and I've realized that it's so important to truly give more of yourself to relationships where there is a love and bond that worth preserving. Turning 28 has been quite the rollercoaster for me as I've embraced more changes in the person I'm becoming versus person that I used to be, so the topic of friendships has been on my mind so much lately. I love fashion with most of my heart but there is apart of me that loves my relationships way more. I value my family and friends so much, that I've learned to place my investment in them rather than material things. No, I'm not giving up my Jimmy Choo's or Christian Louboutin's up but I have decided to stick with investing more into those relationships that are purposeful and genuine. I always say "there is so much to this puzzle" when people tend to misconstrue my love for fashion versus who I am as a person, I have many pieces to this puzzle named Ms. Style and Grace that I cannot begin to explain, just know that I love very hard. But, lets get back into what's been on my mind...I've truly known that investing into meaningful friendships/relationships can make your life 10 times better. As we grow up, we change and I find that inevitable and mostly refreshing...I couldn't imagine being that 20 year old girl that I was today, it just wouldn't work with the path I'm pursuing. I've learned to let certain friendships fall to the waist side if the other friend wasn't investing the time, energy or even love that I needed/wanted. Certain friends are truly for certain seasons of your life and I've definitely have my 20s to thank for that. When we enter new seasons of our life also known as new phases/transitions (i.e. graduating college, new job, moving to a new city, finding a new love) sometimes you feel that eerie distance in friendships and it's a hard place to be in. It's okay, it happens to the best of us! 

 

 

The best remedy would be to invest in the friendship(s) more to see if this friend could be in your next season or just be at peace with the end of the season for that friendship(s), but know that with growth and time comes understanding. Learning to love people from a distance is the motto, missing them is hard but realizing that not everything last forever is a pill we have to swallow. I'm an optimist and believer that if a friendship/relationship is meant to be it will be, so just because that friendship ended in one season doesn't mean several seasons later that the friendship couldn't rekindle. I for along time didn't understand why certain friendships ended and why I was more interested/invested into my newer friendships I was developing but I had an Ah Ha moment as Oprah would say and realized that I was becoming the woman I always wanted to become and not everyone was going to understand that. So with all the change happening in my life I knew I couldn't hold onto those friendships that I thought would last forever, I had to invest in the ones that was worth fighting for.    

 

 

I've learned that it's all apart of growing up and finding/building upon those friendships where time between phone calls and occasional dinner dates doesn't really mean "I don't love you" or "I have a problem with you" but that I'm working on being a better person and chasing my dreams. I've struggled in the past few years with certain friendships that I thought were suppose to last forever, but God had a different plan for my season's change and for that I'm grateful. It's so important to re-evaluate your friendships and relationships with people as we are emotional beings and deserve the time, commitment and investment needed for growing. Quality time and showing that you care is by far the most important part of being a friend. I've learned that even an occasional email/text from a friend "checking on me/wishing me a great week" makes a world of a difference and even those cards that I get in the mail from Valentine's Day or "Just Because" is all that I need to know that my friends are also investing into me. The small things occupy the biggest parts of our hearts and making people feel like they matter is an even more rewarding than those material purchases we tend to make. We've got to learn to invest into our friendships more than we invest into our purses, shoes, cocktails and partying...there is so much more to life that we must choose to invest.     

 

 

So with all this said, Are you investing into your friendships? Making one person do all the work is not a friendship, if you care make the investment and commitment to be a better friend maybe even be an AMAZING friend that someone could count on and know that with all of life's ups and downs that they have you to depend on is truly a blessing. Understand that life has a way of changing your circle of friends up a little but, build upon those friendships that are worth your investment because those relationships matter! Let's be clear I'm not talking about opportunistic "friendships" also known as the what can you do for me relationships/contacts, I'm talking about those friendships that stand a test of time, faith, love and growth. This post is truly dedicated to all my friends that I love near and dear to my heart, you guys means so much to me and have been the best investment ever. My time and your time is definitely worth the investment I wouldn't trade for the world, thank you for investing into me! LOVE is you!  

WHAT I WORE: Country Lovin With My Girls

 

I had theeee BEST WEEKEND ever and when I say the BEST, I really mean that! With a government shutdown and feeling the quarter-life century crisis I needed a weekend away with my girlfriends. It's always nice to spend quality time with good friends that you respect, admire and trust...there's nothing like talking to a woman *cues Beyonce's "Life Is But A Dream" documentary* especially your bestfriend. So this past weekend, me and the girls took a trip to Luray, Virginia to check out this super cool cave and go to winery and to just getaway from the city...

 

WHAT I WORE: Nike Sports work-out top/White quilted shorts from TopShop/ Neon bag from ZARA/ Sneakers by Reebok

 

I knew we would be doing ALOT of walking through the cave so I opted to dress super comfy while still remaining fashionable of course, lol! If you ever get a chance to take a trip to Luray, Virginia be sure to check out Luray Caverns with your family & friends...it's absolutely breathtaking.  

 

 

After doing a bit of wine tasting at Cave Ridge Vineyard with the girls, I recruited them to take a few shots of me in the vineyard being the flower child that I'am. I love love love nature and was so glad to be surrounded by grapes that make my favorite wines.  

 

Going to the winery for the second time ever in life...was everything I imagined plus more! After leaving the winery, we found this beautiful field on our way to dinner and had to have an impromptu photo-shoot. Gotta love those random photo-shoots :)  

 

WHAT I WORE: Sunflower crop top & yellow skirt from American Apparael/ Sandals (old) ZARA/ Jewerly from my own collection/Hoop earrings by Belle Noel

 

 

Bestfriend moments!

 

 

 

Yes, I wore my Christian Louboutins to the country SMH....you can take a girl to the country but you can't take the city out of the girl! After destroying the tap on the concrete at the winery (insert sad face) I took them off and slipped into my favorite sandals.  

 

 

BESTEST weekend ever! Nothing like spending time with your girls especially your bestfriend.

 

WHAT I WORE: Girlfriends Who Like To Brunch

"You can tell everything about a person by who their friends are" - Sex And The City  

 

Last Sunday a few of my girlfriends and I got together for Sunday Brunch at Founding Farmers in Washington, DC. If you know me, then you know I love to Brunch for hours on end because Sundays are just perfect for a kickback to recap the weekend and plan for the week ahead. How you spend your Sundays can set your tone for the week without a doubt. I must say that after an amazing Church service and brunchin' with my girlfriends that I've known for over 10 years my week has been off to a great start. Being able to laugh out loud, talk about relationships, goals and even talk about our favorite shows is good for the soul of any Twenty-Something woman trying to figure it all out.

 

L to R: Ashlee, Kimmy, Erinn & Brittany #DecadesofFriendship

WHAT I WORE: Sunnies from Dolce & Gabbana (old)/ Halter tank from Bebe/Tribal skirt (old) from Urban Outfitters/Coral heels from Zara/

 

 

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend, I most certainly did! Can't wait for next Sunday :) 

 

 



"How to Stay Young" According to Girlfriends in God

Everyday I get emails from 'Girlfriends in God' and let me the first person to tell you that after I read their emails my heart feels complete, today especially. As women we go through so much emotionally so it's always good to find ways to get centered especially before the day gets chaotic. What is Girlfriends in God? Well it's a group of women who share daily devotions composed of a bible verse, story of application and a prayer.

 

 

 

I usually share what I read with my own girlfriends but, it seems like a majority of my girlfriends get the emails now, so from time to time we discuss it. Want to know how this relates to a Fashion Blog? Well, I know in this beauty & fashion industry we are always so caught up on "staying in the know/hip" and dare let anyone tell us we are getting old, we will have a major attitude...so the key is "Staying Young" of course! So, today I'm sharing the "How to Stay Young" email I recieved this morning from my 'Girlfriends in God' hoping that this resignates with some of my readers.  

 

How to Stay Young

1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members to fill that need.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain idle.
4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young - that is all you can afford. When they are in college that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country - but not guilt.
10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get. Never assume they know.
11. Don't worry about things you cannot change or do anything about. Accept them and move on.
12. Read more and dust less.
13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working.
14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. Recognize these moments now and cherish them.
15. Do not "save" anything. Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see.
16. Wear your best outfit to the market.
17. Don't save your good perfume for only special occasions. Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank.
18. "Someday" and "one of these days" should vanish from your vocabulary. If something is worth seeing, hearing or doing, go and see, hear or do it now.

 

So if you love me baby this how let me know...don't ever let me go, that's how you let me know baby.

Forever younnnnnng.

 

GIRL TALK: Kim Kardashian's Pregnancy Style!

 

In case you've been living under a rock somewhere far far away, let me be the first to break the news to you, Kim & Kanye are expecting a little 'Kimye' this summer. Although the couple has kept the sex of the baby secret, I hear that she's having a little girl (which would be so appropriate for the pair). Ever since Kim has announced her pregnancy it seems like everyone has been talking about her "hip hugging", "oh that skirt is too tight skirt", "she could've done so much better" and "she looks like a whale" criticism about her pregnancy style. The comparisons to her sister Kourtney's pregnancy style have been so harsh that even I feel bad for her! I'm not here to bash Kim, because I absolutely adore her style and love for fashion...although at times it could be a little obsessive, I understand it.

 

 

I'm sure becoming a new mom is not easy and adjusting your wardrobe/style because of a growing belly is a hard pillow to swallow when your job centers around your beauty and style. I say ALL of this to say that maybe we should be a less critical of her "pregnancy style" and be concerned about her health. She seems to be managing just fine and stated on her blog "I saw some comments that the skirt is too tight for the pregnancy and that’s ridiculous! I bought this skirt a few sizes bigger and there is plenty of room. For any concern that my clothes are too tight, I have so many pieces custom fit for my growing body! They make pregnancy Spanx which are tight. So this theory sounds ridiculous! I feel my best when I am in heels and chic clothes! Happy mommy, happy baby! Xo"   

 

Although I'm not a mom, I have alot of fabulous friends who are so it's important that we are less critical of others that are experiencing a high level of emotions during a beautiful yet, life-changing time in their life. I have two sisters that are pregnant right now and I see the emotions at a record high, so I know first hand that it's so very important to support them through their body changes and tell them how beautiful they are. I think pregnancy is a beautiful gift given by God and it doesn't matter what you wear, it's how you wear it. And in my opinion if Kim feels confident wearing lace, leather and super high Louboutin heels...who am I to break her down?

 

Kim's pregnancy style maybe up for debate in your world, but in mine she's doing just fine. It's all about confidence and accentuating your best curves and it seems like she's happy, kudos to her. Check out more pictures of her Fab-Mommy-To-Be style sure to keep the blogs talking:  

 

Always good to see her in a pop of color since she loves Black & White so much.

I adore this look on her! She looks beautiful and GLOWING by the way.

 

Congrats again to the happy couple!

DAY 15: Shopping Fast

Hi Guys x Dolls!

Remember a few weeks ago, I told you about my Shopping Fast that I started up on November 1st? Well I'm very pleased to tell you that I have not gone shopping! *Pats self on the back* I've had a great support system through out these past two weeks and it's been a great help to my withdrawal period. I'm learning ALOT about myself believe it or not. First things first, since I'm always attending a event of some sort (birthday dinner, brunch, housewarming, etc.) I find myself getting anxiety about what I'll be wearing since I can't go shopping, which forces me to get "creative" with my outfit by wearing a top that I swore to only wear once because it was heavily seen on a social network (instagram). I'm learning that is "okay" to wear an outfit once, twice or even three times....especially if you've spent over $50 on it, I mean what's the crime? My moment of clarity came when I saw the First Lady, Michelle Obama wore a Michael Kors dress on Election Night for the second time. If the First Lady could wear a dress twice, why was I acting like wearing an outfit twice was a crime? I've experienced alot this month and have learned the true essence of being grateful for all that you have especially when others don't have half of your blessings. Thank you God for growth! 

Although I resist the urge to go shopping (it's so much cheaper than seeing a psychiatrist though, lol) I know that I can control myself for the next two weeks. The best part of this Shopping Fast is seeing the extra $$$$ in my bank account, it's always great to see your savings going up versus down. Ladies, you feel me...right? I'm also wearing items from my closet that I totally forgot to "pop the tags" on and then pair them with something I've worn already...I call this the "remix" (when something old marries something new). I'm hoping my little fast encourages you to spend wisely and to be grateful for everything you have versus the things you want to have. It's all about self-control!


xo,
Schuntel