How To: Shop Your Closet and Create Instant Outfits

Would you believe that I have not been in the mood to shop?  That’s because I’ve been practicing social distancing and focusing on virtual events.  But, there’s always a solution to every problem.

One perspective is that I have always been an advocate for shopping in your closet.  There are so many wonderful pieces in there that you have probably forgotten about.  From accessories to midi dresses, I can guarantee that you’re closets are filled with instant outfits.

A suggestion that I share with my Personal Style clients is to create outfits (in your spare time.)  The worst time to figure out a hot look is right before any event.  Life is a lot easier when you have something to wear!

The outfit shown below is an example of just that.  I was leaving out the door for a lunch date and needed to put on pieces that exuded my personal style.

Cape BlazerAmazon | Cami & JeansExpress | Strappy Heels:  Target similar | Crossbody:  Louis Vuitton similar

 

Eva Classic Clutch from SCORE! Official Game Day Bag: Casual and Cute Accessory

The upcoming football season will be here soon.  Everyone loves the tradition of the game but there’s one small detail that all women must be aware of.  Most games require the use of a clear handbag.  This can shock even the most stylish fashionista because what clear handbag actually coordinates with your look?

Thankfully, SCORE! Official Game Day Bag has you covered.  The company specializes in designer, clear bags in an array of colors and styles.

I could not be more excited than to serve as an official influencer for the company.  Why?  I will be giving you guys details about 12 unique handbags all year long.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

Yes, I am a handbag fanatic and believe that each bag serves a purpose.  The right handbag can elevate an entire outfit.  Let’s not overlook this small accessory!

In the photo, I wore the Eva Classic Clutch.  Not only is this particular bag fancy but meets all stadium guidelines.  For me, it served as a cute little crossbody for a day of running errands.  The Navy and Light Blue color was a vibrate contrast with my hot pink blouse and yellow flats.  There’s nothing better than dressing casual and cute!

Visit SCORE!  Official Game Day Bag to add this bag to your shopping cart.  Oh, use this coupon code to receive a discount: KW 20

Blouse:  Target | Crossbody Game Day Bag:  SCORE!  Official Game Day Bag | Flats:  Express

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19 #WIW or #OOTD A-line Midi Dress

There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned from COVID-19.  This was an unexpected lifestyle change and we had to adjust immediately!

My thought pattern always goes back to, “What did I learn from every situation?”  It’s critical to always do self-evaluation and allow the opportunity for personal growth.

Throughout it all, I have tried to be thankful for the small blessings and keep a positive mindset.

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19:

  1. Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
  2. Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
  3. Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
  4. Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily.  Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
  5. First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces.  Do not overspend during this time.
  6. Your home is your haven.  Make it a place of peace and joy!  That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
  7. We can manage our own hair and nails.  At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
  8. Take care of yourself:  get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
  9. Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
  10. Avoid clutter at all costs.  Get rid of unnecessary items!

What I Wore or Outfit of The Day-

A-line Mid Dress & Clear Slip-On Heel:  Amazon

Homebound Survival Tips: Snakeskin Trendy Accessories #WIW or #OOTD

The last few weeks have been interesting.  Our nation was called to a state of an emergency due to the Coronavirus.  None of us anticipated being in our homes 24 Hours straight; let alone unable to shop for ordinary household items.

This has definitely a time period to reflect upon your priorities and not take simple things for granted.

How are we all surviving?  Some of us are keeping a positive mindset while others are missing the days of careless walks down the street.

Either way, there are moments in our life when we may have to stay home for extended periods of time.

When you have a baby, the doctor might prescribe being home consistently for a week.  When we’re suffering from an illness, depending on the severity, there could be much-needed time at home.

Take a look at the tips for surviving the highs and lows of being homebound.  If you can think of anything else, please share it with this site.

Homebound Survival Tips:

  1. Order groceries online from stores such as Amazon, Aldi, or Publix.
  2. Create menus for your family.  The reality is that we have to eat!
  3. Schedule time periods to watch the news; either morning or night.
  4. Video chat, text, or start a group communication channel.
  5. Gift little kids’ toys during peak time periods when they may become restless.
  6. Cut-back on normal portion sizes on items.  For example, if you would normally use 2 tbsp of coffee grinds use 1 tbsp.
  7. Find unconventional ways to use items.  An egg carton could hold craft paint or beads.
  8. Read inspirational books and incorporate prayer into your daily routine.
What I Wore or Outfit of The Day

In the photo below, I’m returning to my desk after a meeting.  This was taken weeks before we were quarantined to be in our homes!

I want to encourage fashionista’s to mix trendy accessories with your classic wardrobe.  This is a simple way to refresh your outfits and get a new look!

Snakeskin Booties:  JCPenney | Belt:  Express | Blazer:  H&M

If you like this post click here:  QUARANTINED BEAUTY ROUTINE: HOW TO REMOVE DIPPING POWDER OR GEL POLISH

Faux Fur Jacket and Seamless Fleece Leggings: #WIW or #OOTD College Alumni Mixer Event

There’s something about getting a bit older that makes you become sentimental.  You began to reminisce about the carefree days of hanging out with your best college crew!

Those days involved hitting the laundry mat, unsolicited dating advice, and last-minute cramming.  To help us stay better connected the alumni group hosted a pop-up event.  As always, I didn’t know what to wear because I was getting over a cold and had a busy consulting week.

The Furget Me Not Jacket I’m seen in is from Zeal Boutique; it was purchased while attending another event.  Don’t be misguided, it’s actually one of the warmest jackets in my wardrobe!  The texture is soft like a blanket and the outer fridge adds a touch of style.

Again, the goal was to stay warm, so I ordered a pair of fleece-lined leggings, draped camisole, and wore my snakeskin booties.

We had a great night and my outfit was fashionable and functional.  Yes, I have several maroon pieces because it’s the colors of my alma mater.

Faux Fur Jacket:  similar | Cami Top:  Amazon | Seamless Fleece Leggings:  Amazon | Snakeskin Booties:  similar

Style 101: Dress According To Your Profession #OOTD or #WIW

As a creative professional, I am often called into meetings that require a stylish flair.  Long gone are the days of wearing the boring, basic black suit.  In this day and age, women are seen wearing pink pencil skirts and vinyl pointy heels.

Back to the post!  I was scheduled for a consultation and needed an upbeat look.  One way to achieve a fashionable but yet professional outfit is to pair traditional clothing pieces with an on-trend pattern or accessory.  For example, wear a striped blazer with a lace camisole.

In the look below, I’m wearing a leopard button-down blouse, high-waisted dress pants, and denim jacket.  To elevate this outfit, I wore my favorite tassel earrings.

Style 101:  Dress according to your individualized profession!

A few additional stylish business dress tips include:

  1.  Wear a wrap dress.
  2.  Select blazers in bold colors or neutral tones such as camel or red.
  3. Purchase a crisp white shirt but select various styles such as puff sleeves.
  4. Great professional accessories include wearing a logo belt or a vintage scarf.
  5. Keep up with the time by wearing a statement watch.

Denim Jacket:  America’s Consignment and Thrift | Leopard Shirt & Tassel Earrings:  Express | Crossbody Handbag:  Louis Vuitton similar

If you like this post click here:  TENTH STREET TRIPOLI FISHERMAN HAT: CASUAL SHOPPING OUTFIT

 

Creating A Signature Style: Moto Jacket, Plaid Ankle Pants, and Quilted Clutch #OOTD or #WIW

The best way to determine if you made a good purchase is when you wear something multiple times.  That’s how I feel about the burgundy moto jacket seen in feature the photo.

I originally bought this jacket as part of my fall capsule wardrobe and has served as a great staple piece!

Creating A Signature Style:

My week normally ends by attending a church service with my family.  Therefore, I need a closet filled with blouses, blazers, dresses, and skirts.

After taking a test, I discovered that my signature style is considered to be chic; meaning I prefer a powerful look and sharp lines.

Understanding your personal style is one of the first steps towards looking your best.  It enables you to shop according to items that catch your eye and not necessarily what’s seen on a store mannequin.

The plaid ankle pants and v-cut mules I’m wearing are from Express.  If you follow my Instagram account, you are right, I shop there very often because they carry Petite sizes.

Remember, clothing and dress communicates your personality, mood, and attitude!

Moto Leather:  New York & Company | Handbag:  YSL Clutch Comparison | Pants:  High Waisted Plaid Ankle Pant

Do you need help in discovering your personal style?  Contact Kimberly West Styling & PR and schedule an appointment.

If you like this post, click here:  Everyday Style and Lookbook Inspiration

Tenth Street Tripoli Fisherman Hat: Casual Shopping Outfit

The cold weather will definitely motivate your dress options. One way to combat the brisk air is not only through layering a variety of pieces but wearing a stylish hat.

This particular accessory is understated but just like any other clothing item, there are seasonal options. A few seasonal hats include the beanie, felt hat, or bucket hat.

Selecting a stylish hat does have a few requirements. Number one, it must fit the head properly. Number two, when selecting a winter hat, you want a hat that has texture.  Nothing boring will do!

The Tripoli hat that’s seen in the photo has so much detailing. I love the chain link and it’s an easy fit.  Fisherman hats are very on-trend and can be dressed up with a suit or worn for a casual look with a Faux Fur Coat.

Visit Tenth Street to purchase your hat for chic winter style. Also, January 15th is National Hat Day!  Use the coupon code below to add a trendy hat to your wardrobe.

Coupon Code: SLFNATIONALHATDAY20
Wool Fisherman Hat:  Tenth Street | Faux Fur Coat:  Target | Vintage Jeans:  America’s Thrift Stores | Chain Clutch:  YSL

Weekend Self-Care Activity and Plaid Peplum Top #OOTD or #WIW

The weekends can become pretty hectic.  Running errands, cleaning your room, and paying bills.  Whew!  The word that I’m searching for is called, “adulting.”

At no matter what age, adulting can be super exhausting.  But, the reality is that we strive to be successful versions of ourselves.  Nobody wants to be the girl who forgot to schedule an oil change.

Despite the spirit of busyness and reality of having limited hours in the day, self-care is a must-do!  While cheering for others, we can’t forget to cheer for ourselves.

Simple steps towards practicing self-care involve reading a book, getting a massage, or taking a walk.  My favorite self-care activity during the week is listening to music.   Another activity that’s on the top of my list is journaling.  As a fellow creative, I enjoy organizing my thoughts and keeping lists of what’s important to me.  My journals range from words to pictures or keepsakes.

Self-care doesn’t always have to involve elaborate practices or high-ticketed experiences.  Some of the most relaxing opportunities involve being present in the moment.  How do you practice self-care in your life?

In the photo below, I was attending The Birmingham Home and Garden Show to support my college sister-friend who was a speaker during the event.  In the spirit of self-care, I threw on my peplum blouse and captured a meaningful break to enjoy the show!

Plaid Wrap Peplum Top:  New York & Company | Matelasse Leather Bag:  YSL or replica Amazon

 

ROMwe Color Block Blouse and Pull-On Bootcut Slacks #OOTD or #WIW

Hello, Spring is that you around the corner?  I am prematurely hoping that the weather will change soon.  Why?  Because for as long as I could remember I love the warmer temperatures.

There’s something about walking around barefoot in the sand or running errands in shorts.  Until that day happens I am still digging for jackets and boots.

The inspiration for this look came from seeking a relaxed outfit on this particular Sunday.  I wanted to play with the design of the blouse and texture of the slacks.

Color blocking is one of my favorite fashion techniques.  It’s the mixing and combining of hues that are opposite on the color wheel.  Lately, I have been sharing the importance of color and how it can elevate your personal style.

The ROMme Color Block Blouse was lightweight and the back draped nicely.  I will definitely wear this blouse again and share an additional photo on this site.

Additional style options:

  • wear with jeans
  • wear with pleated skirt
  • wear with high waist pants

ROMwe Color Block Blouse:  Amazon | Pull-On Bootcut Slacks:  New York & Company | Bracelet:  PANDORA Jewelry