Denim on Denim with a side of Brunch

To celebrate a dear friend's birthday, he asked for one thing: to wear all things denim.

Now, that may make you think of Justin and Britney circa 2001 AMAs, but trust me, Miles knows what he's talking about. He is the most fashionable man I know, so obviously I had to show out for him.

So working through some options, I wanted to make sure I still had some personality, and that everything still went together. So I went on a shopping adventure to Torrid (really because I needed new booties to fully embrace fall). 

Black denim is something that I haven't had in my closet in awhile, so I figured it would be a good investment to find a good pair. So I went to Torrid and found this nice pair of black jeggings. I won't go on a jegging rant, but just know, yes they are still pants because I have to button and zip so get out of my face all you nay sayers. 

Then I found this PERFECT shirt. I think I'm a fan of graphic t's with some real truth put out there, especially when layers with a sweater or a chambray shit. The word on the shirt are just how I live my life on a regular basis. Sometimes you just can't fix your face. 

When choosing jewelry for this outfit, I wanted to make sure it was subtle (which seems like the opposite of a statement, but work with me here) yet pronounced. With the shirt having words that I wanted to be read, a long necklace was out of the picture. Drawing too much attention ins't always a good thing, so I went with a simple bar necklace and this matching earring and ring set. 

It's the subtleness that can really make a full outfit, especially when words are the focus of the outfit. Adding many small accessories can make a statement in itself. 

#ootd:

 Black Jeans: Torrid

Graphic Shirt: Torrid

Chambray Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Crown Vintage from DSW

Necklace: Coordinate Bar Necklace

Earring and Necklace Set: Torrid

Monogrammed Clutch: Marley Lilly

Sunglasses: Aldo Accessories 

*bonus Lipstick: Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Blackberry Sorbet

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

FALL

I am falls biggest fan. It's the best season. The weather is cool and comfortable, the colors are vibrant and playful, and my hair wears better. Honestly. Humidity makes my curls turn into a ball of frizz, and I'm so blessed when it goes away.

Basically fall allows for me to use the most out of my closet. There are so many vests, sweaters, and ponchos just waiting to be used. I am so ready for it.

So to commemorate the last day of summer, I wore this little transition outfit, because once it's fall, I embrace it 100%

I loved this skirt from Gwynnie Bee and Chic City, and I also was sent a dress in the same pattern within my GB box. I didn't have an occasion for the dress, but was happy to have the opportunity to show the pattern with this school.

And of course, as you all know my pretty well...POCKETS.

So I threw the maroon shirt on to not being as cliche as I usually am with my white shirt on top, some strappy wedges and a nice pop of color with my Kendra Scott earrings and Torrid bracelet. 

This skirt allowed for so many different combinations of statement pieces, but I settled on the teal earrings and bracelets to add another color to the outfit. I think it worked well. 

#ootd:

Shirt: Old Navy Boyfriend Shirt

Skirt: City Chic from Gwynnie Bee

Shoes: Steve Madden from DSW

Bracelet: Torrid accessories

Earrings: Kendra Scott

Enjoy the beginning of fall!

xoxo

Wedding Season

Summer Weddings are perfect for me. It gives me a nice break from the summer work, and I have more flexibility with time-off. This summer, I felt like I was going to a wedding every weekend...but really only two...and one more at the beginning of September so it sort of balances out. I have a friend who has gone to 8 weddings this summer. EIGHT. At that point I would start saying no unless I was IN the wedding.

But I had some lovely friends get married, so I need to share the fantastic outfits that I planned around the events. Things about summer weddings: THEY ARE HOT. Things to plan for: 

1. Sweat 

2. More sweat

3. Sweaty dancing

4. Hot single groomsmen

So of the things to plan for I need to look hot without looking hot, you catch what I'm saying? So colors and patterns that don't show sweat are perfect. Now you've seen this dress before, but pair it with some Lavendar Kendra's and you've got a great wedding outfit.

 

But can you believe how beautiful this bride is?!? Like literally flawless. 

*Not pictured: our beers we made people hold so they would not judge us in this picture

And the groom isn't so bad looking himself. You might recognize these lovely newlyweds as the people who showed me around Europe. Yeah. They are the best. And their wedding? I mean, I don't know if another wedding could ever top that one. It was amazing and got to celebrate with old friends and new. It was fun to be Anicka again to such wonderful people. 

And I caught the bouquet so....who's trying to wife me now?

But alas, it wasn't the only wedding of the summer! Another one I went to back in my hometown was a beautiful reunion of myself and some really great people. I was planning on wearing the same dress above, but the weddings were way to close to each other. I brought some options, but I wasn't really feeling anything.

Luckily, my mother took me surprise shopping that morning and I found this dress on sale! It was a perfect fit, and I got the most amount of compliments.

AND I was lucky enough to have two dates to the same wedding--Best Man and the Cantor...how did I get so lucky?

Again, another comfortable colorful dress that allowed for a good night of dancing, drinks, and deleted snapchat stories.

I love summer weddings, but they definitely get hot. Celebrating the love of some great friends is honestly one of my favorite things (even as a bitter single woman). I also love the opportunity to own the dance floor and work a room, what better place than a wedding?

Cheers to Love!



Dress 1:
Dress: Adrianna Papell Pink Floral Navy Dress - Purchased from Gwynnie Bee
Earrings: Kendra Scott - Carla Earrings in Amethyst

Dress 2:
Dress: Talbots
Earrings: From my mother!
Shoes: Torrid Sandals

Swim Season

Listen, swim season for big girls can be one of the most terrifying things in the world. You have mixed messages all over the media and even in the curvy community. Do you wear a one piece? Tankini? At what size should a bikini not be worn? Who dictates that? 

It's a lot. I used to be a believer that I would never wear a two piece that showed any part of my stomach or back. I'm not sure at what point I decided to say screw it, but I know that this suit has been sitting in my drawers for over a year.

A YEAR. It took a year for me to gain the courage to wear this. It's a super cute suit, and it fits, but I still had to Snapchat my best friend for approval about 3 times.

But it was 4th of July weekend. I'd be surrounded by friends. And after all, isn't confidence key? Well the inner turmoil was quickly dispersed by a few flabongos...and I just lived my life.

I had fun. and I went back two days later in another two piece that showed my stomach. My stretch marks. My gall bladder scar, and I still had fun. I didn't care what others thought, so I will continue to wear these suits because life is too short to try and hide your flaws. Embrace them. 

U-S-A for the win.

Floral Swimsuit: Forever 21+

Black and White Cheetah Print Suit: Target

Sunglasses: Aldo Accessories

Donut Floatie: Target

Twirling in Tulle

"...I twirl on my haters" -Beyoncé

Channeling my Sasha Fierce in this outfit and I am feeling so confident.

This tulle skirt is another rented item from Gwynnie Bee, and while it's a little big, I am pretty obsessed with it. I think everyone needs a tulle skirt. It's like an adult tutu and I am here for it. 

I see no difference. (yes, that is little me on the left)

I spent the whole day twirling and posing as if I was a model, but thats how the skirt made me feel! I'm very tempted to keep this rented item, but maybe a size smaller on the skirt to have some more structure around the waist.

#ootd:

Skirt: Kiyonna Twirling Skirt in Peach (from Gwynnie Bee)

Shirt: Tunic from Old Navy (one of my favorite shirts, I wear it all the time)

Shoes: Payless Wedges (that I always wear but I will wear them until they break in half)

Necklace: I can't even remember where I got it, but it's been at least 4 years since I've worn it. Glad it worked for this outfit!