Building My Work Wardrobe : Basics

Hey, ya'll well I'm headed back to work in a few days! That means Summer Vacation will officially be over (Alexa play Mariah Carey You Will Always Be My Baby)! Yes, I'm a little sad but I'm looking forward to a brand new school year and what's to come. With that being said let's talk fashion and what I'll be wearing to work.


Over the school year, some of my items go through wear and tear. Some items I can no longer fit or just need to be found in my closet.  Over the past two weeks, I've been slowly but surely re-building my wardrobe for work. I'm not talking about purchasing a whole new wardrobe but slowly building a foundation so I can add pieces throughout the school year each season. So today I'm sharing tips on how I re-build my wardrobe for a new school year.

1. Take An Inventory
This time I did things a little different, I knew exactly what I needed when I shopped for a few things. But after picking up a few things I was able to clean out my closet and throw away things I didn't need. By that time I was able to check and see what I already have and I still need to complete the basics of my wardrobe.


2. Create A Checklist

Now that I've taken and Inventory of what I have  I'm able to create a checklist of what I still need. I would hate to go shopping and purchase items that I already have in my closet.


3. Purchase Basics
When I say basics I mean items that I can pair with different items throughout the school.  No matter the season I want to be able to create different looks with each item for example.

Basics In My Closet

4. Where Do I Shop?

When I'm shopping  I tend to find plenty of good deals. I head straight to the clearance rack and from there I find so many pieces. then I will find my way to the full priced rack.  Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for my clothes.

• TjMaxx
• Marshalls
• Target
• Wal-Mart
• Belk
• Lane Bryant
• Cato 
• JcPenny

The Ultimate Stretch With Lane Bryant

Hey, ya'll! Today I'm sharing details on Lane Bryant's Latest denim release.  I'm always on the hunt to add a new pair of jeans to my wardrobe. When I'm looking for jeans I'm looking for comfort, style, movement and how my booty looks in them.  I got a chance to try out Lane Bryant's latest denim Ultimate Stretch Denim Release.

Check Out My Pick Here

Watch My Full Review On My IGTV Channel HERE

When I first tried these jeans on I looked in the mirror and said "Woah". I did the 360 turn, checked myself out in the jeans and I love it.  Like I said I've purchased Lane Bryant Denim before but they don't fit like these jeans.  I'm able to move around in them and still feel comfortable.  The ultimate stretch hugged my curves in all the right place and did I mention my booty looks amazing in them. The Ultimate Stretch Skinny comes in different styles, so you have some amazing choices to choose from. If you want to see a full review on these jeans head over to my IGTV Channel for more details. Thank you so much, Lane Bryant, for allowing me to give these jeans a go and I can't wait to style them really soon!

Lane Bryant Bra Edit

Hey, ya'll! Last night I shared some information about what I picked up from Lane Bryant while at work.  I also let some of you know that I would be sharing some of my picks from Lane Bryant's  Bra Collection. If you didn't know that Lane Bryant sold bras well now you do. From sizes B to a K cup and I'm glad I found my perfect fit. If you never purchased a bra from Lane Bryant make sure you go in to get measured because of each style cuts differently.  Yes, I know you're saying " Girl Lane Bryant is too expensive..." Yes but QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!  I'd rather spend money on a good and supportive bra over one that doesn't have my girls in the right place.  I wear a 46 G and I find these bras to find me the best at Lane Bryant!





1. Balconette


I love this bra because for one it's very comfortable and supportive.  My girls look amazing in this bra and I don't have to worry about them spilling out.  This bra comes in two different styles:

Invisible Backsmoother Balconette 

This happens to a  favorite because of the back smoother. It's me and extra love in the back all together and smooths everything out.

Smooth Lightly Lined Balconette 

This style has the same features as the bra that  I mentioned up above but it doesn't have the same material as for back smoothing.

You'll receive medium coverage with this bra but you'll still be all together.

2. Full Coverage

About this bra, it's EVERYTHING! I love that this bra gives me the extra coverage and I can still keep it sexy.  The full coverage bra comes in different styles as well so here are my two go to's. 

  

Smooth Satin Full Coverage

Invisible Back Smoothing Full Coverage

3. Bralette

I don't like wearing bras to sleep BUT this bra gets a pass. These bralettes are perfect for sleep, lounging around the house, pairing under an outfit or even a quick run to the store.  I've tried many bralettes but they don't fit like these ones. The trick it to make sure you get your correct size or close to it. There are so many options to choose from. Being that I'm a 46 G I get the largest size in the Bralettes because they range from 14/17 to 26/28.

Shop Similar Bras ( Each link is an affiliate link, by clicking on each link with supporting me as a blogger)

Until Next Time,

SMAD-CON 2018 Recap

Hey, ya'll it's been a week since SMAD-CON has happened. I have officially got a chance to sit down and download all the information in a blog post. There was so much information given over those two days of attending the conference.


Day 1:

On Wednesday my boyfriend and  I checked into our room at the Hyatt House in Charleston, SC. This was the best decision I made and I'll tell you why if you keep on reading. But once we checked in we relaxed for a minute and I went to register and pick up my badge for the conference. That night they were having a meetup and Uptown Social across the street from the hotel.  So I headed there to meet up with my girls Telisha of The Fashionable Traveler, Angel of  Life of Angell and Narcisa of Socially Savy. Let me tell the whole night was nothing but laughs with these ladies. I feel a genuine connection with these ladies.  After chatting with it them for the night I headed to dinner with my love at Benny Ravello's and we got the biggest pizza. I asked my boyfriend if he wanted to get slices but he insisted on getting the whole pizza ( that we both at once slice from that night).

The next two days were filled with so much information. Between the two days, I attended three panels that really interested me.  Day 1 enjoyed listening to the Personal Branding Panel with Nicholas Cole, Freddy Rodriquez @blueperk,  and Anna Mathias @annacmathias Each person is in a different niche but the information that they shared was vital. Here's what  I got from this panel:

On social media :

• Tell stories
• Give people something they can relate to
• Build a relationship with your audience
• Keep going
• Don't do something that feels wrong
• Stay loyal to your brand
• Be honest with your audience when it comes to partnerships

Market Saturation

• Create new ideas
• Get out and off Instagram for inspiration
• Be Consistent

Overall people vibe with authenticity!

On Friday sadly the last day it was a late start due to the rain. When it rain it floods in Downtown, Charleston. If you ever want to visit Charleston be sure to look out for the rain because of it just maybe a flood and the city will shutdown! But once everyone arrived it was time to get the show on the road.

The first panel was Grow Followership and I was really intrigued by this topic. I love that SMAD-CON featured new speakers because some of these speakers I've never heard of. But they are really doing major things with their brand. But today's speakers were Lexie Lombard, Courtney Brand, @greeneyedsoul , Emily Ariel Byrski  @empirestyleofmind and Jacob Takos. I really enjoyed their panel discussion, I was so pumped after there panel but here's what I got from their discussion:

• Engage with your audience
• The importance of authenticity
• Engage in person and not just online

Grow Your Audience

• Create
• Consistent
• Content is a major key
• Create a theme
• play on words
• QUALITY over QUANTITY
• Don't use basic hashtags
• Be sure to research hashtags
• BE STRATEGIC

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!

Overall I really enjoyed SMAD-CON! From connecting with new people to eating lunch with some local girl bosses. I also tried another new restaurant HoM on King Street. My boyfriend and I had dinner there on Thursday night and It was so good that my persuaded my friends to try it for lunch on Friday. I highly recommend giving them a try and their Bacon Fat Wings! 

Add caption

Lauren @lalatayellis 

@linarosejewlery, @narcisam08, @futuremissfit,@afroscoiallife @thefashionabletraveler

Hillary @hillheady

I wish I could give you all a play by play of the days but you had to be there to experience it. I'm looking to get out and attend more conference similar to SMAD-CON. If you missed out this year be sure to look out for next year.

Until Next Time,

Monday Motivation | Overtime

Happy Monday! Listen ya'll I feel like I'm on the ball with Monday Motivation post.  But today's topic is a little personal but it's worth sharing. This topic came to mind when I was listening to music on Saturday Night while planning blog content. A certain song came on and it reminded me of a situation I went through my junior year of high school.



While growing up my parents would tell me to stay focused and not to get so caught up with friends when it comes to school. I struggled with my school work and had a hard time focusing and applying myself. But this certain year of high school finally caught up with me. I was two credits short of being a senior but I had in my mind well I'll just attend Summer School and it'll be fine. But honey my dad had other plans for me. He sat me down one night in May and told me " Ireana you AREN'T  going to summer school this time around." I was so shocked, he finished by saying " There is a lesson to be learned in this." Y'all I was so mad and just angry at him.  Let's be honest I was young and thought I knew everything last but not least who wouldn't be angry. I would have to graduate high school a year LATER!  Once I found out that I wasn't graduating on time I shared the news with some of my friends I grew up with. A statement that a classmate had made really made me think "Dang I thought you were smart, you look smart."  Deep inside of me, I was like well am I smart? I was so worried about what my "friends" may have to say but seeking validation was one of the many reasons that got me in the situation I was in. 

But I GOT OVER IT.....  I realized that there was a lesson heck, several lessons in this situation...
My dad was trying to teach me that you won't always get an easy ticket out. What you want won't always be handed to you.  You HAVE to do the work and apply yourself. That if you're so busy worrying and trying to keep up with the JONESES you lose sight of what really matters. That you're gonna have to put in OVERTIME to get what you want and really WIN! Ace Hood came out with a song  "Overtime" that went with my situation.    I kept reminding myself during those extra months of school that this would make me a better person, not a failure.  DELAY doesn't mean DENIAL!

Looking back on it I wouldn't change a thing. I was taught a valuable lesson that still sticks with me til this day. A story that I can share with my future children and even story to students at my school. I'm not ashamed by my story because it has made me the person who I am today...

"-"It's shame your negative actions will OVERSHADOW the positive ones. But you stayed in school and did it!! WOW God Bless you" !!#SMARTISSEXY!!-Tyrese"
 (Another quote that motivated me after graduating)

I've never shared this story with many of you but I thought it was the right time to do so. I want to also share that no matter what it looks like keep going. NO matter if you have to put in the overtime to get what you want and need.  The real way to find out if you want something is to be challenged.  Starting today I hope you don't see your setbacks as failures but as parts of your journey. That just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it's too late.

After walking across that stage I felt liberated! My dad hugged me after graduation and said,

                  " I'm so proud of you and I'm  glad you never gave up." - Daddy

  Daddy Thank You!

Happy Monday!
Until Next Time,