Hungry

I'm going to be completely honest

With you guys. I've been on this new found high lately. I am truly a dreamer. That's all my thoughts consists of, my aspirations have taken over my consciousness and I am hungry for success. We all know gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins but in this case I plan to eat and eat until I can't eat anymore; and even then I will slowly chew each bite carefully as I endulge in this buffet of success. I will sit at the table of triumph rubbing my belly as I look over all of the plates I have devoured. 

I don't think we understand the mere truth that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. Many of us are dreamers with no action, dreamers who try a couple of times but it gets too hard and we give up. Dreamers who get distracted in comparing ourselfs to the next person. Dreamers who are more concerned about our neighbors grass being greener than ours. Don't you think it's time for us to take a step back and reconfigure our mindsets? We are extraordinary beyond measures but all of our greatness is wasted by having a mindset of mediocrity. 

Stop telling yourself you can't and start saying you will. Many of us blame other people for not reaching our goals when in reality no one was stopping you but you. We are so busy worrying and thinking about what may not happen that we create our own self fulfilling prophecy. 

WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF IS WHAT YOU BELIEVE. 

Your thoughts are powerful. Aren't you tired of tearing yourself down. How about you start building yourself up. We get in our own way majority of the times. Make  excuses for ourselfs when we don't reach our full potential. Those excuses are just pacifiars that hush our screaming consciousness. It's so much easier feeding our thoughts these lies, so much easier to blame the next person for our own shortcomings, right? When you start to change your mindset you know that there isn't any devil in hell that can keep you from claiming what's yours.  Okay, you've fallen ten times. 

SO WHAT

This will just be your eleventh time getting back up again and if you get knock down again you'll get right back up. The harder you go the harder it gets. Success is a uphill battle and many of us wanna lesson our load as we travel. Our heavy bags we load on our backs are filled with lessons. 

RESILENCY is what seperates a dreamer from a doer. 

FAITHFULLNESS is what seperates a dreamer from a doer. 

HARDWORK is what seperates a dreamer from a doer.

 I guess what I'm trying to say is.......

GET SHIT DONE 

MAKE SHIT HAPPEN 

DO NOT STOP

Ask yourself this, am I a doer or merely a dreamer who's day dreams have turned into slumber?

With love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

Isn't This What You've Been Waiting For?

Now before I get into anything I would first like to apologize for my mini leave of absence. I can not believe that this is my first blog of the new year!! Sheeesh it's the 24th of January. This year feels like it's flying by already. I can honestly say that this year has started off AMAZING! Im beginning to see the seeds that I have planted begin to sprout. New opportunities are blossoming and everything has been working in my favor. 

Im ecstatic about new beginnings but with everything happening so fast there's this little voice constantly asking myself if I am capable of really doing this. 

Isn't it so funny how we can strive to do something and once that opportunity presents itself we all of a sudden have doubts. The pressure of feeling good enough begins to weigh on us and now all of those precious seeds we've planted are now going to waste because of our lack of confidence. We first question, "Where are the fruits of our labor?", and once they begin to grow and we can physically see them we are startled by doubt. Startled at the amount of crops that have grown. We question if we are even ready to begin plucking and pulling our crops. How can we work so hard in life being a farmer working towards our goals and aspirations, constantly plowing, sewing seeds, and plucking weeds to ensure the prosperity of our harvest; But when the harvest comes we are scared to take what we've worked so hard on to the market for sell? Scared to set up our own table to display our crops for others to see. 

 

This is what you've been working at, patiently waiting for your moment and it's here. Why wouldn't you take that chance? Do we have so little faith in our own crops? Are our crops not good enough to be sold at the market? It would be so silly of you to have spent all of this time on something you've never intended to sale. All of the late nights, early mornings, mini melt downs, and frustrations are all in vain now. You worked so hard on a master piece you will never display. It'll just be a hidden treasure no one will encounter and you'll be left with the "I wonder what would have happen thoughts?". 

See here's the thing, we can work so hard at something and want something so bad and allow doubts and fears to bind us in a stage of stagnancy. We never fully act on our gifts because we are too worried about what may or may not happen. We have little time to entertain those thoughts of doubt. Excuse me, let me correct myself, WE HAVE NO TIME TO ENTERTAIN THOSE THOUGHTS OF DOUBT. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. Honestly there's no such thing as failure. We have to get to the point where we actually believe failure is NOT an option and believe that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. Hell, if it takes you telling yourself this everyday, a couple of times a day, or even every dang hour do what's necessary to get that embedded in your head. 

Now I'm not saying that I don't struggle with this as well. I have to remind myself constantly that I am capable of accomplishing any and everything I put my mind to. Writing these blogs seems to keep me on track. No longer will I waste the time I've used to plant and sew these seeds into my garden of dreams, to watch them grow and not fully seize the opportunity. Im taking my harvest to

the market I hope to see you there!! 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra

Miss Foxy Roxy

Today on Trendsetters Thursdays I have the absolute pleasure of featuring Bianca. I've been following Miss Bianca for quite some time now and I can honestly say her style is dope! It is such a breath of fresh air to see someone put their own little twist to things. Check out her interview below! 

    Tell us a little about yourself, who are you and what would you like us to know?

Hi! I’m Bianca aka Roxy, senior biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering major.  VP of Love-Grace Movement, which is an organization dedicated to the prevention of human trafficking. An active sorority member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Award winning researcher. 

     What is your personal definition of fashion? Do you believe that there is a difference between being fashionable and having style?

 Most definitely! Style is eternal, something that comes to you as an outstanding individual. Style is conveyed through not just your clothing but the way you carry yourself, you wear the clothes, they don’t wear you. Someone who is fashionable is just a trend chaser, waiting for the next report on “what’s hot this season.’’ People who have true style never let the season dictate their wardrobe.

What are three words you would use to describe your sense of style?

Glamour, Urban, Girly

What is it that you love most about fashion?

 I can wake up one morning and feel totally bad ass! Let’s pull of the Moto jacket and thigh high boots! I can wake up one morning and feel totally afro-centric and fabulous. Let’s pull out my African head wrap and a fur coat. Fashion is so unpredictable just like my spirit.

What are some of your favorite trends that are trending this season? What are some of your must haves for this season?

 I love my moto jacket, thigh high boots, and the whole shirt dress fad.

What is your definition of a statement piece? What are some statement pieces that you own?

Raising the ordinary to the extraordinary in a simple or minimal outfit. For example: I wore all denim and gold strappy single sole sandals, minimal right? I needed more so I threw on some big hoops and a Generals Hat lol!

What are two things in your wardrobe that you absolutely adore and why?

My denim shirt and my black and white striped tee. There are so many possibilities with these tops. You can dress them up or down. You can pair them with a tulle skirt or jeans and leggings; two basic staples in my wardrobe.

What are your thoughts on thrifting? Is it a yay or nay?

Yay! If there’s one thing I love it’s gently worn vintage clothes LOL! 

 If you could have an endless supply of anything what would it be?

  Chipotle, chipotle is life.

       When did you first fall in love with fashion?

         When I first came to college. Before college I was just a trend follower, I wanted to wear what everyone else was wearing but put a different spin on it. However, when I got to college I really started coming into my own and developing my own personal style. I wanted to be a really ambitious and gorgeous woman, so I started styling myself like one.

         Are you big on accessorizing?

Absolutely, I think accessories are what make or break an outfit.

What are some of your favorite places to shop and why?

Dorothy Perkins: Everything is so glamorous and girly and shimmery just like my style. Plus they are moderately priced and cater to the curvier crowd of women.

Value Village: I always find thrifting treasures here.

Would you consider yourself to be a Frugal Fashionista?

Yes, being a college student I have to be. Building supplies aren’t cheap!

Tell us a little about this outfit 

I’ve always loved the glamour that a fur coat could bring to an outfit. Whether it be leggings and combat boots a fur can glam anything up. I also fancy the idea of mixing glamour with a dash of urban culture. I chose the Ghanaian head wrap, leather skirt, and big hoops to show case that you can mix urban and cultural pieces and still be quite feminine. No girly girl is complete without tights and heels. J

What is one thing you would like to be remembered for?

 My smile. People say I smile A LOT! Smiling lets the world know that you have not been beaten and you have not been destroyed. Smiling is a middle finger to your critics.

What makes your style sense stand out from the rest?

 My confidence. Confidence is always the key if you want to stand out.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

 Happy.

If you want to see more of this trendsetting beauty follow her on her social media accounts. 

 Instagram

www.Instagram.com/RoxysGotMoxy

Snapchat 

Roxys-GotMoxy

Dear TwentyTwo

As many of you know I just recently turned twenty three. I was posed a great question by one of my sorority sisters,"What would you tell your twenty two year old self now that you're twenty three?" Honestly, that question left me scratching my head.  I told her that I would blog my response. Now two weeks have past and I have yet to answer it. I mean I knew what I wanted to say but I was a little on the fence about sharing it aloud. But I have vowed to always be transparent with you guys so here goes nothing................................................................................

Dear Twenty Two,

My my my my my how things have changed. I would first like to say you have done an amazing job with keeping things together. I didn't give you much credit before but now that I am twenty three and I look back over the things that you have endured you are much stronger than you think. I mean you freaking up and moved to a complete new city. It has been such a joy to see you blossom into this new found queendom. Moving through life at the beat of your own drum. Carrie your drive is admirable. Your ability to be resilient,ability to adjust to changes, and most of all your ability to love again regardless of being hurt. Never allow past situations to hardened your heart. Choose to open up and be vulnerable. True love lies in vulnerability. You are one smart cookie and you're wittiness will be appreciated. You should vow to never put yourself in situations that compromise your beliefs, knock yourself down to build somebody else up, and most of all take off that gorgeous bejeweled crown. You will forever be a daughter of the King who sits most high. You know and understand your true worth. Carrie don't ever market yourself at a lower price because you are worth far more than rubies. I know at times  you didn't make the best decisions but never beat yourself up about it because at one point in time it was exactly what you wanted. Every decision has a consequence but  within that consequence  is a precious lesson. I know  you feel like you've been sitting in this class called life and you wish the teacher (God) could find a way to teach you the same lesson but in a different test format, but these things are necessary to prune you into the woman that you are called to be. I mean how can you be this God fearing woman, praying woman, giving woman, if you never submitted to His will, gone through trials where you had no choice but to call on His name, or experience what it was like to be without. Everything that you have experienced has a purpose. Despite the enemy telling you one thing you have a purpose in this world. You are purposeful. You are worthy of love. You are extraordinary. You are amazing. You are smart and most of all you are loved. Someone loved you so much that He died for you and his name is Jesus! So don't get so caught up in daily life that you forget to be thankful for what you have. I know you may feel like you should be further along but you are right on time. Miracles are happening, blessings are coming, and you will one day live in surplus. So many blessings will be bestowed upon you that you wont even have room enough to receive it. . Continue to be thankful for the yeses but most of all the no's. Remember what is for you will always be for you and it will never pass you. You're doing just fine, relax, enjoy this ride called life!

Love Always,
<3 Twenty Three

Sin

I know everyone is reading the tittle looking a little confused like sin, why would she name the post that? At this very moment my favorite lipstick this fall hands down has got to be Sin by MAC. Last week I did a little browsing at the MAC store with one of my sorority sisters and I immediately fell in love not to mention it went perfectly with my outfit. 

It's almost like a bruised redish cranberry color. I also lined my lips with MAC's Night Moth liner although this lip color still looks amazing by itself with no liner. 

Okay, let me get off of the subject of my lipstick and dive right into my outfit of the day! Now I've always been one to fall in love with celebrity outfits and I find inspiration in some of the things they wear. One of my favorite celebrities that I adore has to be Kim Kardashian hands down. Now many folks may have their own opinion about Kim but let me be the one to say HUNNY IS BAD!! Now I don't say that lightly I mean it.

Say what you want Mrs.West has style for days and if I could get a piece of her closet I would be more than satisfied. 

Now I do follow Kim Karsdashian and I saw a picture of her turning a dress j to a jacket and she inspired me to do the exact same thing. 

Kim turned her Margiela dress into a jacket simply by wearing it open. Now how cute is that!!  I'm all one for creating new looks out of things that you already have in your closet. After seeing that picture I immediately thought of the perfect dress I could do the exact same thing with. 

This thrifted dress cost me less than five bucks. The gold details are to die for and it has a plaid print. Plaid is definitely in this fall. I decided to pair it with a simple long sleeve target sweater, a black skater skirt, gold wedge boots that have gold trimmings, and tights. 

I tied my entire outfit together with this black and creme Bestsey Johnson purse that I purchased at TJ Maxx. 

Everything about my outfit screamed cute, comfy, and chic!! I'm so looking forward to finding more thrifted items so I can share with you guys. Until then stay fabulous! 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

Center Point

I'm on a mission to get back to the center of it all. Life has a funny way of throwing things at you. As you attempt to catch every object your hands become so full that you end up dropping something if not everything. It's so easy to become distracted. Hell I can honestly say that I've allowed distractions to block my ultimate vision. I don't know about you all but I can tell when things are not right. I feel a sense of unbalance. 

It's not a good feeling when you are in a mental state of Vertigo. Vertigo is a medical condition where the patient experiences a whirling or spinning movement. It is a subtype of dizziness where they have the perception of movement.  Just think about it, you're standing still in confusion as your world spins constantly. The choas causes you to become dizzy and confused not knowing what your next move should be. You frantically search for options as you try to maintain everything while trying to catch what is being thrown your way.  

I totally understand the feeling of hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and many other things. I've had my share of sleepless nights and tears. I told myself I will not become a victim to the ways of life. Yeah things may be crazy and chaotic but that's only temporary. 

Through all of the chaos I felt a sense of calmness. I've spent moments in my life in a vertigo mental state. That is no way to live! You get less things accomplished  and you begin to loose yourself. How can you possibly move forward when you are stuck behind debris from your storms?  You become so overwhelmed that you bury yourself in your burdens. You focus so much on what is happening around you you begin to loose focus. You stray further and further away from your central focus point. 

We all should practice on being self aware. We should be so in tune with ourselves that we notice an imbalance and get back to the center of things. It's okay to have your moments but we shouldn't stay there long. Life will always be crazy and unpredictable but we all have the power to make positive strides in moving forward. Find your central focal point and reside there. The storm you're experiencing is only temporary. Don't focus so much on the rain that you forget about the beautiful rainbow you're promised afterwards. 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

Snazzy Saturday's

Now I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who enjoys having a nice dinner with the girls. Good food and good conversation. Anything from the shade of lipstick someone is wearing to the cute guy sitting across the room. I live for moments like this! The older I've gotten I decided to ditch the turn up scene for a nice dinner and drinks. This past Saturday I was invited to a birthday dinner by one of my sorors. We went to a restaurant called Strip located in Atlantic Station. As always I didn't know what to wear. I swear I feel like my closet is completely empty when it comes to clothing. To the average eye it may look as if I have a lot but to me I only see two or three hangers. YES!! I know I'm super dramatic but I can't help myself. It seems like the more I shop the more I want. Don't blame me blame the designers. Why must they make so many cute clothes? 

I didn't know what to wear at first so I had to have mini girl talk threw text before getting dressed. First I had to find out how dressed up my friend was getting. In the invite text she told me she was getting really cute. So I had to figure out just how dressed up she was getting. I know I know you're probably thinking to yourself wow it's never that serious. But in reality IT IS THAT SERIOUS!! You NEVER want to be the girl who shows up underdressed. That is the WORST! For those of you who may not know, there are truly levels to this! Once I had my pow wow through texts and rummaged through my "empty" closet I finally mustered up an outfit that would be fitting. 

I didn't want to do too much so I opted for a simple black dress, some wedges, and spiked jewlery. But once heading out the door I soon realized it was a little brisk outside so I quickly ran back in and grabbed the first blazer I saw hanging in my closet. 

This just goes to show you how something so simple as a printed blazer can add a different twist to an outfit. I didn't think to wear this at first but once I put it on my outfit felt complete. 

This blazer is one of my favorite blazers. It always adds a nice little Umph to any outfit. Another thing I absolutely love most about it is the fact that it was thrifted for dirt cheap and you won't see this hanging up in any retail store. This is what I would call a statement piece. I can not stress enough how important it is to own a couple of statements pieces in your wardrobe. Nothing beats staple pieces especially thrifted statement pieces. THERE'S NOTHING IN THIS WORLD LIKE A NICE VINTAGE STATEMENT PIECE FROM THE THRIFT STORE!! 

I swear last night I was giving face!! *begins laughing* We all have those moments. Every girl has that I DID THAT moment, I don't think it's just me.....or is it? *awkward pause* Any who let me give you the run down on this fit of mines.

Outfit Details

• All black

Skater dress Forever 21 under $15  

• Multi colored blazer local thrift store $7.99 also came with matching shorts 

• Super comfy black peep toe wedges Target $20

• Spiked necklace Burlington Coat Factory $8.99

• Rose gold watch Charlotte Russe $12.99

• Nude Steve Madden purse TJ Maxx $39.99 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra