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 

 

Me Myself & I

I would have never thought I would get to a point where I enjoy spending time with myself. As I sit here in Atlantic Station enjoying the weather I just sit in amazement of how far I've come. I'm making great strides and I can honestly say things are starting to come together. I've been working hard creating a brand for myself, I'm finally okay with not knowing everything, I'm open to learning new things, and as far as my love life goes....lets just say I've been smiling a lot more lately. Being able to pause and take things in I am able to reflect on everything. 

 I realized that self fulfillment is one of the greatest things we can accomplish. When was the last time you did something that made you happy? Something that brought you great joy.  We should all aim to please ourselves more than we please others. It's so easy to become engulf with wanting to please other people that we loose sight in what we want. It's okay to take into consideration what others may think but their opinion should never alter your final decision. Especially when you feel that you are doing what's best for you. Now don't get me wrong, I am a firm believer that wisdom is far better than experience. People try to tell you what they believe is best for you to prevent heart ache. I completely understand that reasoning. I'm referring to the people who try to talk you out of your dreams and aspirations. Folks who asks so many questions. 

"Well how are you gonna do this?"

"Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"You are some kind of crazy to want to do that!" 

Become confident in saying "You may not understand and it's okay for you not to, just trust I know what's best for me at the moment". I've gotten to the place where I am completely okay with telling someone "It's not for you to figure out, that's my job." DO NOT ever let those nay sayers deter you away from those big ideas that you have. Certain circumstances may slow you down a little. Things may not work out as planned but those are just miniature speed bumps, but they should never cause you to stop. Life has its detours that's what makes it so interesting. Those detours may take you places you've never been before. Show you some scenery you've never seen before. Introduce you to some things you would have never thought of. 

Yeah those detours may be a longer route but enjoy the ride. We all have a strong dislike for the person in the car constantly asking "Are we there yet?"  So why must you do the same thing? Embrace those minature speed bumps and detours, it just gives you longer to plan out your next big "THING". Whatever that may be! Keep constantly working at those goals and aspirations. One day you'll look back and say "Damn I made it." 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra

Fall in Love With Autumn

What's not to love about this AMAZING season? The weather is great and the sun is still shining. I was super excited to pull out one of my favorite statement pieces I thrifted a while ago. This butterfly printed pleated skirt has to be one of my FAVORITE pieces in my closet. It's super light weight and can be paired with many different things. Not to mention I paid less than three bucks for it so what's not to love about that!

I can honestly say, YES I was feeling myself that day. The weather was super nice and I felt pretty put together. I couldn't pass the mirror and not take a quick pic. I wanted to keep my outfit pretty simple so I paired it with a denim shirt which I also got from the community thrift store. I chose to put on a pair of cognac gladiator sandals to pull my look together. It's still pretty warm in Georgia so I wanted my little toes to get some sunshine. Plus my shoes matched perfectly with my cognac belt. 

I wanted to keep my accessories to a minimum. Simplicity is always key. I grabbed my Michael Kors tan and orange bag which is one of my "Go To Bags". I felt it was a good match, the orange really brought out the orange in my skirt. 

It's always good to pick a settle color in a print or pattern and find an accessory that matches perfectly. It helps the color pop! 

Outfit Details

• Community Thrift Store Denim Shirt

•  Community Thrift Store Butterfly Skirt 

• Target Cognac Gladiator Sandals 

• TJ Maxx Michael Kors Purse 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

Tantalizing Tuesday's

Chic,comfy, and casual outfits are my go to outfits when going out. Depending on the setting I love to look like I didn't put much thought into an outfit that it just so happen to come together....EFFORTLESSLY. 

Yesterday I celebrated one my sorority sister's birthday. We ate at Houtsons located in Buckhead, Atlanta. I didn't really know what to wear at first, I did know that I didn't want to look over dressed and definitely not underdressed. So I opted for a harem one piece all black jumpsuit. 

I paired it with my chunky nude sandals and a simple nude and black clutch. The heel of the shoes were snake skin and it matches perfectly with my clutch. I wanted to be really simple. Less is definitely more, a nice pair of pearl earrings, bracelet, and nude lips brought this outfit together. 

I will admit I love love love love almost seemingly obsessed with black. It's so chic and easy. Nothing beats an all black piece for a night time look. It's definitely my go to for a night outting. I plan on getting some key black pieces to add to my collection for the Fall. 

I'll definitely be letting you guys know what I find!! 

Outfit Details

• Forever 21 all black jumpsuit 

• Nude sandals TJ Maxx 

• Nude and black clutch Marshalls

With Love

<3 CarrieSierra 

I'm Focused Now

Man oh man how easy is it for us to get off of track. Life can become so complicated that we loose sight of what our initial plans were. We can become so anxious to want to do something that we move too fast. Moving out of turn taking a chance at something that doesn't put us where we need to be. I will admit  I am guilty of this. But that's where the importance of realignment comes into play. Having the ability to be self aware of everything that's going on and being able to get back on track. This is something that often times happen during your phase one. 

Humbled beginnings, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It took me some time to understand what that truly meant. It's not the humbled beginnings that are challenging it's facing the facts that everyone won't be there during those humbled beginnings. Everyone who you thought was a friend won't be a supporter. Today I read one of the realest things ever, "No support was all the support I NEEDED!" I told myself that I'll continue to do what is needed despite the lack of supporters. Besides those who may not support you are still onlookers. They may not say much but trust and believe they are watching.  

Just remember haters are just fans who couldn't get tickets to your show. Keep doing what you're doing, it'll pay off sooner or later. 

With Love 

<3 CarrieSierra

Inexpensively Chic

As everyone may know I am the queen of frugal. I love trying out new lipsticks and I am always picking up something from my local beauty supply or drug store. Here are a few of my favorite cheap lipsticks as well as my favorite ombre lips. Each of these lipsticks will be rocked this Fall so be on the look out!

All of these lipsticks were under six bucks

One thing that I have mastered has been the ombre lip. This trendy trend is something that I am COMPLETELY in love with. I receive a lot of complements about it and some people even believe some of the products I use to be MAC. Don't get me wrong I LOVE MAC but Mac isn't always friendly to my pockets, plus there's nothing like a good dupe. Dupe- a cheaper version of a high end product. 

Lip Number 1

In order from top to bottom left to right Swatch shows
Maison, Honeycrisp, and Dark Brown lip liner by NYX,

NYX Maison MLS14 $5.99

J Cat Beauty Honeycrisp FL107 $1.49

NYX Lip Pencil Dark Brown $2.99 

This neutral lip is one of my favorites and can be worn as an everyday look.

Lip Number 2 

You can always wear a lighter color in the fall paired with a darker lip liner

Instead of using a lip liner for this look I mixed two lipsticks.

You must first line your lips with the darker lipstick or pencil. Then you want to rub your lips together to smear any harsh lines. Next you want to fill in the rest of your lips with the second lipstick of your choice and smudge your lips together once again. You can add more lipstick until you get your desired look.

Picture 1&2 shows my lips lined

Picture 3 I added my second lipstick of my choice,

Picture 4 shows the finished product after smudging both lips together.

NYC 320 Mahogany $1.99
NYX LSS629 Power $3.99 

Lip Number 3

This look looks similar to lip number 2 but I used a lip liner instead and a pale pink lipstick.
Mac Lip Liner Vino $16.00
J Cat Beauty Lip Stick FL102 Mulberry $1.49

This is a perfect example of what I like to call a high low look. I paired my Mac lip liner with a cheaper beauty supply store lipstick.

Lip Number 4

Now this is one of my FAVORITES!! That's super evident I barely have any left, I must find this exact color soon.
NYX Bruised LSS555 $3.99

I Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVE this color. The deep rich intense purple is everything a girl needs in her collection for the Fall.

This can easily be worn as a day or night look. For the day I would just do a serious eyeliner, maybe a bold eyeliner, maybe a pinup style. Something along those lines. As for night I would definitely do a smokey eye. Contour my face a little bit and do a serious cheek.

Lip Number 5

Who wouldn't like chocolate after seeing this color?

Black Radiance 5117 $1.74

Lip Number 6

This Oxblood colored lipstick is to die for it matches my leather motor jacket perfectly.

Wet N Wild 918D Cherry Bomb $2.99

I would probably pair this with a dark lip liner to add a little more contrast to the color.This is one of those lipsticks that are perfectly fine without lip liners it is definitely up to the person. Cherry Bomb is one of those lip sticks I just throw on.  

 

Lip Number 7

This burnt orange is a must have in your fall collection. It matches the beautiful leaves perfectly. 

Wet N Wild 970 Purty Persimmon/Reflect Orange $2.99

NYX Dark Brown Lip Liner $2.99

These are just  couple of my favorite inexpensive lipsticks I own. Always remember fashionably chic doesn't have to break your pockets. 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

 

Must Haves for the New Season

Hello September!!! Hello cool weather, hello Fall!! I don't know about you all but Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Not solely because my birthday falls in this season but who wouldn't love Autumn. The gorgeous leaves change colors, the air is brisk, and the Fall nights are cool. Everything just feels so right. I'm super excited to pull out my long sleeves and began to transition some of my keys pieces into September. 

Here are some of my MUST haves for this season.

The Boot

Every girl needs a good pair of boots in her closet. Their's so many to choose from, you have riding boots, peep toes, wedges, the list is endless. What's not to love about about a nice pair of boots to throw on with some shorts, jeans, or a skirt. You can even get fancy and pair it with a pair of boot socks and knee highs. This is the perfect time to go out and get a pair, you can never have too many pairs of boots. They come in so many colors, I'll definitely be out and about looking to score me another pair.

The Leather Motor Jacket

I NEED MORE LEATHER JACKETS. Something about a motor jacket that's super cute. They can be rocked with pretty much anything. I don't know if I'm the only one who believes that but who cares. If you know me you know how I am and I will literally wear anything I want.Leather jackets can bring together a chic look or even add a sense of rocker chic.   

Plaid

        

Nothing like a nice print. I can honestly say that I'm totally obsessed with this plaid trend. I'm soooooooooo loving this lumberjack look. The three pieces pictured above are from Forever 21 and they're on my list of must haves. I can't wait to pair them with a leather jacket as pictured above and some cute ankle booties.

The Jean Jacket

This key piece will make it a piece of cake transitioning some of your summer pieces over to fall. You can take those cotton dresses preferably ones that are solid colors or printed and pair them with a jean jacket. I'm a huge fan of the denim on denim trend. I would pair this with a pair of skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans. To add more of a contrast I would make sure both denim washes are different. If you really want to step it up you can rock this jacket with a denim shirt and denim pants. Now that would be hot. Throw a plaid shirt wrapped around your waist and you've successfully completed what I like to refer to as the three C's.  

...Cute...Comfy...Casual...

Boyfriend Jeans

This has to be one of my all time favorite pieces in my closet. Nothing like a good pair of boyfriend jeans. They're super comfortable and they aid in pulling together a effortless outfit. These can be paired with over-sized sweaters, blazers, and simple graphic tees this Fall. Whether they're being paired with boots, sneakers, or heels you can NEVER go wrong with these. 

Dark Lipsticks 

What's sexier than a dark lip? This Fall it's all about dark lips. What better way to bring out those warm colors other than pairing it with a bold, dark, rich, intense lipstick. Featured above are three of my MUST

haves for this season.Featured above are Yung Repunxel, Taupe, and RiRi Woo by MAC.These are just three that I would love to add to my collection. 

These are just a few of my favorites for the Fall. The lists is endless, I could go on and on but I just thought I'd share some of must haves. If you have any must haves that wasn't featured please feel free to comment below. 

With Love,

<3 CarrieSierra 

A Snippet of Peace & Hope

Okay so I know I've been away for a minute and I do truly apologize for my absence. The break that I took was like none other though, it was really needed. I needed time to sit and just fully embrace all of my thoughts. I learned a while ago that the best company you can have is yourself. It's so funny how God works, during my time of separation from the blog life I was asked by one of my sorority sisters to read one of her books. 

Little did she know her book came just in time. 

Janae Werdlow became a member of the Illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated the Sigma Mu Chapter Spring 2013 at High Point University where she is now a proud alumna having graduated May 2014. She is the founder of Werdart and JWerd enterprises. Her website JWerd.com is launching soon in September. She dreams of creating a scholarship fund in the remembrance of her mom who passed away when she was only two years old. Her desire is for every one of her books to encourage and inspire. She specifically wrote "Surviving Teenage Battlewounds" to show we are all similar and have gone through the same things. She wants to be an example to all that shows that if she made it through so will you. 

Downloading the book I was uber excited to find that it was filled with different topics. As I flipped through the pages I soon found myself highlighting my favorite stanzas and pieces. I felt as if Janae some how read some of my journal and written these pieces just for me. It's so crazy how people in the world are so different but yet so similar. Just think of a quilt. It's sown together with different scraps, different prints, and textures but is sown together so beautifully. We all go through similar situations never knowing it. "Surviving Teenage Battlewounds", is filled with peace and love laying upon each page. It's like a snippet of hope shinning at the end of the very dark tunnel. This book touches on everything one can endure during those trying years of being a teenager even during those confusing young adult years. From love, heartbreak, fears,feeling a sense of emptiness, loniliess, happiness, joy, pain, etc. Anything you can think of Janae has written about it in this book. 

I have a few favorite pieces from Janae's book but there's one in particular that really spoke to me. One being called "Fear". Now those of you who keep up with my blog know this is a topic that I have tackled countless times. This is just something that constantly appears on the road to success. It's a little road block that finds its way in my path constantly. It wasn't until I read this piece that everything came full circle for me. 

"But when we take the forward march and courage to move on. In spite of our destiny, purpose and what we find in the lyrics of our own song It is then we can be great, in the midst of the storm" 

I spent so much time focusing on getting through the storm I never gave myself a chance to fully embrace the storm and be great. I must learn to fully embrace the storm and continue to push through. Where I am is NOT who I am because WHO I am is GREATER than WHERE I am. When you fully understand that concept you will began to dance in the rain. Strap up your rainboots and splash in the puddles during your storm. 

It was nice reading that last stanza because it gave me the little push I needed. The little nudge telling me to continue on my path. 

I would recommend reading "Surving Teenage Battle Wounds". It is a phenomenal book that's filled with encouraging words and comforting pieces. It's nice to read something and nod your head in agreeance the entire time. This book just proves that we are all similar. Janae is able to connect with us all by sharing her own personal experiences through poetry. I definitely give this book a thumbs up!!! Janae's book can be found on Amazon. You can order the hard copy or it can be downloaded on Kindle. This is definitely something you should have in your collection. 

That Aaaaah Haaaa Moment

It's soooo crazy in life how you can become super distracted and caught up with unnecessary things. Negative thoughts, doubt, anxiety, and foolishness. I haven't blogged in a little over month, I easily became distracted by all of these things and I used my moving as an excuse as to why I haven't been doing what I love.

 Telling everyone 

"O you know I've been getting adjusted to Atlanta"

"I'll blog when I get a chance" 

"I've been so focused on other things I'll try to do it tonight" 

These were just excuses that were being given. As soon as I figured out what I really wanted do in life this spirit of procrastination started to creep up. Isn't it funny that procrastination and fear came knocking at my door as soon as I figured out my calling. 

As if I was getting ready to leave my house packing a bag full of dreams and aspirations embarking on this blissful journey. As I opened my door fear and procrastination stood right in my doorway blocking me from the road I should be taking. Now I can do one of two things. I can allow this fear and procrastination to prevent me from getting there. Go back upstairs and unpacks all of my dreams and aspirations, and just gaze out my window at the path I should be taking; Or I can bust right through fear and procrastination holding tightly to my dreams and aspirations. 

One thing I learned about fear is that it's something you gotta bust through. Fear is something that is so micro that we give too much power to. You remember as a little kid those little expandable toys that would grow if you sat it in water. Fear is similar to that, it's something that starts off so micro and expands as our thoughts start to feed it. The doubts we have is the water that's expanding fear. Fear doesn't just come by itself, it brings some friends along. Doubt, Insecurities and Procrastination.  Don't allow these things to fill your mind. Never allow these things to expand because when you do you'll never have any space for those dreams of yours. Dreams, Aspirations, Hope, Love, and Faith can not reside in the same space as fear.

 "For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power love and a sound mind" 

2 Timothy 1:7

Now I can honestly say that I've fed this monster called fear too long and I've decided TODAY that I will no longer be a slave to it. It's soooooo much in life that I have to accomplish, not just for me but for the girl out there who is struggling to know her worth. It's like a light bulb finally went off in my head and I  realized what I am called to do and it all started off with this blog. Many of you know that this was solely suppose to be about fashion but some how along the way I started to blog about life and everyday things I'm faced with. Different things that were placed on my heart that I felt the need to share. After hearing such positive feed back, some even calling me inspirational I began to think, "Hmmmm I may be on to something here!" 

As time went on I really started to ask God to show me what I'm suppose to do. In this time in the back of my mind I was hoping He wouldn't show me something along the lines of me not working in fashion, but that was me wanting to live for myself and not for Him. Through maturity and understanding I mustered up enough courage to let go of what I wanted and grab onto what He has for me. Over time things started to come full circle and I realized that this dream God placed in my heart directly correlates to what He has for me. Closely examining my life, trials, and tribulations I changed my way of thinking. Everything that I've been through internally wasn't for me but for someone else. 

Struggling with identity crisis,insecuruties, self doubts, and many other things was for Him to get the glory and I share my story with the next person. I want to inspire other people, let them know that they are loved, and that they are who they are suppose to be and what better way to do that than through something I love FASHION. 

I don't want to just be a stylist but a inspiration. Well known blogger and image consultant speaking self love, self esteem, and increasing self worth one hanger at a time!!!! 

I will do so while I share this transparency tea with you all!! Let's all vow to be Great today!! Satan is silly and you've already won. he is no match against MY GOD I got victory and so do you so let's walk in it!! 

With love,

<3 CarrieSierra