fashion friday: trends for Spring 2014

I don’t know about all of you, but I am BEYOND READY for Spring weather. The bright colors, bare toes, flowers & sunshine . . . I need it in my life, as well as, the fashion trends that are coming with it. Last spring we saw lots of cutouts, lace and stripes. This year, it’s even better!

Below is what you and your wallet can look forward to in Spring 2014 —

• PRETTY PASTELS – This is by far my favorite. Pastels are so complimentary to anyone’s skin tone and also give a nice touch of purity to any outfit.
• WIDE-LEG TROUSERS – Bell bottoms making a comeback?! Close. This spring you can look forward to chic wide-legged trousers in linen and prints to wisp you away.
• TEA-LENGTH SKIRTS – Oh, I just adore!! Tea-length skirts are longer skirts that can be paired with a crop top or tucked-in blouse. Twirl away ladies!!
• CROPPED & BOMBER JACKETS – Look for cropped & collarless jackets to hit the stores soon. They will also have lots of prints to choose from. Also, the infamous bomber jacket will be making the scene. Pair either of these jackets with a nice pair of shorts or capris and call it a day.
• GLADIATORS – I think gladiator sandals will always be trending. Many runway models have been paired with these. Especially, knee-high gladiators.

Spring 2014 is going to be one for the books. You mean I get to wear pastels & gladiators?! I’m already super anxious!

Get your pocketbooks ready ladies & happy Spring shopping!

P.S. – I think tax-refunds come out this time of year for a reason. Go reward yourself for all of your hard work!!

2013 was beyond good to me

I cannot believe that tomorrow starts 2014. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the New Year hype. It’s a fresh start . . . a chance to set new goals & become a better you.

2013 was beyond good to me. I set three main goals when going into this year: 1) to be loved & love others, 2) to be successful and 3) to become a better me. For the first time ever, I am proud of where I am.

In 2013, I wanted to be loved and to love others. In the past, I hadn’t had the best of luck when it came to guys. I’ve dated all the crazies and selfish men you could think of, but I finally found my prince. He has been my best friend for over five years now and under my nose the entire time. Oh and the first guy my parents actually LOVE! I’ve never had someone truly love me, love my family and want to be involved in my dreams and aspirations. I could not be happier when it comes to this. With that, we moved in together, traveled here and there and got a precious puppy. Needless to say, life is good in the love department.

In 2013, I wanted to be successful. This meant graduating college with my B.A. in Public Relations, as well as, finding a job in my field. God sure did bless me this year. I graduated, landed a job in nonprofit PR a month later and also have had the most successful fundraising experience ever seen at my job. I went from a college student trying to pay the bills to a PR professional with my name in the paper. It still feels like a dream.

In 2013, I wanted to become a better me. After leaving a grocery store job I had been at for five years and landing a career, it was time to let go of the negativity around me, close doors and welcome new opportunities. I was given lots of support with all of my successes, but also much negativity when I started going places. Many so-called “friends” of mine were purely an illusion. I cut many ties with many people and now lead a very positive life. I am a better me because of it.

Overall, this past year has taught me what is important in life. It’s surely not how many friends I have or how much money I make, but instead it is what will further me and my dreams and the love of my family and close friends. Because of them, all of my goals were achieved in 2013.

I look forward to 2014. I want to travel, continue to work and dream my ass off and hopefully open a new chapter in my life. I thank God for all of the opportunities he has put in front of me, as well as, all of the obstacles. I am me because of Him.

Happy New Year dolls! Let’s make 2014 our best yet!