Fashion Archives – Page 2 of 3

Kimberly Goldson X Janie and Jack

***Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via my links I will compensated***

It’s not a big secret we are huge fans of the Harlem Fashion Row X Janie and Jack collaborations featuring Kim Goldson. The latest drop from our faves definitely did not disappoint. I know Janie and Jack is on the pricier side of the aisle, but totally worth it for several reasons:

Quality- Theses garments are well made. They’re designed for wear and tear; hopefully not too much tear. When the time comes, these pieces can be passed down to a younger sibling, cousin, or family friend; still in mint-condition.
Discounts- There’s a always sale going on, you just have to catch it. I rarely full price for anything.
Style- These pieces are expertly curated and designed. My Laila doesn’t get excited about too much, but she loved the pieces we received from the last two collections and that’s saying a lot for a 12 year old girl… #picky

Steps down from soapbox…

We needed to do a festive Fall look and we’re been long overdue for a Mommy & Me look. My sister-in-law Julie (photographed below) suggested we take my nephew Jaxxon to a local farm for some outdoor fun while visiting my mom in North Carolina. Boom two birds with one stone, festive fall look meets Mommy & Me awesomeness. We also took some pictures of Jaxxon and Julie. I love candid photos they tell the story and you don’t have to say a word; somebody’s a mama’s boy who has an affinity for Superman.

I know my Jaxx is a looker, but let’s get back to the reason we came, Laila and Andrea cuteness.

Kim Goldson- Janie and Jack Harlem Fashion

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Sweater Weather Part 2

It’s sweater weather and I’m on a real tear when it comes to these cardigans. I’m kinda obessesed. This edition of sweater weather features another Hanifa staple, the Miya cardigan dress. This dress is so versatile, it can be worn as dress or double as outerwear. It comes in a variety of colors, so there’s literally something for everyone. The material is super soft (not itchy), which is must when it comes to sweaters. It can be dressed up or down, with heels or sneakers, party or the park, it’s utility piece you’ll have in the closet for years to come.

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SWEATER WEATHER

Fall has officially arrived and I’m ready to embrace everything that comes with it. Cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and amber and crimson leaves twirling in the wind. And of course there’s everything apple related, apple cider, apple picking, apple pie, I’m here for it all. You can however keep all things pumpkin related, as we’re going to get pumpkin spiced to death until January.

But I digress this post is about stuff I love about Fall and that’s a cozy sweater. I’m on a real tear when it comes to the big comfy sweaters for Fall. This is just the first installment in my sweater weather series so stay tuned!

SWEATER WEATHER

Let’s get into the reason we’re all here, the sweater, specifically the sweater dress. A sweater dress is a Fall must have for me. This Hanifa sweater dress and scarf checks all the boxes. The Olivia, is a Maxi Sweater dress you won’t regret buying. It’s in limited stock and colors at the moment, currently only available in Lime and Raisin.

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EVERYBODY MATTERS- SWIMSUIT EDITION- THE MATTE COLLECTION

Hey gang! I know the unofficial end of summer was last weekend but me and Amanda are still summering…lol Since we’re all about to be pumpkin spiced to death we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share our annual body positivity swimsuit shoot with you all.

two women at the poolside wearing the Matte Collection- Kai

In our latest installment of the everyBODY matters series, we’re wearing the Matte Collection’s Kai swimsuit. I’m rocking the white Kai-Cheetah print and Amanda is in the black Kai- Snake print. Why did I choose the Matte Collection for this year’s shoot, it should be pretty clear as to why, but I’ll go ahead state the obvious anyway, they make swimwear for everyBODY!!! The Matte Collection swimsuits are super affordable, comfortable, stylish, and just the right amount of sexy. Perfect for the ladies that want to give’em a little razzle dazzle on the beach or pool side.

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THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Hey Gang!!!

Hey gang, I know it’s been a minute. As some of you may or may not know, I recently lost two people extremely important to me, my grandmother (paternal) and my aunt (maternal). They passed within days of each other. Needless to say it was a lot process. Life it keeps moving right along, even when you find yourself in despair and anguish. Sometimes you have to give yourself some grace when you encounter major losses (personal or professional). I took my own advice for a change, I stepped away from the blog and social media for the entire month of June and gave myself some grace. But it’s a new month, it’s actually IVN’s anniversary month!! I’m back like I never left, stay tuned for the anniversary shoot and some more stuff. There are so many life/fashion moments to catch you guys up on!!

The Anniversary Sale of Anniversary Sales – Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I’m sure you’re thinking, didn’t the title say, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?! Yes it certainly does, let me get into this sale. IVN isn’t the only one celebrating an anniversary this month, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is on and popping!!! Nordy card holders (guilty) have early access and I’m sharing a few things I have on my wish-list. The sale opens up to the rest of the world July 28th 2021, so mark your calendars and start your wish list. I use the anniversary sale to get a head start on my Fall wardrobe. This sale is one of THEE best ways to get amazing deals on Fall coats. You’re going to see a lot of coats/jackets in this post, enjoy!!!

Coats

Skirts and Dresses

Black leather pencil skirt
Paisley Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Long Sleeve Leopard Print Wrap Dress (Plus Size)
The Body Sculpted Dress (Plus Size)
Faux Leather Shift Dress by Theory

Stay tuned for the shoe and accessory edit.

Until next time,

Andrea xoxo

CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS X TARGET

Hey gang!! So, the past week has been a rollercoaster ride. Sanaa (my first born) graduated from high school last week and I’ve been running on all cylinders ever since. That day was definitely a proud momma moment, not to mention quite the fashion moment. We’re doing a whole blog post on graduation/prom later this week, stay tuned. I haven’t been able to catch my breathe. As, such, I’m tired, TIRED!! It seems like I just can’t get enough rest but such is the life of a working momma.

woman's hand on waist and wearing CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS X TARGET

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THE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE

husband and wife in a room for successful marriage post — At Home With The Beale’s

So what are the keys to a successful marriage? Heck if I know, lol. After ten years of marriage I’m not ashamed to say I’m still a rookie in the game of love and marriage. I can’t tell you what a successful marriage looks like for YOU. Every marriage is unique so I can only tell you what works for mines. For us making sure God is all up through this thing is key. Imperfect humans just aren’t enough, trust me on this.

It also takes an incredible amount of love, selflessness, patience, and a strong friendship. I know we make it look easy with all the pretty pictures but married life is a labor of love. Some days are better than others. The good days, those are the days that stand out, the days you remember and cherish, the days you try to duplicate like a scene out of Ground Hog’s day.

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5 items to transform your closet

It’s Monday, the start of a new work week, the first full week of May. There so many festive events to attend this month, virtually or in-person (graduations, weddings, etc). Spring is tricky, some days are absolutely gorgeous others are soggy and chilly. Here are 5 must haves that will make the moment in almost any scenario. They also make for some pretty good gifts for the moms out there.

5 ITEMS TO TRANSFORM YOUR CLOSET

1.The WOW Factor Dress

Get the dress but choose a bold color, funky print and/or an oversized silhouette. It will take your look to a whole other level and will definitely transform your closet. My WOW factor dress is the Alia Maxi by Hanifa pictured below.

woman wearing a blue dress from hanifa designs to transform your closet

J. Bolin is also giving us some maxi magic with this plaid number, we see you LaToya Luckett.

woman wearing white hat and green J Bolin Plaid Dress to transform your closet

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Janie & Jack x Kimberly Goldson

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Hey gang!! It’s been a while since I posted on the blog. The neglect has been for a good reason. I’ve been busy developing, in every aspect you can think of. Sharpening my MUA skills with new classes on the latest techniques and products. And finding better ways to bring you all more add-value content on the blog. While this post still lends it’s self to the old format, be on the lookout for some more informative but fun post.

And then there’s life in general which is pretty much a roller-coaster these days so I’m just trying to hang on. There is one constant in life and that’s change, there has been a surplus in my world lately; both personally and professionally. So I felt the need to step back from things to figure out what I really wanted. Good news for all of you, I still want to do this! It’s probably the only thing I really WANT to do hahaha. I love sharing all my musings on family, fashion, style, and beauty. So with that in mind and because this is the first Monday of Spring, Laila and I are bringing you all some Spring Fashion- Mommy & Me edition.

JANIE & JACK X KIMBERLY GOLDSON

Janie and Jack Floral Blazer and Tulle Skirt | JANIE & JACK X KIMBERLY GOLDSON

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THE IVY PARK DROP

Beyoncé’s athleisure collaboration with Adidas was definitely a 2020 fashion highlight for me. If you follow me on Instagram, I made a number of shameless pleas (by pleas I mean I was begging) for one of Beyoncé’s infamous Ivy Park wardrobe’s. While I didn’t receive a wardrobe, I did get an invite to shop the drop before all the regular people, short story Beyoncé loves me. At a minimum someone at Adidas or Ivy Park took pity on me; I’ll take that. See 2020 wasn’t a complete disaster.

THE IVY PARK DROP

The hashtag on Instagram for the drop was #thisismypark. I took that quite literally and found a gorgeous garden/park to shoot the pieces I got from the drop. We shot at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. We made the two hour trip worth it, we shot three different looks, a mini-mommy and me, senior personality pics for Sanaa and pics of the Ivy Park drop. The drop more than met my expectations. The pieces are high quality, well made, and versatile. You can dress these pieces up or down. Sanaa and I both paired heels with the wide leg track pants.

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