Accessories are Key this Fall

Let's spice up more than just your coffee this Fall! It's finally that time of year, sweater weather! I love when seasons change, its a new time for you to change as well, not just with your wardrobe but with your life style as well. I know when fall begins I am over joyed for the change and of course to shop for new items to refresh my fall wardrobe! Now to all my fellow fashion enthusiasts, we finally get that opportunity to re vitalize our personal fashion collections! Our wardrobes and styles completely flip, we get to pick our new favorite seasonal piece or our new "go to" for fall. I'm more than ready for my style to be effortless but still stay chic and fashion forward. Sweaters, bombers, leggings, fur vests, and many other endless clothing possibilities are everywhere to choose from, but I'm the most fascinated with my accessory game this Fall!

Bring on the fall fun, I'm ready to be the accessory queen this season! Knitted beanies, thigh high boots, sheer scarves, oversized bags, chokers and of course we can't forget the fur! With these bold accessories come bold colors and tons of layering. Burnt orange, navy blue, champagne nudes, coffee browns and deep maroons are bursting out this fall and are making a huge pop anywhere you look. Observing trends from fashion magazines, retail stores, trunk shows and recent fashion runways will prove to you that these colors are crucial and apparent additions this year for everyone. Let's clean out our closets and make room for new Fall favorites.

The 90's Will Never Fade Away

Bombers are back and that means other 90's inspired trends are trailing right behind them for the upcoming Fall season. Oversized graphic tees, military styled jumpsuits, chunky combat boots, plaid tunics, camouflage patterned bottoms, wedged booties and acid wash denim.

These trends are influential for not just men's or women's, but for both sexes. These concepts are trickling through both men's and women's fashions this fall. Many designers are creating their clothing lines to bounce off each other, meaning they want to have "his" and "her" pieces that both sexes can wear but still feel the same style or vibe from.

There are so many clothing lines that come out with a new style denim or top, and I notice I have been more attracted to the men's styles. Sometimes these designers are giving the men more edge and versatility than women's fashion has, but now that brands are branching out to create these pieces for both sides of the spectrum it's exciting to see. Not saying women can't mix and match or create their own stellar style because anyone can be creative with their look or personal style no matter what the clothing is "classified" under, but it's nice to see a drastic change coming soon in the fashion industry.

Designers are stepping back and re-defining their brands. There going back to their originality and way of thinking they had when they first created a name for themselves. It's sometimes necessary to take a step back and really see if the brand is losing its individuality or its fire because of the constant changes and trends that go on around us. Designers sometimes lose that creative eye or get lost in the other things within their lives or business. They often forget why they truly began their brand and what its suppose to portray to the world.

I am beyond excited for many Fall collections coming out for 2016 and can't wait to see all the final products that came out of these 90's and beyond inspirations.

Millennials Need to Embrace the Unknown of Their Future

Our twenties are for us to find out who we are and discover our purpose in life right? We are still being adventurous, trying to figure out what we look for in a partner, and trying to figure out where we are meant to plant our roots and spend our life. You have to be young and stupid in order to be old and wise.

I know not being exactly where you want to be in life is discouraging. You aren't making enough money in your eyes for what you want or you're not working in the ideal company you've dreamed of but you know what thats okay. Being in your twenties is that great awkward time to experiment, make mistakes, and be an idiot. Don't punish yourself for trying to figure your life out. Being unemployed or not having an exact direction can sometimes actually be more helpful rather than hurtful. Enjoy the free time you have while you can, you just finished a degree and now have more time to explore the world around you, take full advantage of this!

Use this time to intern with a company that has possible growth, or intern in addition to a job. Keep working at your job, but have an internship thats another interest or possibility for you. Give yourself options, interning doesn't always have to feel like a "waste of time" if your not getting paid. It's an experience in itself, its letting yourself gain more knowledge to figure out where your meant to go. You never know what can come from an internship, you can meet so many people that can influence your future or guide you in the direction of your goal. Network, be outgoing, and ask endless amounts of questions!

Not only can you intern, you can volunteer your time, help others if you can't exactly help yourself. Never pass up an opportunity to put yourself in an unfamiliar environment and see how you handle it. Be a problem solver, listen to your gut, and make your own path. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to meet new people and open your eyes to a different way of life.

Being jobless or not having an exact plan or direction is not a bad thing. Sometimes you need to regroup, refocus, and discover your passion again. Refuel that passion and really figure out what you want in life. After all, don't you want to be young, wild, and free as long as you can?

Xo, Nik

Have you been getting the "drunchies" lately?

It's Summer time and all of us are having as much fun as possible. Time off from school and weekends off from work, all of it equals trouble. Your pockets are empty, but you don't care because Summer is the time to be adventurous, make bad decisions, and learn more about yourself. Going on mini road trips with friends, spending late nights on the lake, drive in movies with that Summer fling, country concerts, and bar hopping until the sun comes up. Gotta love those late nights that seem like they won't end, with those crazy ass humans you call your best friends. All I know is at the end of those crazy endless nights of drinking, I just want to eat anything and everything that looks good! I'm sure you know this feeling all too well, a couple drinks in you and your craving the most ridiculous foods possible. Of course these choices are no where near healthy and you might regret them the next day, but hey you can't help it, you have the "drunchies." What are your go to "drunchies" at 2, 4, or even 6 am?! We are all guilty of having some pretty ridiculous meals while were drunk, so why not share them with everyone else and share the wealth! I know when I've had a few drinks, I am more willing to try something new or whatever looks good at least, HA! Here are my 7 "drunchie" food favorites, no judging please!

1. PIZZA DUH. Not only do yo have endless options of toppings, but it does help soak up that extra alcohol you may be starting to regret.

2. DOUBLE cheese.. oh wait sorry I meant TRIPLE bacon cheese burger.

3. French Fries... or wait let's get crazy, screw it I'm getting cheese fries!

4.Tacos, like 5 of them. With everything and anything that can be crushed in there. Soft shell of course.

5. Cereal.. okay I know this sounds boring but come on. You never went home and looked in your pantry and said THANK GOD for these Cocoa Pebbles, Fruit Loops, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch in my life! I know I have.. no shame.

6. Philly cheese steak... it has cheese on it, need I say more? Oh, the steak isn't too bad either.

7. Eggs, bacon, and more bacon... add some cheese on that.. and syrup maybe.. you know what throw a donut on there too...

What do you think of my drunchie cravings? Weird or are you reading this saying, damn it, these are my favorite too.

Life After College

It’s finally Summer! Isn't summer suppose to be a small break from reality, stress free even? Well, this summer is quite the opposite for me personally, I just graduated from college. Being a graduate changes a lot about your next steps into adulthood. Your coming from this routine of homework, dealing with deadlines, studying, group projects, internships, etc. Now all of that goes away and your left with debt, a degree, and no job offers.. Where do you go from here?1. Networking/Social Media: Networking for our generation is crucial! Knowing what social media fits best for you and the industry your looking to be apart of. Watch what you post, no drinking and tweeting anymore! This is the time of your life where all your hard work has paid off and you are waiting for those job offers to come piling in! Don’t mess up that chance because of that drunk photo from the weekend or that stupid drunk tweet from last night. Pay attention to what social media your favorite companies are using, make sure you have accounts on these platforms and know how to use them! Selling yourself is crucial, make your self seen and your name heard.
2. Update & perfect your resume: Double and triple check that resume! Make sure there are no small errors, everything is in place and all your information is up to date. Double, triple, even quadruple check it. Make sure your cover letter and resume are cohesive, you want to make sure you look put together on paper or they wont even bother considering you in person. Making   a good impression without them physically seeing you can be tough, so don't let something small like a spelling error make or break this next job opportunity.
3. Create business cards, put yourself out there: Put a face to your name. Get yourself out there, be social! You are aloud to go out and have fun, mind as well network while your doing it! You want people to remember your name and be able to put your face to it, be outgoing, interesting, sociable and intelligent. Talk about what you know, don't brag, but show your confidence! Give business cards to possible people you think maybe valuable to you in the future. You never know who could help you down the line, don't burn bridges.
4. Get on a budget (You don't want to live at moms forever): OKAY we all DON’T want to live with our parents until were 30, but sometimes those loans and credit card bills start piling up all too quickly. Make a budget for yourself, know what you need to have monthly and give yourself a time frame on when you want the debt paid off. Work on one credit card at a time in addition to your other bills/loan payments. Focus more on one credit card, put more than the minimum on this card each month, on the other cards do the minimum. After you have got that one credit card down and paid off, move onto the next card. Have a plan, pay attention to your spending, ad budget! If you have a strategy and a goal, your going to pay your debt off faster, trust me!
5. Work to get experience & to gain more skills: If you don’t have your ideal career yet don’t get worked up about it. Work where you can right now, doesn't mean it will be forever. You may work your way up in the company or you may only work for 6 months then get another job offer and move on. Dont turn down opportunity that can give you experience and knowledge for your future. Take the offers you know you will excel at and that you are confidence with. Dont sell yourself short, you will get there at the right time.Timing is crucial, when your meant to get there you will, not a minute or second sooner. Be patient  with yourself. What’s for you will not pass you. All your hard work will pay off. Give yourself a break and some time to enjoy your summer too, you are a graduate now! You are a young adult who has accomplished something big, don’t forget that!

Top 10 Must Have Summer Accessories

This summer is coming faster than you think, it's time to start updating your accessory collection. Here are my top 10 must-haves that you should add to upgrade your accessory game!

1. Body Chains: (shoulder, back, full body, thigh) So many options and so many different looks! Have fun with it.

2.  Chokers (Layering chokers): From quarter moons to flower charms, ribbon chokers with these charms are a cute and simple way to add some flare to any outfit. 

3. Statment necklaces: From inspirational words to your personal name/ initial, these necklaces are fun and unique for anyone. 

4. Initial rings: Something little, inexpensive, and simple to add to your jewelry collection. 

5. Crocheted shoulder bags: Adds some texture to your overall outfit and look. Not your average bag. 

6. Small face/ thinner watches: Out with the big in with the small, smaller is better lately when it comes to watches. Fun prints and colors, or even if neutrals are more your style, small watches are a great addition to anyones jewelry box. 

7. Fun Fedoras: Try something different with a black or brown fedora. Some are plain or some have some bows or texture to them. Whichever you prefer for your wardrobe, there are plenty of options to choose from.

8. Flash tattoos: Silver and gold, whichever you prefer. Pick some out and show them off.

9. Round sunglasses: Round glasses are coming out to play and there looking better than ever before.

10. Thick-heeled shoes: Sick of wanting to go out and wear fun heels, fear no more! Now you can actually walk easier and look fabulous with thick heeled shoes this summer. 

Pony Tail Enthusiasts, This Creation is for You

Attention all pony tail enthusiasts, pay attention, this creation is definitely for you! Every girl always has a hair tie on her wrist for easy access so at any point in our day when we need to throw our hair up we can. Sometimes you don't want to wear one on your wrist because it doesn't look good with your outfit or it ends up leaving your wrist with a line around it. Someone has come up with a genius idea to disguise our hair ties and make them look like just another everyday bracelet.

Founder of BitterSweet Shireen Thor created this built-in hair tie bracelet with her husband. She claims to be a problem solver, so when she saw that people were asking for a way to still wear a hair tie on their wrist, but in someway have it look more attractive. “The bracelet was sparked out of love and creativity to solve a common problem for women." Well, women asked and now they have received that wrist relief.

All bracelets are steel-plated and come in a silver, gold, and rose gold finishes. These bracelets are decently affordable ranging from $45.00-$85.00. This purchase is definitely something to consider and they bracelets are so unique. Such a great idea to have a fashionable cover up for hair ties so you can take away that "tacky" feeling when your wearing a hair tie on your wrist everyday.

Xo Nik