For He has not given me the Spirit of Fear

5.22.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 22 May wrap skirts

OOTD: Wrap Skirts and Wild Hair

Good afternoon fashionistas in faith! The focus of today's outfit is this wrap skirt I purchased online from Charlotte Russe. They recently launched a plus sized line and this was the first item I've worn from it. And what a time for it. For me, Charlotte Russe is known for their trendy jewelry sales as well as their fabulous shoe selection. The store is never short of sales that are kind to the your pockets. I actually started shopping at Charlotte Russe when I was in my undergrad at Penn State. It was the best place to find a quick club night outfit for the LOW LOW. Their straight sized clothing actually worked for me as well, but I'm happy that as of March 9th, I don't have to look too hard through the racks for a Large or XL.

The collection is available in 1X-3X sizes, with jeans and pants in sizes 16-24. Oh happy day!

The wrapped asymmetrical skirt comes in pink and blue. I chose the pink for a softer feminine look, but I was eyeing the blue also. They have a great selection of skirts that aren't too short, but can also be work for a less modest look when paired with the right items. This skirt was lots of fun, and the slip underneath had a fantastic material that made any shape wear unnecessary. And anytime I can go out sans shape wear, I am a HAPPY girl!

I pulled everything together with some items you've seen before, but also with these caged heels I got from none other than Payless! I almost feel like it isn't a surprise to say that anymore because Payless' glo up is REAL! They've really become a place for trendy items timeless pieces. These Christian Siriano heels came in this nude/beige as well as black. What I loved about them was they slip on option. By that I mean the easy access in which I could just zip them down and slide them off. There is also the option to lace them up in the front. The heel was a smaller 4 inches, also allowing me to leave the flats at home for the day. No sore feet here.

I love that our favorite retailers are keeping up with the times. Whether that means clothing or shoes for all demographics, I'm definitely happy that I can shop in more places than I was before. What a time to be alive!

Don't forget to leave a comment and please, please, PLEASE don't forget to subscribe to the blog. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,

Brieana

5.18.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 18 May support small businesses

Working Woman Wednesday: The Faces of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week

Several weeks ago, I participated in what was one of the most time-turning and unique experiences of my 25 years; I participated and walked as a curvy model for my first time EVER in a fashion show. When I began my blog in December of 2015, I did it moreso to spread the seeds of confidence God has planted in me to embrace ALL of me as he should have it, according to His glory. I prayed to God to allow me to bear the fruit of His spirit in putting me in positions of prosperity and networking if He saw fit. I never imagined the doors this blog would open for me, in terms of feeling great about me, as well as meeting others who feel great about themselves and were likeminded in spreading messages of self-love and self-worth.

Fast forward not even 4 months later, and the connections I have made have made allof the 'what if's', 'I don't think I can's', and the occasional 'why did I take this on' seem a thing of the distant past. Lehigh Valley Fashion Week was not only a premiere event within the Valley to showcase unique and fine fashions of local business owners, it was also an opportunity for myself and many others to see 1st hand that IT IS POSSIBLE. In our whirlwind lives, we can prevail. And it may not be in the way that the woman beside us did it, but it will be as He saw it.

Three testaments to that were the powers that be of Lehigh Valley Fashioin Week. I had a chance to chat with Cyrie Jackson, Winsome Cullen, and Kari Holmes after the excitement had subsided (if only for a little bit) to speak to them about what their successes, struggles, and takeways have been while being involved in Lehigh Valley Fashion Week. And like most of us women, its what you would expect; lots of juggling, some doors slammed in your face, and the will to carry on--
despite the rain.

1. What is your personal tie to fashion (or your specific title within the event)?

Cyrie: I am the founder and creative director.

Kari: My personal tie to Lehigh Valley Fashion Week is being the Fashion Director for Lehigh Valley Fashion Week. Miss Jackson and I partnered together for a series of successful community events. I really enjoyed working with her and when I got the call inviting me to be the Fashion Director I was super elated to be working with her.

Kari MC'ing the Premiere event

Winsome: I am the marketing and Public Relations director. I was always involved in the retail world in some way throughout my life. The opportunity to be a part of Lehigh Valley Fashioin Week was a dream come true to help this organization gain visibility in the area and beyond.

2. What struggles were you met with in making sure the event went off?

Cyrie: Getting the brand out and bringing people from various backgrounds together.

Cyrie Jackson

Kari: The same you would probably find in any major production: managing relationships and learning how to work together as a team. Each person that is a part of the Lehigh Valley Fashion Week team has really big personalities, ( I'm a super huge people person and have a huge vivacious personality myself, so you know I fit right in lol), and each of the team members are very professional and some of the best in their field. You have to be secure and strong while also giving respect to other people. So the most important thing was making sure to respect each person's roles and their way of doing things, but also knowing that I had something to contribute as a part of the team as a creative professional myself. One of the best examples of this was in communicating with the designers. Miss Jackson already has established relationships with each of the designers because she's already known as a leader in the fashion industry here in the Lehigh Valley and Tri-State region PA / NJ / NY. To be a new name and a new voice communicating with the designers required a lot of determination.The great part about having a professional and well experienced team is that they could give a platform for how to communicate with the designers and I could also add some additional tools and templates to create the optimum experience for each of the designers to really feel like a special part of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week again this year.

Kari, doubling as a model on the finale night.

Winsome: Since I deal with marketing I am not directly involved in the production of the show.

3. How did you balance the additional roles you took on with your personal life?

Cyrie: That was a tough one. Time management was so important. We all have to set time aside for the business and then have peace of mind by enjoying our personal lives. I meditate a lot and then the balance of personal and business just works its self out.


Winsome Cullen

Kari: Child, you remember what MC Hammer said? You got to pray just to make it today. Haha! Seriously, every day in our lives is a new day in our divine Destiny. There is something that God has given you breath for to accomplish in each and every day. So taking the time to pray and read His word so you know what He's likely to say and where He's likely to lead you and reading His word to let you know what you're supposed to do when you get there. There was no way I was going to check my faith at the door to be a part of a new industry that I had never really stepped into before. I considered being apart of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week as an open door from God. So, I prayed each step of the way and asked Him how I could be a blessing to the lives of others and especially Miss Jackson because I know what it is like to be a founder, visionary, and leader, and how much work it takes to make something major happen in the Lehigh Valley area. I think because of that, our friendship has grown so much. Prayer and reading the Word and listening to the spirit of God were the key ingredients to balancing everything

Welcome baby Quentin!

Winsome: I recently gave birth to my baby so I do most of my work from home. During fashion week I brought my little one with me.

4. What have you learned from this experience?

Cyrie: I learned that planning way in advance helps a whole lot but also learned that me and the team have super strength to put on a show with just a snap of a finger. Not a lot of people can pull off what we have and still have more positive feedback than negative.

Kari: As a pastor and person of faith who absolutely loves fashion, seeing that God will use you in every area of life, in any profession, and on any platform was the biggest lesson reiterated for me.

Winsome: Nothing is impossible and God will make a way through difficult times.

Nothing is impossible indeed. I truly enjoyed seeing these women in action and getting to be apart of the fabulous production that was LVFW. I am even more overjoyed that I got to do so at the hands and prayers of such powerful and productive women. So today, I dedicate this #WCW to these 3 working visionaries. And today, I dub thee: Working Woman Wednesday.

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and leave a comment below about a fabulous woman who's inspired you. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully.

Brieana

5.15.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 15 May maxi

Embrace the Curve: Maxi Dress Season

The maxi dress has been the cornerstone/premiere item of the spring/summer season for years. Women love it because its simplicity in outfit planning as well as the reduction of putting various pieces together. Men love them because they hit all of the right spots, emphasizing the fine creation that is the female. Maxi dresses have stood the test of time and now emerge in various lengths, sizes, shapes, and colors. Today's outfit was centered around this beige maxi dress I scored during a women's fellowship event at my church in Bushkill, PA. Once a year, we clean out our closets and bring them in for our sisters to peruse and "swap" out for the treasures we find in their closets. I think its a fantastic idea, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

This dress was great for my spring maxi dress season, as the material wasn't as light and flowing as a summer maxi. I almost steered clear of this dress because of how close it was to my skin tone, but then I decided to go for it, and wasn't disappointed. So many of my fashion mentors have told me to always try things on, because you just never know.

I really enjoy the dress due to the ruched/gathered detailing in the front. It created a nice bust line along with this chunky gold necklace.

Similar shoes here

I paired the dress with my moccasin heels from eBay. These heels and other fringe/moccasin details have become all the rage the past few seasons, as outlined in this post.
Put together, the ensemble gave off this Glamazon boho look that didn't disappoint.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe items for the spring and summer? Leave a comment below and don't forget to subscribe! I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,
Brieana

5.08.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 08 May target

Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

This week's weather has been a direct contrast to last week's warm breeze and sunny skies. There's been a lot of rain generously watering our grass and plants. I'm excited to actually have a spring season though. For anyone who's lived in the Poconos for an extended period of time,you know that we've had a Winter to Summer season shift. There's rarely an in between,so these mid temperature days are more than welcomed.

Find this floral skirt here

This week's outfit reflected the spring season,but still represented the cold rainy days we've been having with the warm blues and vibrant flowers that usually grow as a result of a plentiful rain.

This floral midi skirt if from the brand Bobeau. I got it form Bon-Ton at 30% off. Purchasing this skirt was one of the times where "try it on" definitely rang true. It has a lot of stretch to it that I wouldn't have known had I not trusted my gut and stepped into the fitting room.Also, I don't normally shop in Bon-Ton because the price tags turn me away, but I wasn't disappointed.

I paired the ensemble with this light wash denim top as well as these bright blue/green pumps from Lola Shoetique. Every year, the store sells pumps in all colors of the rainbow. Beware, they run a bit big. This pair is an 8.5 (my regular shoe size), and I still had some space in the shoe.

Leave a comment below telling me what you'd like to see next! I love hearing you. And don't forget to subscribe for the latest post and updates above!

Faithfully,

Brieana

5.02.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 02 May unique

Blogger Chronicles: Lehigh Valley Fashion Week

One of my biggest conerns related to starting a blog was being...extra , for a lack of a better word. When I say this, I mean that I wasn't 100% comfortable walking around in bright yellow stilettos half of the time, or that contrasting colors in one outfit wasn't acceptable everyday wear. But this weekend, I was shown that I could do it, and I was shown where to find it. Moral of the sptry: DAMMIT, be fabulous

This past weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to moonlight as a blog correspondent and plus sized model for the 2ND Annual Lehigh Valley Fashion Week in Allentown, PA. This event was truly one of a kind, as it paid homage to some of the most beautiful and unique fashions in "The Valley." Hailing from the Poconos for the past 10 years, this was HUGE, as we're not used to doing too much besides a nice peplum top and a 5 inch heel (if we're feeling really frisky).

The show featured deisgns from designers of local boutiques such as Abundant Style (my personal favorite), Cat's Meow, Dartanya, Clotheversity, and Clothes Mentor, to name a few. All of the fashions ranged from casual to dressy, while many of the fashions featured edgy designs for the upcoming Spring and Summer 2016 seasons.

One of the newer features of the show? US!!! And by us I mean the curvy. The full figured and fabulous plus sized models. Last year's show featured straight models in dressy, formal, and swimwear. This year's line-up threw a curve-ball (literally) with a diverse line-up of beautfiul ladies flaunting all of their God-given assets on the runway in styles such as jeans by Melissa McCarthy and Michel Kor's. All of the fashions were sure to hug our curves in just the right places, while being kind to our pockets.

Other new faces this year were the children's scenes, where girls as young as 5 years old (being fashionable has NO limit) modeled pieces from local designers.

Lehigh Valley Fashion Week will be gracing our catwalks and social media platforms for a 2nd run sometime in August. There will be more behind-the-scenes looks as well as updates on upcoming promotional events. You can also check Lehigh Valley Fashion Week's Facebook page for links to their fabulous deisgners and models. Don't forget to subscribe to my page for more updates on the fly and fashionable of the Valley!

Faithfully,
Brieana