Have you ever gone on an impromptu shopping trip and picked up an item that you would never in a million years think would fit?I had a similar experience to this at my most recent trip to Target (or Tarjay as me and my sisters affectionately call it). As I perused through the clearance section, I came upon the recently coveted plus size line from Target, Ava and Viv.Ava & Viv is new fashion brand designed specifically for plus size woman. The line, designed by Target’s in-house team, offers clothing in sizes 14W to 26W and X to 4X and is currently available in stores and online.Plus size fashionistas rejoice everywhere!

One of the many gems I found in the clearance section (though not from Ava &Viv), was this flowy mid length maternity dress in this nice blushing pink color. Yes...you read that correctly. MATERNITY dress. Prior to my blogging exploits, I would have been embarassed to even breathe "maternity" and "I'm wearing" in the same sentence. But thanks to the Gods of innovation and fashionable fabrics, I say it loud and proud. This dress was also another lesson learned that day: TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES.Being that this was a maternity gown, the midsection area was forigving without compromise style. The shoulder are had this nice raise fabric design. Other than that, the dress was pretty simple, and I adored it. I may have to frequent maternity items more oftten. Sans the state of pregnancy. Check out Target's ever growing plus size line and all other fantastic plus friendly fashions. They're improving everyday! Thanks for listening Target!







Faithfully,
Brieana

We've all heard our wise Pastors and Deacons say it. "When you ask God for something, don't expect it right away. Be patient. God's timing is perfect." Growing up in an era of social media and everything that's fed to us in a "live" format, we've become so used to getting things at what I call a "microwave" speed. The Bible says many things about being patient and standing firm in the Lord's promises for you, even when it doesn't seem like your prayers (and let's be frank) wishes are being "honored" by Him.

Acts 1:7  He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

Lamentations 3:25-26  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,  to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord

More seasoned Christians, or better yet, those of us who have prayed and fasted for the patience and loyalty God desires of us, have experienced the waiting period, and the ultimate receiving of what we have prayed for. One thing we don't normally prepare outselves for is getting what we ask for. How many of us are prepared? And are you fully at a point to receive what you have so fervently asked the Lord for?

This sentiment has rung true for me for almost 2 years. Yes two WHOLE years. I started out in my currnt place of worship, Faith International Church of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, as an "attender-- coming to services, clapping along with the praise and worship portion of service, "ooohing" and "aahing"  at the special ministry performances, and leaving an hour and a half later, apart of the conversation on how blessed the service was.  Also in my mind? "I'm tired of sitting." So from that time, I prayed to the Lord to reveal to me where in the church he wanted me to be, and to help me find the courage to do what he saw fit for me wholy and consistently.

That was not as easy done as I thought.

On my path to becoming a passionate doer, I was met with almost every obstacle one could imagine. Bad timing. No room. Not being a good fit. No answer AT ALL. It was frustrating. It was a test if my faith. And it gave me time to really affirm that this was what I was looking for.

And then it happened....

One ministry after another  started to cross my path. My excitement eradicated the word "no" from my vocabulary, as I took on one hat after another, so much so that I haven't considered myself an attender in almost a year.

More often than not, there have been times where i'm overjoyed at the idea of being someone that immerses myself so deeply into my place of worship. I enjoy being a committed servant for a number of reasons. The lessons I've learned about my walk with the Lord and the golden nuggests of truth I've walked away with in regards to myself as a person and a leader have been  insurmountable. I thank God daily for the opportunities and the will to excel in all areas. ON THE OTHER HAND, a girl can get a little tired! And its the times when I get tired that I say to God, "I know I said I wanted to serve, but I didn't mean ALL LAT!" Why do we do this? Isn't that what I asked for? And did I really expect anything halfway from God?

Patience and waiting is an important (and fulfilling) part of a successful walk with the Lord.  But equally important is the ability to know that God's timing and plan for you is so perfect that he knows just what you need, how much you need, and when you need it. My question for you is: Are you ready?

Faithfully,
Brieana

Similar jeans here and here.

I know...I know you read that title and thought "That was the biggest contradiction ever." But bear with me! Because since starting up this blog, I have learned that visions in your mind can ALWAYS be done in fashion. There is no idea too whimsical or a combination too out there...make it happen. And that I did. Today's outfit is centered around this camo jacket I got from Rose Gal, another online marketplace that specializes in reduced prices of the latest trends and pieces. I set my eyes on this jacket for a number of reasons. 1. It's a light-to-midweight jacket perfect for the spring rains and winds 2. The camo design is truly one of a kind. That might be reasons 1-5,but you ge my drift. The flowers within the camo design add a feminine touch to the casual outfit, without having to add heels. I was running errands and this woman said "I love camo. That's pretty much all that's in my closet, but I've never seen anything like that. It's girly." Thank you ma'am. That's exactly what I was going for. If you haven't figured this out about me by now, whether I am in sweatpants or stilettos, many things with me have to be comfortable and have a feminine air about it. This jacket achieved both!.Check out my Polyvore page for some outfit inspiration on this piece.

Similar/Similar

My layered chain leckace is from Wish.com. After some concentrated minutes of de-tangling and fixing, I was able to wear this necklace to add an even softer look to the military and camouflage colors.

My boots are from one of my favorite small business owners who I did a spotlight on a few months back. These boots made it possible to head back into the grass for a different backdrop than  what you guys are used to. The gold toe is still my favorite feature. Who doesn't love a gold toe boot?! These cost me about $50. They're super stretchy and they have a zipper on the side that makes it easy access. The shoelaces in the front are practicallyfor show!

Leave a comment below with some of the things you'd like to see next. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,
Brieana 

Things I hated as a child: Cough syrup. Tea.Turtlnecks. My oh my how the times have changed. When I saw this maxi bodycon dress on Rebdolls I looked back on a time where I mainly wore joggers, Nike high tops and hoodies. My college days called for comfort and convenience, and those outfit staples made it easy for me to head the class in a hurry. At a time even earlier before that, I laughed because I would NEVER wear turtlenecks. They always make me feel like my clothes were "closing" in on me. I'm a self diagnosed claustrophobic and that was NOT okay. The same could be said of scarves and earmuffs.You get the point.

 Its amazing how things of the past always repeat themselves. As I look through look books and magazines I spy a lot of oldies from the 80's and 90's that made appearances in my mom and sister's high school yearbooks: mullets, shoulder pads, and increased use of floral patterns. I had never thought of a turtleneck as a fashionable things. But that's the things about fashion. Our perception can turn any item into a staple.




This dress is long and maroon just the way I like it. It camouflages my knock knees and its perfect for the winter weather. And true to Rebdoll fashion, they hug my curves.

What are some items you would have never worn and find yourself loving now?Leave a comment below!

       Think about something you REALLY want. Something that you normally see on a window shopping excursion( I know I'm not alone). It could be the newest Vera Wang,or even the latest pair of Jordans (A blessed afternoon to my male readers! *says a quick prayer for increase*) For me it's this trench jacket from Kierra Sheard's new line eleven60. 

    


 



I was talking to one of my best friends the other day. I'm so proud of her. She just graduated from a Medical assistant program. She moved out of her family's house into her own apartment. She has a full time, good paying job. Still, despite all of those accomplishments and blessings,my best friend was sitting before me talking about going to the military