Neutrals

Black Denim Jeans: The Gap. Animal Print Heels: NineWest. Wool Blazer: Target. Black Top: Nordstrom TopShop. Handbag: Marshalls. Gray Beanie: Marshalls. 

Although I'm definitely a lover of fun, bright colors and patterns, my closet is full of staple neutral pieces for the winter. The newest addition to my closet is this cozy, wool blazer I picked up this past weekend from Target. I mean, does Target ever disappoint?! Yeah, negative. Also, it was on clearance for less than $20. Target, you are trouble but my wallet is not mad about it. At all. The awesome thing about neutrals is they can easily be collaborated with bolder tones or you can keep it sleek and chic with your basic blacks and grays. I obviously opted for the latter in today's look. Hats are almost always my go-to for whenever I just don't feel like doing my hair, not only that but to me they are very winteresque- making an everyday outfit a tad more cute and cozy. I've been getting my fair wear out of this cozy, slate gray beanie from Marshalls. How do you guys style your winter neutrals?

xoxo,

Shauntel

Stripes + Polka Dots

Gray Denim: Marshalls. Polka Dot Denim Button Down: Francescas. Navy Stripped Sweater: H &M. Crossbody: Kate Spade. Caged Booties: Sam Edelman. Statement Necklace: Versona Accessories. 

We have had unusually high temps in Charlotte these past couple of days and I'm definitely not mad about it! I'm so over winter, and ready to jump into spring and summer. While it has been warmer, there has still been a bit of a cool, crispness in the air which I find perfect for layering. Layering gives you the comfy, warmth that you need without having to throw on a coat. I love the simplicity and fun of this whole look. Like you guys know, I'm a HUGE fan of pattern mixing! It can seem daunting at times if you're new at it, but once you've put together the perfect collaboration there is no turning back ;) Also, chunky baubles are a great way to glam up a casual look. I love this statement necklace I picked up from Versona Accessories at their post-Christmas sale for under $20! How do you guys dress up a casual look?

xoxo,

Shauntel

Faux Lace & Leather

Hello lovelies!! Hope you all are enjoying your Tuesday. Today, I'm channeling my inner Rachel Zoe. This look is perfect for Saturday or Sunday brunch with the girls! Cause friends who brunch together stay together ha! Brunch has been and always will be one of my favorite past times. Now back to Rachel...I love everything about Rachel Zoe's effortlessly, chic boho style. She most definitely makes my list of fashion icons. And, who says you can't wear maxi skirts in the winter?! I don't know if that's a rule, but if it is I"m totally breaking it. Sorry not sorry! Winterizing a patterned maxi dress or skirt or really any maxi is easily doable! Just throw on a cozy, floppy brimmed hat and leather motto jacket and you are set. Oh so chic, and oh so fab all in one! I had been looking for the perfect, little black shoe to wear this winter for some of my work day looks, and scored these Nine West heels at a huge post Christmas sale going on at Nordstrom Rack. I love the intricate detail of the "lacey" look and the fact that I could probably wear these for the winter and possibly the spring season as well.

xoxo,

Shauntel

Casual Friday

Merlot Sweater: Free People via Nordstrom Rack. Denim: The Gap. Necklace: Old Navy. Shoes: BCBG . Handbag: Marshalls

TGIF! This week has been a crazy whirlwind for me and I'm beyond ready for the weekend! Can I get an amen?! This casual Friday is brought to you by this amazingly comfy, yet sleek and sexy Merlot Free People sweater and the most gorgeous BCBG shoes my eyes have ever seen. Merlot is THE color of winter, so you'll definitely see me rocking this hue a whole bunch on the blog. It's sultry and compliments a variety of skin tones. I love the distressed look of this sweater, and that it gives me the option to dress it up or down. If you've been following my blog for a while, you know I live for outfits that go either way. It's the best way to get your money's worth out of your closet. Do you guys have any exciting plans for the weekend?

Shauntel 

Navy is the New Black

Dark Denim Jeans: The Gap. Navy Sweater: The Gap. Crossbody: Kate Spade. Plaid Blanket Scarf: Fiore Boutique. Floppy Hat: Versona. Nude Peep Toe Booties: Nine West. 

While black on black will always and forever remain classic, timeless and slimming...these days I'm really loving the navy on navy combo. It gives you the same slimming affect, but with more of a wintry warmth. For me, the winter season is all about layers, warm neutrals, blanket scarves and floppy hats. You can always find one or more of these elements in my day to day casual attire during the winter months. I scored this blanket scarf at a local boutique here in Charlotte. I've been seeing this plaid number all over social media so it was a no-brainer when I laid eyes on it. It's cozy, versatile and can be paired with solid neutrals, or I also have the option to pattern mix- my favorite :) What's your signature winter piece?

Made New.

Happy New Year! Another year has once again come and gone. The past couple of days have been a time of deep reflection for me. 2014 was one of the toughest years yet that I've had to endure. It started out with losing my very first grandparent, who went to be with the Lord New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2014), weeks later I found out that the company I had been employed by for the past 2 years right out of college was making budget cuts and my job would be one of many to go, add on the heartbreak, and closed door after closed door...despite what the Lord did in me and through me, I was beyond ready to close the chapter of 2014.

Although 2014 brought trial after trial, every heartache and sorrow has not only brought me the point of tears and frustrations, but its brought me closer to the comforting presence of my Almighty Father. The One who knows my name, the many desires of my heart, and my thoughts even before I think them. He knows me intimately, and has still loved me in the moments where I wanted to throw in the towel. The moments of pouting, stinging tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat wondering "WHY ME GOD?" But, why not me? My life is a living, breathing, testimony of God's faithfulness. Even in my darkest valley's, He is preparing me for a greater purpose. He is the potter and I am the clay. We ask God to mold us and make us to be more like him but then we have a pity party when he actually starts to do it! So, when you ask the Lord to make you more like Him be expecting to get put through the fire. It surely won't be easy, but it will certainly be worth it. For you are His masterpiece and workmanship, and each day and season he is chipping away at the ugliness, at the scars and marks and making you more in the likeness of His image. This makes me excited for the new year and the hope that I have in Him each day. I know that He's not through with me yet and this is only the beginning of His intricately, breathtaking artwork and ministry of my life.

Through this season, I have grown exponentially closer in my relationship with the Lord, however I am still far from perfect. My imperfections are a daily reminder of how much I need Him. He is the only way that I can wake up each morning to face a brand new day, He is the one who makes me whole after heartbreak. He is life. So, with that said...I am going into the new year with high hopes and expectations not based on what I want but asking Lord, what do you want? Your will, not mine Lord. I need you to lead me and guide me. I am finally learning that it isn't all about Shauntel and what she wants, but its all about fulfilling the purpose of Christ and living a life that honors Him. Lots of people get caught up in new goals and resolutions which isn't a bad thing, but seek the Lord first and ask Him what he would have you do. Many times your expectations and hopes are not the Lords, and that's okay because He exceeds expectations and satisfies in ways that are unfathomable. So, while I do have a list of things that my heart hopes and desires for in this new year, I am laying those things all at the feet of the Father. I'm saying here I am Lord, take me where you want me to go, lead me and guide me, protect me and help me! You are all I need. 

"Thank you for the wilderness, where I learned to thirst for your presence." This quote sums up perfectly how I felt about 2014. I love this line from my favorite song "Great Things (Worth It All) on the new Elevation Worship album, and I plan on purchasing this print that my friend Anne Marie designed, for my little home office. You can check out this beautiful print and more at her Etsy shop here.  You can also purchase the new Elevation Worship album on Itunes or at your local Christian Bookstore.

                   

                                 
                                                           xoxo,

                                                           Shauntel