The Oxford Exchange: Intellectual. Chic. Modern. Sophisticated.
Hi Lovelies,


A couple of weekends ago, the hubby and I visited an extremely chic business called The Oxford Exchange, in Tampa.

I absolutely LOVED this place!! It's a restaurant, retail shop, bookstore, coffee shop, tea bar, and commerce club all in one! Whatever your inclination, this place will probably provide a service that  caters to it.

 It was such a relaxing environment and it tickled many of my senses. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans wafted from the coffee bar. The colorful bookcases beckoned me toward the titles. The sea of voices from the people inside prompted a mini celebration in my mind. :)

This place was perfect! This is the kind of place I can take my kids to in the future; a nice alternative to the library. Our visit was rather brief as we had other plans that day, but I plan on going back until I have patronized each service of this establishment. Enjoy the picture diary. :)




Orchids!
Hydrangeas!








My Look
Blouse (Thrifted)
Leggings (Thrifted)
Shoes (Target)
Purse (H&M)
Earrings... can't recall :(
H&M has some really nice pieces for men! My hubby's tangerine
v-neck is from H&M. I think these v-necks are great staple
pieces for men in any season, but especially in the
Spring/Summer time. 

This is how I see him in my head. :) Love this man :)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog today!!


XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14
Thrifted Fab Episode 2: Mini Lookbook!!
Hello there,


Tune in to my YouTube channel right now to watch my brand NEW video!! Then, come back to this post for a closer look at the outfits featured in the video! :)

Click HERE!


Look 1:



I am in LOVE with this blouse!! I decided to style in very casual manner, by simply letting it fall over this low-pleat skirt. The shoes add that extra bit of edge to this look. I love it! It's playful with a kick! :)


Striped Blouse: Fab Thrift Couture Online Boutique
Low-Pleat Faux Leather Skirt: Charlotte Russe
Bootie Sandals: Calvin Klein
Glitter Clutch: H&M

Look 2 :


This look is my favorite look of the bunch! The blazer is the most flattering blazer I have in my collection. This look is professional with personality! It's demure, yet fun! :)
Blazer: Fab Thrift Couture Online Boutique
Camisole: Salvation Army
Velvet Leggings: Salvation Army
Nude Pumps: Target



Look 3:


This look is a combination of the things I love! Pink glitz, dark glam, and playful elegance! ;)


Pink Shimmer Blouse: H&M
Wine-Colored, Faux Suede Skirt: Fab Thrift Couture Online Boutique
Gold Plated Belt: Ebay
Purse: Salvation Army
Strappy Heels: Target

Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog! Hope you all are having an amazing week!! Praying blessings over you and your families!


XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14

Thrifted Fab!! Date Night Look #1
Hello Lovely People,

I've recently launched a new fashion series on my YouTube channel entitled 'Thrifted Fab' ! In this series I will be styling thrifted items into everyday looks. There will be a new video and corresponding blog post up each week. It's going to be exciting!!

OAN: I haven't been posting and uploading as often as I would like because its finals time! You may not know this, but I am a college professor as well, and it gets extremely hectic for me around this time. As much as I like to read, grading papers for several classes is no fun!

Only the good Lord has been getting me through this season. I am so looking forward to the summer! My workload will decrease and I will be posting both frequently and consistently.






                                           Floral Cardigan: Goodwill Outlet $.75
                                         Black Body Con Dress: Ross Stores $5.99
                              Black Carlos Santana  Platform Pumps: Ross Stores $22
                                         White Structured Mini Purse: H&M $3.50




WATCH MY NEW VIDEO HERE!!! 



Here's a bible verse to keep you going this week. 

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14
Look of the Day: New YouTube Fashion Video!!!
Hi everyone!!

I've just posted a fashion video on my YouTube channel featuring this look!!

 Watch the video by clicking HERE





Outfit details:
Denim Blouse: Thrifted
Dark Floral Print Pants: H&M
Nude Platform Pumps: Target
Neon Yellow Structured Bag: Dillard's Outlet
Earrings: H&M
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my posts. I hope you are inspired to be the best version of your self today. With God's strength we can continue to become purposeful, driven, confident and successful individuals! Keep Pressing!!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

XOXO,
Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14

R&R in Miami!!! :)
So it wouldn't have been a proper business trip without some rest and relaxation! I'm so glad that my family was only 45 minutes away because it was so nice to see them!

Got a chance to see my sister!! :)
Loving the texture in her outfit. ;)
The house where we stayed was on the water, so the backyard was absolutely lovely. We grilled steaks and had eggs with them on one of our mornings there. There was also a nice hot tub in the back yard, which the hubby and I quickly took advantage of! 


The hubby :)

Slouchy Top: Forever 21
Wide-Leg Pants: Thrifted
Neon Yellow Bag: Dillard's Outlet
Sandals: Target



Before we left Miami we payed a visit to the Bal Harbour Shops. Because it's an outdoor mall we got to bring Prince with us. He had a blast.




 One of my favorite shots! :) My hubby has skills with the camera. :)

                                        They had a live tank in the ground with fish and turtles. So pretty!



The way the trees are landscaped made this mall into a lush, tropical, shopping oasis. It was so beautiful we decided to grab lunch before hitting the road.

Caramel Macchiato

Lobster Bisque
Steak Filet Sandwich

Crab Stuffed Ravioli & Shrimp
I had a fantastic time in Miami...I always enjoy going there because there is ALWAYS something to do! Can't wait 'til next time! :)

XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14




MMIFW: Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week: OOTN
Hi lovely people,

I instagrammed a picture of this look and got so many compliments that I decided to share it on the blog.




I've also just posted a brand new fashion video featuring some of the looks I wore while in Miami.
Click HERE to view my THRIFT HAUL + STYLING: Miami Edition Video!!!



Believe it or not, this dress only cost me $2.50 from Salvation Army!!
When I saw this dress, I fell in love.
After washing it, it looked as good as new and absolutely fabulous!



This clutch is an old purchase. It makes appearances when I need something
 small, neutral, and sophisticated. :)

My shoes were purchased from Target on clearance for only $9.88

Mingling before the fashion show starts. :)








MY EXPERIENCE


The Good

For one, the whole concept of MMIFW is innovative. Showcasing fashion designs from all over the world is a wonderful opportunity for cultural enrichment.

I also loved the staff. The front desk staff greeted my husband and I warmly at the VIP reception. Although our press passes hadn't been printed up, we had no problem getting in, redeeming our drink passes and mingling with the other VIP. During the first night of the fashion shows we received our press passes at the door and were escorted into a huge atrium, normally a South Beach club during  business hours.

The Bad

Although the Miami Beach backdrop was the perfect setting for this fashion week, it lacked the style and elegance that it should have had.

One of the things I didn't like was the fact that the runway wasn't properly lit. It was hard to see the details on some of the designs and even harder to capture them on camera (hence, the lack of pictures on here).

In addition, the music that was played on the runway had vocals, and derogatory vocals, at that. The music traditionally played during a fashion show has minimal vocals, that are barely noticeable so as not to detract from the models.

I felt the music was so distracting it took my attention away from the designs. This was the 2nd annual MMIFW, so I will give the event coordinators the benefit of the doubt.

All in all, the fashion week was enjoyable. I believe that if they work on the finer details, this can grow to be one of the biggest events in the South Beach fashion community. I had so much fun in Miami  and made some great connections, so my trip was definitely worth it.

XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14



Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week

I'm in Miami for the 2nd annual MMIFW! I got invited as press for my blog. I absolutely LOVE attending fashion events. I plan on getting connected and building a larger network this year. Fashion allows me another outlet for my music (my first love).

On the first night, for the VIP reception, I donned a floral body con dress. This dress was purchased on clearance at H&M for only $7.50!! It was originally almost $40 at regular price. 


My earrings were purchased from H&M


Color-blocked clutch: H&M
Purchased for only $3.50 on clearance

BCBG Sandals: Dillard's outlet
These sandals were originally $99, but I purchased
them for only $25 on clearance.
This dress has an interesting cutout detail on the back. My hair covered it that night,
but maybe I'll give this dress a spin with my hair up next time I wear it.

The VIP reception was held at a swanky South Beach hotel lounge.

These lovely ladies represent Miss Latina International.
They also modeled some pieces during the fashion show.

Getting interviewed by MiamiTV...can't wait to see the interview!
I started to perspire due to the humidity outdoors.


Some red carpet LOVE. ;)

Astrid H. Ehrenstein Director of Special Events for Miami-Dade Boys and Girls Club
Looking forward to inspiring some young people by working
with this amazing organization. Astrid you are amazing!
As usual my wonderful husband was there to support me. He takes all my photos and
videos and without him I'd be lost. I love you babes.

I met some great people the first night. So far I managed to make it to the first night,
so stay tuned for more posts on MMIFW.


XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14
Centered.


I haven't posted in about 10 days. Life happened. I am determined to jump back in the saddle, but sometimes we all need to get "centered" again. What "centered" looks like for me is spending time away from social media, spending time reading God's word, praying, exercising, eating right, and just DETOXING, in general!

I know you can probably relate to me on that note. In light of recent events, please take time and pray for all those involved with the recent bombings in Boston. Let's be the change we want to see and work on helping heal those around us before we have to witness such a tragedy.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3



This look was captured a week ago. It's an understated, yet feminine look. Sometimes simple is golden. You can be feminine and fashion forward without going over the top. Let the real you shine through.

Thrifted Blouse: Goodwill Outlet
Faux Leather Skirt: Target
Thrifted Caramel Clutch: Sunshine Thrift



Beautiful Nights & City Lights.
God Bless You All,

XOXO

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14

FALL INTO SPRING!
This weekend the hubby and I went over some friends' for lunch. I was going for a dichotomy between comfy and chic. The look is centered around this fall-inspired blouse.

I purchased this blouse at a Goodwill outlet for less than $1, last weekend. (Goodwill outlets price their items by the pound). Although this blouse has fall colored leaves on it, I decided to rock it out anyway! Hope you enjoy the look and are inspired. :)







On my lips I added a nice pop of color.
Covergirl Lip Perfection: Divine


Jeffrey Campbell Lita's: Purchased from SoleStruck some time ago.


I picked this bag up at Ross some time ago.


A better look at the blouse; a bit wrinkled from sitting in the car :/


I felt fab in this ensemble!


Blessings and much love to you all until next post!


XOXO,

Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14

SPRING TRENDS 2013: MONOCHROME! :)
Hi Everyone,

I've posted a video highlighting 3 looks I put together using pieces from my closet! These looks were inspired by a big trend on the runways this season: MONOCHROME!!! I absolutely love this trend right now.


Here are my inspired looks!!


CREAM TONE!!


Blouse: Thrifted
Tutu-Style Skirt: Dillard's Outlet
Shoes: Target
Clutch: Thrifted






PURPLE TONE!!


Blouse: Thrifted
Pencil Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Michael Kors
Clutch: Thrifted








YELLOW TONE!!


Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Target
Quilted Purse: Thrifted





If you haven't seen the video already watch it HERE!!

XOXO,
Ker-Leen
Colossians 3:14