by Nijah J. | Nov 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
After months of using my hallway as a runway, I took a leap of faith and went on a casting call two weeks ago. It was for Ashley Stewart’s Thankful for Fashion event in Harlem, New York. My intent was to show the judges why I should be chosen for their show. So when it was my turn to speak and walk, I brought confidence with me. I left the casting feeling hopeful that I did my best, said a prayer and made the drive back to Jersey.
Lo and behold, a few days later, I received an email congratulating me on being selected as one of their MODEL SEARCH WINNERS!! So y’all already know the adrenaline was pumping right?? I read the email a gazillion times to make sure I read it correctly.
Finally, the big day finally arrived, so I packed my bags and was off to Harlem. Within moments, I had to prep for hair, makeup and wardrobe. The entire team was phenomenal! My hair was laid, face was beat to the Gawds honey, eyebrows on fleek and the dress had my name on it!!! I couldn’t stop smiling.
The fashion event was amazing. Recording artist Rasheeda Wallace performed; then there was the fashion show, in addition to a food drive and of course photo opportunities. Also, as one of the winners, I received a $100 gift card to shop at Ashley Stewart – as if I need another reason to shop (lol)!
Plainly put, I am thankful for fashion, fun and the fond memories I’ll always have for this day. On a personal note, I’m also pleased with myself that I stayed focused on what it is that I wanted to do. Yeah I’ve heard no’s , but I didn’t let that discourage me. Instead I kept practicing and used those constructive criticisms to my advantage. So you keep striving, believing and persevering because it’s all necessary for this journey. Besides, giving up is NOT an option…until next time my lovelies.
~Nijah J~
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Shameless selfie, face courtesy of @glambyo on Instagram.
She did a lovely job! |
by Nijah J. | Nov 17, 2014 | Uncategorized
I am really impressed with Ashley Stewart’s newest garments and I’ve found myself in their store more often. So, let me tell y’all how happy I am with my latest purchases.
Today’s article highlights their
Pleather & Ponte Skirt and
Printed Bodysuit. I purchased the Pleather Skirt in New York last week at Stylish Curves’ shopping event. I looked at it and thought to myself, hmm I can rock that. I tried it on and loved how it fit. It hugs my curves without being super tight. Did I mention that I got 40% off??? So yeah, I threw it in the bag!
Next, I was on a mission for a nice top to go with the skirt, when my mom suggested I try on the Printed Bodysuit (purchased at the East Orange, NJ location). I tried that on too, and yep, it was a perfect fit.
Last, the bold jewelry, also from Ashley Stewart, and the patent leather Nine West pumps completed my look for today.
So fashionistas, I encourage you to check out your local Ashley Stewart because I’m sure they will satisfy your eye for fashion – and don’t be afraid to step out of the box and take fashion risks. Finally, Be Bold, Be Confident and Be YOU! 😉 With love, ~Nijah J~
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I was torn between these leather Jeffrey Campbell pumps and the ones
featured below. |
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| I settled on these Nine West platform slingbacks…I enjoyed this look!!! 😉 |
by Nijah J. | Nov 10, 2014 | Uncategorized
This past Saturday I attended Stylish Curves’ Pop Up Plus event in the Big Apple. It was my first time ever going to an event like this so I was super excited. It was held in a beautifully decorated loft and it was filled with wall to wall vendors. Some of those vendors included Ashley Stewart, Rebdolls, Eloquii and Fashion to Figure. There were also several giveaways, light refreshments and music blasting as we all shopped, mingled and shopped some more!!! Did I mention that most vendors offered discounts on their items?? So you know I walked away with some fab finds in addition to a gift bag filled with goodies just for attending. In a word, I had a B-L-A-S-T (so much so that I forgot to take pics…good thing, I snapped these before I went in).
Here’s what I wore…
Black QUEEN Top –Ashley Stewart & Faux Fur Vest- Ashley Stewart
(I got a lot of compliments off of these 2 items!)
Jeans- Forever 21
Ugg Boots- Marshall’s clearance (last year)
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The QUEEN is pooped now…shopping does that to ya! lol
I enjoyed the event and can’t wait until the next one. |
by Nijah J. | Nov 3, 2014 | Uncategorized
So…today’s outfit was a show stopper! That’s always a plus. *winks* So let me give you all the details on each piece…
First, this beautiful Asos Caged Skirt was purchased from my girl Dionna of Made Me Pretty during her closet sale. I thought it was one of a kind and would complement my frame well…and that it did! It sits high on the waist and flares out. Asos currently has a similar dress for sale here.
I purchased the polka dot tee yesterday from Old Navy on clearance to go with something else. However, after seeing other curvy-nistas blend patterns successfully, I decided to give it a try.
The red suede shooties were purchased at Nine West about 2 years ago. Unfortunately, these are no longer available, but the EMORY PLATFORM BOOTIES are very similar and are currently available for your shopping pleasure.
My jewelry was from the Avenue. Although they were purchased in store, the necklace is still available online. You can also check your local Avenue to peruse their accessories section.
Lastly, I wore my favorite Faux Leather Jacket, which I also got from the Avenue…and did I mention that it’s on sale now! *cha-ching*
So what do you think of my look? Have you ever tried mixed prints? If so, I’d love to see how you all paired your pieces; if not, give it a try. ~Nijah J~
by Nijah J. | Oct 31, 2014 | Uncategorized
For the month of October, my goal was to jump start my workout routine. I had to lay low for about six weeks due to a toe fracture in August. I went from literally being super active to barely at all. It wasn’t a total bummer though. Instead of moping around, I used that time to clean, clean and clean some more lol! Needless to say, I was excited when the doctor gave me the green light to resume my workout sessions.
So I looked through my arsenal of dvds and chose Jillian Michael’s “ Kickbox FastFix.” I knew her to be upbeat and no nonsense from watching “The Biggest Loser.” Ms. Michaels got me right back into the swing of things. At first, the 20 minute sessions seemed like they’d never end but with consistency I re-gained my strength.
Jillian Michaels definitely has me ready to audition for the Rockettes with all those kicks (lol) but I enjoyed the dvd overall. She is a beast, so you are warned but she also encourages you in her signature yet sarcastic way.
In addition to doing the DVD 5 days a week, I also added a push up and crunch challenge that I found on Pinterest. This combination was just what I needed to get my mojo back.
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I’m loving this tank I saw on Etsy…
I need, want…gotta have! 😉
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in closing, I am enjoying my journey and I celebrate my progress. My goal is not perfection, but being healthy, not just on the outside but in all areas of my life. The results so far have been amazing and I look forward to getting even stronger with each rep and each drop of sweat…and you can bet, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!!!
~Nij~
by Nijah J. | Oct 27, 2014 | Uncategorized
A few weeks ago, I was given an opportunity to speak at a luncheon and it was a blessing in so many ways. One of those blessings was meeting Ms. Deidre Williams, Founder of Exciting Faith Ministries. She spoke from her heart about the power of believing God and activating your faith. Her message was encouraging to everyone in attendance. After the luncheon ended, Ms. Deidre and I chatted for a few minutes and were surprised to find out how much we had in common. We experienced some of the same challenges in life, but today we are embracing the vision that is set before us.
I wish Deidre well in all of her future endeavors, so I encourage you to support her on social media. You can also book her for events and purchase her Exciting Faith Apparel. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed because Ms. Deidre Williams is a woman who is ON FIRE TO INSPIRE!
Here are a few pics I took rockin’ one of her tees.
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Outfit details: Jeans- Forever 21
Knit Back Faux Leather Jacket- Avenue Plus
Athens Combat Boot- Avenue Plus
Pocketbook- Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a label and I don’t remember where I got it from
but on the bright side it matches my nails! 😉 |
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