JALEXSTYLE: February 2015

Saturday, February 28, 2015

"Your identity is how you learn and apply the lesson"

Hey guys! So sorry I haven't posted anything this week but I've been extremely preoccupied with the everyday drama of life. This month has been a roller coaster and quite frankly I'm ready to get off of it. Now anyone that knows me knows that style and fashion are my passion (I didn't mean to rhyme) but I've honestly found myself in a rut. I've had so much going on from family situations, my bills, work and being there for my friends that my baby (the blog) hasn't gotten any T.L.C. To most people they think I'm doing great and I'm making my way to the top but I know I can do better. I have so many ideas and stories I want to share with my readers and people who support my vision. At one point this week I was thinking about taking a month off just to get my life in order. But I had a long talk with myself and I thought about all the bullshit that's on my plate and told myself its life. Most of the bullshit I have going on is because I created it. I got myself in debt, I was the one not spending time with my family, I was the one who wasn't focused at work, then when you add the emotions of PMS you've got a mental disaster. I started to doubt if blogging is what I should continue to do. I thought about the fact that I don't have as many followers as I think I should have and I'm not making money from it so why am I doing this. After two glasses of wine and a healthy cry session I put my big girl panties on and created a plan. I have a plan to get my new car, maintain my bills and pay off debt and have allowed more time for my family and my personal time. Now I'll be honest and tell you that this isn't the first "list" I've made. Man I'm famous for list. I go through this whole thing of “ok J you gotta get your shit together” and I'll write everything out and two weeks later I'm back to the same bullshit. I'm 25 now so there's no room for bullshitting. I have shit or get off the pot, it's now or never. So March is dedicated to becoming consistent to the most import at things in my life. I know it won't be easy but damnit I've gotta actually give it a solid try. I challenge you to the same thing. Whatever you're lacking in or could be better at, create a list and conquer it. There is no reason why any of us should not be excelling and being the best versions of our self. So now that I'm done rambling and giving you an Oprah moment I want to thank the person who is reading this. Like whomever YOU are thank you. Just the fact that someone is reading this makes all my stress and doubt go away. Have an amazing weekend and I will see you in March!

Blazers & Tweed

It's another artic day here in Baltimore and I've probably spent an hour each day this week complaining about the weather. Like seriously when is it going to break? I have soooo many outfits I want to wear but I have to consider layers and installation of heat on my body every day I get dressed. I mean I'm not asking for it to be 70 degrees and sunny, just a smooth 45 degree day where my lips don't become immensely chapped and tears fall down my face just from walking to my car. I don't know whats up with Mother Nature?

Any who this is a cool layered look I put together not too long ago. I literally just pulled some pieces off of my wardrobe rack and threw them on my bed and thought oh that's a cool look. Then wallah! I added my new fav Nike Blazers I found in Nordstrom Rack for $40 bucks for some edge. Get all the deets below. Be inspired!

Leather Jacket- Express

Argyle Cardigan- Forever 21

Plaid Knit- H&M

Tweed Mini Skirt- H&M

Tights- H&M

Nike Blazers- Nordstrom Rack

Top Ten Tuesday's- Street Style Edish'

Hola! It's another cold and frigid day here in Baltimore and with last night’s snow storm I hope Mother Nature has gotten out all her animosity towards the east coast out because quite frankly ma'am we're over it. Of course as anyone with an Instagram account knows it is New York Fashion Week and I’m overwhelmed with happiness and sadness all at the same time. But luckily the cold weather is not stopping any celebrities or street styllist from around the globe from putting on their most expensive duds and hitting shows across NYC. I've been following every event going on in NYC and saying to myself why aren’t you there J? But things happen for a reason and in time. So until the next fashion week I make it to I'll continue to spectate via social media and blogs. But to give you an idea of what my favorite part of NYFW is I'm dedicating Top Ten Tuesday's to my fav street style looks I've ran across via Harper's Bazaar’s Twitter account (Follow them on Twitter here!). Check them out below and go to (Find more street style here!) to find out more interacting news about fashion week.

Topshop launch @ Nordstrom Columbia

Heyyyyy ya’ll!!! Of course if you’re on the east coast you’re enduring this frigid, disrespectful, and uncalled for winter weather. This is the type of weather that keeps you in doors for days at a time, like there is no reason to be outside unless you have to get food, or work. I don’t want to rant on to long about the weather, we’re all cold LOL. But this weekend was one that was not only relaxing but eventful. I covered the launch of the first Topshop department in Baltimore, MD at Nordstrom Columbia. I’m a former employee of the Nordstrom Columbia store so I had a very warm and open welcome. The department ran by Alexxis Opachan had a live DJ, make-up artist, and goodies for customers which made it feel like an actual party. The launch had such a live/trendy vibe to it which fit just right with the feel of Topshop. Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Topshop (history of Topshop here!) it is London based retailer and became a part of the Nordstrom family about 3 years ago. Most of you may have not visited the Topshop store in NY or LA but the stores have a very structured and uniformed look to them. The brand holds a “runway to retail” aesthetic to each collection it produces and after being able to take in all the elements of the brand I can give a true and accurate synopsis to the greater Baltimore area. Here are a few tips I picked up.

Tone of the floor: So like most retailers the Topshop floor at Columbia was separated by casual pieces and dressier pieces. The casual portion of the floor “Scout’s Honor” was one with lots solid ribbed tunics, patterned miniskirts and basic crop tops. Personally I purchased more from this part of the floor just because of how versatile the pieces were. The dressier portion of the floor was “Highline” and was based on more structured pieces like faux pleated skirts, chic gaucho pants and the most amazing neoprene skirt I’ve seen in a while. Now of course the floor will change from month to month if not within the week but it’s a clear guide to help you find what you’re looking for.

Merchandise: So if you’re a regular Nordstrom shopper or just a shopaholic like myself you’ll have an appreciation for the variety the pieces that Topshop offers. It’s like a breath of fresh air form the usually H&M tops and Forever 21 trends. You can count on a cleaner silhouette from Topshop to freshen up your wardrobe.

Sizing: Ladies I’m urging you to TRY ON EVERYTHING from Topshop. Topshop is a London based retailer so it is European sizing. On the tag it breaks down US sizing from UK sizing but I still urge to have a nice try in session in the fitting room. On average each customer I talked to had to go up a size in each piece they tried.

Quality: And my last tidbit is the quality. My friends Topshop may have the best quality pieces you can find a in a local retailer. Just the feel of each piece I got felt so legit LOL, like I was getting a Charlotte Olympia piece with the price point of Madewell . Nothing is to expensive but if your second guessing anything because of the price think again, it’s worth the “investment”.

I hope this gave you the tips you needed to make your next shopping trip to Nordstrom Columbia’s Topshop department easier!

#TOPSHOPTUESDAYS

Hey ya’ll! So like I said yesterday I will be covering the launch of the brand new Topshop department in Nordstrom Columbia this Saturday February 14^th from 10am-2pm. I’m running a small contest to win a $75 Nordy gift card starting today! So here is how to win.

1. Repost this post and

2. Hashtag #TOPSHOPxJALEXSTYLE

3. FOLLOW @nordstromcolumbia here in IG.

These steps are IMPERATIVE to qualify to win the gift card. I will draw a name on Friday February 13^th and announce the winner! Good luck! #repost #repost #repost.