President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama...A Love Story

(Photo c/o)

On January 20, 2009, I can remember sitting in awe as I watched the first African-American president be sworn in with his beautiful wife and daughters. 

People who met them couldn't say anything regarding their character that wasn't sure to make you think you knew them personally. Their "friendly neighbor next door" qualities attracted even the most doubtful of people. 

It's no shock that President Barack Obama is deemed most admired man for the ninth year in a row, while First Lady Michelle is quoted as most popular first lady ever. 

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama represented real love within a marriage that's rarely seen between two individuals in the media.

 Their relationship made every girl dream of a Barack and every boy want a lady like Michelle.

(Photo c/o)

Former President Barack and Former First Lady Michelle Obama are the epitome of role models who displays love, charisma, and most importantly respect for all people.

Today, eight years later, I wear my glasses to hide my feelings while dressed in all black to show my respect. Farewell...we love you...and we thank you for the love story.

Psalms 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord".

I Have a Dream...

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! If you had the day off, I hope you had a great day relaxing. My day consisted of organizing my "life" for my final semester of graduates school, and painting one of my antique drawer sets that I've decided to put back in my room. My intentions was to spend my day downtown with friends while checking out some of the MLK tribute events, but the dreary weather made me kind of sluggish.

The first thoughts that come to mind when I think of Martin Luther King Jr. is his famous I Have a Dream speech during the march on Washington. I often find myself reminiscing on how persistent one individual can be to make such a beautiful stance for all people. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for peace, equality, and justice, which is a necessity for life. 

As an African American woman living in the United States of America, I feel like it's my duty to take full advantage of gaining more education, experimenting with different careers, and taking chances that my heart desires (God-led). My ancestors and other individuals who had the same mindsets as Martin Luther King Jr. fought for me to have these awesome opportunities. If I as an individual don't take full advantage of attempting to live out my dreams, than I am letting down my ancestors, the future generations, and most importantly myself! God created all of us to have faith and to strive!

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Blush Off the Shoulder Sweater

Blush Sweater// YMI Blue Jeans // Over the knee Suede Boots (Cheaper) // Bag

Happy Monday! When I woke up this morning, there was still snow all over the front/backyard and driveway (I thought). In the past, the snow is usually scarce and has somewhat converted into ice, but seeing the yard still covered made me think it was snow! It was definitely ice! And that meant, no leaving the house until way after noon!:)

Since the school district closed schools for today, I continued my relaxation:) I also caught up on my reading while prepping for my graduate courses. The anxiety from teaching and attending grad school full time became a serious burden last semester. I was completely drained. My goal is to have my assignments completed further in advance rather than letting time catch up on me this semester.

Now to this outfit, it's definitely a cozier more relaxed look than I'm used to. I really like how loose, yet put together this sweater looks. I paired it with my YMI jeans and over the knee boots. This total look is less than $100 if you don't use any discounts or have similar items in your closet. Every item from this post, except the sweater is a piece recycled from another post:)

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week, and try to stay warm if your here in the Carolinas. Before you go, I want to leave you with today's bible verse: Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble".

Stay Blessed,
xoxo Tatiana:)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Asos Petite Ruffle Dress// Kate Spade Cedar Street Tote // Over the Knee Boots (similar)

What a perfect time for a winter wonderland in 2017! When I found out we were getting snow here in the Carolinas, I got so excited. I love waking up to my home glowing from the reflection of the snow. We usually cook a huge breakfast, go outside and take pictures of the scenery, and then come back inside for hot chocolate. After being in the house all Saturday, we waited for the clear to go out on the roads today!

I spotted this baby blue ruffle sweater dress and knew in an instant that it would be perfect for this season. The dress is so elegantly chic, and can be worn just about anywhere. The most positive thing about this sweater dress is how thick the material is. I love how I didn't even need a coat to wear with this sweater dress because it's so warm and cozy. I paired this baby blue sweater dress with my over the knee boots and my Kate Spade floral tote that I purchased from the outlet.

I hope everyone has a beautiful Sunday that is filled with lots of relaxation. Before you go, I'm leaving you with a bible verse from Psalms 146: 1-2 "Praise ye Jehovah. Praise Jehovah, O my soul. While I live will I praise Jehovah: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being".

Stay Blessed,
xoxo Tatiana:)

Ruffles and Neutrals

Stripe Ruffle Hem Sweater// YMI Jeans // Wedge Taupe Booties

Yayyyy! You made it to Wednesday, meaning, your half way to the weekend!:) I hope everything is going great with you all, but if not remember to seek Christ before doing anything. He has the answers you need. Give it to God and let go! So, let's go, get started on this post!lol.:)

This is one of my favorite knit tops. I think it's so flirty, girly, and chic! The stripes are navy, but there was a burgundy striped sweater just like this one. I purchased mines in the size XS because I hate the baggy-in-the-wrong-places look my knit tops get after wearing them a few times. 

My jeans are YMI and they are so comfortable! They give me that sleek, toned look without looking too dramatic. My booties are from DSW. I have them in a size 7, but they are so narrow that I might exchange them for a size 7.5. Anyways, I love this outfit, and it cost less than $70 after using discount codes and coupons!:)

Verse to meditate on: Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans". 

Stay Blessed,

xoxo Tatiana:)

The Perfect Turtleneck Sweater

Turtleneck Sweater// AE Jeans // Booties (mine old)// Goodnight Macaroon Cognac Bag

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope everyone is having a great start to their week, or at least trying to. It's so hard going back to the working world, and going back to your classes. Anyways, I'm just going to jump right into this post!:)

This sweater is actually the perfect sweater to look always chic:) I purchased the bronze amber color because I felt like it really complimented my skin tone. The sweater has basket- weave patterns throughout, and the turtleneck is two-tones slouchy. I love the fit. It's not tight or loose. I'm usually a true small, but I ordered the size XS, and it fits perfect!:) It's actually 60% off right now at Nordstrom, so grab one before they run out!

 My booties were actually purchased at Gabes in Greenville, SC, and they are by Express. I can always find tons of great high quality items in there. These booties originally cost $69, but I got them for $9. One of my best friends went back the following week and got them for $5 or $7 in the color black! I was so envious:) I'm such a sucker for a great deal on high quality items:)

My cognac bag is by Goodnight Macaroon, and it's just like my gray bag from a previous post. The bag has a gold-plated hoop and hanging chain that's placed in the front of the bag. I think it's really chic to pair with most outfits. It's great for going out for brunch or a little outing in town.

Great scripture to meditate on: James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".

Stay Blessed,
xoxo Tatiana:)

First Monday in 2017

Blush Vest// Sweater// Jeans// Michael Kors Booties (similar)// Watch

It's the first Monday of 2017!!!! I'm so excited for this year. I can already feel that this year is going to be filled with so many amazing and exciting adventures. 2016 was a good year filled with mini trips and lots of outings with my friends and family, but I still didn't do as much as I would've liked to. Due to working and attending graduates school full-time, this year I plan to prioritize my daily schedule a little better so that I can plan more trips like I did back in 2015 (Backpacked to Europe, vacationed in Florida and Chicago, went on Christian retreats, achieved major academic accomplishments, started graduates school, etc.). Hopefully this week I can show you all my new year resolutions!:)

This vest from Macy's is definitely one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I purchased the vest in the blush and black color, but there were several other colors to choose from. It's not the thickest of vest, but it's nice for putting layers underneath. I paired this vest with my black white polka dot sweater (mines old; from Belk). I felt like this vest and polka dot sweater combo needed something to make it really pop, so I paired my Paige white jeans with it. I didn't know which shoes to put with this outfit because I felt like Taupe, brown, or black would go. But as you can see, I settled with black booties!:)
This is definitely an outfit that ANYONE could create from their own closet. I actually spend less than $100 on this outfit (minus the booties), and I've owned the sweater and jeans for quite some time now! I purchased the vest during the holiday, so I received a really great discount during my checkout!

Before you go, I would like to leave you with a great bible verse to remember for this new year: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland"(Isaiah 43:18-19).

Stay Blessed
xoxo Tatiana!;)