Style Inspiration: Navy & Neutrals

Untitled #3 by djfrasier featuring a v neck dress

Vero Moda v neck dress, $37 / Steve Madden metallic sandals / Warehouse , $18 / Astley Clarke gold earrings, $980 / C. Wonder anchor jewelry

5 Pieces of Advice

Throughout life we have the fortunate circumstance to come across those people who offer you inspiration that becomes etched in our minds.  That inspiration often comes in the form of advice.  Whether it be a story, a scenario, or their actions they all offer a lesson.   Out of all of the advice that I've received thus far in life there are few that stand out.  Today I decided to share five bits of advice and the people who gave them  that have helped me through life (thus far) in general.

1.  Knowledge is powerful but be careful as to where you acquire knowledge.

-Deb (that's my mom)

A very powerful message because, yes you may know a lot, but how many of those things are actually  void of deceit.  There are entities out there whose main goal is to deceive as many as they can so you really have to evaluate not only what you found but also where you found it.  The origin of knowledge plays a bigger role in it's truth than most people give it credit for.

2.  Know the difference between being productive and being busy.

-Erica 

 You may have numerous items on your agenda but how many of them are actually propelling you towards your goals?  In today's society we equate being busy with being important but if you're not accomplishing anything then it's not relevant.

3.  State the facts but always tell the truth.

-Missy

If you are a genuine person then why wouldn't the things you say be genuine.  Your words are of utmost importance, aside from your actions, which are what others base you credibility, reliability, and integrity off of so don't blow it by telling people what they want to hear.  Do not compromise your values for the sake of someones feelings.  They came to you for the truth.

4.  Life is equally unfair for us all.

-Julie

Guess what?  You can't win them all and that's life.  Does it make it any less painful?  Nope, but it's the truth.  So why is this a piece of advice?  Simply because complaining about it's unfairness is going to get you nowhere but seeking a solution will.  If you know that life is unfair then you might spend less time complaining about it and more time doing something about your situation.

5.  Be careful, but if not then go all in.

-Terrell 

Okay the actual quote went... 'Be careful but if not then f*ck it'.  My friends always have a way of putting things.  His point was that if it's something that you really truly deeply believe in then by all means put your best effort behind it.  He wanted me to be careful but he also wanted me to pursue my dreams.  His theory was that if it's worth it go after it, but in the event that you fail then it was worth the ride (and it had better been one hell of a ride).

Well folks that's it, valuable (or what I consider valuable) advice from great minds.

Gorgeous Summer Skin in 4 Steps

If you can not tell I love warm weather.  Spring and Summer are my absolute favorite seasons.  After months of layering on clothes and braving harsh cold weather we finally get to take in the warmth of the sun.  It's awesome....until our skin begins to realize what season it is.  Now it's time to rev up our summer skin care routine so that we can have flawless beautiful skin as we head to the beach.  So lovelies this is my simple summertime skin care routine.  

1.  Cleanse.

This is a step that gets beat into our minds in every skincare routine but that should tell you that it's important.  So take the time to do it.  I keep a pack of makeup removing wipes by my bed so that I can just reach over and grab one even if I'm exhausted.  You would also need to clean your skin in the mornings when you wake up and for that I like to use a sudsy cleanser, it just feels luxurious.

Personal choices:  Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $5; Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads, $6; 

2. Exfoliate

Now it's time to shed all of that dead old skin so that a younger more vibrant face can seen by the world, right?  Exfoliating keeps your pores from clogging and it also helps your moisturizer penetrate your skin.  Look it up if you don't believe me. Now, you probably should not do this everyday but every other day should be just fine. 

Personal Choice:  St. Ives Apricot Scrub, $4 (this stuff has been around for a while now)

3.  Moisturize

If you do it during the winter to avoid dry cracked skin why wouldn't you do it during the summer to avoid crusty ashy skin?  Please remember to moisturize on the outside as well as the inside.  Drink plenty of water it's good for your face and your skin.

Personal Choice:  Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion, $8; Water, ?

4.  Sunscreen

This is serious.  People of all skin tones are susceptible to skin cancer.  UVA and UVB rays do not discriminate.  Cancer is a very serious and unfortunate disease.  If that's not enough to make you wear sunscreen (which it seriously should be) then maybe you should wear it to avoid wrinkles and leathery skin.

Personal Choice:  Neutrogena Clear Face Sunblock, $12

There you have it...just four steps to gorgeous skin this summer.  Tested by yours truly all it takes is at most 15 minutes every morning.

Happenings This Weekend #2

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Monday morning.  I also hope that everyone had an exquisite weekend.  This past weekend for me was very busy.  I had way too much going on and I was able to do everything but relax.  

This weekend was my last chance to actually indulge in unhealthy eating and overeating since I do have to prepare myself for a huge opportunity that is coming my way (I'll explain later).  I also attended a birthday party and I went out to dinner with some friends.  After the birthday party we went out to another party and it just went on from there.   Majority of my weekend was actually spent in the gym.  I'm trying to tone up and lose a little bit of pudge around my midsection.  This week will not be the happiest for me but the results will at least be rewarding.  I'll definitely fill in the details a little later.  Well, that seems to be about it, ttyl.    

Side note:  working out while hung over is the opposite of fun, I repeat it is the exact opposite of fun.  In fact, that is why my stats were so terrible.  1.24 miles in 20 minutes...really?  It was pitiful.  

Positivity is the Key

There is no place for negativity in your life, thoughts, or spirit.  You have to willingly 'look on the bright side of everything'.  You owe this much to yourself.  Your well-being is important.  I know we like to help others but we are in no shape to help others when we aren't whole.  Positivity will get you through hard times.  You know what?  Don't even think (or if you can't help it, correct yourself) in negative terms.  Instead of 'I hope my car doesn't break down today' you should say 'I appreciate the fact that I am able to do what I need to do everyday'.   No worries, no problems.  Our mindset is often our biggest obstacle.  So why let something that you control be a detriment to you?  You don't have to... just change it.

Praying and wishing to be delivered out of a difficult situation is getting us nowhere.  You should instead be praying for the strength, wisdom, and courage to make it through that difficult situation.  Most times the only way to get over something is to go through it and that's where a lesson should be learned.  My mom used to always say the most important lessons are always the hardest to learn and often they culminate from the most difficult of situations.  So face it, life is not easy for anyone nor was it meant to be.

As I said before it will be uncomfortable and hard but with enough practice it will become something that you do without even thinking about it.  TRY IT!  What do you have to lose except for stress/mess?  Get it, got it, great.

Inhale positivity, exhale peace.

Vlog 1: Randomness & A Photo Shoot

So yes, I haven't been posting regularly but it's only because I have been very busy with these new opportunities that I have been presented with.  It can be exhausting at times trying to balance my job, my personal life, and everything else that I'm doing but that's life.  I'm sure it's the same way for the majority of us.  I've decided to incorporate vlogging because it's more convenient sometimes.  Let me know what you think.

Update and Coming Up

I have not been posting as much as I'd like lately simply because my schedule has become very hectic lately.  Recently as I may have mentioned previously I was approached with a few modeling gigs that have me tied up for pretty much the remainder of this month and on into next month.  It's nothing huge but I will get a good bit of exposure participating in these events.  I'm not sure if modeling is something that I'd like to do seriously but it is different and I like to keep my life interesting by trying different things.  I also work a full-time job and I'm also apartment hunting.  So yes my life is certainly very busy but I'd like to take everyone with me so I have begun the vlogging process.  However, posting those videos is taking much longer than anticipated because the editing process is very tedious.  Nonetheless, I will certainly get those videos up along with a few more posts.  Thank you all for reading and I hope that you enjoy what I have in store.

Style Inspiration: Chevron

Okay, it's confession time.....

I am obsessed with Chevron prints.  It's been around for a while and it's holding it's ground as a fashionable print.  It's a clear winner for anyone who is into clean, chic, and modern prints.  Check it out....

Chevron by djfrasier featuring short mini skirts

Peach dress / See through prom dress / Charlotte Russe dolman sleeve top / Short mini skirt / Black maxi skirt / Style tryst / Yellow gold jewelry, $11

Monday Inspiration #2

I love the idea of inspiration on Mondays. It's the beginning of the week and it feels like a fresh new start.  So why not start the week out happy, fulfilled, and with a little bit of inspiration?

I hope that everyone has a productive a joyous day. 

-Until next time

Advice: Entering The Workforce

It can be very scary entering the workforce especially if you are entering your desired career field.  It seems like you've spent so much time preparing yourself only to sit up the night before thinking 'I'm so not ready for this' or 'what if I mess up'.  Well you can always Google advice for young (or even whatever age) professionals entering the workforce which I would suggest that you try or you could continue reading my unconventional advice for those entering the workforce.

1.  Be quiet and listen
If you're trying to gain knowledge, which you are, it is probably best that you don't attempt to look like the smartest person in the room.  You're new soak it in, you currently have a front row seat to view how that particular organization works don't run your mouth so much that you miss the show.

2.  Do not isolate yourself with people who are like you
I know we did it in college even though we claimed that we were diversifying ourselves *queue dramatic music* but we didn't (shocked face) and it wasn't wrong, we just like people that we share common interests with.  However, make your rounds, communicate with someone older/younger, sit with a different group everyday at lunch for a week.

 3.  Your personal life IS separate from your professional life
I know sharing personal information is a part of bonding (I majored in Communication) but not at work.  They should not know about your 'shamtastic' roommate, your crazy ex, or your weekend outings.  It's so tempting but you're still new and you don't know these people.  Be safe and do not disclose personal information unless it directly affects your job.

4.  Do what you said that you would do
If you take on a project and agree to have it done by the close of business then you better make sure it's done by the close of business.  It shows that you are reliable and consistent.  You get the job done and that's what employers want to see.

5.  Ask for help and take notes
It's okay to ask for help but if you do please make sure to take notes.  At my job we get interns who ask the same question everyday because they did not take notes (either mentally or physically)....that's bad.  It makes you look incompetent but only when you ask the SAME question repeatedly.

6.  You're gonna make mistakes
Now learn the lesson and get over it.  The only time mistakes become a problem is when there is no lesson learned.  If no lesson is learned then chances are the mistake is going to be repeated and you are going to come off as problematic.

7.  Stand your ground
This is when your coworkers are developing their opinions of you.  So if you know (not assume) that someone is belittling you or disrespecting you it's probably best to comfort them calmly.  If you falter when this happens that person and anyone else viewing the situation (and people are watching) will view you as weak.  Don't let that become a characteristic that you have to reverse.  Workplace bullying or hazing happens and it will probably happen to you but don't let that scare you off into a corner.

8.  Everyone is just as nervous as you
Yes, you're new and everyone else has been there for however long and they may know more about the company but you represent something scary and that is change.  You're new, you have new ideas, you think outside of the box that they have grown accustomed to thinking in, and you are in their minds the future of the workforce.  You may feel inexperienced but that inexperience allows you to think more freely and find innovative solutions that they can not see.  Your lack of experience is the cause of anxiety for everyone involved.

9.  This is a job and not a picnic.
You did not enter the workforce to make friends, it is one of the many upsides as you'll see later in your career but for those that are just starting out please do not make this your main goal.  If you're worried about making friends join a club or some sort of social group.  You'll make friends later but for now you're there to work.

10.  Thank those that help you.
Remember that with the help of those people your struggle to find your footing could have been a lot worse.  A little gratitude goes a long way.  When people feel appreciated they are more likely to help you out again.


Don't get me wrong, your first day and many others after that will still be filled with anxiety but hopefully these tips will ease that anxiety a tad bit.  It is scary beginning your career or even a new job but now you have guidelines on how to conduct yourself.  You can't control what happens but at least you can adapt.  Get out there, walk in the confidence, learn something, but for right now get some rest.  You have a big day ahead of you.

Face of the Day: Gray Skies w/ a Pop of Color

It's pretty gloomy here in South Carolina today.  It makes you just want to stay in bed and sleep but if you're like me you had to tough it out and go in to work today.  What better to wake you up than a bright lip color and a cup of coffee?  The color on my lips is Sail La Vie by MAC (it's one of my favorites).  With such bold lips I kept my face simple....no shadow just winged liner and MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish.  Also featured is my 'I got coffee crazy face'.  I hope everyone has an awesome day.

Spring Look #1

Dinner by djfrasier featuring aldo clutches

VILA , $13 / Oasis jacket, $93 / Mango fake leather pants, $43 / Sugarfree Shoes high heel shoes, $66 / ALDO clutch / Cuff bracelet, $9.27 / Carolina Bucci gold jewelry, $295