How to style a belt bag

My most hated accessory would have to be BAGS! They get in the way, they're often super heavy and they constrict me. Well, I've finally found the type of bag that was invented me—belt bag. Keep reading to see how I style belt bags!What I love most about this trend, is at some point everyone can appreciate it. Even my mother, who doesn't carry bags smaller than the size of our house so that she can fit all the necessary items it in (I use the word "necessary" loosely) thought that my belt bag was cute and convenient. They work as an everyday bag for gals like me, OR as a purse for a vacation/theme park! Whatever the reason or use of them, they are always fashionable!

How to style belt bags:

Crossbody aka across your shoulder - This is my ultimate favorite way to wear belt bags. It is easily accessible, close to me (fear of getting pickpocketed) AND it doesn't get in the way when I have to hug someone. I also never need to take it off because it's positioned in a way that it doesn't interfere with my movements! Dress up OR down. (Hint: Shorten strap on a mini crossbody bag to make it a belt bag ↓) BAG: Furla

Fanny pack - I don't rock my bags this way often but more recently I am switching it up. When wearing a belt bag like a fanny pack make sure it's not too low (bad example here). This is also a more casual/sporty approach to a belt bag. 

Waist/corset belt - Need a corset belt? Grab your belt bag. I find this position for the bag to bring similar comfort as a crossbody until the belt notch is too tight. What I will say I love about styling the bag this way is that it is classy and simple. It is the dressier part to the fanny pack style. BAG: See by Chloe

Are you enjoying the belt bag trend as much as I am? Let me know in the comments below!xo,   

Jewels & Gems: We are Amazing!

I think DIY-ing can be so fulfilling! Watching your very own piece of work come to life from start to finish is amazing to see! For the past year, I've had the pleasure of leading fun DIYs with a group of young girls, who have grown to mean so much to me!WARNING: Personal, sappy content BELOWThis year has been...different. I think if I were to write a book I would call it the year of silent suffering. But I still had my saving graces and I'm hopeful that there's a great change ahead. One of those saving graces, were a group of young girls!I started Jewels & Gems, a mix of Proverbs 31:10 and DIY craftations (made up word) with every intention of pouring into others, but little did I know that these girls were pouring back into me. I (maybe we) often feel unworthy, stuck between trying to have it all together and watching it all fall apart, so naturally, I felt unworthy. I often contemplated canceling our Sunday sessions because of this feeling. And while I know I'm called to do so much, I still felt as if I would always fall short.I'd ask myself how can I lead when I'm confused or scared, angry, out of it..and the list goes on. How can I help these girls see how great they truly are all on their own when lately I'm finding that I'm not as great as I may appear to be. This battle in my mind was constant but these young girls helped me realize something new this year. Their excitement, desire to be around me, willingness to listen mended the breaking pieces inside of me. They reminded me of what I often try to remind others, that it's okay not to be PERFECT. Perfection is overrated. And in life, I don't have to be perfect to be used by God, to further His agenda for my life here on earth.

I am indebted to these girls. I couldn't be more grateful for each and every one of them. They are everything that my shirt states. Extraordinary, inspiring, passionate, awesome, fearless, creative, important (especially to me), joyful, incredible, kind... They are AMAZING! More info about Jewels & Gems:I started Jewels and Gems in 2018, a DIY session with young girls (7 over the year) to instill confidence and creativity! Each session we create our very own DIY and review an uplifting bible verse. The name Jewels and Gems comes from Proverbs 31:10...She is far more precious than jewels. And of course, Jewels & Gems linking to fun DIY pieces for girls! I am hoping to expand in 2019 and open up J&G to more girls throughout the surrounding communitiesPurchase the shirt ---> AMAZINGI love this shirt, but what I love most about it is that the brand has paired with a non-profit organization that empowers young girls! Everything that I'm all about!xoxo,

Vintage Fashion Trend that I'm loving: Fur Cuffs

I can't get enough of faux fur this season! Fur hats, bags, coat and more important...fur cuffs! A vintage fashion trend that was super popular in the late 20s early 30s has made a comeback as all fashion trends do and I am simply indulging myself in it.Fur everything made a very significant comeback in 2018! Bold colors and prints, not just traditional or natural looking fur, but fur that demands attention. And with fur collars and cuffs, you can truly spice up any look!Now anyone who knows me knows I love a DIY Challenge, and with my newfound interest in fur I just knew I had to make a fur cuff.What I truly love about these custom cuffs is that they're removable, so I can add them to any article of clothing that I want. Jumpsuit, sweater, blazer, dress, leather jacket and more!I first came upon fur cuffs on a blazer when I was at a photo shoot. It was a Zara blazer with green fur cuffs! I was smitten! To my surprise though I wouldn't have thought that I would continue the Zara trend by recreating this floral blazer.I felt that a nice brown neutral would instantly take this already fabulous blazer to the next level! And when I tell you this DIY was done by hand, I mean. Super easy for beginners. I'm headed back to Joann's to get more fur to add to my collection!xx,

The Future of Fashion: NIA, Eco-friendly knitwear

They say that fashion repeats itself every 10 years, but why not re-invent itself in a better way! Eco-friendly clothing is the future of what fashion needs, to not only to up our style game but protect our world too!NIA knitwear, designed by Merica Kahn, is looking to the future! "With the vast amounts of 'fast fashion' discards piling up in our landfills, I wanted to design a line of clothing that could outlast the trends." (about us on shopniaclothing.com)  Not to mention her pieces are versatile and fashionable! I'm particularly loving her reversible bodycon dress.

xoxo,