Guest Post: How To Wear Patterns and Prints

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Myafrofashion.com is a global fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog based in Canada showcasing an interesting niche of African-inspired fashion from across the globe. Today she gives you the low down on how to wear patterns and prints.

Floral pants

These floral pants have been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe for a long time!

Although I have worn these floral pants numerous times, they never seem to bore me. My hunch is that this is due to the numerous colors that one can pull from them. Pinks, blues, green and oranges, as well as neutrals such as black and white, keep the pants visually interesting and suitable for frequent wear.   

Guest Post: Blackberry, Banana, Mango & Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Photo by Tiffany

I hope you guys are enjoying your summer. Today we have a tasty and exotic recipe to help cool you down amidst the hot and humid weather. Blackberry, banana, mango and dragon fruit--oh my, what a combination! The lovely Tiffany from Little black Pearls shares another delightful recipe!
I'm also back to fully blogging at home on my desktop computer, rather than on my android phone. Attention, bloggers: do not try to blog with your phone because you can't really see what you're writing. Not to fret; more posts are on the way (no more getaways to the middle of nowhere for a while)! Without further ado, enjoy this tasty treat and let me know what you thought of it.
 

This recipe serves 2.

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas

1 mango

½ cup of blackberries

½ dragon fruit

Lots of ice (about a tray full)

Optional: honey (if you find it's not sweet enough)

Using a blender, blend all the chopped up ingredients together until you get a thick velvety smoothie. That's it! Consume immediately.

Tiffany's Tips: "This is the easiest and healthiest way to make a good smoothie -- pure fruit and nothing else! The trick is to use frozen bananas, it thickens it up nicely. As such, I always like to have a few frozen bananas on hand. When ripe, peel and cut up some bananas into large chunks, throw them in a Ziploc bag and toss in the freezer. It lasts for a while and is good for making smoothies and ice cream."

Please check out Tiffany's blog Little black Pearls

Until next time, 
Sincerely Miss J  

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Express Zebra print Skirt

The word "practical" never crossed my mind when I was purchasing this zebra print skirt from Express Clothing. However, if you follow me on Instagram at smissjblog, you may have known that I had been lusting over it for a few months after I first spotted it at the Express Clothing's Spring/Summer preview. My initial thoughts were, "how gorgeous, how dainty, but how edgy at the same time!" 
I coveted this skirt for awhile before I decided to splurge.I thought, if it’s not practical for me,can I make it practical? Can I rock the heck out of this skirt so that it becomes a basic and classic item in my closet? Do I feel pretty, and confident in it? The answer was definitely yes, so I went for it!!

Ultimately, the skirt won me over with its classic zebra print pattern, its great fit and perfect length. The plus side was that it did not overwhelm my short frame. 
I paired the skirt with this unique cross over style crop top. This added more interest to the outfit without competing with the pattern in the skirt. Another option is adding a shawl or a jacket as a cover up during those cooler evenings or nights if you wish to recreate the look.The skirt can be paired with numerous colored accessories and tops to create numerous outfit options

Hope you enjoyed the post

Until Next time, 

Sincerely Miss J

Outfit Information

Top: Garage Clothing here// Skirt: Express here // Heels: Zara // Purse:Borrowed (friend)

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Guest Post: Watermelon, Strawberry and Basil drink

It's summer and summer only calls for yummy refreshing treats. Today, I've teamed up with the lovely Tiffany from Little Black Pearls. Tiffany is a fellow blogger and a friend of mine who always knows  how to make anything look yummy. We have decided to team up to share some fun recipes to help keep you cool this summer.

 Pictures by: Tiffany 

Watermelon, Strawberry & Basil Cooler (Serves 2):

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cubed watermelon

- 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries

- 6 basil leaves
- 1 cup of coconut water

- 2 cups of ice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Want to see more of Tiffany visit her at  Little Black Pearls 

Please let me know what you think of the recipe? What is your go to drink for the summer?

Stay tuned next Tuesday for more refreshing recipes

Until Next Time, 
Sincerely Miss J

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The Yellow Blazer

I never thought in a million years that I would invest in a yellow blazer. When I first saw it, I thought "it's pretty" but I will never wear it. Fast forward almost a year later, and it's still an item in my closet that I love. Injecting a bit of color into your wardrobe is never a bad thing.
This yellow blazer was also worn in this post, here
 I paired the blazer with a leopard shirt and white pants.

Photos by: Clover D

 I encourage you all to take risks with your wardrobe. Try something that's a bit outside of your comfort zone, however make sure your still comfortable in it.  

P.S I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Is there something that you would love to add to your closet, but too nervous to try?

Until Next Time, 

Sincerely Miss J

Outfit Information

Blazer: Zara (option here) // White Pants: Zara  (option, here) // Shirt: ModeStar // Sandals: Thrifted // Bag: Thrifted


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8 Summer Wardrobe Essentials

Summer is in full swing and with warmer weather comes the luxuries of sunshine, BBQs, beaches, outdoor events and much more. The summer uniform should always be comfortable, stylish, protective, and easy to wear. Today we are talking about 8 summer wardrobe essentials . If you do not have any of these items already in your closet, don't worry! Sale season is here, which marks the perfect time to grab one or maybe two of these items. Here are 8 essential summer wardrobe pieces in additional to the most obvious, summer shades.

1. A summer dress: Personally, I love maxi dresses that are easy to slip on and go!

Pictured:  Line Knit Wear Maxi dress

2. Jean shorts: Whether you prefer the boyfriend style or daisy dukes, jean shorts are a great basic item.

Love these fun patterned OBEY shorts.
Pictured: OBEY jean shorts

3 & 4. A bathing suit: A bathing suit is a must have when lounging on the beach or having fun in the water. A simple black one is great but why not try something fun! A two piece over a one piece suit also provides for more versatility by allowing you to mix and match the pieces.
Pictured: OBEY two piece bathing suit 

5. A summer vest: Perfect for summer layering.
Pictured: Target White Vest

6. A tote handbag: Great for carrying beach essentials or for day events
Pictured:  Anansi RAFFIA TOTE BAG

7. Hats: Are a must have to help protect yourself from the sun, and also add interest to any outfit.
Pictured: Forever 21 Panama Straw Hat

8. Sandals: A good pair of comfortable sandals is a great basic for showing off that perfect pedicure, while allowing your feet to breathe during the summer months.
Pictured: Aldo Sandals

 What are some of your summer wardrobe essentials?
What items do you need to add to your summer wardrobe?

Until Next time,

Sincerely Miss J


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The Perfect Kimono

The sun and the heat have been pretty intense lately. If your going to be venturing off outside in this part of the world you must be equipped to handle the heat,humidity, and the absence of an ocean breeze.  If I have to be outside for a long period of time my number one rule is to keep it loose, free, and comfortable. So, I decided to ditch my more structured assembles and go with something light, and free flowing  to enjoy some outdoor festivities.

This kimono was purchased at Target along with a summer vest, that I mentioned (here). When I first picked up the kimono, I was a bit  skeptical because I don't usually like the look of most them but I absolutely loved this one. The color, fabric, and pattern was perfect to dress up and down making it extremely versatile.

Photos by: Clover D

Today is also Thrift Style Thursday and the theme is bright/neon. This week I cheated by incorporating some bright pink shorts from the Gap.

I  also have been missing in action due to life, but also due to being uninspired to do anything except sleep. However, the creative juices are running again and I'm back in the full swing of things. I would also like to thank everyone for the support!!

Until Next time, 
Sincerely Miss J

Outfit Information:
Kimono: Target  (here) // Tank: Mother's // Shorts: Gap // Sandals: Urban Behavior // Bag: Thrifted

Please also check out how the other ladies rocked the bright/neon theme

Alligator Toe  // Being Zhenya  // Buttons and Birdcages  // Eclecticity //  Erika’s Style Diary // Sandpaper Kisses // Sistas From Cali //  Snippets with Alex // Spoolish  // The Two Cent Chick // Confessions of a Refashionista  // Bethie the Boo //  Lipstick and Yarn // Nuttier than Nutella

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