“Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is. “How great is this quote?! Thought I would share it as a reminder because I love everything about it. It is so easy to get lost into focusing on what you want or what you envision for yourself that it is easy to forget the small miracles that already exist. Remember to celebrate those occasionally, especially those blessings that you once prayed for.  

The quote is perfect for this post, because I remember praying and wishing my blog would get even the smallest recognition. Prior to starting my blog, I always thought, how hard can taking a picture and posting it online be; surly anybody can do that. And while that is true, there is a lot of hard work behind the scenes, with planning, shopping and making miscellaneous arrangements before you even get to shot, all while maintaining your regular life and job. But, my recognition happened, last year, when I styled and ‘modeled’ this outfit for my first ever magazine. Southern Maryland Women’s Magazine. It was such an honor and the statement “I am on cloud nine” does not begin to express the happiness I felt. While that was a huge recognition. I am reminding myself that having a job that allows me to pursue my blogging and fashion passion is something I once prayed for and I am very grateful for that blessing.

BTW speaking of behind the scenes stress, I was talking to my sister on the phone while shooting. For my next outfit, I had one shoe with me and was missing the other. I was asking her to check my room all while praying she would be willing to drive, literally one shoe to my shooting location. Minutes later, I found the other shoe under my car seat (insert eye roll). Lol… I was smiling through stress in this moment while she repeatedly said “I don’t see your shoe”, but its memories like this, that make this fun for me.

Ohhh, speaking of even more stress, this skirt was stuck in customs and was delivered the day of my photo shoot. I left my job two hours early so I could get home and style a backup outfit. But I saw the package outside my door when I arrived and Thank God the fit was perfect because I did not want to wear anything but this skirt.

Okay, on to the outfit. This look featured a few firsts for me. I have never styled boots and a skirt or owned anything pleated or mid-calf length. When I first saw this skirt online, I knew I had to have it, I already planned my outfit mentally and nothing else was going to do. The skirt is just as lovely as it appears on the picture, its flowy, fits well and it definitely was love at first wear. I also loved how it matched perfectly with the thigh high boots, which provide the much-needed warmth this time of the year. Along with the baker boy hat, turtleneck and leather jacket, this warm and cozy outfit is a wintertime winner.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Looking forward to sharing more fashion stress stories with you, until next time… XoXo, Nia!!!

Photography by Ann Maas Photography.