Monday, September 30, 2013

Ootd: Stripes on Stripes + Boyfriend Jeans







Tee: Charity Thrift
Cardigan: Goodwill
Pants: Aeropostal
Flats: Kohl's
Necklace: Mizzou Store

Ps. Dress for you and look good doing it. It doesn't matter where the pieces came from, it's way you place them together. Be you!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Cheetah Sweater + Leather Skinnies

Fashion

Pull Bear sweater, $48 / H&M jacket, $48 / Old Navy teal skinny jeans / Steve Madden black combat boots / River Island clutch, $40 / Kenneth Cole necklace / River Island red bowler hat, $32 / MAC Cosmetics beauty product, $20

My Life: Yesterday

Yesterday was one of the best days of the year for me. I spent the morning doing the TheeFashionStories Etsy shoot with model Isabella and makeup artist Nikki (Official TheeFashionStories team members)!
Let me just tell you in advance that they were great to work with. I enjoyed their company and the photos are quite fabulous! Don't believe me? Well check a few out below.


After the photo shoot concluded.... my family came! I missed them all so much! We went to brunch then to the movies and shopping. It's those special weekends when I see them or those unexpected phone calls and text messages that make my life so great. I thank God everyday for my family. My bestest friend Deanna was with us all day too, then two of my close friend Breora and LiRissa came over! My day was fabulous. It's not everyday that you get to see the people that you love. Well for me at least, so I will forever cherish the memories. I am so blessed to have such awesome parents and siblings! Check out some of our photos below!
My oldest sister, Delicia, and I!
My Parents

To top it all off my girls and I stayed up watching LockUp. Ha. I couldn't have asked for a better day. God is awesome and he knows exactly what we need. Whenever I lose my focus or drive.... my family comes to the rescue. I would not be the woman that I am today without them.

Be on the lookout for a KC Fall Giveaway! I will be restocking my Etsy shop as much as possible. Next week, I will be at KC Fashion Week! Thanks God! My business cards are just in as well, so I'm super excited! Have a fabulous look!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Cute Fall Look

Casual

Mark Launiu


Have you hear of MADE Urban Apparel? Well the MADE Brand is taking the urban wear industry by storm! I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Mark Launiu better known as @SamoanRastaa, who is 1 of the 3 owners of MADE Urban Apparel. He is humble and has a crazy work ethic. His team is full energetic and talented young people. I can't wait to see where MADE Urban Apparel is in the next 6 months. The growth and expansion since it's launch a few months ago has been unbelievable. Continue reading to learn more about Mr. Mark Launiu.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on going back home to American Samoa. I haven't been back since late 1999. Not everyone is fortunate enough to leave the island. Either you play football or join the military. I was blessed with a family who made a lot of sacrifices for my brothers & I to be here. I promised my parents that I would finish school before going back. I want to share the knowledge that I've gained here with the people back home. Knowledge is power. So going back to American Samao is definitely the first thing on my list of things to do when I graduate.

What's your motivation behind starting your brand?
My team, co-Founders Jonny Platz and Vu Radley. We used to work together. We all wanted to start our own brand at one point, so we decided to join forces and bring you MADE Apparel in the Spring of 2013. It's truly a blessing to work with these guys. We used to meet every Tuesday at Buffalo Wild Wings and go over the brand hahahahaha I miss that place.

Where you see yourself in 5 years?
God willing I will be able to attain a job as an engineer and have a family of my own. I'm more worried about today. It is within these 24 hours that paves the way for where ill be in 5 years.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Life 101: Am I Doing Too Much?

I am BUSY, BUSY, BUSY.... and more BUSY. Today I started to think about the possibility of over working. Maybe I am doing too much, but how can I stop? I have no idea. I know that God will not give me more than I can bear and I know that God is my strength. He has given me so many wonderful opportunities and I want to take advantage of them all, but not at once. God has given us all free will and we have the power to say no. I want to enjoy my life as I work hard, not be a slave to commitments. I refuse to spend all of my money trying to "get there."

So for this reason, I am going to take a break from collaborations and shows for a while. I love blogging and want to continue doing it. I can't focus on blogging while doing so much other stuff. I have decided to build up my Etsy store and enjoy blogging for the rest of this year. I will continue to network, but I won't over do it. I don't want to live beyond my means or wear my body out. I am taking a pledge to myself to enjoy my life and stop doing too much. What about you?

Laughing with my sister Amber.
Are you always tired? Do you feel like there is never enough time in a day, everyday? Granted some days long hours and hard work are necessary, but not all of the time. Take some time out to laugh and dance and even fall in love. Enjoy the life that God has given you. Stop being so "busy" that you lose what is right in front of you. I am opening my heart up to new things and learning to love again. It's really great getting a fresh start.

Good times with my best friend.
You will only succeed with drive and a clear mind. It takes focus to do a great job. You can't focus if you never take the time to sit back and relax. So unfortunately, I will not be attending KC Fashion Week next week or the MADE Apparel Launch party or doing a styling job, but my peace of mind will be well worth it. What do you need to give up to breath easy? Who is keeping you from enjoying your weekends? Why can't you take time off to relax? When is the last time that you treated yourself?

This is just food for thought and random things that were on my mind. Can you relate?

Leave comments below and show me love!

Much Love,
Jas

Ps. Surrounding yourself with people who make you smile and laugh is good for your help. (SHOP)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Early Fall Chic

Chic

How To Revamp Your Closet for Fall 101

Summer is officially over and Fall is upon us. This Summer was great by the way! Now it's time to revamp your wardrobe for Fall. Here are a few steps to a success sorting and shopping process.
1. Set out EVERYTHING, meaning all of your tops, bottoms, jewelry, shoes, and handbags.
Tip: Laying everything out in categories such as long sleeves, short sleeves, church clothes, etc. can really help!

2. Get rid of everything that is out-of-date and donate it to a local shelter. (Unless you are a vintage fashion lover of course!)
Tip: The DQ Kappas are having a clothing drive. There are tons of other organizations to give to as well. Try to find one that gives to people that are less fortunate instead of donating to places where those who are less fortunate have to buy from. The Wardrobe is a great place to give to if you are Columbia, MO.
3. Try on everything that is left in your possession. (Having an honest friend or family member around for this may help. Sometimes it is hard to get rid if clothes that you have paid for or just simply adore, even if they make you look like a fool. Trust me... I know!)
Tips: If it is so tight that you can barely breathe and need the help of 2 people to zip it.... LET IT GO! If it adds 10 pounds to your shape... LET IT GO! Clothes should make you feel and LOOK great! Don't hide that fierce shape that you have darling!

4. Put together outfits with everything that you have left in your possession.
Tip: If you don't know how to pair things in your closet than look at a couple of different fashion magazines or online publications for inspiration. Of course, it would be most convenient to just click through the different pages of this blog since you are already here! Ha.
Concept by Destanee Foster
5. Do double takes with each item, especially pieces that you aren't totally sure about. Honestly, if you don't love it then you probably won't wear it!
We're on Etsy now!
6. Go shopping for a few staple items for the fall. (Def: Pieces that go with anything) My staple items include a beanie, infinity scarf, black boots, gold chain, and my boyfriend jeans.
Tip: You will be able to purchase your vey own TheeFashionStories.com beanies starting this fall!

Bonus Tip: I color coat my closet so that it's easier to find pieces.
I hope that this was easy to follow and helpful! If you need additional assistance or one-on-one instruction please check out my Services page for a price quote. Good luck!

Much Love,
Jas

Friday, September 20, 2013

Brand Review: EYEDentitee Theft

By Jasmine Cooper
I am so pleased to review Eyedentitee Theft! Brand Owner, Langston Jones, is a good friend of mine and fellow fashion lover. I met him at Lo'Cal Fashion Magazine's White Out Bash this summer. I was instantly impressed with his eye for style and imagining. The Eyedentitee Theft tees and tanks featured in the fashion show were my favorite tees of the night. I loved the diversity that Langston Jones and his team showcased with his segment of the show. The Eyedentitee Theft brand is definitely going to go far in the fashion game!
Langston Jones and his team at the White Out.
There is a strong message behind Eyedentitee Theft and I feel that it is important for people to buy into a brand with purpose. My favorite graphic Eyedentitee Theft tee says "Black By Popular Demand." Eyedentitee Theft has a strong ethnic message but very polished in style. I love the fact that Eyedentitee Theft features messages that are different from other lines and positive in message. The "Black By Popular Demand" tee is a show stopper alone. Eyedentitee Theft also offers a tee that says "Respect My Roots." Each shirt is full of pride. The line is for anyone who has confidence in their identity.
There are a lot of designers that produce for revenues, but Eyedentitee Theft is a brand for the people. So you should go ahead and cop a few Eyedentitee Theft tees.

So I bet you're wondering how much these awesome tees and tanks cost, right? The tees and tanks range from $15- $20. There will be new fall merchandise dropping very soon, so be on the look out for a review and maybe even photo shoot! I hope that the new designs will be featured on hoodies as well as tees and tanks. I will be rocking one of the new designs in support of this fabulous designer! I love Eyedentitee Theft Tees and Langston Jones is a great friend to have. I will leave his contact information below (Don't be a stranger!). Enjoy!

Model Na'La Lawrence rocking her tee in a TheeFashionStories.com shoot!
Local support at Soul Sessions.
Local support of Eyedentitee Theft tees!
Driving to work rocking my Eyedentiee Theft tee this summer!


Much Love,
Jas  

Ps. If you would like for me to review your store or brand please contact me at JDC_FashionStories@yahoo.com.

Chill Days

Toy StoryForever 21 blouse / Rag & Bone loose fit jeans / Converse red trainer / Backpack / Topshop hat / A Wear scarve, $22 / L'Oréal Paris lip stick

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Life 101: Letting Go

By Jasmine Cooper
There are people and experiences that we never want to let go of. There are moments that we wish could lasts forever. Some of my happiest times include people who are no longer a part of my life. Some have passed on and others have just went in different directions, but nonetheless everyone grows. We are the sum of each and every experience that God takes us through. Some parts of the journey will be filled with great joy and others will be filled with pain, but through it all know that God has a purpose. The storms that we encounter are building us up for something greater. God's plan is better than anything that we could dream up.

When I was younger, I dreamed that I would be engaged by now. I thought that life would take me where I wanted to go and now with more wisdom under my hat, I know that this is not true. People grow and things change so nothing is really constant. Love is precious and should be treated as such, but once it's gone you should let it go. You shouldn't hold onto memories of good times when they are no more. It is a waste of time and space trying to recreate the past. So I choose to focus on the here and now.

I was so lost in my own plans that I pushed God's will out of the equation. I had my husband picked, job picked, and baby names ready. Ha, much like most.... I thought that I knew best. But here I am 20 years young, finding myself and falling in love with each and every curve that completes me. I am just reaching the surface of the many great things that God has in store for me. What about you darling? What are you searching for or running from? Why are you still where you were a year ago? In the back of your mind, you know that it's time to go. Good times can be hard to forget, but there's always a chance to make more. Don't forget the past, but don't let it dictate your future. Spread your wings and fly. Stay near the cross and watch God blow your mind.

Much Love,
Jas

GO CHIEFS!!! 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Fall Freshness

Sassy

Topshop slogan t shirt / Miss Selfridge blazer / French Connection jeans / Pieces clutch, $37 / Antik Batik resin bangle bracelet / Mata Traders bead necklace, $50 / River Island bowler hat, $32 / Topshop lipstick, $15

Ootd: Young Alumni Panel






Top: Forever21
Pants: H&M
Flats: Kohl's
Sweater: Thrift
Scarf: Wal Mart

Ps. It was rainy and chilly today so layering up was necessary. I like to layer up with different colors and prints. The pants that I had on are cream with gold detailing. 

Theme created by Sweet Lemon Grey