Ootd:Aztec Inspired Sweater

Today was a great day. I had an exam, in-class quiz, and big project due before 5pm. I'm ecstatic because I finished everything and I'm confident in my grades. Now onto this outfit, I got so many compliments on this cardigan as soon as I put the picture up on my personal Instagram. It feels amazing because this cardigan only costs me $1. I am a major cheap fashionista! Ha I love The Wardrobe. If you live in Columbia,MO or ever stop through you should check them out! 

Aztec Cardigan Sweater: The Wardrobe

Sweater: The Wardrobe

Leggings: Wal Mart

Legwarmers: Icing

Bag: Marshalls

Boots: Marshalls

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Army Chic

Red oversized sweater, $24 / OBEY Clothing jacket / Topshop pants / yeswalker ankle boots / Pim + Larkin stud earrings / H&M chain necklace, $13 / Neff hat / Sunglasses / Chanel lips makeup

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Fall Outerwear 101

Fall is here and temperatures are decreasing rapidly! Brrr... so do you know what that means? Time to buy a new coat or jacket! Below are a few fashionable and inexpensive outerwear options for this Fall. 

1. Military Jacket: Military jackets are perfect for adding structure to an outfit. When paired with a skater dress and boots, military jackets add just enough sassy to create a very powerful effect to any outfit.

2. Dark Wash Denim Jacket: Denim jackets are classic, but I prefer a darker wash for the fall. Denim jackets are great to pair with oversized sweaters, leggings, and combat boots.

Denim Jacket + Knit Sweater

3. Letterman Jacket or Varsity Jacket: Letterman and/or variety jackets are cute for young fashionistas. They go well with jeans, sneakers, and ragland tops. I like to keep my outfit simple whenever I wear a variety jacket.

4. Flocked Coat: Flocked coats or really any style peacoat is great for church or other formal occasions. Longer winter coats are great when you want to wear a dress and the wind is freezing cold. I generally wear my long black peacoat in December and January when it is freezing in Mid-Missouri.

5. Leather Jacket: Leather jackets are timeless and easy to dress up or down. I have a brown "leather" jacket that I like to layer with. Leather jackets can be worn open or closed.

Leather Jacket + Boyfriend Jeans
Photo Curtesy: http://awedbymonica.blogspot.com

6. Parka: Parkas are my absolute favorite type of outerwear. I have a baby blue parka from Forever21 that I absolutely adore! Parkas are lightweight and easy to pack layers in. I like to wear my parka when I have on an oversized sweater, a vest, and skinny jeans with boots.

Questions to ask yourself before buying a new coat to jacket:
What is your favorite type of outerwear? How much are you willing to invest into a coat or jacket? Where do you like to shop?

Much Love,
Jas the Stylist 

Ps. Make sure you follow TheeFashionStories on Instagram here. 

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Business Owner Spotlight: Jordan Williams

By Jasmine Cooper

Jordan and I after KC Fashion Week

Have you ever met someone that amazes you? Well Mr. Jordan Williams is one of those people for me. His brand, Keefe Cravat, has quickly become the premiere bow tie line in Kansas City, MO. Jordan works tirelessly at innovating and improving his brand! I admire his determination and perseverance. In just a short amount of time, Keefe Cravat has been featured in fashion shows all across the midwest.

Keefe Cravat's Children's Wear Collection

Jordan was one of the first small business owners in Kansas City,MO that I met as a blogger. I reached out to him about doing a giveaway and he was gracious enough to donate a Keefe Cravat t-shirt to TheeFashionStories' first giveaway. The first time we met we talked for a little over an hour in a Wendy's parking lot about business and building a brand. I love the fact that Jordan had tips for me. He made me think of TheeFashionStories as a brand instead of just a hobby or blog. For that, I will always be grateful. 

www.KeefeCravat.com

It's not everyday that you watch someone who grew up in the same schools as you excel, but I have been blessed to Jordan Williams grow as a business man in a short period of time. I just wanted to publicly tell you how great you are & how much you inspire me. Keefe Cravat is doing big things and I more than happy for you. Keep soaring!

Much Love,

Jas the Stylist 

Ps. Look out for my interview with Mr. Jordan Williams in Lo'Cal Fashion Magazine's first issue in January 2014.

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So Fall

Cowboy jacket, $34 / Topshop bleached blue jeans / Oasis leopard print pumps, $61 / Victoria Delef green handbag, $68 / Forever New gold watch, $34 / Club Manhattan gold jewellery, $25 / Madewell vintage glasses / Miss Selfridge felt hat / Tom Ford lipstick / OPI nail lacquer, $19

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Nickie Davis

Ladies and gents I have the honor and privilege of introducing you all to Nickie Davis. Nickie is the owner of Muse Clothing, located in downtown Columbia, Missouri. Nickie is a self-taught business woman with a gorgeous smile. I had the opportunity of meeting Nickie a few months ago when I reviewed her store, MUSE Clothing. You can check out my review here. Continue reading to learn a little more about Nickie Davis of MUSE Clothing.

Nickie graduated from the University of Missouri in 2010 with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. In the next five years Nickie plans to expand her company. She has worked with a host of retailers and companies, both local and national. Nickie has a welcoming personality and sweet spirit. I am grateful for the opportunity that Nickie gave me to review MUSE Clothing and I am ecstatic to share this interview. Keep reading to learn more about Nickie Davis.

Who have you worked with and/or worked for? Who would you like to work with and/or work for?

I have worked for Gap, Women's Closet Exchange in StL. Swank, Blackberry Exchange, The Dance Closet. I'd love to work with a professional merchandizer. I everything I've learn by way of merchandising is self-tot so it'd be great to have some back up in that area. 

What was your motivation behind starting your blog, business, career, etc.? 

To bring something new and interesting to Columbia. Some place that I would enjoy going to and shopping. 

How do you balance your business and personal life?

Right now, my business is my personal life. And I'm okay with that because we are so new I need to make sure this is going great. Also so many of my customer I would know considered my friends. It's a great thing to go into work and deal with friends all day.

How would you describe your overall style?

I'm into the roll out of bed rocker feel. So anything black and anything leather

What are your staple items?

Heels (just all of them), silver cross ring, Oversized top, tight pants or skirt.

If you had to pick 1 item from your closet to describe you as a person, what would it be?

My silver cross ring. I wear it all the time, got it in the Lou from The Silver Lady. It's half rocker, looks vintage, and half totally true. I teach Sunday 

Name your favorite pair of shoes.

I have a pair of Miu Miu's platform heels that are killer. They are brown and red though and I don't wear much brown. I also have THE Manolo suede Mary-Janes, that I'll never wear. I just like looking at them.

Who is your favorite designer? Why?

Well Balmin is ideal. Rocker without trying. But I have a weird soft spot for St John. Old lady chic

What is your favorite season to shop for?

FALL! Sweaters, boots, layering. 

Do you prefer couture or ready to wear pieces? Why?

Well couture of course. One of a kind is always the way to do it. I'm also very into taking on the challenge of taking that one piece that people think they can't (or wouldn't) wear in public and making it totally wearable. 

Do you prefer modern or vintage styles? Why?

Vintage. Again with the one of a kind. Love it

What is your favorite fashion publication? Why?

Lucky Mag. I know I should say W but Lucky is a shoppers magazine and thats what I am. 

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Muse Clothing, Goodwill

If you could shop anywhere, where would it be?

A thrift store in Milan.

What career advice do you have for TheeFashionStories readers?

Do what it is you love and do it a lot.

Nickie and I 

Who are you trying to reach with your work? 

We are trying to reach anyone looking for something different. Something this town doesn't offer. We are bringing edge to Columbia. 

What mark do you want to leave on this world?

Embrace the difference. 

What makes your work or brand different from your peers?

We are a street style urban clothing store without attitude. We are open and welcoming to everyone. Be prepared to make friends with. 

If you could relocate, where would you move? Why? 

New Orleans. It's the most open, relaxed environment. So many different types of people. And you can drink anywhere! Amazing.

How can TheeFashionStories readers contact you?
Store: 22 South 9^th Street Columbia, MO 65201
www.musecomo.com
Instagram: Musecomoclothing and musecomo
Facebook: Musecomo
Phone: 573.222.0MUS
Email: Nickie@musecomo.com

Thanks for being such a sweet person and professoinal business owner Nickie. I am always happy to see you and walk into your store. MUSE Clothing is doing great things and I wish you much success!

Much Love,

Jas

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Oversized Floral Sweater + Black H&M Acid Wash Skinnies

Pull&Bear black top, $48 / H&M slim fit jeans, $24 / ASOS ballet flat / Brown purse, $89 / Miss Selfridge watch, $27 / Diane Von Furstenberg tech accessory / LOFT red belt

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Ootd: Polka Dot Madness

Top: The Wardrobe

Skinnies: Marshalls

Boots: Bakers

Cardigan: The Wardrobe

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My Soul's Reflection

By Jasmine Cooper

I thought that I lost everything that meant anything to me in this past year and the tears that I cried made me stronger and more confident. I am in love with the woman that I have become. It often amazes me how God orchestrates our lives. I was at an all time low a few weeks ago and now I am back at the top of my game. I cannot even begin to tell you guys how awesome God has been to be me! I was so down about not having this, not having that, now being here, etc. Now I am content and full of joy.  If it wasn’t for God, I’d still be where I was or worse. But he decided to lift me up and bless me to walk again. 

Have you ever felt like your picture perfect life was falling from your grip? Like the things that you’d dreamed of and imagined were no longer possible? Like maybe the life that you’d imagined was impossible? And maybe, just maybe your life was taking a few detours? Or even that your final destination has been moved? Well I can agree totally. I am not where I thought I would be at this stage in my life… I am somewhere much better because God has ordered my steps. I’ve learned to be okay with not being perfect. What about you? Is your ideal image of your future, ruining your present state?

Trust in the Lord will all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

I never thought that I could smile so bright, until recently. God let me run to the end of myself and then he picked me up… dusted me off and stood me up taller than ever before. This past weekend, I decided to rededicate myself to Christ. I have also decided to focus more on inspirational post on this blog. I want to inspire and uplift people, not just give fashion tips. Living life with no passion isn’t really living at all, so I am committed to stirring up passion inside of everyone who encounter’s TheeFashionStories. 

It blows my mind when I think about the fact that someone can walk into your life and enhance it so much. I encourage you to let go and let God. Things fall together when they are supposed to and fate has a weird way of surprising us! Ha.

Stay encouraged and never give up on your dreams! It has taken me 21 years to learn that I don’t always know best (No one does….). God gave your passion and desires to you for a reason, so stop trying to figure it all out and just go with the flow. 

Much Love,

Jas The Stylist

Ps. You can shop my beanie shop here.

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Classic Fall Pieces

V neck sweater / Blue jeans, $32 / H&M leather boots, $97 / Gap leather handbag / Sperry Top-Sider watch / Anchor bracelet / J.Crew wayfarer sunglasses / Topshop hat / Navy shawl

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Fall Haul Video + Giveaway

I will be doing haul videos and reviews more often from here on out! I am becoming a fan of watching myself on camera. At first I was really shy, but now it is becoming fun. Ha. But wait.... there's more!

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am doing a TFS by Jas Pink Beanie Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a free pink beanie! I will be running the giveaway via Instagram, so make sure you are following TheeFashionStories in order to enter!

Rules:

1. Follow TheeFashionStories on Instagram!

2. Repost the giveaway picture with the following hashtags: #BreastCancerAwareness, #TFSbyJas, and #TheeFashionStories!

The winner will be announced on Sunday October 27, 2013! Good luck!

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Rent the Runway + Erodr Fashion Show

By Jasmine Cooper

On Thursday October 17, 2013 I attended the Rent the Runway + Erodr Fashion Show in downtown Columbia, MO at Club Tonic. I had a great time at the show! The atmosphere in Tonic was upbeat and fun! The music was a mixture of techno and pop. American Harvest provided signature cocktails for the event. The models sashayed down Tonic's staircase in a variety of gorgeous evening gowns and cocktail dresses. You guys should definitely check out www.RentTheRunway.com. Thanks for the media pass Katherine Miller! The show was amazing and your walk is fierce! I have photos below, so go ahead and check them out!!!

Hosts: Matt Zimmerman & Fabriana Watts

Katherine Miller

There were so many cute dresses! I was literally in dress heaven during the entire show. This show has definitely persuaded me to check out www.RentTheRunway.com! In the past, I've always bought dresses for big events or just used something old from my closet. Now I seriously considering renting the runway! Ha.

Katherine and I after the show!

Leaving the show!

I just want to say a special thank you to everyone involved in putting this show together! I had a fabulous time and look forward to future events!

Much Love,

Jas 

Ps. If you would like for me to cover any fashion related event please contact me at JDC_FashionStories@yahoo.com. I need 5-8 business days advance notice.

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Black Out

Black top, $32 / The Ragged Priest black jeans, $97 / Leather boots / Monki black purse, $34 / Topshop gold necklace / House of Harlow 1960 stud earrings / Tech accessory / Cotton beanie / Victoria's Secret lips makeup / Butter London nail polish

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Mycah Houston

I want to introduce you all to COOL Clothing CEO, Mr. Mycah Houston. COOL is an acronym that means "creating our own lane." COOL Clothing has fresh and unique designs! Mycah works at Dicks Sporting Goods as a Team Sports Associate and as a Freelance Graphic Designer in his spare time as well. He is a senior at Missouri Western State University, studying graphic design with an interest in photography. After graduation Mycah plans on relocating and continue working as a freelance graphic designer and expanding the COOL Clothing brand.

How and why did you start your brand?

I had a print making class a year or two ago and our final was to make a design and print it on to a shirt. My instructor and classmates liked my project so much they told me I should look in to starting my own brand, so I did.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as unpredictable. One day I could wake up and throw on sweats or basketball shorts and a tee shirt. Other days I will throw on some nice pants and casual shoes with a nice fitted shirt. I like being comfortable but at the same time I like to wear real clothes. I don't like being the center of attention but I do like to stand out.

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Modeling + #Ootd

By Jasmine Cooper

This weekend was my first time working with my new assistant, Sinead Brink, and it was amazing. We spent the morning together working on this photo shoot. I was in need of professional pictures in order to take this blog to the next level, so Sinead decided to take them for me. I am really excited about Sinead joining the team and I think that these pictures look great. What do you guys think?

Necklace: Mizzou Stores
Sweater: Forever21.com
Boyfriend Jeans: Aeropostal
Bootes: Breckelle's

Sinead and I

You guys are in store for more amazing things if you stick in there with the TheeFashionStories Empire. It has been a pleasure blogging and I will continue to bring you all the hottest looks and artists. I love what I do and I know that God put me here for this purpose among others. I am honored to have started the TheeFashionStories brand and I hope that it will continue to grow. God Bless!

Much Love,

Jas

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