BIKES & BACKPACKS

I try to dress my age. I promise I do. But there's something about novelty sweaters that I'm drawn to. And backpacks? They are far more comfortable than purses (even a cross-body), especially when I have my camera with me. So what can I say? It's all about bikes and backpacks today. Happy Hump Day! 

PS-I'm less than a week away from my annual September vacay. Who can guess where I'm going?! Hint: I have a 14 hour direct flight from New York & it's not in Europe. Follow me on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK or TWITTER for the big revel.

WEARING: h&m peach blazer, the limited bike sweater (SIMILAR,SIMILAR) gap jeans, ISOLA BRIANNA SANDAL ON SALE FOR $44, TARGET BACKPACK

WORN TO: TREASURE ISLAND FLEA

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WHAT TO WEAR: OFFICE CHIC

Labor Day has come and gone and before we know it we will be in full fall style mode. But for now, most of us are in transition, where you may or may not need a jacket and sandals are still acceptable. 

And speaking of sandals being acceptable, have we talked about open toe heels/sandals in a business casual environment? Is this simply chic or simply wrong? I always thought it was not ok, but I'm a woman and I'm allowed to change my mind. I love a good pump for work, but every now and then, especially on a Friday when you have plans after work OR when it's a million degrees outside, I say give them some toe.

WEARING: bebe leather jacket (SIMILAR FOR $85), nordstrom blouse, top shop pants (GOOD ALTERNATIVE), dolce vita sandals, furla bag (SIMILAR UNDER $200), kenneth cole necklace 

WORN TO: work and drinks

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MS. JAMES

For those of you who follow me  on Instagram, you probably already know that my sweet, hilarious, say it like you mean it, 98 year old grandmother passed away earlier this month. When someone lives for so many years, raises great children who took care of her all the way to the end, survived an amazing husband who worshiped the ground she walked on — the funeral or home-going is a celebration of life! Because we were celebrating we wore bright colors, pink, bold patterns and sent her off as beautifully as she lived!

WEARING: ESHAKTI dress, zara heels, neiman marcus purse
WORN TO: my grandmother's funeral

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I leave you with a picture of Mrs. Alma Aikens James at her 90th birthday party where we asked her if she lived to be 100 what she wanted for her birthday, and she said with a straight face — "a casket". Ha! RIP little lady! 

OVER 21

Is it acceptable that I'm 30+ and still rocking Forever 21? I tried to stay away for a while, however when they have a store closing sale and everything is up to 60% off, one must indulge. And that's exactly what I did. I got 4 things, including this floral jumpsuit for $30. I'll never be too old to catch a sale. 

*Rocking Forever 21, but just turned 30 32 (in my Kanye voice)*

WEARING: forever 21 jumper, gap sweater, franco sarto sandals 

WORN TO: a picnic at the MLK SHORELINE

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NEW ORLEANS PHOTO DIARY

Garden District home

BEYONCE & JAY Z'S NEW ORLEANS HOME also in the Garden District 

the infamous...

LAFAYETTE CEMETERY

Loved the exposed break on this home!

JACKSON SQUARE

COMMANDERS PALACE home of the 25¢ martini

Peeking in on the JAYONCE mansion! Want to know the addy? Keep reading...

WEARING: FOREVER 21 DRESS, MIA TAYLOR CHUNKY HEEL SANDAL (under $30)

**Simply Chic Travel Tip: NOLA**

If you want to dine at Commander's Palace, beware you have to dress up :-/

And if you want to swing by the JAYONCE mansion the address is 1527 Harmony St.

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COUNTRY ROMPING

When I was younger and more of a busy body than I am now (if that's even possible) I didn't really appreciate my time in Louisiana, which is where both of my parents are from. I mean of course I love being around my family and eating yummy food, but no wifi, and no dvr? That was tough for me, but now I appreciate it. I like being able to unplug for a bit, read more, take naps and romp around on all of my grandmother's land and have photoshoots with barns, horses and big red lawnmowers ;)

WEARING: forever21 romper (CUTE SIMILAR OPTION)

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GROUPON COUPONS

Unless you are living under a rock, you definitely know what Groupon is, but do you know about Groupon Coupons?! 

Let me fill you in. Groupon Coupons is great for busy, budget conscious fashionistas like ourselves because it allows us to find deals and sales with not much effort. The easiest way is to Sign Up Via Email and have deals from various retailers and brands such as Macy's and Victoria's Secret (currently offering a getaway bag with a purchase of $75+) sent right to your inbox.

Or if you prefer to browse on your own, you can go on the site and search by category or store name to see what sales are going on and what discount codes are being offered.

Groupon Coupons came in handy for me this week because somehow the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale fell off my radar...UNTIL I went to Groupon Coupons Monday morning to see the sales for the week and there was the reminder right in my face! And of course I headed straight to Nordstrom during my lunch break and walked away with this little set

...and am strongly considering this vegan leather skirt

Thanks Groupon Coupons for reminding me of this sale and helping me cheat on my shopping diet! It was totally worth it.

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