Something about velvet just screams BOUGIE. And in case you haven’t realized it by now, my middle name is most definitely, BOUGIE (which by the way has now been added into the Oxford Dictionary). But honestly truly, I like the finer things in life. I also like when things that look like the finer things in life don’t cost me what I pay in rent and a car note.

Enter in this velvet blazer dress from Ali & Jay. I meaaaann…LOOK AT IT! This piece is so lux on a budget and makes me feel expensive. And this jade color! I wasn’t ready. It’s subtle yet somewhat dramatic (like my personality). I paired it with OTK boots but you can definitely wear this over a white tee and jeans.

Every time I wear these cat eye sunnies, all I can think about is Beyonce. I had the absolute pleasure of catching in her in concert for OTR II and let me just say, her line “you know I give you life”, is very very accurate. Life indeed was given. Watching her perform gave me the boost I needed to really just approach anything I do at 1000%. But also allowing myself the opportunity to be vulnerable, the wisdom to know that sometimes I will fail, and the peace to understand that everything works out for my good.

So if you’re in a season of uncertainty (as we all experience from time to time), take that time to perfect your craft, whatever that may be. You don’t have to always be in the light, showing people what you’re doing next. Sometimes you gotta work in silence and drop a surprise album, like Beyonce, and then let that work speak for itself. You got this boo!

Until next time…

Ali & Jay Velvet Blazer Dress | Faux Suede OTK Boots (similar) | Quilted Chain Purse (similar) | Boohoo Cat Eye Sunnies (similar) | BaubleBar for Target Earrings

All Photography by Kristen Ashley