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Nikki by example - Just a girl trying to lead by example
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  • Motherhood
  • Travel
  • Extras
    • DIY
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  • About Nikki
    • Our DIY Wedding
Fashion•Life

Not Afraid of Beige

November 30, 2016 by Nikki 14 Comments

*this is a long one but hopefully worth the read*

Not Afraid of Beige | Ncsquared Life

I took a six-month blogging break so I could figure out what blogging meant for me. Am I even a blogger? I like writing but what do I want to write about? And would anyone else care about what I had to say? These were the things I thought about and even consulted with some of my friends. There were plenty of times I thought I was ready to start back up. A post idea would come to me and I’d start writing it in my head but the post never made it to paper/screen. Before I could sit myself down to write it all out, I would have talked myself out of it. I’d tell myself that it was a stupid idea and that no one would care about it. Or I would put together a super cute outfit and get tons of compliments on it and think, ‘this should go on the blog,’ but then I’d hear that voice telling me that sure, it’s a cute outfit for me, but it would never stand up to some of the outfits being displayed by the more popular bloggers — even though I had all the same elements.

Not Afraid of Beige | Ncsquared Life

I’m writing this post because I recently had an epiphany. Okay, maybe epiphany is too strong of a word. But I realized that I first started my blog because, although I was still learning how to be fashionable myself, I really liked my style and was getting a lot of inspiration from other bloggers, and I wanted to share my new knowledge with others like me, average girls who wanted to feel pretty and stylish. I came to understand that everyone who has a blog does so because they just put their stuff out there and that stuff makes its way to people who like reading it, whether that’s an outfit, a story, travel tips, life hacks, etc. I know that’s very simplistic, but in a nutshell that’s all blogging is.

Not Afraid of Beige | Ncsquared Life

Now, I’ve hated telling people about my blog because I haven’t felt like a real blogger. I’m just someone who puts words and pictures on a screen and then sends those words and pictures out into the ether of the internet. Even now, I mostly put together my outfits based on inspiration I’ve gotten from other bloggers and what I see on Pinterest. My google searches often start with, “How to wear…” so that makes me feel like I don’t know enough about fashion to be a “fashion blogger.” But one time, at a party, I showed my friend the trick for wearing non-skinny jeans with tall boots and she told me that I just had to put that on my blog. At the time I resisted because it was already on someone else’s blog but now I know that while I may not have come up with that idea, I did help spread it to a new audience. Isn’t that what the internet is even for?!

Not Afraid of Beige | Ncsquared Life

So, yes, I look to Pinterest, other bloggers, and the styled mannequins at clothing stores for outfit inspiration, but I’m pretty good at putting my own spin on whatever I put together. In high school, I proudly wore purple pleather pants, dammit. I’m going to continue to wear what I like, write about things that interest me, and share it all with you in case you like it, too. Maybe it’ll help you. Maybe it’ll entertain you. Maybe you’ll find it educational. But that’s what blogging is to me and it’s what I’ll continue to do!

Not Afraid of Beige | Ncsquared Life

 Sweater: J. Crew Outlet | Hat: Old Navy | Necklace: Stitch Fix | Denim: Banana Republic | Shoes: Target

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Reading time: 3 min
Fashion

Purple Pants

November 22, 2016 by Nikki 12 Comments

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I’ve been looking to add some color options to my bottoms that aren’t just dark or light denim so when I saw these pants, I was drawn to them. While they look purple, they’re actually more burgundy. Either way, I like them. They aren’t maternity pants but luckily my belly is still small enough to use my BellaBand, which means that I’ll be able to wear them after baby gets here.

Fall in NC is pretty unpredictable. It can be almost 80 degrees one day and then down in the 50s the next day. That’s a true story; it happened just this weekend. But we’ve had enough of a chill in the air lately that I can wear my new blanket scarf. Because layers are an essential part of a Fall wardrobe, this scarf is pretty ideal. Plus the colors will go with anything!

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Here’s the fun one: Check out my cool momma-to-be modeling pose… or something like that.

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Sweater and Skinnies: Loft | Scarf: Old Navy | Flats: Gap Outlet

Linkups: Start the Week Stylish

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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion

Gray & Tulle

November 8, 2016 by Nikki 8 Comments
Gray & Tulle | NCsquared Life

20-week baby bump!

Sweater: Banana Republic | Skirt: Modcloth | Shoes: Fioni via Payless | Necklace: Francesca’s 

I was not camera shy as a kid. If there was a camera around, I was jumping in front of it with my cute little poses and my big smile. Like, there are a lot of photos of me as a kid and teen at birthday parties, holiday celebrations, etc. Needless to say, I always looked forward to picture day at school and getting to pick out my cutest outfit to wear. This outfit is the adult version of choosing an outfit for picture day because I wore it for our annual family photos for this year’s Christmas card.

Gray & Tulle | NCsquared Life

I bought this skirt because I love the tulle look without the fluffy tutu/ballerina vibe. It feels too fancy to wear in my every day life — I mean, not many people successfully get away with wearing tulle to the office — so I put it away for a special occasion. But it’s perfect for photo opps, so it was my first choice for photos this year. I would love to wear it for Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Eve. Right now it fits over the bump but I’m not so sure it will in a few weeks. I guess we’ll see.

Gray & Tulle | NCsquared Life

Gray & Tulle | NCsquared Life

I must admit, I’m delighted that this is the first outfit I’m posting since returning to blogging because I really do love this skirt so much! And this outfit feels very much like me, so I know I’m doing something right.

 

Gray & Tulle | NCsquared Life

20-week baby bump!

Linkups: Hello Monday | Weekend Wear | Linkup on the Edge | Thursday Moda | Thursday Fashion Files | Spotlight Weekly Linkup | WIWW Linkup | What I Wore to Work 

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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion

Cold and Gray

January 22, 2016 by Nikki 2 Comments

Cold and Gray | NCsquared Life

In the title of this post, cold refers to temperature in NC this week, and gray refers to my denim. On Monday I asked where’s winter because it was warm enough to wear a light blazer and, this week, winter came calling! I took these photos on a very cold day. So cold, in fact, that I wanted to get more/better photos but I just couldn’t handle it and ran back inside. Now, as I type this on Thursday night, we’re awaiting the snow. I’ll probably wake up tomorrow to snow before this post is even published.

Anyway, I wore this outfit mostly chilling – literally – around the house on MLK Day, watching Angie Tribeca. I did run out to get lunch so the only folks that saw me were the guys as Jimmy Johns. As for the jeans, they’re gray. Not really much to say about them except that the knee patch hits right below my knee instead of on it. #shortgirlproblems

Cold and Gray | NCsquared Life

Cold and Gray | NCsquared Life

Cold and Gray | NCsquared Life

Cold and Gray | NCsquared Life

Sweater: Old Navy | Scarf & Denim: Banana Republic | Shoes: Gap Outlet

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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion•Travel

Notorious Overpacker

March 10, 2015 by Nikki 3 Comments

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Let’s hear it for Spring Break!

This week is my last spring break ever, which is awesome because that means school is almost over forever. It also means that Nick and I are heading to Savannah, GA tomorrow for a nice little four-day vacation. I’m really excited to get away for a romantic week with my lovey dovey. It’s been a really long and difficult two years of graduate school for us because I’ve had to spend most of it away from home, commuting to school (which is almost 2 hours away). This trip will give us a few days to ourselves, without having to worry about school or work or who is going to load/unload the dishwasher after an exhaustingly long day. The only thing I’m NOT looking forward to is packing because I’m a notorious overpacker. For as long as I can remember, I’ve overpacked for every single trip I’ve taken. I’m not even joking. One time we went to the beach for a week and I had at least three different bags full of clothes. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve gotten a little better at planning out a full itinerary so I will know what we will be doing and can pack/dress accordingly.

This trip is no different. We’re planning to eat at yummy restaurants, go on a nighttime ghost walk, see the sights, do some shopping, and possibly take a moonlight riverboat cruise. That all sounds easy enough to pack for, but the one thing throwing me off is that it’s supposed to rain all week. Boo, rain! Anyway, I’ve challenged myself to pack light for this trip. Everything has to fit into this weekender bag I purchased from Target:

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I’ve chosen four shirts, two pairs of pants, and two pairs of shoes. I’ve only decided on one accessory (for now) which is a scarf. I’ll throw some jewelry in there last-minute, like usual

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I also plan to pack my rain gear (e.g. trench and/or rain coat and rain boots) and a skirt or dress in case we make it to a fancy dinner or that riverboat cruise, but I haven’t decided on which dress yet because I still have to get my spring clothes out of storage.  Here are some of the outfits I’ve put together with my chosen items so that I have some options and can work with the rain.

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I know these photos aren’t exactly Pinterest-worthy, but I took them  as I was putting outfits together and figuring it all out. I think they serve their purpose. Maybe next time I’ll be a little more organized and get better photos. I will say I’m actually really glad that I decided to post about this because it has helped confirm some of my choices!

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Yes, that is my dog, Mia’s little butt/leg in the corner of this photo!

I can’t make any promises that I won’t add a bunch of stuff at the last minute (my brain is already screaming at me, “oh my gosh, you forgot to include a cardigan in case it’s a little chilly!) but I will do my best. I’ll try to get lots of outfit photos while I’m there so you can see how it all came together. I hope everyone has a great week and you all are enjoying the great thaw 🙂

Shirts: Pink sweater: Banana Republic | Gray tee: Target | Striped tee: Old Navy | Beige sweater: Banana Republic
Jeans: Both from Old Navy
Shoes: Canvas sneaks: Target | Cognac flats: Old Navy
Scarf: boutique from Wilmington, NC
Necklace: Stitch Fix

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Reading time: 3 min
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About Me

Hi, I’m Nikki. This is where I blog about my life and personal style. I’m a wife and mom, public health professional, sushi lover, wine enthusiast, and coffee snob. Welcome to my little corner of the world where I try to lead by example!

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