Something Old, Something New Day 3

Happy Hump Day! We are halfway through the week and officially at Day 3 of my Something Old, Something New challenge. One thing you may not know about me is that I spent almost all of my summers with my grandparents in the country. Because there was no cable, my days were spent running around outside barefoot in the grass and playing on acres of my families land w/ my cousins. The setting of this shoot reminded me so much of my childhood and is the little bit of country I promised you in yesterday's post.

When I was thinking of ways to style my Fashion to Figure peplum, I knew that my FAVORITE Shang Coleman Original skirt had to enter the equation. Whenever I put it on, I feel so pretty and so free. The neutral color of it pairs perfectly with the shirt, and I pulled the hydrangeas off of my desk for an extra layer of flavor. My gold Michael Kors watch and Kendra Scott ring round out my country glam look.

No matter what size you are or how old you are, you should always let your inner beauty shine through. I encourage all of you to be bold, be courageous and most of all, "Make the World Your Personal Runway"!

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.

Something Old, Something New Day 2

Happy Tuesday! Today is all about color. I absolutely adore these fabulous chartreuse Lane Bryant pants. Believe it or not they are at least 3 years old. As soon as I ran across them in my closet, I knew they would be the perfect color pop for my Fashion to Figure Peplum. One thing a lot of people don't realize is that brights and neons are neutrals and can be style a variety of ways.

To round out my look, I had to pull out an oldie but goodie handbag that was a gift from my friends at Gregory Sylvia. I also added a fun pair of floral pumps I got last spring form Shoe Dazzle and added a fun statement necklace from Banana Republic. If you shop purposefully and take care of your pieces,  you will be surprised how many years of wear you actually get out of them. Invest in great accessories and quality basics and you will always be ready for anything life throws you way!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's look.  I'm rocking one of my fave old, custom pieces for a look that's a little be country and a whole lot of glam!

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S.

Something Old, Something New Day 1

This #SOSN look is all about having fun with patterns. I absolutely love creating unexpected color and pattern combinations. Although my "old"  Lane Bryant suit is plaid the color combo is very classic and neutral. It is the perfect foundation for my "new" floral Fashion to Figure peplum.

Because the background of my peplum shirt is similar to the cream of my suit, it allows the florals to be a subtle accent to the look.  I pulled the look together with a black skinny belt, black pumps and a black bag which makes this the perfect spring ensemble for work or church!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's look! It's all about a color pop!

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S.

Something Old, Something New

Happy Spring! As I was cleaning out my closet the other day, I found so many fun pieces that I had completely forgotten about. If you have been following me for a while, you already know that my style is a mix of classic pieces with a sprinkle of the season's must haves. The foundation to a great wardrobe is having those basics and being able to mix new, trendy pieces in with it.

While I was taking a look at all the pieces I found, I decided to challenge myself to mix some of my new items in with some of my old items and see how many looks I could come up with. Surprisingly, I was able to create 5 different looks by mixing old pieces from my closest with a new shirt I bought from Fashion to Figure. Hence the name "Something Old, Something New. Throughout the week I will be sharing these looks with you and hoping to inspire you with how to maximize your wardrobe and incorporate some new pieces, too!

The Secret Gardens Peplum is my inspiration for this week of looks! Stay tuned...

xo-

<3 Parker S. 

Happy New Year 2016!!

It's 2016! Can you believe it? I am super excited to be ringing in a new year refreshed and renewed. I know I have been ghost for like 6 months, but so much has happened since I last spoke with you guys. It's funny how things turn out sometimes. We schedule, plan and prepare yet fail to realize that life is unexpected. That thing we were so sure about, may not go quite as planned and it's how we handle those unexpected bumps that define us. 

In 2015, a lot of unexpected things happened both good and bad. There were times when I thought that God had forsaken me because what I planned on happening didn't. What I have learned is that God's plan for our lives does not always coincide with what we think should happen and what on the surface may seem devastating, is really a blessing in disguise. How even in the midst or our suffering, we are being groomed for greatness and our stories become the inspiration for someone else who may be going through the same thing. 

I was so hopeless and in one of the lowest place I had ever been in my entire life. I was literally just existing from day to day and not really living. On the surface I appeared happy, vibrant and even thriving, but underneath it all i was walking around just the shell of a person. Someone deeply hurt and feeling completely alone and destined to be that way for the unforeseeable future. 

Just when I thought all hope was lost, God made his vision apparent to me. Opportunities that on paper I should not qualify for and people that I never knew could exist started entering into my life. When you are being prepared to walk in your purpose old things are done away with and new things are set before you. 

I am so proud to say that I am a renewed Parker. I realize that this walk isn't just about me, it's about using the gifts that God has given me to empower and encourage everyone that I encounter. It's about using my platform and influence to glorify His name and to let someone know that when things seem to be completely overwhelming, your breakthrough is just a prayer away. 

With that all that being said, I'm leaving the past behind me and am looking forward to a productive and successful new year! I encourage all of you to dream bigger dreams, expect greater blessing and most importantly, "Make the world your personal runway!"

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S. 

Menswear Makeover featuring Michael-Anthony Spearman

Happy Independence Day!!! In the past I have featured a segment called Parker Style Remix, where I have re-created the looks of some of my favorite female fashion influencers. In the spirit of embracing my independence from the fashion norm, I am finally introducing something to the blog I've wanted to for a long time, Menswear! I know that may sound crazy, as I am a woman, but a fun fact about me is that I actually began my fashion career styling men! I have worked for a few prominent menswear retailers and have always been completely fascinated w/ menswear. I mean seriously, a man can wear the same pair of pants and shirt everyday and just switch up the tie, socks and shoes and have an entirely different look. What's not to love about the intricate simplicity of that?!?!

The year of 2015 has been all about innovation, elevation and evolution for me and I think this new Menswear Makeover segment embraces the spirit of all of these things. The first man to be featured in this segment is fashion powerhouse Michael-Anthony Spearman, better known as The Big Fashion Guy. Imported from Detroit, Michael-Anthony is a menswear blogger, stylist and aspiring designer. I chose Michael-Anthony not only for his impeccable style, but also because his guiding fashion principle is similar to mine. His goal is to inspire gentleman as I inspire women, to embrace fashion and dress their best not matter their size. 

I recently started following Michael-Anthony a few weeks ago on Instagram and became completely enamored w/ 2 looks he featured wearing a boater hat. Seeing these looks is what inspired this whole  new Menswear Makeover segment. 

Now that I've got the inspiration, it's time for the interpretation. How do I dress like a man but still look completely like a woman? Surprisingly, I had most of the elements for the look already in my closet w/ the exception of the hat, tie & pocket silk (all scored on #AmazonPrime). I decided to pull out my fave little red dress from Alloy, a white Talbots button up, navy mens blazer that I scored from the Neiman Marcus for Target collaboration on clearance a couple of years ago and my white, never worn Cole Haan oxfords. 

What do you think? I am so pleased w/ how the entire look came together and I think I captured the essence of his look but still stayed true to my own style and look very much like a woman. I would also like to add that I tied my own Double Windsor knot and did my own hair and makeup! I hope this look inspires you to break out of your shell and embrace your fashion independence! Special thank you to Michael-Anthony Spearman for being the inspiration of the new #MenswearParkerstyle movement. Follow him on Instagram @thebigfashionguy and like him on Facebook. Until next time... "Make the world your personal runway and I'll see you on the front row!"

xo-

<3 Parker S. 

Get in the Groove

Disclosuere: The following giveaway promotion and content has been sponsored by State Farm®

Happy New Year! Yeah, I know that may sound a little crazy, but this month of June, I'm choosing to restart the year.  The first part of the year for me has been very challenging both good and bad. While I've had some really amazing experiences, I have also had a lot of personal struggles. After lots of prayer and a few good cries, I decided not to dwell on the past and move forward and get my groove back.

If you have been following me for a while, then you may remember last year I kicked off 2014 with the #MakeoverParker campaign. I fully threw myself into working out and taking life by the reigns. I lost a little over 40 pounds, I landed a major opportunity with one of my fave brands Henri Bendel, I sat front row during Full Figured Fashion week next to some of my blog idols, I was the featured blogger for the August 2014 edition of Plus Model Magazine & I even landed in a book called Reflections of Style! I was completely on top of the world & winning! 

              

Oh yeah, This totally happened! :)

Blog Royalty Chastity Garner, Marie Denee & I front row during #FFFWeek

I had a 4 page spread in Plus Model Magazine!

With author Courtney Hammonds at the launch of his book Reflections of style. 

Well, sometime near the end of the year, I lost site of everything I was working for. After an unexpected breakup,I just gave up. I felt totally defeated and that attitude spilled over into the first half of this year. 

As I mentioned earlier, I am moving forward. I am no longer letting others dictate my happiness & I am choosing to live for me. I am charting my own life's course & truly making the most of every day & every opportunity. I've only got one life and I am going to live it!

Snapped this shot on Monday, my first day back in the gym in almost 6 months!

In celebration of my new found groove, I am partnering with my friends at State Farm® to help you "Get in The Groove" for a chance to win a trip to the 2015 Essence Festival® presented by Coca Cola®.  The "Get in the Groove" contest is all about becoming uninhibited and embracing the life that you want to live. How awesome is that?!?!

Entering to win is so simple. Post a photo or video of yourself on Instagram dancing and getting in the groove and use the hashtags #StateFarmGroove and #ContestEntry. Then visit http://st8.fm/SFGroove to complete their entry form for your chance to win big!!

One Lucky Winner Will Receive:

• Round-trip coach airfare for winner and one (1) guest to New Orleans
• Four (4) nights, five (5) days hotel accommodations in New Orleans
• Two (2) tickets per night to the ESSENCE Festival® concerts in New Orleans
• Two (2) VIP Experience tickets (tickets to various VIP events provided by the ESSENCE Festival®)
• Transportation to and from the New Orleans, LA, airport
• The winner will appear in an ESSENCE and State Farm video on ESSENCE.com

In addition to your chance of winning the grand prize, I'm going give you a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card to jump start your groove. Use it to purchase a new lipstick that makes you feel gorgeous, or a journal to document your new found groove. Simply enter below & a winner will be randomly chosen. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow me on my journey as I reclaim my groove and I can't wait to share in yours. Remember to always "Make the world your personal runway!"

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S.

Disclosure: I received compensation for this sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of State Farm.