Passionately Driven... A Lifestyle and Wellness Blog

Have you ever noticed that when you get something new, you start seeing everyone else with the same thing or something similar? Well, it's really no different with pregnancy! Once you're expecting, you notice that "Wow! Everyone's expecting!" At least, that's what happened in my case. All of a sudden, I started noticing all of these expecting mothers, and my fashion eye couldn't help but be stunned! Of course, I'd noticed the bellies peeking out of the bottoms of shirts before, but it seemed to be a more regular occurrence, now that I seemed to have a new pregnancy radar-type sixth sense going on. Why, oh why is the beauty and glow of pregnancy being dimmed by these cruel fashion faux-pas's? Soooo, of course SUPERWONDERAWESOMEWOMAN fashion stylist ChristalNicole has come to the rescue! We all know how strongly I feel about being fashionable on a budget. Because of my own personal bohemian-inspired style, I've hardly had to purchase anything ...

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Dallas Fashion Week Twitter Party premiere fashion show. The designer showcased on this night was AntoniMichelle, and I have to say that from the first time I saw her designs, I was in love! One of her statements about her designs is that she wants to "bring out the goddess in every woman". Truth be told, her designs do just that! From tall, short, thin and curvy, her designs bring out the beauty in any lady wearing them. I have a little secret to tell about her also... Men's designs are among her bag of tricks! It's not everyday that one can say that she was a part of the making of fashion future, but I believe that I can say just that. It can honestly be said that every piece that AntoniMichelle showcased was divine. She will be showcased in the upcoming Dallas Fashion Week October 20-22, 2011, and I can't wait! When you visit her site, you will also find that she designs awesome belts and handbags. Can you s...

The economy has been hard on lots of people, and I hear people talk about how they do not have the money for shopping... Do you hear the horns? What about the fireworks announcing that SUPERWONDERAWESOME WOMAN (ChristalNicole) has come to the rescue?! With a few simple tricks and a little imagination, you can double or even triple your wardrobe, without spending a penny (unless you just can't help yourself). Above, you will see that I have shown one dress in three different ways. I apologize that you can't see the shoes in two of the pictures, but I paired mid-calf black stiletto boots with the scarf and purple/black stilettos with the big hair... For a totally different feel and fun day out, I wore a colorful belt, earrings and ballet flats. Now, let's look inside your closet and see what we find. Pull out one pair of jeans (or slacks), one solid color skirt, a button-down, a tank top, and any other top that you particularly like. Guess what you've just done. You hav...

Uh-oh, did your man just come home to you still in your robe, hair uncombed and possibly unbathed? Do you feel like it was ok, because you were taking care of the children all day and didn't leave the house? Are you a woman who feels like "he should love me as I am, no matter what"? If so, then let's just put all of the nonsense aside, and change the mentality right now! I am not writing this blog as a marriage and family counselor, but for some, it will be an eye-opener into yet another area that fashion touches. Can you not see why I'm so passionate about fashion?! Housewives too can be fashionable! Yes, I understand that you may have been with your partner for years, and he's seen you at your best and worst. However, if he's been seeing you at your worst most often, don't be surprised if the romance is fizzling and the sparks are hard to catch. If he loves seeing you in a t-shirt and panties for bed, then by all means, keep making it happen. Howev...

Color blocking is an awesome hot trend that, yes, ChristalNicole has written about already. However, I feel compelled to elaborate on how great this trend can look on our guys also.For you guys who love color, this is a great excuse for you to rock it! As seen in the photo above, pairing solids can create a unique and creative look. I've expressed to my females the fact that you can take any two or three solid primary colors and create a "put together" look. It can be as simple as green tee and red pants. For my guys who are a little more "color shy", color blocking can also be achieved with earth tones and neutrals, as seen in Perry Ellis' collection below. For Perry Ellis shopping, check out www.perryellis.com. There's so many tips and so much advice for the ladies. Today, I had guys on the mind. Color blocking - Add it to your style meter guys! As always, I remain your passionately driven ChristalNicole...

Those who know me, know that I love vintage. I love everything about the "hunt" for that fashionable vintage piece, the re-make of a piece to update a look and the "one-of-a-kind" vintage jewelry piece! Recently, I visited the New York City for Full Figure Fashion Week (FFFWeek). It was my first time in New York, so I was both excited about the events of FFFWeek and the initial experience of being in the big city! My first night there, I pulled out vintage by throwing on a green, knitted, patterned summer sweater with leggings and flats. Uber-comfortable and apparently, leggings are a big trend in New York. I've picked out two of my favorite outfits of the trip to show how one can look like a "million", while only spending "pennies"... To attend the Networking Event, I pulled on a white boyfriend blazer with a super cute strapless dress and BCBG wedges. The white boyfriend blazer was a thrift find for $2, the necklace a thrift find for $0....

I sat outside and watched as my boys blew their bubbles and allowed the wind to create huge spheres of bubble rainbows. Mesmerized and entranced by the beauty and mystery of the bubble, I found myself asking "Why?". Why are we so fascinated by bubbles and no matter what our age, why do they make us smile? Could it be how lightly they float- drifting slowly farther and farther away but never saddening us with their departure? Maybe it's the beautiful mixture of color we see swirling incessantly, even dreamily, along their surfaces... Whatever the fascination, on this day I equated the beauty and fragility of the bubble to dreams. Yes, I'm a total dreamer. I believe in chasing after one's dreams and never losing hope. As I watched the bubbles flying out of the bubble wand, I noticed how sometimes huge bubbles were formed and how, from the same wand, lots of small ones. Metaphorically speaking, I am the bubble wand, producing the greatest of dreams both big and smal...