black and white.



| Photography by Ashley Nicole |

 



When did things become so complicated? When man first began, life was so simple. Survival reigned over all else and instincts and loyalty were what you lived by. There were no mind games where your feelings become casualties, no actions or hidden messages behind spoken words to be deciphered, life was just simple. And I am starting to realize, that it is us who complicate our own life.

 Life itself has not really changed from what it was when man lived in caves. Sure our arsenal of survival tools have evolved, but when you really think about it, life is, or at least can be, as simple as it once was. We overthink things and try to decipher signs that most likely have no hidden meaning behind them, but why? I believe we over analyze certain moments in life as a way of trying to make sense of an undesirable situation. But maybe, things would be a lot easier and a lot less painful if we just accept things as they are in black and white. Sometimes, things  really are as simple as they seem.

Take these gorgeous gold necklaces for example. So simple and small, but yet they make their own statement. Without even having to try, these necklaces exude a subtle elegance and an undeniable beauty that requires no second thoughts. That is how life should be. We need to remember to live for the small moments in life because they truly are what matter most. We need to learn to stop playing games and letting our own thoughts and insecurities ruin good moments because those are the moments you cannot get back and those are the moments that you will long for most once they are gone. Maybe, if we live life in black and white and stay away from the grey areas that only complicate something that would otherwise be so simple, we can live the candid and beautiful life that I believe was intended for us.

xoxo - Heather Marie

Take the first step

 

 



Rain or shine, I will do what I love. It is another not so sunny day here in South Carolina, but a little rain won't stand in the way of my week of freedom and dream catching! Before this break, I set a goal for myself to focus on my dreams and my future every day, rain or shine, and Marie Nicole are not ones to quit. I am a girl who loves a challenge and when it comes to fashion, nothing is quite so challenging as trying to dress up a casual look...in the rain. Strappy black heels are a staple that should have a home in every closet! They instantly transform a casual, comfy "boyfriend" inspired outfit into a woman's feminine casual couture. Just watch out for puddles!

Lately I have been thinking a lot about change. Change is not something that comes easily to most people. I envy those who can just pick up and do whatever comes to mind without ever giving it a second thought. For me, I am one to think things through, to consider the scenarios, and to ask myself "what could go wrong if I make this change? Why should I not do it?" This is something about myself that I would like to change. Life is too short to live in worry and negative what if's. The question I should be asking is "what if something amazing happens if I just open myself up to something new, to something different, to something my old self would never have considered." There are so many possibilities and opportunities that lie just beyond taking a chance or a risk and making a change. Of course this is not something that must be done all at once and the change is not something that has to be as drastic as say packing up your life and moving to a whole new continent. However, never say never. But sometimes, just making a small change is a step in the right direction. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Ashley and I have actually just taken our first step. We had a thought and without overthinking it, we just took the plunge, made a change, and embraced it. Stay tuned because we will soon be revealing our big change! I will admit, it was scary and a bit nerve wrecking to do something so different without fully thinking it through, but sometimes those are the best moments in life.

Till next time.
xoxo - Heather Marie

 

 



On wednesdays we wear him

 

Hers and His. Hello loves! This week has been very busy because our mom is visiting us all the way from the beach and we want to spend as much time with her as we can since she is only here for a short time. I love when she comes to visit, but with such a small space, it can get a bit crowded (love you mom!). Having her here really makes me miss the sea salt breeze and the warm South Carolina sun. I am literally counting the days till the next time I can start my morning with the sand between my toes and nothing but the deep blue sea in front of me. Here's to dreaming of beachy summer nights!

 

Todays ensemble is the classic his and hers. Nothing is more comfortable than his striped cotton t-shirt. And to glam it up, a colored statement necklace and rolled up sleeves give it that feminine touch.

 

Till next time.

xoxo - Heather Marie



Here's to the single gals

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Lace and Red Lips. Happy Valentines Day Sweethearts!

 

It's the day of love and romantic dates. So what does this mean for those of us who are not in love? Well, for us Valentine's day is about celebrating the love we share with our loved one's, our family! This day may bring your single relationship status to life, but that does not have to be a bad thing. Love is a wonderful and beautiful thing that happens randomly, inconveniently, and at anytime. "Love is the thing you know", and it will happen at a time when you least expect it and it will make you forget about all the years of single Valentine's days. You do have a boyfriend, he just resides in the future! Until your two worlds come together and you are able to use this day to celebrate the love you two share for each other, - even though your love is something that should be celebrated every day - use this day as an excuse for a girls night out or for a day in with your family. As for the lace and the smoldering red lips, there is no reason not to be a sexy single gal! Feeling confident and sexy is not just for your man, it is for you too! So here's to all us single gals!

 

Much Love and Till Next Time.

xoxo - Heather Marie 

 



Let go of the past

 

 



And go for the Future. Happy Sunday my loves! Today, I had the great pleasure of having my own glam girl, and by that I mean my lovely sister did her makeup magic. A girl could get used to this! We have been talking about this for a while now and we are really excited about this project. To us, the boundaries of makeup are meant to be pushed. Creating different looks and different "characters" is really what makeup is all about. Makeup needs no words - with the simple change of an eye shadow you can portray a completely different personality and mood. It is actually quite cool what you can express with your makeup and fashion! I gave Ashley free reign to do whatever she wanted with my eyes, and boy did she! Let's just say that "wings" are a little out of my comfort zone, and she took this current trend and gave it an almost futuristic look. So I decided to mix the old with the new by pairing an 80's style boyfriend denim with the futuristic trend of the eye wing. And we have plenty more "characters" where this came from! We plan to channel our inner Nylon to experiment and venture outside of the box with our makeup and fashion, but don't worry, we will also be incorporating classic and iconic beauty looks on our journey to "create your own self." The sky is the limit after all!

 

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined."

Till next time.

xoxo - Heather Marie

 

 

Start of something new

 

 

Pointy Toes and Black Heels. For months I have been in search for the perfect black pointy toed heel and have only been left with disappointment, until now! My search is finally over. Thank you Jessica Simpson for putting these chic and affordable shoes into my life!

 

A classic black heel should be a staple in every closet. They bring a sexy and sophisticated vibe to any outfit. Basically, you can never go wrong with this pointy toed pump! Shoes are so crucial in the fashion world. You could be wearing an amazing outfit, but unless you have the right shoe, the outfit just won't look right. I am starting to see that shoes may be just as crucial in the real world. "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." The more I think about this quote, the more I realize that Marilyn Monroe is right. We dress from head to toe to in the way we want people to see us. With this shoe, I am showing people the determined, hard-working, fashionable entrepreneur that I am. I am about to graduate college and these shoes are a start of something new. I am working very hard for the life that I want and these shoes are my first accessory to accompany me as I enter the next chapter of my life. I realize this is a lot of pressure to put on a simple pair of shoes, but hey, if the shoe fits! Like I said, these shoes are just the beginning. Louboutin, I'm coming for you!

 

"Cinderella - proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life."

Till next time.

xoxo - Heather

 





And the snow begins to melt

Plaid Scarf - Tommy Hilfiger | Coat - Forever 21 | White Crop Top - Forever 21 | Leather Skirt - Forever 21 | Boots - DSW

 

Leather and Plaid. The midweek snow break continues with day number three here at Marie Nicole and I have had enough lounging. I decided to risk the chance of freezing and catch the last bit of snow before it all melts away, but of course, I had to do it in style! Who says you can't be couture in the cold? Unfortunately, the days of snowy bliss can't last forever; starting tomorrow it is back to reality and back to college. It was fun while it lasted!

 

Till next time.

xoxo - Heather Marie 



let's stay home

Moselle Sweater - Brandy Melville | Flower top - Forever 21

First class lounging. The snow is still on the ground today, so all classes have been cancelled! Gotta love living in a place where a little snow puts a halt on an entire college campus! Needless to say, it is definitely a day of lounging here at Marie Nicole! Keep warm and bundle up if you too have been happily snowed in!

Till next time.
xoxo - Heather Marie



Baby, it's cold outside

Kisses from Heaven. It is a snow day here at Marie Nicole and we have been bundled up all day enjoying the bliss of this snowflake shower! Fluffy scarves and fur hoods were our salvation as the grounds were masked over by a gorgeous white blanket. Snow is not very common where we live, so Ashley and I were quite excited when we saw the first snowflake fall from the sky. As I watched the snow from my bedroom window I started to think about how not one snowflake is the same. It is hard to believe that there are that many unique snowflakes all different in their own beautiful way, much like people. Embrace what makes you different, it is what makes you be-you-tiful!

Keep warm my darlings! Till next time.
xoxo - Heather Marie