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

Sporting summer layers

 

 

 

Hello Lovers. A quick 'hello' as Ashley and I have a very busy day ahead of us! As you know, we have recently had a wake up call, reconnecting us to our new life. It is okay, to sometimes lose sight of what you are trying to accomplish or to sometimes lose yourself in the future of what you desire, what matters is that you find your way back to the journey of your dreams. Today we woke up renewed, re-inspired, and ready to take hold of what may be called dreams today, but will one day be called reality.

 

A timeless trend no matter the season is layers on layers on layers. When styling daily outfits, I love layering. You can mix textures, colors, sizes, structures...the list can go on! But for summer, it can get a little more difficult to layer in a way that is conducive to the summertime heat waves. Today, I discovered a layering system that leaves just enough exposed skin to keep me cool, while still sporting this classic trend. Lace bralettes are your best friend when it comes to the perfect summer layering, and today I was having a color craze! To mix textures, as well as colors, I paired a purple lace bralette with a closet staple - the deep, scooped neck white tank top.

 

I wanted to add that sporty flare to my vibrantly casual  look, so thank you Ashley for letting me borrow your white Polo hat! If the sun is not too harsh, I absolutely love sporting the edginess of the backwards cap. I adore how the simple placement of the hat, backwards or forwards, can change the personality of your ensemble. For an elegant, sporty look, a forward facing hat; for an edgy, rebellious look, a backward facing hat. I love how fashion can cater to so many different styles and personalities. This form of expression allows you to personify who you want to be at any moment in time.

 

xoxo - Heather Marie

Tops - Victoria's Secret

Shorts - Forever 21

Hat - Polo

Shades - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW

 



Seduced by the charm of the night

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, the fierce and daring styles of the night make their way into the light of day. When the sun goes down and the stars come up, moods can shift from the cautious beauty of daytime into the mysterious and venturesome allure of the darkness. And every now and then, one experiences the courage to bring the fearless fashions of the night into the spotlight of the sun.

 

Lately, Ashley and I have felt a disconnection to our new life in our new town. With so many dreams we aspire to make into reality, we find ourselves living in the future of what we hope to accomplish. The problem with living in your dreams is that you are no longer using your present time to move yourself forward in the direction of your desires. Talking about your dreams is easy, but actually working for them is the hard part. There must come a time when you bring your dreams of the night into the reality of the day. Much like todays look, we are finding the courage to wake up from the safety net of our dreams and actually take the risk of failure to achieve what we want out of life. When I put this outfit together, I was feeling courageous and inspired! I love what is brought to light when the darkness takes over - the unconscious desires we call dreams, the daring attitudes we call confidence, the sexy attraction of the nightly fashion scene. At a time when you are feeling disconnected, these nightly traits must be embraced to bring you back on track to making your dreams a reality.

 

 I was seduced by the dark charm of this lace corset top and feeling fearless, I wore it out in the day. To tailor it to my elegant style, I paired it with my delicate harem pant and black strappy heels. Fashion has no rules! And once every blue moon, I feel the need to push the boundaries. My life had a wake up call and since my outfit choices are often tied to my emotions, I opted for an ensemble that is bold, daring, courageous, and dark.

 

Our dreams will no longer be just an element of the night, but rather an everyday presence that pushes us even after our heads leave the pillow.

 

xoxo - Heather Marie





Top - Vintage

Harem Pant - Forever 21

Shoes - Forever 21

Clutch - Forever 21

 



Salt-Life Simplicity

 

 

 

 



Effortless couture is diverse, relaxed, undemanding, and it accentuates one's natural beauty, which just so happens to be a leading trend during these summer months.  I tend to opt for a minimalistic look that is sometimes known to rock the star paved streets of California. I may not be in Cali, but I can certainly bring Cali to me.

I don't know if it is the fact that I now live on the coast or if it is that summer has just reared its gorgeously sunny head, but lately I have been all about the easy-breezy, care-free fashion that can only be described as 'salt-life' style. Don't get me wrong, I am still an elegant city girl at heart and I will always love a sleek couture look, but when the salty crisp air flows through my bedroom window, I can't help but to sometimes fall for the natural essence of simplistic summer fashion.

It is a very warm day here in South Carolina, so I chose a slightly oversized tank top from Victoria's Secret with their signature sexy cut outs, exposing the perfect amount of what is soon to be sun-kissed skin. Giving structure to this otherwise shapeless top, I like to slightly tuck it in to my favorite destroyed, boyfriend denim. To further accessorize today's look, I added a Boho beach hat to match my natural beachy waves. I am also currently crushing on mirror shades! I love the retro, edgy vibe these sunnies add to even the simplest of outfits. And of course, I could not finish my look without my favorite black strappy heels.

Whether you are roaming the beachside boardwalks or joining your friends for a cocktail on the coast, an effortless ensemble can bring your natural beauty center stage. And remember, you don't have to live in beautiful California to embody the beauty of the classic Cali girl.

xoxo - Heather Marie

Top - Victoria's Secret

Denim - Abercrombie & Fitch

Hat - Target

Mirror Shades - Forever 21

Midnight Muse

Cobalt and Mirror Shades. Hello loves! Today, I am writing from our hotel room because Ashley and I are currently experiencing an amazing opportunity, which I will elaborate more on soon, so stay tuned! But here is a little hint...Marie Nicole are at Fashion Week!

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am falling in love with harem trousers in spring! These delicate structured beauties have landed a coveted spot on my favorite trends list and I believe I now have at least 5 pairs, each one with their own unique flair! This particular pair happens to be the most recent addition to my harem family. When I spotted them in the store, they immediately called to me. Harem pants are an easy way to look high-fashion with their definitive shape and structure, but contrary to the contoured pant suit, harem trousers are light-weight and delicate, which is perfect for spring and summer.

 

For this look, I wanted something that would make a statement and captivate attention, and nothing catches the eye like cobalt blue, a true muse in the world of color schemes! I decided to keep the top simple with just an elegant blouse with the perfect subtle scooped neck and a chic, minimalistic gold chain. To really tie the outfit together, I added a boyfriend style blazer vest. I have been seeing this pairing all over the runway and I could not wait to sport this high-fashion look! And because one cobalt item was not enough for me, I had to block the sun with my new favorite shades in midnight blue. The mirror cobalt sunnies and black clutch were the perfect accessories to add a sleek spring/summer touch to this otherwise structured, high-fashion look. Two striking elements come together to create a look that captivates and induces a confidence that is not only eye-catching, but contagious. Cobalt is not only inspiring, bold, and vibrant, it's blue-tiful. What's your current fashion muse?

 

xoxo - Heather Marie

 

Harem Trouser - Forever 21

Vest - Forever 21

Blouse - Express

Clutch & Shades - Forever 21

Shoe - Forever 21

 



Trousers in Spring

 



Hello sweets! It has been a very busy time here at MarieNicole and I have a feeling that that is not about to change. After four long years, Ashley and I are finally two weeks away from the highly sought after college diploma! I barely believe those words just came out of my mouth. For most, this is a time where a lot of people start to feel scared and nervous about entering the 'real world', but for us...this is one of the most exciting times we have experienced! In two weeks, our whole life becomes a blank book just waiting for us to start writing the next chapter. For hidden in the unknown is a sea of possibility waiting to be discovered.

Spring is probably my favorite season. I may be a bit bias due to my being a March, spring baby, but truly, there is nothing better than springtime. Of course summer is not far behind, but as the flowers start blooming and the trends start to change, it is almost as if you too re-bloom. I noticed that on the first day of spring, the sun and everything just looked beautifully different. As the season shifts from dark hued winter to vibrantly stunning spring, life just becomes beautiful again. Dreams are reborn and brought to light, ambitions are heightened, and the fashion is sensational!

My current cutting-edge trend crush is trousers in spring, aka the harem pant. These gorgeous structured, yet delicate pants have become my go-to bottom wear on the spring days that still have that lingering winter chill. They are light-weight and dainty, but with enough contour to bring that elegant structure of winter to the gentle trends of spring. Add a pair of sleek pointy toed heels to this season's hottest new silhouette and you have got a fashion-forward ensemble that will rock the streets of spring. I am also sporting my new black clutch with a chic gold embellishment that I have been eyeing for weeks now and have finally decided to bring home to my handbag family. I think it adds a little mod feel to the vintage vibe of this elegant trouser.

xoxo - Heather Marie 

Harem Pant - Forever 21

Knit - Forever 21

Shoes - Jessica Simpson

Clutch - Forever 21

Coachella Dreaming

 



"Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered." After an amazing spring break of desperately needed rest and relaxation, Ashley and I returned to college to finish off the last few weeks standing between us and the much anticipated graduation stage. We are ecstatic to say that in only three short weeks, we will officially be college alumni! I never thought I would say this, but bring on the unflattering, box shaped gown and matching cap!

As you may know, it was Coachella weekend and much like the lucky festival attendees, I was in a desert daze. I may not have been able to attend Coachella this year, but I did bring the bohemian, earthy fashions sported at this most talked about outdoor event to my southern neck of the woods. Don't let the fringed fashions of festival season fool you, desert couture can be haute couture! With peeping lace in all the right places, this open shouldered black beauty brings a dark, yet spirited gypsy feel with just the right amount of tasteful sexiness. And would it really be Coachella without an arm full of  vibrant, free spirited bangles? My gold studded black strapped sandals with a slight chunk heel added the perfect elegant chicness to the embodiment of a wandering beauty.

xoxo - Heather Marie

Dress - Forever 21

Shoes - Forever 21

Shades - Forever 21