The Black Hat

    Hi everyone and welcome back. I don't wear hats to often because they won't fit over my curly hair. Floppy hats are in for the winter, so I gave it a try while my hair was still straight. Black is always a classic route to take and I love black leather in particular. This specific jacket is my favorite because of all the gold details and its perfect for the Southern cold.

Details
Faux Leather Jacket by Guess: Marshal's
Sweater: Marshal's
Jeans: Old Navy
Booties: DSW
Floppy Hat: Forever 21 (FYI: They have a great 50% clearance sale going on but I'm not sure how long it will last, so hurry.)
Crossbody: Ross

Devotional Corner
"Show Off" Matthew 6:1-2 NLT

1."Watch put! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth,they have received all the reward they will ever get."

When's the last time you were recognized for a good deed? The truth is it doesn't matter. God isn't concerned about who sees you doing good for others. It's pointless to help someone out just to turn around and boast about it with other people. This isn't what pleases Him. He wants us to show sincerity towards others even when there is no audience to applaud you. God's not impressed when our main goal is recognition, He sees past the facade. Kindness has to come from our heart. If we have God in our hearts, why not share it with others?

-Stay Chic!
Xoxo Deleon

Something New

     Congratulations, you made it to the end of the first week of a new year. So far I've stuck to my resolution goals and hopeful you have too.

     I don't really like online shopping, but I had a hard time finding asymmetrical shorts in stores. A lot of my favorite youtubers mention the sheinside website, so I gave it a try. They had exactly what I was looking for at a decent price with free shipping. These wool shorts went great with my grey sweater and an added statement necklace for a touch of color.

Details
Sweater:Burlington
Asymmetrical shorts: http://www.sheinside.com
Tights: TJMaxx
Booties: DSW
Belt: Forever 21
Necklace: H&M

Devotional Corner
"A Winning Spirit" Philippians 3:14-16 NLT

14"I press on to reach the end of the peace and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus,is calling us.15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made."

My pastor delivered another great sermon last Sunday.Whether you choose to make a new year resolution or not, its important to make goals for your life. It takes persistence and prayer in order to have a winning spirit. If you need help, ask for it. We are God's children and He won't leave us alone. Remember, we have to work on our end as well. He wants to hear our meaningful prayers not just reciting. When we ask God to help us reach goals, we should come to Him already knowing that the way will be made.

Stay Chic!
-Xoxo Deleon

A Sweet Ending

    Hi everyone, for today I have a tasty cookie recipe to share for the holidays. Not sure what to bring to the New Year's party? These red velvet cookies will be a great addition to the holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of red food coloring (I added 4 to make them darker)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (imitation vanilla extract works as well)
• 1 pkg (12oz) white chocolate chips (I used 6oz of white and milk chocolate)
• wax paper
• food safe container (I found this cute from Wal-Mart)

*Makes about 4 dozen depending on the size you make the cookies*

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (if your oven cooks fast, lower it to 225)

2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. Beat butter and sugars in a mixer -or a large bowl with a hand mixer- on medium speed until fluffy and light.

4. Next add your eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture.

6. Then add the chocolate chips.

7. Cover your cookie dough with saran wrap and leave it in the freezer for around 20 mins. This will make it easier to shape the cookies.

8. Next, scoop out your cookie dough  (an ice cream scooper works well) and form balls in the palm of your hand. Spray the wax paper with cooking spray and place the cookies two inches apart.

 9. Place the cookies in the oven for 15-20 mins until they are firm around the edges but soft in the center. Then let them cool for 3 mins.

10. While your cookies cool, place wax paper inside the container.

11. Once the cookies have been well rested, stack them in the container.

                                                                           Voilà!

Details

Cardigan: Charlotte Russe

Cami: Marshall's

Jeans: Old Navy

Combat Boots: Nordstrom Rack

Devotional Corner

"Take Flight" Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NLT

11.Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. 12.The Lord guided them;they followed no foreign gods.

     This past Sunday, my pastor spoke from this subject. It's time for us to reach new levels just as an eagle. After a certain time, an eagle forces its children out of the nest, whether they are ready or not. The mother pushes them from the very edge of the nest and lets them go. Just as an eagle, God is trying to push us to the next level. It may be uncomfortable and you may feel that you're not ready, but God knows what's best. All we need to do is trust in Him and praise Him in our transition. Reflect on 2014 and think about the changes/goals you want to set (and carry out) for 2015. Have courage and take flight, because God will be right there to guide you out the nest.

Energetic

Altitude

Graceful

Liberating

Elevation

Stay Chic and Have a Happy New Year!

-Xoxo Deleon

Back In Action

        Hello everyone, I'm back and with straight hair. Finals week was been quite hectic and I didn't want to deal with my curls. Winter break is finally here, so you can expect more posts. I'm happy to relax and dedicate more time to my blog. Now that it's getting colder, what's winter without fur(faux)? It took a while for me to find a reasonably priced fur vest, but I eventually came across this grayish/brownish one. To showcase the fur, I went with jeans, a plain shirt, and simple accessories.

Details

Faux Fur Vest: Forever 21

Top: Aerpostale

Jeans: Old Navy

Booties: DSW

Purse: H&M

Necklace: Gifted

Devotional Corner

"Evidence" Acts 17:11 NLT

 "And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth."

Church is a great environment to worship with other believers and reverence The Lord. However, our relationship with God is a daily interaction. It's important to build a connection with God so that we won't be easily lead by false assumptions. The bible is at our finger tips, whether it be hard copy or an app. This tool helps us understand God's commandments for our lives and His purpose. Don't just take man's word for it, use your bible and find out for yourself. Studying the word not only helps ourselves, but we'll able to help others and lead them in the right direction.

Stay Chic!

-Xoxo Deleon

Finally Fall

Hi everyone. It's slowly but surely getting cooler down south and I'm can't wait to pull out my leather jacket. Until then, I put together a transitional outfit.

Details

Jacket: Dillard's

Maxi Dress: H&M

Shoes: Dillard's

Earrings: Local shop

Devotional Corner

"Humble Pie" 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

No matter how big and successful we get, we can't let it make us prideful. With wisdom comes humility and appreciation. God won't continue to bless us if we don't recognize and give thanks to Him. Remember that our success isn't based off of our own-doing and intellect, but its from God's grace. We must give honor to whom it's do. When success comes, we mustn't forget about the ones that aren't as fortunate. Encourage others, share your advice/testimony, and give any help that you can.

Stay Chic!

-Xoxo Deleon