Adulting: 5 ways to save when you face unexpected expenses / March 14, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

I moved into an apartment immediately after I graduated high school. It was like I crossed the stage into independence at 18, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. My dad has given me tons of advice over the years. One of the many things I remember him saying is “If you never spend all of your money, you’ll never be broke.”

This week adulting hit me hard, and it felt like everything and everyone in the world was targeting my bank account. A recent, surprising call from my dad turned not- so exciting when he informed me that the time had come for me to add those bills to my expenses. No big deal, until I realized all the other unexpected expenses adulthood issued me this month, including the IRS.

Keep reading for five ways I save money and areas I implement budget cuts when necessary.

Working with Faith / March 7, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

The value of faith and family was instilled in my brothers, sister and I from the beginning of our lives. As a child I was never allowed to go to sleepovers or birthday parties of classmates. Both of my parents had multiple siblings who also had children, and our free time was spent at church and/or with family. These are values that remain important and fundamental in my life today.

I was always surrounded by Christians who believed and never had to worry about being offensive by showing my faith until I did. As I grew older I understood that my parents kept me and my siblings in the company of family to avoid outside influence before we were mature enough to remain true to Christian principles we’d been taught even when others around us didn’t.

Exercising my faith in all areas of my life is important. In effort to let God in when he’s not always welcome, here are four ways to keep your faith in the workplace .

Real World Reads / February 28, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

Unfolding stories, true or not, told by a wide range of authors brought me great joy as a child and continue to inspire me on my journey through adulthood. Last year was my first time participating in Read Across America at two elementary schools in the Inland Empire. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the students, sharing the importance of reading and shamelessly plugging my alma maters, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Public education provided many benefits beyond the classroom and gave me extraordinary experiences, adventures and lifelong relationships. Among the many lessons I learned from public educational institutions, Franklinton High School taught me to have PRIDE, Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence; Southeastern showed me that I was more than a number and USM ignited me to soar To The Top!

Fashion at work beyond the office / February 21, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

As a student in college and grad school, I always dreamed about the days I would dress up for work and walk into my office feeling like a model on a runway. Clear a path and cue the music....Today, that's my reality.

I celebrated a quarter of a century in October, but its not uncommon for people to mistake me for an 18 year old, especially on the weekends. Working at United Way, my dress code depends on my day. Most days I wear professional attire, however; when I'm leading a corporate volunteer group or painting murals on a Saturday, denim and Nike's are acceptable.

Although I'm not a fan of baby heels (unless it's a wedge), open toes (in professional settings) or lace up styles (in general), I can't get enough of the following wardrobe staples. Whether I'm in the office or out on the town, I'll take one in every color and style.

Pointed Toe Pump

Heels add a little age, a little confidence and a little spice to my ensembles. I usually wear them four days a week and feel like the star of my show. Because I am responsible for volunteer scheduling, I try to wear flats on Tuesdays and Thursdays in case I have to jump in an assembly line to pack bags of food for hungry kids or assist with other service projects onsite. Sometimes I just pack a pair of flats to be safe.

Although the SJP Collection is outside of my price range, l'm obsessed with the Lucille, Fawn, and Trance Styles. A girl can dream, right? I know Carrie Bradshaw would agree.

Wrap Dress

Growing up in a Christian family and the Church Of God In Christ Denomination, dresses and skirts were once the only clothing I owned, and I longed for the days I could wear pants or shorts. Now I truly appreciate the selection of dresses in my closet. It's the perfect option when I can't figure out what to wear and there isn't much time to decide; many styles and materials don't require an iron or steamer which is an added bonus. They are cute and comfortable. Two birds. One stone. From personalities to celebrities to royalty, every woman has or should have a wrap dress in their wardrobe.

Blazer

Whether you're wearing a suit or jeans, there's a perfect blazer for anything. One of my best friends, D'Anthony Jackson styles them seamlessly from day to night, dressy to casual and everything in between.

In addition to the staples listed above, I love the Torie Pant by Apt. 9. They are affordable, made with quality and feel amazing. I'm also a huge fan of with Lauren Conrad's line. Her ensembles always have the perfect splash of feminine. Both are available at Kohl's. I bought several pieces while I worked there through grad school. I'm also wearing the Torie Pant in both photos below and an LC top in the photo at the Auto Club Speedway.

Fashion isn't about what the world says is trending. It's about an ensemble that makes you feel and look confident in your personal style. As I walked into church on Sunday an usher complimented my smile and told me I looked "fashionably wonderful," and that's how I felt. That's fashion. I hope you feel it too.

What are your favorite pieces? Do you have any rules, favorite brands or places to shop? Share below.

XX,
Jasmine C. Tate