For several weeks, I’ve been ranting to my friends and family the importance of dressing well for New Year’s Eve.  Some of them think I’m being over-the-top, while others happen to agree.  This year I’ve managed to not only find myself something to wear early (surprisingly), but I’ve also been able to help others put together NYE ‘fits (yes!). It’s been a lot of fun.

Make no mistake, there’s no need to go overboard with shopping – going into debt, spending money you should be saving, or even over-thinking it.  You can easily mix and match pieces together in your own closet to create a fresh, fun and creative look.  My challenge to you is to put forth effort into having a fashionably grand experience at your event.  And even if you’re staying home, put on your flyest pair of PJs and have yourself a good ole’ time! Remember, class and elegance is key.

Here’s are five reasons why I believe we all (men and women) should look good for NYE:

1) It’s just plain fun to dress up.

2) You end the year on a good note and you start the new one off right. Who can argue with that!?

3) You never know who you will meet and the connections you can make both professionally and socially.

4) You’re more likely to enjoy the event.

And finally,

5) When you look good, you feel good.

Happy Dressing and Happy New Year!

-Candace

I’ve been 30 for one week now!  I had a wonderful experience with family and good, good friends.  The night before my birthday, I was supposed to go out with my girlfriend to Bohemian Cavern.  We decided not to go and I stayed home to chill.  What took place that night was special.  I was alone and able to reflect and journal the final moments of my twenties.  It was enriching and almost even spiritual as I cried a few minutes before the clock struck midnight.

Why did I cry?  Not because I was sad or scared.  I cried because I was happy.  Blessed.  I felt content and thankful.  Grateful for the tough times I survived.   Appreciative for having amazing people in my life.  Excited for what’s to come.  The tears flowed as my smile widened.  I’ll never forget that moment.

Last week, I asked several of my 30-something/40-something friends if they had any advice for me.  Here’s what they offered:

1) Live all of your dreams.

2) Have dinner with your real friends – often.

3) Be true to yourself.

4) Don’t concern yourself with what people think of you or your decisions. Do you.

5) Never compare yourself to others.  Have your own path.

6) Don’t be afraid.  Even if you fail.

7) Try new things.  And travel.

8) Be aggressive!

9) Be the potential.  It’s no longer about who/what you’re “going” to be.  It’s about being that person right now.

10) Keep your 40+ and retirement in mind. Save, save, save!

Any more feedback/advice from my 30+ friends? Please feel free to share!

-Candace T.

Well, here it is! 30 is almost here.  I’m excited.  I’m nervous.  I’m anxious.  I’m hopeful.  I’m ready.

My twenties were good to me.  I’ve learned a great deal and had so much fun along the way.  Here are a few of my reflections.  Enjoy!

1)      I couldn’t have made it this far without my heavenly Father.

2)      I need my Mother.

3)      How to have a blast being a single woman.

4)      Giving back to the community makes life worthwhile.

5)      The journey to self-love is ongoing.

6)      To listen attentively to older, wiser women.

7)      Never, ever to leave candles unattended.

8)      If he doesn’t pursue you, he don’t want you.

9)      My sisters keep me sane.

10)   You’re doing yourself a favor by saying No.

11)   You can have braces however many times you need.

12)   My girlfriends are EVERYTHING! and some cousins are more like sisters (whaddup Sturdi!).

13)  Confidentiality is also everything.

14)   How important it is to save money.

15)   Never to text and drive.

16)   Never to drink and drive.  Seriously.

17)   You should always be in the middle of a good book.

18)   Good, supportive bras are crazy expensive!

19)   My relationship with my Dad is unmatchable.

20)   People-pleasing gets you nowhere, fast.

21)   Every day is the PERFECT day to dress fly.

22)   Quality, honest male friends are a gift.

23)   It’s fulfilling to dine alone.

24)   Credit scores are important.

25)   Never to avoid confrontation.

26)   It’s toxic to compare yourself to others.

27)   A romantic relationship will only add to me because I’m already complete.

28)   Real women can apologize first.

29)   I am my own best friend, but you sure do an even better job, Alexis E. Brevard!

30)   Traveling is incredible.

My thirties will be an amazing journey!

-Candace T.

Not only was Andrew able to capture the beauty and essence of the model, he also transformed an eerie, uncanny house and van into an exquisite backdrop all on a rainy, humid day. It was perfect!

As a perk, I met Cat Lykes (MUA/Hair/Wardrobe Stylist) and she is truly gifted and passionate about her craft.  Much respect.  What I learned from this experience – more than receiving an increased dosage of passion and drive – is the power that lies within genuine confidence and aggression.  It can take you quite far in whatever you’re trying to accomplish.  I won’t preach, but I will say my confidence and aggression with my beloved skill are on the brink of escalation and I’m not mad at all.  It’s about time.

I am pleased to be a part of the team and am already excited about the next project!

Here’s a peek:

-Candace T.

Thanks for allowing us to style you, Unity!

Check out a sneak peek here:

Photographer: CHawk Creations

MUA: Crystal Mathis

Hair by Cheritty Warren

Creative Director: Q’ran Hawkins

Manager: Darrin Hawkins

“Like” them on Facebook here.

Follow them on Twitter here.

And check out a snippet of their single here.

Ciao!

-Candace T.

Many of you may not know, but I…Candace T. Woods…at age 29 was an on/off thumb sucker since I was a baby.  Horrible, right?  I know.  Anyway, this was my second time having braces.  I’d first gotten them back in high school for about two years.  I had stopped sucking my thumb, gotten those braces slapped on and was on my way to a healthy, happy smile.. right here:

Then came freshman year of college.  I was in a shaky relationship, my confidence was low, it was finals time and I had partied all semester.  Talk about stressed.

Before I knew it, I was back at my old habit.  And through the years, I would stop and start again. I’d managed to hide it from some and not from others.  I would do it when I was depressed, mad, sleepy, irritated, deep in thought, tired, bored or in most cases without realizing I was actually doing it.

Now since I’ve gotten them off, it’s been about 2 weeks since I’ve stopped.  I know that’s not a lot of time, but it’s a start. They say it takes 30 days to turn something into a habit so let’s see where it gets me! I’m 100% sure if I can overcome this bad habit.. I can do anything!

I want you all to know and realize you have the power to overcome anything.  Nothing is too big.  Especially with the help of GOD.

Here are a few shots of me happy without braces!

Dress and Shoes – H&M, earrings – Aldo Accessories, Necklace – Traci Lynn Jewelry (courtesy of Lenee Valentine).