#CoffeeTalk

What size do you wear in PLT for tops and dresses? I’ve been meaning to buy clothes from them, but I’ve heard so many mixed reviews on sizing and had a bad experience myself as well with a dress that came out to be super small in a 0.

I’ve had a few great buys and a couple really terrible purchases from PrettyLittleThing but I’ve held off from ordering from them since their return policy can be such a headache even for unworn items. I normally order a 2 in everything and it’s typically pretty accurate. I’ve ordered a few 0’s that have fit me better than the 2’s, which means their clothing can run a bit big. I would definitely down size in swimsuits. Their 2 bottom was way too big for me. Luckily, the items aren’t so pricey that you feel like you’ve had a huge loss when an item doesn’t work out. I try and stick to jumpsuits, skirts and dresses. From my experience, those have almost always been true to size. Here are a few of my favorites –

What do you normally order from Starbucks? I know their drinks can be so sugary and I’m trying to eat cleaner but can’t seem to kick my coffee cravings or my urge to order a gouda bacon sandwich. 

LOL! This used to be me before I started caring about how food and drinks were going to sit on my body. Your best option at Starbucks for low calorie, low sugar would be something like an Americano, with added raw sugar (the brown pack) – but that’s a bit too strong for most people, including me. My go-to is a grande vanilla ice coffee with almond milk or a skinny vanilla latte with almond milk. 2% milk is OK too, but has more calories than the almond milk. You can pretty much as them to make any drink “skinny” where they switch the milk, sugar and whip content but your best bet is to get more coffee + less additives. If you want to get food, do a protein box, a spinach feta wrap or the egg white bites (deliciousss).

I’m going to a Beyonce concert next month and want to be cute but also comfortable since I’m sure I’ll be on my feet the whole time. What do you suggest I wear?

I’m really not one to wear heels to concerts, so I feel you! It’s the perfect opportunity to dress up sneakers with a really cute outfit. A bodysuit and jeans, a midi dress and sneakers, or a spandex bra + short set with an oversized denim jacket. Vans, a cute pair of Nikes or Adidas should all go well! Have fun watching the Queen 😉

My boyfriend will soon be moving to the Houston area to begin his law career. He will be working in Kemah. If our relationship continues to progress as we hope, I plan to move out there with him within the next year or so. We are both from Atlanta and I want to be comfortable in the area that we’d potentially be living in. Do you have any suggestions for suburban areas to check out to look for an apartment? I’ll admit I’m a little picky when it comes to aesthetic and I prefer to be in an area where things are easily accessible (grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers). I want something nice, but still relatively affordable with a diverse demographic and suitable for a couple in their mid-20’s. Any suggestions are so appreciated!

I actually don’t like in the city and never have, so suburbs is all I know and what I prefer actually. Popular suburban areas are Pearland, Richmond, Sugar Land and Katy. All of those are nice and fairly new areas with a lot of new development so you’ll find restaurants, shopping centers, city centers and everything else in close proximity. Be prepared to drive though! Nothing in Houston is really “walking” distance. We’re just not built that way, literally LOL. The suburbs are always going to be more affordable than the city too! So you’ll get a really nice apartment for a few hundreds less than what you’d pay inside of the city.

I’m a 21 year old student, working full time, also interning, etc. I’m busy 24/7. Do you think traveling or mini vacays are something I should prioritize right now? I’m torn between the mindset of “I’m not missing out on anything when I’m getting my stuff together” and “I’m young and I should enjoy this youth because the responsibilities I have will only increase as time goes on”.

I was in the same exact boat and still spent time traveling and taking last minute trips that turned out to be some of the best memories. I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I had way more energy at 21 than I do now and if I would’ve waited, I wouldn’t have been able to do as much without it tearing my body down. You’re absolutely right about responsibilities increasing. Because I did so much of what I wanted when I was younger it’s not a problem for me to sit down and rest, do nothing, stay home, if I need to. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything that I would’ve felt were robbed from me had I not gotten the chance to experience them already. If you can, do it now!

How did you know it was the right time to buy a home? I live in LA and I’m wanting to buy my first condo or townhouse. I just don’t know if it’s the right time to buy.

If I’m being completely honest, I likely wouldn’t have bought any time soon if it wasn’t for Nate. He was leasing a townhouse and so was I, after we got engaged we decided we obviously needed to be in one house together, with one bill LOL. After looking at apartments we thought would be enough space for the both of us we realized we’d be paying what’s equivilant to mortgage just to rent something for a year or two – so we just decided it made sense for us to buy. Especially if we could get exactly what we wanted with the budget we had. It just has to make sense with where you are in your life. For us, engaged, getting married, hosting together, kids eventually, I’d rather begin all of that in our home.

Who did you grow up with that gave you the want and drive to succeed?

It’s so funny you ask that question, I put up a status similar to this on my Facebook the other day that said “Don’t know where I got this drive from, but I thank God and my meemaw.” My grandmother on my dads sad was a super entrepreneur who had several businesses, her own money and an attitude I admired. She passed away when I was 5 but I would have to say I get it from her. I witnessed enough of her success to know that I loved it and wanted my life to look like that in many ways. I honestly think it’s a character thing. Some people are born with the drive, some people attain it later in life after being exposed to it and some people just never get it. You don’t have to have anyone to credit for your success, you can choose today that you’re determined to succeed.

Any Houston date night ideas?

Dating gets expensive! My favorite date is cooking dinner at home, drinking a bottle of wine and laying on the couch. Houston is such a big city, there’s sooo much to do. I’ve been wanting to check out a brewery. We’ll do a nice wine bar like Celcius 19 or Beckrew or even a hookah lounge if we’re in the mood to hear music. Places where we can compete like Bowlmor, Dave & Busters or TopGolf are always fun. We also keep an eye out for comedy shows at The Improv or other things that might be in town for a few days. I’ve come to realize that relationships are a lot of just eating and drinking with someone LOL!

I just landed a job downtown and it’s very different than what I’m used to. My main hang up is the attire. I thought I had a decent grip on it but I feel like I need some direction. So from someone who’s been in corporate America for some time now – could you please give me some direction as to where to start? 

I worked in many corporate settings and the job I have now has proven to be the most laid back, but I know how white collar some places can be. A “corporate” wardrobe can really just consist of some great pairs of slacks, a couple of button-up’s and blouses, nice pencil skirts, two blazers, cardigans and two good pairs of pumps. My favorite places to find clothes for work that I know will last are Banana Republic (has 40% off of my favorite pant “The Sloan”, Nordstrom, J Crew (extra 50% off of sale), Express (up to 50% off on everything) and Loft (40-50% off sale items). I’ve linked some items that are worth buying and also rotatable so that you can do a lot with a few pieces!

How did you overcome loneliness and is it necessary when attaining success?

I learned to really, really enjoy being by myself. I learned to enjoy a night of wine with a good movie in my own bed. I learned to get good rest, read good books and to wake up early to workout or handle any businesses that needed to be taken care of. Loneliness is not necessary when trying to attain success, but I will say that being along can help you attain success a bit easier. I talk about how valuable being alone can be in this post and how now is the perfect time to follow your dreams and be selfish with whatever you’re trying to accomplish.

Thank you guys for all of the #CoffeeTalk questions! I have a hundful more that I’ll get around to next time. As always, send any questions for next week to me via email or in the comments below. Have a good weekend babes!