OUT TO LUNCH WITH SOCO & COMPANY

I was recently asked to be a brand ambassador for a faith-based online boutique called SoCo & Company, by one of the company's co-founders. I dabbled in the brand ambassador sphere a couple of times in college, but I was never able to attach myself to something I really loved or overwhelmingly believed in. I am a huge proponent of being intentional with your time, effort, image and representation. While you will always be more than the tidbits you choose to broadcast to the world on social media, the clothes you wear and the way you look- I do believe you have the right (and should) be intentional and authentic with all of those things. I think they all have the potential to inspire others, change the game for some and bring forth a whole lot of joy. Plus, it can be really cute, and that's fabulous. 

I say all of this to say, I said a big ole YES to SoCo & Company. I immediately fell in love with the brand's message and the clothes (duh). Three things caught my attention immediately. 1) Each piece has a verse, story and purpose that align with the name of the piece and an important part of scripture. 2) The clothes are CUTE. For some strange reason, when people think about faith-based attire or modesty there seems to be this image of slouchiness and drab. I love these pieces because they are fabulous and beautiful, and they make me feel fabulous and beautiful. 3) They're reasonably priced, AND they are good quality. When I saw how much the pieces cost, I was wondering "what's the catch?". I was the best kind of surprised when I opened the package and felt each piece and put them on.

Needless to say, I am a fan of SoCo & Company. I love great clothes. I love great messages. I also love when women are doing the dang thing and going after their dreams. I'm humbled and stoked to be a part of this. 

These are the three pieces I picked to review! Enjoy!

Wholly Made By You ($24)

I was immediately drawn to this red maxi dress. It's bold and rich, but also light and airy. It's perfect for summer. An issue I consistently have with maxi dresses is that they are always just an inch or two too short, so my feet always show. I combatted that with gladiator-style sandals that lace up my ankles. I like this look because it leaves out an awkward gap of skin between the dress and my feet.

This dress is feminine, sexy and bold. It's also simple and classic, in it that it's a sold maxi dress. There is a gold bar at the neckline that ups the elegance factor and takes away the need for a necklace. I think this is the perfect time for a statement bracelet, earrings or rings. I wouldn't overdo the accessories because I think there is something really pretty about the simplicity of the dress with the boldness of the color. I am between a medium and large in most things. I ordered this in large, but I could've gone with a medium. There was a little more room, which is fine for me, but some may prefer a snugger fit to keep the front dip from hanging open. I wore this gem for lunch at Mediterranean cafe called Taziki's. I think it's perfect for a summer lunch, date night or special occasion where you want to look nice, but effortless. 

His Timing, Not Mine ($30)

After lunch, we went to Starbucks. My friend/photographer for the day, Ebony, tried one of the new fruit infused iced teas. (I talked her into the pineapple black tea...so good, y'all). That's where we shot this look. Holy moly, ya'll. This is a statement piece, and it is every single  thing. You know how there are people who believe that less is more? They're minimalistic and elegant and understated and beautiful? Yah. Well, I'm the complete opposite. I believe more is more, and I am always down to be extra. I have to tone that down for work, so I love any chance to wear some with some extra oomph. Say "hello" to oomph and vavoom, babe!

I love this piece because it's light, flowy, attenton grabbing and so powerful. I also love that it's got the fun, flirty leg in the front but the train hangs so low in the back to give it that classier feel. I saw the classic black and white stripes as the perfect excuse to bust out these bold, yellow strappy heels I snagged a few weeks ago on a trip to Atlanta. I opted for bold earrings, but this romper is perfect for a statement necklace too and/or a pop of color with your shoes and/or color. However, I would try to consistent in that color with your accessories. You definitely want this piece to be the center of attention. This fits true to size and is breathable.

Lemons Are Sour, But I'm Not ($28)

Speaking of making a statement...this outfit, y'all. YES. Yellow is my favorite color, and I like how it looks on my skin. I immediately knew I wanted to get my hands on this set. The top and shorts come together, and the set is so much fun. It's flowy, whimsical and fun. It's perfect for making a summer statement. Ebony and I ended our day at Whole Foods (aka my second home + the largest consumer of my funds), where we shot this bright ensemble. Now, I got this in a large and it fits perfectly, but there

are a couple of things I wanted to be mindful of. I have a longer torso, so there is a slight sliver of skin to break up the shorts and top. I like that it doesn't all blend together, and the break helps give it a little shape. On someone with a shorter torso, it might all hang together. I actually think that would be cute as well, with a heel to lengthen your legs. HOWEVER, I understand proportioning can be a lot. I also know not everyone is as extra as I am, and this outfit is a lot of lemon. SO, I broke the set up for you! To the right, you'll see how I styled the shorts with a cool white graphic tee to keep it fun and playful. 

I paired the top with light wash skinny jeans and brown leather wedges for a sassy daytime look.  Now, I'll say this...I love the set all together. I am obsessed with the fabulosity of it. I would wear them together for an event or a day party, where I wanted to make a major statement. I definitely would have worn it on my trip to Miami back in April. I think breaking the pieces up makes them more suitable for everyday wear. The shorts and a casual tee are a fun, unique look for running errands, a day of exploring while on vacation or just going to lunch or shopping with your friends.  

The top is  cropped, so it's a bit more edgy. I would wear it to a festival or a summer happy hour. If I were to wear it out at night, I would just switch out the jeans for some black or dark wash skinnies and a black heel.

Also, here's a random selfie with Ebony, who gets all the props and high fives and friendship hugs for snapping these awesome photos and battling it out in the heat with me. Let me tell, y'all summer in Alabama is not a joke, a friend or even a respectful acquaintance. There are just no words. 

I want to end this by telling you guys that I legitimately love all the clothes in this post. I love them, they've been inducted into my closet number system and I already have specific plans to wear them. I would not put them up here if I didn't.  We are called to be confident and to walk with our heads held high. While so much of that comes from our hearts and minds, I also believe every woman deserves to twirl in the mirror and smile because she loves what she sees. There is no one way to achieve that. I don't care if you've got four handfuls of extra skin to love, if it's a struggle to find a small enough size or if stretch marks peek over the top of your jeans- here, right here, just how you are is perfect and enough. My favorite thing about these pieces is how I felt when I put them on. Each of these outfits makes me feel comfortable, like "me"and like I can take on anything. A good outfit will do that, sister. Trust me.

If you're thinking of ordering any of these and have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Also, don't forget there are plenty of other goodies on SoCo & Company's site. Take a look! Shop, pick pretty things and remember...bomb clothes are great, but you are your best thing. The body, smile and light you've been given are the best blessing you'll ever receive. Let it shine, mamas!
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With Love & Glitter,
Morgan