Monday, December 29, 2014

Shoulder Pads, Vintage Finds, & Bold Lips.



Yay for frugal, vintage finds! I snagged this over-sized number from a local thrift store for less than $4. I instantly fell in love with the mess of prints and patterns! Oh- and it has SHOULDER PADS!! Lol...yes I was a little excited when I found it tehe. I loved the vintage look of the sweater, so I paired it with a small brown shoulder bag, boldly colored lips, and BIG hair :D 




Big hair, bold lips. :D






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Sunday, December 28, 2014

Prints & Patterns


Today's look was fun but simple! I played around with patterns just a little and mixed this kinda eccentric clutch with black and white printed pants. because of the loudness of the clutch and the snake skin pumps, I kept the jewelry very simple with a four tiered necklace, paired with a simple black blazer.
Black Blazer: Nordstrom
Printed Pants: Forever 21
Orange Snake Skin Pumps: Aldo
Clutch: Sister's closet! :)
Necklace: H&M








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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Street Style


Hello fellow fashion lovers! I had so much fun today doing this impromptu shoot at the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles! This spot has to be the cutest place in LA- perfect for an afternoon out in the city. Today's weather was a perfect 70. Warm enough for a long sleeved oversized tee, ankle booties, and cute hat! 








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Thursday, December 4, 2014

'Tis the Season.

photo by Cecila Luna (@sehsee)

Tis the season! Not just for jolliness, Christmas, fudge brownies, chestnuts roasting, faux fur vests, and family fun (although that clearly is a part of the season- other than Jesus of course!!). I love this season because it is perfect for preparing for new beginnings.  Tis the season for reflecting, restructuring, and rebuilding.


Over the past few months I've been reflecting on me - learning about who I am and learning to love the woman God has called me to be. I think in our 20s it is so easy to become distracted by basic mundane things surrounding us, we often forget to put our journey into perspective.


Tis the season to be a doer. To make moves. Move into a place that allows you to discover your purpose. Here are some things I've found useful in bringing me out of 2014 and into a purposeful new year that will be filled with opportunity, testimonies, and life.

1. Welcome hard work: These days in order to be successful you need to make cozy with a certain pal named drive. Drive will help you achieve what you've set out to do. Yep. It's very simple. Once you welcome hard work, are up for the challenge, and persist through obstacles, success will come knocking. Say no to procrastination, negativity, and lack of preparation. With Drive, you'll be ready to get up, get out, and do work.

2. Step out of your comfort zone: After all, it's no fun to be boxed in! I find this zone to be a dangerous one. Danger zone if you will. All this zone does is drive you down to hardship. When you are given opportunity, you will either run from it, or struggle immensely as you try to figure out what to do once you are faced with challenges. Yes, you might be content and complacent in your current situation, but if you haven't learned anything in quite a while it may be time to reevaluate your surroundings and recognize that your comfort is boxing you in.

3. Be resourceful: Read, write, ask questions. Get a mentor, get a friend, get a role model. Pray. Resourcefulness is all about preparation. Preparing yourself to be capable of dealing with new challenges. Work consistently and diligently as you perfect your craft and dive into your purpose.

4. Learn how brilliant you are: 
Brilliance is the ability to tap into what you already have: creative ingenuity, innovative suave, illuminated elegance. Brilliancy is about light and vibrancy. Find that light and vibrancy and build on it. Exercise your creativity. "When your light is exploited and shown to the world, the world will be drawn to it."

5. Trust God's timing: This is a rather important one that we all seem to forget. If you already work hard, believe comfort zones are overrated, are a vivacious reader, and are a regular Einstein, then it's time to exercise patience. Easier said than done, right? It often takes rejection, hurt, and innumerable hurdles before we realize that closed doors are meant to be closed, and open doors are worth waiting for. Your prayers haven't gone unanswered.God hasn't been shutting down all your dreams, He's just preparing you for the moment when He makes them come true. God sometimes allows us to delay pursuing our purpose because He is maturing us and preparing us for what is to come. Keep growing, praying, and trusting. Allow God to produce excellence in His time.

6. Take a leap of faith: And do so blindly. Trust that all your faith, intuition, hard work, and tenacity will cause you to land right into the palm of God's hands.


'Tis the season to have hope for a bright new year. 
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

I moved to London for a cup of tea.

Tea With Joy 

A dream fulfilled. It happened so quickly I honestly did not process what it means to move to another continent until I got on the plane! But all in all, it feels amazing to know that I actually went for my dreams.





I officially moved here on October 16, 2014. I arrived in London with no clue of my next step. I mean yes I knew why I was here. Yes I knew what address I should ask the cab driver to take me. And yes I knew what day school began. (Thank God for the little things, right!?) When I got off the plane I immediately asked myself how i was going to haul two big suitcases, a small carry-on, a small backpack, and a purse down innumerable flights of stairs and unto several train platforms. Thank God for Jesus. God answered my unspoken prayers and sent the nicest young man to help me carry my two very full suitcases down to the first train platform. He said he had a sister who had so many clothes (like I appeared to have) and would have hated to see her suffering in an airport. (Whew. Thank God for all those times I shopped at the mall!)
Fast-forward.
The next few days went by rather painfully. I struggled with homesickness. I even thought of turning right around and taking the next flight back to Los Angeles. The culture shock was brutal. The majority of the British people I encountered were extremely rude. Unlike Americans (or Californians to be more specific) they were abrasive, dismissive, and did not care about cute tiny girls who appeared lost, scared, or confused (and this is the only time you will ever witness me refer to myself as such..tehe).
Fast-forward x2…double speed…
When I arrived on campus during on my first day, I was overwhelmed by the amount of students that swarmed the university. (One thing attending a small private school did not prepare me for!). I was not prepared to fight my way through students to get to class! The “canteen” (cafeteria) was overflowing, I was forced to stand on the bus (woe is me!), and some of my peers lacked the word “excuse me” from their vocabulary. Again..woe is me!
Despite these seemingly small things, I was more aware than ever of God’s immense presence in my life. I was overwhelmed, frustrated, upset, and shocked. Feeling those things all at once can do something to ya! I would get lost during some of the most dark and cold nights. I realize now that despite all of these emotions, I never felt fear. As I was preparing for my move to London, my dear friend Ogechi reminded me of Psalm 23 just a few months before my move.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.
I cannot even begin to tell you about the “darkest valleys” I walked through before God brought me to this point. But as I look back and reflect, this passage resonates so well with me. Although at times I did not know where I would live, where I would lay my head, or where I could comfortably bathe- I lacked nothing. Although some nights I went to sleep fighting back tears, I woke up the next morning with my soul feeling completely refreshed. And although would get lost and have no clue of my next movement, God was with me the entire way, comforting and guiding me. I could not be more at peace because of the relationship with God I came to England with- I’m so happy that his goodness and love have literally followed me from day one.
I am most excited to see how I grow spiritually and emotionally during my time here. I am already in week 7 of this journey. Thankfully things have turned around and I am most excited to see where this road takes me! Journey with me and stay tuned for more posts to come!
Cheers!
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Slouchy Sweater

I love this thick winter "jumper" (as the British people say) I got from Forever 21. It's nice and thick so I didn't have to wear a chunky coat over it! I'm a fan of no pants..lol..so I definitely appreciate how oversized this size small jumper is so I could wear nylons and rock knee length boots from Charlotte Russe!
I'm feeling myself with these crotchet braids! Big hair, big attitude! Lol.







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Saturday, November 22, 2014

Sophisticated in Stripes

Peplum is definitely one of my favorite styles to wear. It's always makes me feel classy and this off shoulder peplum just added a little touch of sophistication :)

Peplum top: Forever 21
Midi Skirt: CitiWear




muah!
 
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Monday, September 29, 2014

Sweater Weather


Although I'm in SoCal and we rarely have cool weather, when I saw this hi-low sweater at a local boutique, I had to have it! (yes, it was by fire by force).

Grey Sweater: CitiWear
Black Bottoms: Charlotte Russe
Plum Pumps: Bebe
Clutch: Aldo





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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Timelessly Chic: Leopard Print & Blue Suede Shoes.




Excuse me as I bombard you with pictures! This has to be one of my favorite outfits so far! Y'all know I love being simple. The simplicity of this outfit was perfect for a day out with my some of my friends! I found this leopard print skirt (Q) at my local mall and immediately had to have it. I bought it not having a single idea of what I would wear it with. Same with the top (H&M)...and the shoes (thrifted)....lol.



I've definitely worn these shoes before. One of my favorite frugal finds from a local thrift shop!And of course I had to throw in my favorite shoulder bag, also thrifted!Don't be afraid to play with color! I love how the royal blue stands out against the leopard print...and of course we see my favorite red Milani lipstick!
and yaasss...I am definitely feeling these crotchet braids! (As if there was ever any question...lol)
Anyway, this look is a favorite of mine because of all the components! The leopard print and cropped top adds a trendy, daring flare; while royal blue suede shoes (and leopard print) are classic and makes the outfit a little more timeless :)


Okay, I'll stop killing you with all these pictures...






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Friends, Fairs, & Fashion!

My favorite "f" words: friends and fashion! lol...
My adventure to the Orange County Fair this past weekend was such a blast! I was loving everyone's outfits so I wanted to share! :) Enjoy!

Oh! But let me tell you about my new favorite top! (Everything seems to be my "favorite" huh..? lol..oops!). I purchased this loose fitting polka dot top from an online store: sheinside. They have the cutest clothes!! And of course, the rest of my outfit were frugal finds! I'll talk more about my (favorite..haha) cut-off shorts in an upcoming post! :)



Of couse, Solange (@solangebullus) & I had to take a laughing pic. tehe.
My sisters/big aunties, Peace (@pinkcouchgirl) & Ndidi (@didithedancer)!

and Toluuu!!!!! (@officehoursbyt)


Anyway, we had a blast and shutdoowwnnn the entire fair! 
#wecametoeat #whatelsedoyoudoatfairs?


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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Turbans, Maxi Skirts, and Red Lips.



I've been loving turbans this summer! This heat causes so much breakage to my TWA (teeny weeny afro)..some days, you just gotta wrap it up! I love this look because it's simple, yet adds so much flare to any basic outfit.

Turban: Ankara Scarf, Mother's Closet
Black Top: Citiwear
Biege Maxi Skirt: Foreign Exchange




Oh and I couldn't forget about Milani Red lipstick to make my colors pop!
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