Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Distracted by Discomfort






Have you noticed that whenever God is getting ready to pour out a blessing He puts you in such a position that feels like you're being shaken, pressed, and beaten? (Sound familiar?...ahem, Jesus...but that's a blog post for another day lol). 


Right before a season of change you might have noticed that your environment shifts. You become uncomfortable, you might feel completely broken, you might feel a sense of defeat and maybe even hit rock bottom. Sometimes God positions us in the most uncomfortable way (mentally/emotionally/spiritually) in order to reposition us to realign us in His purpose). 
(Wait. Let me just define position for y'all so you know). 
a situation or set of circumstances, especially one that affects one's power to act
a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.



I know I've been there many times. Well here's the thing: we have two options in this moment of discomfort. 

  1. Stay down and give up. Don't let your brokenness position you for your blessing and allow yourself to be distracted by your discomfort. OR
  2. Rise, fight and prepare for a greater position.


(When I moved to London a few years ago, I stuck with option 1 for several months and almost missed out on all the opportunities God had waiting for me while abroad...simply because I spent so much time being miserable and in doubt).

I've chosen both options in my season of discouragement so I'll tell you this: 
God's not done with you and He's waiting for you to choose option 2. 
To be honest, sometimes we don't feel like rising. It's easier to stay down, stay under our comforter (in bed) and think about how uncomfortable we are. Rising is so much easier said than done. (In a next blog post I'll share 3 ways to rise from discomfort).

Don't be distracted by your discomfort! I promise you, you'll miss the blessings God has by holding on to a mentality of defeat. But when you begin to rise, amazing things start to happen. You start to find true joy, you'll love again, and you'll be awakened to pursue your passions with a fire you never had. 

You may not see God working on your situation right away, but trust me, your story is already written and He's giving you an expected end. (But don't take my word for it: Jeremiah 29:11)



What I'm Wearing:

Patterned Dress: H&M

Lace Up Heels: River Island (London)

Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin 



SHARE:

Monday, December 12, 2016

Joy Unspeakable




Over the last few weeks, I've become extremely intentional about finding joy unspeakable.
I've made out time for things like retail therapy, travelling across the country, brunch with friends, and simple girl's night (gathering with friends who make me laugh). And to be honest, I've felt happier (a short-term emotion).

I realize that joy unspeakable simply comes from spending quality time with the one who loves you the most, who gives you strength, provides for you, gives you hope, and yearns for you to cast your cares on him.




True joy is long lasting. It has no time constraints and it's a feeling you experience regardless of your circumstance.

I've been resting in God's love and practicing loving Him out loud. In spending quality time with Him, I've found that I'm consumed by joy unspeakable (in spite of any [good or bad] circumstance). The secret to finding this joy is realizing you are absolutely and truly loved, accepted, and valued by the One who created all.

Now let me be real...I did not just wake up one morning, smacked with this realization...It took lots of time and more tears. I'm still growing and still learning to find my joy completely in Him...but I always find solace in knowing that this unique level of happiness is attainable.





"When you bask in His love, you experience a wellspring of joy bubbling up in your heart. And since the world didn't give you this joy--the world can't take it away."




What I'm Wearing:

Black Hat: H&M
Coat: H&M
Black Cropped Top: H&M
Pleated Skirt: (I've actually had this for some time so I don't remember!)
Black Pumps: Charles David (via Nordstrom)

Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin



SHARE:

Saturday, November 26, 2016

He's Not Petty


A friend of mine recently brought this to my attention when talking about blessings and lessons we encounter in our respective journies. I asked my friend if he believed God dealt with us according to what our sins deserved. My sweet friend paused at my question and replied, "Joy...God is not petty..."

I had to stop for a quick praise break! That really hit home for me. God is not a man that He should treat us as our actions indicate. He is not out to "give us a taste of our own medicine." Rather, He aims to love us (while rebuking us), and shower us with the very best of blessings.

The reality is, when God takes something away from us, it hurts. We bargain with God. We ponder the what ifs, the shoulds, woulds, and coulds. But what we fail to take joy in is the fact that something great might just possibly be en route. We loathe being patient (lol..well let me speak for myself..the waiting is seriously my least favourite in this journey called life).


God is great at giving and taking away....But when He takes something away He'll never fail to slide through with an upgrade. Imagine what you had, but bigger and better. Imagine what you had, but gifted to you when you are actually ready. He's not petty and not trying to play us, so just wait on it! :D







What I'm Wearing:

I had the pleasure of shooting this look with Will, an extremely talented LA based photographer!
Insta: @Will_CPhotos


T-Shirt Dress: Forever 21
Distressed Denim Jeans: New Look (London)
Orange Pumps: Aldo
Blush Watch: River Island (London)
Gold Choker: Aldo
White Backpack: Zara


SHARE:

Thursday, November 17, 2016

UNBOTHERED


Like many of us (well at least a majority of my friends and family), I was awakened by recent political events here in the States. I won't spend too much time discussing election results here on my blog, but I will say this:

I found solace in the fact that God cares for each and every one of us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He yearns to protect us. He promises to provide for us and could only ever want what is the very best for us. He promises to give us hope, a future, and an expected end (Jer 29:11). So please keep trusting and believing in Him no matter the turn of [any] events or circumstances. (We know God likes to show up and show out when we need Him the most! *Insert dancing girl emoji* Lol).



I'll leave you with this:
"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28



So keep shining. Keep doing what you love. Keep being a light. Keep smiling, loved ones!
In the words of Kendrick Lamar, "We gon' be alright!" :D

What I'm Wearing:
(This was worn as a simple movie-night ensemble)
Top (body suit): Forever 21
Black jeans: Topshop Joni Jeans
Purple bomber: Topshop
Lipwear: Tulle by Colour Pop
Watch: River Island (London)
Sunnies: Amazon

Photos by Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin







SHARE:

Thursday, November 3, 2016

RENEWAL




Hi beauties!

My intention for this blog post was to be absolutely real with you all...but I decided to tone the realness down and sugar coat some things (for now lol).

To be very honest, these past few months have been remarkably out of the ordinary...and painful to be woefully honest.

God has thrown a few curve-balls my way that I was not at all expecting. I mean, can we have honesty hour? Sometimes things in life happen to you, and they just suck. Like absolutely suck. There's no sugar coating here. Yes, all things work together for our good, but sometimes it takes a while to see the good. But I am expectant, hopeful, and soooo ready to see the good because I know God is working it out for me :)
Writing and publishing this post was extremely difficult because like so many of us, I'm used to showcasing the good in life...Over the past few months, I've experienced hurt and felt confusion (in regards to so many things pertaining to career, business, relationships..car problems (ha)..you name it). My experiences have made me eager for a fresh start, change, and renewal
I've decided to take charge and let the whole 'new year, new me' (lol) cliche start now. I'm taking a leap of faith in my business, committing myself more to writing (and my blog..yay!), and being more intentional about letting God plan my life, while I focus on my growth.







I'm ready for a fresh start. I'm ready to move. I'm ready for a new environment, and I'm ready for new joy (pun not intended..but it worked!! haha).

I hope 2016 ends with a plot twist that is uplifting, refreshing, and absolutely needed for all of you..and I trust 2017 will be even more uplifting!



& with that, be prepared to see more blog posts from me :D

What I'm Wearing:
I had an amazing opportunity to speak at Loyola Marymount University's Fashion Society panel last week.

It was such a new experience and wonderful opportunity. I'm usually the one behind the scenes planning fashion events or hosting a panel discussion, so being on the opposite side was very different.

If you know me, you'll know I am absolutely AWKWARD and actually a bit shy when it comes speaking and letting my voice be heard. But I did it! I was super excited to have accomplished this feat especially because "Get Loud" (aka public speaking) was on my 2016 vision board.

I got to work with my friend from high school, Melissa C. Olguin on these shots. She is absolutely amazing!

Black Jumpsuit: Forever 21 (LA)
White Jumper: Zara (London)
Pink Coat: Primark (London)





SHARE:

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Growing



Hi my loves!

These past few months have been absolutely insane. I spent sometime working on a few different projects and I'm just wrapping things up now. A couple months ago I worked on team Ruby Project to coordinate an annual summer retreat for girls with backgrounds of trauma (highlights here), then flew to London for Beneath Your Beauty (my baby! an event focused on connecting self-esteem to fashion, beauty, and entrepreneurship), then travelled (just for a tiny bit). 

In my busy season, I've loved, I've failed, I've learned, and I've grown. Going to London always puts things into perspective for me and God has used this time to teach me so much (and believe me...I've written and rewritten this blog post countless time because I just did not how/what to share). Here are some of the lessons I thought I'd share:
  • God's timing is perfect. (and He doesn't need our help to perfect it). Our job is to simply step aside and do things His way while waiting for what He's promised to manifest. 
  • Let go. Oftentimes there are some things [people, emotions, habits that] we need to let go of before we can move into a new space - before what has been manifested in the spiritual can manifest in the physical.
  • Believe in your beauty. God created us in His image & we are fearfully and wonderfully made -- and we have no choice but to walk with confidence, our head held high, and act accordingly. God called us to be beautiful in our words, our grace, and our joy so that we may be a light to others. Believe in your beauty so you can confidently and authentically walk in your purpose. Your beauty is unique, intentional, and should be shared with the world


What I'm Wearing 

Top (which is actually a dress!): Asos 
Kente Skirt: Custom made in London (designed by moi)
Shoes: River Island

Photos by Tiffany Jewels


SHARE:

Sunday, July 17, 2016

#ExpressYoSelf (Pattern Mixing)


Ever feel sick & tired of the norm? That's exactly how I've been feeling lately lol.

I've been learning a lot about comfort zones, restrictions, limitations, obstacles, and self-expression. I've been paying attention to what gives me true joy: experiences, people, clothes. I've found that I find pleasure in the mundane, in the unordinary, and in things that simply might not make sense to anyone else.

Bright colors make me truly giddy.
Audiobooks give me life (and ease my forever long commutes to and from work).
Sunflowers brighten my day.
Taking walks on a smoldering hot summer day (while wearing my fave shorts and crop top) make me happy.
Going to brunch on Sunday with new friends.
Date night strolls through Old Town Pasadena.
Planning a visit to my second home (Londontown, of course).
Early mornings with Jesus.
Mixed and matched printed outfits (tehe).


This outfit was inspired by my need for self-expression. I loved the first look (worn to church) because of it's brightness. The color block off the shoulder top paired with white wide-legged pants, to me, screamed "Hey, y'all! Do you see me!?" Lol.


The later outfit (worn to Sunday brunch with friends..same day lol), to me, was like "Hey, y'all! I'm over here just trying to be carefree and magical!" Lol.

But anyway, my loves, be free. Express yourselves. Don't be boxed in by comfort zones, "norms", and forget about these things that might try to tell you how to express yourself (in style, and in life).

Outfit details:
Top: Zara
White Trousers: Thrifted
Black & White Printed Shorts: H&M
Black Sandals: Primark (London)

xoxo


SHARE:

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

How I Installed & Styled My Crochet Braids

Hi ladies!!

Some of you lovely ladies preed this style on a recent Instagram post and I promised I would do a mini "instructional" post on how I achieved this look. (Well, I'm not even sure if I can call this an instructional..lol). But I'll do my best to tell how what I did!

What you'll need:
3-4 packs of hair (about $6/pack)

1 crochet needle



Hair details:

What brand of hair did you use?
I used about 3 packs of Montego Twists (2X Jumbo Strands) in 1B (pictured above).
Which braid method did you use?
I braided my hair all back using a technique that you can find here.
How did you install it?
I installed the hair using the invisible knot method (Example video here)
Did you comb/pick the hair before you installed it?
Nope. The texture of the hair is very soft so combing it to achieve this look was unnecessary. Instead, I separated each (already separated) strand of hair - pulling one strand to make two. This allowed for the style to look more realistic, last longer, and easier to pull through braids. 
How long did it last?
It was full like the photo shown for about 2 weeks. I trimmed the ends every so often after that period. Depending on care, this style can last about 4 weeks (1month).
Can you style it?
Yep! (Just make sure you braid it properly)!

Hope this was the least bit helpful!!! Good luck, beauties!




SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig