Hello and Happy Monday!

We are four days away from Thanksgiving! I hope you all are excited! I know I am. Truth be told I used to not be much of a holiday person. Don't get me wrong, I liked the holidays but also it always felt like as soon as Halloween was over it was pushed hard. The overly cherry Christmas carols playing on repeat in every store you entered drove me nuts, the SUPER corny Christmas movies -yes Hallmark and Lifetime Channel I'm looking at you in particular!- made me cringe. Also there was some personal stuff I seemed to go through around this time that made me develop a knot in my stomach. I won't really get into it but it had to do with a prior relationship. I honestly used to dread this time of year.

BUT! Good news, I ended that chapter in my life and now I really love this time of year. The lights are beautiful, I enjoy the cold weather. The Christmas carols can still wear on me sometimes, and the movies are just as corny and I still will probably only enjoy ELF and The Santa Clause, but I have really come to embrace this time of year and enjoy it. This particular Thanksgiving will be particularly special because my Aunt and cousin are coming in tomorrow to spend it with us! I can't wait!

On to today's look. I call this an outfit evolution because of the ​process it took in creating it. It started with the sweater layered over a completely different dress and paired with a different scarf and booties. Initially I liked it. But when I paired it all together for the shoot, I felt like something wasn't right. Well, something COULD be better, to put it more exact. So, as I have done many times before, I played around with different pairings. The dress I finally chose was not at all in my mind because it is more summery and sleeveless. Then my eyes fell on it and I thought 'I wish is wasn't so summery, those colors would be perfect together....'

A moment passes.

"...I AM putting a sweater over it.. no one will know its' sleeveless..."' 

*Sees over sized, burnt orange scarf.*

"Screw it, we are going to try this!"

And thus I found I REALLY liked this pairing! Once again, I played with the scarf, styling it two different ways. I like both, I'll let you decide which you like better. But the colors are very warm and compliment each other perfectly! I'm so happy with how it turned out! 

What makes it an evolution outfit as well is because after I took the pictures, I continued to play with the scarf and found another way to style it with the dress. THAT will be for my next post, so you will see some of these same pieces again soon! 

Stay tuned! 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! 



XOXO

Scarf: Forever21
Dress: Target (Wild Fable)
Sweater: Gap
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses
Shoes: Rack Room

What a weird and wild week it has been! 

The week started out stressful as I had to have an MRI. This was a first for me and I was very nervous about it. Thankfully I had my mom and a good friend with me as well as two incredible techs. They were so kind and calming. They walked me through everything. I have so many nice friends who gave me advice and reassured me that everything would be fine. I'm so grateful for everyone who helped me through it! I know it may sound silly, but I get anxiety easily and everyone's help was so helpful and calming. So, I very much appreciate you guys -you know who you are! 

On to today's post. I am playing with prints and scarfs. Actually, scarfs are going to be my main focus for the next few posts. This one has a rocker vibe to it. Skull print against stripes, what a weird pairing, right? Yet it works! I love it, personally. The jacket ties it together well and the boots sell it completely. Its sexy, stylish, warm, and comfortable. What more can you ask for? 

I styled the scarf two different ways. Once just draped over my neck and the other tossed over my shoulder with the longer part on full display. I love both looks, I'm very curious as to what you will think! Let me know! 

Actually everything in this particular look are old pieces. I'm once again attempting to weed out my closet. Wish me luck!

I think its safe to say these pieces will stay! 

Jacket: Target
Scarf: Goodwill
Dress: Forever21
Boots: NY and Company
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses

Hey all!

Quick and late post for today. It has been a long and busy day, but I wanted to keep on track! Also the last few days have been kind of dreary and cold, so I decided to spruce things up a bit. 

These bright colors help improve my mood when the day is gloomy and the weather cold. It was certainly fun breaking out my peacoat for the first time this year! 

I thank you for reading and enjoy this post! =)

XOXO

Coat: Shein.com
Necklace: LOFT
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses 

My friend Reasons Brown wrote and recorded a new song! This song is much different than many of his other songs. While most of his songs -the ones I have heard at least- are upbeat and inspirational, this one takes a more somber, reverent tone. 


Hattie Strong is the name of the song, and as soon as it began, I realized I was about to hear something deeply personal. The music is soft. The beat, methodical. It is the lyrics that take the fore front. Some of the lines are deep and raw; "...crying to the Lord because it's not fair. Lost the one who helped me conquer all my fears," and "the earth is lucky to have known you." It is very clear that he has lost someone who meant the world to him.

It was his Grandmother. 

While I don't know her personally, I felt like I got to know a lot about her through his song. Clearly she was huge influence in his life. His support system and cheerleader both professionally and personally. A person who never gave up on him nor let him give up on himself. A woman of great character. 

The love Reasons has for his grand mother is palpable, the loss his experiencing is heavy. 

That is the unique part of this song. While Reasons is fully grieving the loss of his grandmother, 'Hattie Strong' is also a song of celebration and hope. Celebrating the wonderful woman she was and the impact she had on his life and hope in moving forward and continuing to make her proud. 


Robert, I'm sorry for your loss. I think your song is the perfect tribute to your grandmother. 

And by the way, I believe she is extremely proud of you!

Well I know this post seems crazy!

The coldest day thus far this winter, I'm posting in shorts?! Well bear with me! These pictures were taken when it was much warmer! Wednesday has been my spotlight series in the last few months. The one I was planning for today, I needed a bit more time to create and write. So, I decided to spotlight series on the belt bag! AKA the new fanny pack. 

Granted, this is much more fashion forward than the original fanny pack.

What I love about it? It is hands free! I mean what can be better!? My bags typically gets VERY heavy. So the belt bag certainly eliminates the heavy bag factor! That part I love!

What I hate? Also it being hands free! >D 

It is just so foreign to me! I love it, but then... what do I do with my hands?! I think I'll keep it, experiment with it, and -most likely- fall in love with it too much! ;D 

Belt Bag: Target
Blazer: Target
Shirt: LOFT
Shoes: Versona
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses

Hello and Happy Monday! 

Last month I was invited by my friend and designer/creator, Sarah Bischoff -of Zersten- to help with styling for a photo shoot for her Bantam collection. A day hanging with my designer friend, styling models, and taking behind the scenes pictures all the while, meeting new people and hearing their stories? This is the stuff I live for! So of course I was in! The plan was to meet at Sarah's place for hair and make up at 8 am on Saturday. 

When I arrived, our make up artist, Capri Greer, was already hard at work. Sarah was hard at work as the hair stylist that morning. I jumped in and began pairing looks together for the models. Our models that day were Kennedy Guyton, Jordan Hitchcock, Kendall Evans, and Holly Dunn. The plan; to have them all styled in their first look before we left for our shoot location. As I have come to find with photo shoots, hair and make up can take a while. But in the meantime I was able to chat with the moms of the models, as well as Karen Dunn, our photographer for the day. It was fascinating to hear their stories and experiences in the fashion world. 

Around 10:30 we were ready to go! We packed up and headed to our shoot location; Camp North End. The weather was on our side for the most part. While it started out sunny, it quickly became overcast. Sounds strange right? But shooting outdoors, that worked in our favor. Camp North End is an interesting place. It is a large venue and very diverse in its' scenery. Sarah had visited prior to the shoot and picked out a few places she wanted to shoot at. Including one rustic, wooden wall -you'll see in the pictures what I mean! We also shot in an industrial/warehouse location, and in front of a huge black and white mural. 

Karen, was outstanding. She shot all day long. She directed the models on how to pose, where to stand, how to walk -introducing at least me to what she calls the 'drunk walk' and a pose called the 'pee pose.' Karen also planned ahead and brought along a changing tent for the models to change outfits in. It served its' purpose well! 

The models were absolute troopers the whole day! The thing that was not really on our side was the temperature. It was very cold! One thing I want to point out about photo shoots. They are not always as glamorous as the end pictures would have you believe. They typically last most of the day and there is a lot of waiting around in between shots. I say that to bring home the point that while it was cold out, these girls were styled in shorts, crop tops, sleeveless shirts, and skirts.  Not once did I hear any of them complain. In fact Kennedy and her mother offered to let everyone sit in their heated car in between shoots. They were so optimistic and fun to work with. They were cooperative and so supportive of each other. In between shots, they huddled together, wrapped up in blankets and shared stories and laughed together. 

Now to Sarah. Sarah is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! She and her fiance, Gibson, are so thoughtful and generous. I had seen her Bantam line before at a Sustainable style show. I loved it then. But to see it up close was surreal. It has a very tough, strong feel to it. Her use of similar colors and patterns makes it easy to mix and match almost every piece. Sarah was involved in every aspect of the process. She did the hair that morning, she had the final say in the styling, she helped out with directing the models, she picked the locations, you guys... this girl did it all! And she did it all so graciously. I love her passion for her work. I expect nothing but greatness from her! I am so honored she asked me to be a part of it! 

I hope we will have more projects to share with you in the future! 

Thank you for reading! 


Special thanks to:
Designer: Sarah Bischoff -Zersten: Bantam
Photographer: Karen Dunn
MUA: Capri Greer
Models: Holly Dunn, Kendal Evans, Kennedy Guyton, and Jordan Hitchcock

Happy Friday all! 

It is a little chillier out this morning! Not too bad though. I have several future posts I need to work on so I may try heading outside and doing a little writing. I haven't done that often. Mostly because it has been so hot. But today might be the perfect day to try it! 

Anyway, onto today's look! Today I am having some fun playing with prints. This striped pencil skirt has been with me for a lonnnnnnng time! A VERY long time! I couldn't even tell you when it came into my life -that's how long ago! But I have loved it always. It has more than paid itself off at this point. It is just so bold and dynamic. It can be mixed and matched so well. I personally love mixing other prints with it. In the past I have paired it with a differently striped crop top and a tweed jacket. 

And today it is a giraffe printed sweater. 

When mixing prints,  I try to typically stay within the same color family. Or at least close. This one is of course all black and white. And I also thing the solid black cuffs of the sweater are what really pulls this look off. They tie in perfectly with the bold black stripes in the skirt. If it had been giraffe print all the way, I don't know how well it would have worked. 

And of course a pop of color to complete the look! 

I hope you enjoy it! And stay tuned! There is much more coming up! 

XOXO

Skirt: Target (old)
Shirt: Summer Bird Boutique
Bag: NewChic.com
Heels: Chinese Laundry
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses
Necklace: Burlington 

​What I love about blogging is the fascinatingly diverse people I have met on my journey. Ibe Bello is one of those fascinating people! And he is on 'Fire' right now! For those who don't know Ibe has a song called 'Fire' which is hands down one of my favorite songs of his. But it is hard not to really enjoy all of his songs. His music has a specific vibe to it. It is very up tempo, very fun. It makes you want to dance and get lost in the music. Most recently, his latest video for his song 'Memory' dropped on Halloween. It is pretty spooky! Ibe  told me the song was inspired by him forgetting his girlfriend's birthday once. Ooops! Well, that won't happen again! 

I was thrilled to be able to speak with him the night before the video dropped. I eagerly scribbled away trying to catch every word, and fully intrigued with what he had to say. That is why he is my Spotlight Series this week. I hope you get to know and appreciate him as much as I have! 

​Ibe Bello was born the oldest of three children in NJ, where he lived for five years. His mother's side of the family was originally from Nigeria and from the age of 6 to 8 he lived there. "I picked up the dialect and culture living there," he said, "especially from my Grandmother. I learned a lot from her." It was at the age of 12 he moved to NC. Ibe was always very family oriented and in fact said that his mother was his biggest inspiration. "She taught me to work hard and to have a strong work ethic," he explained. It was the hard work combined with work ethic that got him noticed. Interestingly enough music was not his first passion. Granted it was always a part of his life in some form. When he was young he played the drums and still does. He was also very athletic. He played football, basketball, and ran track. "Anything I liked, I tried," he told me. 

Professionally, Ibe first fell in love with photography. Which he still continues today. You can follow him @IBEphotography on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Photography was his first step into entrepreneurship and he learned how to navigate it well. With 11 years under his belt, Ibe has been to NY Fashion Week  twice -twice!- that is still on my to-do list! He loves to work with models, and he has filmed many videos. Which was a contributing factor in what steered him into producing music. As an artist at heart, music had always played a part in his life. But when he tried rapping he realized it was not for him. Not to say it was bad, but not his particular style. He produced an R&B album called 'Boss Moves.' "I had a boss mentality behind it," he explained, "It was my first time coming out in to the world and saying 'I'm for real!"  African beats seems to be his niche! Ibe explained to me that African beats "have a lot of percussions in the background. As well as flavor that makes you want to move you body." He is certainly not wrong. I've seen him perform twice now and both times I really felt moved to dance. 

What always intrigues me is delving into the writing/creating process. Everyone is different! From musicians, to artists, to designers, to writers -everyone has their own process. Ibe is no exception. "I write first of course," he told me, "but I also try to find a beat that would make me want to dance -something people will like.When I start out, I start with something I personally like, then I see who follows it. I like to engage my fans." Ibe's songs always depend on the situation. But most of his lyrics are uplifting women, as well as men in a very king/queen mentality. Which is something very respectable. He also writes about love often.  

He directs his own videos with his own artistic vision as well. As I mentioned earlier, the 'Memory' video -which is dope as hell!- is the concept of forgetting his girlfriend's birthday and... well I won't spoil it too much but let's just say she gets her revenge.... 


Another question I ask in every interview is what the individual is most proud of. I love hearing the responses. They are always so pure, honest, and inspiring. For Ibe Bello it is everything. From his photography career, to being a father for a four year old daughter, to his music, and being a disciplined person. He is proud of it all. As well he should be! "It has been and is a lot of long nights," Ibe confessed, "but you persevere past levels to reach new levels. It is not always easy. Sometimes you have to wait your turn. But when you know what you love, you go far."


So what is in store for Ibe Bello? Well for starters you can find his music on most streaming services. On November 12th there is an Open Mic Training Day, which he will be a part of. It is an underground artist showcase of talents. Ibe being one of the headliners! I know there is much more coming from him! And the more I know, the more I will share for sure!

A huge thank you to Ibe Bello for chatting with me! And keep an eye out for him, there are so many great things to come! ​

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

I did! I was really able to sit down and get some writing done. Including this post! Part of how my ADD mind works is that I get so many ideas all at once and act on them right away. Then I have so much content that I don't know where to begin. Thus I end up procrastinating. But this weekend I made it my goal to catch up on everything! There is so much to share!  Reasons Brown is one of them! 

I was honored to be invited to the second part of the LootSwaay fest concert series, In the Meantime! The first go round I had no idea what to expect. This time around I had a better idea. I felt a bit more confident and prepared. There were familiar faces  and talents as well as new ones.  One of the new talents I was impressed with was 15 year old 5 Way Mari! He rapped confidently like a seasoned professional! Not only were his rhymes impressive but Mari knew how to work the crowd. At one point he stepped up onto a stool (caring the crap out of me!) But he did it so effortlessly and confidently! The crowd went nuts! They loved it!  Truly a sign of great performer 

R&B was a big hit at the show! Jay Be kicked everything off with some beautiful songs. The lyrics were sensual and Jay Be's voice so sexy. His laid back composure proved to be another great factor in his performance. I'm sure it made all the ladies in the crowd swoon! 

There was also an incredibly soulful performance by Nani Layilaa which was extraordinary! I was blown away! For one thing she is effortlessly beautiful but then you hear her sing and its a whole other level! She was one of my favorite new (well new to me at least)  performers  of the night! I expect to see great things from her! 

Then of course -last but not at all least- was the man himself. Reasons Brown! The host of show! He actually performed several times. One time he was featured on a rap by Ibe Bello -a familiar face from the previous concert, and who I spoke to recently and have a post about coming shortly!- called Fire! And it was one of my favorites of the night! 

The more I get to know Reasons, the more I just love him! The way he supports people is just admirable! The excitement he gets out of performing -and seeing his friends perform and do well- is so heart warming. Its inspiring. It makes you want to go out and do better. Be dope daily -as is his motto! In fact I ordered a sweatshirt from him recently and as I decided to sit down this afternoon and catch up on my blogs -including this one- what should arrive in the mail? The sweatshirt! And by the way it is the softest sweatshirt!

I'll probably live in it this winter. 

Thank you so much Reasons Brown and to all of the performers! You guys were amazing! I can't wait to see more! 

​XOXO

Happy November 1st! 

We are officially in the Holiday season! I love it! AND finally it is actually feeling like fall. I've said that before but the weather here keeps playing games! We will have a week where its perfect fall weather, 30's or 40's in the morning and then 60's during the day. Then slowly but surely the temps sneak back up. 

I was shocked when I walked out my door this morning to temps in the high 30's. I was also wishing I had a jacket with me. But.... oh well! Such is life! 

Actually I embraced it! I LOVE cool weather. That's why fall is my favorite time of year. It was so refreshing to be enveloped by a burst of crisp, cold air this morning. I even cracked my window as I rode to work. I was freezing when I got there but loving every moment of it. 

For today's look, I broke out my boots finally! For the first time this season -well these particular boots anyway! I was just going for something simple, warm, and comfortable. and this was it! I also broke out what I call a 'bat-wing' sweater. I know I did not create that term. I saw it somewhere and it describes the design of this sweater perfectly. I LOVE this sweater! Its warm, cozy, and slouchy enough to give you that effortless/chic look in just about every pairing. 

Just on a whim I decided to pair a dramatic necklace with it. In the past I have paired it is more delicate pieces and pearls, but today I tried something different. And I love it! I think it works with this look in particular. 

Thank you so much for reading! And have a great weekend! 

​XOXO