Celebrated my friend Schemain’s birthday. She’s truly a gem. It’s rare to meet women as self-aware as she is.

Had this leather skirt in my closet for a while. Eh. In other news, I have been killing my brow game.

Saturday

My precious god-daughter is a ballerina. Man, I love that little girl so much. She’s so funny and full of life. I’m very proud of her. I can’t wait until she’s the president of the united states! Lol.

Her mom (my best friend) always takes really good pics of me. All while snatching up a fidgety three-year-old.

Sunday

I have a big trip I’m saving for, which means, I shouldn’t go shopping. I called on my friend Lydie to help me create the closet that I previously posted about. I’m excited. Thanks Lyds!

And thanks to Lydie and Rashad for the shots. I definitely need to hire those two.

But WHO wants to talk about that stuff? Who can you say those things to without feeling like you’re complaining or seeking sympathy? No one, really. But I’m choosing to tell you all today for vulnerability’s sake. I don’t wake up every morning with birds singing sweet songs in my ears. I’m not excited about much of anything anymore. I feel like a complete stranger to myself. That’s not the kinds of things people want to hear. But it’s my truth for the moment.

After reading those posts, I felt like I should be honest with you all. I know that my writing has changed because I don’t feel 100% like myself. That isn’t fair to you as a faithful reader. I appreciate you so much. So here goes.

The truth is:

• I hate people telling me what to do and how to live. I don’t need any more advice. We live in a culture that loves to tell you you’re not working hard enough or trying hard enough. Sometimes, the weight of the world is HEAVY. Don’t let people make you feel less than you are because you don’t have every single thing that you want. God’s timing is perfect. Do what you can and trust that He will see you through.
• I never struggle. This is a new feeling that I’m learning to stick with.
• WE ARE NOT ALONE. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle. If only we’d realize that, then maybe we’d be a lot more honest with each other.
• I’ve been in a funk for so long that I don’t remember what I want anymore. It doesn’t help that social media shoves so much information down our throats, making life more confusing.
• Some days are reeeeeeeeeally hard to get out of bed. And then I realize I only have two sides and they both hurt from laying down too long. I have no choice but to get up.
• I’m pretty tired of being single. And not because my friends are getting married and having babies. I wouldn’t even know what to do with those things. Probably get up and run. I just think having a companion would make going through all of this a little easier. I don’t always want to hang out with a group, or be a third wheel. A companion who is a non-judgmental, loving and a supportive friend. Just for once in my life.
• I want to cry/pray at the foot of my tub like Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, asking God to “tell me what to do.” Maybe my eyes know that I’m setting the scene so the tears don’t come.
• Being an adult fucking sucks. Paying bills when all you want to do is take a vacation anywhere, sucks.
• I cannot gain weight and I keep losing weight and it’s most likely because I have a bad case of the sads.
• I need to leave Georgia. I’m not sure for how long, maybe forever. I just know that I’ve outgrown it all.

I’m certainly not sharing all of this to get anyone to say “poor Lucy”. Like, my feelings are not unique. We all go through shit. But you don’t have to keep your story and/or feelings buried inside of you. Everyone is going through difficult times. Speak your truth and share your story. And like Nicole said in her post, share your truth even when you don’t have all the answers. You never know WHO can benefit from it! So, if you catch me smiling or looking like I’m having a good time on this blog, I am. Everyday is not a bad day but there are indeed, bad days. It just makes you appreciate the good days even more when they come along. Have faith that trouble will not last always. Take pleasure in the moments. Don’t give up my friends.

Man, when I make it out of this to the other side, I’m gonna have one hell of a story to tell.

The sun really has a way of ruining a perfectly staged photo. A lil Black girl like me looks washed out. Tuh. Thank goodness for a little editing. Color boost to the rescue. Thanks to my coworker for graciously ruining her shoes to take these shots on our not so lunch “lunch” break. And additional thanks to my boss for catching me about to take these pics and still letting me live on my not so lunch “lunch” break.

This post is dedicated to:

• My favorite chambray shirt that I wear with just about everything.
• White tee – for when I don’t feel like dressing fancy.
• This skirt for resembling a Van Gogh painting. I don’t wear it enough.
• These worn down shoes I probably bought from Ross way back in my college days. They go with everything.
• My extra veiny hands. The bane of my skinny existence. It is what it is.
• This bag that I pulled out of storage. Hadn’t used it in almost two years. Old is the new new.

I’m gonna figure out how to use this freakin camera.

Have a great weekend lovers!

Many are familiar with her fashionable wedge sneaker that all the celebrities were wearing in 2012. A myriad of knocks offs were a result of her original design. I must admit that they were cute, even if I didn’t get into them.

This time around, Marant will be creating looks beyond just for the ladies.

Images of what will be part of the collection have yet to be released although according to the statement from H&M there will be clothes and accessories for women and teenagers and for the first time, the designer will be creating a men’s collection. -Forbes

No word on what the collection consists of just yet but I’m still rather excited. Something I can afford. Yes, honey. Be on the look out for her stylish designs November 14, 2013.

French accents crack me up.

Anyway. Check out her Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection.

I follow this pretty dope guy on Instagram named Darien Birks. From his pictures, I knew that he was a talented designer and had a fondness for classic tunes but I didn’t know that he actually produced music. After downloading one of his mixes a while ago, I was sold on his skills. A few days ago, he and Allan Cole (collaboratively called The Styvesants) released a project dubbed ‘Refined’. It consists of 25 songs and 25 cool covers.

“The Stuyvesants! A project created, developed, and executed by Darien Victor Birks (Flwrpt), and Allan Cole (Algorythm). They brought their talents together to produce 25 instrumentals, t-shirts, logos and graphics which capture the sound and visuals of the 60′s and 70′s, an era that inspires so much of the music and design that we’ve grown to love. They’ve done this under the moniker “The Stuyvesants”, paying homage to their current place of residence, which is the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York.” -The Brooklyn Circus

I love this video clip of their listening party held a few years ago in New York. It’s everything I imagine a laid back Summertime party in Brooklyn to be like. I wish I was there.

Check out their blog for other downloadable tunes to groove to.

About a month ago, I went on a whim and purchased a new camera. The quality of photos on my iPhone was just not enough. And, I don’t have enough storage space on my phone. I love the camera but clearly I don’t know how to use it. All weekend, my pictures were coming out super blurry and it was really pissing me off. It wasn’t until last night that my friend brought to my attention that I had a nob thingie at the top to switch settings. I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE!!!! Man, I’m so pissed, but whatever.

Friday

I attended a pretty cool ‘Penny Candy’ exhibit at the Loew’s Hotel for artist Hebru Brantley. He is a Chicago native but studied film at Clark Atlanta University. His inspiration for his work comes from the comics of his younger years as well as the works of notable artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

His clientele include some familiar famous folks: Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Russell Simmons, amongst many others. Check out an interview of him here.

My cousin and I.

“Penny candy relates to when you were a shorty, things were least expensive, and the youthful wonderment of the times.”

“One of the main characters that’s recurring is the Fly Boy. Where it came from was the idea of having a hero or a sort of iconic character…of color. The Fly Boy comes from my idea of The Tuskegee Airmen.”

Saturday

So lets talk about how my friend Kalina took a picture of me with a WEDGIE and didn’t say anything. HOW RUDE. And how low class of me to post it anyway?? Post lunch.

I was trying to flick my hair like a Valley girl. New hair, new confidence!

So basically, I’m in love with PJ Morton. A friend put me on to his music back in 2007 and I’ve been a die-hard fan ever since. I have seen him perform six times (prior to this past show). There’s just something special about this guy. From seeing him perform at Sugarhill to now being signed to Young Money Records and touring as keyboardist with Maroon 5…I just….I’m proud of his progress. He is an excellent musician. I’ll be your groupie, baby.

I don’t have any good pictures because like I said, I apparently didn’t know how to work the settings on my camera so they all came out bad. Thankfully, I took a few shots on my phone and very short clips of video on Vine.

I’m not gonna gush about him anymore. You should’ve been there.

Sunday

Ms. Nicole K. Garner held her book launch for “Are You In Inc: PR’s Alter Ego” at TAGs Boutique.

My hair crush Mckenzie Renae!!

Ms. Garner briefly discussed her inspiration for the book. Then, a panel of four lovely ladies shared their wisdom on how they’ve reached their level of success.

Panelists: Tahira Wright with Branded PR, Mattie James of Mattieologie, hosted by Stacii J (founder of Black Girls Radio), Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle, Kimberly Walker – journalist/ content specialist, and Tammie Reed with TalkingWithTami.com.

An eventful weekend to say the least. I really didn’t do much. It’s just a lot of pictures, lol. But I had a blast. Happy Monday. Hope your weekend was magical.

I would say that fate lead Apfel to becoming the style icon she is now. Born in Queens, NY to a decorator and a fashionista, Apfel had all the humble makings of an artistic life. She studied art history and design in school. She later married and started a textile and design firm with her husband. When the Metropolitan Museum of Art displays a collection of your clothes as a tribute to your style; and when you’re given the opportunity to redesign the interior of the White House for NINE Presidential administrations, mama, you’ve made it. Rest easy.

“I can’t tell people how to have style. No amount of money can buy you style. It’s just instinctive.” The Telegraph

But at 91, you won’t find Apfel twiddling her thumbs at home. She is too busy designing jewelry, lipsticks, eyeglasses and whatever the hell else self-professed “geriatric starlets” do.

Seeing her reminds me why I’m so passionate about art. All of life is affected and inspired by it. With style that is often theatrical at the least, Apfel says you’ll rarely see her in a dress. Exaggerated baubles, exotic boas and minks; you name it, she has worn it. Her style, seemingly erratic, has proven to be just what designers seek for inspiration.

“I consider fashion a form of art. Of course, a lot of people put effort into looking awful, but there are also people making bad art. It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.”

“I don’t like trends anyway—I like tradition.” Into The Glass

“Understated jewellery is not for me. It’s too itsy-bitsy. My husband is lucky as I’ve never had a yen for real jewels.’” The Telegraph

“I mix everything up. A museum curator once said to me that there is a great jazz component to the way I do things because good jazz is improvisation and draws elements from all different cultures. And that’s the way I do everything – the way I dress and decorate.” The Telegraph

When I read interviews from people like Iris Apfel, it only confirms what I already know. Style is something money cannot buy. Much like class. You either have it, or you don’t.

“To all the ladies in the place with style and grace…” Here here, Iris. She is the quintessential embodiment of beauty.

Random: In true New Yorker fashion, she isn’t one to hold her tongue. This is probably one of the funniest quotes I’ve ever read.

“Now when I walk down Fifth Avenue in the summertime I just want to throw up. It seems that the fatter and uglier people are, the fewer clothes they wear. The shorts and flip-flops and tight jeans on butts that go from here to Poughkeepsie.” The Telegraph

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I’m all about a quick meal. The notorious fake cook. Because spaghetti and meatballs is really a plain dish, it’s almost disrespectful not to jazz it up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• one small squash
• one garlic clove
• a few handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• pre-packaged meatballs (don’t judge me, I was tired)
• one box of vermicelli pasta
• seasonings

Boil your water for your pasta. Add your salt and whatever seasonings you like to flavor the water. I usually use salt, garlic salt and oil. Cook until al-dente. Strain and let it rest.

In another pan, I heated some oil and butter, then I sautéed the onion until golden brown. Next, I added the garlic, tomatoes, squash and bell pepper. I stirred it around for about 3-5 minutes. Don’t let it burn!

I removed the veggies and added the meatballs. Add a touch of olive oil to the pan. Not too much as the meat will create its own juices. Once the meat is cooked all the way through, I added the veggies back to the pot.

Toss in your spaghetti sauce and additional seasonings to your liking and voila!

1.  You probably don’t care how I made my spaghetti because…who doesn’t know how to make spaghetti.
2. I need to stop taking pictures with my phone. I bought a real camera for a reason.

Good. Night.

In the past, I have written about my support of the Heart of Haiti initiative. Another cool project I’ve been introduced to is Maiden Nation.

What is Maiden Nation?

Maiden Nation was founded on one basic principle: empowering women through ethical fashion. Their designers are of the moment, their products are ethically sourced, and profits are reinvested into women’s entrepreneurship projects. The goal is to create a marketplace where items are designed with both beauty and social consciousness in mind.

Maiden designers showcase their work, Maiden activists share their causes, and Maiden citizens connect over their ideas and goals. And soon, Maiden Nation will have the ability to connect you to investors and empower you as a female entrepreneur if you choose to participate.

I had the pleasure of receiving a beautiful handmade bracelet designed by Chan Luu on behalf of working business women in Haiti.

Made in (Madein) Haiti.

**The Kiss-Kiss bracelet is jewelry designer Chan Luu’s bohemian creation. It tucks intricately layered paper beads inside a neon-hued net of threads. The “Kiss Kiss Bracelets” – named for the signature Haitian greeting of a peck on each cheek – are part of a new line of Chan Luu jewelry created especially for Maiden Nation by members of Hands Together Cooperative in Haiti, in partnership with the Glamour Women of the Year Fund Initiative and the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative. Each purchase will help the survivors of the 2010 earthquake build a new life by supporting this new business. Additionally, for every bracelet sold, $6 will be donated to Sean Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization to support community development in Haiti. Additionally, to support victims in the U.S. and Haiti coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Maiden Nation will also donate $2 to the American Red Cross.**

It always warms my heart to see concerted efforts for the greater good of humanity. To peruse the other selection of bracelets, shop and share here.

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with product from Maiden Nation to review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. Thank you for my lovely gift. Yellow is my favorite color. How did you know?

“The only journey is the one within.” Rainer Maria Rilke

A man I knew always said “self-awareness is a lost art”. We don’t take enough time out to know who we are or what we believe in. We question ourselves so much that we’re no longer certain of what we want.

I’ve been thinking about this Tiny Buddha article I read last week about fulfillment. I started asking myself some of the questions listed in the article and I feel like I’ve gotten so much clarity.

“The key is to become aware if you are searching for something outside of yourself in order to feel better about yourself within.”

You will always be unhappy or feel unfulfilled if you’re searching for anything outwardly. A job, security, love, stability, friendship. You can have all of it but if you are not inwardly joyful, all of your accomplishments and desires will only be temporary contentment. Happiness is an inside job.

Rejoice for the small progress.

I celebrated my best friends belated birthday brunch at Park’s Edge. Whilst sitting in RIDICULOUS traffic, I had my friend read the menu to me. I decided on Chicken & Waffles since I’ve never had it before. Apparently, it’s very popular in L.A. I’ve never been interested in eating it because honestly, it’s a chicken and a waffle. A dry piece of fried chicken and a dry waffle…….Doesn’t make sense to me. They used chicken tenders that were really tender! I was pleased. Probably won’t eat it again tho.

Sunday, I went to a BBQ. Brought my side of corn which was absolutely yummy (according to the fellas). I shucked only the ripest, fattest and juiciest yellow and white sweet corn.

Instructions: Boil in a mixture of milk, chicken stock, stick of butter, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt and sugar. Add the corn and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. I used 10 ears of corn (10 for $3 at Publix!) that I halved so I boiled them a little longer.  I’ve read that you shouldn’t boil corn too long because it will dry out quickly. You want them to retain their crispiness. And you’re done! Perfection.

My poor poor friend Ben slaved on the grill for HOURS. It rained and rained yet he still grilled. It was worth the wait. He’s an amazing cook

Ever met someone that you just knew would be in your life a little while longer than the rest? Like, you guys just connect on so many different levels? The energy is just right.  I’m pretty sure I met this guy on Twitter through mutual friends. We met (in real life) the Summer of 2011 and it was just an immediate connection. I’ve never met a soul as cool and comfortable as his. Meet my first male feature and ever so humble friend, Verb.

Image by Daniel Wooden.

Tell us your name, where you’re from and what you do.

Verbatum Jones from Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. I make rap songs and have a really good time doing it.

A)what is the meaning behind your “name”?

Oh man that’s a long story that is much better in person but basically it was a nickname given to me in high school before I even started rapping. The actual word verbatim (I spell it with a ‘u’ because misspelling is cool) means word for word so it feels appropriate for a rapper. When rapping got really serious I just kept the nickname I was blessed with. The last name came from a google search I did of popular last names. Jones sounded way better than Johnson or Blacksmith.

B) What do you believe is your calling?

Honestly that’s a great question and I truly believe my calling in life is to help others. For me that specifically means sharing my life experiences and hoping those experiences can inspire and give strength to others. Oh and make people smile. I’ve got a knack for that too.

C) When did you begin rapping/get involved in music?

Well in 2010 I started freestyling for fun at my university (Temple U) every Friday and that hobby slowly but surely became a full-blown passion about a year later. I’ve been recording music since 2011 but 2010 is where I got bit by the hip-hop bug. I’ve always liked hip-hop but I wasn’t allowed to listen to it (strict Christian music onlyhome). I felt like it was only right that I would gravitate towards it. As I got older, I fell in love with the art form more.

Hailey Photography

Having style means being bold. If you know who are then let your clothes reflect that.

How would you describe your style?

I’m all about texture and fit. If it feels weird on my flesh and fits a bit strangely I’ll probably like it. Since I’ve been a church kid all my life, I have a special place in my heart for formal wear so you might catch me in a bowtie or dress shoes for no particular reason but to feel fancy. Mostly though I’m into wearing a couple of pieces until they’re worn down to the ground. For example, I’ve got some forest green leather Vans that I’ve worn everyday since I purchased them three months ago. I’m a rough-looking chap with the beard and hair so I like my clothes to follow that same trend. Corduroy, denim, cable knit sweaters, linen…I just like fabric that feels good and looks like it has some feel to it. I’m rambling ok, that’s my style.

Rap is such a crazy thing to do. Rappers are so into themselves. You’re always hearing about the newest this and flashiest that. It actually helps a lot to know what’s hip so that I can stray away from it. I try not to adopt anything influenced by my peers clothing wise. There’s nothing worse than being fake when it comes to who you are in music so I try to keep my style genuine like my raps. If I like it, I’ll wear it just like the raps.

Yasiin Bey (Mos Def). I consider him my spiritual grandfather. He’s got the colors and textures thing down to a science. If I could talk with him about the contents of his closet I would probably leave crying bearded tears of joy.

If you had to give all of your clothes away, what are five things that you would like to keep?

• Coogi sweater I took from my cousin Maggie. I wore it in my Nappy video and it jumped to the top of my “wear it every chance I get list”.
• Rainbow brand flip-flops. Never liked flip-flops until I owned a pair of these bad boys. Super comfy and over time they mold to the shape of your feet.
• Tan bucket hat I stole from my pops. It has a really cool blue and red lining around the hat that makes me feel like a real fisherman.
• The forest green leather Vans I mentioned earlier.
• Grey Lucky brand slim cords because they make me look sexy, yet distinguished.

It means genuinely enjoying wearing the clothes you own. I take pride in not just looking good but feeling good too. Having style means being bold. If you know who are then let your clothes reflect that.

Magazines are guides not rule books. If you don’t like it, still try it on. You never know.

WEBSITE www.yoverb.com

MUSIC: www.soundcloud.com/verbatumjones

My favorite Verb. Glad to call him friend.

Before the jazz festival this past weekend, I’d never heard of this woman. All of my friends were excited to see her perform and here I was embarrassed because I should have known who she is! I love jazz. So anyway, I’ve been listening to some of her music since then and I’m in love with her voice. Her sound is like a tranquil symphonic wonderland. Super smooth and tender. And what she does with her mouth (no homo)…

Now that I think about it, her voice reminds me of Amel Larrieux’s. If they did a duet…man!

Meshell Ndegeocello

Look………..Meshell makes music that will TUG at your every heart string. Her music is like when your heart beats faster just as your crush kisses you. Her music is like laying out under a soft sun reminiscing on the good times. Her music is a little like ecstasy (not that I know but I can imagine). I can’t even begin to name some of my favorite songs. Beautiful is probably my favorite. You can’t listen to it without feeling vulnerable.

Good vibes.

I pride myself in not having many regrets in life. But as I get older, I’m finding that I’m becoming more cautious. In my early twenties, I threw caution to the wind. Now, anything you say will be researched for honesty and authenticity. I question motives. I question intent. I question whether someone has my best interest at heart or whether they are self-serving.

There are things that you can control and then there is just life. You don’t know what will happen. You can’t control it. You can only go with the flow.

Life is uncertain. Maybe that is the allure of it. Not knowing drives us crazy but intrigues us at the same time. You have to keep striving, keep failing, keep learning, keep growing, keep LIVING.

Just don’t regret where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or who you did it with. It happened and now it’s over. Risk it all and live life to the fullest.

You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could. *Louise Erdrich*

I attended a picnic with the lovely ladies of the Pledge to Be Bella group.

I also spent two glorious afternoons/evenings at Piedmont Park for the Atlanta Jazz Festival with my friends.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Day two. Yeah…we tried to take photos several times. I ended up liking all of them.

Cheers to good food, fun and fellowship.

Tell us your name, where you’re from and what you do.
Katrice L. Mines, living in Atlanta but originally from Sandusky, Ohio, and I’m the editor of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine and the creator of the blog My Vicarious Life.

A) How did you know that what you’re doing is your calling?
I have always had it in my heart to write and to do the kind of writing that would encourage, educate, inspire … etc. But, it wasn’t my work in my day job, actually, that let me know that it was my calling. It was my blog. I always always say that my blog is one of the best things that ever happened to me because it gave me – ME. The more I delved into it, the more I became myself; and the more authentically me I became the more I could see what I was to offer to the world — my words.

B) With your busy schedule, how do you manage to do it all and still look fabulous?
I love the entire ideal of getting ready. I love shopping, I love choosing the day’s attire, I love a good night’s rest, I love makeup and beauty products. I take time to be sure I am always representing myself to the best of my ability. Though, I’m not a workout fanatic and I don’t scrutinize everything I eat, my wellness — from how I feel to how I look is at the top of my priorities.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as cosmopolitan meets princess. I love things that feel modern, but if there is anything within my reach that is classically elegant — I’ll choose it every time.

A) What are your favorite fashion magazines?
I love Elle and of course the fashion Bible – Vogue, and Marie Claire.

B) In what ways has the world of fashion influenced your style?
Of course, the things I take in show up in my activities and decision-making, and I actually have thought in the past that I wasn’t very influenced. But, lol, that is not the truth. I love the freshness of each new season. So, even though, I tend to keep the things I love in my wardrobe, I always want to mix in something that’s “now.”

What celebrity inspires your style and why?
I don’t really have a celebrity style icon.

If you had to give all of your clothes away, what are five things that you would like to keep?
Perish the thought! *wink* I’d keep my black tuxedo blazer, something fur, denim shirt, leopard ballet flats (do shoes count?) and at least one pencil dress.

What are your five favorite go to pieces from your closet?
Any blazer, cobalt blue skinny jeans, ivory silk boyfriend tank, LV speedy and tan cardigan.

What does having style mean to you?
It means being comfortable enough in your own skin that you wear what expresses who you are. I love when I’m able to look at a person across a room and get a good snippet of who they are by their style.

…love the way you look. If you don’t, stop and start over.

What advice would you give to someone trying to find their own style?
Start with being your most authentic self and explore everything. So much inspires our style that sometimes, we probably don’t even realize where inspiration could be coming from. But, the most important thing is that you love the way you look. If you don’t, stop and start over.

So glad I know this fabulous woman personally. Make sure to follow her on her social media sites.

Facebook: My Vicarious Life

Twitter: Myvicariouslyfe

Instagram: Myvicariouslyfe

Right now, I am adding pieces to my Poshmark shop. Please share it with your friends!!

The new look I’m going for is equal parts color, equal parts black and white.

Equal parts structured, equal parts free-flowing.

Basically, more balance.

I don’t think I will dabble into prints and patterns on a large-scale but more into solid colors. Mixing colors, not prints. I will go exotic with my accessories.

Speaking of, I will wear more heels. Bold heels.

I will embrace more cropped or cuffed pants.

I will purchase more and more and more white tees of every variety.

And maybe, every once in a while, I’ll pull my girly girl card out.

Embrace fabulousity.

I think fashion is great. It allows you to explore your interests style-wise. I love my style currently; I just want to polish it up with some classic pieces. Time to get rid of all the extra stuff taking up closet space. Less is more.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

1. I’ve only gotten my hair lifted (process of lightening hair) once, by my sister, a year ago. Very old. My color has gotten lighter/brighter on its own.

2. I don’t have a hair length goal. I’ve cut it all off and back. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s just hair.

3. I pretty much wear my hair in this twisty-fro all the time, unless it’s braided up.

4. My hair grows really fast. No gimmicks. My texture comes from my dad’s side.

5. I am not a product junkie. Too many products will leave your hair confused. The Cantu leave-in and Whipped Curl Creme are pretty great products.

6. I’ve found that these three products below: Lock & Twist Gel, blow out cream and castor oil are what work best for curl definition with my hair.

Any questionsssss?

This sautéed kale recipe came from the back of a package that I bought from Walmart. Below is my version of this recipe. I don’t usually measure so I will include the store-bought recipe.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

With every season, trends resurface. Jumpsuits, dungarees, nothing new. In my mind, it’s almost impossible to make this – this is so annoying, I need to pee but it’s taking me twenty years to unbutton this trap suit – get up appear presentable. Yet celebrities Gwen Stefani, Kourtney Kardashian and Rihanna have given this look some relevance.

Although it’s not for me, this might be the one trend that is difficult to mess up. It’s simple and easy and hides every lump and bump. The clear winner for me is Rihanna. A simple studded hat, gold chain and a red lip. The trick to pulling this look off is not to over do it.

How to style a jumpsuit:

• Statement necklace for a feminine appeal.
• Boots (a la androgynous Rihanna) or platform heels.
• Colorful handbag or clutch

1. Rebecca Taylor Bleached Denim Jumpsuit ($295.00)

2. Forever 21 Lightly Faded Denim Jumpsuit ($29.80)

3. Asos B + ab Denim Jumpsuit ($127.28)

What do you think?