Business in the Front...

For the first time since sometime in November of last year, there is no snow on the ground. A mere week ago we were in the midst of yet another Snowmagedon. A real life snow storm on the first day of May - try not to be jealous, K?

Though the temps are getting gooder (yep, I typed that) with each day, they have not yet reached their optimal levels of awesome-a-tude. It's though dressing for "almost kinda summer weather that's also not really spring weather" weather, so I have opted to multi-task with the wardrobe:

I found this sweatshirt at one of my favorite spots in the city, Cliche'. It's a fantastic place full of wonderment and, most importantly, clothing. Loved the color, the weight of the fabric and the cut of it's jib. (What? What is a jib? I think it's something on a boat, so this makes no sense. I don't know. But it's too late to take it back now...)

The Jib

I loved that it's quite standard from the front and the back has this great detail. Keeps ya warm, but allows for some ventilation, cool detail and peek-a-boo action.

I should note, this was my first time buying pants from The Gap and they fit perfect. That NEVER happens. Thanks The Gap. You're The Awesome.

 

 What are your tips for dressing for "almost summer" weather?

Shrit: Cliche'
Bandeau: Posh Love Boutique
Pants: The Gap
Shoes: BCBG Max Azria
Glasses: The Icing
Rings: Aldo
Necklace: I made it

U.G.L.Y. I Ain't Got No Alibi

First - that title is like, the best, mostest greatest abomination of grammar on this blog - double negatives FTW ya'll! The previous sentence is a close second.

Getting older is an interesting thing. It's funny to look back and think about all the simple things I was unwilling to do because of what others might think. Or, rather, because of what I assumed others might think. Opportunities I passed up, times I kept quiet, times I couldn't quite be fully myself for fear of judgement. Though these times are not completely gone, they show up less and less. As I become more comfortable with myself as a woman, an artist, a dreamer, a word-maker-upper, and a random thing doer - I begin to appreciate the things that make me me. I can admit to myself that sometimes I like me. I still have many days where I wonder what the heck me is doing, but we mostly get along.

These sneakers that I'm wearing....I love them. They are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. Why? Because I think they're hideous. I think they are quite ugly - like, why-would-anyone-wear-those type ugly, and I love them for it. When I considered buying them, I thought, "these are ugly, they are too trendy, how would that look? What would people think?"

Then I thought, "Get a hold of yourself woman! Get over yourself! Also, arguing with yourself in your mind is weird - you should stop that. But at least we're not doing it out loud, right?? Hahahaha! You're being weird again."

You know that saying, "A face only a mother could love"? That would apply here - ya know - if shoes had faces.

I'm coming to a place where I can be unapologetically me. Where I accept that there are things that need changing and strive to work on those while accepting that there are things that I can be confident in as well. I do/say/wear what I feel and, with God's help, I just become the me that I can be most proud of. And today  I'm proud of the chick who wears hideous shoes just because she feels like it.

The leather on the jacket compliments the leather on the pants nicely I thought. So I wore them. Together. Pictured here.

What are some things (quirky or otherwise) you enjoy about yourself?

Hat: H&M
Ring: Forever 21
Jacket: Bar III
Top: Kensie
Leggings: BCBG Max Azria
Shoes: Steve Madden

Something Different: The Door

This morning I happened upon this stunning mini movie, directed by Ava DuVernay (who happens to be the first black director to win Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival. How's that for black history!). The gorgeous, wordless narrative for Miu Miu shows off their new line in such a beautiful and different way. A down to earth way. An accessible way. Starring a cast of beautiful women ( Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Adepero Oduye and Goapele), the story is one we, as women, can probably all relate to. Heartbreak. Mourning. The support of good friends. Love. Moving on.

I'm not usually one to talk about designer gear (although I love to look and hope one day something Miu Miu, Givenchy, Chanel, Tom Ford, etc. magically appears in my closet), but the aesthetics, story, and wonderful soundtrack captured my attention. The beautiful clothes are a bonus. I'm a sucker for creativity and beautiful work, so I thought I'd share.

The Door, By Ava DuVernay:




What are your thoughts on it?

New(ish) Year

Soooo it's a little - a lot late for this, but happy New Year! How long can you say that? If I haven't seen someone yet in 2013 and I run into them in October, does it still count? It does, right? It does. I just made it a thing.

New beginning are always a great thing. We human kind folk seem to really like markers in time to try life again. New years, new months, birthdays, half birthdays, day light savings time (I'm making that a thing, too)... a chance to start fresh with a new perspective is always a welcome occurrence. That's the key I think, the perspective. A plan for newness isn't anything without the proper outlook. Resolutions are fancy - but if one doesn't have a grasp on how those things fit in relation to the rest of life; where they have been, where they are now, and where they may want to go in the future and why - it's all just kind of moo(t).

Taking a look back is good, but only if you know for sure there's nothing to run into in front of you. I mean that literally.  I run into stuff way too often.

And so, here's to being awesome, to doing awesome things, and having a fresh perspective. I'm looking forward to that, for me and for you. Because, let's face it, you are pretty friggin' cool and cool people do cool things. Go get 'em!

What's your new outlook for the year?

Shrit: H&M
Jeans: Express
Necklace: Bebe
Shoes: Aldo