Zebra Callings

Topshop is currently have their mid season sale. I went back on Thursday, after work with no intention of buying anything, then I saw this Boutique Dress that was too beautiful to leave behind. It's a bit big. I'm currently in that stage where I am in between sizes and it's very annoying, thus I am trying to not buy a lot of clothing at the moment. I was hoping these Zebra Slipper Loafers were on sale but they weren't *insert sad face*. Many of you may already know I love Slipper Loafers so I see myself getting them in the near future. Here is how I would style them.

Khan Zebra Slipper Loafers: (here), Stitch Cigarette Trousers (here), Crossover Zip Top (here), Stripped Color Block Jacket (here), Section Absail Collar (here), Ram Cuff (here), Twist Metal Spike Bracelet (here), and Dog Cuff (here). 

Jazz Wednesdays

On Wednesday night my good friend Stella and I went to see Dwele. Now anyone that knows me knows I am a serious Dwele fan, since his Truth album I discovered while a sophmore at Howard, and a decade later and I am still a die hard fan. There are a couple of artist that I want to see in concert and Dwele is one of them. He played Wednesday, Yesterday and will be playing tonight at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, London. 

Now if I am honest, Dweles' performance didn't live up to my expectations. Before he came out my stomach dropped that's to tell you how much of a fan I am of him. When the show started I was hyped, but it seemed like the back up singer was singing more than he was. During the show, he went on switch to the keyboard then also interacted well with the audience at some points and the band, but I just felt like it was a karoke night at some points. Overall his performance was okay, I am really sad to say this as I am a big Dwele fan, but I will never pay for another Dwele show if he is the only artist performing, not worth my money nor time, I might as well listen to the CD.

In addition, I met him afterwards, and he seemed cool, I assume he has a mellow personality while I am very lively, so I was sure not to be too 'over-dramatic'. I think had I seen Dwele in concert before the likes of: ASA, Floetry, and Eric Roberson I would have found the concert amazing. The Eric Roberson concert in Birmingham about a year ago was amazing he sang more than the backup singer, the band was amazing, he interacted better with the crowd and after the show he was so lovely (or maybe it's my HU alumni Bias).

I am still sad over the Dwele performance. I saw photos from his performance yesterday on Instagram and he was playing the trumpet, and I was thinking, 'he ain't play the trumpet on Wednesday!!' (insert rachet accent here) Which leaves me to believe maybe he is saving all is tricks and energy for the Friday show tonight? No matter the case, I am a big Dwele fan and sad that the performance didn't live up to my expectations but hey, such is life. Next time I won't put so many expectations on the artist. I still wanna see Les Nubians, Musiq, Jill Scott, Foreign Exchance and Talib Kweli in concert one day!!!

Outfit Details: Dress Topshop (OLD), Carven Slingback (Past Season), Fendi Bag (OLD), COS Coat (OLD) and Vintage Accessories get similar (here). 

Renewed Episode

Outfit Details: Blouse: & Other Stories, Gap, Carven Slingback Flats, Episode Bag, Movado Watch, and Gold Pearl Cuff Bracelets.

In regards, to plans to reduce my spending habits and only buying items within my budget I am doing extremely well. Okay not extremely but I am doing very well. Yesterday I popped into Topshop, after work to look at their jewelry department and looked around for pieces that I liked online to try on. One trick I have learned is to look online for items and try them on in the store, that way I am not spending hours in a store and I leave without wasting time, the more time you spend in a store the more likely you are to buy something. I tried on various garments but nothing shouted BUY ME NOW. So I left. 

You see when you're a recovering shop-a-holic like me, and you stop shopping as much as you used to, when you see more money in your bank account, you start knowing the value of money more and can justify big purchases when you make them because you aren't doing hundreds of small purchases. I also shop more in my own closet, I found this Episode Quilted bag that my co-workers from Tesco Pharmacy bought me three years ago, during my placement there. I was so happy as green is my favorite color....I may not wear it as much as I used to but I still value the gift and cherish the memories I had whilst there!

Sunday Stripes

Outfit Details: Zara Striped Blouse (here), Skinny Gap Trousers, Chanel Ballet Flats, DIY Ankara Bag + Assorted Bracelets. 

Yesterday the weather in London was so beautiful, I met up with my girl Faridya, my Mr, and the our friends. We lounged in Graphic and had an amazing time. The food, the drinks, the service and ambience is fantastic! We laughed, joked, spoke about life, plans and of course wedding plans. We had an episode of the Fiances vs. the Fiancees. It was hilarious, it left Faridya laughing in amazement. 

I wore this bag that I DIYed, you've probably already seen it on Instagram. It took me almost seven months to complete it. Other artist and/or designers can probably relate as sometimes you start a project and finish it months later...Sunday in London had amazing weather, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

2nd Day Minimalism

As the days are longer and the temperatures are finally rising, I would prefer to wear a plain outfit with LOUD accessories...mainly jewelry, it seems. I have always loved jewelry as a young girl, even as a tomboy, I used to play dress up with my mothers jewelry. I think I actually lost her engagement ring...but please don't tell anyone the thought still haunts me until this day. One day I was playing with it, the next day it was gone. I must ask my mother about it, I am sure she knows what happened to it...I digress.

This outfit is just that: minimal with the accessories doing the all the talking.

2nd DAY 2nd Lines Assymetrical Zip Blazer (here), Corrones Silk Trousers (here), Topshop Tall Stretch Crop Top (here), Valentino Rock Studded Kitten Heels (here), Lulu Frost Necklace (here), and Lulu Frost Bracelet (here). 

Contagious Laughter

A lot of you guys are probably wondering why I am always laughing or cheesing in my photos. Well whenever my fiance takes my photos we have a ball... literally! He has an interesting sense of humor. If you follow me on instagram you'll see him making comments every now and then. While taking photos he'll have me laughing, then he'll mock my poses, my faces, then he'll say I've never seen that dress before??! If it's new I'll say, oh this old thing, ya'll know what I'm talking about *smile*. Nevertheless, taking photos with him is fun....thus my reasons for always smiling.

Outfit Details: HM Outfit, Zara Bag (Old), Chanel Brogues (Old) and American Apparel Snood. 

Hope you're having a great week thus far and are enjoying the weather!!!

Unstoppable Weekend

My little sister Tejiri's organization is having a fabulous christian conference this weekend. I wish I was back home in the states so I could attend. Now that I think of it, I've been away for 5 years can I still call the DMV home? I digress...Try to attend if you are free this weekend, and if you aren't free become free *wink*. Check out the Promo Video below.

For more information check out there website (here).

Suede Pearls

Outfit Details: HM Leotard, Vintage Suede Skirt similar (here) and (here), Miu Miu Heels Old love these (here), and Vintage accessories get amazing vintage items from (here). 

The weather was lovely this weekend. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my sunglasses with me, thus I was squinting a bit too much due to the sun rays. I will take squinting because of strong sun rays to dropping temperatures with snow in April any day.

Nonetheless, I bought this Vintage Suede Skirt in December last year when I visited home for Christmas. I scored it for about $9.00 or so, maybe less, I honestly cannot remember as I went a bit overboard in the thrift stores last year vintage shopping in America is so much better than the UK. If you don't already know green is my favorite color thus this Vintage Suede Knee length skirt was Heaven Sent!

Everyone enjoy the beautiful weather this week!! I know I definitely will!!!

Shiny Ponies

I am in LOVE with J.Crew the definition of High Street: 'Modern Elegance'. I prefer clothes that cling to my skin beautifully, that I don't feel awkward in and has all the drama without the fuss (I was told that when looking for my wedding dress by a lady in New York).

I bought these J.Crew Janey Patent Flats in December yet I almost didn't because I tried them on with tights and they didn't look right, boy was I wrong. (word of advice when trying on shoes or going shoe shopping do not where tights, wear thin socks. That way you can wear the shoe with thin socks to know how they'll look in the winter or fall, and barefooted so you know how they'll look during the Spring/Summer months). These shoes definitely look fabulous without socks I am glad that thought to try them on without my tights popped into my head, whilst in the dressing room.

I am absolutely in dire need of an Etta Pump. They are beautiful and are the perfect heel for the girl that lives in flats. That would definitely be me! J.Crew is after my fashion heart because I WANT EVERY SINGLE PAIR...LITERALLY!!! They all have amazing structure, aesthetic and details. Watch the video below and Fall in Love just like I have. With a J.Crew store hitting London soon, I won't have to travel home to shop in one of my favorite stores anymore!

Watch "Shiny Ponies" and fall in love with all that J. Crew all over again!

Sea of Pearls

An easy way to make a simple outfit look elegant is the addition of pearls. I am currently loving this pearl Necklace and bracelet set from ASOS, they have definitely been getting it right when it comes to accessories this season! With the cold front in the UK continuing I am wearing a lot of hats as protective styles to keep my hair moisturized, and this elegant waved Vintage Hat is right up my alley! 

COS Dress (here), Christian Louboutin Batignolles 120 patent-leather pumps (here), ASOS Pearl Bracelet Set (here), ASOS Box Chain and Pearl Necklace (here), Gucci Chain Shoulder Bag (here), and Elegant Waved Brim Vintage Hat: (here).

Spring Tease

The weather in the UK is officially on drugs, because it is constantly changing. You wake up in the morning and see the Sun shining bright. You think to yourself FINALLY I can put away my winter coat tribe! WRONG! It's all photo tricks... as my aunt would call it; because it is still cold. One minute it's warm and the next minute it is freezing. The upcoming weather forecast predicts warm weather next week then cold temperatures again shortly thereafter. I just want it to be Spring and the warm weather be consistent...enough of this Spring Tease. 

Outfit Details: Dress, Hat + Purse: Vintage, MIU MIU Heels, and bracelets from New York.