Faith and Fear

Today I got some news that broke my spirit and made me wonder why God allows what's happening in my life to occur. I don't often speak about what's going on in my life, but when things happen two or three times against your hard work and will it can be very depressing and spirit shattering. No matter what happens in my life I know God has my back, as hard as it is for me to believe that at the present moment, it's all I have to lean on. So keep me in your prayers and everyone have a fantastic weekend.

I got these lovely Gap checkered pants a couple of weeks ago on sale and with free shipping. You know I love a bargain and they fit like a glove and feel amazing. I hope printed trousers never go out of style!

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this ZFSowho Vintage CZech Necklace. You can purchase them (here).

Outfit Details: Cos Navy Long Sleeved Tee similar (here), Gap Checkered Trousers (here) and Love these (here), Fendi Mamma Bag Similar on sale (here), Christian Louboutin Pigalles (here) + (here). 

Adam's Brunch

My Ace came into town this weekend and we went for Brunch in Adam's Morgan on Sunday, it's amazing how gentrification has changed the District so much. Adam's Morgan looks so different from what I remember when I was at Howard. Nonetheless, I had an amazing time catching up with her and informing her on my wedding plans and the process. I must say I have missed American food, but the weight it seems I've put on has to go!!! Gotta snap back soon!

Outfit Details: Zara Top (here), Cos Trousers (here), Mother's Vintage Scarf similar (here), Vintage Foster Grant Shades, Vintage ZFSowho Earrings shop (here), Fendi Bag similar on sale (here) and Salvatore Ferragamo Varina's similar (here) + (here).

Sorry for the lack of photos since I've arrived in the States. I have been trying vigorously to secure a new venue and it has been nothing short of time consuming and stressful, trying to stick to my budget and liaising with family. In the end, it'll all work out! I hope you're having a great week thus far!

Now Playing: TLC - 'Baby Baby Baby' 

Color me Green

My favorite color is green and I love the trend of colorful coats this season. I personally want a purple coat but I can't seem to find one of my choice anywhere. In the meantime, I think Green coats are a fantastic addition to your winter coat collection. Yes you should have a winter coat + jacket collection, changing your coat every other day allows you to consistently wear basics and look amazing without any fuss.

So Color me Green with these lovely coats. 

Karen Miller Compact Tweed Fitted Pod Coat (here), Topshop Wool Boyfriend Coat (here), Aspesi Green Coat (here), Ted Baker Mohair Coat (here), Ganni Woman's Coat (here), Roberto Collina Women Coat (here), + Day Birger et Mikkelsen (here). 

Now Playing: Drake - 'Own It'

Blue Distractions

I am currently visiting my family in the DMV, I landed yesterday evening (jetlag is something else!). It feels weird saying I'm visiting the States, as years before this was all I knew and all I thought I ever wanted to know. However, after purchasing a house with the fiance, and living in the UK for the last several years, I've come to terms that the UK will now be called home. Nonetheless, when I was packing, I opted to pack less prints and more simple/monochrome pieces that will be easy to mix, as I will be in the DMV for almost two months. 

Simple outfits are my forte lately, thus adding accessories that are the same color add a different feel to an overall outfits mood. I love blue items lately and purchased a plain Navy Blue Long sleeve blouse and trousers from COS before taking off (the COS sale at the moment is amazing!) and know I'll wear them with a simple coat with a loud statement necklace! I love this Nicole Romano Statement necklace, it is everything!!!

Topshop Boyfriend Checkered Light Coat (here), Zara High Neck Blouse (here), Topshop Modern Tailoring Trousers (here), Topshop Khan2 Loafers (here), Nicole Romano Crystal Wrapped Aurora Borealis Glass Drop Necklace (here), Bright Bit Patent Leather Gucci Shoulder Bag (here), ASOS Earrrings Gorjana TearDrop Studs (here). 

P.s. I am thinking of having a fall clear out at my house next weekend as I have so many nice items that I sadly need to get rid of in the States. I am thinking of selling everything for $5.00-$10.00 and nothing over, I am thinking of having it with another blogger or two, thus details will be given by Monday.

Now Playing - The Foreign Exchange - 'Call it Home' 

Next Step

I have been residing in London for about a year and a half now after graduation and as much as I am not a fan of London. Don't get me wrong I love the fashion and night life; however, I despise: the crowded tubes during rush hour, how the central line seems to always randomly shut down on my way to work, the unruly children and tweens (which is why I avoid taking the bus on school days no matter how beautiful the weather), people are generally rude (we Americans are so much more forthcoming and nicer) and I spend way too much money on Oxford Street. Living 15 mins from Oxford Street is not a good thing...thus my bank account will breathe a sigh of relief!

Yesterday, I went for a walk with my friend to catch up. As she left I realized as much I may not love London like I used to, but I will miss it and I know I will be coming to visit often when I move to Edinburgh finally in a couple of months. I am starting to Love Edinburgh more (now if only they opened an & Other Stories and COS I'd be super happy).

For the moment, I am done with higher education, working on completing my two year milestones before I have kids and my wedding. We may be back in London in a couple of years who knows; however, for now I am happy to be taking this next step... and thankful to God for his many blessings even when I didn't realize some short comings were indeed blessings in disguise. 

Now to start packing....sigh. 

P.s. I have no foundation on in these pics, I just contoured my eyebrows. I was lazy this Sunday before Church.

Now Listening: The Foreign Exchange ft. Shana Tucker and Eric Roberson - 'Better' 

How to buy Designer for Less Online

A lot of people always wonder how I score designer items at great prices. The there are three main methods I use to buy designer items for up to 50% off the original price online.

Method One:
Ebay. As you now know I've bought a pair of Miu Miu heels for about 80 pounds (90 with shipping). They were brand new, in the box price tags still in tack and I was as over the moon. I have patience to find bargains, on Ebay and have become a pro when it comes to searching. If you don't have patience to search Ebay for cheap items then this method is not for you. The key to looking on Ebay for designer items is knowing what to search and to always make sure receipts or authenticity cards are in photos. If not then you risk buying a fake item. Sometimes sellers can be lazy. So ask them if they have the original box, shoe bags, purse bags and etc... ask to see additional photographs and always check their returns policy. Most people selling real items will allow you to return the item, as they know it's real.

Another way to find items on Ebay is to save searches to your email address. I don't recommend using this for popular designers like Gucci, Miu Miu or Prada because your email will be flooded constantly (also Gucci and Louis Vuitton have the most fake items on Ebay, it's quite annoying). Personally, my saved searches are Carven and an Italian Boot designer Migliorini. I get emails once a week and have bought two pairs of shoes via this method.

Method Two:
Discount Designer Websites. TheOutnet, Yoox.com, Gilt Group, MyHabit and many more. All these websites offer designer items for a fraction of the price. I get emails from all of the above and love that I can buy items here cheaper, these are most times  merchandise from past seasons.

Method Three:
Sale Season. I've mentioned this before. I search online for items I like and bookmark the pages, then during the Spring and January Sales I check to see if they are still in stock and purchase the items immediately. I am currently wanting a pair of high top Lanvin Sneakers, but I can't bring myself to spend another 400 pounds on a pair of sneakers so I'm waiting for sale season.

Although all the methods above will help you get designer items on sale remember to only buy the item if you are actually going to wear it, not because it's a bargain or 80% off. I've seen Camilla Skovgaard and Rubert Sanderson shoes go for 30 pounds on Ebay but I didn't buy them because they weren't my style and I knew I probably wouldn't wear them, but most importantly I didn't need them.

Spend your money on what you want. Decide if you have the patience to wait for sale season. However, if you were a size that sells out fast, maybe it's best to buy the item full price, as it may not make it into the sale. The key is to be smarter with your money. So as I always say never buy an item full price, if you don't have too...because most designer items go on sale...and if they don't there are always other outlets available to buy them cheaper.

Discount Designer Items that I am Loving at the moment:

P.s. Yoox.com is currently giving an extra 20% off purchases until October 6th. If only those Carven's were available in my size!!!

Now Playing - Drake - 'Too Much'