Tag: Style

My outfits. Style inspiration.

How To Make Your Vote Count

In 2008, I was a member of the nation-wide group that was “fired up” to vote for the first time for the presidential election. I skipped class to see the candidates speak and I volunteered as precinct captain for my district. I read all of the plans to bring hope to America. It felt like I was truly a part of something bigger than myself. I was not just casting a ballot, but really contributing to the change we needed. It was really exciting.

Fast forward to the 2016 election. There are probably more memes, SNL skits, and ridiculous quotes for this particular election to last us a lifetime. You know I do not get into politics on my blog and I am not going to tell you who you should vote for or who I am planning to vote for. I want to speak to the disappointing difference between the 2008 election and the 2016 election. We all might joke about it, but the feeling of frustration and despondency is real. We cannot allow this to kill the hope and motivation we had 8 years ago.

We need to remember that this election is not just about voting for the next president. Your energy for change and passion for justice should also be focused on your local community. With the amount of foundations, community-based programs, and young people stepping up to run for office, there is a lot more you can do to improve your neighborhood that goes beyond casting a ballot. As much as social media has helped us to connect and support each other, we still need to show up in person and make a point to attend a town hall or volunteer for a community initiative.

You have to keep the bigger picture in perspective. Choosing not to vote or consistently complaining about everything that is wrong with (insert name, city, business, or school here) is not productive. That mindset gives into feeling helpless. Educate yourself on the issues you care about and what is being done in your community to fix it. If you find something, consider volunteering. If there is nothing, explore starting something.

It seems like most people get too caught up with complaining about every headline, trend, and policy. It is ok to admit you are one of those people. Imagine if you used that time to really understand the history, politics, and motive behind any of those issues. Equipped with that knowledge, smoke screens and marketing gimmicks would never phase you.

I feel your duty does not start or stop with wearing that “I voted” sticker. It is constantly in motion with every action and decision you make. Let us promise each other, regardless of elephants, donkeys, or third animals, that we will not let the hope die.

How are you planning to make your vote count? What resources do you use to learn about issues and politics in your community? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Top Vintage LLC skirt

October 27, 2016
How Sustainability Has Evolved In Lifestyle and Fashion

The discussion behind the future of our lifestyle and the environment has evolved. It is fascinating to look back 5, 10, or 20 years ago and compare what we thought the future would be to what we are planning for today. The two things I notice the most is the shift in who we consider should participate in this future planning and, ironically, what we expect fashion will look like in the future.

I studied international affairs in college and I remember experts and colleagues arguing that so-called 3rd world countries could not be expected to leap-frog over the entitled industrial age to help save the planet. It seemed like only the 1st world power countries had the privilege to create a sustainable future and somehow only those countries would benefit from it. In spite of stories of inventions and innovation across the planet, it was not considered valued or beneficial across the board.

Now, the opinion has shifted to claim all countries can now pay attention to the health of the planet. I am encouraged by this because I do not think you can restrict sustainability to certain regions and expect it to make a substantial impact. To illustrate this, you should check out the recent collaboration Shell did with artists from around the world: Best Day Of My Life. I will admit, the song is a little corny, but the visuals give the message that this initiative should be a global priority. It got me wondering if, as a planet, we could really come together to work towards this goal. Are not wars and poverty a bigger priority for most? or are they more of a distraction? The Shell video also made me think about how we as individuals and citizens of the world can contribute to this initiative. The conversation about climate change and clean energy should not be political. It should not only feature Leonardo DiCaprio as the sole brand ambassador. We can do more. The question is, what really makes a difference? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Regarding the future of style, it seems like it has changed with our impression of what the future holds. My introduction to the future was through the movie Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. The wardrobe in that movie was bright and colorful. Next, I was exposed to The Jetsons (and here is why The Jetsons still matter according to the Smithsonian). Their wardrobe was bright and colorful. Now, I am not sure if this started with Star Wars, or maybe was emphasized through The Hunger Games and Divergent, but we are anticipating a dreary future. There is no color. In all three of those series, the wardrobe sticks with a black, brown, and grey palette that is always prepared to battle aliens, demons, or evil parents. We also cannot forget the zombies.

The fusion between fashion and technology is really exciting. I am not just talking about jewelry that tracks how many steps you walk. From temperature control to mini computers, we are inventing some pretty neat stuff. If you are interested in this kind of innovation, you should check out FashNerd.com. They post all about it.

Maybe with time, we will bring the color back to the future of style. Once we get all the upgrade glitches fixed, we can add bold patterns and hues to the fabric. Maybe we will not need climate-changing-body-armor or wearable weapons. This could possibly help us to not accept a dreary war-torn future, but instead take initiative in creating a bright united future.

What do you think about how the sustainability narrative is evolving? What are you most hopeful for in how we contribute to a brighter future? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Please note the links I shared in this post are not affiliates. They are articles and websites I think you would enjoy…because sharing is caring.

Wearing: Rahyma via Zuvaa jumpsuit; Michael Kors heels; Rachel Stewart earrings

October 24, 2016
What Makes A Successful Millennial

There is a certain assumption about my generation that I do not agree with. Well, there are probably numerous assumptions, but there is one in particular I want to talk about. The notion that everyone who is between the ages of 20 and 35 are all interested in getting rich quick by being an entrepreneur. Let us take a moment to unpack that.

It is true that a lot of buzz words are being thrown around to embellish reality. With hyphenated titles and fluffy online bios, I can kind of see why older generations assume we do not know what we want to do. The truth is, we are multi-talented and have more access to inspiration and resources to believe we do not have to confine our lives into a box for a 30 year pension plan. It is not that we do not know what we want to do, it is that we do not want to settle for mediocrity. There is also this great article from Quartz that speaks to this and job hopping.

The entrepreneur bandwagon has over saturated the career sensation discussion. It is great that so many people have truly created something out of nothing and are being innovative with how they implement that in their business. There are a lot of digital boutiques, e-courses, and coaching sessions out there. However, this type of job is not for everyone and should not weigh more or less than the traditional professional career path. It is ok if some people are not interested in kicking the 9-5 to the curb or want to spend more time in school or want to be their own boss. Some of us can do both. Your choices should not be determined on what is most popular. There is also no need to look down on someone who chose differently than you.

This past year I made a point to meet more people in real life. I wanted to get a better understanding of this city I am living in and where I could fit in it. I attended networking mixers, happy hours, brunchs, and work shops for creatives, law students, and just young professionals. To be honest, I was disappointed. Yes, everyone was nice. Yes, each event had a hashtag to share photos or posts with and a swag bag to take home. Still, there was something missing. The discussions were empty and the food was bland. I did not learn anything new. I got the sense everyone else attending felt the same, but still pretended to look excited for the selfie they posted to not allow their time to go to waste. It got me wondering if my standards were unrealistic. Is this really all there is to adulthood? Am I naive in expecting more? I have yet to find an answer to this, but I feel this is part of the problem. How can we successfully navigate our careers in an environment that is not promising? If you have any ideas, I would love to hear your thoughts.

The key to being a successful millennial involves strategy and priorities. Regardless of which path you choose, you cannot cruise into it willy-nilly. Be strategic with your time and who you interact with. Step outside of your comfort zone and be open to opportunities. Be proactive in how you maneuver your path. The beauty of this era (as confusing as it is) is that the hustle does not have to be torture. You can create a lifestyle that benefits you and your family in a wholesome way. You can create a reality you do no want to escape from.

How are you navigating your career? What do you think is the key to success for our generation? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: T.J.Maxx blouse; New York & Company skirt; DSW heels; Vinti Couture earrings

October 15, 2016
Are We Still Haunted By Colorism?

You might have seen the photo with a group of successful people sharing a good laugh. It included Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Puff Daddy, etc. The fascinating thing about being a content creator is that you see potential and ideas everywhere. As simple as the photo is, it has created a whole discussion on success and colorism.

It started with a twitter thread about that photo and an essay about Lil’ Kim by Myles E. Johnson, where the sentiment behind love being controlled by color continued. Do all successful black men only date and marry light skin women? Is this still an issue or a misguided assumption? I think it is both. To some, this is a conscious decision to reach their goal to rub shoulders in certain circles. A product of toxic conditioning. For others, they honestly found love in someone who does not look like them. I cannot say which is the majority, but I do think we need to be cautious of who we look up to.

As much as we can blame mainstream media and an oppressive society, we cannot deny how we contribute to this. Ashley Coleman shared a great post on her experience about this on her blog Write Laugh Dream. Team light skin versus team dark skin is holding us back. It is a distraction to shift the focus away from how much we need to support and respect each other.

Believe it or not, as a child I had a consistent deeper complexion. Throughout grade school, if the lighting was odd, or if I was placed in the back of the group photo (which happened too many times), all one could see were my teeth and the glare from my glasses. Outside of home, I was not the ideal beauty. Now, even though I tan easily, I do not get to spend as much time with the sun as I would like to. Depending on the season and location, I probably go through 52 shades of brown every year. It is kind of funny because, regardless of the season, I do not view myself as light skin, nor do I assume others see me as such.

Maybe it is because of my childhood experiences or over-observant nature, but I notice the difference in confidence between team light skin and team dark skin. Insecurity and self-doubt haunt all of us. There is no need to build more barriers between us. Of all the things colorism affects, I think the biggest issue is the feeling of being unworthy of love. That is what causes us to settle for mediocrity, suffocate healing, and shut out love. It is not easy to let go of, but you must believe you are worthy. No one can fill that void for you. Do not let others ignorance block the love you deserve.

Have you been affected by colorism? Let me know how you deal with it in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: Marshall’s shirt; New York & Company jeans; DSW shoes

October 7, 2016
What Jason Bourne Teaches Us

What did you want to be when you grew up? At first, I wanted to be a mad scientist, like Dexter’s Laboratory. Then I wanted to be a secret agent, like the Famous Jett Jackson. That dream stuck with me as I watched Cleopatra Jones, James Bond, Jonny Quest, and, of course, Jason Bourne. I loved the gadgets, adventure, wardrobe, and mystery…minus the killing. After watching the recent Jason Bourne movie, I started thinking about how the character’s struggles and victories can be applied to “civilian” life.

We need to do our own research. Even though we have wider access to information, we tend to be lazy using that access. I am sure there are plenty of people like me who read beyond headlines, but there are also plenty of people who stop at a meme or soundbite. In every movie, Jason Bourne has taught us the importance of doing our own research. You cannot always take other people’s word for it. You cannot always assume the door is locked just because there is a line waiting outside. Be aware of your surroundings, physically and virtually.

It is helpful to maintain barriers. Like all secret agents, Jason Bourne does have trust issues. It is easy to see why that is the case for him, but sometimes it is surprising to realize how life can jade us. We all pick up scars along this journey of life, but the key to surviving is maintaining healthy barriers. You can be picky about who you share your time and love with. You should also be open to forgive and move on.

Can we truly accept who we are? One thing I felt was lacking in the Jason Bourne movie was his quest to find who he is. It seemed as if he never got a real answer. Nonetheless, that quest to find our purpose and identity is not just about playing a scavenger hunt. It is also about deep reflection. With and without the job, friends, car, or filters, who are you? Can you embrace every part of you? I think this quest is not only about looking for answers, but also about expanding and enhancing what we seek. You really have to be honest, sometimes brutally honest, with yourself before you can make any meaningful progress.

Now, I know you might not have thought of any of these things while watching any of the Bourne movies, but that is why I am here. I hope you found this helpful. Life is about keeping your eyes open. There are stories and lessons everywhere.

I also must commend the Bourne team for producing a movie that was timely and relevant regarding virtual reality and internet security. Clever move.

What do you think of the Bourne movies? What did you want to be when you grew up?

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: JC Penny dress; Forever 21 necklace; Dillard’s heels

Photography: It’s Sofia Emm

September 18, 2016
Why I Do Not Trust Data Storage

Cyber-security breach and data leaks seem to be normal occurrences these days. The question of privacy seems to be naive when all information and communication is monitored and hackable. Maybe it is because I recently (read…finally) saw the new Jason Bourne movie or because I work with a variety of data and media, but I have been thinking a lot about how data storage is evolving. Space and convenience is not the issue. Security and longevity is what we still do not get.

Gone are the days when we would “search on Google” for our name and possibly freak out if there was one obscure mention of a link. Now we are all encouraged to have a professionally branded – but still personal – presence online. We are encouraged to sync all of our devices. We are made to believe the best way to back up precious memories, important documents, and big files is on virtual clouds and drives. It is funny how our discomfort in seeing our names pop up outside of the Yellow Pages has become hesitantly open to every device upgrade. On the one hand, that is the beauty of technology. It is constantly changing to push our potential and innovation further. On the other hand, values and concerns should be respected.

I am not sure if security will ever become a full guarantee as we progress in this cyber direction. From the recent Dropbox breach to apps discreetly linking information, ahem Facebook and WhatsApp, it seems that no information is secure. Nothing is hack-proof, regardless of good intentions behind passwords, two-step authenticity, fingerprints, and any other secret codes. Since this is the case, I urge you to be mindful of where you save your stuff. A printed copy saved in a locked drawer or a box under the bed is not silly. It will probably save you a headache. Regarding future developments in security, maybe we should not only focus on better passwords or bigger servers.

Since I have been working with media for a while, technology upgrades are bitter-sweet. Remembering how much time it took to convert footage from a Hi-8 tape to a DVD, I thought it would save those memories forever. What happens when DVD players join VCRs? With all the photos I diligently archive on external hard drives, what happens when USB ports join floppy disk drives? It is kind of scary to think about. A project I hope to start soon is to create a series of photo albums, I mean really old-school photo albums, for the majority of my photos. As convenient as Google drive and external hard drives are, I want to be able to share these memories with my children 10 years from now and my grandchildren 30 years from now. There is something about sitting around a table with family with an old suitcase full of photos in envelopes and albums that is really special. Watching a slide show on a screen does not compare to that.

I am intrigued to see how data storage and cyber-security evolves during my lifetime, but I do not think I will ever fully trust it. How do you think we can improve on this? How are you keeping your data safe? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Woodin skirt; Michael Kors shoes

Photography: It’s Sofia Emm

September 11, 2016