Style
I’ve been called “extra” many times before I even realized or maybe accepted that I was. So when Intermix asked me to choose a look for the holiday season, I selected this multilayered bright red two piece work of art by AMUR. When asked where or what occasion I’d wear it to, I answered: The real question is where could I NOT wear this look? I would wear this to eat dinner with my husband for his birthday. Or I would call some friends and tell them that we’re going out for fancy cocktails and dinner, and yes, I would arrive in this ensemble. I’d even wear this to take myself to the ballet and book a table for ONE at one of my favorite French restaurants in New York. But, since we’re talking about the holiday season, I’d wear this to dinner for NYE too.
Aight, so boom! I was minding my business one day, and Anthropologie slid in my DMs and asked me if I wanted to be best friends. I was excited about the offer, but I couldn’t really show my eagerness so I responded: It depends… Are there perks to this friendship? All jokes aside, I was ecstatic to partner with Anthropologie to put together five colorful looks for fall. I live in Austin now, and we have MONTHS of fall unlike my old city, New York City. So hunny, I’m serving: eclectic librarian and cat lover, colorful gangster who helps the elderly, romantic dame, sultry art director on a Friday night, and soulful reader and tea connoisseur.
Beauty
A couple of months ago, I collaborated with Refinery29 on a series of #shortcuts videos. Despite the brutal December snow storm, the whole day was just warm and magical! The entire crew consisted of bad-ass women. Being in the studio as a talent inspired me beyond anything I could imagine. I loved that they considered my ideas while I had the full benefits of a "talent". The studio was a fun, open atmosphere where we created a few fun looks that involved glitter, color, nude lipsticks, and of course headwraps. When I posted the nude lippy video (posted below) on my page, many of you reached out to ask me which lipsticks I used. I also noticed the same feedback on the Refinery page, which of course prompted this post!
I've been loving blue eyeliner a lot lately. Perhaps a little too much. I'm not big on eyeshadow, and I like to spend as little time on my makeup as possible. I find that blue eyeliner adds a little spice to an everyday look. The color stands out beautifully on brown skin, and it makes any basic makeup interesting. I enjoy pairing cobalt blue eyeliner with purple or red lipsticks, but I'm sure it would also be a fantastic complement to a nice nude, soft pink or bright orange lip. Let's just say blue is the new black for me!
“While making the press rounds for her new film Queen of Katwe, Lupita Nyong’o added majestic head wraps to her signature red carpet look.
Nyong’o told People magazine that her “crowns” are inspired by the character she plays on the big screen. Working with her stylist, Micaela Erlanger, and her hairstylist, Vernon François, Nyong’o creates statement-making head wraps with fabrics sourced from as far as East Africa.
diary
TRAVEL
rom the inside, the historic walls of the Princess Hamilton are adorned with an iconic art collection that includes original artwork from artists such as Andy Warhol, Nelson Mandela, Bansky, among many others. And from the outside, the majestic pink walls stand tall and make the perfect backdrop for a serious collection of plants and flowers where tiny lizards live happily. I tried to focus and indulge in the beauty that surrounded me. To be present. And thankful. To not think too much of the travel ahead, my connecting flights, the work that awaited back home, the surgery…
I'm on the road a lot these days. Between weddings, brand partnerships, and going back and forth between Austin and New York City, to say that I'm living in my suitcase would be an understatement. In case you have not caught up yet, my husband and I moved to Austin a few months ago, but my office/Fanm Djanm studio is still based in New York City. And before you ask me "why", I already answered all of that here. So I find myself traveling once a month for at least one whole week. Not only is the constant traveling overwhelming, packing is also one of my least favorite things to do.
I finally made it to New Orleans. And I fell in love with her colors. We hugged for a while. she welcomed me with open arms, and I got lost in her magic.
NEW YORK CITY
The summer breeze relaxed me as I closed my eyes on the plush lounge chair. I felt my shoulders getting less tense, and all my little troubles melting away. Nemah's loud laughter almost disappeared in the background. But there's no tuning out the spicy Ghanian/Tanzanian woman who keeps our office organized and ships everything with so much care. I pictured Toni, the newest addition to our team, trying to shush Nemah or giving her the side-eye to get her to behave. Shenel who is part of our operating and creative crew helped to keep me from falling on the hammock as I tried to hold my drink in one hand and keep my dress down from the wind in the other. She's the calmest of the group and observes quietly while trying to make plans on how to distance herself from the super loud, colorful group. And Indigo, not quite part of the team, but a huge supporter since she moved to New York watches us as we strategically place our drinks on the table for some photo ops. We may not be working, but we will get creative!
The musical takes us to September 12th, when 38 airplanes and over 6,500 passengers were stranded in a giant airport in Newfoundland. The small town of only 3,000 opened their homes to these passengers. Town officials started collecting all necessary items to welcome their new guests, and the entire town came together to provide relief efforts. Townspeople utilized all public spaces, as well as private establishments, in order to provide their new guests with shelter and food. Human kindness could not have been displayed in a more phenomenal and heart-warming way.
Touch me
Not with your hands
Nor with your lips, you see
Embrace me
With just your words
Sweet nothings
Caressing my ears
Sending chills across my neck
Down to my back
Tell me
This spring, I’m all about flowy dresses, dancing barefoot, and stepping out in statement mules. I’ve been keeping my hair in braided extensions. They’re great for easy updos, and headwrap styles. They’re also perfect for adding drama to my fancy dance moves, that often include shaking my head, shimmying, and a little hip shaking. OK, maybe they’re not that fancy, but they’re pretty fun!