Sorry, Not Sorry

OK, the only reason why I would not be sorry for this post is due to the picture quality :s

I took all of my my photos indoors and tried to retake them during the day...but time would not permit.

Hi guys!

So these past two weekends were filled with merriment amidst school work. I got to celebrate Nigerian Independence with friends in two home cities: St Louis and Chicago.

I went to three parties in Chicago, and man was it *expensive*, but worth it! *I go party crazy with  my people when I haven't been in the scene for a while*

Anyway, there was a Timaya concert as well and it was nice, I must say.

Without further rambling, here are my not-so spiced up photos!

Crop tank- ASOS (Here), Skirt- Akira (Sold out), Shoes- ALDO (old, similar Here)

The Office, STL

Crop Top- ASOS (Here), Pants- Trifted, old, Shoes- JustFab (old, similar Here)

Quick selfie before heading to RSVP Lounge, Chicago

Tired. Worn out. Shopping. Hot sun. Downtown. Chicago

A lady's gotta have her selfie ;)

Dress- French Connection (Old, try Here, Here, alternative Here), Shoes- Bakers (Old, alternative Here). Clutch- J.C. Penny (Old, alternative Here)

I couldn't get a clear photo, so I gave up! lol

"Smizing" :-)

I would have loved to show more photos from the events, but I tend to forget all about my phone the moment I leave my house!

Back to school work. Eight more weeks and it's Christmas break!!!

Thanks for stopping by.

xxxo

Nigeria at 53

Happy independence day, Nigeria!!!

The labor of our heroes past will never be in vain...

xxxo

Nasty Gal Fall 2013 Collection

Nasty Gal's fall 2013 collection is here, and it's edgier!

xxxo

Peek-a-BooB

Hello guys!!!

Things have been going rather fast for me, and I find myself handling so much work at the same time. 

Best part about being in your final year, huh?

Well, this was an outfit I wore to my sister's birthday dinner a few weeks ago. 

I never intentionally planned for a "corporate look". It just so happened that the items I bought from ASOS a couple of months ago were begging to be worn. It was a hot day and I was making a drive down to Bloomington, IL (almost 3 hours away from me). I decided to wear a blazer to complete my look, especially since I knew it'd be cooler indoors.

My top was side cut and exposed my side boobs. To see the look click here

Top + Skirt- ASOS (Here and Here), Blazer- C.Russe (Old, similar Here), Necklace- ASOS (Sold out, similar Here), Shoes- the Mall (Old, alternative Here)

 My braids took me roughly 11 hours to do over the course of two days (laziness). I ran out of my favorite X-pression hair and was upset that I had to use a shorter version beauty supply hair. The braids are coming down this weekend though. Tired of it already!

I wish I had done a little tutorial, but sometimes when you get your hair done yourself, you just want to be lazy or fast with it, and recording doesn't cross your mind.

For braiding: Get your favorite braiding hair. Make sure you ":feather it" (aka making the ends uneven) just so that it's easier to braid to the end and gives it a smoother finish.

Brush the hair thoroughly and divide into portions. 

Section your hair in tiny bits for a fuller look, and in big chunks as you please.

After braiding, dip your braids in hot (boiled) water. Be careful not to splash yourself with it! Get a towel available. Let the braids drain off excess water, then squeeze braids with towel. This process allows for a smoother finish and gives the braided hair a sleek look.

Apply hair oil/sheen as needed.

Have a lovely weekend.

xxxo

Labor Day

I've crated some styles ideas for those of you celebrating Labor Day.

I know it's coming in late, but this is the least I could do.

What To Wear: Labor Day by china-young featuring bracelet jewelry

What To Wear: Labor Day by china-young featuring a sequin shirt

What To Wear: Labor Day by china-young featuring flat sandals

Please note that I'm not suggesting that you purchase these items to create the looks.

You can find similar pieces on various clothing sites.



Happy grilling everyone!

xxxo

Give Me Summer!

Like, I want summer back!

These are just a few photos(of events) that my summer consisted of. 

I shuffled between Chicago, St Louis and Edwardsville for school work and fun stuff.

Now that school is back is session, I reflect on past memories and grin over the things I was able to accomplish. I'm already being stormed with school work, but hey...it was expected!

July 4th picnic with friend Dj Diesel

4th of July picnic at Jackson park, Chicago.
Dress (old. I knotted it to the side), Necklace- Aldo,  Bag- F21

All-White party with my given twin, Funks!
Dragonfly Mandarin, Chicago.
Outfit details here

Night-out with friends at The Rustic Goat, STL
Tank + Skirt- F21 (sold out)

Night-out in Chicago
Jumpsuit- F21 (bought in  a Chicago store for $37.99, buy here)

Before a road trip to Indiana with my sibs & friends for a two-day weekend, while helping a friend move

My view from the hotel + room @ JW Marriott, Indianapolis

Early Sunday cookout at the pool with friends.
My apt @ Enclave, Edwardsville

Enjoying a me time in Edwardsville.
Movie night.

Running errands in preparation for my parent's 25th anniversary. Chicago.
Tank- F21 (old), Maxi dress- T.J. Maxx (old)

Friends at the wedding reception.

Friends at the wedding reception

The couple! My parents.

Photo bits of my traditional dress at the anniversary. 

Family! Yummy-ness.
The color...love it! So rich & vibrant.

Met up one last time with my girls.
The Cheesecake Factory, Chicago.

Sister's birthday! August 15.
Lioness! Courageous queen <3
Dress- Akira (old)

Many other photos I took with my phone ended up being lost or stuck in the phone's memory because dear T-mobile decided to factory reset my phone! I'll post more when I'm able to retrieve them.

Thanks for stopping by.

xxxo

Your Aspiration?

What do you want to be when you grow up? Was an infamous question asked religiously when I was in high school back in Nigeria.

My nonchalant response was always "I want to become a nurse"

Back then, being a nurse in Nigeria was nothing to write home about...really. My mates would always tease me about it because they'd aspire to be either a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or study mass communication ( mass comm. was the response of most 'shakara' girls lol).

Going back to when I was either 7 or 8 years of age, while in primary (elementary) school, home, or church, in fact any acting situation I was in, I was always fond of nursing the sick during a play. You must include a hospital/clinic in that script, or else I'm not acting. Yes, it was that serious!

With each passing day, I never thought my family would settle in America. Although my dad was a business man who traveled the world for his merchandise, living abroad never crossed my mind. And so, being a nurse in a foreign land wasn't my utmost intention. I was in it for the purpose, bestowed by Florence Nightingale; for the passion and not money.  FYI: Nurses were under-payed, so money wasn't even a factor back then.

Fast-forward to today, I'm in my final year as a nursing undergrad. I can't even begin to tell you what my journey through this program has been. God is ever faithful.

Whenever I tell people I'm a nursing student after being questioned, 80% either say "I guessed", "that's where the money is", "just like your mother" or "typical"--many African (women) are migrating to this profession.

So dear future questioner, I find that *money* reply rather insulting. Now you know my reason. And if you missed it, I'd just give you that fake smile :)

The screenshot above is one of the many chats I've had with friends (and Nigerian schoolmates) that I'm just now reconnecting with after 6 years. The girl in the photo above was my best friend's friend...I was surprised she remembered my aspiration :')


On that note, I hope you all have a fantastic time being back in school. Excel and prosper!



xxxo