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

Dots & Leather

When I bought these pieces from the store, the outfit was not planned. I get so overwhelmed and frustrated shopping at stores, and believe me when I tell you I skip from racks to racks in a very disorganized manner...it feels as though I am being forced to shop...it always is in most cases as I resort to last minute shopping.

 

Well, after looking through stores on Michigan avenue downtown of Chicago, I went to Forever 21 and absolutely nothing caught my attention. It was by luck that I saw the very affordable skirt placed oddly among dresses. I reluctantly bought it and hoped to find a top.

Topshop was no different...long story short, my sister pushed me into buying the crop top after sending her a photo complaining about how awkwardly it sat on my bosom.

Top- Topshop (here), Skirt- F21 (here), Shoes- Lulu*s (here)

I've never been a fan of in-store shopping. I just don't know how to. I'd rather be in the comfort of my home, adding various items to cart and then sorting them out upon checkout.

 It's that easy.

Thanks for stopping by

xxxo

Runway (Autumn 2013)

Christian Dior's haute couture autumn 2012 runway show was unveiled during Paris Fashion Week (PFW)

All White

I wore this white ensemble to an all-white party during the July 4th festivities. 

When I went shopping, I had a white shirt-dress in mind. I found a couple at some stores but they didn't have the fitting I wanted. Having a limited time to shop was also at a disadvantage. The last store I walked into was Akira...then I knew I had to pick something up, although they didn't have much white selections.

I was reluctant to pick up the skater skirt cos it looked big. I was persuaded by my friend to try it on. I got a tank top to try with it, but instead of tucking it in and putting a belt over it as suggested by a sales girl, I decided to put the tank in a knot. I really wanted to pair it up with some white skinny jeans, but then again, my options were null. I just wanted to dress "simple".

I convinced my friend to wear the shirt dress from H&M 

I got my sis to take these photos. I think she did a good job.

Tank + Skirt- Akira (buy skirt here), Shoes- ShoeMint (sold out, alternative here) Ring- F21 (old)

I have moved on from jewelries. Not completely, but I seldom wear them these days. The only jewelry I have in this post are my earrings and ring. If all else fails, I've got to have a ring on.

xxxo

Happy Birthday To Ya!

Hip hip hip...hooray!!!

Lumiere Casino, St Louis

Yesterday, July 15 was my birthday. And while I refrained from the usual (dinner,house party and what not), I had a splendid time hanging with my love--my big sis Rosie and a few friends down in Edwardsville. Rosie drove 2hrs 30min straight from work to come bring in my day with me (Sunday night). We went to The Landing in STL with another friend. The Casinos was awesome...oh yeahh, won some moola! :-)

My apartment at Enclave

While I was feeling special on my day (like I should) with numerous texts and calls, I got some relaxing time at at the pool with Rosie. We spent a little over 3hrs soaking up the sun and boy it felt so good! It was actually my first time going to my apartment pool (I never have the time to do so). Later in the evening we went to the movies with some friends to see Grown Ups 2. It had everybody in the room *dying* with laughter. After the movies, some more movies, but this time was at a friend's apartment.

This year felt different because I was away from family and some close friends, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I feel truly blessed for the things I've been able to accomplish and I look forward to what is yet to come.

Super tanned!

Be thankful. Always!

xxxo

New In: Anne Michelle Pumps

Hey guys!

So...this has to be the easiest purchase I've ever made. I got it a little over two weeks ago.

And I can honestly say that within seconds of spotting it, I immediately added to cart, found another item, and checked out!

What encouraged my instinct?

The price, the look, and somewhat of a rebirth!

A few months ago, Zara came up with a very chic pump that was spotted on the soles of many (if not all) fashion fanatic. I liked it except for one thing-- the color combo!

If you know me, you'd know I'm more on the neutral/monochromatic side when it comes to my shoes. And with this shoe having a red, tan and black combination, it was an instant no-no! But it looked good on others. 

My new Lulu heels is so comfortable. I wore it once; last week for a 4th of July shindig. Yes, I took some photos but most came out blurry, so I'll try to take some outfit photos this weekend.

***I barely make outfit posts because for one, I don't use/have a professional photographer. 

Also, my Tripod has been sitting in my apartment because I'm yet to get a new camera that comes with a remote so that I'll take shots by myself. So until then, bare with me.

So yeah, hurry on up and get yourself a pair. They have a few left!

Also check out their Zara inspired pump here

Thanks for stopping by.

xxxo