Earlier this year, my partner and I jumped at the opportunity to spend some time together without our little one. He had a work thing, I didn’t have any commitments that weekend, it was perfect timing. To be fair, we had also just spent the whole month of January traveling as a family and were just overdue for some alone time and a night out.
Like most parents who finally get baby free time, we were ambitious with our plans. In reality, we slept in, we were spontaneous with our restaurant choices (if you’ve got toddlers you know how risky that can be), we spent the whole day jumping in and out of museums, bookstores and palaces without worrying about the time or the weather, and when we felt like having dinner, we got to freely indulge in drinks without having to worry about getting someone back to the hotel in time for their bedtime routine.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on this trip. If you ever find yourself in Munich, Makula if you’re up for a taste of West African fusion food. Restaurant Savanna for Southern African cuisine. Marienplatz is the standard must-see locale. Maximilian Strasse is a fashion lover’s dream come true. Isator Park for the impressive graffiti wall art. And lastly, The Munich Residence in the middle of downtown is an absolute playground for all travel bloggers and history enthusiasts.
According to Harper’s Bazaar the No.1 predicted hairstyle for this summer was the blunt bob. But I’m always late to the trend party and had no idea about this walking into the hair salon. Honestly, I’d been transitioning and wanted to get rid of my relaxed ends. A blunt bob is what I left the salon with. And I totally get why this style made it to the number 1 spot. Although the article mentioned an ode to the 70’s I felt like I traveled back in time but to the 90’s. Effortlessly sexy, free and definitely bombshell worthy.
I was getting the whole 90’s video vixen vibe so it was only right I played the part. Think…Pharrel’s “frontin’” video. Gosh I love that song!
-Kondja
Denim jumpsuit: Zara Shoes: Simmi Shoes Basket bag: Zara Scarf: Vintage Shop in Brooklyn
I love weddings! I live for a good party, celebrating love and happiness. Besides, who doesn’t love an opportunity to get all glammed up and fancy? Right!?
Coming from both an African and Caribbean background, weddings were always that time to bring your best, but these days with the culture of “toning it down” as to not “outshine the bride” it’s gets quite conflicting when it comes time for me to decide what to wear to weddings. There are a few rules of thumb for occasion dressing that I’ve adapted to help me through the process of finding the perfect outfit that I’m glad to share with you all.
First and foremost, comfort over everything. It’s a basic human nature, if you’re not comfortable you become overly self-aware and self-conscious, no one wants that when you’re supposed be jubilant and social. So, I gravitate to silhouettes that compliment my body type but doesn’t overly put my “assets” on show. I.e. if I’m showing clavicle and arms, I’ll go for a midi/longer length dress etc. etc. a game of proportions, major key!
I try to stay away from blacks and whites, unless otherwise requested by the bride and groom.
Minimal accessories, because too many times I’ve gone in all my glory, only to end up losing something, like an earring or a bracelet, so less is definitely more in this regard. Also, big bags are a big no!
Lastly, when I know I’m going to be dancing my butt off, a sexy pair of heels that I know I’m not going to want to ditch after a few hours are a priority.
Hopefully, this checklist will help you narrow down your options for an outfit the next time you have a wedding or a celebratory event to go to. Allowing you to actually enjoy the shopping process, like you’re supposed to. And in case you needed a little more inspiration, I’ve also shared some options and sites on my instagram stories. Be sure to check it out and if you find it useful, be a friend and share! Until next time guys, happy shopping!
-Kondja
Dress: Issey Miyake Shoes: Steve Madden Accessories: Vintage
This year has proved significant to me in more ways than one. Besides hitting that milestone 30, I’ve been more focused than ever on personal development and really trying to be brutally honest with myself on what happiness truly means to me.
For the last 5 years, I’ve dedicated time to, well…finding happiness (so to speak), though those who really know, know it doesn’t just happen overnight. I threw myself into my relationship because at the time that’s what made me happy. And then motherhood because well, that brought a different level of love and fulfillment. I was content, but as we all come to realize that easily became a blessing and a setback.
While throwing myself into my family and my home, I neglected me and my life outside of that. Starting with friendships. Some might know that I’ve been an expat for 5 years now, so not having my already established circle of friends around played a big role in that. And living in a country where the language is not your native makes creating new ones a bit of a challenge. My mindset at the time may or may not have had something to do with that too, but that’s a conversation for another post.
This time around though, I told myself I’d make it a point to cultivate a tribe of creatives and like minds. To put myself out there with people, with looks, with ideas and concepts. I mean, I know we’re in the last quarter of the year but sis is finally ready. Me. I am sis.
This blog is LIVE! Finally! You don’t even know the half of it! From struggling to coordinate schedules, to trying to find a balance with family life, to falling into a creative rut and struggling to pull myself out of that…I mean, you get the gist. It just seemed like everything and anything was working against me and I was ready to scrap the whole idea of it. But you know what they say…if you can’t stop thinking about it, it’s probably worth going after. So here I am, going after it and if this isn’t my calling, I’m 110% sure this platform will open the doors to what is.
With all that being said, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t name this chapter, so without thinking too long on it I’m going call this chapter: Just Jump Already. I’m sure a lot of us can relate to that, I’m sure we’ve all come to that crossroad at some point, but out of curiosity, what would you name this chapter of life that you’re currently in?
Anyways, I really wanted to kick start this blog on a personal level, for context and for the opportunity to be vulnerable. As much as this is a fashion blog, I also really want this to be a space where we can get personal and be open. So I dedicate this post to everyone who’s in need of a little push to go for whatever it is in your heart to go after, to stop downplaying yourself and give yourself a little more credit. And as a gentle remind that you matter, your happiness matters- don’t you ever forget that part. So let’s toast to new beginnings and dream chasing.
