Tipping on alligators and little rattlesnakes

Hey my fellow bloggers it's been a while, I've had so many things to tell you and share with you but I went through a kind of the unveiling moment and subsequently had my very own form of existential crisis...Reality was not intermingling well with my Wonderland.

Majority of the things in fashion that so-called "artists" promote, like full nudity and semi-nudity in photoshoots and editorials and the whole lot, all of which seem allude to the industry's celebration of beauty, the body and eccentricity in a world that is excited by the next best thing/person, re-invention and boldness. I won't go into a full on rant, let's just say I got fed up. I'm not saying these are tasteless they, simply, leave a bad taste in my mouth and I needed a break (It hasn't been easy but I'm back- and hopefully with a little more clarity and aim for myself and this blog (thank you all for reading, following and commenting).

So...Fashion's Night Out for me was a complete flop [*sofia's voice from Golden Girls* picture this: dead fish]...Caught the tail-end of Janelle Monae's performance at Gap, didn't get my manicure at Chanel (I needed that desperately), Rose (Beautiful Truth) and I felt out of our depths [and I always love the challenge and adventure of new things... dimensions]. We trodded, aimlessly to Knightsbridge for my first glimpse of Harrods (I might add, not so special). I did glimpse a sombre Thandie Newton on [I believe] her husband's arm. I guess London Fashion Weekend will make up for it.

Guess what?! I've got a very exciting fashion retail position...ssshhh! I'm keeping mum on the who and where that blog post was my good luck charm. Be happy for me!
Sad face :( my summer internship with NYLA Boutique has come to and end but never fear you just need to pop over to their website to see what's new, I'll also be in touch with the sisters every now and then.

My cousin just wrapped up a brief yet rewarding trip to London, he took some amazing pictures with my camera (I swear I'm the only one that gets o.k. images when I use it) of places in London that I've  taken for granted and never seen/visited. These select images show a refreshing side of London - they remind me of how lucky that I am to be here.

 

Trippin in the Cosmos

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I saw this video for the first time today. I felt like I was on a high! Do you know the first thought that came to my head was that - she's in my wonderland...I'm going into my third year at university, so now more than ever life after school is pressing closer. I can't even find a part-time job in fashion retail! Apparently, people with less work ethic than me are more employable! (C'mon people...Stop and have a look!...Almost begs the question- Is there something wrong with me?!) Hell, fashion is a part of my being; It's inherent and I'm personable. You won't find a more hard-working and serving employee but apparently the high street and all these other department stores have weak HR dept's.!!!! I can't wait for the day I can turn around and say, Look at that!! na-na- na-na (aaaarrrgh!!! I take it back...please hire me!)


Job hunting is not for the faint-hearted and those with low self-esteem! I'm not saying as an average person that I don't have bouts of self-doubt but I like to think I'm confident and self-assured but it takes a determined and strong will person to persevere after numerous bouts of rejection  (with no explanation) or just assuming from the many unanswered emails that (surprise, surprise!) the job isn't mine... But I have a good feeling that I will have a job soon...

The origins of my style

This post is dedicated to my darling of a mother whose birthday is today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY!!

I was reading chapter 3 - Inspirations in Nina Garcia's, The Little Black Book of Style, this chapter takes the reader through different forms of style inspiration like Music, Film, Art, Travel and other kinds can be interpreted from these headings. The first inspiration for my style that came to mind was my Mummy! (Awww) Immediately, I thought of a picture I had seen of my mum when she was around my age with a group of friends- she was wearing a multi-coloured plaid playsuit with white reebooks and thick tube socks...

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The colour scheme of the plaid design could be an exact copy of the orange, yellow and green design (second from the right) and at a glance the material was probably the same kind of feel - I know for certain that it wasn't cotton, not sure .

 Schuh
  Now that I've given you most of the picture...Let me explain why this came to mind as Jane Cocteau's "Style is a simple way of saying complicated things."
Out of the group of people my mum stood out, her look was different from the others not just in the colours, mostly it was the way she was stood laughing at the camera, confident and knowing that she was comfortable and looked good! Her style was saying that what you see is only the beginning I'm like the colours you can't tell exactly where one ends and the other begins but it's all of the same material! (convoluted! I'm sorry it's the only way I could say it)

That is what stood out when I thought of inspiration. My mum loves clothing with colour but she also knows how and what works for her. I'll admit there were times we went out on the weekend and I was totally embarrassed ( as any teen would) with her in a jungle themed shirt that you would expect those annoying tourists to wear. (you know what I'm talking about) But she didn't care and I look back now with respect and admiration that this woman is my original style inspiration.

My mother isn't afraid of colours, she isn't afraid of a little bit (and I say little with extreme emphasis) of eccentricity for self-expression, that was all that was acceptable in JA. Today, my mum lets me do me! (do my thang! ugghhh that sounded weird) But she doesn't understand a few of my style choices and she isn't afraid to call me out on them. Most of all she knows when enough is enough!

I have memories of going to our dressmaker (seamstress to those of you who don't know this term) and I was always excited to go through the magazines and watch my mum pick out a style/ design she wanted to recreate to her specific tastes, even if it was her office uniform. I never really appreciated these visits for numerous fickle reasons but I'm happy I can say that because it still something I can take from my mum.

 Another memory that I think many girls will relate to is trying on your mum's clothes. I did that but with her jewellery and her shoes (she had a love for shoes and she still has jaw-dropping pieces of costume jewellery and playful pieces).  I gone on long enough and I have tonnes more!

The main lesson my mum taught me with her style from makeup to clothing and accessories is covered in one of her many gems that she drilled into me growing up it's taken from the bible. My mum showed me essentially that there's a time for everything; she always presents herself the way she wants to be perceived in any situation and her look never dates there's always some reinvention taking the time to learn new aspects of herself- even if it's the littlest of changes,  she knows when to make that extra effort and when to just be and let your personality do the talking, while people admire your look!


I Love You Mummy!
xoxo

Phantasmagoria

I live in my infinite world of dreams where there are no limits, only endless possibilities...I see what I want... what I need... I see what should be or ought to have been for you and me... my very own Glass Menagerie...  I'll take you along with me .

 

La Dame du Lac
Jun/Jul 2010 

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The etherealness of this spread spoke instantly to me, the stillness, the story each image protrays with each detail...I feel represents me...I feel every ray of sunshine on my face...every raindrop...every snowflake.

There is an elegant poise in my every motion...I stand tall, my very presence resonates my appreciativeness of all things...As beauty is in the eye of the beholder...I am unapologetic for my words, thoughts and actions - it doesn't matter that I am different, I am only sorry that you fail to appreciate what makes me me...

I speak volumes in everything that I do, say or wear...It may appear as though I say a lot, but I say very little. Those closest and dearest to my heart will hear... You will try to listen, but you will only hear what it is I want you to.                                                                                                                                                       

Overtime

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I don't know what it is, but lately I've been feeling as if I'm in limbo... One minute everything I imagine in my head is amazing...All my plans are coming together nicely. Then...Back to reality with a bump!!!  And NOTHING has changed (what a drag...also a cliché, but who cares) I mean it's summer and for months I had plans for plans- sounds a lot more borig than it is!! you know?!! My wardrobe, work, LIFE...The list is endless...It's only the beginning but I don't feel inspired...

I had a day out with the girlies, and I had planned to treat myself, and simply relax but by the day's end I was more wound up than down... Life isn't looking as how I wanted it, but I'm turning it into a +!!! My time isn't here yet, just gives me more adventures in the wondrous place that is my WONDERLAND...