My Biggest Inspiration...

As everyone knows, my biggest inspiration is Janelle Monae. If I could, I would hijack her entire wardrobe. I recently tried to figure out my new obsession with black and white. That seems to be the only colors that I buy lately. Then I realized, I am definitely embodying everything that Janelle stands for. From the simple yet sophisticated wardrobe, to the use of her image to promote positivity.

The reason I love her so much is because for the first time, I saw a beautiful, strong, black woman in the lime light, who dressed and carried herself modestly. Her music wasn't talking about anything provocative, nor did she demean herself in her videos. She took a completely different approach to her image, and I admire her for that.

Before I even really started wearing ties myself (although in high school I tried it out every now again), I had an obsession with them. I loved seeing a man dressed up in a suit and tie. I already knew the contents of my future husbands closet. Then I thought, why wait until then? So from there, my style evolved. Not sure if I'll continue wearing them so often (I got asked if i was a lesbian a little while back), but they will forever be in my wardrobe in some way.

Thank you Janelle, for representing women who's rather be valued for their mind and for their body.

I do not own any of the pictures used above. 

Hijabi's Do It Best...

This video here just gave me life. I haven't really been motivated into getting super dressed up lately. It's been more about attempting to wear something clean. That is why you have not seen my beautiful face in so long. But I'm at the home stretch. 5 pm on Saturday, I'll officially be done with all my undergrad duties, with the exception of 2 grad school applications. Alhamdulillah, I cannot wait.

Watching this video really made me giddy inside. There are so many different styles and ideas that I have wanted to try, but I simply haven't. I think I have graduated from the bow tie phase of my life. They might make an appearance here or there, but they aren't going to be a staple in my wardrobe any more.

I love watching hijabi's do things that people don't expect of them. Just watch and see what I'm talking about. And thank you for creating this video. It really did just give me life this sad Monday morning before finals.

23 And Fabulous...

I had so much fun this weekend celebrating my former roommate, Shamaya's birthday. We surprised her at midnight with cup cakes and our horrible singing. Then we had a lovely dinner at Blue Mesa Grill on Saturday. I think she really loved my gift. 

In honor of Shamaya, the queen of black and basic colors, I decided to go a little out of my comfort zone. How did I do?

The birthday girl.

boots via ross
leggings via forever 21
blouse via express
earrings via forever 21
bag via cotton on
necklace via forever 21
scarf via ??
cardigan via forever 21
watch via christmas gift
gold bracelet via forever 21
other bracelets via diy

My New Obsessions...

I love men's fashion. I have an entire board on Pinterest dedicated to how my husband and son will dress, and everything I want to buy them. I see nothing wrong with dressing my husband, especially if he has to walk around with me. So as I've been pinning ans checking out blogs, I've noticed that I've recently become obsessed with a few things.

Velvet Blazers

I am in love with them. I would go with a classic black, but I love how the colored ones are done above. Not everyone can pull them off, which is probably why I like them. 

Cuff links

I love classic, vintage, and monogrammed cuff links. Anything that can throw a bit of your personality into your outfit, even if it's a standard black suit. 

 Loafers

The first thing I look at is a man's shoes. I'll take a nice pair of loafers over sneakers any day. The show maturity and individuality. Plus, they are so much sexier.

Baby Loafers

My son will be extremely fresh. I especially love the ones in the middle by TOM. They are so cute. Why wouldn't I want my son to be a mini me of my husband?

Socks

The colorful, the better. I love seeing colored socks peaking out between a man's trouser and shoe. They just show a burst of personality and quirkiness. It also shows how well he can coordinate. 

Blogs...

Is it just me, or do you love reading different blogs too? I love reading peoples opinions on different things, see what they are up to, and peeping all the latest trends in fashion. I always seem to have a new favorite blog. I keep my old rotation, but I love to throw some new one's in the mix here and there. So let's see what's new to the rotation.

Just My Type- When you want a little insight on different things that make you go "Ah ha", this is the perfect blog. It states the obvious, but most of us wouldn't even think of it. If you ever have free time, this is a good read.

No, I'm Not Talking To Myself- My favorite professor has a blog. It's funny to read about things that go on in her head or in her life. It's great to know a professor in a different capacity. It makes them seem way more human.

Hey Fran Hey- For anything and everything natural. From hair to food to exercise, this girl has it going on. She can give you a natural remedy for pretty much anything. I mainly love her natural hair advise and recipe suggestions. I made a mean spaghetti squash from one of her recipes.

Chic Street Style- I am in love with this girl's style. I would gladly trade for her closet any day(in my size of course). She talks about fashion, styles, and now she's started a series called The budget Breakdown. I'm definitely going to need that in the near future.

Individualism-  Last but not least, my favorite blog so far. A lot of the blog talks about men's fashion, which I am obsessed with. But it's really about expressing yourself and being comfortable in who you are to wear what ever you please. As long as you're comfortable and confident, no one can say anything. And if they do, you can tell them to go suck it.

Noir...

Lubbock is attempting to become sophisticated. Texas Tech University's African Student Organization and Black Student Association came together to have a collaborative all black fashion show. All the models did a beautiful job. I commend all the designers and the organizers. It was a beautiful event.

My love Rukayat was of course a model so I had to go out and support. I showed up and showed out. It was a good time. Tech events are really stepping up.

She was killing it.

So proud of her.

shirt via ralph lauren
blazer via h & m
bow tie via jcpenny
pants via forever 21
belt via forever 21
clutch via vintage
earrings via rue 21
lips via ruby woo
scarf via ???
shoes via aldo