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.

Senior Pictures...

It truly pays off being active in the community around you. I took my senior pictures at the Spirit Ranch, which is such an amazingly beautiful place. I love the atmosphere, the staff, and all that they do for people who come there. If you've never had the honor of going, you should try sometime. Even if it's just for a tour.

I had the pleasure of attending for my first time with Mentor Tech, and have been there several times since. Walking through the grounds while taking my pictures truly brought back all the memories that I had there. From bonding with my protege's from Dunbar Middle School and my fellow PAC Leaders, jumping off the pole with Thomas and Keshia, or sharing stories over a cup of coffee. The Spirit Ranch is a vital part of my experience in college. Man how I'm going to miss that place.

Sorry I've been a little MIA. With school, work, lab, grad school applications, job applications, packing, Platform planning, my graduation party, and preparing for all my family that's coming into town for my graduation, it's been crazy. Hopefully I'll figure out something soon. I hate that my blog is suffering.

In exactly 20 days, at this exact time, I will be walking across the stage. I'm scared to death, but I know that I am blessed to have come this far. InshaAllah, if God is willing, I will continue to go even further. Now to the wonderful pictures that my good friend Abdullah Alwosaibi took for me. Isn't he simply talented?