Inconsistency (& fear?), The constant enemy of progress

                      

                 

I have achieved many things throughout this year ranging from graduating, starting a blog and entering the world of work however it is with the things that I have started and not finished (like my blog) that I will focus.

 

Whenever we commence a new job or a new journey in life, we are filled with a sense of achievement and are encouraged by the endless opportunities that exist along that way. As time goes on, we get distracted and occupied; we set aside the pursuits that bring us joy and a sense of peace. Even with our God given pursuits we can fall short as a result of many pressures both negative and positive. Joseph Addison’s said “... Inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature”.

Since I can remember I have been an avid artist and I've always had a love of all things creative. In my earlier years, I was absorbed with producing my own pieces with dreams of one day presenting my work. As time and age has increased it seems I have set these pursuits aside getting pre-occupied with the pursuit of education which in itself is a very great asset. So while, I don't advocate the “New Year New Me” attitude, I aim to walk into 2014 the same person but with a renewed mindset and an attitude that speaks to planning and seeing these plans to fulfilment; hoping to use my 24hrs to the fullest. Not setting aside one pursuit for the other but ensuring continuum and symmetry.

Yes! Life’s journey offers us constant change, detours along the way are to be expected, a few brief pauses; however this does not mean we stop but rather evaluate our position and press on. 

I had the great pleasure of not doing so well in my as-levels (I can say that now). I was inconsistent with my studying which led me to achieve below what I was/am capable of. What this major event in my life taught me is that inconsistency should have no place in your journey. This brief pause in my life pushed me to work harder and constantly encouraging myself by visualising exactly where I wanted to be at the end of the journey. 

Strife and anguish, have proved to be something of a springboard to success to some of the most respected men and women the world has ever known. In their pain some would say they were at their best. In the words of Sigmund Freud “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your greatest strengths”.

                                                      PAIN/DISAPPOINTMENT 

 

Pain, (while not necessary for growth) can be quite powerful as a tool for character building. Never ever should we build people or situations up to the point where when we are disappointed it taints our mind set and perception of life.

 

There have been instances this year where I have let the actions and opinions of a minute few dictate the pursuit of my God given purpose. The danger of meditating on these disappointments is that they begin to metastasise, infecting other aspects of our lives.

 

If Nelson Mandela a man who was not perfect in himself, had let the disappointments he faced alter his mindset would he have made such an impact on the world. If Martin Luther King had chosen to keep quiet because some would not accept his beliefs would segregation still be alive and well? 

 

I am by no means saying these men and others like them achieved these feats alone. They were part of a progress fraught with fear and disappointments. Instead of retreating, backing down or questioning, they used fear as a driving force for great achievements.

 

In 2014, do not let pain, disappointment or inconsistency rob you of your drive. Take a brief pause, learn your lesson, dust yourself off and continue on your hustle, we must always remember... “Failure is the Fog through which we glimpse Triumph. Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm”. Winston Churchill.

 

                                              HAPPY NEW YEAR Until Next Time

                   

 

BLOCK:COLOUR:DAYS

Although blogging is one of my favorite past times it is slowly becoming apparent that its not as easy as it seems. There are some days where I have chosen an outfit to wear which I think is just spectacular but when it comes to viewing the pictures it looks more like a spectacle. its definitely not so glamorous when you walk into a tree or end up looking like the Michelin man after attempting to layer.

 

Sunday was such a day. I tried on a series of different outfits that had me looking like a colour confused clown coming back from the circus. 
Just not a good look. 

There are also days when after destroying you wardrobe you try on the last two items not angrily thrown on the floor and the outfit actually works.
 

Onto today's post.

             

The last few years, the fashion industry has focused heavily on colour blocking, prints and elaborate patterns but honestly there are some days where simplicity is golden. 

The two items worn in today's post were bought at least two years apart. The H&M shirt from the most recent season and the oasis trousers from three or four years ago. This is prime example of purchasing pieces that transcend the short term trends that seem to pop up every season. 

 

 

Shirt: H&M, Trousers: Oasis, Shoes: Next, Jewellery: Dorothy Perkins & Topshop

Like everything in life there is a natural evolution, a change in what you like or dislike. Invest in pieces that are chic, classic, well tailored and well made.
Most of all stay true to yourself, people won't like always like what you wear or appreciate the things you do.
Be comfortable, Be you.

Until Next Time
xoxo

Parking Lot Vogue

 

There are just some days in life when you drive to a car park (parking lot) and just have a photo shoot. Granted anyone present will think you've divorced your brain but hey, any opportunity for a selfie.

 

Unto today's post......

 

There are just some items in your wardrobe that can transform any outfit. For example, the top and blazer worn in this post were paired with a pair of navy blue to Topshop jeans and H&M flats the previous day.

Yes I wore the outfit twice and yes I'm not sorry. Like chicken sometimes an outfit needs more than one day to marinate.

 

Blazer & Trousers: H&M, Shoes: Zara, Top: Dorothy Perkins, Earrings: Topshop,

Lipstick: MAC Darkside

 

As I was saying, the simple addition of these printed H&M trousers (on sale of course) and Zara strappy sandals instantly transforms an otherwise understated outfit.

I must warn you though as nice as the Zara heels look after about two hours you'll feel like relocating them into the nearest incinerator. The pain is real.

 

 

I received these shoes as a graduation present and as per usual decided it would be a good idea to wear them for the day.

However I ended up waddling onto the stage for the customary graduation handshake like a drunk penguin.

Not a good look at all.

Whoever said fashion is pain needs to re-examine their wardrobe.

Fashion doesn't warrant possibly losing the feeling in your feet.

 

Wish you a wonderful and blessed week wherever you are.

Until next time

xoxo

 

 

 



IF IN DOUBT WEAR BLACK

As much as I love the beautiful weather I'm glad Its temporarily over. How is it that you leave the house looking like Beyoncé straight out of the Pepsi commercial then comeback sweating like a buffalo that just jogged through the Sahara desert during a sand storm and was sat on by a camel.

It's really not a good look.

Anywho onto todays outfit post. 

 

 

Todays outfit post was inspired in part by a dear friend of mine who has a great appreciation for all things black and monochrome. Black is a versatile colour that can be both dressed up and dressed down with some carefully chosen accessories.



 

I paired a black top from Primark with black jean from Zara and added a bright blue swede pair of heels from internacionale.

 

 

To mix it up a bit I added a H&M blazer with black lapels to tie in with the all black everything theme of the outfit.

 

Before signing off today I want to leave you with this quote.

 

"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are not little things"

Bruce Burton.

 

I had the pleasure of listening to a message today regarding the small things in life and the breakthroughs they can bring.

The speaker used the example of Richard Branson who started with what some would call a "small" student paper that has now expanded into a global business empire.

 

I'm sure many people told him he was wasting his time and discouraged him but he was enthusiastic and persistent.

The point I'm trying to make is that whatever skills or whatever idea that you have do not see it as something small.

 

Everything and everyone has potential. Let no one tell you that what you are doing is small or insignificant. There is a purpose and a time for everything.

 

Success is like a house, before you build it you must develop the foundations.

Be faithful in the small opportunities and you shall reap larger rewards.

 

Until Next Time

XOXO



Go bright or Go home

I have forever been a huge follower of the go bright or go home movement. For those of you who aren't familiar with this, it's basically throwing on the brightest colours you can find in your wardrobe and getting your Naomi Campbell on for the masses. You'll be amazed to see how wearing bright colours can significantly improve your mood. I'm sure its scientifically proven (don't quote me on that).

 

                         

I discovered this bright yellow top after a faithful trip to the Zara sale which included a possibly dislocated shoulder from trying on their supposed "medium" sized dress and almost giving myself a concussion trying to crawl out of it. Yes crawl and lost a braid in the process. Even so, I still love me some Zara and my bank account suffers immensely because of this.

 

 

Despite my ordeal I settled on this brightly coloured yellow top which I paired with some high-waist Joni Jeans from Topshop and shoes from next.

 

let me take this moment to profess my love for the Topshop Joni jeans which have now become a staple in my wardrobe. If like me you have experienced the dreaded "fits at the hips, gapes at the waist" Joni jeans/Topshop jeans may be the answer to your problems.

The fit of the Joni jean is phenomenal and time permitting when my bank account stops mocking me and doing as it wishes I may invest in more pairs.



Hope your week has been beautiful.

Until Next Time

xoxo

LOSE TO WIN

Today's post is very different from what I normal feature on my blog and its something that I've felt that I just needed to get out there as a source of encouragement.

Today's blog post is aptly titled Lose to win.

 

Each and everyone of us has a plan, a vision of how our life should go. We know at what age we will be doing this, at what point we will be doing that and even exactly what time certain events in our life will occur.

Yet things don't always go exactly to plan, there is a detour, a turn in the road somewhere or even pause in your journey. That does not mean the journey won't be completed or that you will not reach your destination.

As I am writing now, I am a person who has been told countless times that certain dreams and aspirations I have could not be achieved. I've also found myself in situations where I felt that there was no way out, no route of escape.

One of my teachers whom I respected told me that there was no way I would receive a place in university for pharmacy yet even with that negativity I am here today having been successful in that journey.

 I didn't do as well as I thought I would in my as-levels and at that point I honestly felt like I wouldn't progress, like I was stuck in this dark moment. Yet here I am having fought that battle and been successful. 

That brief pause in my life taught me a valuable lesson, that no matter how far you think you have fallen, you can still rise up to higher heights than you even thought capable. I learnt not to rest on my own abilities but on God.

Now I understand if you don't believe in God, but still know within yourself that you may not fully understand the potential that is within you. These situations occur to strengthen you and provided you with the tools and equip you with the weapons to fight later on in life. 

 

I'm thankful for the parents I have and the people I have been blessed with who have constantly seen the potential in me especially at times when I didn't see it myself. These people have been examples of strength and courage especially during times in which you would expect them to give up and accept defeat.

If you have such people around you, take encouragement and inspiration from them. Be prepared, they will tell you things and truths you don't want to hear, that you aren't even ready to deal with. When you look back though, you will be able to call yourself victorious.

There are many examples of people who have had stumbling blocks in life who look back on their experience and are thankful for it. It is by no means an easy experience to go through and can be extremely painful however I encourage you to just keep battling on. This time is a pause, a brief intermission in your story not a full stop, sometimes you have to lose in order to win.

 

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory"

William Barclay

 

"Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble (or trials) come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

James 1 v 2-3

 

Until next time

xoxo

all things lace

                     

 

 

For the first time in what seems like about a century the sun decided to return from sipping gin and juice in Dubai and actually grace us with its presence and trust I took full advantage of this.

 Unto today's post.

 

Lace is a classic and versatile fabric that continues to feature from season to season and can be found in collections by fashion house from Oscar de la Renta to Tadashi Shoji. It's use on the simplest of garments can transform an otherwise simple outfit into one with impact and drama.

 

 

This H&M top,  I can honestly say is one of my best finds. It was love at first sight. It's intricate neck detail drew me in instantly and I promptly found myself picking it up and purchasing.

 

 

 

 

When styling white or pastel pieces, you can experiment with accessories and bright/bold colours.

With this outfit, I chose a pair of purple/blue Zara trousers and added some bright orange red platform heels from New Look which are the most comfortable six inch heels I've ever owned.  Incorporating these pieces allows you to make a statement with relatively low key and simple pieces.

 

A small note of caution, don't not I repeat do not attempt to try that jump/walk pose. How models attempt that pose without a casual trip to A&E after is beyond me, my head was almost introduced to a tree.

 

Who needs beyonce's wind machine when you can be gone with the wind fabulous with just the cold hard British wind harassing your hair.

 

 

 Hope you are having a beautiful week.

Until Next time

xoxo

Blue skirt, Grey skies

                 

 

I apologise profusely for my lack of blog posts but you see the way my life is set up failing my final year exams is not an option. If you are naija student I'm sure you can sympathise. Thankfully I'm done with exams and looking forward to graduation. No more 9hr revision session looking like the hunchback of Notre Dames's less attractive sister. 

Yes you heard that right, after four years of blood, sweat, tears and back pain I'm officially done with uni.

 

Anyway I digress, today's blog post.

                                 

Just for the sake of fashion I braved the gale force winds to take these pictures. Damn near got blown away thanks to this parachute like maxi skirt.

Pretty much everything I'm wearing apart from the lipstick (MAC Darkside), shoes (Macy's?), watch (Asos) and necklace (Miss Selfridge) is from Primarni (aka Primark).

Primarni have been selling these skirts for a few seasons and have now released a new collection of versatile colours which can be worn from season to season.

 

                                    

             (Don't mind me, I just had to get my miss congeniality beauty pageant contestant on)

 

          

The primarni top I'm wearing is actually a peplum top. Another way to reinvent your peplum top is to tuck the peplum part into a flowy maxi skirt or fold underneath if you want to wear it with fitted or body con skirts. 

 

Revamping pieces in your wardrobe can potentially save you money. For example, a maxi skirt can be worn as a strapless dress whilst a peplum top can be worn as crop top. Just two money saving ideas.

                   

 

Hope you are having a wonderful week.

Until next time

xoxo

 

Black ati Yellow

 

My sincerest apologies for my lack of blog posts but I had to take a brief break to go and vanquish my dissertation. I will definitely be popping bottles & frying some puff puff (nigerian delicacy, a sure way of gaining poundage) the day I hand it in. Unto the OOTD

 

For the first time in a long time the sun decided to make an appearance hence why I was freely able to take pictures outside otherwise I would have relocated myself inside the house. 

And for the two poses in the above pictures I'd just like to say Tyra taught me.

 

 

Top & Skirt: H&M, Shoes: River Island, Earrings: Miss Selfridge

 

 

Hope you had a wonderful easter.

Until next time

xoxo

Reflections

Today's blog post is titled reflections as I'm felling very sentimental. After 4 years of hardgraft, late nights, many a grey hair (well just two) and lower back pain, I have come to the end of my pharmacy degree.

Now I know technically I have a dissertation and three exams to finish but  I'm a firm believer in saying things in faith.

 

The above picture sums up exactly how I feel about the last four years of my pharmacy degree. I am now at the point where I can look back and smile ( or in my case smize).

For anyone or for most people who have gone through university it is a given that you will not end the same person you started.

 

 

There have been ups and down but in the end I've met some wonderful people who have had a profound effect on me as a person.

Some have taught me to aim for the very best, to stand by my own beliefs regardless of what others believe or think and finally in every situation look at and for the positives.

 

A piece of advice I'd like to give you regardless of what stage you are in life, is that things may not always work out in your favour, you may not be where you want to be at the moment or you have lost people along the way that you throught would always be around.

 

Do not be discourage because sometimes it is necessary for us to endure a climb before we can reach the mountain top.

 

At the end of the day, those difficult and sometimes discouraging times can strengthen you and build you up preparing you for a greater time in the future.

 

So don't be discouraged but remain ever positive with your mind focused on the good.

 

 

 

Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

 

Until next time

 

xoxo

Mother's Day

On a wonderful day such as this it's only right to go all out. I apologise these pictures were taken inside because firstly it was cold as hell and pneumonia and I don't have a very good relationship. Secondly I recently freed my hair from a weave so I'm rocking my clip-ins which I'm sure you know do not go very well with the wind. Zero to baldness with a simple breeze.

Expect to the see the fro shortly, I have freed myself from the creamy crack (aka relaxer). Trust though there are sometimes I see someone with beautifully relaxed hair and just for one second I envision reaching for that organics olive oil relaxer. But never fear, I promptly rebuke such things, I've left the days of partial baldness and unintentional high tops behind.

Onto the outfit of the day.

This H&M combo is very dear to my heart as it was one of the looks I had for my 21st birthday (minus the shoes and earrings). When it comes to affordable clothing with a high end twist, H&M are my go to high street store. They currently have the red version of this but alas, I am broke and my bank account has suffered enough.

 

 

The shoes were from matalan about five years ago. *Quick side note never ever throw away those replacement heel caps you get with your shoes, I had the unpleasant expereince of having to pay £5.20 to have them replaced. Trust me when I say I almost collapsed when I was told the price. Add £1 and you've got yourself a nandos meal.

 

Anywhooooooo, the bold colour of the shoes stands out against this otherwise dark navy blue ensemble. 

Just to finish today, I hope you had a wonderful mothers day. Remember appreciation of your mother and indeed your other loved ones does not require a specific day. Each and everyday with the ones you love and appreciate is a blessing. Never take them for granted and always share you love with them.

Wish you a beautiful and joy filled week

Until Next time xoxo