All in my Own Backyard (A Weekend in Review)

Honestly, how much of a backyard can I really have living in NYC? I'd just like to accept the city as my backyard. Beyond the perimeters of my house, I exit into the concrete jungle where a new species of predators approach.
Okay, maybe there are no predators, but there are a lot of strangers (aka celebrities) on my side of the neighborhood. This past weekend was filled with fashion and basketball and at times they both came together for All-Star Weekend & Fashion Week! Sadly, I could only enjoy this from behind TV & computer screens.
Saturday afternoon, I was right outside the Barclays Center taking pictures as people gave me dirty looks assuming that I was going to skip the line and I shot them a stare back. And today I stared longingly as photographers and women dressed fur waited outside a warehouse right by my school for a fashion show to start. It's as if all these events are teasing me. Although I did not have a front row seat to these events, I'd like to share with you my favorite highlights from this past weekend:

Known as one of the most fashionable sport industries, Lebron James and the NBA put on a fashion show where eight basketball players competed strutting their stuff with IMG models such as Chanel Iman by their side. The players which included Jeff Teague, James Harden, Zach LaVine (who you will hear more about later) and JR Smith (so sad to see him leave the Knicks, please don't mention their losing streak, I will always be a loyal fan) showed off different outfits for each of the three rounds.  Kevin Hart and Shaquille O'Neal were also there hosting the show. 

I didn't even know this was a thing until I switched to TNT hoping I wouldn't miss All Star Weekend's Slam Dunk contest. I mean, basketball players strutting the runaway? That was the last thing I was expecting. I didn't tune in on time, but I loved every minute of what I did catch. 

It was even more special when a player near and dear to my heart, representing my home team, the NY Knicks won! I haven't fully accepted the Brooklyn Nets yet, sorry. Although, J.R. Smith is now a Cleveland Cavalier, I'll consider him a Knicks for now. REPRESENT.

This is what followed the All-Star All-Style fashion show this past Saturday. Although, it is a three day event, I usually always miss the celebrity basketball game (on Friday) and I don't care too much for the East v. West game (on Sunday) although I did watch it this year (the West won again sadly). But something I refuse to miss, for sure, is the Slam Dunk Contest and Three Point Contest, which for me is the most entertaining part of All-Star Weekend. If anything, that in itself encompasses what All-Star Weekend is really about, bringing together amazing players for some fun!  

Although I was very hopeful for my African friend, Victor Oladipo, Zach Lavine really grew on me. For one of his performances, in a nod to Michael Jordan's Space Jam movie he did this:

As easy as this looks, you need some serious skills to be able to do this. I mean, I can barely jump 3 inches off the group.
And Steph Curry ahhh, what can I say? I really like him and his family (his wife is Youtuber by the way). Steph Curry is amazing I mean there's a reason Drake mentioned him in his song "0 to 100." Don't believe me? Watch him in the 3-Point Contest:

  If you're not a basketball fan, you may be thinking what's the big deal? Why are the sportscasters yelling? The effect is definitely greater when you watch the whole competition from the beginning and see what each player has to offer and what makes these specific players so significant and talented. 
The half-time show was amazing too. Although I didn't expect anything from Ariana Grande for the half-time show it was good.  

Other than spending my procrastination time staring at basketball players, I was also staring at photos from Fashion Week. There were so many shows and amazing looks (I see you Zac Posen) and amazing street style looks that I can share with you. But over all those shows I think Kanye West collaboration with Adidas and showcase of the Yeezy Season 1 collection is the one that I still remember the most. 

When his collection first made its debut, I didn't know how to feel about it. I was definitely confused being that the models looked barely clothed. I mean I know most runaway looks aren't made ready to wear, but this was a little off for me. Still it wasn't long before the collection grew on me, especially when I saw Kim sport items from the collection. 

Every piece of this outfit is from the Yeezy Season 1 Collection. Kanye has definitely transformed her look from her Paris Hilton wannabe days. I mean did you see her at the Grammy's? Who else can pull off a golden bathrobe like that.

Kanye has definitely brought something different to the table and it's not just in his music (which he's actually getting a best visionary award for soon from BET) but also in his style.

In the spirit of Black History Month & Fashion Week , I had to share this article I recently stumbled upon with you. The fashion industry seems to find a lot of inspiration within the African American culture ranging from music created by artists like Rihanna to even street style and urban culture. African American consumers also have a large buying power. So why is it that very few African Americans have the chance to showcase their designs down the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? This article tackles just that and it's a really interesting read about something that I would say most people don't really think about or even question, although it is nothing new. What do you think?
So like me, did you spend your weekend procrastinating and watch All-Star Weekend or did you follow Fashion Week? What was your favorite part? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below and let me how your week is going so far.

#treatyoself

It's that time of the year again where everyone is posting Valentine's Day outfits and gifts ideas *rolls eyes* But hey if you're doing that I'm definitely not knocking your flow. I love what you're doing over there *avoids getting beat up by more than half of  the blogosphere and Youtubers* To be honest, I've been there done that, so don't mind me.

But, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I just want to remind all of you whether you are single or not, it's okay to be alone. Actually, it's great to be alone! That's how you figure out who you are. You need down time to think and figure yourself out and just be you. Be your own company and walk with confidence and dignity. Show people you can be independent too and don't have to rely or depend on people all the time. And even more than that don't forget to Treat Yo' Self!

I've compiled a list of fun and creative ways that you can #treatyoself every and any day:

Duh. I mean how can you not? Especially if you want to stick to the Valentine's Day spirit, indulge! What is your sweet tooth craving? I have a thing for Oreos, so of course, I'll be making some Oreo truffles and sink my teeth into the milk chocolate exterior until I hit the right spot and feel the Oreos crunch between my teeth.

Maybe you're on a diet, so indulging won't work for you, but don't worry there are still other ways to #treatyoself. When I started college, we had an orientation where we were told to write letters to our future selves. After that they told us to write our address on the envelope and they'd mail it to us four years later (after graduation). I vaguely remember what I wrote and I'm still cringing at the chance that I may move and miss the letter to come in a few more years. But you can avoid this by writing "Open When.." letters to yourself. For example, you can write an "Open When...you're upset" letter and write something inside that'd make you happy so when it does get to that point you can just open it and smile. There are so many letters you can create and show some appreciation for yourself.

People have a habit of listening to love songs and whining about how lonely they are. Personally, I rather not. Instead, forget the love songs (unless that's something you're into) and create a playlist of your favorite songs and dance like no ones watching, unless well someone's actually there watching (please don't embarrass yourself). Play upbeat songs that bring back happy memories for you or play your favorite childhood throwback song or that new Chris Brown song (Ayo has been on repeat for me lately).

You want to incorporate something more Valentine's Day-esque into your plans? I'd say watch movie in a different language, specifically French- ah the language of love. But watch it with subtitles of course, unless well you're fluent (I'm on my way there guys-put something french here-). Soon I will be watching Ernest & Celestine (a childhood storybook I used to read in grade school). Why haven't I watched it yet, you ask? I was supposed to watch it with my friends, but they watched it without me-so fake- but that's a story for another time.

Self- appreciation and self-love is more important than anything, but once you get to a point of self-love and appreciation, it's time to spread the love.  As you get older, sometimes its hard to make as much time as you used to for friends especially when you're all doing big (& different) things. But, it's nice to get together and plan a girls night in or slumber party and just catch up. Dorming makes it easier for me to schedule sleepovers and catch up with friends to see what they are up to. To make it even more fun, do something Secret Santa-esque. 

When single or not, people can fall into a habit of not appreciating or acknowledging the important people in their lives. Use Valentine's Day as a simple reminder to both appreciate yourself and also let others know how much they mean to you.

And let me know in the comments below, how do you #treatyoself  and loved ones?

Now Playing|| January 28th

I have always been a fan of J. Cole not that I ever made any effort in the past to listen to all the tracks on his album, I simply just liked what I heard on the radio (aka his singles). He's one of few artists that adds something so raw and real to the Hip Hop industry (something that has drawn me to artists like Lupe Fiasco). I mean, he was one of the few people on such a grand stage that spoke about Ferguson especially in the Hip Hop and R&B world.
In a society that is now constantly inundated with music about money, violence, drugs and women, it's nice to refresh by listening to someone like J. Cole. I mean don't get me wrong sometimes the dreamy beats of songs like "I Don't Mind" are to hard to resist as Usher proclaims to our generation that he wouldn't mind dating a stripper. 
With all the hype J. Cole's album has been getting I decided to listen to 2014 Forest Hills Drive and I invite you to listen along as I share some of my favorites. 

Each song on this album is connected together to tell one story about how J. Cole left his childhood home in North Carolina (hence, the title 2014 Forest Hills Drive) to pursue his dream of becoming a musician in NYC (where he also went to college). In no particular order, here are some of my favorite songs off the album:

  

There's something very irresistible about a person with so much money that chooses to ride a bike through NYC like an ordinary person instead of sitting in the backseat of Mercedes as his driver makes the twists and turns around the city trying to avoid car scratch marks from crazy taxi drivers with his shades on and the dimmed windows of the car up. To summarize all of that in one, J. Cole is such a humble individual and this is easily represented in this video.

As the introduction to his album, in a pained voice, J. Cole croons how he's come very far aka his dreams have come true (the journey wasn't an easy one)

Look how far I done came

They say that dreams come true

And when they do that there's a beautiful thing

Part of the reason why this was published today is because today is January 28th (get it?). J. Cole titled the song after his birthday, which is today.  In this song, he alludes to the events in Ferguson and issues in the black community. He also uses this song to announce his arrival-letting the world know that he's here. 
Like show me New York's ladder I climb it and set the bar so high that you gotta get Obama to force the air force to find it Never mind it, you'll never reach that

With a sea-blue moody visual, J. Cole reflects on the rap industry and gives some insight to how he was sometimes limited creatively. He also talks about how the industry has affected his relationship with his family and friends.

Aim for the stars and I shouldn't have missed

But I was riding on fumes so I stopped by the moon

Now I'm sitting on the hood of this

Like thanks for the view

This is the last song on J. Cole's album and it's my favorite song off his album! With this song, J. Cole comes to a point in his life where he can reflect.

He reflects on his journey to success and comes back home because he realizes that love will always be more important than success. He returns to 2014 Forest Hills Drive (I assume) back to his family and loved ones and emphasizes how important it is to love yourz because the limelight (which is far from how great it seems to be) is nothing without being able to share it with those most important people in your life. 

It's beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success

Hear my words or listen to my signal of distress

I grew up in the city and though some times we had less

Compared to some of my friends down the block man we were blessed

I appreciate J. Cole's ability to pour his soul into his music, talks about important topics, introspective and lyrically amazing. Every bar has emotion. He has clearly mastered the art of wordplay and always has a story to tell whether it's about his own life or others and what they go through. He's genuine and relatable, but most importantly he is real and the closest we'll probably every be to the old Hip Hop.
Have you listened to 2014 Forest Hills Drive? Which song is your favorite?

Primark #SS15

Pastels, prints, metallics and more are all what make up Primark’s Spring-Summer 2015 collection.  I am far from an avid follower of fashion campaigns, but when it came to Primark's collection, it was too good to resist.

All the summer bright colors, geometric shapes, florals, holographics are making me anticipate the summer even more now. And this is coming from a girl who shops for summer clothes year-round.

Ah, it's honestly too hard to describe Primark's new reveal in one word, so please excuse the use of all these adjectives, but there is no other way to describe this is a mix of electrifying limes, fuchsias and citrus with delicate pastels, whites for balance and a free-spirited boho theme. If you don’t mind making a statement (which I'm all for), these clever cuts, bright colors and standout prints are definitely for you. Mix and match items from the collection or bring your own twist for a hot casual day out or for a party on breezy-summer night. 

If I could get my hands on this long sleeveless cardigan, I would pair it with high-waisted jeans, navy-gold wedges, a print crop top, light-colored distressed denim jeans and a gold watch to top it off. 

P.S. I have to admit I'm love with the collection as much as I'm in love with the lip color of the models.

I'm a lover of all things lace, so when it came to this crochet lace crop top I couldn't resist. Primark's gold-chained tropical clutch would also make its way into my shopping bag. I would pair it with brassy pointed-toe flats, a royal purple mermaid skirt and a brassy necklace.

The only downside to this collection is that Primark is a UK store. But, a fellow blogger told me that Primark would be making its debut in America by opening a store in Boston. If anyone asked me, I’d say a Soho corner would be even more fitting for their debut in America. But, if they remain true to Boston, a 4-hour trip to Primark might just be worth it.

Until then, I’ll have to stick to Topshop, Forever 21, H&M and the like. 

What's your favorite item from this Primark's collection?

Fresher Than You

To be honest, we probably don't care about Chris Brown thinks looks good on women 
*Feminists back away and Team Breezy comes in for the attack*
But what can I say? There is definitely some substance in this (are you happy with me again Team Breezy?). 

It seems the only way to be up in the secret society of the "in" crowd within the fashion industry is to literally be up on 6-inch stilts. But if you're like me it just may be time for us to create our own secret society because there's nothing else that can possibly explain why a few weeks ago I set my alarm at a time I am unwilling to disclose for a pair of sneakers. But, wait they weren't just any sneakers, they were the.... wait for it, wait for it... Jordan Retro 11 "Legend Blue" sneakers.

Barely awake, I squinted at the gleam of my laptop screen in the dark room, only to find a screen saying that the website was over capacity and the website would refresh when there were less people on. I didn’t realize how popular the sneakers would be and reluctant to wait for the website to refresh, I shut my laptop and went back to sleep. I was tired, man. With as much effort that I placed on securing those sneakers (very little, but it interrupted my beauty sleep, so a lot), you can imagine my reaction when my friend insulted my love of sneakers.

After final weeks, my friend and I decided to delve into a 2-3 hour conversation when we came into the topic of change and high school gossip. But, somehow we ended up at "yea you and those stupid sneakers" wait PAUSE. 

What? Now rewind. Sneakers were one of the main things you had to keep up with in high school. You see I went to one of those urban schools where in order to fit in you had to keep up. Keep up with the latest trends, brand names, etc. At this point in life, I am over this keep up phase, but I'm pretty we've all been there at some point. But still sneakers are not "stupid." Sneakers are very versatile and they can make for great investments.

Here are a few ways you can ditch the stilts and still make a statement:

You know those nights when you finally have time to have fun- when the club goes up on Tuesday? You shouldn't worry about holding your shoes in your hands and taking a cab to get home because of your sore, aching feet at the end of the night.

This one has to be my favorite because as a college student, I guess it resonates with me the most. With a look like this you're guaranteed to stand out against the thousands of students in your school.

Leave you Louboutins at home because those city sidewalk cracks are no place for your heels. You can wear this to work (depending on your job's dress code).

Sneakers are usually associated with casual wear, so there was no way I could leave this out. 

How would you style a pair of sneakers? Let me know which look is your favorite.