My Summer Wishlist...

Hey, so I am back, blogging again. I don't know what it is about blogging that is stress-relieving for me, but it has really helped me decrease my stress level. Anyway, I have been scrolling through some online shopping sites and I couldn't help but post about the items that my eyes are watching! (literally, ha!) 

1.  Fiorelli Olivia Jade Shoulder Bag 

Every girl loves handbags, right? Well, I found this simply stunning shoulder bag on asos.com for $112.42. I know I will be waiting for a humongous sale before I purchase this beauty. The black color of the bag makes it a wonderful "go-to" bag to throw on with any outfit. In addition, I really like the style of the bag because it offers a style of simplicity and edginess.

2. Miles Away Crochet Detail Maxi Dress 

One of the things I love to wear during the summer, for special occasions or a simple outing, are maxi dresses. Maxi dresses are a effortless way to make a statement with your sense of style. Since these long, flowing dresses come  in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors, it makes them a great addition to any wardrobe. I found this gorgeous white crochet detail maxi dress on theadsence.com, a site that sells Bohemian clothing and accessories. This dress would look lovely with a pair of simple sandals and if it is a windy day, a cute jean jacket. The back of the dress is low-cut and it is finished with raw-edge hemming. This dress is priced at $120.00. 

3. Flounce Dress with Zipper from Zara Stores

I was actually reading a post on radicaldarling.com, one of my favorite fashion blogs, when the author mentioned the Zara store. I decided to look it up and instantly fell in love with some of the clothing showcased on zara.com. For one, I love the simplicity and modern touch of the clothing sold on this site. Plus I love that the clothing is reasonably priced, especially with this recent summer sale. While cruising through this site, my eyes fell upon this simply stunning white dress with a front zipper. I love how the zipper is in the front of the dress because it gives the dress a unique, modernistic flare. In addition, this dress is on sale for $35.99! 






4. Monki High Neck Pleat Front Blouse 




Lastly, I adore this Monki High Neck Pleat Front Blouse. The color reminds me of the beauty of summer and summer flowers gleaming in the sun. ( I know a little bit too visual, ha.) Anyways, the design and construction of this blouse looks so relaxing and carefree, which I really love paired with those pants. You can find this blouse on asos.com.


Well, those are all the items my eyes are watching. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather, if you have it near you, and stay positive. 

Be bold and be you.

-Faith

What I've Been Listening to Lately...

I've been listening to a variety of different artists lately so I thought I'd make a post about it. We all have that one artist or artists we can't stop listening to during the summer months. Here is my list of favorites: 


1. Lianna La Havas

Lianna La Havas is an extremely talented British singer, musician, and songwriter. Not only is her voice soulful and soothing, but her lyrics are meaningful and heartfelt. I cannot stop listening to her debut album, "Is your Love big enough?"! Her sound is mystic, soulful, and unique, which adds greatness to her as an artist. Plus she is gorgeous and has a great sense of style.  Some of my favorite tracks of this album include; Elusive, Forget, Lost and Found, and Age. 











2. Jhene Aiko 

This rising R&B artist has caught my attention with her soothing, delicate voice and calming sound. Her EP, "Sail Out", is a collection of soulful songs with lyrics that originate from her own personal experiences. Jhene's voice has a soft edge to it that really gives personality to her songs and her music. I love the songs "The Worst", "Stay Ready"featuring Kendrick Lamar, "My mine", and so many more. She offers a different approach to R&B music that truly makes her stand out in the industry. 






3. Beyonce


So, like many others, I have been listening to Beyonce's newest album, the self-titled,BEYONCE. I liked that there was a mixture of personal tracks and tracks that you could really dance to. Some of my personal faves included, "Heaven", "Blue" (featuring her adorable daughter, Blue Ivy), "No Angel", "Haunted", "Pretty Hurts" and "Superpower" (featuring the amazingly talented Frank Ocean). In addition, I thought that it was pretty artistic of Beyonce to have a music videos to go along with her track list. 








4. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith 

The song "Latch" by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith has been my song of the summer. I love the energetic sound and how well Sam's soulful voice pairs along with. Not only is a great song to dance to, but it is a song that can be listened to when you just need a moment to release tension. I think the combination of Sam's soothing, soulful voice pairs nicely with the pounding energy Disclosure brings on the track. 



5. Childish Gambino 

I really enjoy listening to Childish Gambino's new album, "Because the Internet." His singing and rapping combination on most of the tracks give each song a personal flare. Some of my personal faves off of Glover's new album include the hit single, "3005", "world star", and "sweatpants." Also, there are some cool collaborations on this album, including "the worst guys" featuring Chance the Rapper and "pink toes" featuring the soothing songstress, Jhene Aiko. 






6. Vic Mensa 

I was scanning through the channels when I came upon Vic Mensa's "Down on my Luck" music video playing on 106 and Park.  I really liked the up-beat sound of the song plus Vic's great rhymes. Vic's latest EP is titled, INNAETAPE, and it is a unique combination of songs that express Vic's unique style of rapping. Some of my personal favorites of this tape include; "Hollywood LA" featuring Neo Soul songstress, Lili K, "Lovely Day", "Magic" featuring my new favorite voice, Jesse Boykins III, and "Orange Soda."

 

Watch "Down on my Luck" here......

7. SZA 

SZA, the stunning beauty,  is a rising voice in the R&B world after the attention her single, "Teen Spirit" gave her. I absolutely love the edge that her smooth, full voice has and the personality that it gives to her songs. Not only is her sound new and edgy, but her lyrics display her true personality and true being. I also really enjoy listening to SZA's tracks,  "Ice Moons", "Castles", and "Julia" off her recent album, Z. 












Well, that's what I have been listening to lately. Find your zen. 


-Faith 

It's all about the Room

So... I have been absent on my blog for a couple of months, but it truly seems like a whole entire year. I have been packing and getting ready for college, which of course means endless shopping and endless list-making of all the objects you need to make the dorm your home-away-from-home. While shopping for dorm accessories and objects, I have come across some neat and in-vogue accessories for any room that you spend majority of your time in. If you are going to spend hours in this room, you might as well enjoy the luxuries and environment of the room, right? Well, I have found some treasures that you can add to your "special" room that can make it versatile and comfy!


1. The Storage Ottaman

-This piece of furniture can play two major roles in any room, including a comfortable foot rest and a storage bin for any of your belongings. These storage ottamans come in a variety of sizes, styles, and patterns, which make them an effective solution to building clutter in any room. I love to place old board games or magazines in this storage ottaman because it is easily and conveniently accessible, just in case you need those items again. Target carries a variety of storage ottamans in their college material sections, where they showcase the desk lamps and bed sheets. You can find storage ottamans at Target ranging anywhere from 40 dollars to 60 dollars and above.










2. Make an Inspiration Board

Many people find importance in rooms where there is a collection of their personal belongings or treasures, which creates a personal connection to the room for them. Inspiration boards are a creative and personal way to add some personality and flare to a room that you want to call your own. This board can be plastered with old photographs of you and a friend, random quotes from a magazine, or your own art and drawings. It can even be more orderly than a messy collage of random things you like, such as a collection of frames of your favorite photographs or artworks. The purpose of an inspiration board is to display all the elements and things that inspire you to, in essence, be who you are and reach your goal. I love the idea of the inspiration board because it is a place where you can look up and recall good, forgotten memories or a place where you can seek inspiration to achieve a long term goal. Here are some inspiration boards that I became really fond of, which is why I am using them as inspiration for my very own.











Until next time.

Be creative and find your zen.

-Faith