Styleinspo a la Lucy Chadwick

Lucy Chadwick is one of the most stylish women in the game right now. It's the effortlessness Chadwick's style that most intrigues me. She always seems comfortable in what she wears. Her style is also consistent and always comes across as fresh. 

As spring  (hopefully) draws nears, I am drawing inspiration from her laidback and chic style.

Photos c/o Google

100 Days of Positive Thinking: Day 69

It's just been one of those weeks where I feel bleh. So it's been extra important to practice self-care and try to find joy in the little things. 

A few things that I have enjoyed this week:

1. This black and white photo I took in Accra

2. Oatmeal with honey and peanut butter (yum!)

3. This photo essay that shows wild the disco era was

4. Rewatching Skins (Sid will always be bae, tho)

5. LaTonya Yvette's blog (her style is incredible)

6. This photo of Solange Knowles

7. This journalist's use of Carrie quotes on dating sites

Happy Thursday!

Swoon: Michael Fassbender

I just watched an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot, which featured the babely Michael Fassbender dressed in 1930s garb and accessorized with a sensuously furrowed brow and ever-present superman curl. It was a very pleasant surprise.

I really think we need to bring back every days suits. 

Image c/o: Google

100 Days of Positive Thinking: Day 68 (Returning to Joy)

It baffles me that is has taken 4 years (for shame!) to get to Day 68 of this challenge. I suppose it has been a combination of life's ebbs and flows, and neglecting this little corner on the interwebz that I call my own. But I am dedicated to getting through this my 100 days by the end of 2017. 

So reignite the spark, here are a list of things that have been bringing me joy these last few weeks: 

1) Watching Agatha Christie's Poirot with my sister

2) Kale and Spinach Tortilla Chips

3) The feeling of relaxing in a freshly tidied home

4) Discovering new music: currently jamming to Adia Victoria 

5) Rediscovering beloved tunes: can't get enough of "Scribble Paper" and "Turn Left" from Little Dragon's first album

6) Spring style inspiration from Lucy Chadwick

7) Arizona Fruit Cocktail in the Mucho Mango flavour with a spicy dish (Yum!)

8) Stealing moments to reflect and journal with a cup of Yogi tea in hand

What's bringing you joy these days?

Dubie's Book List: "No Sweetness Here" by Ama Ata Aidoo

Inspired by my dear friend, Myhana, I am renaming my GoodReads segment. It is now going to be called Dubie's Book List. I am excited to continue sharing my reads with you.

My first recommendation is No Sweetness Here, a short story collection by legendary Ghanaian author and feminist, Ama Ata Aidoo. I first became acquainted with Aidoo's writing while in high school. A friend who was doing the IB Theatre course decided to do her final examination performance on Dilemma of a Ghost, Aidoo's classic play on the complexities of African and African-American dynamics in the post-independence era. I played the grandmother and while interpreting the role, fell in love with Aidoo's deep understanding of not only Ghana, but of the African diaspora.

Having grown deeply fond of Aidoo's writing style and hankering for more Ghanaian literature in my life, I tucked into No Sweetness Here with high expectations. As I had hoped, the collection did not disappoint. In fact, I had a difficult time peeling my eyes off the pages to focus on much of anything else. The characters were so deeply fleshed out in such a limited amount of space, I felt that I knew and connected with each of them. And yet when the stories ended, often without resolution, Aidoo left the loose ends in a such a manner that I simply accepted them, wishing the characters well as they continued on journeys I would not witness. What a read!

What are you currently reading?

Goals: Styleinspo a la Kai Avent-deleon

When it comes to style, I have a strong preference for boxy, loose fits. I enjoy playing with different styles and silhouettes, but I love the moments in which I am able to combine comfort and class. Every now and then, I come across someone who embodies a similar aesthetic and I can't but think that maybe we belong to the same tribe. Kai Avent-deleon, owner of the Brooklyn concept boutique, Sincerely, Tommy is one such individual.

This winter, I really would like to invest in more roll-neck sweaters. I love how Kai pairs of this one with asymmetrical skirt and Adidas sneakers and boxy bag. And the colours? So good.

More amazingness in the form of roll-neck sweaters. But it is the mix of colours and textures that makes these two looks so good. From the thick woolliness of the coat to shininess of the shoe, it just works.

She is master of making mesh/see-through look classy and cool. Also those Nike Air Max Liquid Golds? I die. 

The next time I visit New York, I need to make my way to Sincerely Tommy and buy one of these gorgeous purses. I love how its structured form contrasts gorgeously with with more flowy fits.

I love that the past of couple of seasons, we have seen more unconventional trouser silhouettes gain popularity. Personally, I have been on the wide-leg/high-waisted pant train for quite some time. I adore how Kai embraces unconventional shapes and transition these pieces between the seasons. 

I have talked about the unique quality of women who are able to merge coolness with elegance. Kai is one of these women. And I am grateful that she blesses the world not only through her own style, but also through the her dope concept store. If you want to see more of Kai's awesomeness, you can visit her Instagram page or her store.

Images c/o Google

100 Days of Positive Thinking: Day 67 (The Art of Being Yourself)

What is more beautiful than being fully yourself? In her Ted Talk, Caroline McHugh unpacks her philosophy of radical self-love and acceptance. She contrasts inferiority and superiority as two negative extremes. The former requires that you perceive  yourself as less than others, the latter that you see yourself above others. McHugh suggests that interiority, focusing on the gifts you have to offer and putting your time, effort, and passion in service of these gifts, can be a way to live your very best life. For not only are you not working towards and living your purpose, but you are also able to celebrate the gifts others have to offer, to celebrate and learn from them.

"There are very few things that I think are gender-specific, but one of them is something I call “approval addiction.” The need to be liked, the need for approbation, or recognition, or for somebody to tell you it’s okay. I find more woman suffer from that affliction than men, and I think it’s one of the most debilitating things. When it comes to being yourself needing other people’s approval, loving somebody else’s opinion, and mistaking it for your own is one of the most debilitating things you’ll do on the road to being yourself. You will never, ever be perceptionless, but it’s important to be perception free."

I will be returning to and unpacking this talk for quite some time. Every now and then, you need a reminder of what matters. This talk came along at just the right time and I am grateful for its lessons.