Hello friends! My October edit is here and I can’t wait to share with you all the things I’ve been eyeing this last month.

The clocks went back last weekend and the sun is setting at 5pm (boo!). So if you’re …

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‘Giving up on my dream will be been one of the hardest decisions I’ve made so far...’

At least that’s what I kept thinking as I sipped my morning coffee (well not so much coffee but a carefully prepared brew which comprises of: 1 espresso intenso coffee capsule, hot water, 2 teaspoons of cane sugar, 1 heaped teaspoon of 100% cocoa powder, ginger powder and almond milk) but I digress…

Content creation has been a wild ride and they weren’t lying when they said that you have to have an unwavering sense of delusion to make it work in this industry. I conveniently stumbled upon this video while doomscrolling the other day (the algorithm stays trolling) about the 5 stages of being an entrepreneur which reiterates my feelings to a tee! The stages include: 1. I’m THAT girl 2. It’s all f*cked 3. We’re so back! 4. We might completely fail and 5. F*ck it we ball!

The joy I once felt has slowly dissipated and there has been a growing sadness I’ve felt for putting out more than I’m receiving. I’ve had to ask myself ‘how much shucking and jiving does one have to do to get noticed and/or make money in these here internet streets?’

I had planned it out all in my head. Start content creation, get paid for it, find my own place, be financially independent and finally prove to myself that I can do hard things. Then sail off into the sunset sipping on my victory champagne and celebrating my adulting win. Pretty straightforward right? LOL! Was I proven wrong!

So far, a lot of my post-divorce life has felt like I’m still very much in the same place I was all those years ago (emotionally rather than physically) and shaking it off has proven more difficult than anticipated. Can a girl catch a break?

The grief hit after I came back from home this past Summer and finding myself alone in an empty apartment. I felt completed defeated and a huge wave of sadness washed over me. So I sat down and bawled my eyes out. *cue ugly crying! I felt like I had to finally admit to myself that this may not actually be the way forward for me. I was in denial, accepted my fate then cried some more. My heart felt like it had broken into a million pieces and I was experiencing my first ever heart break.

Then I went down to the mini mart, bought myself some wine, came back home and put on Devil Wears Prada. Balance.

The last time I came on here to speak about my fears and questioned whether this is actually ‘my calling’ was around this same time last year which I articulated in my post below titled: ‘Am I on the right track?’ (have a read if you want to catch up on my thoughts).

And a year later, I can sadly report that things haven't changed. How very humbling and truly depressing! We laugh to keep from crying but we keep it moving friends! So my sights have had to change and pivot into finding different avenues to earn a living wage because living off of hopes and dreams, as I’ve unceremoniously come to learn, won’t pay the rent.

But what it has brought me is a community of women whose unwavering love and support has been my driving force even on my hardest of days.

My mistake was thinking brands owed me something because I think I’m good at something. And that the opportunities would come flowing in if I stayed consistent and present. It hasn’t. I’m learning that in order to be a successful content creator in this day and age (and if like me opportunities aren’t flying out your arse), you need to diversify your income stream as there is definitely money to be made on the internet.

Think affiliate marketing, digital products, services or consulting and memberships (like newsletters). I’ve heard so much about digital products and still figuring out if I should create one myself (and about what?!)

But if you are thinking of creating one yourself (with the knowledge that there are so many digital products out there already), your goal is to try and be unique. Figure out what you can actually teach and create a solution to a problem that people currently face. Basically, create a digital product that solves a problem. I’m still trying to figure out how to make it all come together but I know there is a way to make it work.

So instead of sitting around mopping (although let me be honest, there have been plenty a day spent mopping) and brainstorming ways to diversify my income stream, I’ve continued applying for 9-5’s and sent a plethora of emails which haven’t yielded much. Ya girl has been rejected, left on read or asked to work for free.

Now, I don’t mind working the odd job here or there for free especially if it’s something I truly believe in, but in this economy?? In our lords year of 2026 when prices are through the roof and a simple grocery run can easily put you in debt? Wild work!

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With the weather well and truly changing and getting colder (boo!), I decided another instalment of my ‘I think I like this layer life’ series was in order and to get you prepared for the shorter days and colder months ahead.

In this series, I breakdown how I’ve layered some of my favourite fits over the years and show you how to reproduce the look using items you already own and/or linking alternatives.

I’m bringing up a more recent fit (but not really because it was way back in January) which for me was the perfect blend of comfort, proportion and fit. I loved the ease of it as well as the various layering elements that made it work. All in all a solid 10/10 in my book!

The idea

I wanted to see how I could make a pair of joggers look dressed up enough to leave the house. The inspiration for this look was very loosely based on these three fits below which have been in my saved folder for god knows how long!

I love how the looks are super chilled and could be worn for a day out running errands, but also could be dressy enough to be worn to a brunch.

The process

The shirt dress

This H&M piece has been with me for close to 10 years now (I know I say that about a lot of my clothes but it’s true!) and I hadn’t worn her out in a while. The last time I wore her was during the Summer and I had styled her over a lace dress (see here). It’s super lightweight and is the perfect layering piece so depending on the weather you could always layer a thermal long sleeved top underneath for added warmth.

The joggers

These are a pair I’ve also owned from H&M for a couple of years now and were the main piece I centred this look around. I tucked the joggers into my socks to a la the inspiration pictures and it worked like a charm.

The denim jacket

This jean jacket was gifted to me from Free People a couple of years ago and it has served me very well throughout the seasons. It’s been the perfect layering piece which I added into the mix 1. for added warmth and 2. because the denim paired perfectly with the look and the pop of blue also paired well with the bag.

The checkered coat

This was kindly gifted to me from Mos Mosh and I chose it because the length worked perfectly with the shirtdress. The checkered pattern also added some extra print.

The sneakers

These sneakers which I bought earlier this year, have almost been worn to the ground already! Comfortable and colourful they work with everything. I liked the pop of colour they added to the otherwise muted look. And did I mention they were comfortable?

The kiondo (bag) not pictured

I liked that the blue in the bag worked with the denim. Plus it’s a bag I’ve been wearing every.single.day for the last almost 1 year!

The pieces that didn’t work

Not so much that it didn’t work but I just wanted to try out something different. I switched out the zebra print bag for my trusty kiondo bag but I still like how the first bag worked with the look as well.

The Results

She’s a winner! It’s giving relaxed, laid back vibes and is a perfect reinterpretation of the inspo pics if I do say so myself.

Tips

If you’d like to recreate this look, here are a few tips along with an alternative outfit combination I put together:

1. Find a shirt dress (or even dress) with buttons down the front.

2. If you own a pair of joggers (which I’m sure we all do) then you’re set! The baggier the better I say! To create this look just tuck them into your socks like I did or you could leave them as it. Do what works for you!

3. Choose a slightly oversized denim jacket which can be worn under an oversized coat. This one is the exact denim jacket I’m wearing.

4. You could go for any long coat here but if it’s patterned then you’ll be adding another point of interest. I would also suggest going for a brightly coloured coat (like the gorgeous royal blue one below) which is a great mood booster in the colder months.

5. Hot Tip: Make sure the coat is the same length or even longer than the shirt dress to allow the proportions to work perfectly together.

Recreate the look

Find links to all the outfits here. Until next time and always, thank you for being here. x

Greetings and salutations friends! I’m back with another ‘What I’d Wear To…’ series! The response on my last one was incredible and I didn’t think it would be that much of a hit! So what was supposed to be a one off thing will become (another!) regular series in these here parts!

If you’re new here, ‘What I’d Wear To…’ is basically my seasonal digital dress up where I take the pieces I've sourced from the internet over the last few months, create outfits from said pieces and envision where I’d where them.

A lot of you asked where my inspiration came from (a lot of my millennial girlies instantly clocked the reference) so if you’d like to know the origin story, check out the post below!

It’s a fun way for me to play around with different outfit combinations and see how each piece would work if they were a part of my everyday closet. It also helps me take stock and review the items I’ve selected and featured on here, to see what works and what doesn’t.

But enough of all that and let’s get into it!

What I’d wear to…a house party.

I love this look because as simple as it may seem, the accessories (i.e. the leopard print hat and red bag) make it pop. I added the white long sleeved button down t-shirt as another layer which works perfectly with or without the jacket. Also, I love a loafer!

Technical Jacket | Cropped Horseshoe Jeans | Long sleeved t-shirt | Handbag | Loafers | Leopard print hat | Glasses

What I’d wear to…get my nails done.

These chartreuse pants have been on my wish list for months now and I love their colour and fit which stray away from my usual wide, barrel leg faves. I threw on the pendant necklace, some zebra print mules (which have since sold out but I found some cute alternatives here and here) this gorgeous burgundy bag and these tortoise shell glasses to finish the look.

Plaid Shirt | Pants | Mules (alternatives here & here) | Bag | Necklace | Glasses

What I’d wear to…run errands.

Confession: this fit is how I look a majority of the time nowadays I swear! An oversized t-shirt, a pair of comfy barrel leg pants and I’m golden. I added the white oversized tee under the long sleeved t-shirt to add some layers and proportions, threw on the cheetah print ballerinas which add a nice contrast to the otherwise neutral look and this tote bag which is another item that’s been on my wish list for years!

Striped t-shirt | Barrel leg jeans | Bag | Square-toed ballerinas | Oversized white t-shirt | Glasses

What I’d wear to…a business lunch.

Preppy with a twist. A good way to have fun with your work fits is to play around with prints. I’d like to think they all work together (in my head!)

The plaid blazer wasn’t a part of the original outfit I posted on my Instagram but I thought it would be a solid addition to the overall outfit. It anchors the look and the burgundy is perfect for the Fall.

Oxford Shirt | Patterned Tie | Cowhide Bag | Jeans | Blazer | Socks | Loafers

What I’d wear to…a fashion show.

This monochromatic grey look featuring this oversized blazer and multi tiered maxi skirt which is actually from the kids section is a favourite! The skirt goes up to a size 16 years old so I figured because it has a waist band it could fit? Ha! I’ve set a reminder for if and when it comes back because I think it’s gorgeous! It also comes in white which I think I’ll be getting for my daughter. Underneath the blazer I chose a simple lace bodysuit and punched up the look by adding an extra large flower brooch in fuchsia and this green beaded JW Anderson bag.

Blazer & an alternative here | Skirt | Bag | Checkered tights | Loafers | Flower brooch | Lace bodysuit (alternative)

What I’d wear to…the movies.

I’ve been dreaming of these textured bermuda shorts for months and linked them in my ShopMy months ago. I’d style them exactly like this if I owned a pair and this cute raffia bag adds a touch of femininity to an otherwise masculine/androgynous fit.

Funnel neck jacket | Bermuda shorts | Long sleeved top | Platform Loafers | Raffia Bag | Socks

What I’d wear to…cocktail hour.

The cut and shape of this floral dress (which I featured in my September edit) is an absolute dream! I’d pair it with this simple black hourglass shape cardigan and wedges (with polka dotted socks!) and these gorgeous enamel earrings to give it some added whimsy.

Cinched waist cardigan | Floral maxi dress | Socks | Crystal cocktail bag | Wedges | Earrings

What I’d wear to…a fancy dinner.

This dress!! I first saw it on Kait Park and said ABSOLUTELY FREAKING YES! The dress is a statement on its own but feel like the accessories compliment it. We have texture in the bag, print with the shoes, some sparkle with the earrings and a solid blazer to throw over the shoulder. Someone please invite me to somewhere fancy stat!

Chiffon floral maxi dress | Blazer (alternative) | Leopard print wedge sandals | Clutch | Earrings

What I’d wear to…an art gallery.

I featured this handwoven top from South African brand Uni Form and I love the shape. Another favourite look from the bunch! The bag is a huge splurge but such a gorgeous piece which pairs perfectly with this fit. I’d fold the jeans a little to crop achieve a cropped-ish effect.

Handwoven Top | Barrel leg jeans | Loafers | Striped Socks | Bag | Gold choker

What I’d wear to…grab a coffee.

I’ve always loved the laid back vibes kimonos give an outfit and I've been looking for alternatives for this sold out one for weeks! I did find these options here and here which could do the job just as well and this is how I’d style it; paired with a black long sleeved t-shirt and some tailored shorts, these sleek sneakers and a pair of lace socks (optional as I think the look could work without them too). Add some cute accessories like a pair of gold hoops, rings and this animal print prism bag and you’re all good to go!

Kimono (sold out) | Sneakers | Tailored Shorts (here and here) | Prism Bag | Jumbo hoops

And that’s on that! You can find links to all pieces and their alternatives here. Talk soon friends! x

Greetings friends! It’s that time of the month again!

I don’t know how to explain how my September has been but I do feel like emotionally it’s been all over the place. I’ve still found time to get up, get dressed and press on so that’s a win. But let’s get into what I’ve been up to this month shall we?

I’ve kept myself busy by writing. I’ve written A LOT this month and it feels good. My writing had taken a back seat for months earlier this year and I wanted to be more present on here. So I’ve been writing about everything from ‘How I’d style my dream living room’, to giving you a two part travel series about Kenya (you can read part I here and part II here) and then putting together a curated list of alternatives to ‘that famous COS bag’.

So last month I said I was going to take a little step back from posting on Instagram and decided instead to pour it into here! And I just want to say thank you to everyone that has joined me on this journey and follows up with my antics. I appreciate you all so much!

This month’s meme…

No words needed. Burn the patriarchy and all the systems it upholds to the ground.

I’m enjoying…

The warm sunny weather! I mentioned in one of my notes that the weather has been glorious in my neck of the woods and filmed a quick reel featuring everything I’ve been wearing lately. I will be wearing my shorts and flip flops for as long as I possibly can because I’m still in denial that it’s actually Fall!

If you ever happen to visit the South of France around this time of year, here’s a little travel wardrobe tip. The weather is still giving Summer (minus the heatwave) with more breeze. Plus it does tend to get a little chilly at night so pack your summer clothes with a light jacket/jumper for the evenings.

Also! I’m enjoying the fact that I don’t allow myself to create mediocre work that isn’t up to my standards.

I knew when I wrote this article that my styling wasn’t up to par as I had been in a creative slump and was very unmotivated. So I went back and styled this decade old polka dotted dress again and I am more than happy with the results. Don’t be afraid to do things again if you need to!

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I’m reading…

To be honest with you I haven’t read anything from start to finish for months now. I keep starting books and then after a while forget them and resort to doomscrolling for hours on my phone instead. Not good I know but hey. That’s where I’m at emotionally friends. What I have been reading are my daughter’s storybooks on the nights I feel like I have the capacity to do so. Here are a few of our favourites if you’d like to add them to your list too.

I’m buying…

Cluster lashes! Around this same time last year I decided to get eyelash extensions done for the first time in YEARS and although it took some time getting used to, I loved how they looked!

What I didn’t love was how much they cost lawd! I wore them for about 5 consecutive months but decided to call it quits because it really adds up! So I did some research and stumbled upon a video on TikTok about cluster lashes, where to get them and how to install them and I said ‘ok I need to try those!’ So I bought myself a set (below) which in the long run is WAY cheaper! I stumbled a little bit learning how to put them in at first but quickly got the hang of it and I haven’t looked back since.

The kit comes with 1 eyelash cluster length mixing tray (with sizes ranging from 10 to 18 mm), eyelash glue, sealant, remover & lash tweezers. What I love about these is you can install them yourself and don’t need to go to a professional to take them off. I wear mine for a week max and then let my natural lashes rest for as long as I want them too without having to worry about a refill. Love this for me!

I’m listening to…

Not music but I wanted to put ya’ll onto my most favourite podcast (and the only one I listen to actually) which is ‘The Read’! I’ve been listening to Chriselle and Kid Fury for years now and they never fail to make me laugh out loud each episode, even with all the rubbish and tomfoolery that’s going on in the world. They also never fail to make me think and appreciate their commentary on pop culture, celebrities, politics and mental health (amongst many other topics) . I cannot recommend them enough!

I’m trying…

To set up my styling service! This is an official, unofficial launch!

I’ve been receiving many a message (like the one above) from my community for months and knew there was an opportunitythere. I so enjoy putting together my monthly edits and it appears that my community enjoys them just as much too!

I've been doing this social media thing for 4 and a half years now and I figure it was time to try something different. You may remember when I said I was taking a little step back from IG to try and figure out what I wanted to do with my life? Well this was one of those things. I had been sitting on this idea of creating a personal shopper or styling service and finally got round to it. Yay!

I had initially wanted to create a website and me being the perfectionist I am started overthinking the whole process which led to me procrastinating and putting it off for months! Until one day I just said ‘screw it’, sat down and made something that works for now. The phrase that kept coming into my mind was ‘Just make it exist first, you can make it good later’ and so I did.

So if you’re interested to know what services I have to offer and looking for someone to style and/or shop for you, then take a look here!

I’m watching…

‘The Watcher’ on Netflix. Chile! What was the reason! *contains spoilers below

I thought it would be a good watch but my god they lost the plot didn’t they? I feel like they could have had something great but my feeling is that they introduced too many characters and didn’t make their stories make sense. And the ending? What a disappointment. I was sat there afterwards looking at the blank screen just telling myself, ‘what a waste of time!’ Anyone else feel the same way or was it just me?

Anyhoo, that’s a wrap for this month’s roundup! As always, thank you for reading & until next time. x

Hey loves! It’s officially fall and even though I’m sad Summer is over, the weather down South is very much still giving Summer vibes and I’m absolutely here for it! The skies are blue, the days are sunny and my wardrobe continues to solely consist of flip flops and shorts!

So now that we’ve welcomed the new season on the day nature actually intended, I’m always excited to see what real people are wearing and for me that comes in the form of scouring through the hundreds of street style images I’ve saved on my Pinterest board! I've already saved a bunch on my ‘Falltastic’ board here.

Keeping with my promise from last month’s edit, I will continue highlighting small brands in each edit and this month there are a few on the roster.

First one is South African brand, Ukuluka Gallery. The brand, whose name comes from the Zulu word ukuluka (meaning ‘to create something strong by weaving individual threads together’), was founded in 2018 by Nomqhele Ndlovu. The brand works with natural materials like brass and aluminium and draw inspiration from village life, indigenous skill and lived memory.

Another brand I stumbled upon is SusaMusa which is a London-based, 1990s-inspired womenswear label founded in 2020 by Persian designer Asal Tehrani. The brand was born out of Tehrani’s love of vintage clothing and silhouettes, and is directly inspired by her experience of growing up in Iran.

I included another South African brand Uni Form who make some beautiful pieces (find one of their pieces below) and Concepto, a women’s wear brand which is sourced & manufactured in Transylvania. Now let’s get into this month’s selects!

1. T-shirt, 2. Chartreuse Pants, 3. Cowhide ‘polka dot’ bag, 4. Rings, 5. Purple socks

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1. Dress, 2. Sunglasses, 3. Trenchcoat, 4. Bag, 5. Cheetah print ballerinas

1. Oversized plaid shirt, 2. Leather Bag, 3. Wrap skirt, 4. Wedges, 5. Sunglasses

1. Slip-on mules, 2. High-neck jacket (and another identical cheaper option here), 3. Handwoven top, 4. Barrel leg jeans, 5. Polka dot skirt

1. Maxi Dress, 2. Leopard print hat, 3. Mid-length Skirt, 4. Cropped jeans, 5. Pompom Loafers

1. Floral Maxi dress, 2. Flats, 3. Striped t-shirt, 4. Oversize Belted Trench coat, 5. Make-up bag

Find all links to my picks above and more here. *contains affiliate links

As always, happy shopping friends! And remember: if you see something that isn’t a wholehearted yes, then give it a pass. Talk soon. x

I love interiors. No seriously, I’m obsessed! The way people style their spaces and make them their own, the different types of furniture, the bits and bobbles that make your space pop, comfy couches, colourful carpets, moody lighting…EVERYTHING!

My obsession started when I was younger. I used to love watching BBC Home growing up (and still do when I can find it here in France) and all their interior design shows.

I’m such a fan of British TV and would spend my days watching every show available cause they were (and still are) that good! Shows like Changing Rooms (Linda Barker, Anna Ryder Richardson, and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen anyone?), Location, Location, Location, Escape to the country, Amazing Spaces, Grand designs (one of my favourites) and most recently Interior Design Masters!

When I left home for university at 18, my sights were set on an interior design degree. When I was told it’d take 7 years I chickened out and instead decided to study Mass Communication (a decision I have since learnt to live with but gah!!)

Fortunately, my love for everything interiors didn’t die there. I didn’t have access to British television anymore so I found other ways to satiate my appetite for all things interiors.

Now this was the era waaay before Instagram and blogs were just starting out. I one day stumbled upon a website called ‘The Selby’ and later ‘Coveteur’ (which correct me if I'm wrong only used to do interiors?) and the rest was history! I used to pore over these sites during my free time and couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my afternoons. Absolute bliss!

I could look through pages and watch countless shows on interior design and home improvement for days. I think it’s the fact that you can really make a place feel like home by just adding your touches to it and buying pieces that mean something to you. Plus the anticipation in seeing the final results make it even more worth while!

I’ve been working on making my space feel like me, like a welcome hug that says, ‘come in and leave your worries at the door.’ A space that exudes warmth and calm. I wrote about my journey to creating the space I now live in and all the feelings it’s brought up which you can read below:

My home decor philosophy is very much ‘more is more’! I’m definitely influenced by prints and maximal decor and I also adore a cozy vibe, colour, different textures & warmth. Think moody lighting, a comfy deep seated couch, fluffy colourful carpet, plants & lots of artwork.

I started an Instagram page a while ago dedicated to my love of interiors. My goal is to feature the homes of Black people, furniture & art because representation matters. Check it out below!

I took one of those ‘what is my home decor style’ tests a while back and it turns out my main style is ‘Midcentury Modern’ with my sub styles being a mix of Bohemian, Global & Eclectic. So think patterns, vibrant colors, layered textures, and ornate embellishments, textiles, storytelling, funky detail and personalized collections.

With that being said, I wanted to envision what my dream space would look like and created a few (read a lot because I got carried away) mood boards with pieces that caught my eye and fulfilled my maximalists wildest dreams! So let’s get into each room!

Dream Living Room 1

White Angle Sofa, Glass coffee table, Armchair, Wooden side table (top right), Wooden side table (bottom left), Wood floor lamp, Pink and red pillow, Royal blue pouf, Green clay table lamp, White ceramic lamp, Striped carpet, Checkered flooring, Plant pot, Red picture frame, Black picture frame

Dream Living Room 2

Plum Sofa, Coffee table, Green side table, Wooden side table, Gold lamp, Striped lounge chair, Velvet Mustard pouf, Wooden shelving, Wooden lamp, Blue home bar, Rust coloured table lamp, Textured carpet, Jute rug, Royal blue plant pot

Dream Living Room 3

Pink Modular sofa, Navy blue carpet, Blue and White carpet, Green armchair, Velvet Ochre pouf, Wooden stool, Wallpaper, Royal blue cabinet, Marble green table lamp, Plant pot, Wood TV Cabinet, Blue Scallop frame, Wood flooring

Dream Living Room 4

Blue velvet sofa, Striped rug, Red Hamadan carpet, Coffee table, Wood credenza, Armchair, Lime green foot stool, Burgundy table lamp, Solid teak side table, Scallop picture frame, Wall shelf, Terracotta table lamp

Dream Living Room 5

3 seater sofa, Coffee table, Wooden Side table (top right), Wooden Stool, Blue & White rug, Gold rolling tray, Velvet Green armchair, Burgundy table lamp, Orange table lamp, White pillowcase (left), White pillowcase (right), Suspension light, Striped Wallpaper, Artwork from Good Mood prints

Dream Living Room 6

Burnt orange Sofa, Checkered rug, Hamadan carpet, White armchair, Royal Blue pouf, Green side table, White Ceramic table lamp (top left), Wooden side table, Coffee table, Ceramic table lamp (bottom right), Wood shelf, Ceramic bowl, Suspension light, Red Frame, Brown Frame

Dream Living Room 7

Velvet sofa, Carpet, Armchair, Wooden TV Cabinet, Round Coffee table, Zebra printed pouf, White Ceramic table lamp, Grey Ceramic table lamp, Ashanti stool, Acacia wood shelf, Wallpaper, Suspension light

Dream Living Room 8

White Sofa, Coffee table, Wooden side table (top left), Wooden side table (bottom right), Velvet Armchair, Striped side table, White Ceramic table lamp, Orange table lamp, Suspension light, Wooden TV Cabinet, Scalloped wall frame, Imitation cowhide carpet

Dream Living Room 9

Velvet sofa, Washable Rug, Wooden sideboard, Printed stool, Armchair, Striped side table, Burgundy side table, Burgundy table lamp, Orange table lamp, Round coffee table, Suspension light, Wallpaper

Dream Living Room 10

Burgundy sofa, Mustard carpet, Royal blue carpet, Round striped coffee table, Lime green pouf, Wooden sideboard, Green table lamp, Wooden side table, White armchair, Wooden table lamp, Wall shelf, Wooden floor lamp

Find all links to each piece here.

Talk soon friends! x

Hello friends! We’re back for part II of ‘My Kenya Travel Guide’! In part I of this series we gave you a little (read big!) introduction into Kenya and a few of the things to do there.

In this second part, we’re going to share with you what to do in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, the food you must try, which activities to do and so much more in the place I call home.

So let’s get into it!

Hey Alissa! Welcome back! We left off talking about activities to do in Diani. Now let’s get into Nairobi’s amazing nightlife (which the city is known for). As someone who prefers a more chilled vibe, what are some places you’d recommend?

Some of my favorite low-key spots are Crafty Chameleon and Kraftory Biergarten for outdoor microbrews, and Geco Cafe for live music. Cultiva Restaurant is known for farm-to-table dining and excellent cocktails.

For daytime vibes, you can skip the bars and explore the Farmers Markets (find the schedule here), which have local artisan goods, great coffee, and a relaxed community feel.

What about Kenyan food? We obviously can’t not talk about it! What’s your favourite dish and which restaurants should visitors try to find authentic Kenyan food?

My favorite Kenyan meal is whole fried tilapia with ugali and traditional greens like mchicha or managu (amaranth greens and African nightshade)– that combination slaps!

In Nairobi: Mama Oliech Restaurant is known for fresh fish from Lake Victoria, and Njuguna’s Place is a go-to spot for nyama choma (slow-roasted meat, usually goat). Coco Jambo is another one of my favorite places for all sorts of local dishes, and they have several locations around the city.

If you’re in Mombasa: be sure to visit Forodhani in Old Town for delicious Swahili food like pilau and biriyani. Plant-based travellers will also find plenty to eat in Kenya; dishes like beans in coconut milk served with flaky chapati (flatbread) are classic staples.

Kenya also has a vibrant street food scene and Mombasa is especially known for this. Be sure to try smocha (a smoked sausage wrapped in chapati with tomato & onion salsa, called kachumbari), beef or vegetable samosas, viazi karai (crispy spiced fried potatoes), mahamri (think donuts with cardamom or even beignets), spiced cassava crisps, or charcoal-roasted maize covered in lime and chili.

I can definitely attest to the fact that our mahamri’s and samosas are THE BEST (argue with your mom!) But moving on! What are the most important words or greetings you think people should learn before visiting?

You can greet people your age or younger with “Mambo?” and the most common response is “Poa”. When greeting people that are older than you, “Habari?” is more appropriate, and the response is “Salama” or “Nzuri.” All of these phrases basically translate to “How are you?” and “I’m good.”

“Asante” means thank you and “karibu” means you’re welcome. To say goodbye, use “Kwaheri!” You’ll also hear people saying “Sawa” or “Sawasawa” a lot, which has a variety of uses like “ok”, “good”, “cool”, etc.

Ok now onto safaris! We know they aren’t cheap but we also know that a lot of people tend to visit Kenya to experience seeing animals in the wild for the first time. What 3 places would you recommend someone could stay at depending on their budget (from least expensive to most expensive)?

Doing a safari in Kenya is a once in a lifetime experience! If you are able to afford it, I highly recommend it. There are endless options (Kenya has 27 national parks managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, consisting of 23 land parks and 4 marine parks) and many parks to choose from. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll focus on safari lodges I’ve stayed at recently and can vouch for.

Least Expensive ($): Mara Explorers Camp located just outside of Masai Mara National Reserve. The accommodation is basic but comfortable. Mara Explorers has the best safari guides - it’s the only place I’ve ever seen a lion hunt and kill in person!

Mid-Range ($$): Salt Lick Safari Lodge in Tsavo National Park. The lodge is built high up on stilts and you’ll often catch elephants walking underfoot and gathering around the watering hole in the evenings. I recommend taking the SGR train from Nairobi to Voi, which is a short drive from Salt Lick, and then continuing on to the coast for a few days at the beach.

High End ($$$): Governor’s Camp Il Moran in Masai Mara National Reserve. Their rates are all-inclusive and they provide the ultimate “glamping” luxury. You’ll spend the days on game drives and the evenings sipping wine around a cozy fire while watching the sunset over the savannah. You can pay extra for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, as Governor’s Camp has their own balloon company on-site.

A few safari planning tips:

1. Be mindful of high tourist seasons. Prices spike during the high season (usually June-Oct and Dec-Feb), but you can find great deals during the low season (March-May)

2. Remember to budget for park fees, which can range from $100-200 per day for non-citizens.

3. Be sure to research and compare prices for the various options for getting to your safari destination: by road, by air, or by train.

Great tips! Thank you! Now let’s move onto resorts. What are 3 luxury resorts that are in your opinion absolutely worth the splurge?

For ultimate luxury at the coast, I recommend Alfajiri Villas, The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel, Chale Island Resort and Watamu Treehouse.

Other excellent splurges are The Cliff (Nakuru) and Finch Hattons (Tsavo National Park).

Ooh I love Finch Hattons! We used to go there when we were younger and were almost chased by hippos at night! Fun times! So what are some budget friendly places you’ve been to you that you can recommend people to stay at?

For more budget-friendly options in and around Nairobi, I recommend The Brandy Bus, Container House, and Yaya Hotel & Apartments.

In Diani, I recommend Monkey Beach House (for larger groups), Galu Ecolodge, Stilts Backpackers and Boxo Hotel.

Are there any lesser known places that aren’t talked about but you think people should absolutely visit?

For lesser known adventures in and around Nairobi, check out:

• The helicopter pad on top of the Kenya International Conference Centre for an incredible view of the city.

• The Forest: About a 1.5 hour drive from Nairobi and a beautiful place to go zip lining over the forest!

• Kenya National Theatre: A historic theatre where you can catch a play, musical or ballet.

• Catch a polo match at the Nairobi Polo Club or a horse race at Ngong Racecourse.

For slightly more “off the beaten path” adventures in Diani and the coast, try:

• Swahili Coast Farms is one of my favorites! Here you spend a few hours on a platform in the middle of the ocean eating oysters, swimming, and learning about oyster farming.

• Colobus Conservation: Colobus Conservation is a non-profit that supports conservation of the critically endangered colobus monkey. They offer guided walking tours and a personal introduction to a wild colobus troop.

• Skydiving at GoJump: I’ve done it once and will definitely do it again!

• Diani Turtle Watch: See a live turtle hatching, if you’re lucky!

• The South Coast Pirates rugby team plays between November and June each year, and if you’re in Diani in October check out the Diani Goat Derby :)

If you visit Mombasa, book a street food tour with Chaqula - you won’t be disappointed!

My litte tip: if you’re also in and around Mombasa or Diani, and want to go back with a souvenir, you can get henna done!

Now what places would you recommend to go shopping to support Kenyan brands and small businesses?

Kenya has some amazing local brands for clothing, jewelry, and artisanal goods. For relaxed markets where you don’t need to bargain, check out Spinner’s Web, Langata Link Shops and Utamaduni.

Or you could also try out your bargaining skills at a Maasai market which offer a wide range of handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs, made by local artisans. These open air markets change location depending on the day of the week so be sure to confirm where it is first before you go (find the Maasai Market schedule here).

What’s the safest and easiest way to get around?

There are several convenient options for getting around:

1. Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Bolt are widely used in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Diani. They’re convenient, safe, and affordable with most rides ranging from $2 to $8 USD (around €1.50 to €6.50).

2. Private Taxi Drivers: If you want total convenience for a full day of sightseeing without worrying about booking multiple rides, you can hire a private taxi driver for the day. You’ll easily find taxi drivers outside major shopping malls, hotels, and airports.

3. Public Transport (matatus): If you’re budget-conscious and adventurous, taking local minibuses called matatus is the cheapest way to travel. They’re often covered in graffiti, blaring loud music, and are a quintessential Kenyan experience. (You can also check out Matatour Nairobi, a curated tour through Nairobi in a nganya matatu which combines music, storytelling & takes you to iconic locations)

Pro-tip for the coast: Tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws) are a fun way to get around town. You can hail one along the road.

What are some things you would advise people to prepare for before visiting Kenya as a tourist?

A little preparation goes a long way when planning a trip to Kenya so here’s what I advise you do:

1. Be street smart, especially in big cities: Like any major urban hub, Nairobi has its share of petty crime. Practice basic street smarts – keep cash tucked away, don’t flash expensive phones or jewelry, and keep your bag zipped.

2. Check the seasonal weather: Kenya is a fantastic year round destination with a mild climate, but it has distinct wet and dry periods. If you’re visiting during the rainy seasons (like April or May), pack a light raincoat, and prepare for heat if visiting in January or February (bring sunscreen!).

3. Get local help with planning: Kenya caters to every budget and interest, from high-end safari luxury to budget beach trips, history, nightlife, and nature. Having a local guide assist in planning will help you design the perfect itinerary for your interests.

4. Most importantly, come with an open mind, humility and a sense of adventure!

Lastly, how has your experience living in Kenya changed you?

That is a big question! Finding Kenya has meant finding my place, my home. I feel a sense of peace here that I haven’t felt anywhere else. It has made me more relaxed, happier, and patriotic for a country that is not my own.

Thank you Alissa! Appreciate you!

If you’re thinking about visiting Kenya and would like a personalised itinerary suited to your specific needs, do contact Alissa at alissatravelskenya@gmail.com and she’ll get you sorted!

Until next time lovelies! x

By now you may have already seen ‘this COS bag’ being talked about on the inter-webs (if you haven’t then you seriously haven’t missed much) and the reviews have been less than stellar (depending on who you ask of course) and mostly mixed. Some love it while others don’t. I’m with the latter.

The slouchy nature of the bag is what drew me in in the first place and I've been looking for an oversized bag for a while now so when I saw this one while doom scrolling late at night I saved it in my saved folder because I had wanted to feature it in my upcoming September edit and possibly maybe buy it for myself one day. But that bubble quickly burst and I took it off my forever wish list after I stumbled on this video which was a pretty good visual representation of how it fell short design wise.

The bag is a dupe of this Balenciaga one and the girlies (me) who aren’t in the running to owning a bag with that price tag (yet) have been looking for alternatives. Now the problem I also have with the original bag is every picture on the website shows it open (see below). Aesthetically this works. But we (read me) actually want a fictional bag that closes and allows us to put everything but the kitchen sink within its interior.

So I decided to put together a list of bags you should probably look at instead if you’re thinking of buying something similar or big enough for your everyday life seeing as 1. September is here so work and school life is in full swing, 2. With that comes the schlepping of things (and sometimes too many things) from home, to school, to work, to maybe after work drinks and back home and doing it all over again for the next very many weeks so 3. a bag that not only looks good but functions as it should while carrying everything we need is needed (unless you already own one then you’re all set! Yay you!)

So without further ado, here are my 7 alternative picks for the COS bag!

1. Léo et Violette

First we have this gorgeous number ‘Le Soft Laurence’ from the brand Léo et Violette.

This soft shoulder bag in Nappa full grain lambskin leather is not as big as the Balenciaga one but I like the size and shape. She also fits A4 documents and 13-inch laptops.

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Since my holidays back home, I’ve been getting requests from my IG community asking me for recs for where to go, what to see and what to do in Kenya. So of course I had to oblige and create a travel guide for ya’ll.

For those who don’t know, I am Kenyan, born and bred. I left when I was 18 to study in Malaysia and have since lived in Singapore and now France.

I made a promise to myself a few years ago after not being back home for a while, that I would do my darnedest to be going as often as financially possible to be with family. I realised not so long ago (better late than never right?) that my nervous system, emotional health and overall wellbeing literally depended on it.

It’s also been extremely important for me to go back every so often because I want my daughter to spend time with her family and have the opportunity to get to know where she’s from. A majority of her year is already spent in France so the time we have back home is super valuable. And although 3 weeks is never nearly enough time to see and do everything I'd like, I’m so grateful I still get the chance to make the trip.

Before we get into it, here are a few fun facts that you may or may not already know about Kenya:

• Cradle of Humankind: Scientists have found some of the oldest human ancestor fossils in Kenya’s Turkana Basin.

• Wildebeest Migration: Over 1.5 million animals cross from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara every year (which is unfortunately on the brink of being disrupted as these major hotel chains are making plans to build on these iconic ecosystems, with one building directly on the migration route, despite multiple protests and court proceedings).

• Linguistic Diversity: People across the country speak more than 40 different ethnic languages, alongside official languages English and Swahili.

• Running Champions: Many of the world’s best long-distance runners come from the Kalenjin community in Kenya. Names to remember, Eliud Kipchoge, widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time, Faith Kipyegon, multiple Olympic and world champion in middle-distance running and Kipchoge Keino, a pioneer who started the global wave of Kenyan running success in the late 1960s.

• Major Tea and Flower Exporter: Kenya is a top global producer of black tea (where my dad worked for over 50 years!) and supplies a huge portion of Europe’s cut flowers.

• The Big Five: National parks are home to lions, leopards, rhinos (Kenya is a crucial sanctuary & hosts major populations of endangered eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos, as well as the last two northern white rhinos on Earth), elephants, and buffalos.

• There’s A Safari Park Literally Next Door To The Main International Airport (which is also under attack as they’re set on building on this land. Read more here.)

• Staple dish: Kenya’s staple dish is ugali, made from maize meal flour and hot water & cooked until it is a soft pliable dough often served alongside vegetable dishes like sukuma wiki (collard greens) and another country favourite nyama choma (roasted/grilled meat).

• Hakuna Matata: we’ve all seen the Lion King movie by now haven’t we? Well the song ‘Hakuna Matata’ is a Kiswahili phrase which means ‘no worries’ or ‘no troubles’.

There are things that Kenya is undoubtedly known for (like our pristine beaches and wildlife) but I wanted to give you a guide that doesn’t necessarily only talk about the usual tourist haunts but one that also gives you other options.

And because so many things have changed since I left, I wanted to get the perspective from someone who calls Kenya her second home and has been living and working there for the last 15 years; my sister-in-law Alissa. She so kindly accepted my request to fill me in on all the things she’s grown to love since moving all those years ago. So grab a pen and paper and let’s get to it!

Hey Alissa! Welcome and thank you so much for taking the time to do this! So tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello and thanks for having me! I’m originally from the US and moved to Kenya in 2012. I originally came here to pursue a master’s degree in International Development and had no plans to stay long term, but Kenya has a way of getting under your skin and I have been here ever since! Over the years, I’ve worked in the agricultural development and conservation sectors and currently split my time between the capital city of Nairobi and the beach town of Diani.

First things first, do people need to apply for a visa ahead of time when visiting ?

Yes, a visa is generally required. Unless you’re a citizen of the East African Community (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda), you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your trip. The online form requires a scan of your passport, a digital passport photo, and your travel details (return flight, accommodation bookings, etc). In July 2026, the Kenyan government added a new requirement for foreign visitors to hold travel health insurance with a minimum of $50,000 in coverage. You’ll need to secure this before your trip, though it’s worth following local news as there are rumors this new rule could face legal challenges.

A standard single-entry eTA costs $30 and allows you to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days as a tourist. While approvals usually only take a few days, tech hiccups can happen on the eTA platform, so I usually recommend submitting your application a month in advance.

What made you fall in love with Kenya and later decide to live here indefinitely?

There are many reasons! Here are a few:

• The People & Culture: Kenyans are typically warm, laid back, and hospitable, making it easy to form genuine connections. It’s also a remarkably young country (the median age is around 20, which gives it a dynamic and exciting energy!)

• The Weather: Growing up in the freezing American Midwest, the near year-round sunshine here is bliss. Even though Kenya sits on the equator, Nairobi’s high elevation keeps it temperate, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F (22-28 °C). (I once heard that National Geographic gave Nairobi the title of “the world’s most perfect climate”). Coastal regions are comfortably warmer, reaching the upper 80s to low 90s °F (31-33 °C) during hot months.

• The Food: You can get fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables year-round (think the juiciest passion fruits and pineapples you’ve ever eaten), and the local dishes and fresh seafood are delicious. Kenya also has a rapidly-growing and impressive international dining scene, from Mexican to Thai to Lebanese.

• The Landscapes: Kenya has it all! Within one country you’ll see urban jungles, white sandy beaches, sprawling deserts, snow-capped mountains, wildlife rich savannahs, and lush green rolling hills. There’s always something new to explore!

You said you currently live between Nairobi and Diani. What are some things you love about both places?

Nairobi is vibrant, fast-paced, and pulsing with energy. It’s a thriving tech and innovation hub with all the conveniences of a big city. The cultural scene is always buzzing. On any given weekend you can find music festivals, theatre, film screenings, vibrant nightlife, art shows, and farmers’ markets.

Diani, on the other hand, is relaxed and laid-back. It perfectly embodies the Swahili proverb, ‘Haraka haraka haina baraka’ (’hurrying has no blessings’). The main attraction is the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can relax with a book or try some world-class kitesurfing. It’s easy to see why Diani has repeatedly been voted Africa’s Best Beach Destination by the World Travel Awards!

Following up on that question, what do you think are the ‘must-do and/or see’ places in Nairobi and Diani?

In Nairobi, some of the most popular “must-see” tourist destinations and ones I’d recommend include:

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (aka “the elephant orphanage”): Meet baby elephants that have been rescued and are later reintegrated into the wild.

• Giraffe Centre (not to be confused with the Giraffe Manor Hotel): This affordable yet amazing outing allows you to get up close and personal with endangered Rothschild giraffes (and like the elephant orphanage, you get to support the conservation project which successfully introduces giraffes back into the wild. Win, win!).

• Nairobi National Museum: A great place to learn about the culture and history of Kenya.

• Brown’s Cheese Farm: Tour an artisan cheese factory, eat cheese and drink wine to your heart’s content, milk a cow, and enjoy lunch in the garden. Brown’s also offers classes like pasta and kombucha making.

In Diani, some of the most popular things to do are:

• Water Sports: Diani offers world-class kite surfing as well as scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and many other water sports. You can check out Kite Motion, Kite254, H20 Extreme, Tribe Water Sports, and Diving the Crab.

• Camel Rides: If you like camels then take a camel ride along the beach! You’ll find them walking around on most days.

• Sunset Canoe Ride on the Kongo River: You can enjoy a sunset ride on the Kongo River which feeds into the Indian Ocean. Boat operators are available at the mouth of the river each evening, or you can book through Explore with Eve and have her set up a cozy beach bonfire after your ride!

And that’s the first half of our travel guide! In Part II, I’ll be asking Alissa more questions about her favourite places and we’ll explore Kenyan nightlife, safaris plus so much more so stay tuned for the next leg of the adventure!

In the mean time, if you’re thinking about visiting Kenya and would like a personalised itinerary suited to your specific needs, do contact Alissa at alissatravelskenya@gmail.com & she’ll get you sorted!

Talk soon! x

Greetings friends! It’s time of the month again!

I’ve been back in the south of France for a month now and it’s been interesting to say the least! A few days after I got back my pinky toe went awry after a little ‘dance party’ I had with my daughter watching Danny Go. She left for holiday and a day after my toe said ‘ABSOLUTELY NOT’ then proceeded to slowly produce an indescribable pain I’ve never felt before!

I was left indisposed for a good many days and spent them (and my birthday) laying on the couch with my foot elevated. My only means of getting from point A to B was by way of hopping everywhere i.e. the kitchen, toilet and bedroom (the only places I could go really). I couldn’t go up and down stairs but luckily had enough provisions otherwise I would have surely withered away! Fun freaking times! I had to laugh as the universe sure does have a sense of humour and wanted me to sit my ass down and reflect. Well girl you got your wish damn!

But first, Happy Birthday to me! Ya girl turned 41 and I am extremely grateful for this life. It was a very quiet one on my end (due mostly in part to my toe and not really being in the mood) This month was emotionally taxing and after coming from a high of being home the previous month, the low I felt for a lot of August was ALOT! There were lots of tears and realizations I had to come to, questions I’ve been asking myself for the last couple of years regarding mine and my daughter’s future and feeling stuck. BUT, and as always, despite the heaviness, I’m rolling with it and trying my darndest to keep going. I'm talking this time to just sit in this feeling of being here and giving thanks even on the days that feel really overwhelming because that’s part of life.

This month’s meme…

I love being right (this comes after many years of not being able to stand up for myself or voice my opinions) and I love having the receipts to prove that I am right when my truth is being questioned. So if anyone’s ever made you feel small or questioned your truth, send them this. x

I’m reading…

‘Black is the Body’ by Emily Bernard. I' picked this up when I was incapacitated and was able to get a few pages in but I’m not going to lie. I’ve been terrible at finishing books of late. My attention span is shot and I honestly prefer a good picture book instead.

I’m enjoying…

Saying yes more. I’ve been out twice this month (woohoo!) and it’s been nice. The me from a year ago would have declined but I’m pushing myself to do better and meet more people. Here’s to saying yes more when the vibes feel right and giving yourself the chance to trust people again.

I’m also enjoying writing more. August has been one of my most productive months writing wise despite the looming feeling of doom and gloom. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. I finally got round to making a monthly edit for August after months of not doing so and it felt good! I’ve always enjoyed working on these.

2. I also talked about opening up to then idea to try dating apps again (for my paid subscribers you can read that here)…

3. Brought back my second instalment of ‘Oh this old thing’ where I talk about items I’ve owned for 5+ years and how I style them today…

4. And finally my favourite this month, ‘Let’s bring back going out tops’ where I’m finding reason to return to the fun loving girly I once knew by getting dressed up again (and finding places to shake my ass on a bar!)

Since I've taken a little step back from my Instagram account to re-evaluate my career and life choices, I’ve had a plethora of random ideas pop into my head of what I’d like to share on here and I’ve got a whole bunch of topics I’m itching to get out for ya’ll so stay tuned for that!

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I’m buying…

Not so much buying but can’t wait to wear! I was kindly gifted two bags the last few months and wanted to show ya’ll what was sent! The first is this gorgeous deer skin tote shoulder bag from the brand Seyclair who so kindly gifted it to me after seeing my IG story! She’s an absolute beauty (and we both share the same name!) I can’t wait to wear her out.

Next is this stunning burgundy leather tote bag and super cute keychains (here and here) from Maison de Sabré. I love the shape of this tote and I can definitely see myself using it as my everyday bag (I need to give my kiondo a rest as I’ve been carrying her around since January).

I’m listening to…

I so enjoy being introduced to new music especially when I’m in dire need of hearing something different. Loving Lou Phelps right now (how did I not know about him before??) and this particular song has been on repeat.

I’ve also been listening to Orlando Julius who was an Afro beat pioneer and his music is vibes!

Should have added this to my buying list but anyhoo! I bought myself these new noise cancelling headphones and MY GOD! The bass! I don’t know why it took me so long to get some but I’m so glad I did! If you’re looking for a reasonably affordable pair I highly recommend these or even these ones which are a smidge cheaper.

I’m trying…

Baking again! I used to bake a little bit when my daughter was little and my favourite thing to make was carrot cake. I wanted to try it again and so proposed baking cupcakes with my daughter who was ecstatic at the proposition! I used this recipe but I feel like they could have been more moist (that’s my ultimate goal by the way; to get the moistest cakes every time!)

I made my usual icing out of mascarpone, powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract mixed together with an electric mixer and topped them off with sprinkles. We (read mostly I) basically scoffed them all down in like 3 days tops! Will try making another batch again soon with a different recipe to see how they turn out.

I’m watching…

Whatever’s on Apple TV right now. So I’ve been watching season 4 of Ted Lasso (LOVE Ted Lasso) and just finished Widows Bay yesterday which I actually enjoyed (didn’t think I would but it has this quirky horror vibe to it which was fun).

I’ve also been contemplating trying this thing where you subscribe to only one streaming service at a time to save some money but have so far failed miserably as I still want to know what’s new to watch everywhere. Sigh! I’ll try again in a few months time.

And that’s a wrap for this months roundup! As always, thank you for reading & until next time. x

The girls are talking about them (just check out the hashtag ‘goingouttop’ on IG, publications have written about them and now I’m also going to jump on the bandwagon and show you how I'm styling them! Let’s bring back going out tops!

Now some of you may be asking ‘did they ever leave? This publication seems to think so and as someone who hasn’t partied in an WHILE, I’ve heard they did for a hot second (Covid really robbed us of so much), but I’d like to believe they’re on their way back, if they’re not already here!

As a millennial I'm super nostalgic about the a lot of things. The music I used to listen to, the cartoons I used to watch, the places we used to go, and the absolute joy I used to have getting dressed up to go on a night out with my girls!

These sometimes very tiny pieces of fabric which were literally being held up by strings (I remember owning a top my cousin bought me which looked like a literal handkerchief and I absolutely loved it), often times bedazzled with some form of sequins were worn with your favourite pair of nice jeans (the ensemble was also commonly known as jeans and a nice top) and some heels you could dance all night on podiums with while making out with boys in the club and not having a care in the world! Good times!

I'm on a quest to return to the fun loving carefree girly I once was before adulting, responsibility and trauma bogged her down! And part of that means me going out and dancing my ass off like I once did, going out top included!

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I’ve made it a point to get out more and the last few months has seen me saying yes more and I love that for me after isolating myself for months on end (pats self on the back). So I’m going to start building my currently very small collection with pieces I can see myself wearing as I fulfill my dream of becoming that girl once more.

But back to going out tops! The less fabric, the better I say! You want to be able to move freely and dance to your hearts content without worrying about fabric getting in the way, but I have added options for those who feel otherwise because the going out top isn’t only for going out dancing am I right?

But if you are thinking about wearing your going out top to go dancing like I’m thinking about doing, I absolutely adore backless numbers because 1. I sweat! Ha! And 2. There’s just something really sex about showing one’s back.

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So let’s get into my selections plus I’ll also be showing you how I'd style them!

How I’d style my going out top: the lace bodysuit

I took this lace body suit and paired it with these gorgeous pants (love that tight at the top and loose at the bottom vibe), a blazer, some strappy heels and this fun pearled tassle clutch.

How I’d style my going out top: the backless top

I liked the idea of pairing this backless number with a pair of long tailored shorts and these sexy high heeled mules for a laid back but sophisticated look. Add a pair of anklets for some extra sex appeal, this gorgeous tassel clutch and some large earrings to finish off the look.

How I’d style my going out top: the flirty top

I paired this flirty top with some high waisted jeans, this crystal cocktail bag with gold handles, a pair of padded kitten heels and piled on a bunch of accessories (ya’ll already know how much I love these sunglasses! I would have added more jewellery but I decided to restrain myself!

How I’d style my going out top: the sequinned halterneck top

I styled this sequin halter top with these barrel leg jeans then chose these gorgeous slingbacks and added this zebra print prism bag. A pair of classic hoops and signature ring finish off the look.

How I’d style my going out top: the structured bustier top

I paired this bustier with these high rise trousers (absolutely love these!) with these Awake Mode cow print heels (which are unfortunately sold out) and this forever classic baguette which needs no introduction. I added a bedazzled frog broche and simple earrings to tie it all together.

Now let me go find somewhere to shake my ass and start feeling like myself again. x

UPDATED: I have included looks I recently styled as I felt like I didn’t do it justice when I restyled it for this article. Enjoy! x

In a bid to be more responsible and actually make the most of my clothes, I created this series where I go through items in my closet and show you how I’ve worn them over the years, and how I would style them today. Most of these items have been with me for years!

My hope is that this little exercise will also inspire you to revisit pieces you may have once loved and give them a new lease on life.

The dress

I bought this dress from ASOS for a wedding in 2018. The colour theme for said wedding was some form of blue if I remember correctly, and I had a hard time deciding what I was going to wear for the occasion.

So I decided to create a poll on my IG stories asking friends for their help and showed them a total of 12 options I had selected for myself. The dresses, which were all from ASOS, were all different styles, lengths and vibes but all felt like me. I love that IG archives your stories and that I was able to bring these up again from all those years ago!

I was THIS close to choosing option 2 or 11 but ended up choosing a completely different dress in the end! Ha!

At the back of my mind I knew I wanted something flowy and mid length and the final dress hit the brief. I also loved that it had polka dots, had a V neck, was pleated & had a strappy open back so I was well chuffed with my choice. The dress also paired excellently with the coral strappy heels I had bought a few weeks prior.

Her first appearance

The wedding. I thought it was demure enough for the ceremony and fit me perfectly. It was very much giving serious in the front and party in the back; the perfect fit to go from day to night.

But on the day itself things almost went completely left! I vaguely remember when the dress first arrived and I tried it on, actually liking it and knew I wasn’t going to return it. But on the day of the wedding the front was SUPER low so I had to use a safety pin (see below for how it looked after pinning it) to give it way less cleavage .

Then, in a very unfortunate turn of events, one of the hooks in the back tore just after the ceremony so I had to scramble to find another safety pin and fix it asap! I was cursing the dress in the bathroom but luckily was able to rectify the situation and enjoy the rest of the night.

It was many years later when I decided to wear her again as I never actually got round to properly fixing the torn back hook. Said hook has since been fixed but I was THIS close to selling the dress because I was over the drama from that first time experience!

Her second appearance

The second time I wore her was in one of my styling videos titled ‘What I’d wear if I had a 9-5’. I wanted to steer away from basic black and neutrals and mix it up with colour and prints. This was one of my first forays into intentionally mixing prints for one of my styling videos and enjoyed the process of playing around with patterns and textures. You can watch the video here.

Layering a dress over a shirt is a simple and easy way to take a ‘party dress’ and make it office wear appropriate.

Styling tip: If you’re thinking about mixing your prints then here are a few tips! I would say if you’re trying it for the first time, start by mixing prints in the same tonal range. And if one print is bold and big, try mixing it with a smaller print so it has a nice balance. And tada! You’ve just mixed your first print!

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Her third appearance

I wore the dress again as part of another styling series in the Summer of 2022 where I wanted to play around with the different ways to style a dress.

Look 1: Grunge: This look consisted of layering a dress over the polka dotted dress to achieve. I wanted to toughen it up so added the Dr Martens boots and dark lip (looking back at it, it’s giving Marc Jacobs’s Perry Ellis Grunge Collection and I love it!) See me put the look together here.

Look 2: I wanted to create a look that could be styled for the office and later also be worn for after work drinks. I simply tucked one side of the dress into a pair of barrel leg trousers to achieve this draped effect. Threw on the blazer and loafers to finish off the look. See how it all came together here.

Look 3: Continuing with the draped effect, I styled the dress with this metallic green skirt to add some contrasting colour and texture. The two pair so well together I love how it turned out. I also took the straps of the dress and wore them lower on my shoulders to give it an off the shoulder look. Wanted to pair it back with the Nike sneakers so it’s a look that could be worn to the club or for a chilled event. See how I put the look together here.

Look 4: This is a look I’d wear to go to brunch. Chilled and no fuss. I love the fall of these jeans and paired them with flip flops. I used tiny hair clips to secure the straps to add a little something extra to the look. See how it all came together here.

How I’d style it today

I didn’t want to do too much and kept it simple so styled it 2 ways. The first was by pairing the dress (worn as a skirt) with this asymmetric halter top. I couldn’t figure out what accessories of my own to pair with the look, so I decided to source some online. And below are the results! I picked this orange bag to add some colour, these simple hoops (which have been on my forever Wishlist) and some cute kitten heels.

The second look I came up with was the dress (also worn as a skirt) and paired with this beaded bag and tabi flats. I’ve been dreaming about owning a pair and I think it pairs perfectly with this beaded bag.

So here’s the update. I had a look back at how I styled this dress up top and I wasn’t satisfied. At the time I was uninspired and wanted to post the article asap so just threw these looks together. But it was rushed and not at all indicative of my ability. So I decided to restyle it again and came up with these 5 looks below. Word of advice when styling: take your time. The inspiration will come. x

Look 1: The dress was worn as a skirt and layered over a pleated green skirt. I then paired it with a white tank top, denim jacket and finished the look off with flip flops and a zebra print bucket bag.

Look 2: I took the straps of the dress and wore them off the shoulder to create this look. I then paired it with some baggy white pants, a pair of flip flops and netted bag.

Look 3: I like how the stripes in the long sleeved striped t-shirt work with the dress (worn as a skirt). Choose a pair of green sneakers & a burgundy bag (not seen here)

Look 4: I kept the same bottom as look 1 (the dress worn as a skirt and layered over a pleated green skirt) and chose this thrifted mens shirt, loafers and thrifted leather shoulder bag.

Look 5: I wore the dress as a top and draped it over these almost sold out culottes. I added a purple flower brooch, this burgundy bag (not pictured) and a pair of fringed sandals.

If you’re looking to add some polka dotted dresses to your closet, here are some options I selected below.

You can find all the links to the dresses here. Until next time friends. x

I have sworn off of men. Don’t want anything to do with them. And honestly those who know me, can you blame me?

Since my separation and finally divorce, I haven’t wanted or even needed to be romantically linked to another man. Even the slightest hint of flirting will send my body into a rage because why are even breathing in my direction?? That’s trauma for you.

I’d like to think of myself as a misandrist now. It’s only been ignited by the not so recent news with the files but has slowly been bubbling under for years after experiencing a myriad of traumatic experiences that just add to the long list of ‘Not all men but always a man’ sentiments. Down with the patriarchy and let’s start a new!

It’s been a blissful many, many months of feeling at peace. No anxiety attacks, no walking on eggshells, no panicking that I’d get a lecture every other night for something or other I had ‘done wrong’.

It’s also been a blissful many, many months of not having to answer to anyone else but myself. To come and go as I please, rot on the couch when I please, order in, travel home as I often as financially possible, decorate my space to my hearts pleasure, a balanced pH and so much more. Basically, freedom. Freedom to return back to myself and nurture the parts of me that got lost for so many years in a relationship that had been on a steady downward spiral.

So why would I ever want to ruin that by being with another man? The very thought of dating was such (and still is) such a far away thought I never want to ever have to do it again if I can help it.

The anger, sadness and regret I’ve felt for having stayed in a marriage far longer than I should have has been one I’ve had to work on (thank you therapy) and it fuelled me into not even thinking about ever being in a relationship or dating because really, why would I ever do that to myself again?

Until something shifted…

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Hey loves! Long time no edit!

I’m ecstatic it’s Summer and have loads of pieces I've been loving and have been sitting in my saved folder for weeks. I’ve realised that I find it therapeutic looking through websites and saving beautiful things that bring me joy even though I don’t end up buying them. Anyone else?

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I curate a weekly series where I post my street style inspiration for each season and below are some of my favourite pics this season! You can find my board ‘Summer Time Fine’ here. I’ve been drawn to long line shorts, scarves as tops, flirty dresses, fun accessories and summery shoes.

I’ve also decided to include some small brands into the mix as I’m trying to highlight as many as I can. I had asked my IG community to share with me some of their favourites so you can eventually check them out too.

One such brand is Bug Clothing. Created in 2015, the founder, Bug, uses materials which are either dead-stock from designer factory waste or from a supplier who stocks linens and cottons from mills who use electricity supplied solely from renewable energy sources and OEKO Tex certifie. I am in love with their ‘Delly’ top (below). I want one in every single colour!

Another brand I’m eyeing is the brand Ru by Rupal. The contemporary fashion and streetwear label founded in 2019 by designer Rupal Banerjee, combines traditional South Asian elements such as cultural symbolism, drapes, rich colours, and prints with modern streetwear and unisex silhouettes. Their ‘Madras check shirt’ is draped so beautifully I’d literally wear it with everything!

Ok now that’s done, let’s get into the rest of this month’s selects! I’ve featured a few pieces before; like the Evil Eye necklace and ring stacks by Cleopatra’s Bling plus the Aviator drop Bottega Veneta sunglasses which I can’t get out of my head! And I couldn’t choose between these two pairs of royal blue flip flops (here & here) from the Sleepers! Gah!

And please no one speak to me about Fall fits until it’s actually Fall. Let me enjoy my Summer in peace!

1. Balloon pants | ASOS

2. Ring Stack in Lapiz Lazuli | Cleopatra’s Bling

3. Mini tote bag | & Other Stories

4. Ribbed midi skirt | & Other Stories

5. Flip flops | Pearl Octopuss.y X Sleepers

6. 18k gold plated pendant | Cleopatra’s Bling

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1. Bulb bag | JW Anderson

2. Draped checkered midi dress | & Other Stories

3. Wide legged pants | COS

4. Chronograph watch | Triwa

5. ‘Madras’ Checked shirt | Ru by Rupal brand

6. Black tubular leather sandals | Souliers Martinez

1. Linen pants | COS

2. Triangle Bikini top | Weekday

3. Mid-rise bikini bottoms | Weekday

4. Evil Eye Necklace | Cleopatra’s Bling

5. Flip flops | Sleepers

6. Crochet dress with ruffles | H&M

1. Shift midi-dress with bubble hem | ASOS

2. Sorel Ring with Zircon | Cleopatra’s bling

3. Hot Pink Robe | Irregular Sleep Pattern

4. Frida bandeau top & bottom | Goldie Swimwear

5. Printed cargo Bermuda shorts | Bershka (I just bought these!)

1. Curved twill cargo pants | Freepeople

2. Sandals | Birkenstock

3. Red Checkered top | Bug Clothing

4. Checkered Pareo | Antik Batik

5. Oversized boxy tee | Eme Studios

6. Aviator Drop sunglasses | Bottega Veneta

1. Mini nightdress | Free People

2. Golden Beaded necklace | Smilla Brava

3. Cotton barrel leg pants | Stradivarius

4. Braided leather ballerinas | Arket

5. Woven Shoulder bag | L37

6. Mini bubble dress | Ghospell

Find all links to my picks above and more here. *contains affiliate links

As always, happy shopping and if you don’t really need it, don’t buy it. Talk soon. xx

Greetings friends! It’s time for my monthly roundup!

I was back in Kenya in July and had a glorious time with family, ate my weight in ugali and sukuma (traditional Kenyan dishes), touched grass and beach sand, drank my fill of Tuskers (Kenyan beer) and reset my nervous system. It was exactly what I needed. Let’s get into it.

This month’s meme…

Not so much a meme but a quote. With so much doom and gloom in the world I’m desperately trying to keep positive and hold on to the dreams I have for myself and my daughter. In spite of everything I am going to continue to expect good things. I am going to continue to expect magic. I am going to continue to expect the greatest unfolding for me. And I am going to continue to expect positivity to meet me everywhere. And so it is.

I’m reading…

‘Freshwater’ by Akwaeke Emezi. I had challenged myself to finish this while on holiday but failed! I do plan on finishing it though! I absconded this copy from my brother and later realised I actually own a my own copy which I bought when the book first came out years ago! Ha! He’ll get it back when I’m home next.

I’m enjoying…

Home! Actively trying to figure out how I can be going back more often cause the way my nervous system feels after spending time sat home in unmatched. It’s also super important for me that my daughter gets to spend time with family as much as she can as well as see and learn more about Kenya. I’ve been asked to put together places to visit in Kenya a few times so will figure out a way to come up with something for ya’ll.

I’m also enjoying simple holiday style. Loved throwing on the simplest of fits which involved oversized tees, cargo and linen shorts, kikoys (a type of paleo) and strappy tops. The perfect fits to chill at the beach and live my best survival free life.

I’m buying…

Jewellery. Bought myself some brass rings while I was home from Kenyan brand Dreamer & Co. Continuing to grow my collection bit by bit!

I’m still getting questions about where my jewellery is from so in case you missed it, here’s the post I wrote last month with details of where I get all my jewellery! Find it below.

I was also gifted this gorgeous necklace by Lizzie Fortunato and she’s gorgeous! Can’t wait to style her this Summer.

I’m listening to…

My dad’s old records. He has the most insane record collection which he’s been collecting since the early 60’s. He said his first album was Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ album when he visited the US for the first time. When I finally buy my turntable, I’m hoping I’ll get to borrow a few! You probably know how I love music and it’s something I definitely got from both my parents.

I’m trying…

To fill my home with more art! I was kindly gifted this piece by Raba Art last month and it’s found a permanent spot.

I also found this artist Yvonne McCoy of Loudmom.studios and love her work! I stumbled upon her art on Instagram and I’ll be swiftly adding her pieces to my forever wish list for the future!

I’m watching…

Sinners! The scream I scrumpt on the plane when I realised they had it cause I’ve been trying to find it since it was released! I managed to watch it on the way back and only found out it was available after watching 2 prior movies: The Devil Wears Prada (my absolute fave!) and How to Make a Killing (which was really good), but only watched round an hour and a half before the plane landed! I was determined to finish it so immediately after I arrived and had unpacked half my bags I found it on Prime and watched it till the end!

And I have thoughts…*contains spoilers

Although it was really good and it deserved all the awards it got, it left me wanting more (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but damn!)

I was just telling my cousin that I felt that the story itself was so rushed. I felt like we were almost immediately thrust into the action and then it was done. I also wanted to know so much more about each character and their stories but their lives were seemingly ‘cut short’ and that was that. Sigh.

But also! Why did Mary have to go out into the night to talk to those three if they had given them the heebie jeebies? The instincts of a toothpick! I'd love to know what you thought!

And that’s a wrap for this months roundup! Until next time loves! Talk soon. x

If you know me you know I love me some jewellery.

I’m like a magpie. I’m attracted to pretty shiny things. You’ll find me on any given day layered up on necklaces and stacked with rings as I go about my day. I’m particularly a fan of gold jewellery (plated because we’re saving up for one day owning solid gold sis!), beaded pieces, and fun pendants.

I come from a tribe of people who love being ostentatious and wore feathers, furs and silver jewelry to adorn themselves. So it only makes sense for me to carry on the tradition and adorn myself and make my ancestors proud!

I used to adore costume jewellery from stores like H&M and Forever 21 (millennials going out to the clurrrb in full business casual know the deal) but as fun as they were, they never lasted more than a few months and would eventually and without fail break or discolour. They were fun while they lasted though!

So your girl had to switch it up and think long term and find a way to stop throwing money out the window. Disclaimer: I still haven’t been able to adopt the same mentality for my clothing but let’s take things one step at a time shall we?

One of the most frequent questions I receive is always where all my jewellery is from. In the beginning of my social media journey I’d get asked the same question at least twice a day! So I thought it would be fun to answer all the FAQ’s I’ve gotten over the last few years plus show an updated list of everything I’m wearing now along with how I stack them.

This post will mainly be focused on necklaces in this post but will be making a second and similarly detailed one about my rings, bracelets and anklets. So let’s get into it!

Where is your jewellery from?

I made this Instagram post 2 years ago which is pinned to my page with info on all my jewel also include a list of brands I love here and have purchased from and can personally vouch for.

• South African brand Matter of Fakt used to make some great brass pieces and I wear their rings daily. I particularly love their recycled brass bullet casing pendant which is always a conversation starter. It is unfortunately no longer available though.

• Parisian brand Stellar Paris. Their IG page still seems to be running but I don’t know if they’re still in business which is a shame because they had some quality pieces.

• Missoma London does some great pieces and pendants. Some of their pieces can be pricy but they do have regular sales so watch out for those!

• Daphine whose pieces are simple yet timeless. I’ve bought multiple rings from them over the years which include (and which are still currently available) this one and this one. I love how they’ve stood the test of time.

• Turkish jewellery maker Luzi Kate whose jewellery I found one serendipitous day on Etsy makes colourful beaded pieces which add some much needed colour to my stack.

• Yasmin Jewelry who is also from Turkey makes the most beautiful beaded necklaces as well! This red beaded necklace is part of my everyday rotation right now.

• I own a necklace from Luj Paris and she’s been with me for close to 8 years now. Love the quality!

• My green malachite necklace is from Nola Amsterdam and I’ve owned it for around 6 years.

• My white beaded necklace was kindly gifted to me by Loft & Daughter a few years back and it’s also part of my everyday rotation.

Do you shower with your jewellery?

Yes! I shower with all my jewellery & I bought it specifically so that I don’t have to take them all off when I do.

What kind of jewellery do you wear?

I’m a HUGE fan of brass jewellery. You honestly can’t go wrong with brass in my honest opinion. It’s super popular in Kenya and can be found almost everywhere. And no, it does not discolour no matter how long you wear it.

It’s also super durable & just needs a little buffing to get back its shine if/when it starts to dull. It obviously doesn’t have the same resell value as gold but I adore my brass jewellery and wouldn’t replace it for anything!

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Are there any brands you want to add to your collection?

Absolutely! I’ve been eyeing and would one day love to own pieces from these brands:

• Simuero has some gorgeous, gorgeous pieces so definitely check them out. I am particularly interested in their toe rings (this one and this one) as I want to start a summer collection!

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Greetings friends! It’s time for my monthly roundup so let’s get into it.

This month’s meme…

France recorded the hottest few days in the world and people are not ok. It’s been HOT! Not just hot but heavy. Little to no wind and no humidity. Summers in Europe have always been hectic and with climate change well and truly here Earth is literally cooking us and she wants us out. I honestly don’t blame her. This meme is me looking out the window coming to terms with the fact that we have to add yet another thing to the long list of messed up shit we have to go through in these ‘unprecedented times’. Send the asteroid!

I’m reading…

I recently discovered that I love a good collage and so I ordered the book ‘Passports’ by artist Keisha Scarville after I saw her post about the books release on her page the other day. The book is an intimate body of work taken from an ongoing series centred around the artists father’s earliest passport photograph. Loving it already.

I’m enjoying…

Re-wearing the clothes I already own. I styled this shirt dress a few weeks ago and i wasn’t expecting much to come out of it but it was a hit! I always try my darnest to style the clothes I own multiple ways so I get the most wear out of them. It also helped curb my shopping addiction (which hasn’t fully disappeared but we’re a work in progress).

You can watch both videos here and here.

Since I started my social media journey, which has been around 4 years now, I’ve been styling items multiple ways to show my community how they too can get the most wear out of their clothes. ‘I’m not new to this, I’m true to this’. 💅🏾

Around this same time last year I also styled one of my favourite maxi dresses, which I’ve owned for about 8/9 years now, 4 ways. It’s always fun to revisit past reels and see how my style has evolved (or not) over the last few years. You can watch the full video here.

I’m buying…

Shoes! I’ve wanted to add a few different pairs to my Summer rotation and so purchased a few goodies in June comprising mostly of mules and slip ons. One pair I am particularly happy about are these Huaraches from Mexas. They’re leather and super comfortable!

I also scored myself these leopard print mules from H&M which were part of my ‘What I’d Wear to’ series a few weeks ago (read it here).

Speaking of shoes, if you’re looking to check out what pairs I’m loving this Summer, check out my Summer Shoe Edit below! The list features a whole bunch of options for all shoe lovers.

I’m listening to…

I created a playlist when I was pregnant and listened to it again recently and it made me so emotional. I don’t remember much of those very early postpartum days but what I do remember is playing these songs everytime it was time for us to take a nap. The playlist features artists like Sampha, Nora Jones, The Cinematic Orchestra and Kokoroko. If you’d like to have a listen check it out here.

This particular song used to be on repeat and it will forever hold a very special place in my heart…

I’m trying…

To step out of my comfort zone. My cousin made a spontaneous visit last week and it was the breath of fresh air I needed. She got me out of the house and we spent a few days frolicking on the beach and

I’m watching…

Re-runs of Sex and the City and decided to also start House of the Dragon (I realised on IG I’m not the only one who calls it House of Dragons!)

On Sex and the City: I’ve watched this show for the fifty eleventh time and every time I do I notice something new. Like how hilarious I find Charlotte and Treys conversations! I’m currently on the episode where Carrie gets broken up with by Berger on a post-it. Lol. Berger really was such a waste of space and time.

On House of the Dragon: Made it to season 2 and I think I’m going to call it quits. I thought I'd be like Game of Thrones where it starts out slow and gets interesting but I’m irritated! Mostly by the characters and their tomfoolery! I might give it another go in the future but I’m not betting on it.

And that’s a wrap for this months roundup! Until next time loves! Talk soon. x

I have decreed that it’s officially Summer so let’s roll with it! I know we only have a week left till the actual start of the season but the sun has been showing out and the layers have dropped to single digits and your girl is a happy camper!

As a girl born and raised in the tropics, it’s no surprise as to why Summer is my most favourite season. The heat, bikinis, shorts, endless supplies of Vitamin D and just that holiday feeling makes my whole body come alive after surviving the colder months.

But let’s talk about shoes! I absolutely love being able to get my toes out after months of being stuffed into closed shoes and socks for a huge chunk of the year. It’s also when I actually care about getting a pedicure and painting on the brightest colour to match my mood!

I featured a few of the shoe options I’ll be wearing this season in my reel here but below are the four staples which I think are indispensable during the Summer:

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Greetings friends! It’s time for my monthly roundup so let’s get into it.

This month’s meme…

I think as a global collective we’ve come to terms with all the f*ck sh*t happening the world over and the constant barrage of ‘unprecedented events’ is weighing its toll. I read somewhere (that’s code for seen on TikTok) that it’s all a ploy to have us desensitised and uncaring for whatever else is coming. I’m just trying to make money and live a relatively good life here like I’m sure a lot of us are! Can we get a break like yesterday please?

If you’re chronically online (like me) then you know what this meme references and I think we’d totally get along. If you are unfamiliar find the original video here.

I’m reading…

Home interior design books which specifically highlight and feature Black peoples homes. I always love to see how other people decorate their spaces (a long time love of mine which also resulted in me creating this page) and I’m forever inspired to make the most of the space I’m in right now.

So inspired that I’m thinking of getting this beautiful leopard print rug for my living room. It’s from Rug Editorial and it would fit right in!

Speaking of interiors, would you look at this absolutely stunning bedroom makeover in interior designer Theresa Butler’s home. What a beauty!

I’m enjoying…

Dressing for the hotter weather. It’s been a mix of strapless tops & linen barrel leg pants to sporting shorts and a graphic tee. Simple and efficient. And Summer wouldn’t be summer without a trusty pair of flip flops I say!

I created a new series ‘What I’d Wear to…’ where I show you how what I’d wear for different occasions. Loved putting this fun series together and be on the look out cause there’ll be more to come! Read the post here.

I’m buying…

New shoes! I recently bought these polka dotted Nike Cortez and I am in love! They’re super comfy and so cute! I mean just look at them! I featured them in my Spring Fashioning post a few weeks ago and decided they were too good to not get. See how I styled them here.

I also saw this pair by Parfois (below) which are too good not to share! How fun are those! Waiting patiently for them to become available. I don’t know about you but I’m super psyched for Summer and all the fits I’ll get to wear and all the dancing I plan on doing!

I just posted a reel of the shoe (and sock) combos I’ll be wearing this summer (you can watch it here) and I’ll also be putting together a summer shoe list for ya’ll so do keep a look out for that!

I’m listening to…

Music that I used to play years ago!

I stumbled upon this thread and the song that came to mind was ‘Cores’ by Da Lata which I heard after so long recently being played on some series on Netflix and was instantly taken back to a time when things seemed so much simpler. It definitely holds a very special place in my heart.

Another song I was also reminded of recently is ‘I believe in this thing called love’ by the Darkness! What a jam! I played it for my daughter one night to get our wiggles out and she absolutely loved the guitar solo! I remember watching the music video for the first time years ago and couldn’t get enough of the visuals and theatrics!

I’m trying…

To strategise and make this entrepreneur life actually take off. I wrote about my woes here and after having a mini crash out (and cry) I sat myself down and planned how this journey was going to look like moving forward.

There’s a few things in the works that I’m excited to roll out in the next few weeks and one of them in my personal shopping service! I have spoken about wanting to start but never felt ‘qualified’ to do something like this but I feel like the same way I took a chance on starting my social media journey and fumbled my way through, is the same way I’m going to do this.

I did a practice session with a friend a few years ago as she was helped me realise that this was definitely an avenue I could explore. Forever grateful for people who lovingly push you to be your greatest self.

I’m watching…

*contains spoilers

Blink Twice. I was saying in my IG stories that even though I was triggered, I enjoyed it and was very appreciative that they didn’t focus too much on the assault scenes. I was also cheering at the screen when the girls figured sh*t out and decided to work together to f*ck the men up! 👏🏾

Superb soundtrack too!

And that’s a wrap for this months roundup! Until next time loves! Talk soon. x