HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR.
Can you believe that this is literally the first opportunity I've had to write a new post? I'm kind of embarrassed but at this point it is, what it is. I'm currently working on a branding project that has taken up all of my free time. I'm not complaining because I love what I do but in the mist of it all, I've neglected my personal projects.
Note to self for 2015: KEEP BALANCE.
Anywho, I'm not one for New Year resolutions, but there is something about this time of year that motivates personal change and self reflection. For the past year I've made a commitment to incorporating exercise to my daily lifestyle and it has made a huge difference on my overall health. This year I have set new fitness goals that I'm working hard to maintain. However, going to the gym after work, 4 days a week can become a bit much at times, so on the days that I can't make it to the gym, I rely solely on one of my favorite apps: Nike Training Club
NTC has been around for over 4 years now but the app continues to improve over time. It's seriously amazing. It's like having access to a personal trainer in the comfort of your home. If there are exercises you have no idea how to do, no worries, you can pause your workout to view a video that shows you exactly what to do. Cool right?
The first time I tried one of the workout sessions, I was beat up...in a good way. Now my gym buddy and I incorporate this to our regimen and with the social features, we can keep up with each others workouts and keep each other motivated.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
xxo
It's been a long time...
For those of you that take the time to keep up with this blog, I apologize for my absence.
To put things simply I've been going through a tough time in my personal life, as well as keeping busy with freelance work, while renovating my mothers apartment. Needless to say, I've been caught up with life.
In the free time I did manage to have for myself, I discovered a new found love for spinning, which I'll talk about in more detail in another post, visited the Jeff Koons exhibit on its last day at the Whitney, which I'm thankful I got to see; then it was design, design design, even throughout the holidays.
And just like that, Thanksgiving came and gone, as did Christmas.
I can't pinpoint what it was but I didn't have much of the holiday spirit like I normally do. It could be because it's my first holiday without my father, coupled with the racial tension that has been brewing against African-Americans and the police force. Whatever the case is, all I know is that I am looking forward to finishing off the last few days of 2014 on a positive note and happier spirits and plan on welcoming 2015 with open arms.
Hoping your holiday was merry & bright, filled with love & happiness.
Stay tuned.
xxo
QUIETLY LOUD // & OTHER STORIES
One of my favorite natural hair & fashion bloggers, Cipriana of Urban Bush Babes, and her music artist twin sister, TK Wonder, is featured in one of the latest & Other Stories campaign. I actually bumped into Cipriana (love her name) a few years ago and she was super sweet!
I am über excited that & Other Stories (owned by Swedish brand, H&M group) is finally coming to NYC the end of this year. Judging by the amazing looks they are offering now in Europe and their affordable prices, this may end up becoming my favorite go-to shop.
Check them out and let me know what you think!
xxo
Photos courtesy of & Other Stories
LE WEEKEND
Over the weekend, Mother Nature gave NY a taste of Summer with temperatures in the low 80s paired with cloudless blue skies. So naturally when I got the call from my gym bunnie Ann, to take our workout outdoors, I was all in!
Our day started with brunch at one of my local favorites, Strawberry Place, followed by organic iced lattes at the best cafe in town, Art Cafe. Then off we went to what ended up being the perfect Saturday exploring the hidden gems of Nyack.
We spent hours exploring, daydreaming, & stopping to take it all in. It amazes me that after all these years there are still things left to be discovered. This place really has it's charm.
Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my happenings. :)
xxo
PRESS PLAY // END OF SUMMER 2014
It's apparently clear that the summer months are the toughest to find time to post. This playlist was intended to release for July (Juillet) however that didn't happen...either did August smh. In the end I decided to merge the two and simply refer to this as the End of Summer playlist.
SZA, Foxes & Sia make more than one appearance and I'm fine with that. Check it out HERE!
xxo
AFROPUNK HAIR PORTRAITS
I have yet to understand how I manage to miss events that I take the time to put in my calendar. smh. I was dead set on going to this years Afropunk because I really wanted to see my latest obsession, SZA live, but somehow I ended up at the beach instead. Thankfully it was time well spent with my dearest friends but still. ugh!
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon these portraits captured by the talented Awol Erizku, celebrating the uniqueness of natural hair. As a proud natural myself, I couldn't resist sharing these with all of you.
Photos by Awol Erizku
Check out more of his portraits on Vogue.com.
xxo
INTERIORS // LIGHT + LADDER
The older I get the more I see my mothers influence on the things I grow fond of and indoor plants have been added to the growing list. Feast your eyes on the sneak peak of Light + Ladders' Lookbook. *le sigh*
Absolutely loving the minimal design and attention to detail on all of these planters. And the beautiful photographs, taken by the lovely Nicole Franzen, certainly help bring it all to life.
Light + Ladder lives Quietly Loud...Swooon!
xxo
NEW SKIN CARE REGIMEN
I started noticing that my face had this dull/dry look to it so the hunt began for products to establish my skin care regimen. Initially I explored the first brands that came to mind that I've always heard great things about like, Kiehls and Aesop, but as I was preparing for my trip to Haiti, I stumbled upon Lush and I'm so glad that I did.
I walked in there with intentions of only purchasing a body cream but ended up with these 4 products and I've been loving them ever since. What's awesome is that I started seeing a major difference in the overall look of my skin the first week. Not that I had "bad" skin but my skin type is what they refer to as "combination" skin which is mix between dry and oily, so the products I ended up with helped maintain a healthy balance. Every night I alternate between the Coalface Cleanser and the Ocean Salt Scrub, followed by the Breath of Fresh Air toner then seal all that moisture with the Imperialis moisturizer.
Washing my face has now become an experience I look forward to. Seriously. Check them out and let me know your favorites. What skin care product are you loving right now? Share in the comments below!
xxo
PRESS PLAY // AVRIL/MAI/JUIN 2014
Since I was on a 2 month hiatus, I have a lot of catching up to do, starting with the Press Play feature. For this time only lets just refer to this one as the Spring playlist.
I started this one early April because it reminds me of my bestfriend and our fun times together; which is fitting since April is her birthday month. CLICK HERE to follow and tune in. Enjoy!
xxo
HARD TO SAY GOODBYE
It's been almost 2 months since my last post and that's because the unimaginable occurred.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2014 my father passed away in the city he was born and raised, Mirebalais, Haiti. Needless to say, I was devastated. It's a pain I could have never prepared for nor describe. What I do know is that it shattered the depths of my soul and it's still hard to believe that I will never see him again.
In the midst of my grief, family drama ensued, which almost stopped me from going to Haiti but in the end, with God's grace, everything fell into the place the way that it was meant to. Without the unwavering support of my family, my loving boyfriend, amazing friends, coworkers, and of course my faith in God, I could not have made it through this experience with my sanity in tact. Today I am at peace and feel confident that my father rests well and is with me in spirit.
Below is a snap shot of my experience.
Haiti is such a beautiful and magical place. The spirit of the people exudes resilience and unyielding pride. I hate that it took me 18 years to go back but I will never allow that much time to pass before I return. It was so great to see old friends and family, even met some amazing new ones.
Having the opportunity to explore the streets my father walked daily and hear the amazing stories about the loving and giving man that he was made me feel even more proud to be his little girl.
Forever and always.
REMEMBERING KURT
Today marks 20 years since we lost the man that forever changed the music world. I was in 7th grade and will never forget that day because it was the first time witnessing a group of my classmates grieve for someone else. Some went as far as carving his initials in their skin.
I didn't get it at the time but the more I familiarized myself with their music, and their contribution to the music world, the more I understood the greatness that they were. Since then, Nirvana has become one of my favorite bands. Probably my favorite.
Rest In Peace, Kurt.
xxo
Source: HD Paperwalls
QUIETLY LOUD // NEW FEATURE
Longing for the days that I can store my winter coats, shed these layers and FINALLY take in all that Spring has to offer. My patience is wearing thin though. *le sigh*
In the meantime, soft palettes and snakeskin have been making its appearance in stores and I'm in favor. Here are a few of my favorites that have made its way onto my "Longings" list.
1. Madewell V-neck slouch tee | 2. Loeffler Randall Milla Scallop Flats | 3. Loeffler Randall Zip Wallet
xxo
PRESS PLAY // MARS 2014
Better late than never. Work has been INSANE, but here are the tunes that have been getting me through the day. Fellow Spotifiers CLICK HERE to listen and follow. Enjoy!
xxo
FOR THE WIN // LUPITA NYONG'O
Words cannot begin to express the joy I felt when Lupita Nyong'o's name was called for Best Supporting Actress at this years Oscars. Her style, grace, and intelligence is so refreshing and it puts a smile on my face and at times, tears to my eyes, whenever she shares her story about her struggles to feel beautiful in her skin, in a world that constantly told her otherwise. Now, all of who she is and what she represents, is being celebrated all over the world; helping redefine what true beauty means and inspiring others along the way.
Lupita Nyong'o lives Quietly Loud.
xxo
QUIETLY LOUD // AZEDE JEAN-PIERRE
Now that NYFW is over I've been spending some time catching up on shows that I missed...daydreaming about the clothes that I will never own. *le sigh*
This year, one particular show I was anticipating was Azede Jean-Pierre. Azede is a young Haitian-American, up & coming designer that is setting the fashion world ablaze in, what I like to believe, a Quietly Loud way. Her and I went to SCAD together and I remember always thinking that she was destined for greatness and I was right. Her designs have been photographed on the likes of Solange and have been featured in many publications such as Vogue, Essence and Elle as "The Next Big Thing." Her attention to detail is killer and those black leather pants have my name all over it. Ugh!
All in all, Azede is über talented and I am looking forward to watching her evolve in her career.
xxo
EYE CANDY
I spent all of last week swooning over Warby Parker's 2014 Spring Collection that I couldn't resist ordering a few to try on at home. If you're unfamiliar with the brand and are looking for a new pair of frames, it's time to get familiar.
Warby Parker was introduced to me by one of my best friends, Anthony, in 2010 and I've been a loyal fan of not only their frames, but their overall brand, ever since. Who can beat $95 for a pair of prescription glasses? Very few. What I've come to love most about WP though, is their "buy a pair, give a pair" philanthropic efforts. In other words, for every pair a glasses you buy from them they donate a pair to someone in need. Love that.
My boyfriend bought me my first pair, the whiskey tortoise Preston's, and although I will always be team Preston, it's time for something different.
After endless bathroom selfies and getting my friends to weigh in, I think I finally made my decision to go with the Finch frames! Make sure you browse their collection...there's something for everyone.
xxo
PRESS PLAY // FEVRIER 2014
There is no genre that does love & love lost quite like R&B, however it saddens me that this was the hardest playlist to put together. Not sure where it went wrong but R&B seems to be dissipating. Here are the few that continue to keep the genre that I hold dear, alive.
For my fellow Spotifiers, CLICK HERE to tune in and follow. Comment below with your favorites that should have been on this list.
xxo
A GUIDE TO SENDING LOVE
My friends laugh at the fact that I mostly shop for my greeting cards online. I am not sorry for taking my love for paper goods very seriously which is why I can easily justify paying the shipping costs for the perfect card or going out of my way to visit paperie boutiques.
As Valentine’s day swiftly approaches, here's a list of some of my favorite designers that may have you reconsidering your options the next time a special day comes along. You will leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. I promise. :)
xxo
Sugar Paper 1 | 6 | 7 // The Social Type 2 // Pei Designs 4 // Rifle Paper & Co. 5
INTERIORS // REAL-ESTATE HEAVEN
Only my true Sex & the City fans will understand the Lucky 34 reference and this right here is mine.
Feast your eyes on my daydreams manifested. Whenever I think about what my ideal home will look like I always picture an industrial loft with exposed brick walls, obnoxiously over-sized windows, dark oak floors, pre-war moldings, adorned with the perfect balance of modern and vintage finishes. *le sigh*
And for a measly, 43 mil, you can get your hands on this Tribeca gem. ha! a girl can dream.....
