Author

Alex

A re-re-introduction and life update

Hey, what’s up, hello, it’s me again.

You might be asking why I’m starting this up AGAIN, basically a year later. Well friends, it’s Alex anew. Whenever I return back to this blogging thing, I’ve had some kind of major life change and then I come back inspired. The trick is keeping the inspiration going. A lot easier said than done, but I’m more determined than before to look for my muses in all places.

This third (and forever) time coming back to blogging has a different vibe. More confidence. More ideas. More inspiration. Ensuing panic of realizing I’m graduating from college at some point and I need an outlet to keep me sane. Also I had people close to me tell me how weak I am for not doing something I actually want to because of insecurities; therefore my very being has been challenged and I have to do this.

Here’s a few things:

I spent the spring semester in Prague, Czech Republic and met my boyfriend there.
I travelled to Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, Berlin again, Rome, and then Copenhagen.
I’m a senior in college.
I’ve caught this entrepreneurial wind and I’m wondering where that will take me.

In other posts, those updates will be elaborated on. But this is all to say that I’m excited about the direction my life is taking. I’m also excited with each passing year/age/life change. I feel more confident in myself. It’s all about growth, ya know?

To end this post, I’ll just leave this here:

June 13, 2018

Opinion

In Defense of Zodiac Signs

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If you want to know more about your sign, read your description here.

Lately, I have been talking to a bunch of boys that fall under the sign of cancer. Don’t know how it ended up working like that, but my sign – scorpio – is compatible with them so I have been basically getting to know each one to see if their characteristics line up. As I was discussing with one of them his sign’s basic personality (because this is basically my go to flirtation move since boys usually never pay attention to this sort of thing) he attempted to make fun of me for believing in the stars and what not.

You may think I’m crazy. You may be saying ‘wow Alex believes in Zodiac signs, she’s crazy.” But hear me out. For as long as I can remember, my mom always told me she wanted a scorpio daughter– well here I am. Whenever I became friends with someone, decided I couldn’t stand someone, or developed a crush on a boy, she would ask “what’s their sign?”

Mind you, the whole horoscopes part of zodiac signs IS crazy. No one can tell the future, and if they say they can, run away. I definitely do not base my relationships on someone’s sign. I will not avoid you if you’re a Sagittarius and I won’t fall in love with you because you’re an Aries, but if I know what our compatibilities are I’m definitely going to take the time to figure out if your sign traits actually match up to your vibe and your energy. And a lot of the time, with some variations of course, I can see a distinct pattern.

I will NOT trash talk a sign, even though there is a specific one where there is not a single person I can say I even remotely like. But this blog is about positivity so we aren’t going to dwell on that. As I’ve formed my friendships, acquintainces, and crushes, I’ve noticed that my closest friends fall under the same 3 or 4 signs, and there are only 2 where I can say I’ve never found compatibility on any level.

All this being said, I want you all to know that you shouldn’t write off the idea that people are influenced by their birthdates. If you for some reason strongly dislike someone and can’t place why or you’re suddenly attracted to someone after a brief conversation –find out when their birthday is.

Also if you’re a male that’s a taurus, don’t hesitate to swing my way.

June 15, 2017

Music

I Want Daniel Caesar To Sing Me To Sleep

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I’ve been in my feelings a little bit recently – listening to music that’s all sap and love and mushy – for absolutely no reason. Maybe I’m forcing myself to reflect on how single I am? I don’t know.

Anyway, I’ve recently become utterly obsessed and amazed with Canadian singer Daniel Caesar. With the looks of a soundcloud rapper and the voice of an angel, this man sings John Legend-esque love songs but with a less raspy voice. Honestly, it’s probably the kind of music you would hear playing while walking through an Urban Outfitters, which is basically my entire aesthetic.

He has one EP that came out in 2015, Pilgrim’s Paradise, and a ton of singles over the past few years. My not-officially-professional highly recommended songs are:

We Find Love

Blessed

Get You ft. Kali Uchis

Japanese Denim

You can listen to more of his music on SoundCloud or on your preferred streaming service.

And if anyone knows when he’s coming to Atlanta on tour PLEASE let a girl know.

June 13, 2017

fashion Opinion

In Defense of the RompHim

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If you have any form of social media, you would have seen that a new concept for male rompers – called RompHim – has gained traction on kickstarter. The amount that the creators wanted to acquire in a month was $10,000, but they surpassed their goal and reached over $360,000 pledged with time to spare.

The concept that the Chicago-based team has developed includes a full button-front short sleeve-shirt featuring a front pocket, adjustable waist with back AND front pockets, and zipper fly for you know….men. Already this design surpasses the functionality and comfort of any female design, but what else would you expect?

The reason it has gained so much traction is not only because the romper is a comfortable and versatile piece of clothing that should be owned by most people, but also because the RompHim sparked a debate about what is considered “manly” attire. I, personally, don’t see the problem. This romper is simply a shirt connected to a pair of shorts. It is not the equivalent of the booty shorts rompers that are an option for females. In fact, the RompHim is no shorter than Chubbies (shorts that have a 5.5 inch inseam mind you) that are staples in the southern frat boy wardrobe. Say what you want, but I am a full on supporter of this outfit.

For example, let’s look at Cam Newton in a floral one piece at Coachella (disclaimer: this is NOT by RompHim).

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Tell me this man does not look beautiful. Put together. Confident. I would love to see Broderick Hunter in an all white RompHim and Trevante Rhodes in olive green. It looks comfortable, it’s trendy; and I really don’t get what’s so controverial about this new addition to men’s fashion.

There are MANY fashionable men who could pull this off in a way that would show they are both concerned with their looks and confident enough to handle whatever criticisms could be thrown in their direction.

June 5, 2017

Inspirations

Old Meets New

Aaaaaaand we’re back! Sophomore year has come to a close. I am officially a collegiate upperclassman and now closer to the age of 21 than I am to 19—both facts that have caused many existential crises in the past few days. I have to start thinking about my future – possible graduate school, occupations, where I want to live, paying things by myself.

Nerve-wracking, isn’t it? But I’m not going to discuss my paranoia any further.

I thought my personal growth was dramatic my freshman year at The University of South Carolina, but this year was more eye-opening than I could have imagined. Here are 5 things that had an impact on me the past year:

I joined a sorority (which I never thought I’d do) and met some of the most amazing women I now have the pleasure of calling my friends. Before this year even started, I came across someone discussing how falling in love platonically is just as, if not more important than, falling in love romantically. That idea has resonated with me this past year, and has truly been reflected as I’ve gotten to know these girls.
I shed many tears over my classes. Despite hating them in the moment, I can begrudgingly say that I now have skills and knowledge that I wouldn’t have had I not been mostly actively participating in my classes.
I can run on 3 hours of sleep and be perfectly fine, but if I get 8-10 hours I feel like I got run over by a truck. Time is a manmade concept, and certainly doesn’t apply on a college campus.
I would rather spend my money on concerts and experiences rather than anything else. Especially a good EDM or rock concert. Say what you will about them, but it’s not even the music that I love (even though that is a part) but it’s the people you get to meet and see who are there to find people just like themselves.
South Carolina is a basketball school.

As Kylie Jenner said,

All this to say, this is a fresh start to this blog that I began a year ago. And I’m happy I took the year long hiatus from posting because I have grown in so many ways. I want a different direction from where I was going. I don’t want this blog to be just be about me and the clothes I wear. I want something that engages and inspires and connects; I want to write about music, food, experiences, opinions. I also want to include some of the stories you all have, which is a project I will expand on later. I can’t wait for what’s to come!

May 17, 2017

Music

ENDLESS

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Last week I made a post about how Frank Ocean has broken my heart. But my faith in love has been restored and Frank pulled a Beyoncé and released a visual album. You can’t get the songs individually, but you can listen to the whole album and watch the 45 minute visual on apple music. It’s beautiful, it’s exactly what I wanted, and I don’t think I’ll ever be more engrossed in watching someone build a staircase.

There are rumors that there is a second album being released soon. But I’ve stressed myself out enough, so I’m not going to think about that announcement and just enjoy what I’ve gotten from Frankie.

August 19, 2016

Music

I Hate That I Love You, Frank Ocean

I hate that I have to start my music posts like this, but I am heartbroken. Completely betrayed. In the last four years I’ve gotten TWO Kanye, Beyoncé, and J. Cole albums. Even THREE Big Sean albums in that period of time. But you know what I’ve gotten from Frank Ocean? Nothing. Just a few features here and there, some ghost writing, and disappointment. But no matter how many times I stay up until 3 a.m. waiting for an album (because maybe he’s dropping it at 12 a.m. PT? You never know) I still forgive him. Why? Because he’s talented. And he owes me absolutely nothing. Bey, Ye, and Big Sean lean more towards performers which means it’s just their job to make music. Yeah they have other ventures that they’re involved in, but their income comes mostly from their tours. Frank is an artist who just simply releases music when he pleases, and honestly he doesn’t have to if he doesn’t want to.

And don’t think I jumped on the bandwagon when ‘channel ORANGE’ came out. My obsession runs back to ‘nostalgia,ULTRA’ when he was the not-as-weird but still weird in a reclusive kind of way Odd Future member. I love him not only because of his voice–his lyrics make absolutely no sense sometimes–but somehow you still feel it. You got me a beach house you could sell me in Idaho? I don’t know how, but I’m into it. Other than the occasional ridiculous line, most of his songs are actual poetry that are so honest and full of feeling. I love him, have I made that clear yet?

I want everyone to appreciate him as much as I do, so here are 10 songs/features (in no particular order) that show you why you should see the Frank Ocean light:

Wise Man – this was actually supposed to be in the “Django: Unchained” movie tracklist, but Quentin Tarantino didn’t think it would fit in the movie. Both a wise decision (because it truly wouldn’t have fit anyhwere in the movie) and a missed opportunity because the song is gorgeous. The beat is simple and the lyrics are raw, I wish more people knew about it.
Favorite line: Until death did you part from the mess you made
Pyramids – 10 minutes of genius. Every minute is worth it, I promise you. And the way the beat changes towards the end into something slower and more sultry…just yes.
Favorite line: Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere as we march to the rhythm on the palace floor
Love Crimes – At the end of the song, an excerpt from a monologue in the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” is given about how men can do whatever they please, and women are viewed as crazy. Nicole Kidman goes off. The song is really simple, but the excerpt makes it worth it.
Favorite line: Murder, murder, murder she wrote. Love crimes
Sierra Leone – one of those songs that should’ve been way longer. I listen to it about…once a day.
Favorite line: I’ll sing a Lennon lullaby she can have a pretty dream. Baby girl if you knew what I know
Forrest Gump – this is the song where he confirmed that he was bi, along with creating this post. He hasn’t mentioned it sense, and the song is so subtle about it too.
Favorite line: My fingertips, and my lips they burn from the cigarettes.
She (Tyler the creator) -I was never truly an OF music fan, but I was a fan of the chaos they created. Tyler’s voice was raw and deep and everything he rapped was slightly disturbing, but matched with Frank’s voice on the hook it all balanced out.
Favorite line: You’re sleeping alone in your bed. But check your window. He’s at your window.
Swim Good – basically a song about avoiding your emotions, which is all I ever do so I feel it.
Favorite line: And I’ve got this black suit on, roamin’ around like I’m ready for a funeral
Dust – when I went down my rabbit hole of finding his song, this is the first old one I came across. When he sings love songs I kind of just melt.
Favorite line: No I won’t put you out, because what would this place be without my muse?
Pink Matter – Andre 3000 barely exists, so to pair the two of them up was like having two mysterious entities singing together. It’s magic. And the way Frank hits notes in this is perfect.
Favorite line: What if the sky and the stars are for show and the aliens are watching live from the purple matter
Novacane – the first song I EVER heard, and this is where my love affair started. Is it just me or does it have a 70’s feel in the beat?
Favorite line: Now I’m something like a chemist on campus. But there’s no drugs around quite like what I found in you

Honorable mentions: Nature Feels, Thinkin Bout You, Pilot Jones, etc etc. I could go on forever. There is also a WHOLE mixtape I didn’t pull from because I’m not as well versed in it as I am the other mixtapes/albums.

Is this biased? It is, but I’m not ashamed. I’ll be more critical on other artists I review.

Meanwhile I’m going to sit here and listen to his whole discography on repeat, keep watching as he sits in an empty room while doing woodwork, cry when he sings “baby girl” in ‘Sierra Leone’ and patiently wait to get my heartbroken yet again on November 13, 2016.

August 9, 2016

Inspirations

Motherhood Goals

My second mom and unofficial sister are in Paris (per usual) and look amazing. I usually think matching mother-daughter outfits are kind of cheesy, as I think all matching-significant-other-outfits go, but neither Beyoncé nor Blue Ivy can do wrong. I love how Bey knows how to dress Blue so well while maintaining the fact that she’s still a child.

I dream of days when I can just whisk my family off to some foreign country without having to care much about my schedule or money while wearing designer clothes that probably cost half of my college tuition. Until then, I’ll just live vicariously through Bey (at least the simpler part of her life).

July 27, 2016

fashion

Artsy Aesthetic

Top: A dance competition costume
Jeans: H&M
Bralette: Amazon
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

I’d like to think of myself as the artsy type – without any of the artsy ability. I love the laid back, nonchalant, expressiveness of the art scene. Almost 99% of the time I look at certain pieces (especially in the modern art section of museums) and think “why didn’t I do that?” but as I’ve said, I don’t have the ability for that sort of thing.

I’ve been to the High Museum only 3 times in my life, 2 of which were just this year and I’m honestly ashamed. I’ve completely taken its presence for granted. I dream of days where I can walk around The Met whenever I please, but until that day the High is more than enough. If you’ve been, what are some of your favorite exhibits?

Also, can you tell that I like crop tops?

July 24, 2016

fashion

Somewhere Between Africa & LA

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Dashiki: Dimepiece LA

When I shop for clothes, I like to look for brands the people in my circle aren’t wearing or haven’t even heard of. And considering that I grew up in an ultra-conservative, preppy-ish area, a lot of my clothes fit that standard. Dimepiece captured my attention right away because of the carefree, confident, grittiness of their aesthetic. It’s feminine streetwear, which is the vibe that I strive for with my outfits.

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Although I do love this dashiki for its afrocentric feel, how comfortable it is, and the pockets, I love it all the more for this reason: Rihanna owns it too. I had bought mine before I saw this vine, so to know that she and I have the same taste makes me feel organically like we’re truly spirit animals.

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July 24, 2016