Pattern Maker

in

Blouse: DVF Vintage by way of Buffalo Exchange, Pants: Forever XXI, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Elisabetta Franchi for Celyn b.

Photography by: Danielle "Lil Bit" Miles

I'm admittedly a creature of habit. I know what I like, I typically stick to what I know, & my behavior is seemingly predictable. I have somewhat quirky patterns, like voluntarily sleeping on my couch [because it's convenient and comfortable] and then relocating to my bed at about 5am every morning. I repeatedly watch every season of Sex and the City on DVD, because its my favorite show and I'm sick of reality tv [and I also don't have wifi *tear*]. I eat French fries after 11p almost every night, because duh...FRENCH FRIES! Every Wed. I go to Jamba Juice for Loyalty Day and buy a $3 Energy Bowl [because I'm devoted and loyal to places that offer solid discounts]...

Then there are some not-so healthy, more life-altering patterns...like immediately stressing myself out about something before even attempting to see a silver lining. I give people waaaay too many chances, probably because I'm more patient with other people than I am with myself [the sensitive Cancer sign in me]. I overthink/over-plan EVERYTHING before going into it [ meanwhile life is looking at me like "Girl please"]. I'm extra hard on myself and often overlook the progress I've made because I'm too focused on the end result. 

I'm not perfect [cliche, but true], but it's important that I recognize my patterns in life: good and not-so good. By knowingmy patterns, I'm able to address and access them. I'm perfectly ok with watching Sex and the City everyday on repeat, but maybe sometimes I'll read a good book or do some writing instead. French fries will ALWAYS be my guilty pleasure, but cutting back a bit may do my body some good. I'll always be caring and considerate [its in my make] but I should probably be more assertive and particular about who I allow into my personal space. I'm a Type A personality, so order is necessary for me to function, but maybe I should put more trust in my instinct. It always steers me in the right direction [whenever I do follow it]. And maybe, just maybe I should cut myself a little...a lot more slack. I'm doing really well for myself and I am proud of my accomplishments in life thus far. 

The key to a healthy life is balance; In all aspects. Recognizing your patterns is the first step to changing them. I'm a creature of habit, but spontaneity and "going with the flow" can be quite invigorating. My reoccurring personal task will be to make a pattern out of breaking old patterns and trust in the natural course my life is taking. I will keep my eyes open and fresh. I'll take on new ventures and ideas. I'm blessed with only ONE life to live. It's important that I make it the best. 

Xoxo

Louisiana Love Letter

in

Dress: Handmade by CMH, Bodychain: Thrifted, Jacket: H&M, Shoes: Elisabetta Franchi for Celyn b.

Photography by: Larry Everage (Ig: @larryeverage, website: LarryEverage.com)

There's no place like Louisiana. I love the easy-going, steady flowing, laissez faire vibe this place exudes. The thick wet air keeps my skin so moist & my curls tightly coiled. Whether it be the elevated temperature or the pride of the people, but it seems to always be warm down here. The language is so foreign, in yet so familiar. Down here we speak with character. Our voices are loud because we need our words to be felt AND heard. Our tone is sharp because that's how our minds work. We laugh from our guts. We love from the bottom of our hearts. We hug instead of shake hands. We drink because we're alive and able. We celebrate EVERYTHING and for everything there is a festival.

And the food...Louisiana tastes like dark rues, deep fried seafood, smothered anything, stuffed whatever, flavored with the elites of peppers & spice. And it's always cooked from the depths of someone's soul. Our food is so powerfully healing. You can taste the World in every bite. Our people are strong but stubborn. We're self-righteous but serving. We believe in whatever we believe and what you believe better be what we believe. We pride ourselves on history, tradition, and culture. Though sides of that don't reflect the open views of modern-day society, there's still hope for a fair future.

There's a reason why many leave Louisiana, but there's also reason why we stay. There's a lot of magic in the air down here and the potential for growth is in foresight. I often feel like a big fish in a small pond. Though I may not live down here forever, while I am here I'm gonna swim as many laps around this pond as I possibly can. I pride myself on being from Louisiana. It is every part of who I am. Wherever I go, with me I'll always bring a piece of home.

 

   

 

 

    

Mio Amore

in

Dress: Michael Kors, Jacket: Forever 21, Shoes: Bakers 

Photographer : Brandon Joseph (IG: @gr8mnd_)

 

Mio Amore. My Love. 

My love is pure like virgin sugar cane nectar.

My heart is deeper than the Pacific.

So why is love such a challenge?

Maybe it's the barricade keeping my feelings a little past arms reach 

Or my pride playing tug of war with my emotions

Maybe it's the lack of trust.

Trust in myself. Trust in faith...

The truth is, love is a challenge because I'm looking in all the wrong places.

I'm searching in signs, cosmic connections, energy exchanges

When all signs are leading to me

And the Universe is just giving me more time

And my energy levels are fluctuating,

Because I'm ignoring all the stars that are aligned in my own galaxy. 

The best kind of love is self love.

I must give myself the kind of love I wish to receive. 

If I can't love me, then who the hell else will? 

I'm not waiting on love. Love is waiting on me. 

Waiting on me to realize that it's already within me.

I was born with it. I breathe with it. I give with it. I live with it.

My love is ME. 

Amore mio sono io

xoxo

 

  

 

The Gentlewoman

in

Glasses: Warby Parker, Shirt: J. Crew, Pants: American Apparel, Jacket & Suspenders: Thrifted, Scarf & Socks: Billy Reid, Boots: Steve Madden by way of DSW, Ring: Time Warp Boutique, Handbag:

Photographed by: Larry Everage (Ig: @larryeverage, website: LarryEverage.com)

 

Gen·tle·wom·an: noun, a woman of high social standing

Dandy as a gent in his finest threads

Dappered down to my toes 

Blazers & suspenders

Fine, divine, and debonair

Androgynous

Anti-misogyenous

A dwindlin' of my feminine

A a touch of testosterone

I've always had a strong appreciation for menswear. The lines and structure, coupled with the practicality and multi-functionality. It’s powerful. As a teenager, I remember my dad teaching me how to tie a necktie. Then, I'd sneak into his closet and "borrow" one to wear to school. I'd pair it with a blazer from my very extensive collection, throw on some jeans and sneakers and then feel so fly walking down the hallway. Back in my punk/rock fashion stage (post high school/college), I'd wear plaid newsboy hats and either black suspenders or a pinstripe vest over my graphic tees. I was CLEARLY making a statement. I've been known to be adventurous and push boundaries with my personal style. I have an androgynous taste in fashion. It's a reflection of my semi-guys' girl, borderline tomboy personality. Yet, I remain all woman. 

Word.