Hawt MONAE In HAUTE Closet

Photography by AyoFemi Photography (I.G: Omo_harkin)

I have found out over time that I can't let my style go without actually trying to reflect my personality in it, and if you ask me, it's a zero to 100 thing. Fashionably speaking, I'm an extreme minimalist or and extreme Romantic. Recently I've been wearing a lot of neutral tones; greys, blacks and whites, not to mention my latest obsession for pastel colours, dusty pink especially. But being a very open person also, it is no surprise to me that I'm actually starting to fall in between being a minimalist and a romantic. A touch of colour in between neutrals and a bland plain in between colours. This and that.
I was pretty much excited about shooting these pictures because the outfit presented me with the opportunity to identify with both my minimal and romantic parts (talk about eating your cake and having it) in this colourful leopard print dress, rock-studded shoes (that are basically not near basic), dusty pink purse and white framed sunnies, all from Haute Closet!, a boutique that is aimed at providing top fashion items for even less. And it is owned by Miss Tobiloba, an absolutely down to earth person, surprisingly so! I will be bringing you other looks with outfits from Haute Closet and boy are they fab! This outfit was particularly easy to style, I went easy on my accessories so that the entire look wasn't too busy.
Notice my shoes? Notice they're rock-studded? Notice they're Grey? I love that they are flats, first! And Bold too! So much balance I can totally swagger in them. Like really, I would give directions pointing with them. They are so gangsta, and they provide a perfect contrast to the busy lady-like dress and purse. They're perfect for stepping up a teeshirt and denim look. The best part of it all: I got them for 25% off the actual price from Haute Closet, I love you Miss Tobi! Got my purse and my wardrobe smiling.
I hope you like the pictures.
Today's motivation: Don't let anyone, not even yourself, stop your fab! Go out and consistently do you!
Please don't forget to share your opinions and views in the comment box.
And share too!
Have a lovely moment!
Love, Deuces and Kisses;
MONAE.

Outfit details:

Neckpiece : gift from friend.

All other items were shopped from Haute's Closet.

I.G: @mztobbie_

Phone📞: 08075307518

BBM: 52E6420F

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LOGBOOK 2

Really Grinning: because I get to do this again.

That's the kind of excitement you get when your writing is an unbridled thing and it's a bliss when you do it, beautiful feeling. What am I saying? 

Amazing; how I can speak to someone at the beginning of your day and it sets the vibe for the entire day. Those kind of calls that get you hoping for the best of things and push you to be your personal best. Hi Yimika. If you're reading this; Thanks again!

Golfing: something I did for the first time the day before. I thought it was boring until I had to play for Money. Perfect motivation.

Living: every moment truly. Life is too short not to. Not pretending, not holding back, not saying what I do not mean because I imagine it is what others want to hear, is living.

Met: with an amazing person today. Amazing because we had an enlightening conversation that actually was my first this year. Idle conversations bore me to death. So we spoke about books and history. And the train of our conversation led us to conclude that history isn't quite the true story of events past. History is simply the Victor's story, from the victor's perspective. That motivated me to Stay the victor, or should I say inspired me to be, because I want to tell my own stories, as the victor. What version of your story do you want to be told as history? 

Want: To give more love Everyday. I guess my ultimate goal isn't quite to be something, but instead to be someone that inspires and motivates. There's so little love in the air it's almost choking. I want to live every moment loving. For me; that's true Joy. 

Current situation: My friend Annie is seeing a Bollywood movie where some woman has to prove her love to her new husband who thinks he's done something wrong by being with her and that she's pretending to love him. That's all I got from a few glances at the t.v and from her explanations. We have argued about why a woman should prove her love to a man and she insists that it has to be. I am slightly angered, but I let it go. It's just a movie after all, I conclude and silently pray that she sleeps off or something. Sorry Annie.

Hallelujah : Power just went out and Annie is Ouch-ing. I am happy, enough Bollywood and anti-feminist storylines. Oops, Power is back.

Browsing: through fashion and lifestyle magazines searching for what I can't tell you. It's amazing how much inspiration you find from reading about trends and photoshoots and fashion lines and blah! 

The list is endless really. Reading magazines are like one of my favorite thing to do, right after reading blogs. And I love the Perfume Ads with "lift here to experience" typed on the folded leaflet, just in case you catch me holding a magazine to my face; I'm actually sniffing. 

Learning: New amazing beauty hacks that actually work, ranging from makeup to skincare to haircare. I have been practicing on a daily (trying) and my favorite is the matte-finish-trick. I'll share this one with you guys; 

It's a simple trick on mattifying glossy lipsticks. All you need is white powder, preferably dusting powder. After applying your lipstick on, you place your finger with powder on it on your lips (do not rub across) and apply gradually until you have the desired effect. It absolutely works!

More life saving hacks later guys!

Crushing: on all kinds of Superbikes. There's a special place in my heart for fast things, loud exhausts and monster accelerations. Those things are so sexy.  I totally want one in case anyone is trying to impress me. Lol.

Wearing: More grey, as I am in the pictures for this post. My pants are printed with camo-like patterns with grey undertones. I love them! Got them from Haute's closet. Please refer to last post for more details on Haute's closet.

Drinking: less coffee (near impossible feat) and more water. I think the importance of water can not be overemphasized. Water is life. 

Eating: more food now. And surprisingly so too. Yay!

Freedom: is my new favorite word. 

Plotting: my next photoshoot. New pictures soon y'all. 

Finally: I can say "MONAE on the beats". That's what makeup artists say now when they do someone's makeup.

I did my girlfriends makeup simply by following my ownmakeup routine and I was shocked by the outcome. I wish I could share pictures so you guys get the hang of it. Boy! It was fine! 

Amused: by a whole lot. But topping the list is 50cent's and Meek Mill's "beef". If you follow 50's Instagram you can totally relate. I'm usually not interested in beef stories but this one couldn't escape my notice, the videos are hilarious. 

Loving: the contrasting hair and eyebrow colour trend. So so hot, I'm seriously considering bleaching my hair.

It rained: Last week. I miss the rain but the lightening? I'm not sure. But rainy days are romantic. They make me crave some modern version of old school romance. I'm such a romantic.

Craving: velvet cake. 

Surprised: upon realizing how late it is. I'm becoming quite Nocturnal and now that I think about it, it's not quite bad considering that I get distracted a lot during the day.

Hitting: the hay soon. 

Bye.

Love, Deuces and Kisses;

MONAE  

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To be a weirdo

I have no idea what I was thinking when I styled this outfit. I remember trying to picture it once but I dispelled the possibility, concluding that even if I were to rock it, it wouldn't go beyond the front door. But when Deji (photographer and friend) and I decided to do an impromptu shoot, I had to use it. I didn't think it would work but I was curious as to how it would turn out on camera; a different perspective from mine.
I also remember changing into this outfit and taking forever to show up for the pictures to be taken, not because it took me hassles, but I guess I was shy. It's hard to believe I can be shy right?
Back on course....yes about this outfit.
Upon seeing the pictures when they were done, I decided I wasn't going to use pictures with this outfit without even giving it a thought. But now, as I scroll through my mail box, I find Deji's Mail with attached pictures from the shoot. (Poor boy, his data was threatened)
 A picture of this outfit is the first I click on.
And it hits me; This is Niiice.
Like an epiphany.
I'm laughing out loud now, realizing that; that was a moment of undeniable truth.
So here we are.

For this outfit we have;
A grey-blue weirdo crop top paired with navy blue office pencil skirt and white sneakers. Repeat Guilty.
Plus: black purse, and gold brooch (that got missing that day,sadly) and gold link chained bangles (that are now essentials sorta). Repeat Guilty.
I love the unexpected-ness of this look. For me style is a way of showing the world who you are without saying a lot. And more stylish is she that is confident in herself, no matter how different you are.

This croptop/office-pencil-skirt/sneakers has contrasting pieces in it, breaking certain "fashion rules". I went further to accessorize with gold link chainish bangles and nerd glasses for extra drama. I'm also wearing dark purple lip stain for a dark look.
Rule No.1, Always remain unpredictable.
This outfit is suitable for after-work hangouts wearing the same skirt you paired with a shirt earlier in the day, or for school, if you're a student like me and your school is like mine. Haha
Like the pictures? I love them more in black and white.
I hope you have a great week start.
Thank you for your comments, it's all I can hang on to sometimes (since checking stats have been proven to increase blood pressure, kidding). Mmmmwaah!
Kisses and Deuces,
MONAE.

Outfit details:
Crop Top: Kidnapped from a friend after she convinced me to no avail to buy mine at MR. Price.
Skirt: From ... It's been 2 years, I can't even remember.
Sneakers: Gift from cousin.
Purse: Maju
Bangles: Boutique on my street
Eyewear:  kidnapped from a friend; that kidnapped it back.

Photo credit : AyoFemi Photography 

IG: @omo_harkin

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About New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year!!!

I guess you've  heard or read that a million times this year already. But not from me. This post was meant to come up the moment it clocked 12a.m on the first of January but the power supply in this town is bad news and Maami only lets the generator on for 3 hours.

Can you believe it already? The date on my phone really says 02-01-2016! How time flies?!

So, made any new year resolutions yet? What do they revolve around? Personal improvements, social relationships, career goals or academic goals? 

For me, I realize that growth does not happen in milestones, it happens with each step you take. Although we take a leap once in a while that propels us forward than expected. So no New year resolutions for moi. I am growing, day by day. Though, I have a few goals up my sleeves this year, as you should.

But I'm curious...

Why does it have to be a new year before we can make certain positive changes in our own lives? Why do we acknowledge the weakness of not being able to take charge of our individual make-ups until it's the New year? Not that I don't  agree with the idea of making New year resolutions, in fact I think they're great, I just think we shouldn't limit growth and change To a new year start.

Most people who make New year resolutions won't stick for a month, or a week or more pathetically, for days. Without realising it, your new year resolutions could be a mere to-do list for the first week of January. So I've  put together a few ways to make your new year resolutions work, and how you you can stick to them.

Be realistic.

Usually when we make a resolution to stop this, become that, or look at things from there, it is without being realistic in our self judgements. It's okay to not want to hear the truth from someone else (because most of the time they just want to bring you down) but we must always be truthful within ourselves. You owe that to yourself. So be real. 

Know why you want to make changes.

The best reason is for you. Not because some person sees you in a certain light, that is their problem and not yours. Always do it for you. That way you can find a good reason to stick to your resolutions.

Be positive. And don't  criticize.

At the commence of 2015, It hit me that I'd been alive but I wasn't  Particularly living. It seemed to me like I was the same person upon each rising day and not only was that boring, it became depressing. But I was determined to change all that, and thanks to some books I was reading at the time, I knew I could do it. I was positive about living positively. 

So I toasted 2015 to becoming a better person upon each rising day, and to live in every moment. And so it was! I have learnt and grown  in the past 365 days more than I could have imagined. 

And it started with just a wish; To become a better person. But I figured it was because I knew what I wanted above everything else and the universe echoed my wants. I did it for me, because if I had done it for my friends or even family, I would still be in the same place I was two years ago. It is cool to make changes for your loved ones, but do it for yourself first. 

Surround yourself with people who are already in the place you want to be.

Want to shed some weight? Make friends with someone who just did. Don't  stay in the same clique of friends who complain about their weight but are never doing anything  about it. Or around people who'll  tell you you can't  do it. The importance of positive energy can not be overemphasized. What you surround  yourself  with eventually  rubs off on you. So get a resolution buddy and if you can't  find one, be enough inspiration  To yourself. Not just negative energy.

Track your Growth.

You have to focus on where you're  headed, but once in a while look back to see how far you've  come and if there's  something you're  still not doing right. Even when you get off track, get right back on the moment you realize it. Be mindful to not give room for regrets, as it will only depress you.

Remember that your fate lies in your own palms, not elsewhere. There's a you inside of you that is stronger than all your weaknesses, only if you'll let it surface.

That's  It on New Year Resolutions  guys! I hope you enjoyed reading. I am no professional on how to do things, but based on my personal experiences, and self practises, I have learnt what I just shared with you. And it's a pleasure to share. Sometimes I think I should be a motivational speaker. I am a self-motivated individual  but I understand  that not a lot of people can do that. I am passionate about being an inspiration to others just by being myself and voicing my thoughts; that is the aim. I think it is what drives my creativity. 

Please let me know if you have different views from mine, your opinions are welcome as I am a very open person, and I respect others' perspectives. 

Cheers to a merry, happy and prosperous New year!

Deuces and Kisses; 

MONAE. 

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20th : STEPPIN TO THE BAD SIDE

DING DONG!

 IT'S  MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I can't  believe it's  here already, even though I waited on it. Hope the holidays are going well for everyone?

Today's  post was inspired by a soundtrack from the movie Dreamgirls; STEPPIN' TO THE BAD SIDE, as it played from my ear plugs while I was deciding what I'd title this post.

Inspired by: stepping to the bad side sound track from the Movie;

Dream Girls.

Picture source: Web.

 Yes guys, I'm  stepping to the bad side, I'm  switching sides and crossing lanes  (or that's  what happens when you officially stop being a teenager). And what better way to cross borders than in the colour Red? Badass colour!

I chose this Red dress with a gold zipper for it's plain yet sophisticated  look. And that front slit. Front Slits for me are a perfect perfect way to show off hot legs. I paired with a silver necklace and white  bangles (oops, repeat guilty), white framed owl-eye sunnies, and white  newspaper  print  sandals and a matching clutch....

.....or a black ladylike bag (with mustard yellow charm for a pop) depending on the mood and suitability.

 I always choose comfort above everything  else when I'm  shopping but I couldn't  think at all about that when I first saw met these sandals. Like really, newspaper print?! Nice way to test my morals, o ye style gods. It didn't  matter that they were a couple of inches higher from my comfort zone. And they're  laced too incorporating  the "Lace up" trend.

Aren't  we stepping up?! Remember that saying about the ... 

"Best things never coming from comfort zones".

I don't  think that it is mere coincidence  that my birthday  is 2 days away from the New year, it makes New year resolutions  easier (later on the BLOG we'll  be talking New year resolutions). I am beyond grateful for how far I've  come, and I'm  hopeful about what  the future holds.

Also want to say thank you to my readers (present and future), thank you for being the audience  to my voice that was so hard to find. Thank you for reading and commenting and sharing. You guys make it all worth the effort. THANK YOU REALLY!

(Okay before I get emotional).

This is my cute silly smiley face.

You guys earned it. Haha

Like my look and want to shop it?

I got you!
Outfit Details
Red dress and Sunglasses: @miz_tobbie for Haute Couture

Newspaper print sandals and matching clutch: @sekinahshoegallery 

Black structured bag: @shopmaju

If you don't  have instagram but want to shop these items, please feel free to let me know. I could hook you up!

I hope everyone  is making NYE (new year's eve) plans already, it's  almost here guys!

May all of our dreams come true.

Don't  forget to let me know what you think by leaving a comment below;  at Ink 'N' Style, everyone's  opinions really count. And wish me a happy birthday too.

Today of all days, I am bursting with Love, love is all I have for you, till the last drop of ink from my own, I'll be loving you.

Dueces and Kisses,

MONAE.

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Accesorizing the Accessory

Seasons greetings!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with all the joy and cheer in the air. It's Christmas, well say post Christmas and it's new year soon. What's not to be excited about?
I'm doubly excited because it's my birthday tomorrow!!!! Do a back flip on my behalf, it's worth it....

So this is a mini post, since It's a quick one,
(And a weird post for a week start, but it's holiday season guys).
I just want to share with you guys a basic styling tip for accesorizing a purse.
A purse is one thing that telegraphs your style to the world. You could create an entirely different look from a casual tee shirt and jeans outfit, just with the right bag.
I love me a simple black purse, because of it's versatility, and uniqueness. I mean black has never been boring, but sometimes I love to spice it up. I bet y'all do too sometimes.
My favorite purse this moment is A black structured/ladylike Maju purse. It is made of reinforced leather that holds it's shape, and has both short and long handles for preference. It has a chic, vintage appeal for me.
So in a bid to spice this purse, I have recreated it's look by tying a vintage scarf that used to belong to my late grandmother, God bless her soul. The thing about this scarf is that it holds a lot of history and memories for me, and so it felt great to style my favorite black purse with it. I bet grandma is proud.

Also, I switched it up by pairing with this brown scarf that I bought from a supermarket's accessory rack, just in case you're wearing brown. I have rocked an all denim look with brown loafers and this black purse with the brown scarf tied to it's handle.

It could be anything; Ankara pieces, charms bangles, dangly earrings(especially if you can't find the second pair), or pearls. I'm yet to even try these, but I'm so going to try. I dare you to be different.
Hope the rest of the year runs smoothly for everyone of us. Have a great week start!
Deuces and Kisses,
Monae.

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Logbook: Week 1

Hello Lovelies,
I hope everyone is having a great week start, as I am, starting my day with Mass, and heading down to a shoot location. I make it sound like a huge deal I know, IT IS.
So This is the logbook entry for the past week.
I hope you Enjoy.

I am Beyond Grateful:
For 2015. It's almost over guys, and we're still here and for The Holidays; who doesn't love Christmas?
Apologetic:
For making you guys wait this long for the logbook entry, I'm genuinely sorry. I have my excuses, but they are not excuses really, I hope that the wait would be worth it by the time you're done reading.
Anticipating:
December 29th because I'm going to be a year older, and the new year, because it holds a lot.
Excited:
Because my Happy People Magazine boss got me on to something bananas, something better for y'all on here. More juicy details when it's new year.
Last Minute Revisions: 
For my examinations.
I'm writing 24 courses in 3 days, please wish me success.

Counting:
Blessings upon blessings, everything keeps getting better.
Reading:
Course materials from school.
Earlier during the week I tried doing a romance novel, epic failure. I woke up with the book on my face, opened at page 5. Funny, considering that I started my reading habit with newspapers and silhouette romance novels.
Wishing:
that I could travel and go skydiving, inspired by a documentary I saw on BBC.
Shopping: 
For gifts for my loved ones, I wanted to do a gift guide post for you guys on the blog but I felt it was too late. Let me know if it isn't. Like me, you might be doing some late Christmas shopping. I love the Christmas cards I bought, simple, classy and warm. They're so Monae..
Looking Forward: 
To watching the new star wars movie. That John Boyega guy be making a sister proud and crushing.

 Missing:
My mum, sweet soul. I can't wait to give her what I got her for Christmas..
Discovery:
It is official people! I have escalaphobia-the phobia for escalators. I hate to say it, but I guess the first approach to a problem is admitting there's a problem...
Growing up in a suburb town in south western Nigeria, Akure escalators were a movies thing. Until Abuja and Port Harcourt, and then Lagos.
Since then I have only tried to use it once, and boy, did I almost fall. Please don't laugh. I can't laugh about it even; it's pathetic. Sob.
That day at the mall in Ibadan, I had attended a party that happy people magazine was throwing. One boy I was speaking grammar for was there, I couldn't show my escalaphobia, so  I stepped on the escalator as I had seen him do and looked down, and that was my undoing. Thank God he held me, or they were all going to be calling an ambulance the next instant, not because I would be seriously injured(or who knows, shrug) but because I would fall and pretend to pass out, just so I don't have to give an explanation. Sigh.
I've avoided escalators in public places, airports, malls, and I don't even care that anyone notices. You don't know me, Thank you. So finally I have typed "fear of escalators" in my Google search box, expecting jumbled search results, but Google hit me up straight with "ESCALAPHOBIA". Fortunately, there is a solution on Wikipedia, trust me to read the entire thing. I don't need a therapist so I know I'm fine. Next time at the mall though, I'm using the Escalator, oh and I'll wear disguising makeup.

Photo source: Web.

Edited with Snapchat App.

That's all for now lovelies, I would love to tell more, but a sister has examinations and a lot of errands to run, so I have to Hit the hay at 3:22am.
I hope you like my pictures, despite the playful poses. It's a super casual look from my archives, I just thought I'd share. I paired a striped top with a slit leopard print maxi skirt that I totally love. I love clashing prints, even if I'm just stepping out for a stroll.
And my slippers match my skirt too. Grin.

Reading your feedbacks via the comment box is very motivating, Thank you!

I hope everyone has a great kick start to the new week. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love, love and love,
Monae.

Photocredit: AyoFemi Photography

(I.G: @omo_harkin)

All pictures except escalator picture.

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