A Grandmother's Love

An older cousin of mine asked me if I remembered my grandmother and I told her of course! How could I forget? I was only 9 when she passed, but I remember her just like it was yesterday. She had beautiful brown sepia skin and silver curly hair. I even remember the way she smelled when I would curl up in her lap and hug her. I loved that sweet woman. I would play with her hats and heels, and she always had something sweet in her purse to eat when we couldn't keep still in church. Every time we made a trip to the store me and my brother always came back home with a toy. We were so spoiled! We could do no wrong in her eyes. There's nothing like a grandmother's love so cherish yours while you still can. She would have been 93 today.  I wish she could have stayed with us a little bit longer.

Continue to rest in peace Granny Clara.

xoxo,

Victoria

Breaking the Rules

I've always questioned the "no white after Labor Day" rule, but I love wearing white and I break this rule every year. There was one white dress hanging in my closet that I was dying to wear so I decided to do a photo shoot at my favorite park with my friend Deaudrea. We had so much fun! I love this vintage white slip dress. I decided to make it a little edgy with black caged heels and my mom's vintage earrings. Check out more photos here.

Dress: vintage

Shoes: F21 (old)

Earrings: vintage

Makeup: themermaidmua

Photography: Deaudrea Rich Photography

dingy

i run the water to fade out the noise.

i pour a top full of bleach and I begin scrubbing.

harder.

breathing in the fumes.

i switch brushes

hoping this time it will be different

wiped clean.

my hands begin to ache

and the stains are still there

where they've always been. 

20 Things I Love About Fall

Fall is right around the corner, so I made a list of my favorite things about my favorite season. The transition into cooler weather is the time to switch my wardrobe to fall fashion, eat all of my comfort foods, and spend more time with family and friends. What are your favorite things about Fall? Please share!

1. My Birthday! 10.15
2. Mom's pumpkin bread or anything pumpkin
3. Wine/Burgundy lipstick
4. Leather skirts
5. Chili/Soups - Just throw it in the crockpot!
6. Booties
7. Perfect weather
8. Colorful leaves
9. Apple cider sangria
10. Cuddling
11. Cozy sweaters 
12. Denim everything
13. Snuggling up with a good book
14. Hosting potlucks 
15. Plaid flannel shirts
16. Dark nail polish
17. Fall TV show lineup
18. Hats and scarves
19. Cinnamon
20. Thanksgiving 

Women's Equality Day

It's always great running into phenomenal and inspirational young black women. It's so refreshing to meet women who aren't afraid to say hello and carry a genuine spirit. The images we see of black women on TV are very misleading because there are successful black women out there that aren't "mean girls," and actually want to help other women succeed as well. I attended a Women's Equality Day mixer hosted by the Mayor of DC and I connected with great women of color. Everyone looked great dressed in shades of yellow and gold. As we continue the fight for Women's Equality, I hope that more women will stand together encouraging, inspiring, and helping one another to live out their dreams.

I'm so tired

my eyes are starting to burn

but I keep them open 

for one more glance at you.

White Tees

I can't stop buying white tee shirts. They are a closet staple. As a matter of fact I buy them in black and gray too. Once they get old it's time to buy new ones. I'd like to think I'm somewhat of a minimalist. I'm always buying black and white or gray shirts. You can dress them up by adding a statement necklace or blazer for a more classic look. I remember a friend telling me once that I'm always buying the same button down blouse. She looks at me saying, "Don't you already have that shirt?" I respond, "Well not this one in particular, but yeah it does look similar." I can't help it! But these are my go to items: v-neck tees, button down shirts and ripped jeans. My dad always says, "Why do you always wear jeans with holes in them?" Haha he doesn't get my style. What are your go to wardrobe items?  Check out more style options for white tees here.

Photo via pinterest

Diary of a Foodie: Pumpkin Curry

Do you get too full when the food is sooo good, but you just can't stop eating it? I hate to be a glutton, but you have to try the food at Thax X-ing. Me and my friends love it when DC Restaurant Week rolls around because it's just another reason for us to try a new restaurant or two...or three. This tiny restaurant is so cute and serves traditional Thai cuisine. Tuesday was vegetarian/pescatarian night and we stuffed ourselves with curry pineapple, pumpkin, and salmon, along with other delicious dishes. Who knew my favorite flavor (pumpkin) would taste even more amazing with curry? Five to seven courses for $30 bucks is a deal you can't beat, and we were able to bring our own bottle of wine! The night just kept getting better and better.  Which restaurants are on your list to try this week?  

xoxo,

Victoria

Who's Up Next?

As you already know, wedding season is in full effect.  Another close friend of mine tied the knot this past weekend and I truly enjoyed being a part of her special day as a bridesmaid. I reunited with my best friends from high school for a day of pampering in preparation for the big day. The ceremony was beautiful and flowed smoothly, and we were on time surprisingly.  Then we headed to the reception located on the Rappahannock River waterfront and partied HARD! A great DJ and an open bar, with a crazy group of girlfriends are the makings for a great celebration. This was a weekend I won't forget. Now I'm wondering who's up next??

xoxo,

Victoria