Today is my blog anniversary technically, it was yesterday to be specific!  But for the sake of celebrating, we can all virtually celebrate together on this day *cue virtual ballons, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.*  I can't believe it has already been two years since I started this blog-- and it certainly has been a great journey so far!  I feel comfortable with my style (writing & fashion sense), and I also have to be honest and say that I take blogging seriously.  So much goes into creating and maintaining a blog.  It can be very time consuming, and I always want to produce something that leaves you with thought, motivation, and perspective, rather than just posting photos of my outfits, and stating that I'm meeting up with my boyfriend to grab a Starbucks. #noshade

TJ Maxx hat & vest, F21 sweater (similar here), Gap skinny trousers, Banana Republic boots (old), personal jewelry

And what would my blog be if it weren't for you all who read it?  I can't say thank you enough to everyone who supports my blog by subscribing, commenting, tweeting, Facebooking, spreading the word!  You all are my motivation to keep going, I'm so blessed to have such great support from you! 

To tell you a bit about the scenery here, these photos were taken at a place called, "God's Acre."  I don't know if you can tell with all the leaves, but it is a graveyard-- which also happens to be a part of the campus where I work lol.  The name comes from the Moravian belief that bodies of the dead are "sown as seeds" in God's Acre, or field, so that they can rise again when Jesus returns to the world.  The Moravians were also strong believers of equality, in life and in death, and every gravestone is made up of the same material and size so that no one is more superior than the next.  Deep, right? #historylessonMondays?

Like many of you, I'm spending my Monday at home since Hurricane Sandy has called many Northeastern states into a "State of Emergency."  I pray that she has mercy on us, and that minimal damage is done.  Plus, I would really rather not lose power so I can catch up on blog reading, amongst many other things #firstworldproblems... But seriously, be safe guys!

I'm also obsessed with hashtagging everything now.  Darn you twitter!  I will try to keep #-ing to a minimum in future posts. #icantmakeanypromises (lol)

-Kris 

I've gotten a face lift!!  Well, not me of course, but my blog!  You like?  And my commenting system is easy breezy!  You are no longer required to have a google account to leave me a message.  You can now be logged into twitter, Facebook, Google, etc. to do so.  Easy as pie!  I look forward to reading them :)

TJ Maxx hat, Chanel glasses (similar here)), The Limited blazer, F21 denim shirt (similar here), thrifted mens Levi jeans, Dolce Vita boots (similar here), personal jewelry

I thrifted these jeans while I was in NYC a few weekends ago.  Found them in the men's section, for a whopping $5!  I wanted a "dropped crotch" baggy look, while still maintaining somewhat of a figure haha.  I think this purchase goes along greatly with my "spending freeze," right Mom?

Oh, and thanks for letting me borrow your fab turquoise necklace as well (I'll miss borrowing her  wardrobe when I leave home)!  :/

As mentioned in my last post (I'm always referencing back), I stated how I had a big interview coming up.  Well, that interview happened, and it went VERY well!  That is all I will tell you for now.

Thank you to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and prayers!  You guys are AWESOME!

I've been listening to one of my favorite albums lately, Kind of Blue.  It's such a classic album, and listening to it makes me want to fall in love.  My favorite tracks are Flamenco Sketches and Blue in Green.  Gorgeous!  Lastly, on the topic of love, my 90 year old Pop Pop tells me after watching an hour of Bridezillas together, that I should just skip the wedding and elope in Vegas.  Thanks for the advice Pop Pop!

-Kris

How do you like my hair?

I'll start this post with a little story.  I saw a lady whom I hadn't seen since my early college years, and she asked me if I'm dating, then proceeds with, "WOW, I thought for sure you'd be married by NOW!"

I was a little taken aback from her statement.  I'm a young 20 something (turned 24 this past summer), out of college for only 2 years,  still living at home with my parents since economic hardships prevent me from living in New York City on my own at this present time, but she expected me to already be MARRIED??

Am I missing something here?  I plan to have a career before marriage anyway, so marriage is not really a priority for me.  But speaking of my career...

As I stated in my last post, I went to NYC for the weekend, and let me tell you- it was absolutely grand!  I stayed with my friend Nicky, and it was like a big college reunion! I got to see many of my guy and girlfriends I hadn't seen in at least a year, and it was great catching up with everyone!  I had fun exploring the nightlife in Brooklyn, fooding, thrifting, and also attending Nicky's show (she KILLED IT btw)!  Traveling around the city, I kept bumping into Berklee alums- it was pretty awesome, and I did some networking with a few bloggers while I was there too!

I realized during the trip, in consulting with my girlfriends who are musicians/music industry folks as well, that I'm just going to have to take a leap of faith and move there (which is what they all actually did).  I'm going to save a bulk of money from now all through the summer, and just go.  The economy isn't holding me back, I am holding myself back.  With my job now, I'll have a year more of experience in the specific field I want to work in, I'm more financially stable, and I might as well do it while I'm still a young independent!  NYC is all about the grind, and that's what I have to do.  I have to create the opportunity, not wait for the opportunity.  Furthermore, I can't continue to worry about what everyone else thinks I should do.  I am in control of myself, and now is a better time than ever to do it!

Really committing to this (I plan to move by the end of next summer), I'm going on a spending freeze.  I have a certain amount of money that I WILL save before moving.  I can easily get a job at a restaurant to pay dem bills while looking for a job...  But I actually have a meeting coming up for a potential employment opportunity (career affiliated) in the city, so I'll keep you guys posted!

I'm of course not excited about this spending freeze, but I actually have come up with some ways to make this kind of fun!  That'll be in the next post ;)

Another thing I realized while in the city, is that footwear is everything.  I love to wear heels, especially heeled boots, and I actually survived all weekend wearing various pairs.  My trick?  Dr. Scholl's for her high heel inserts.  LIFE CHANGING.  Get you some!

H&M jacket (old), Gap Sweater (similar here), Rachel Roy scarf (gifted), Loft corduroy cropped trousers (similar here), Joan & David leather boots (old), Super sunglasses (here), Michael Kors watch (here)

My best friend is also FINALLY back from Germany, after a year away!  She surprised me by jumping out of my closet as I entered my room as soon as I got back from New York.  She scared the living daylight out of me and Leilani, who was also at my house at the time (we were set up)!!  I'm so glad she's back!

I'll leave you with one last thought.  Something I posted on my Facebook status, that I'll be keeping in mind:

"I'm realizing that you can't wait around for the right time or opportunity to occur.  Sometimes you have to make that opportunity happen in your own time.  Which for me, is right now.  3 days in NYC have really solidified what I want and NEED to do to get to where I want to be.  I'm excited for my future.  Putting things into my own hands!"

-Kris

Good morning guys, and welcome Fall!  As I've stated in my last post, this is my favorite season!  It has been so beautiful outside!  The leaves are starting to turn, those autumn colors are surrounding me...  And the weather - the mid 70's is my jam!  Sunny and cool, but not cold (there's a difference lol).  But let me stop sounding like a weather woman...

H&M sweater (old), Target denim vest (old), Gap belt (old), ASOS pleated skirt, Joan & David leather boots (old), Chanel eyeglasses (similar here).

How are you all doing this week?  

I spent last weekend in New York with my dad's side of the family.  Although this was under unfortunate circumstances, I can't tell you how great it felt being surrounded by my family.  I love them all so much, and I was actually sad to have to head back home.  One message that we all took from this past weekend, was that we have to work to stay in touch, and to see each other.  Once a year is no longer acceptable.  My father is one of 10 children, and each child has a family, and many of their children have children as well.  We have a big family, and it's hard to coordinate with everyone.  Especially since we live all over the US, even some in Canada!  

But you make time for the things that are important in your life, right?

I think Leilani is getting better at better at her photography- I think these turned out great Lei, thanks for shooting again!

This week on instagram (you can follow me @krisbliss), I also feed the photos daily to my FB page here:

Lei and I attended an Allen Stone concert the other night, and it was PHENOMENAL.  He had an opening act- Tingsek (who is also another one of our faves), a soulful guy from Switzerland (lol), and his keyboard player was reallly good.  I first saw Allen Stone at Firefly Music Festival this past summer, and I was very impressed.  But let me tell you- he shut it down again!  Leilani and I are still recovering LOL!  We listened to his records after the concert, and it was wasn't the same.  I urge you to look up his live stuff- let me know what you think!

On another note, I'm getting my hair done today- something different that I haven't done before, and I'm pretty excited about it! I hope it turns out well!

Another video up, based on the most frequently asked question I get about my hair!

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-Kris

Hey look who it is!  I'm still here!  I know I haven't posted in over a month, but I have somewhat of a decent excuse lol.  Besides being a tad bit on the lazy side, I actually have had bronchitis for the past few weeks and it really shut me down.  I had no energy to do anything.  I wasn't even tweeting like my usual self!  Now you know when I'm off twitter, something's wrong haha!  So unfortunately the combination kept me away from the blogesphere.  But I'm back!  

Wearing a blouse, skirt, + earrings from F21, boots vintage Nine West via mi madre.

These photos were taken at a cemetery earlier last week, and it was surprisingly very peaceful.  I've never shot any looks at a cemetery, nor do I hang out at cemeteries on my off time lol.  It had such beautiful scenery, I couldn't resist!  Look at all of these beautiful fall colors!  The mix of the fresh air, and fall breeze had me feeling so serene!  

Quite phallic, wouldn't you say so? LOL 

Unfortunately from being sick, I did miss my 1 year blog anniversary!  However, this post ending up coming at a perfect time.  Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and when I initially thought about putting together my blog anniversary post, I knew I wanted to talk about how thankful I was for everything that has transpired because of it.

There is so much to be thankful for, as there were many opportunities that came my way!  First there was the Street Style feature in Essence Magazine, which was so cool!  Essence is one of my favorite magazines, and to actually be in it was so thrilling!  Then there was the Interview Feature by Style Pantry.  I am a big fan of Folake, and was so honored to be featured by her!  Being a new blogger can be intimidating, as there are so many of us out there!  But ever since I started this blog, I've been shown nothing but positivity and light!  And I'm so thankful for that!!

I've actually recently been featured by another one of my favorite bloggers, Neil Alvin of Black Girls Killing it.  You can check out the feature here.

Besides being featured, you lovely people who read my blog, interact with me via commenting on this blog or on my Facebook Page, Chictopia, or Youtube channel... You guys who re-blog my posts on tumblr, or hold conversations with me on twitter, have been such an inspiration!  You are literally the reason why I even blog!  Without you guys, I wouldn't have had the drive or sustainability to continue on this journey!  You guys have even inspired me to kick off my youtube page again!  I am creative creature, and I enjoy expressing my interests and life with you all!  Thanks for making me feel comfortable doing so! 

You all have provided so much support and love, and have built around me a community of great people.  From all of this, the most important thing I have learned is that being yourself is truly enough.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family this week, and overall reflecting on the blessings in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Kris