Writings on the Wall
H&M oversized turtleneck sweater, ASOS black & white plaid trousers, thrifted earrings, vintage necklace via my mother, Zara fringe leather boots

When did it become cliche to write on someone's Facebook wall? I've noticed the drastic decrease in traditional wall posts on fb lately. You'll have a few folks who still write on walls, unaware of the new anti-wall trend because they only access their pages a couple times a month, or it'll be that random (usually older) family member... But when we do write on people's wall, it's usually about ourselves. "Hey, check out my ________," or "Watch this funny YouTube video," which IS most of the time, pretty funny. But is it ever in genuine interest of the person whose wall you are writing on? It usually has nothing to do with the actual person, but about yourself. Furthermore, the few times you do write on a "friend's" wall, it pops up on everyone and their mama's timeline "IN THE NEWS" style, and sometimes you get unwanted commenters on a conversation that has nothing to do with them. What about online etiquette? People feel completely comfortable telling all their personal business, posting drama driven Facebook statuses, or other inappropriate pictures that nobody wants to see. Facebook is also NOT a diary.


Which brings me to Facebook inbox messaging. FB messaging is like the new wall post. If you have something you feel is worthy of posting beyond your own benefit or something that you don't necessarily want other commenters on, you message it. That's the safest way. Transactions such as trading phone numbers, spitting game (smh), or swapping info for future networking/business opportunities take place there. Totally acceptable. 

However, I think FB has turned into an unrealistic way for people to connect without actually connecting. For instance, I can be FB friends with someone that I went high school with, not ever talk to them (barely talked to them in hs), but know that they have a child, work here, just got a new car, and are going on vacation to Cancun on Spring Break. Isn't that a bit odd? OR, someone you don't know that's a "friend of a friend" can subscribe to your public updates and comment/like/share them. I also find that odd. I just feel that Facebook supports unrealistic and inappropriate forms of communication, which is another reason why my generation has trouble communicating with actual human beings in real life. Then that brings me back to this and this post.


But anyway, enough about social media problems, you know my life is full of social media- personal and work wise, and sometimes I think of these things and like to share my thoughts... On another note, I attended a natural hair meet-up in my area the other night, and it was really fun! Most of the ladies were newly natural, so it was cool sharing my experience, tips, and products based on many years trial and error lol. Oh to be newly natural again...

It's also my parents 27th year anniversary! Congratulations you two, love you more than the world itself!

Until next time!


-Kris
Inspiration: The Color Red.
The color red is beautiful for various reasons. In some cultures, red is a symbol of sacrifice and pain. In other cultures it's associated with beauty, passion, and happiness. I used to not care for the color red. Not that I didn't think it was a nice color, but I just didn't like it on me. I thought it too matronly, and I felt it didn't look good against my skin tone. My delusions have obviously faded since then, and I totally love the color red! Let's look at some reasons why I find the color red beautiful...


NYFW 2013 Look #1


NYFW 2013 Look #2



NYFW 2013 Look #3




images via tumblr & chictopia

What's your favorite NYFW look I created? I also found myself on the NY Times Fashion & Style homepage, here's a direct link to view the photo. Pretty cool, huh!




-Kris
The Wedge

Christmas is long gone, but when I see these pictures, because of the snow, my first thought is Boyz II Men's "Let it Snow" *starts snapping on the 2 and 4, cue 90's dance moves.* This past Friday we had a pretty snowfall, the kind that looks like it's filled with diamonds because everything looks like it's covered in glitter as you drive by. For those of you who live up North, you know what I'm talkin' about!

Urban Outfitters blazer (old), F21 scarf, Target beanie, H&M jeans (old), Super sunnies, Puma wedge sneakers
I initially didn't like the wedge sneaker when it first popped off, and told myself I wouldn't indulge in the trend. My mind has obviously changed after I stumbled across these. I was really digging the 80's vibe they were giving me, so I said why not?! These pups will become regulars once summer hits!


I woke up this morning to a notification that my school was closed because of snow/sleet/ice. I was oh so very happy and slept for an extra three hours! I ain't mad at it! Maybe I will finally clean my room and fold some laundry since I have no other plans today lol. Oh! I mentioned a few posts ago that I'm now a Lucky Magazine contributor, here's my latest post on the site! Check it out, and vote me up pleeasse! 



-Kris

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Inspiration: Black & White [No Color Necessary]

Fashion is going back to the basics. Spring '13 and Pre-Fall '13 (whatever the heck that means) are taking things back to black... and white. Last Spring was so extra with the neons and the color blocking (I loved every bit of it), but this year they (whoever's calling the shots... Wait who exactly is calling the shots?? Am I supposed to know the answer to that?) are stripping everything down, and I'm liking it. No, I'm LOVING it. It's classic, timeless, and it looks great on EVERYBODY. Yes universally sound fashion trends! Diane, Marc, Jill, Calvin, Stella, and Prada (to name a bunch) are all blessing us with their designs for the upcoming seasons, and it's even more fun to see how street style incorporates high fashion and makes it their own, which I find most inspiring! Are you participating in the black & white minimalist trend? Here's some of my favorite b&w looks!


You could easily throw a little pop of color into your look...



-Kris

images via tumblr.com & chictopia.com
Double Denim 2.0

This is my first post of 2013, and I want to wish you all a Happy New Year 13 days late! The past month has been a pretty busy one! I've been traveling to and from NYC a lot (all of which is documented via instagram) for various events, and although it's been fun, I ran my body down to a flu bug that I caught this past weekend. mehh. The chills, body aches... But luckily I sweated it all out and thanks to rest, medicine, and nurse Dad, I'm feeling much better now *blows nose.* I know, what a fun weekend, right??



I am so excited for this new year! My circle of friends and I are really supporting each other in our goals this year, and I'm on my grind, since you all know I'm moving to NYC this summer AND pursuing my music career... There's literally no room for slacking. I'm focused mane!

F21 denim shirts, scarf, & wedges, thrifted levi's jeans, thrifted Banana Republic coat, personal jewelry.
I decided one day that I wanted to wear an all denim look, so I literally took all the denim pieces from my closet and threw them on, and BOOM- this look happened. I had more denim pieces on, but decided it was a little TOO MUCH denim for one 'fit, but I think this works pretty well. I feel like I should be headed to an art studio to work on my next masterpiece, or to fix someone's leaking faucet... LOL.

I've also switched up my hair style, do you like it? I think it's pretty cool, and it's super easy to maintain! I plan to record a new video for youtube talking about this style, and my hair updates (for all you naturalistas that follow me there) as soon as I get my voice back! Stay tuned! I hope you all are doing well, drop me a line!

Have a great week!


-Kris

photography by Sasha Phyars-Burgess
Greatest Love.

This blog post has nothing to do with fashion, or my hair.


This post has everything to do with my love for music. And not just my appreciation for music, but my passion to pursue my own personal music journey.

I can't think back to a time when music wasn't a part of my life. Some of you may not know (although I am sure you can gather from these photos), that I am a musician. I am a singer/songwriter/composer. I've been singing since I was 3 years old, I went to a performing arts high school where I majored in vocal music, and I went off to a prestigious music school for college called Berklee College of Music, where I graduated with two degrees in Songwriting and Music Business.

So it's safe to say I take music pretty seriously.


Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a performer. I've always been a confident gal, lively, full of personality, so willing to be the center of attention (lol), but once I got to college, my goals shifted. I really got into the business side of music and decided then that I no longer wanted to perform. I'd rather be the business behind the brand, the brains of the operation, that sort of thing.

Meanwhile, I still took my songwriting courses, and continued to write music, and gigged here and there, but only for fun. I told myself I wanted not to perform my own music, but rather, write for other performers. I figured I would get the same satisfaction just working in the music industry, rather than performing in the music industry.

I was wrong.

Self doubt. Lack of confidence. How could I be such a confident person, but not be confident enough to pursue my true dreams? I shake my head as I write this, because I can't believe I allowed myself to push myself this far away from the one thing I know I feel completely sound in doing.  Had my fear of not being successful steered me away? Or thinking that I wasn't as talented as my friends? Not being able to hide behind any guard, my music is a true reflection of who I am, this truly scared me.

But that is no longer. I am here to state that I am taking myself seriously as a musician again, and will compose AND perform. I mentioned a few months back that I am moving to New York City next summer, and I totally plan to get a band together, gig, make music, and be happy. Because this is what I want to do!


We all have fears and doubts, especially young 20 somethings living in this economy/country where times are the hardest they have been in our whole lives. Steadily trying to fit in, or stand out, attempting get ahead in the world, or even to just stay afloat. It's tough.

But if I can give any advice to you I'd say, GO FOR IT. Who's stopping you, but you? One quote I have mentioned on this blog, in this post, speaks to me often, so I feel the need to mention it again.

"Everything you want to be you already are, and you are on the path to discovering it." -Alicia Keys

This is my path. I was born to do this, and I will do it. 2013 is weeks away, and best believe I will be releasing my music then. I hope that you all will support me on my journey, and know that now is the time to pursue your dreams as well. Don't give up, or settle for something less greater than worth. You owe yourself the best out there!!


Thanks for reading, and thanks for your support,

-Kris

Blackout.
Zara blazer, F21 jeans, earrings, & necklace, TJ Maxx blouse (similar here), Tory Burch booties (old), Super sunnies.

I uploaded a photo on instagram yesterday showing the location where I shot these photos. I felt like I was in The Hunger Games, and joked with my mom, stating that we needed to listen out for a running stream just incase. I then proceeded to whistle that 4-note tune to the non-existent Mockingjay's... Not surprisingly, there was no response.


How is everyone? How is it already December?! This year has definitely flown by.


I am now a Lucky Magazine contributor, which is pretty exciting!! A couple of my blog posts have been published so far, so please check them out, and vote them up for me! :) 

On another note, Monday's are such a drag, but it's supposed to be 60 degrees today, which is quite strange (global warming is real)! Only 2 weeks until holiday break (yes I'm counting down the days)!

Until then, have a great work/school week!


-Kris


Give thanks.
The Limited Blazer (similar here), TJ Maxx blouse (similar here) & pants (similar here), F21 boots.
It was absolutely freezing cold outside when I took these photos yesterday, and flurrying too! I don't know why or how, but that episode of The Babysitters Club popped into my head while I was outside. The episode when one of them gets casted as a model for a photo shoot, and had to man up and shoot in the dead of winter with no coat? Does anyone remember that episode? I'm sure a lot of you reading were probably too young to tune into that show! So random, but that's what kept me going in this cold haha!

Everyone came over to our house for the holiday, and it was great to see everyone! My mother THREW DOWN (as usual). I can't stress enough how well she can cook! I of course still have a seat at the kiddie table, and although 24, am asked if I'm old enough to buy beer lol. (I also dyed the tips of my hair recently). You like?

My plate. #gluttony
Cousin awkwardness...

I don't know how the second half of this post turned into a hair ad, but let's just roll with it lol. I have a giveaway lined up for you all once I hit 300 readers via GFC! If you aren't already following, and you're a fan of my blog, please join! I'd appreciate the support!

Enjoy this last day off before back to work & school on Monday!


-Kris
4 more years.
UO blazer (old), Kirna Zabete for Target blouse, Gap skinny trousers, Tory Burch booties (old), Super sunnies, M.A.C. lip pencil in Vino & Goes and Goes lipstick, personal jewelry
Happy Monday!

All most of the fuss has dwindled since the U.S. Presidential election is over, and for me personally, I am breathing easier and less anxiously (lol).

I tuned into Black Girls Rock last weekend, and was really inspired from it. It was a night filled with the celebration of women. I feel like I'm giving Janelle Monae with this outfit today. In her acceptance speech, she mentioned that she always wears her signature "uniform" to pay homage and respect to her parents. Her speech was really touching, you can check it out here, and view other clips from the show here.


I absolutely love this blouse! Isn't it great? I love the mixed patterns and the colors remind me of the ocean! Below are my favorite boots. I picked up these bad boys years ago, and I still wear them regularly. They're so fun, and super comfortable! Louis Vuitton has a very similar pair out now, but of course that isn't in my budget. And if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Here's another statement made by Alicia Keys that I felt was inspiring:

"Everything you want to be you already are, and you are on the path to discovering it."


I hope that was a little inspiration to get your week started! Keeping working towards your goals, you'll get there!

Oh yeah, Instagram has finally made web profiles. Here is mine if you want to check it out!

Have a great week!



-Kris