Meet Jamie

Printed Shirt - Wallis (Thrifted) 

Ripped Jeans  - Topshop 

Leather Flatforms - Primark 

Just a quick post on yesterday's outfit to my friends BBQ. I am absolutely loving the ripped jeans trend at the moment, so much so that I have got a bit scissor happy and transformed all my old jeans. Gone are the days when one struggles to find a pair of jeans without that dreaded gaping at the back. I know all you curvy ladies out there know exactly what i'm talking about. I was never really a 'jeans' person before due to the mere fact of never finding the perfect fitting jeans for my shape. However, Topshop has restored my love for jeans, especially their 'Jamie' jeans. Not only are they super-stretchy but they are super high-waisted which I feel accentuates my figure even more. If any of you ladies out there have the same problem I had, I recommend a trip into Topshop to try the different types of jeans they have in store, you can thank me later. :)

Mpho x 

Music Monday #5

I feel like i'm so out of touch with music since I've gone to Thailand. The best bit of music I heard out there was literally only through the pool and beach parties we went to. Anyway, this past week I've been trying to play "catch-up" and I find myself going back to these tracks.

Usher is back y'all! Look at him dancing like the good 'ole days. And I'm guessing from the return of his infamous "U"chain (as seen in the video) we should expect to hear some classic R&B tunes from his upcoming album and I can't wait. I just love the soul-funk jazzy feel to the song, and I love the video.

I can't belieb i'm saying this, but I THINK i'm officially a 'belieber'. I never really used to be a fan of Justin Bieber before, but "Confident" was my jam and now the same has to be said for his latest song "All That Matters". His voice has matured so much, i'll hear a song on the radio and will be gobsmacked when I find out it's actually him. The lyrics are cute and the beat is on point.

Another song I can't get enough of is "Smartphones" by Trey Songz. I love how real the video is too. I've actually seen this happen in real life and trust me it aint no joke, these smartphones be ending relationships. I hope Trey makes more songs like these, I miss the old "Neighbours Know My Name" Trey.

Mpho x 

OOTD

 

Trench Coat - H&M 

Polka Dot Shirt - New Look 

White Jeans - TopShop (Joni) 

Gold & Black Strappy Heels  - New Look 

I can't remember the last time I shared an outfit of the day with you guys so here it is :) Well technically speaking, it's not "of the day" because this was taken yesterday. Anyway, my uni friend Sam is going away to Berlin for the summer, so Libby and myself decided it was the perfect opportunity for all of us to catch up over some lovely food and drinks. Negril, a Jamaican food restaurant based in Brixton was the host. It was my first time going there, and I will definitely be going back. Apart from the tasty food we had, what I love most about this place is the atmosphere. It has such a chilled yet vibrant, urban feel to it. The service was good, the music and to top it all off you can take your own drinks there, yes including alcohol just for £2.50. I mean it don't get better than that!

I'm afraid you are going to be seeing a lot of these white jeans on here, I cannot stop wearing them. I've never really been a 'jeans' person, only for the simple fact that it's an absolute nightmare finding jeans that fit me properly, however, Topshop jeans are IT! Pricey? yes! But so worth it.

So here's what I had...

Saltfish Fritters as a starter 

Ox-tail and Rice n Peas for the main 

Mpho x 

Sawadee Krab/Kha

That's 'hello' in Thai. I picked up a word or two while I was away… 

Hello Everyone :) I'm backkkk! I don't even know where to start if I'm honest with you. Well, I've been back a week now from Thailand and I can finally say that my body clock is back to normal and I am no longer jet-lagged. Before going away I told myself I was going to do a day-by-day post of what I was getting up to, but that plan went out the window almost instantly. The fun I was having simply didn't allow me to even think about blogging ( I took thousands of pictures though as you could imagine).

Had it not been for my cousin deciding to get married in Thailand, I probably wouldn't have gone for a long time. You know how it is, forever making plans and promises with friends and family about holidays and getaways that never happen, but this happened and it was the most amazing time of my life. Everyone's been asking me tons of questions, and i've been finding it hard to put into words just how amazing Thailand was. Words just cannot describe or even give you a clear picture of what I saw and did. The people were so friendly, kind and warm. They loved my brown skin, which was just mind blowing and weird at the same time because I learnt that being light skinned was very important to Thai people especially the women. In a few places we visited, we saw people covered up in hoodies, oversized hats, face masks, holding up big umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching heat and when we asked one of them they simply explained that being dark skinned means being associated and put in a group of migrant workers, street food sellers, maids and poverty. It's quite sad really…

The food. Oh, the food… Absolutely amazing! The beach, our villa, parties, shopping, Tuk Tuks, motorbikes, thai massages, the views, the wedding, the food, the food and the food was amazing (someone give me another word) and ofcourse the company. I couldn't have gone to such a beautiful place with lovelier people. People that you hardly knew but at the end of it all feel like family. What the hell was Drake saying about "No New Friends?" Pffffft. 

Anyway, I'm sure its pretty clear that I loved every single minute of Thailand, and will probably do another post just to rub your faces in it once more so i'll leave it here for now. 

Mpho x 

The Lorraine Hansberry Story

"What happens to a dream deferred, does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" - Langston Hughes 

A few weeks ago in Uni, I was put into a group and we were given the task to produce a photoshoot in the style of i-D Magazine, taking inspiration from an exhibition and recreating it's story. The exhibition we decided to do our styling shoot on was the Brooklyn Museum's: Twice Militant: Lorraine Hansberry's Letters to "The Ladder."

Lorraine Hansberry was an African-American playwright/writer. She was the first black woman to write a play performed on Broadway. She is best known for the play A Raisin in the Sun, which is a title taken from the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes. 

Hansberry was a lesbian. She was an activist for gay rights and wrote letters about feminism and homophobia to a magazine called, The Ladder. For the shoot we decided to look into lesbianism, transgenderism. The aim was to style our models in an androgynous style in an attempt to confuse the audience of the models sexuality, and to capture key moments in Lorraine's life such as the rabbit fur white coat her parents bought her during the Great Depression, which resulted in her being attacked by her classmates; punching and throwing bricks at her and spilling ink all over her white fur.  

There was only one person in mind when it came to choosing a model and that is my girl Yolanda Dombo. Androgyny style? Check! White fur? Check! 

We shot on location in places like the tube, under-paths and gritty, urban areas to give the shoot a raw "modern" feel; subtly adding key components from her life with the styling without being too obvious such as The Ladder, bricks, fur, masculine trousers etc. 

Photographer: Stephanie Toms. Fashion Editor and Blogger at http://www.creatorsofdesire.com

The whole concept of the shoot was that "Lorraine" was out to face the world but as a closeted lesbian she "hid behind a mask" (hence the mask). Anyway, I'm sure you kind of get my drift so ill stop telling you about the shoot and let the pictures speak for themselves. 

 Final images for our i-D Magazine style shoot: 

Photographer: Stephanie Toms. Fashion Editor and Blogger at http://www.creatorsofdesire.com
(Other models portraying lesbianism and transgenderism)

Scroll down and read the post below  to know a little more about Lorraine Hansberry aka Yolanda Dombo 

Mpho x 

The Divah

Yolanda Dombo

http://www.thedivah.com

Remember that name honey, 'coz you're gonna be hearing a lot of it in the future! This flamboyant human being is a really good friend of mine with an impeccable, individual style. It is clear she belongs in the fashion industry, without a doubt. 

I don't think i've been anywhere with Yolanda where someone doesn't want to take her picture or where she isn't being likened to Lil Kim, Lady Gaga or some fashion icon, and with good reason too because she dons some extra-ordinary pieces that I would never ever be able to pull off in a million years. She is the definition of unique.  

So in a world where everyone is consumed by the media, celebrity lifestyle and the ever-changing world of fashion I sat down with The Divah herself to find out how she stays true to who she really is especially in this pretentious and competitive bubble better known as the fashion industry where everyone claims to be "different" and a "trend-setter."

Who is Yolanda?

I would say I'm a complex character who doesn't follow trends and would like to think I'm also down to earth and humble.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from everything. I draw from all things such as tribal wear to street style.

How would you describe your style?

My style is grand and daring and has no limits.

What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

Currently my favourite piece is a vintage little black dress with pearls.

Where do you see this "fashion journey" taking you and your blog?

I'd love for my blog to be able to reach people from everywhere in the world and eventually build a platform where I can have opportunities such as collaborations with well-known brands and travelling to participate in fashion related activities around the world

Style Icons?

Ulyana Sergeenko, Nick Wooster, Lino Leluzzi, Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh from Art Comes First, one of my favourite bloggers Toni Tran, the 90s Lil Kim and of course Lady Gaga.

What's one thing people don't know about you?

The one thing most people don't know is that I have a phobia for cats. I am not fond of them at all.

http://www.thedivah.com

Mpho x 

Music Monday #4

Tyrese | Ginuwine | Tank 

First of all I find it so crazy that there are people out there who don't know that Tyrese is also a singer! Like really? Come on! Tyrese has been a singer long before he delved into acting and no, he hasn't just been in Fast & Furious films you clueless people! Anyway…

I am so excited! This coming thursday (March 27) Libby and myself are going on a double date to the Hammersmith Apollo to see these men in the flesh! I don't think i'm going to be able to handle such fineness on one stage. Just look at them…  I feel sorry for our boyfriends!

Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank are solo R&B artists with mega-hits under their belts, however they formed this supergroup TGT to "bring back the real R&B" and I must say that they did just that. Don't get me wrong, I do feel that they could've done a lot better considering they are all veterans in this game but the album is good nonetheless. And i'm pretty sure if i'm not in love with it now I sure will be after thursday!  The album is sexy and mature. They talk about different situations in life and love, their imperfections as men in love and of course the album wouldn't be complete without a 'lil baby-making music. Listen to the album and tell me what you think.

One of my favourite tracks from the album:

I am loving… 

JUSTIN BIEBER!!!!! That's right! Well, his new song featuring Chance the Rapper anyway.  I'm not a firm belieber just yet. Say what you want to say about him but you can't deny the fact that he is talented. I've been playing this song non-stop since i've heard it and i'm not tired of it yet. 

I think his behaviour and the way the media covers it has overshadowed his music lately.  They need to give the boy a break, his young and living his life just like the rest of us. 

I'm conflicted about what I think of Justin and his behaviour to be honest. I mean, most boys his age go through all types of phases but why is it different when it comes to him? because he is a celebrity and a "role-model?" Mmm, I think Rihanna said it best when she said she doesn't want to be a role model, kids should look up to their parents as role models. And to some extent I agree. However as a public figure being a role model comes with it, whether you like it or not. Watch the video below:

Mpho x