Ink 'N Style by Monae

Checked And Balanced

- on 12:22 pm - 1 comment

I've not always been a prints and patterns fan, in fact, I used to completely dread them. I was born a minimalist and plain colours were my thing. But the thing about style is; it's a continuous process and so, what you're into today might soon be forgotten or what you dread today might be your numero uno essential tomorrow. I thought prints and patterns were complicated. They selected colours, they sometimes weren't appropriate for the occasion and all sorts of bla!

But here I am; A prints and patterns lover.

For this post, I'm doing this simple blue-teal-blue checked number one that I think is Amaaaaazing . It can pass for a shirt, a shirt dress, or a gown-if you belt it in the middle. I love that you can pair with leggings or skinny denim, but I chose to be a show-off; flaunting my legs. I paired again with rock-studded shoes that give so much balance-I think I've said enough about these shoes already. Talk about Re-rocking an item.

I hope that you guys love my patterned checked shirt dress and my balanced rock-studded shoes.

Photography by : AyoFemi Photography (IG: @omo_harkin)

How's your weekend turning out? Remember to protect your energy, drink lots of water, Grind and Live. Please don't forget to leave a comment to let me know what you think of this post. I promise this is the last you'll see of the braids, the pictures were shot while I still had them on.
Kisses and Deuces;
MONAE.

Outfit Details

Shirt Dress and shoes :Miz Tobbie for Hawt closet

Sunnies and Bangles: ibk Aghedo (because that's what friends are

for)

Dare to Love You.

- on 6:27 pm - No comments

•••Jibz•••

Jibz is a strong girl. Don't get me wrong, she's not super woman, but then she's got it all under control, or that's how she likes to see it. She eats healthy, works out, works hard, studies hard at anything she's curious about, listens to trap music and listens to her friends with rapt attention talk about their boyfriends-she's a badass friend. She had issues of her own, but they were kept well under control. Trust Jibz not let anything bother her fly.

She dresses good, in fact she was always the best dressed woman in a room. Also, that was how she liked to see things. Not that she even made comparisons, but to Jibz, it was always a matter of perspective. You see, Jibz isn't bothered about putting up attitude as a defense to attitude, because she's not affected by attitude. Her smile was so easy, it almost got you jealous. Jibz is a bossbabe and she doesn't try to even hide that fact. Her snaps on snapchat were almost flawless they seem scripted, like she'd gotten an entire crew to fix her up. Brows weren't perfect no, but you could tell they were on their way to perfection. Watching her rap along to Future's Big Rings in traffic or watching her hang out with a couple of friends, you'd think she'd never been mediocre. That she'd never been a "waka-pass" in this movie called life. That she'd never been insecure. So wrong! She'd probably laugh out loud if you ever said it to her hearing.

This Jibz that only a few months (yes you read right, Months!) ago, couldn't walk with her head high, this Jibz that couldn't voice her own opinions because she was so scared of being wrong, this same Jibz that only spoke to her mirror, this Jibz that her friends described as "err kinda weird" , this Jibz that feared to speak, to feel , to live.

But then she woke up one morning, and without hesitation, murdered the old Jibz. It was a quick painless death, and the new Jibz didn't even mourn her. She had a lot to do; too busy finding her self. Lucky her, the rebirth had happened on a Saturday, and it gave enough time to get rid of her entire wardrobe, leaving just a few pieces that just newly came in. Such Ugly Clothes, she had spat as she set fire to them. The following Monday, her friends at school almost didn't recognize her.

Someone actually said "Is Jibz attending an Audition in school Today?"

And since then, Fabulous Jibz stayed on, she had no intentions of ever dying or letting the old Jibs in. Now she could even dream, and dream! She would never have dared.
Jibz has friends now, and she doesn't take a lot of things personal. She's human yes, but she's learnt others are human too. She understands that not everyone is capable of the strength that she has grown, and so she's quick to forgive. She's not easy to offend though, don't even dare. Jibz is bitchy enough to give back that negativity, but why waste precious time?!

•••And Derin too•••

Her bestie is Derin, a girl on her way to perfection too. Although Derin is dealing with her own demons, it's clear to see that she's a winner. The other day she sent a selfie of herself sitting naked on the bathroom floor to Jibz and Jibz had only shook her head and headed straight to her place to make sure she was fine. Big surprise when she found her dressed, make up done, purse in hand but barefoot, Derin was obviously heading out.
"I was coming over to yours" she said playfully, throwing back her head to laugh at the expression on her friends face.
"Are you okay?" Jibz knew better than to be worried for her bestie, this one was a winner. She just like to fight her own battles.
"Very fine, just a little hormonal imbalance" Derin gave her a hug. "Thanks for coming though"
The next minute they were chatting away on the couch.
Those two; survivors.
•••••••••••

Jibz wasn't born perfect, she became perfect. If only you would find the will to be what you are; perfect.

You'd probably do more than Jibz has, if only you would dare.

Photography: AyoFemi Photography (IG: @omo_harkin)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

There guys! I just wanted to motivate. I hope you enjoyed reading? Please don't forget to let me know if you did in the comments box. And also, recommend this post to your girlfriends and others by sharing a link to this post. Can you tell I love Bestie stories? I just think there's nothing stronger than women supporting each other instead of constantly trying to tear each other down. If only we women realized how much power lies in our unity, we'd never find a reason to tear anyone down. For the sake of clarification, the above story is purely an expression of my imagination and a subtle way of expressing my opinions on being a strong woman, as opposed to what most females might think. None of it ever happened, and any resemblance to real persons or situations are purely coincidental. Also, the pictures were shot to match the story theme. We literally acted it out, in our own little way.

Girl in Red: Busola Ogunmoyero (IG: @buzygunzy)

Girl in Rose Gold Dress: Your Girl MONAE.

Outfit Details:

Red dress: ShopMaju

Ankara Print Purse: Kiosk on my street, at A thousand, five hundred Naira only.

Leopard print purse: Maju

Rose Gold dress with fringe: Maju

Pearl choker necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Black choker Necklace: Maju

Love bracelet: My Tailor. She sells everything, lol.

Love and Love,

MONAE.

To Valentine's...

- on 1:03 pm - 8 comments

Love!

Happy Valentine's Day my lovelies!

Before I go on to talk about love, I want to take a moment to apologize for taking so long to post since the last time I posted. My sincere apologies guys. I have no excuse really, life just happened. I have been dreading this day, as I really hate apologizing but I couldn't let today pass without reaching out to you. I have been surprised lately to find out that some of you have been visiting to see if there's anything new on here! Like oh my world, I literarily couldn't believe my ears when someone called to ask why I haven't been posting! I have to say that I'm just doing something I love, and I honestly thought that only my friends were watching. I'm beyond grateful for this guys. It is very encouraging and your support is everything. I love you guys!

I hope my apologies and gratitude are accepted now. So can we move on now?

Can you smell it??? What's that thing in the air, everywhere?!

It's love guys. If you're an Internet junkie like me (which you obviously are if you're reading this), then you surely are feeling this love thing in the air. It's everywhere; Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, websites, blogs, name it! Today, February the 14th, is the official date to declare love to that special someone, and guess who I'm loving today? It's you! Don't look over your shoulder, Yes YOU!

You deserve all the love you're getting today, and if you think you're getting none, I hope this is enough to convince you that you matter. You are loved. The world is lucky to have you, and you can happen to life too. You already happened to me. Please don't come and go unnoticed, leave a comment in the comment box about this outfit if you like, or say something about what you're doing today. Let's connect! You can also follow my Instagram account: @ink_n_style and Facebook page : Ink 'N Style by MONAE.

It is not enough to receive love, you can also give it, as I am now. Trust me, it does feel as good as receiving love.

And yes, my outfit in today's post is inspired by love. Love for Self, love for you and love for life.

Plenty white, with a touch of Red and another touch of brown to offset it all. Oh and Gold too!

Peep my gold sunnies? Yas, I'm love struck, and I'm not hiding it.

Slits are like my thing now, so this white skirt with a zipper front was a must while I was picking pieces to style this look.

Full outfit details:

Red blouse: Oldie but Goodie from Ronke Ogundipe (I.G: @sugarpunk02)

Kimono, Skirt, Belt and Sunglasses: Haute closet (I.G: @mztobbie_)

Bag and Purse: I.G: @sekinahshoegallery

Something special today guys, I'm serving two posts today to make up for my long absence.

I hope you like this one being the first, the second is hotter. So wait for it.....

DRUMROLL....

Have an awesome Valentine's Day Lovers!

Love and Love,

MONAE.

Photography by: AyoFemi Photography (IG: @omo_harkin)

Hawt MONAE In HAUTE Closet

in fashion, Haute closet, personal style - on 6:19 pm - 2 comments

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

LOGBOOK 2

in lifestyle, logbook - on 1:25 pm - 1 comment

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

To be a weirdo

- on 1:12 pm - 1 comment

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

About New Year Resolutions

in inspiration, lifestyle, new year, New year resolutions, positive vines only - on 1:45 am - 1 comment

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.