A 1000 WORDS x A COLOUR COLLOQUY

[13-8-12] - Sit tight boys and girls, it's time I tell a small tale of evolution. First of all, this outfit - this outfit right here - was nonchalantly-constructed. Then what was intended to be a mini shoot to capture a close-up texture of my natural hair, as promised, erupted into a full-on self-shoot.
See, I was out in N.C. for a family reunion earlier in August and, while there, I packed some more fall-fitting garments to bring back to New York with me being that most of my stuff is there (N.C.). Minutes following zipping up my luggage and tossing it in the trunk of my sister's car and mind you, I'm using the term, "tossing" real loosely, I realised I wasn't dressed. I scrounged through my drawers and found this H&M dress given to me by my mum back in 2010(?). She bought it back in 2005, I believe. Real 70s-like. Then, I wrapped this Krispy Kreme crew-neck sweaters given to me by my aunt during the visit about my waist, threw on my red Bubba Gump Shrimp cap and melon and orange Reeboks and created an uncanny colour colloquy.

It's safe to say I killed two birds with one stone; captured shots of my hair and pretty cool impromptu outfit. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x MY SUNNY SYMPHONY

[8-8-12] - Prior to the start of the Summer, I entertained the idea of creating my very own photography workshop. And, of course with that thought, arose combating queries such as: "am I equipped with the ability to teach? and "if I do deliver lessons, will I do in such a way, it inspires the student and enables them to soak it all in?" or, "do I even have the patience required to teach?"
All-in-all, I questioned it deeply - deep enough to eventually put it off. As much as I receive questions regarding photography and how to go about developing one's craft and so on, that doesn't ignite the infantry to set off and claim the title, "teacher". I want to extend my self-gathered knowledge with others, but I am in no rush. I am never in a rush. I take time. However, after having given my baby-brother lessons in shooting - manual (lens + camera) for that matter and watching him get progressively better and better within the moment helped me realize, "I can and I should do this". I mean, he sort-of wasn't allotted much of a choice, y'know? Between the hounding and the whining, he unwittingly got a firm hold on the concept, nearly in entirety. So, yeah, I retreated to the drawing-board; may not be soon, but by next Spring, expect a photography workshop, expect an online store, too. (Yeah, I never quit working on that). Though I have not created much in the magnitude that I've set for myself, I have made it my mission to keep busy - made it my mission, to remain with a mission. That's one advice I would give to anyone - to keep busy. Keep busy in a manner that’s conducive to progress and eventually, growth. Keep busy and embrace the overwhelming sense of purpose it evokes. Keep busy and marvel - marvel at all the wonders it yields. Just keep busy. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS | TURQUOISE TORTOISE

Photo - my boyfriend; edits - by yours, truly.

[25-5-12] - Nancy Drew-esque - that's the feel this outfit ended up emitting. It was initially one of those things that wasn't given much thought at all, but in retrospect, seemed entirely more cohesive than perceived.

I love awarding personalities to my outfits after-the-fact. Simply because that's usually when an aspect of me is on display. Contrary to popular belief, most days, I am not as calculated - as deliberate as it seems. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x CITY ORANGE

[16-7-12] - There's something wildly captivating about the colour, orange. Perhaps it lies in its blend between the creative energy of yellow and passionate vibrancy in the color, red. Or in the way wearing it amplifies the gleaming, gold undertone in my skin.

There is also something incredibly appealing about a photograph, set in the city. I Love the appeal of people wandering about, heading to somewhere or nowhere at all, the myriad of lifestyles, blending in the create an intoxicating vibrancy, the colours and so on. However, the sour bit about that is: they tend to stare. Ha! And, what makes matters worse is I now shoot manually - manual lens, manual settings, so when my camera is in the hands of a novice, it takes rather...long.All-in-all, a great, productive, fun-filled day spent with my sister, Sally and my cousin, Lotanna (that's a Nigerian name, in case you were wondering)! I The longer it takes, the more eyes gather and gaze. In other news, finally got some Jamba Juice! My favourite smoothie is the "power pineapple" - try it sometime. Peace.

H&M | SUMMER 2012 CATALOGUE

[8-7-12] - Ever since its first introduction back in 2009, I have been an avid viewer of H&M's seasonal catalogues. Initially, I thought of neat and brilliant of the ever-evolving retail powerhouse and over time, grew to enjoy its content more and more. It definitely helps that the copies are distributed via H&M stores for free. Simply grab a copy and indulge. I particularly love it because it provides insight on what H&M has to offer in stores worldwide being that, to my observation, their merchandise varies region to region, depending on the preference of its demographics. Stores in Europe, I've noticed, tend to have much more items that appeal to my sense of style. Ah! I must admit I deeply desire to vacate to Europe (again) and see and experience the stylistic-climate. If you haven't already, visit the nearest H&M store and pick up a copy. This is definitely one of their best editions to date next to Spring 2011. The colours - just...sublime. I snapped some quick shots of some of my favourite looks. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x DRUG-DEALER CHIC

[28-6-12] - This was inevitably one of the hottest days of New York's summer and conveniently, I had a mile-high list of errands to tend to. Actually, I exaggerated that bit. I had about two stops to make, but movement, coupled with the heat, enhanced the duties-at-hand. Funny enough, these weren't taken on a later day; too hot to photograph. Ha! Anyhow. The reddish undertone in both patterns allowed for these two pieces to coalesce harmoniously.

A 1000 WORDS x THE GOLDEN GYPSY

[11-6-12] - I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. In my quest to keep consistent in the quality of visuals/images, I'm afraid that has led to a decline in the usual sophistication in textual content. After perusing and reflecting on the content of the preceding posts in the past month or so, I have began my pursuit for a balance - uniformity in quality - textually and visually. It is not entirely on purpose; I have been preoccupied beyond the normal realm of understanding. Mostly by my thoughts, honestly. To the awakened mind, my firm embrace of vibrant colour palettes is absolutely nothing new as well my use of colour as an expression of moods and sentiments.

A 1000 WORDS x VIVE LE WILD

[11-5-12] - As you may have concluded by now, given the content of my previous posts, I am back in New York for the summer. Yay!

These photos were literally taken some hours after getting home. I simply could not placate my eruptive sense of excitement. I wore this outfit to travel, but of course initially chose to wear the cap 'cause I was in desperate need of a trim and shape-up. I would/could recant the details of my trip, but I think I'll take the easy route and decline. All that there is to know is that it was nothing short of unpleasant.

A 1000 WORDS x UNSUNG + UNDONE

[21-5-12] - I relished in a great deal of thrill while photographing and constructing this outfit. For one, it was an infusion of colours I seldom pair together - black and brown. But see, it was alright in this case being that each garment's texture detracted from the usual distaste incited by the sight of the pair.

These images possess a certain distinguished, bestselling-author-sort-of-feel, don't they? Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x BROOKLYN HOOLIGANS

[21-5-12] - B.I.G's "Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn" are the exact lyrics that came to mind upon gazing up in my closet in my home in Upstate, New York, only to find my old pair of Timberland boots staring down at me. Overcome with excitement, I reached for it and began to marvel at how polished the navy blue suede appeared for a pair of shoes that were so old. They're sized at 9M, however they felt a big large wearing them yesterday. With socks on and all. They're such a classy pair. I remember wanting to purchase that colour in an effort to stray from the ever-so-popular and typical wheat-coloured pairs. What's crazy is: I'd still sport them today. In fact, I think I have started already. Ha! Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x THINK STINK-PINK

[19-5-12] - By what means is growth measured? Could it be measured in a timely manner? Or by age? Certainly not by either 'cause both factors are co-dependent; with time, comes age. Sure, there's growth in your physicality, but can the same be said for your mental and emotional?

The movement of growth is steady, yet gradual; never instant, leading up to the moment of realization. The moment where you are met with the thought, "wow, I have changed a lot". For some, growth is overwhelming great, while others, it's quite the contrary. Speaking for myself in terms of inheriting philosophical wealth in Love, completely unaware on how impactful and how magical and how freeing it would be. I had grown to fawn over what spawn out of introspective thought. I had grown to not feel overthrown by the power that was bestowed upon me. I had grown to celebrate Life, truth, Love and of course, myself. Which brings me to the outfit and the circumstance about its photographing process. As I was constructing this yesterday, I realized it was comprised of most colours with a pink undertone. I used to loathe the colour pink. I could not BElieve I was draped in it and had grown mad in my enjoyment. Hence, stink-pink. As far as photographing goes: my lack of self-shooting ailed me deeply as I faced a great deal of frustration while beginning. I am incredibly without patience and was almost immediately ready to call it quits after exhausting all the ideas that arose to the top of my head. But I didn't. I tried and tried. Eventually, I got the shots I wanted. Perseverance is key. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x A QUEEN'S BID

[13-5-12] - Yesterday was Mother's day and as most of you know, it is the child's place to behave accordingly to your Mother, the Queen's bidding; gifts, nurturing, a day at the spa, perhaps and so on. However, to my surprise, I got a gift? Ha! I was submerged in an utter state of confusion like, "Mum, today is [your] day, not mine!" I was excited nonetheless. I have always longed for a classic pair of off-white Converse's, with a sole adorned with red and blue trimmings. My only issue is that the canvas is perforated. Eh, but the fact that my Mum bought these for me--on her day--incites endearment. Ah! It is nourishing to have a loving Mother. Loving parents, in general. Peace

A 1000 WORDS x DIRTY DIANA

[01-01-12] - What baffles me beyond measure is how these were taken on New Year's eve up on till midnight, yet I am just getting around to posting it. How not-so-uncharacteristic of me. HA! But I digress. Yeah, these were sort-of my New Year's gift to myself.

I entertained the idea of wearing black through the this year, but as you can plainly see, I have failed miserably at this task. I am heavily in Love with the concept behind outfits that are constituted of black garments. It speaks highly of character and class and awards an unspeakable amount of sophistication. When constructed of the right, complementary pieces of course.

A 1000 WORDS x MISCELLANEOUS MIX

A collection of findings I photographed within the past 2 months or so. Thrilling to be surrounded by a myriad of colours on a day-to-day basis. To immerse oneself in the sentiments each colour inspires is a thing of Art in its respect.

Had to take a couple shots of my Reebok classics; first pair of sneakers I've purchased since High-school. I'm a big fan of the Reebok, Adidas and Puma brand. I like Nike, yeah, but still-- I fancy Jordans, too, but its steep prices inspires distaste. Isabel Marant's sneaker line is amazing, not to compare high-fashion with urban brands, but, hey, since we're on the topic of sneakers.

A 1000 WORDS x NYC | PHOTO-DIARY

[5-4-12 - 11-4-12] Like a Mother longs for the warmth of her child, I long for New York.

The air, the people, the food; oh, the food! "Absence [indeed] makes the heart grow fonder". Here are some random captures from my stay over Easter break which by the way, was an overly eventful visit.

Man, where do you begin? No. No, I think I will go against my grain and withhold details. Ah! Bet you were wildly curious, yeah? Well, pardon me. I did the usual: spent time with family, did a bit of shopping, made some new friends, etc. The weather wasn't at all what I expected. What was I thinking? I had blatantly underestimated the longevity and severity of New York's winter. Have I been absent that long? I digress.