ORANGE BRIGADE x TEFF, THE DON

Ring c/o Modern Design Inc.

- [10-10-13] - I have really been toying around with the thought of doing something different with my hair for the longest. As a lot of you know, that is primarily what generated the interest with me and my blog. I grow bored quire easily, so it's important for me to keep things as new as possible in just about every facet of my Being. The problem is: I found myself doing more thinking than doing. That is, till it reached a point where I was like, "screw it!". Plus, the energy-shift in the seasons, y'know. For my natural hair, 'tis the season to protective-style. I plan to run quite rampant with the styles, so I decided to start with the oh-so reminiscent French braids. This was the go-to hairstyle when I was much younger - back in primary school [in Nigeria]; my sister would quickly put my hair up on the nights she was too tired to do something more intricate. Nostalgic, to say the least.

Sidebar: check out my latest feature on #GURL.COM along with some pretty awesome gals - GURL. Peace.

V. V. x VOL. II x COLOURS OF THE SEASON

- A small collection of photographs taken via my iPhone 5 over the past months. It's no secret that I'm a fan of colour, so you see, that's partly why I'm sharing these on here that would otherwise be seen on my Instagram. Ha! Plus, it's one of my favourite seasons - Autumn! I have no desire to go down the list and detail every story behind each photograph, but I will say this: the second photograph is one of the teacup sets from the my mum's collection. She has a thing for collecting teacup sets - perhaps an extension of her inherent Love for tea. I'm serious; it's inherent. Her mother, my grandmother, was an avid tea-drinker, so is my mum, and of course, myself. I take tea time rather seriously. And, also; the photo directly after the jump, when I was a youngin' back in Nigeria, and I'd attend a birthday party or an event of sorts and spotted a crate of Fanta, couldn't tell me I wasn't set to have a good time. Growing up, my parents sort of limited myself and my siblings' exposure to sweets, so any opportunity to indulge was seized without much consideration. Ha! What about you guys? What element about your childhood automatically meant "good time"? I have loads. This is just one of 'em. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | WINE COLLECTION, BY AN DUKES

Photos by Bryan Sona

- [21-5-13] - It has undoubtedly reached that portion of the season where it begins to energy-shift between season-to-season has deepened. It brings on an air of that fills you with the incline to reminisce. Bittersweet moment, really. One of the highlights of my Summer was riding out to DC to partake in my friend, An Dukes' lookbook shoot for her online shop titled after her blog, Wine Collection. The shop is comprised of garments she has collected over the years/she does not wear anymore. It just happened to fall in with Memorial weekend and what better place to be than in the nation's capital during such a monumental holiday. I had the pleasure of taking in the sights though not as much as I would've liked(next time). DC has wonderful architecture and Georgetown was absolutely breathtaking. My only regret is that I didn't get around to trying Nando's. I have heard nothing but great reviews regarding their food. I hear there's only 8 (?) locations worldwide. Talk about exclusivity.

Anyhow, this was my first look. The gals and I had our pick-of-litter, so to speak; An basically wanted our personal styles to be projected, so as not to look unnatural or forced. I ended up buying these two pieces before leaving. Ha! I could not resist. There's also a video correspondent to this, to which I wrote a poem titled, "Beauty Is A Wine" - click here to view. Peace.

AQUATIC ACROBATIC x TEFF, THE DON

Photos by Jia // edit + C.D. by yours, truly.

- [20-10-13] - Quick impromptu shoot with Jia this past weekend at the “stu” (ha!) after shooting the shirt-skirt tutorial and product shots for my online shop. If you follow me on either Tumblr or Instagram, then you should be knowledgeable on this bit. Just in case you don't, here's my reiteration. The video ought to be finished by this week. Also, for those of you who feel "out of a joke", so to speak, "stu" is the abbreviation for the word, studio; closely-associated with a recording studio. It's used very frequently from rappers, both that of the mainstream and underground sort. In this particular context, we were particularly mocking those who either use being at the studio as a [sorry] excuse, or simply claim to be, while they really aren't.

Moving onward. Yes, you read right. I’m doing the online shop for real-for real this time! I may have mentioned it once or twice over the years, but the elements weren't quite right. I feel as though there isn't a more proper time than now with all that I have in-line for the growth of Self and my brand. The shop will mostly feature pieces that are specific to my taste of preference, of course. Down the line, however, that is subject to change. I will divulge more as plans take form and unfold. Peace.

SELF-PORTRAIT | RED DAWN, BY THE EXPRESSIONIST CH. III

- [18-10-13] - Self-portrait // Red Dawn, by The Expressionist - Ch. III.
My first self-shooting session since June; I have craved this creative, Expressive release for quite sometime now. This is the longest I have gone without shooting a self-portrait. I've been aching, to say the least. Naturally, the session began a bit difficult, being that I was toying around with new compositions. Once I got the test shots out of the way, it was all free-flowing. These are my favourite from my project, Red Dawn; and it's no surprise, nor coincidence that it fell into the thIIIrd chapter. Peace.

TEFFILOSOPHY VOL. 20 x MOTHER OF IMAGINATION

I had every intention on titling this post: "Who Died And Made You The Mother Of Imagination?" but decided against it, seeing as it's entirely too long.

Teffilosophy — a segment of mine I had to revive, as I have several topics of interest arise in my absence of updating this blog. Plus, I really needed to take a break from the influx of style to bring in the substance. After all, what (the heck) is style without substance? Anyhow. A lot of you who are closely familiar with the fabric of my blog are with the knowledge that its content can span anywhere from a simple outfit post, to self-portraits, to intricate verbal dispositions. The last being the core function of this segment. I have taken the liberty of writing this article-like bit in an effort to express my P.O.V on certain matters of my choosing. Some are brief, others, quite the contrary; this is more the former, than it is the latter. Without further ado:

Teenagers and 20-somethings are staunch in their belief that adults are without imagination so much so that they frequent the ideology at a rate that causes me great discomfort. A declaration often used as a means to counterattack any form imposition against their vaulted and valued sense of expression and Being, surely. It is the only thing capable of driving such a foolish misconception to conception — threatening the structure of one's sense of expression and Being, as it is the birthplace of their comfort and confidence as individuals.

Nearly every facet of our function comes to fruition as a consequence of the creative mind of an adult, as well as that of our doing, despite age. Television, telephones, the Internet, elevators and so on; all are products of the imaginative effort of adults; an actuality the younger age brackets work so fervently to expunge. And, I mean, unless you spontaneously combusted into existence, you are without good reason to discredit that which came before you.

Besides, the bitter assignment of a lack of imagination to adults, or anyone else for that matter, speaks more of your lacking, than it does, theirs.

I contest that imagination comes as a consequence of allowing oneself to be expanded and knowledgeable on the Self, as well others. It is the concept of going to; then, going beyond; meeting, then exceeding. Imagination can span from how a baby conquers the act of crawling from the ground to the couch, to preparing a dish in 20 different ways. That is to say: anyone is capable of the conception of a sense of imagination. Something to keep in mind next time you think to make a deprecatory statement regarding one's ability to, well, imagine. Peace.

MONOCHROMATIC MINT, BY CHARLES RABEN

Photos by Charles Raben // edit by yours, truly

- [22-9-13] - Third time around working with my good friend, Charles ; always a pleasure; he captures the essence of the individual in a manner that I favour over most photographers. Initially, we planned on shooting in the daytime, but due to New York City's metro system, the Sun had set as soon as I reached downtown. We had to get resourceful and quick, using the light around us. These came great, and are even more delicious in B&W. Keyword: delicious. Ha! Peace.

SELF-PORTRAIT | TEFF, THE EDITORIAL

- [15-3-13] - It was a longtime coming, but better late than never. Or, so they say. So, I tried my hand at an editorial-themed self-shoot earlier this year in the backyard of my home upstate. I recall keeping with a monochromatic scheme and theme, and damn; ?I just thrived in the wonderful print-mixing. I plan on redoing something similar pretty soon, so I decided to share. I remember: it had just began snowing that day, but I was relentless and bent on shooting. Amazing to what extent determination and will take you. Peace.

VIDEO: FKA TWIGS x "WATER ME"

Directed by Jesse Kanda

I am equally taken by the visual product of a gifted and seemingly unapologetic scatterbrain, as I am the mesmerising, fluid, psychedelic UK beauty that is, FKA Twigs. The blend of strophic, melancholic tunes that are characteristic to "background music" -- the sort you allow to linger while engaging in activities of the creative sort, combined with fidgety, stop-motion techniques that has not been present in music video since Hype Williams in the 90s. It is that taste that brought me to doorstep of FKA Twigs's wonderful design of expression. I believe this photo was my introduction to her; I recall thinking how incredibly brilliant and fitting of her to inscribe the word Love on her forehead using her hair.
Growing up, I was a big fan of Artists like Sade, Sinead O'Connor and Madonna; my mum played the heck out of the "Nothing Compares" record and album so much so, the tune evolved into a childhood staple for me. When I hear music that's even remotely reminiscent of similar sentiments that were stirred from listening to songs from the Artists mentioned, I am immediately drawn to it. I'm naturally self-absorbed; I function best within me, and I love music and allows me that luxury and satisfaction.
FKA Twigs is an Artist out of London and to be honest, that's the much I know. Ah! My infatuation with Artists who are vague, and with layers unknown, on display yet again. Same was seen with my initial review on The Weeknd and most recently, BANKS. It allows the music to be heard and the potency to be felt much more deeper when you know the quality of the Art over that of the Artist. An element of allure that is beyond what is practiced and expected in this day and age. Click here for more FKA Twigs. Peace.

TEFF, THE DON x SONIC SENSE

Photos by Jia // edits by yours, truly.

- [5-9-13] - It is imperative function of mine, as an individual, to find myself in new surroundings; trying new things; embarking on as much out-of-ordinary ventures as possible. No matter the variety or magnitude. Whether it be with food, travelling (road trips), that new restaurant that just opened up around the corner, and most recently, I took up teaching myself how to draw. Or, rather, as it seems, uncovering a hidden talent? The lot of you whom have been reading this blog for as long as it's been around know that I pride myself on extending the insight I've garnered regarding the infiniteness of the Self and its capabilities. Each day lends lends new reason as to why this philosophy resonates truth.

In this particular scenario, I found myself at Sonic! This is my second time at Sonic in all of life, and I can't say that I've tried actual food; usually dessert dishes of sorts. That was the case here; something about seeing Sonic commercials so frequently, but only having seen 2 Sonic locations since its existence is a bit unsettling. Ha! Perhaps, on my third trip, I will give it a go? Who knows? I'm not crazy for fast food, but I am particularly taken by their unique conduct; most notably, the waiters on rollerskates bit. Has anyone actually eaten at Sonic? What is your take on it? Share some. Oh, oh; quick dissection of my outfit: my skirt is really a shirt; my cardigan is a crewneck sweater cut down front and center and my "T-shirt" is really a T-shirt dress from Armani Xchange. Fuck a box; just think. Peace.

TEFF, THE DON, BY BEA GENFI

- [15-8-13] - As aforementioned, one of my most valued memories from the summer was the opportunity to meet, and in some occasions, work with a handful of you guys - the readers. I deeply enjoyed the interactions, most especially learning about your aspirations and what drives you. Back in August, I met the very Spirited, Ghanaian-born, Bea Genfi. She's a 17-year-old aspiring (and promising, might I add) photographer from the Bronx. By coincidence, or perhaps, fate, upon corresponding, we learned we didn't live too far from each other. We arranged to meet at a neighbourhood gas station/bodega and made a moment of it. I asked her to send me some of her favourites, and from that, I selected mine and edited them a bit. Thanks again for having me, Beatrice; the experience was amazing. Peace.

VISUAL VOMIT x JUICING AT JUICE PEDALER

- [12-7-13] - As some of you may know, I got the opportunity to work as a still production photographer and assistant wardrobe stylist for the film, "Love Always, Eartha over the summer. I did my best to catalogue my day-to-day experience with words and photographs as I am known to do; these photos in particular are from the second day of shooting I believe. We were set in Brooklyn; I waltzed into this incredible juice parlor off the southwest side of Prospect Park in BK yesterday called, Juice Pedaler. It doubles as a bike rental if you’re wondering about the wordplay! The atmosphere was downright amazing down to the decor, service, fresh juices and of course, pastries!!! I had the mango, banana + agave smoothie and an almond croissant. So good!
I was taken by everything in sight, so naturally, I chatted up some of the employees and to learn more. They just opened up last year shortly after Hurricane Sandy, so I got to wondering, just how many peeps really know of this gem? So, I just had to share. Ha! Now, you guys have to visit! I’m not unearthing these gems and sharing ‘em for no reason! I'll be sure to do an "outfit" post from the same day. I'm just not too keen on stuffing 10+ photos in one post. Practicing minimalism over here. Peace.

TEFF, THE DON, BY CHARLES RABEN

Photos by Charles Raben of Urban Face // edits by yours, truly.

- [17-8-13] - The essence of Living New York, stems from the luxury that any given thing, can occur at any given time. Now, this is a Universal law, but surely, it is more active in NYC. This encompasses events as small as finding a $100 bill, to events as large as being scouted by a topnotch agency. I can go down a list, but I don't think that's entirely necessary. I find that I am (usually) enthralled by the individuals that I meet on the streets of NYC; whether planned, or by chance. New York truly is where dreams come true. I'm sure some people would beg to differ, citing the overwhelming cost of Living(+) as an ailing force. But I've come to learn that dreams only work if and when you do. I mean, over the summer, I had the opportunity to meet a handful of my (f)ol(lowers); 99% of which was by chance. That's been a dream of mine; I am no stranger to my Love for Love. Somewhere in between, I met a wonderful 15-year-old photographer based here in NYC -- Charles Raben. I have said this over and over; he has a capacity for creating and eloquent-speaking far beyond most his age. He's what most would call an "old Soul" -- through and through. He photographed me initially right outside of the YMCA on 14th and 6th; I loved the photos so much, I asked him to photograph me on a second occasion in Chinatown, at night. He's a daytime/light photographer much like myself, but I wanted to present the challenge of shooting in low-light; sort of to test the depth of his skill-set, and as you can see from the photos above, he delivered. Check out his interview for Huffington Post. Since meeting Charles, I've been able to speak with him and pick his brain, and I can't help but be blinded by the promising future this kid has laid ahead of him. I keep thinking: "Imagine if I had this same thought process when I was his age". I mean, I'd be much more evolved. You know?

ALBUM: THE INTERNET x PURPLE NAKED LADIES

As OFWGKTA's The Internet is gearing for the release of their newest project titled, "Feel Good" -- due out the 24th of this month, I, somewhat regretfully, am just now getting wrapped up entirely by the euphoria that was "Purple Naked Ladies". Now, it has been a while, so I don't expect the lot of you to recall my ranting and raving about the feel of their Love Song -1, I did not even stop to consider that that track was simply a prelude of things-to-come. So, naturally, the release of this project went entirely over my head - until now. I am thoroughly taken by the idea that physically, they seem an oddity -- an unlikely pair, but damn, they make incredibly great, timeless music. You can almost feel the energy lift from each song and sort of isolates you from everything, but that song. Phenomenal. I've had the album on replay for the past week and just had to share. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | LUNCH AT RUBY'S

- [30-7-13] - Myself and my sister, Jennifer (of Beau Monde Society) had been itching to have a day out the entire summer. First, our schedules were conflicting, then our excuses followed. Finally, we just decided to do without planning and just wake up one day and sail the streets of NYC. I was adamant on taking her to SoHo's Australian-style cuisine, Ruby's Cafe (it's on Spring and Mulberry if you ever want to check it out). I had been there once before and the eagerness to return was beyond me. It's undoubtedly one of NYC's glorified little eateries. Y'know -- one of those locations that you just sort of stumble on while walking about; its outside appeal would scream "whole-in-the-wall", but its food and service would have you convinced otherwise. If you walk too fast down Mulberry, you're liable to miss it; that's the depth of its subtlety. Though it's food is nothing less of that; their menu is inclusive of this phenomenal burger (and, mind you, I can count how many burgers I've had in my lifetime) that I find thoroughly enticing. It reminds of me of this burger my mum and I used to share back at her office in Nigeria circa nursery school days. It's called the "Bronte" burger; you could almost feel the freshness in each bite.

You know, I look back at my last three sentences and come into the realisation that I am literally scribing an ode to a burger. But you see, that's just how great it is. In contrast to its compeers, Ruby's serves its burgers/sandwiches with a side of the freshest baby spinach with a subtle overlay of caramelised balsamic dressing. I compare my experience with the Bronte with that of having a burger/sandwich at any given fast-food joint; in fact, I don't know why I bother; it's incomparable. Afterwards, I am not overwhelmed with the "food" I just consumed, you know? I believe their buns a in-house and freshly-made as well. But the thrill does not begin and end with the burgers; my first time there, I had the "Creamy Chicken Pasta" and boy, -- delicious. Enough about food. Ha! I'm killing myself here just reminiscing. Do me a favour? If you do visit off of the nature of this post, please e-mail me (consult with the sidebar). I'm curious to learn about your experience. Peace.

SELF-PORTRAIT | MIXOLOGY, BY THE EXPRESSIONIST

- [28-6-13] - While in NC early June, I began a self-portrait project titled, "Red Dawn", which can be viewed on my Flickr. I had intended for every self-portrait I photographed from then onward to strictly be in the name of the project, however, things don't always go as planned, no do they? I found myself playing dress-up to ward up the boredom and ended up with this. Peace.

TEFF, THE DON x "SEEING GLASS"

Photos by Cendino Teme // edit by yours, truly.

- [8-6-13] - I had a wonderful impromptu photo shoot with awesome Miami-based photographer, Cendino Teme, whom I was opportuned to meet via one of my sisters. What’s wild is: the shoot commenced some minutes following our being acquainted. Here we were, we had just met and we had a full-bloomed shoot jumping off by NYC's Penn Station. For someone who has spent a majority of their Life in NY, I have never photographed in the typical tourist-y spots. This was taken on 34th, by the way. The experience was surprisingly Peace. Peace.

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VIDEO: BANKS x "THE WAITING GAME"

Directed by: Francesco Carrozzini

- Listen. When there's something so overwhelmingly compelling about a tune that I must listen to madly consecutively, it's natural that I must share it. That's the same recurring theme with a majority of my music posts on here, at D&&D. Especially when we're speaking on the wildly infectious sound of one of my favourite producers right now, Sohn. He embodies and produces the quality of music that's fitting for any given situation. At least, I can say so boldly in terms of myself. I have sought refuge in his music more times than I can care to mention. As many of you know, I am incredibly fond of Soulful, moody, melancholic, strophic tunes. So, naturally, upon learning of LA-based Artist, Banks, and already, I love her. Why? I love that I don't much about her, but her music. I can't even begin to explain how alluring that minimalistic factor is to me when cultivating fondness for an Artist. Similar thing with The Weeknd; the ability to maintain that element of mystery is nearly sacred to me. Watch + enjoy; this particular tune is my favourite so far off the London EP. Peace.

TEFF, THE DON x SWAY CHIC

Photos by Cendino Teme; edited by yours, truly

- [9-6-13] - Absolutely in love with this tie-dye swing skirt from Sway Chic! It’s been a while since I’ve made any purchases online whatsoever. And, by a while, I mean over 2 years. The texture and fit is so perfect that I might just wear it errday. Grateful to Sway Chic! They have so much awesome merch, it was incredibly difficult to make a selection. The material is much heavier in person; you can actually feel its quality + it's so soft. Ah! I'm literally scheming on their sale section, as I type. The skirt I'm wearing is now on sale, and you can purchase it by clicking here. Peace.

VIDEO: LADY x STREET LEVEL CULTURE

- [20-4-13] - One of the highlights of the summer was being able to partake in a collective of some of NYC's most beautiful and driven young women. The project was put together by Olu and Ed of Street Level Culture. The fellas set out to explore and redefine the aesthetics of (wo)menswear and self-presentation through Lädy. The screening was held in the LES at the wonderful, character-stricken Con Artist, attracting an influx of some of NYC's most influential. Something about the air that day was far more refreshing than words could express. Watch, enjoy, + share. Click below; you may see some familiar faces. Peace.