abridged


At the start of break I'd planned a lil baecay before school came back in session, simply for the fact that yes, it was a 'break'..from school but I was working a grand majority of the time ~new job alert, turn up; shout out to my internship, y'all are holding a girl down~ Needless to ever say in my life, plans changed briskly and I found myself alone unexpectedly alone. As winter break just continued to roll on by, I really just considered staying put and re-energizing locally. Incidentally,...


or a miracle from God I'd like to call it, I was struck with the memory that this was around the very weekend a diabolical rodent would enter the White House.. you haven't heard about their pest problem?


I could not be around for the craziness that was sure to surround this city, and even if I was around it at least let me be returning from something amazing to keep my mind off of the tragic horrors to ensue. Now mind you, I've been here and there but I felt like I needed that fill to just bring every thing together, similar to your crusty nail-set, and wrap up this limbo before classes attack once again. You know that thing where you get all dumped or maybe you were the wicked witch, heartbreaking sis *but like, where is my record deal though?..Goodness, apologies for these barz*
So there's a break up of some sorts but somebody just needs to talk about it or see the other one last time for no real reason but just feelings sake? Yes, I needed some of that closure.


So I was just like, fuck it I'm going to New York.
Okay, very me, but I did have an objective at hand. This wasn't a mindless trip. Because of my need for closure, my random overwhelming feelings of loneliness as of late, and the awareness I had of myself needing a kick of a reminder on who the hell I am and what the fuck I am moving towards, destination NYC pre-inauguration only made sense. Now, this is where the real story begins.

I'd purchased my ticket there at a remarkable price. So remarkable in fact, I decided to hold on getting a return ticket because I was just so surprised at the deal I was able to obtain. The day before the Inauguration? Impossible, I thought. So my return could wait until I got home! 
Wrong. Either I was delusional when I took a glance at the return prices or life was just that crazy, but the way nearly all tickets sold out and how all tickets therefore gladly sprinted to new heights... I was considering not coming home at all you all. At all.

After determining I needed to find a night-life event, a concert, a something, to properly bring this trip to a close, I then really spent hours attempting to discover a magical way home. I really just ended up finessing the shit out of the system, literally, and a hashtag 1 AM vibe was just fastballed at me, I was left with no choice but to cough up the bread and look forward to the next few hours when I'd awaken.

I didn't wake up. Spoiler alert. Well, I did but not nearly when I was supposed to. I ended up doing everything I was trying to avoid, goose-chasing myself in my room, having to give in and call an Uber, randomly stuffing items I knew I'd need in my bag, creating a heavy bag, running outside without shoes on, and forgetting important items (hmm, like my coat). All in a matter of ten minutes because mind you, I was on a very tight gotta-catch-my-damn-train schedule because-I-can't-miss-my-bus-type of thing after literally paying a leg for the return ticket. Get me?

- How I came up with this 'fit, well I struggled to come up with anything really when I was just looking at my closet. I knew it'd be lukewarm and that I wanted something that would look great with Vans and heels, wasn't walking for 6+ hours up and down the boroughs in heels mkay. But so there's this top I've been trying to wear for weeks, so that made me think of white.. and honestly, so honestly it was a guesstimation that worked. Cause I imagined the OTS I DIY'd last NY trip but with something over it since it'd be a tad chilly, but nothing heavy and that you could see the shoulder (duh!), boom mesh top, shorts underneath in cause I wanted to throw it back and to urbanize the upper half but something a lil thick, boom boxing shorts, thigh highs cause it's not that warm, MULES FOR CHEAT HEELS. and whabam. Randomly grabbed jewelry in my morning scramble. I'm just lucky it came together caaause...

So I made it to Union Station. I made my bus. All was great. I ended up having to do my eyebrows in a port a potty on a moving, turbulence-like-a-plane bus, apparently lost my eyelashes and practically new glue in my seat, and was still fermenting in the clothes I slept in. So fabulous. A lot happened and a lot of nothing happened as I was trying to get my life together and figure out where I wanted to go. I found myself in a bathroom stall in good faithful Micky D's changing amongst homeless people discussing how they weren't getting their unemployment checks... as dramatic as it may sound I just really wondered how in the world I got there and literally had to promise myself my New York life could not end up like such.

In my search for a jacket, cause mind you I was staying walk-of-shame late, I actually found a super cheap, super chic light trench with see through elements in a color you rarely see in my closet. And to think I literally was going to chief keef it. I'm a moron as you'll come to realize.

*I'm finally getting to the goods I promise*

After light shopping, discovering a mildly expensive but mildly appetizing Mac n' Cheese spot, getting kicked out of a Starbucks, missing a bus and a stop I had no idea how to get to... I found myself walking the streets and overlooking the water and skyline. I found myself praying, I found myself doing exactly what I hadn't known two weeks ago I needed but that I knew I came to New York to find out.

I walked all the way to the top of the Brooklyn bridge for the first time, I looked below me and saw this skyline again...all the cars, possibly commuters, probably a lot of people with stories like mine, aspirations like mine.. I knew I couldn't let my dreams burn. I knew I had to fulfill my plan, I was just reminded of me. So I changed my shoes and headed to that party. And when I tell you I had a time of my life... there was a point where I was sitting on some speakers near the crowded stage, dancing and plainly vibing with complete strangers, giving face to random photographers, feeling like this was some hip long-lived music video but shot "Juice" style, where I thought to myself, I could really get used to this. (thanks YesJulz)

And so there you have it, another successful trip to the city of dreams. My experience home was tragic; I left with 2 hours of cushion and still made it running, running since when do I do that, to my bus by a minute. The wrong bus mind you ~don't listen to instructions~. I ended up having to uber home for a pretty bone... oddly enough it was worth ..well it was worth something.
xxoo missusmonroe




Cultured: South Africa

As I put off packing till the night before, I'm thinking about my upcoming vacation to South Africa for this month's "Cultured" South Africa! While I enjoy traveling, in terms of the African continent, I've only been to 4 countries (and they've all been in western Africa - my place of origin). Definitely on my list includes Morocco, Madagascar, Sudan, Tunisia, Senegal and lastly South Africa. To my surprise when my ticket was confirmed and I was left pondering what I wanted to explore once I touched down in Johannesburg! I'll be visiting family and friends, so this will be the first vacation in about 2 years and I'm completely elated. My past two times I've been conducting researching, volunteering or studying. I still had a crazy amount of responsibilities and things that "took" me away from the present moment. I leave in less than 4 days and I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to be doing, but that's what makes things fun right? I thought I'd share a few "spots" in Johannesburg including foods, culture and more. Enjoy!


Typical South African food seems to be a mix dishes but a very heavy concentration on meat, especially dried meat. Johannesburg is known for its great mix of restaurants and international fare, however. It is difficult to encapsulate the gastroeconomy of a country but here were a few favorites!


Street food is gaining traction in the city (featured: traditional Roosterkoek bread)
Nelson Mandela Bridge

Maybe I'll just try one of these cities buses and see where it takes me?!


Hope to provide my own personal experience of SA next time that I post!

Best,
Sade

New Year's Eve: Under the Cuban Glow


As 2017 is off to a good start, we couldn't help but to think of the peaks and lows of the previous year!  We decided and to spend the NYE together (as best friends do), but with a bit of a twist. A Cuban twist, actually. So what do girls do? Go dancing at the hottest latin dancing club in the city! Cuba Libre was a great way to ring in the new year, with each other, along with loved ones and good friends. Cuba Libre is a great restaurant with cuban fare and live music; after-hours it transforms to a cuban nightclub of all sorts! Highly recommend for a good time all-around.



Year after year we're always miles apart at this time of the year, oceans being a separating factor on more than a couple of occasions. As 2016 took its last breath, it was especially a noteworthy celebration. 



How did you spend your NYE? With friends? Cuddled up with a book? or took on something different for the year?

xoxo,
Sade, missusmonroe


2016 lasts


So after work I was contemplating where I would embark next on this picture-taking extravaganza life I have curated for myself. Now, I could go to my latest spot but I honestly was not sure how it would coincide with the vibe of this particular look. As I was charging what I'm sure is at this point a fried battery of my iPod, I staring aimlessly at the  empty lot right out front of my building and was struck with an idea. 



Across the way was this bright red trailer glistening under the winter sun and something told me that's just where I was gunna end up, dramatic I know. As soon as I left my room all I wanted to do was turn around. It was frigid. Y'know, I just can never understand why it needs to be so cold and saturated with tsunami winds in the winter while in the summer we're like water-ridden SpongeBob, begging for some godforsaken air circulation. I know there's a science to it and I don't care for it, it should be!



Needless to say I didn't get the most out of this location, it also randomly decided it wanted to suddenly be overcast then snow! However, I've been meaning to document this get together, well really to even put it on, and I guess this day before the year commences is the time. 
I wanted to stay away from the whole slip-over-tee trend cause honestly it's such an easy move for "style points" that it's ugly, you know what I mean. It also just does not appeal to me if I were to be frank. But when I placed this slip I got from Forever 21 nearly a year ago exactly and this old H&M turtleneck, I knew they incidentally belonged together. My favorite part is the little lace detail's contrast with the knit, ugh yes definitely a favorite combination of mine. Shoes have  consistently been an oddity for me in terms of piecing together or molding a look. Usually to combat this, I make my look revolving on my shoes, choosing those first and piecing together everything after such. These last few weeks have posed to be different, just not being able to discover a moment to mull over and develop aesthetics I'm pleased with and instead having to just grab and go.

Apparently this was not that case. Can you tell?

xxoo missusmonroe



Finalities


I embarked on my last final of my last Fall semester of my last year as an undergraduate. That feels awesome to say. It's been really rough for me this time around for what I feel are now uncountable reasons.. There really aren't that many but yknow how feels go. I realized the stress that had been perpetuating in accumulation was different this time around as compared to past semesters. Before I had been worried about funds and acing classes, graduating on time, making myself proud. Getting to this point where I am now. But as I was seeing the debris of obstacles finally  clearing up, I was faced with fresh turmoil.


It took me more than a couple of frustrated nights and a heated argument for it to dawn on me. This pitfall of a feeling and anxiety was riddled in being so very over this chapter ..and not having my next be as secure as I wanted it to. Being completely aware nothing was going to be perfect, I just didn't anticipate this difficulty of circumstances in general. I didn't anticipate a stripping of motivation that literally had a crippling effect. It was like trying to magically conjure up something that does not even exist yet..and not even knowing that's what you're trying to do. It just wasn't happening.
It's confusing honestly. And I realized it's so easy to say "live in the moment" when the moment is joyous even just enjoyable. You don't see nobody saying that shit at funerals; you want to live outside of that moment.


I smile bright because I'm honestly so relieved half of this academic year is over. And I'm still anxious about the place in which my life puzzle pieces will end up landing or settling but that's all in the hands of the future and God. It's crazy, you could have a plan all your life and still end up in the same circumstance and emotional hurdles as someone clueless as to where they want their life to go. Keep your head up.

xxoo missusmonroe




bEAST Coast Competition 2016


Every year, premiere, nation-wide non-profit dance Organization, Culture Shock (D.C.) hosts a dance competition  named.. East Coast Dance Competition lol or just ECDC. Tons of super talented dancers who plan on being in the industry, ~dance is life~ combine their best choreographers, compile their heaviest hitting sets, and fight to the death to impress some of the most industry- notorious choreographers who happen to be the judges for the night. I mean we also have some fun too.. It's truly no big deal. Clearly.

As long as I've been a member of UrbanKnowlogy 101, we've never been apart of this close of the Fall season. The DMV's dance community is pretty deep and well-supported. Everyone essentially knows one another from one competition or another showcase... But we're talking about the East Coast in its entirety, invited to Howard's own auditorium in D.C. to do a lil more than buss a wine. And it was awesome! 
I mean granted, it was one of the longest days I've experienced in a while. And leading up to we definitely had some long, tiring, back-to-back performances.. But fearlessly pushing ourselves to compete against some of who are considered the best around the way, conceptualizing one of the most recognized set theme of the night, and can I just get my props for our styling please, Lol.. for real, all of which just attests to our growth and dedication.



Us as an executive board have surpassed so many personal goals we'd set at the beginning of the season, and it's only halfway through. I'm incredibly proud to say the least. Wouldn't trade these people for the world.

xxoo missusmonroe

P.S. Then we had additional workshops the following day where I absolutely rediscovered my soul.





school daze


The semester has finally come to a screeching halt. FINALLY. If you're new, that's been the reason for this mini hiatus, if you're a usual, well you know the deal. So, what's been happening over the past few weeks?


It's very possible I'll just do a wrap-up/makeup post like I usually do in these instances...is it weird we really have a protocol for my absences? (laughs out loud), seriously, it's like stop, drop, and roll muscle memory. After about two weeks of nothingness, we all just collectively migrate to our respective instagram accounts, searching for updates there. And to be truly honest, you just may get more details from those two-sentence posts than here..

*awkward giggle* kidding...


It's really been a year since I returned from that one break that never seemed like it would end.. okay I know that describes just about every time but y'know the one, when it was nearly the new year and I made it a goal to be even more consistent with SOAL. I was in Texas and I was just getting a new and fresher perspective on a lot of things, including the future of this blog and its vast potential. I'll address the past year and new year when the time comes but it's unimaginable to me that it's been a whole year and here I am with last year's struggles. Truth be told, I'm over it.


I think that's what this post is about. I love this location and the aura it has, very high school nostalgia, and maybe that's why I chose it. Very ready to end this chapter of my life, if I could do it right now I would. I'm in this moment now but it's very much so serving as a strong indicator of a past life. My past. I've moved on mentally but my being is still constrained here; in today and yesterday.. But a tomorrow not too distant, the new path will be set and it will be a new direction's turn. And that's a day I'm awaiting with open arms.

xxoo missusmonroe





Check Up On It


I know I've been MIA...here's a little check-in that tells you absolutely nothing about what's been happening :)


But I mean, enjoy nonetheless!


xxoo missusmonroe




brown skin.


Not sure if you've noticedddd, but a lot of my posts, not directly but gist wise, have been inspired by partynextdoor. shamelessly. If you haven't listened to P3 I suggest you waddle on over to spotify, after reading this of course (of course).
You may be wondering what the hell inspired this look with the nearly-there frigid conditions outside and my hardly-there fabric of a skirt and meh of a top as pictured above.. and below (of course). 

*sidenote, my humor in the tone I'm taking to write this is comical, laugh with me. c'mon, a giggle. just a giggle*


So let me further explain. Life gave me a random spew of warm days, see last post, and I ran with it. Also, I know if you saw the post before last I negated this and said don't run. I also lied.
A few months ago when I went to Artscape, the wrap-up post preceding discussed my love for this Boohoo original and how even upon styling it right then and there I had multiple outfit ideas for this top. Well, this was one of them! And God blessed me with the moment to finally whip *drops* it out before the weather drastically changed again.


I love this top especially because of how it meshes so well with so many details. A rewind to way back when it perfectly matched the surprise color of my skirt and this time it's all in the lines. I love it. ANOTHER THING I'M IN LOVE WITH, pardon my excitement but a bihh is ready, this new location though. Y'ALL KNOW.
Okay, y'all are aware of my obsession and prying on location and I am literally always scavenging a new place. Even if it's the white-space corner of my room, make do sweetie. I discovered this pearl and am clearly content with life. The industrialism..with Fall palettes... Am I the only one screaming editorials?? Wow. Just..am I though! All I can say is I'm brand new baby.

When will you all throw away the off-the-shoulder vibe?

xxoo missusmonroe