CURRENT OBSESSION: The Power Femme

I love a good Power Femme. It's a good look and a good attitude.

To me, a PF is a woman who takes her life by the horns and lives her life the way she wants it to be lived. She doesn't let anyone dictate her next earth shattering move. My current favorite Power Femme is Christina Aguilera. She has reinvented herself so many ways and manages to stay on top. I not only lover her AMAZING singing voice, but also that she is always trying to empower woman. You can agree with me or not. If you don't, listen to this song.

Needless to say, I'm sort of a Feminist. I'm not a bra burning and male hating Feminist. Although, I don't think that's the correct way to describe any Feminist because if you believe in equal rights for all genders, then you are technically a Feminist.

Anyway, I questioned my Feminist ways last year as I sat in my Intro to Women's Studies class. I'll take you back with me...

My mind is somewhere else. This crazy weather (cold then hot then cold again) has got me sniffing and wiping my snot-infested nose. And being in the basement of an academic building listening to two professors (that's right. I have TWO professors for one class) rant about post-feminism bullshit is the last place I want to be. At least I've got my good friends sitting behind and next to me. We're obnoxiously loud in class with our laughs--like it's high school all over again.

Professor A is a tiny silver-haired lady with eyes that bug out like a mad African man (dad, is that you?). I've never seen her make eye contact with any of us students. She's always staring at the back wall, forcing me to constantly look back to see if there's anything there. There isn't. Professor B is another tiny lady who is much younger and a little off beat with her nose ring and disheveled short chestnut-colored hair. Both nice.

We're in the middle of discussing Sojourner Truth (I think) when Professor A blurts out (like she always does), "I have a question for you!" Great. We'll never get back on topic. "Why do women wear heels?"

My focus went from my chocolate chip muffin to her. What did she just say? And like she heard my thoughts she repeated, "Whyyyy do women wear heels?!"

I shoved the last piece of my muffin in my mouth, swallowed and raised my hand instantly. I mean, I am the shoe queen. "Well, I don't know about other women but I wear them for personal reasons. I love the extra height, the way I look and the way I feel." Proud of my answer, my focus went right my to my muffin. Are there any crumbs? GOD, I'm hungry.

"Hmm. Interesting." Professor A said. Other girls in class began to answer. Some liked the length it gave their legs and some, actually a lot, responded that they just liked them because they did and never thought about it.

"Well." Professor A began. "Why do you feel the need to wear heels? You should not feel the need to wear heels. It doesn't do anything for you other than make your feet hurt. They are pointless. That's all I wanted to say."

Stop. Did she just? I mean, really. Did I just get chastised for liking heels? Oh. No. My hand shot up. "I mean, it's not like I FEEL the NEED to wear heels. I wear them because I like them. I wear them because they are cute. I wear them because I love shoes. There's no deeper meaning to the reason I wear heels, other than it's for sartorial reasons."I can get a little sassy in class.

Professor A responded, "All right, but don't blame me when you have feet problems in the future." Too late. My arch hurts when I wear flats.

That discussion turned me off for the rest of the semester. Any woman who looks down on heels and ridicules me for my fantastic footwear decisions was dead in my book. I began to think, was I not a Feminist because I believe in wearing heels is a woman's GOD given right? Later in class we got into the discussion of marriage. Let's just say that I got put down because I wanted to have a "traditional" wedding ... 

This is when I realized that being a Feminist wasn't about oppressing the "traditional" aspects of being a woman. To me, being a Feminist means believing in equal rights for women in society. I'm not saying chivalry should die because I truly adore a man who holds the door for me. Seriously. When a man holds the door open for me I look at them like they are my knight in shinning armor. But, I think that a woman should be allowed to feel like she can fulfill her woman-like duties, whatever that may be, without the burden of betraying her fellow Feminist Fatales. Thus, the birth of the Power Femme.

XOXO

Photo: Style.com

College Chronicles -- Courses

Aaand, I'm back to blogging regularly!

I've decided to write and reflect on the past 3 years and the next year of my life as an undergraduate college student in a new series on my blog called College Chronicles. I've been informally blogging about my college adventures, but now I've decided to log it -- story style. Enjoy!

Brr, it's cold.

It's always so freakin' cold in this classroom. Why are the windows open? It's the end of February!

I'm at my 5th and final class of the day, Italian Literature. It's 2:15 in the afternoon and I've been running on fumes -- pulled another almost all-nighter; I stayed up till 4am to finish writing a paper (I'm a slight procrastinator). How I made it to my 8am class on-time is still beyond me. Why I look like shit, is beyond me as well. Oh well, only 90 minutes until lunch. I can make it.

A sharp pain shoots me in my left temple.

No, I can't make it.

Frantically I search the front pocket of my backpack for a piece of gum and mumble to myself, "C'mon, I know I have a piece of Orbit Bubblemint lying around somewhere in here. A-ha!" I touch something that feels like a stick of gum. I pull out my hand swiftly and oops, that's a tampon. I hope none of my classmates saw that. I sift around in the pocket some more and finally pick up a piece, shove it in my mouth and shut my eyes as I savor the sugary mintness. I hope no one in my class saw that either.

My peppy preppy professor jolts into class. He's like a lightening bolt, always super charged about the day's lecture. I wish I felt the same way, but unfortunate for him, I dislike the literature for our class. And to top it off, I'm not a naturally deep thinker and Professor Pep loves to take it to that level.

"The virtue of the characters are tested in this story," Professor begins his rant on this week's reading. "As we see on page..." I zone out. Sorry Professor, you lost me at virtue.

The last time I was involved in a class discussion about virtue was the previous school year during the fall semester of my sophomore year in a philosophy course. Worst course decision, ever. That is when I decided that I was not a pointless deep thinker (watch: Annie Hall) and knew that it would take a large army within me to push through courses I did not like...

... Eh, that's all I've got for now...

Channeling Jackie O

As I slipped on my sweet potato-colored shift dress, gold flower pearl earrings, bone-colored peep toe platform pumps, pearl/gold hair clip and elephant pin, I couldn't help but be astonished at the fact that my junior year of college was coming to a close. I thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm forgetting my ring and bracelet!" -- Ha. No. -- I actually thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm a summer away from finishing my college career (unless I decide to go to Grad school) and I'm preparing for my 2nd to last Student Government Association formal as an undergrad." Gallivanting around campus and basking in my new life venture as a "college kid" seemed like it was just yesterday. Freshman year, where did you go?

The formal was Friday and I decided to channel Jackie O. I've always considered my style to be inspired by the 1960's, so it felt right to don the orange frock to the left. The dress is from Target's Merona Collection, which I absolutely love. I've grown to be a big fan of the Merona brand from Target, especially the dresses. All the dresses are always classically chic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Anyway, I paired the tangy dress with mostly gold and light-colored accessories. I didn't want to look too Halloween-like so I made sure to sport bone-colored pumps from Aldo and my bag is from Zara. The only thing I regret about the outfit is not ironing down the creases from the dresses fold. But I kind of think it adds to the primp and proper look, no? Charlotte York would be very proud...

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard

xoxo

I'm Not Super Woman

Me mid dance at a Fashion Club event.

FINALLY. The Spring 2010 semester is almost over (one more day of classes!!). I can smell and taste Summer. This semester was by far the worst. It kick-started with some devastating family news, which I still haven't really dealt with because I've been too busy working to truly mourn; but, how do you mourn? How do you mourn for someone you loved unconditionally who died thousands of miles away not remembering who you were due to an illness? I don't know and that is what kills me every single day during my normal daily hustle and bustle. The semester continued with professors I thought I would love turning into head-nodding rendering speakers and a student body that made me want to rip out my hair because everyone seemed disinterested in everything. Anyway, enough of the extra deep stuff.

If there's anything I've learned this semester, it's that I'm not Super Woman. It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I'm a huge multitasker with a slight Type A personality who thinks I can do it all... at the same time. I've come to learn that yes, I can do as many things as I want, but it all comes with heavy sacrifices. I don't remember the last time I had a good night sleep. In fact, I am writing this post at 4 in the morning instead of sleeping (I mistakenly took a nap after class and screwed up my sleep clock.). Anyway, I've made a decision to stop devoting my time to things that I do not 100% care about. I'm over spreading myself ultra thin. I mean, who wants to eat a sandwich with a thin layer of peanut butter?! Not me. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I don't feel complete unless I'm trying to save the world while writing a 5-paged paper on Japanese Literature; but, I need to learn my limits because after all, I'm not Super Woman...

Yet.

xoxo

The Sequined Beanie

I'm a huge fan of hats. On days when I roll out of bed with no time to do my hair how I want, I plop on a hat. I'm currently searching for a medium sized fedora in a neutral shade. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I was at a photo shoot back in October for my school's magazine and I paired one of the models with a royal blue sequined beanie. Truth be told, prior to the shoot, I never saw such a sequined head accessory. And up until Wednesday's airing of Ugly Betty, I was convinced a sequined hat, specifically the beanie, was a piece that should be worn by someone young.

Take a look and tell me your thoughts!




Christina (Ashley Jensen) from Ugly Betty in a black sequined beanie.
Photo courtesy: Modeny.com


Royal blue sequined beanie on a student model.

xoxo

In It To Win It: TFLN Book Giveaway on College Candy

TFLN -- The four-letter acronym that's synonymous to most students like "FML." If there's anything I've learned as a college kid, I've learned that a student's life is prone to procrastination. I've made many attempts to "break-up" with procrastination as it is a time consuming habit, but I've come to accept that the desire for at-the-moment distractions is a part of my life for the next year and a half. And in the past, one of reasons I sometimes stayed up late was because I was busy browsing through Texts From Last Night. Stupid? Yes. Addicting? VERY. I guess the reason I find TFLN so interesting is because I've never had any of the crazy moments like depicted in texts on the site (I'm a slight Goody Two-Shoes).

Moving on, the creators of the hilarious site have put together a book and College Candy will be giving away THREE copies! To enter, head over to TFLN, find your favorite text of all time, copy it and then paste it into the comments section in this post on the College Candy website with your full name.

Would you buy this book?


xoxo

What I've Been Up To

Books that rule my life right now.

It's no secret I've been slightly missing in action from the blogosphere. A recent conversation with my girl Christina from Candybox made me aware that I have been neglecting my blog. Truth be told, my life has been super busy; school + Star Intern status = exhaustion. March Madness doesn't only refer to basketball, but also college. It's midterm season and I have been so busy with my extra stuff that I've put my studies on the back burner and now I am backlogged on things I need to study and papers I need to write. Any other college kids feel my pain?

Spring break is next week and the school year is almost over. May be once things calm down, I'll figure out a normal blogging schedule...

Until then, follow me on Twitter!

xoxo

My Problem With Dressing Like A Slob To Class

Photo courtesy: VSPink.com

The other day I overheard a conversation amongst students that made me scratch my head. I was at an unnamed office on campus at around 7PM filling out paperwork, with my back turned to the door. A girl who may have been wearing heels or something else flashy had walked passed the door. One of the Student Aides in the office looked at the girl who walked by, rolled her eyes, sucked her teeth and made the comment, "Some girls look like they wake up at 6AM to get dressed." This then sparked a conversation between two of the Student Aides in the office about getting dressed/ready for class. They all raved about how they take 10-20 minutes (???) to get ready. One said, "I usually wake up and just put on whatever is on the floor of my room." The other, who happened to be a girl, said, "It takes me 10 minutes to get ready. I don't have time in the morning to do all that extra stuff." They then went on to talk about how it's okay for college students to dress a little messy or slob-like to class...

Now. My problem here isn't so much that these students would rather get up as late as they can in the morning, throw on whatever piece of crap they please and rush to class. My problem is that they seemed to think less of the girl who decided to put a little more effort into her looks that day. What's wrong with caring about what you look like? Nothing. Just because you make the decision to put less time into your morning routine, doesn't make you a better person, nor does it make the girl a better person for putting in the effort. I was more annoyed that they thought it was okay and the "norm" for college students to look like a mess. I don't think it's okay for anyone to look like a slob. We all have our days where we decide to dress down and be a little more comfortable, but falling into the habit of not looking presentable is NOT okay in my book.

Personally, I don't wear sweats to class. Something my English cousin said to me once stuck in my head. When he came over to the United States for school, one of his first comments to me was "I don't understand you Americans and your collegiate sweats." And he's right. What is our big infatuation with wearing sweats and pajamas outside our homes? I used to do it as a teen, but now I see how gross it is. Let's face it, the way you present yourself, is the way people will perceive you.

If you choose to dress like a slob, fine. I won't judge. But if I choose to take the extra time to look cute, you don't judge either.

xoxo

Already Fashion WEAK

Remains from my 5th box of Tissues in 5 days.

New York Fashion Week begins this Thursday (!!) and I'm already exhausted. I'm not only exhausted from thinking about my activities and work (because Fashion Week is actually work for me), but I'm physically exhausted from this cold I am battling!

It began sometime last week as a scratchy throat and sporadic sniffles. I watched it blossom into a full-blown cold, but thought I'd be nipping it in the bud with Mucinex. Wrong. Friday night, I witnessed my voice slowly wither away from my ground-shaking chest cough as I watched Dear John with my college cronies; the constant tears caused by the movie didn't help my stuffy nose either. I have high hopes my voice will at least return by Thursday, but until then, I shall remain silent.

I'm going on a bit of a tangent here, but you know what I hate more than feeling under-the-weather? It's having to take a sick day because you are feeling ill. Ugh! It's such a waste of a day. All I did today was sit in my room and watch Reality TV marathons on Bravo. And because I felt rather lethargic, I didn't do the reading for my classes. Meaning, I must do them now. I feel a pop-quiz coming on. Grr.

In addition, you probably won't see me blogging for another week. You will most likely see my NYFW related posts on TeenVogue.com. Be sure to follow Teen Vogue on Twitter to get the latest scoop from the Runways!

Now, excuse me as I delve back into the fiery pits of Dante's Inferno...

xoxo

Coutortured College Kid

Chanel Spring 2010 Couture
Photo courtesy: Style.com

Pictures from the Spring 2010 Couture presentations in Paris are filing in and it could not be at a worse time. I'm trying to exhibit some self-control and focus way more on my school work this semester. I am a student after all and grades do matter. I will say that I am in love with the Chanel Spring 2010 Couture collection because it's a lovely twist on the demur style of Chanel. I secretly see myself as a future Park Avenue Princess (aka Charlotte York from SATC) and if I had to spice up my conservative style a bit, I would stomp down the New York City concrete in one of Lagerfeld's electric creations. WOO!

Anyway, the Spring semester officially started for me yesterday, but technically it started on Monday. You see, I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make room for my other weekly activities. That's five classes back-to-back from 8am to 3:45pm twice a week--kind of like high school, except these classes are one-hour longer.

As I write this post, I'm in between figuring out how to buy all my books without paying an arm and a leg, configuring plans for the several clubs I'm president of, watching Sex and The City on TV and flipping through the Chanel Spring 2010 Couture collection. I think I'm a chronic multi-tasker. Would you say this is a good or bad thing? I think it's a serious problem of mine! Actually, I wouldn't call it a problem. It's a gift. If I do more at once, I feel that I get everything done in a timely manner. What do you think? Am I being delusional here?

Needless to say, I feel like I hit the nail on the head with my professor selection this semester. I finally have professors that do not make me want to pound my head on the classroom desk and wonder why I am at school. I mean, you've got to respect a professor who effectively mentions Lady Gaga in their lecture right?

Right.

xoxo

Hiatus

I'm taking a break from blogging until next week.

School starts next week. RA training starts today and I'm feeling very anxious about life. This semester is going to be crazy for me. My day is going to start at 6am five days a week. Two days out of the week my classes start at 8am. The other three include catching an 8am train into the city or preparing for work at 9am. I'd rather start my day early and end it early. Oh, I'm waking up at 6am not to get ready, but to hit the gym.

xoxo

21 in 4 days!

The Single Kind of Life

One student faces the continuous question in every SINGLE college girl's life. "WHY Am I Still Single?"

This question hits home with me. I've been single for as long as I can remember (my whole life actually), which I don't mind because I think everyone should enjoy being single and not just jump from relationship to relationship (**cough**cough** you know who you are). However, I sometimes sit alone in my dorm room and wonder if I will ever find Mr. Right. I blame this on my parents, simply because the two love birds met each other when they were 16 years old and have been together ever since--they're both approaching their late 50s--giving me only the fairytale sense of love.

Moving on, I, like the College Candy writer, am in love with the VH1 reality show Tough Love. I think Steve the resident Love Guru is amazing. However, I do not have any of the same problems as the girls on the show except one. The only problem I think I may have is that I'm too career minded and don't make time for men (no boys please)... I really should you know. But, who has that kind of time when you're too busy trying to make a life for yourself that you'll love? Did I mention I depend on myself, with the once-in-a-lifetime help from Mom and Pop? Sigh. I'm just a lonely and single independent lady (cue Destiny's Child "Independent Woman").

Ladies, it's not easy being independent...

xoxo

P.S. I do know that in a relationship the man has to feel like "the man." It's just getting "the man" that's the hard part. I may be an independent woman, but I still need a man.

Meet Deb

Going away to college has so far been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Truth be told, I just couldn't see myself in the Garden State anymore and roaming around the same old town with the same old people (with the exception of a select few) I've known for over 10 years. I've met so many wonderful people while at school and I've learned a lot about myself and from others. I've also become good friends with the most kooky-cool peeps.

Meet Deborah, aka Deb. She's my artsy/sister-from-another-mister friend. We met two years ago and have been friends ever since! I think we're so tight because we think a lot alike, she's blunt and isn't afraid to disagree with me on well, anything. She also says the darnedest things.

Deb recently got new sun glasses and a blazer that I think make her look like Yoko Ono. Take a look (the background is one of her paintings):

Her response to me calling her a mini version of Ms. Ono:

"I actually AM Yoko Ono.

And if you google image her, there's not a single picture of her wearing anything but black.

Which, I just realized, could mean she's perpetually in mourning.

Which is painfully poetic and beautiful.

Which is the exact opposite for why I wear [nothing but] black. Anti-poetic. Anti-statement. No statement is the best statement.

And so...

I actually am NOT Yoko.

Oh the irony."

HILARIOUS!

That my loves is my friend Deb. Who's your coolest friend?


xoxo

Miley Cyrus Goes to College?

Brooke Shields recently gave Miley Cyrus some education advice. She told the USA partying Princess to go to college and get a higher-ed degree. According to The Frisky, Shields shared some of her Princeton wisdom after Cyrus "told her last year that she was planning to skip college." Interesting...

Photo Courtesy: Elle

Personally, I think she should go to college. But you're probably thinking, why should she go? She's a starlet. I think Miss Cyrus could use some personal growth. No one is too famous for college. Many stars have gone. And from my experience, going away to college has allowed me to discover myself, live my life (like Cyrus raps about) and experience... everything!

You can't be Hannah Montana forever Miley Cyrus.

What do you think? Should she go to college?

xoxo

I'm Going on The Drive Thru Diet!

NOT!

A couple weeks ago, Taco Bell unleashed on all of us a new ad campaign called "The Drive Thru Diet." I am so baffled at the idea of treating Taco Bell as the new Subway. Remember Jared and his amazing weight loss? Apparently, some woman lost 54 pounds eating Taco Bell everyday. Yes. I said Taco Bell. Only in America would a person concoct the idea of going on a "Drive Thru Diet" to lose weight. But what's really crazy is that Taco Bell might actually be a healthy choice when it comes to fast food. And in addition, their meals are really cheap. I'm a little strapped for cash, so I think I might want to go on the "Drive Thru Diet," except I hate tacos and only order bean burritos whenever I go to Taco Bell. Would you go on the "Drive Thru Diet?"

College Candy weighs in on this ridiculousness.

Checkout the infomercial below. I'm not sure if Taco Bell want us to take this new campaign seriously or not...



xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: Jan. 2008 German Vogue

Okay, okay. I know I said I'd be back in the new year, but when I stumbled upon this photo à-la Googling something, I just had to share it with you all!

I came across this awesome blog Swing Fashionista, where I spotted a great post titled Africa Appeal: Koto Bolofo for German Vogue January 2008. In this post was a great photo of a spread with Elephants!! It also reminded me that my good friend from school is about to spend 3-4 weeks in Ghana helping Orphans. Oh, the amazing people I meet in College... He's a film a student and made an awesome film (that I was supposed to be in, but there was a scheduling conflict) for his class project. Check it out below!

Source: YouTube

xoxo

Dad Sends Me Food For Thought

Sometimes my dad sends me funny things and sometimes he sends me weird things, via e-mail. This time, big poppa sent me an e-mail with a link to a video that I think is worth sharing.

It's a video of a novelist who speaks about the power of a single story and how being told that specific story can shape our views on life and different cultures. Of course the plus side is she is also a Naija (Nigerian) like myself. I believe in diversity, as proved by this somewhat controversial article I wrote this semester about the judge who denied an interracial couple a marriage license--jerk--and I think what she speaks about somewhat feeds my article's case for diversity and less cultural ignorance.

xoxo

My College Life Confidential

Ah, the fall 2009 semester is almost over! I can see the light at the end of the paper and project stuffed tunnel. The past couple months have been a whirl wind of experiences that spun my head in a billion circles. I've been up to my same student shenanigans but took up some recent projects I'd like to share!

In my magazine class, another student and I were in charge of a fashion photo spread. I love sprinkling fashion every where I go, so when we were delegating stories for the semester-ly mag, I jumped on the idea of a fashion story. I hoped my amazing onetime experience on a photo shoot for Seventeen would help me not make this an entire flop. The shoot turned out to be a complete success, thanks to my handy partner--er--editor in crime Matt.

Here's a look behind the scenes:

^^That's my buddy Chelsea of PinkRockCandy working the camera. She was a huge, huge help on set! She's also the Vice President of the fashion club we started on campus. It's called 'FIERCE!' because we are hooked on making our school more fashionable and well-aware of the fashion industry. The club is relatively new and we've had a successful semester. We concluded the semester with Super Model Shirley Mallmann coming to speak to the students. Read about it by clicking here. Mallmann reopened my eyes to how important models are in the fashion industry. Check out a recent video she did with Henri Bendel below. It's absolutely amazing! The Hofstra Fashion Club aka FIERCE! is growing and we hope that by the end of the spring semester, we'll be well-known on campus.

Lastly, I recently started a new site with fellow blogger Christina of Candybox. I've been thinking about this new venture for a long time and I'm glad I finally made the step to create it. Say hello to my new baby ALDO Addicts Anonymous.

That's right, I took my ALDO addiction to a full-blown website. AAA is a picture blog of all ALDO treasures. Email us pictures of your goodies to addictedtoaldo@gmail.com!

xoxo

Self Control -- Try It!

An acrostic poem a friend recently made for me.
The first "A" pushed me to want more self control in my life.
I've recently discovered this amazing thing called self control. Have you heard of it?

Growing up, I never had it because by nature I have an obsessive personality. When I love or do something, I do it to the max because I believe in nothing but success. I'd like to call this passion. I'm a passionate person and find everything about life exciting! Well anyway, I recently conjured up the idea that I need a little self control in my life.

The past month or so has been hell on Earth for me. I'm an overly involved college student who's a somewhat perfectionist. I stay up until the wee hours of the morning doing school work and other tasks, only to get a couple hours of shut eye. I then have to force myself to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for my 9am class, job, internship and well, day. My unruly late nights then leave me engulfing fatty snacks, forgetting to hit the gym, catching a SINUS INFECTION and working myself to exhaustion. Despite all this unpleasant craziness, I love my life. I love being a busy body. But I think the time has come for me to say, enough is enough.

I'm going to be exploring self control by being more strict on my bedtime schedule, restricting the amount of work I put on my plate, not blowing my hard earned cash on delectable shoesies from ALDO and just leading a healthier lifestyle.

The first step into self control I took was not buying these bad boys I told you all about. ALDO is having a sale and I decided to get more for my buck. I bought two much-needed flats for the price of one! Being that I am going to see The Script in a little over a week with one of my good friends, I think a flat will go with whatever outfit I decide to wear. Now, this doesn't mean I won't get them. I'm just going to wait until I have the money.

Needless to say, I think we could all use a little self control in our lives...

xoxo

Dear College,

You are getting in the way of my life.

xoxo
Me

The past two weeks have been the weeks from hell. From Monday to Friday I got 2 hours of sleep every night. I apologize for my non-blogging.