Crisp Leaves Hello sunshine! As I type this post currently, I’m not the happiest of bunnies. I had a fashion show I’m meant to go to. It’s actually to today but I thought it was yesterday (btw, you’re reading this in the future) but yes, I was so excited I forgot to double check the date. Ended up showing up to the event fully dressed and ready to slay the world but a kind lady pointed out that the 17th of October was a Saturday not a Friday. Girl, seriously? I actually didn’t know that and no, I’m not being sarcastic. Talk about awkward though. Ughhh! So I returned, pissed from wasted cab money and ordered my guilty pleasure, bad Chinese take out and settled down to watch Reign as therapy for my sorrow. This isn’t the first time something like this is happening to me so I wasn’t too hard on or surprised at myself. Patience Ashan-wa, patience. On the bright side, I now know the venue and have my whole outfit pulled together, haha! It’s an African fashion show and I’m really pumped. I wasn’t going to go so the whole ordeal was quite last minute but I have a good feeling about it and I love exploring life outside Dukie Duke! I’ll be LAJA-graming all about it so make sure to follow me on there! I missed wearing these killer wedges so much. They were at a point my everyday shoes because they are super comfortable. It takes a bit getting used to but after a couple of wears, I could pretty much nae-nae or do whatever I want in them. This ankara top and the background just melts my heart. It’s so green and leafy. The sequins on the blouse remind me so much of my mum because she is addicted to sequins. She puts them on all her sewn African print clothing. My hair was just something else and decided to do its own thing. I was going for full glamour hair but the curls were like, nahh. We want to be messy instead so I said okay and here we are today. I’ve found that trees and greenery have a special place in my heart. I feel so at home wherever there are trees. I also noticed I literally gravitate towards them when I’m taking pictures. It’s not on purpose but looking through my past posts, I noticed the trend and I’m loving it! Gives my site a very ethereal and vibrant feel. Anyways, I’m going to sleep and get ready for the fashion show tomorrow evening. That’s a lie actually I’m going to watch more TV shows and read up random articles, hehe. Have a lovely weekend and wish me success! Please like, comment and share! I enjoy seeing your feedback. What do you want me to write about? Any requests? Outfit Details Ankara Blouse: LAJA Styles Skirt: old Blazer: New Look Shoes: Windsor Swarovski Earrings: Fulfill Jewelry Always, Miss LAJA
Pumpkin Just finished with Fall break and gradually coming back to the reality that is school. It flew by way too fast though. The rest was very much needed. Gave me a lot of time to clear my head and take time to catch up on leisure activities. I was so occupied with stuff I didn’t even realize that the new season of CW’s Reign (my favorite TV show at the moment) had started. I was raving and way too happy to see hunky Narcisse again *insert love-struck emoji* I missed Craig Parker’s beautiful face. Do you watch Reign? Who’s your favorite character on the show? I’m fangirling so hard right now but I’m soo pumped for this season and ever since his role as Lord Rahl in “Legend Of The Seeker”, I’ve been hooked on him with a capital H. But seriously, how can you not be? Anyways, over the break, I went on a mini tour of downtown Durham. It was great getting off campus and learning about the city’s history and roots. You know I love culture so this was a huge treat for me. It was crazy that I had passed these buildings and museums several times and didn’t realize what I was missing. It helped me really appreciate the surroundings more and really take out time to see what’s around me. The weather has been top notch so it was really nice to walk around. Onto my outfit, I went for a very casual look today. Seriously, the outfits I put in the least effort always turn out the best. Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me? You guys seem to like it too so yay (or nay) for simpler ankara print looks? I have to speak on these earrings. I like to call them my stripper hoops, don’t ask why. That’s the first thing that came to my mind when I bought them, haha! I’m an earrings girl and this is the biggest pair I own. Can’t say they’re the easiest to wear since they fall of way too easily but hey, it makes my outfit slay life and I feel so fierce in them! Hope you enjoy the rest of your week and I’ll talk to you in a bit! Outfit Details Ankara skirt: LAJA Styles Blouse: Target Sandles: Ralph Lauren Earrings: Rainbows Always, Miss LAJA
White Out Oh, white. White, white. One of my least favorite colours to wear mostly because I stain everywhere and everything. Plus, if it’s not worn well, you look bigger. Am I the only one who feels that way? Hopefully not. However, I had an all white event and literally had to DIG and RAVAGE through my wardrobe to find something to put together. Ended up picking up a few things but I had mixed feeling about this outfit. After shooting and looking over the pictures, I thought hmm, I kinda like this. It’s very out of my comfort zone just how my blog pushes me every single time. Of course, I had to throw on an ankara jacket to make the outfit more Miss LAJA, haha! I added the orange clutch for an extra does of colours since you know, I’m all about that colour life! Anyways, I hope you enjoy you enjoy your weekend! I’ll talk to you in a bit! Outfit Detail Jacket: LAJA Styles Croptop: Charlotte Russe Skirt: Rainbows Shoes: Audrey Brooke Always, Miss LAJA
LAJA Unseen #7 Enjoy and don’t forget to check out the name of the pose above on LAJA-gram (@miss_laja). Any guesses? Leave them in the comments below! LAJA Unseen #6 | LAJA Unseen #5 | LAJA Unseen #4 The “I was trying to pose but almost fell down” pose The “Teach Me How To Dougie” Pose The “Pull Ya Hair, Pull Ya Dress” Pose The “Puppet LAJA” Pose The “I Heard You Call My Nameee” Pose The “Oh My Gosh, Could It Be” Pose *In a British Accent* The “I Pray No One Smelt That” Pose When You Spot That “Free Food” Sign And You’re Ready To Slay Anyone In Your Path. Always, Miss LAJA
Cottage Away From Home LAJA goes on another one of her adventures away from home. Her arrival reveals two sides she simultaneously embraces and struggles with. Something about the cottage forces her to confront both sides. To understand that the two distinct parts form a whole, one LAJA. What in the cottage, how and why, we’ll probably never know. But, she left with a different view of the world, ready for her next adventure. Outfit details Dress: LAJA Styles Earrings/Bracelet: Fulfill Jewelry Belt: Express Always, Miss LAJA
Fans And Leopard Really transitioning for Fall. I’ve been all about that dark and neutral look for a bit. Especially with my lip colors. Can’t seem to get enough of those deep burgundy, brownish-reds. I even got a nail polish in that color. Looking forward to the fashion aspect of the season but not so much the change in weather. Boohoo! Speaking of which, I’m quite about to do something that Lord help me, is just eeek! It was one of those screw it or shall I say, YOLO moments and I’m nervous as heck while writing this. It probably doesn’t help typing it on here but it does help me blow off some steam. I’ll share what it is in due time. I feel it deserves a special post whether things go well or not. It’s just one of those life experiences that despite the outcome, there’s always a lesson learned. So wish me good luck even though I’m talking in circles, hehe! As for the outfit, fans and leopards prints mixed together are very interesting. I love how both color palettes play off each other. It tickles your eyes (good luck imagining that) and I ended up really liking how the combo turned out. Gosh, my facial expressions in these photos though, I couldn’t stop laughing. That’s why I love sunglasses, they control your facial expression and leave everything seamless… Seamlessly cool. Hope you enjoy the rest of your week and I’ll talk to you in a bit! Outfit Details Ankara Skirt: LAJA Styles (very few remaining) Shoes: Calvin Klein Bracelet: Fulfill Jewelry Always, Miss LAJA
LAJA Poppins In the middle of shooting these pictures, I felt so Mary Poppins. My outfit was just short of a little hat (still finding my place with them, not the biggest fan) and my matching umbrella. So there you go, introducing LAJA Poppins. This is another vintage ankara dress, courtesy Mummy LAJA. The sequins, buttons and even the design is so Mummy LAJA and I love it. It’s a very classy look and I went with the feel of the dress with a sleek up do and swarovski teardrop earrings. The first fall look on Miss LAJA, signifying the transition into fall. I find myself reaching out to deeper, more earthy shades. I look forward to shooting more outfits, yay! Speaking of which, New York fashion week is already here and I’m looking forward to peeping some of my favorite designers as well as be on the look out for upcoming ones… virtually, not physically. I know I will visit a couple of shows with time but for now, experiencing fashion week through my laptop will do. Wait, I would actually wear this ensemble to as show. The shoes aren’t too high to slay my movement and the dress has so many key elements in itself. Anyways, love it! I’ll wait till then. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week and I’ll talk to you in a bit! Outfit details Dress: Vintage Ankara courtesy Mummy LAJA Shoes: BCBG Purse: Antonio Melanie Earrings: Fulfill Jewelry Always, Miss LAJA
Blue Jeans I’m excited to share the second look from my #AnkaraInDisney trip. Yeah this isn’t Disney but I explain why the shoot had to pushed forward. Read the hilarious story here and peep the first outfit here. I love the concept of jeans and ankara. It’s something I have never done before and I look forward to combining African prints with other materials of different tectures… especially this fall. I have very few of my LAJA skirts left so you can pick them up while they last here. It’s so funny because while shooting these pictures, there were two elderly ladies sitting right next to me. They were having the typical girl talk that included boys (seems like the topic doesn’t loose interest even with age), friends, family, leisure and life in general. It was obvious they were best of friends and it was adorable listening to them while away time. I pray in my later years I have a girlfriend that I can talk about absolutely nothing and everything with.The moment was too precious. In other news, I’m back to braids! Yes, these are braids and I’ll most likely do a post about it. As you guessed, I’ve missed braids so much and it had been a while since I last did braids like these? Flashback to the fish bone braids, remember those? These are similar if not the exact same thing. Stay tuned for that article. I hope you enjoy your weekend and for those of you heading (or already in) school, I hope you have a kick ass start to the semester! As always, I’ll talk to you in a bit. Outfit details Ankara skirt: LAJA Styles (available) Crop top: Charlotte Russe Shoes: Anne Michelle Bracelet: Fulfill Jewelry Always, Miss LAJA
Ankara In Disney From my LAJAgram, you’ll know I was in Florida last week. Disney was one of my stops and it was a short and VERY eventful two days. I really need to share this story because it almost feels unreal that such events took place with such coincidences… Or shall I say divine intervention? The Day Before The day before Disney, my DSLR dropped to the ground for the first time in its (and my) entire life. I froze died inside. I had planned to shoot every single one of my outfits during the trip. I was ready; outfit, makeup looks all the way down to locations then this just happened. My lens protector broke BUT my camera and lenses were very okay. Phew! I had to postpone my shoot because my photos were just not coming out right. Yes, it was one of those days. You can see that outfit here. Onto the next day, you’ll think things actually turn out for the better… LOL, I say. LOL. Day 1 We visited Magic Kingdom on our first day and it was AMAZING! The rest of my family had already been so I was the only one extra starry eyed. There was a very lovely parade that reminded me so much of Universal Studios but we had ice cream, entered a whole bunch of rides and had a great time. Fast forward to 5pm, it started pouring out of no where #typicalFloridaweather. The wind was crazy and it pretty much ruined everything since we had to cut our day short. Here’s something you should know about me. You know I love photos, I really do. Keeping this in mind, I also happen to carry 3 cameras at the same time; my DSLR, my point and shoot and of course, my beloved phone. Yeah, don’t ask why. Now back to the story. It was pouring rain and we decided to leave since all the rides were closed down and the forecast wasn’t looking promising. There’s a tram that takes visitors to and from the car pack but lo and behold, we got of the wrong stop… Mind you, I was already wet because the tram was very open. No umbrella, no raincoat, nothing. Perfect. Just perfect. In the pouring rain with my battalion of gadgets in my purse. It was so bad. I was soaked down to my underwear. The only thing I kept thinking was “Oh my gosh, my cameras!” I thought my bag would offer some type of shield…How delirious of me, I know. One things for sure, movies make rain scenes look so romantic. Okay,I admit it was actually fun looking like a lost puppy in the rain. It would have made a better story if I didn’t have all my important things in one place. I wanted to fling someone to Jericho. I was pissed and in denial about the welfare of my cameras. Fifteen minutes later, we found our car (finally) and drove home. It rained all night. Day 2 I absolutely forgot about the events of the previous day and decided to shoot some outfits early in the morning. The denial was real. My DSLR was working but my lens were clouded. Water got in (duh) and I didn’t realize the gravity until I dismantled the parts and my camera was quite frankly dripping H20. Skipping the tantrum parts, Epcot park was on the agenda for the day! I had a great time although Epcot was more educational and there weren’t as many puke-inducing rides as I would have liked. Although I was down one camera, I still had 2 back ups; my phone and point-and-shoot. Evidence for why I say the gadget gods were against me; my second camera took two pictures and just stopped working. Just like that. I tried everything, the camera was just not having it. Now, I’m down to just my phone and that’s when the battery decides to die. At this point, I’m just a mess, ughh! The series of unfortunate events were just too much! There was so much to capture but unless someone creates a device that allows you relive people’s experiences or live through their eyes (that’ll be awesome), those images will forever be in my head to cherish. So, for the most part of day 2, I had no camera… and no outfit posts. Some highlights for me, I entered a kiddie ride and it was a “tour” around the world. I was SO excited when I saw various African prints (specifically ankara) in the section representing the African continent. A huge upgrade from desert safaris cohabited by wild animals and humans living in huts! #AnkaraInDisney! That was huge hit for me. Another one was the humongous ball. I took a million pictures with it. I couldn’t get enough. Later in the evening, I had Vietnamese food for the first time, more specifically Pho. My brother raved about it and being a culture and food junkie, I had to tick it off my bucket list! Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge pasta/noodles fan. I was a very, very happy bunny. It ended on a really high note. Plus, I had missed Florida SO much and it was great to be back even for a short period. It holds a special place in my heart. I’ll definitely be back to Disney, I haven’t had my “fill” of it yet and there’s still so much to explore. I loved rocking my ankara pieces there, of course! Though I had to postpone all my shootings till later, it just really taught me that I need to calm down, put away the camera and enjoy the moment… Through my own eyes. Clearly, I was very disturbed but I survived. What’s your experience with Disney? Highlights? Lowlights? Let me know in the comments below! Always, Miss LAJA
Tropicana So I have finally arrived in school and am mostly settled. I am so blown by the fact that I’m more than half way done through college. In all seriousness, where has time gone? I clearly remember being a confused freshman on move in. I had way too many boxes and too few hands but people eventually helped me move my baggage in. I was starry eyed and awestruck because I was in the college of my dreams and life couldn’t be any better. I came in wanting to be a doctor, more specifically a dermatologist. Fast forward to two years later consisting of many LOLs, just-kidding, are-you-serious and not-again, I can’t imagine myself anywhere near med school not to talk of thinking about the MCATs. It’s funny how much things change in 2 years. I look back at my old posts and the change is so real, haha. Maybe I’ll share my whole story on here sometime in the future but I can say wholeheartedly that I’m very happy with where I am (and going) in my college career. It’s pretty exciting! This happens to be one of the outfits I wore during my Disney trip. If I tell you the STRUGGLE I had with mother nature and my gadgets. It seemed like the universe was against all my cameras. Literally. But I’ll save the long story for my post on the Disney trip so stay tuned for that. See you soon and I’ll talked to you in a bit. Outfit details Ankara shorts: LAJA Styles Crop top: Charlotte Russe Earrings: Fulfill Jewelry Bag: Segolene en Cuir Always, Miss LAJA