The Pleasure in Painting

I’m Taking A New(ish) Direction

👋 Hi, my name is Adaora and I love a lot of things (especially food and the written word).

Without dancing around the subject, this pandemic has taught me that I have to focus my attentions on what I’m passionate about, and I have to follow my dreams all the way. So, I’m squeezing every bit of inspiration into two great passions of mine: cooking/baking and writing.

I still love everything that…

As you can see I’ve been doing a lot of reading (and writing) lately!

(more…)

Six Books I Loved This Year

So, as I said in my previous post, I’ve been doing a lot of reading this year. A heck of a lot of reading. So much reading that you’d think my brain would burst, but instead, it expands and makes room for more books. Although I don’t remember every word I’ve read, I remember the important lines (like “three words long” in Eleanor & Park), the details (like that amazing staff in The Serpent King

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

Hi, my name is Adaora, and I’ve tried more times than I’ve succeeded.

How many times do you try until you get tired of trying? How many times do you have to try until you get what you want out of trying?

I can kind of answer both questions: You have to try as many times as it takes to get what you’re…

This is a very strange and difficult time. Between the number of deaths reported around the world, and having to stay home/isolate/shelter-in-place, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you enjoy.

I’m social distancing, and that means spending all my time inside. Like many of you, I planned to go out a lot, but for now, it’s just not possible. Constantly staying in the house can only…

I’ve been thinking a lot about “social distancing” and the larger impacts that  COVID-19 is having on a global and personal level.

For me, “social distancing,” although necessary to combat this virus, will have significant impacts on people everywhere. In fact, one could argue that the impact is being felt as we speak…

Some experts are saying that “social distancing” could go on for longer, and…

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

The truth is, shoes make or break a look: not only are they often the main event, but wearing the wrong pair of shoes can totally derail an outfit.

For example, what’s up with the dad shoe + slip dress trend? Whatever happened to wearing a nice pair of d’Orsay heels with a slip dress and a solid pair of canvas sneakers on casual days with a pair of jeans?

Weird!

Wearing the right pair of shoes will elevate your personal style and take you to the next Mario Cart level of style. Because an all-encompassing outfit is made for walking, and that’s just what you’ll do…

…cough!

There are certain types of shoes that I truly believe will take your style to the next level. Do you want to find out what they are?

I’m assuming that if you’ve read this far, you certainly do!

Please keep in mind that I’m showing you shoes that will get you through formal or casual occasions, not purely functional pieces like snow boots or Wellington boots (for winter and spring respectively). Though I do have some of those, they don’t have a place in this kind of a post. ☺️ Also, I like classic style with an edgy modern twist, so keep that in mind too as I share my shoe must-haves!

Now,  shoes…

Flats:

Loafers

Canvas sneakers

Heels:

Round Toes

Pointed Toes

d’Orsay heels

Kitten heels

My Top Tips:

Find your shoe style by experimenting with different styles for cheap.

Hit up online retailers like Etsy, Amazon or eBay for affordable shoes, or your local second-hand store for one-of-a-kind finds! Shopping this way keeps costs down and allows you to see what you actually like. So, f you tried a few pairs of shoes and you didn’t like them at all, then you can send them on their way knowing that you didn’t spend a ton of money!

Think of your lifestyle.

If you know that you’re not going to wear heels very often, then buy fewer heels and more loafers and sneakers! Your shoes are meant to work with your lifestyle, serving as part of the image that you get every say in portraying.

Don’t be afraid to play with colour.

It amazes me how afraid of colour people are. I understand why some people wouldn’t be bold enough to wear a bright coloured blouse or jacket, but I say shoes and handbags are where you should have all the fun!

Invest in neutrals.

As much as I love colour, across the board in my wardrobe, if you’re looking to build a versatile closet then you should prioritize neutrals over colour.

Was this post useful to you? Let me know (in one way or another)!

Adaora

Although it’s not my absolute favourite time of year (fall/autumn is), there are some perks that come with springtime. Aside from the warmer weather, ushered in by a lot of rainfall, there are light and bright dresses, suede booties and jackets (on crisp early spring sunny days), silk blouses and all the great spring and summer produce to enjoy.

So, yeah, spring is not anything to scoff at. Not at all!

That’s why I thought I’d share a two-part post about the spring/summer trends that I’ll be rocking in 2020, and trends that I’ll be avoiding. This post is part one.

Are you interested? Keep reading, then!

Trending…

1. Polka Dots

Altuzarra S/S 2020  (Image credit)

There is not much to say about this trend, as it’s a classic print that you will not regret investing in. It’s as timeless as black and leopard print in the autumn/winter! It’s hardly a trend because it’s such a staple in so many wardrobes, but I noticed the polka dots were often black and white and they played with the cut and shape of the dresses too.

Seen on: Altuzarra and Michael Kors

 My take: 

I have a gorgeous black and white polka dot print dress (pictured above) that’s a bit unusual because the polka dots are not precise dots. I love dresses like this: they’re playful, cheerful, classic and on-trend at the same time. A classic wrap-dress like this will never go out of style!

2. White Suiting

Altuzarra S/S 2020  (Image credit)

Although wearing white in the warmer months is not a new trend, the runway is freshening it up with key styling details. I’m into Altuzarra’s chain detailing, and the crochet shell that they layered over a classic striped button-down!

Seen on: Altuzarra, Philosophy, Max Mara, Alexander McQueen, Etro, and Victoria Beckham

My take: 

I’ll be wearing white and cream suit jackets and blouses, and I’ll also be wearing white and cream bags and shoes. Although I don’t own a crisp white blazer or trousers, both are pieces that I’m looking out for. So, in the meantime, I’ll wear my Alfred Sung white and black blazer, and my white and cream linen and silk blouses, with breezy dresses, trousers and denim.

3. Floaty Pieces

Victoria Beckham S/S 2020  (Image credit)

Seen on: Alberta Ferretti, Victoria Beckham, and Chloe

Again, wearing light and airy pieces in the warmer months is basically a necessity, but I noticed some great solid coloured pieces on the runway. I think a silhouette like this is terrible on a figure like mine (defined waist, wide hips and a bum), but with a belt to highlight the waist, it would look really nice!

My take:

For me, a belt is a must! I will be wearing floaty dresses and jumpsuits cinched in at the waist. And since I don’t have any floaty dresses in my closet (as I tend to go for more fitted dresses and things with more structure), I’ll buy into this trend at the thrift store or at vintage shops on Etsy.

4. Vintage Denim

Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini S/S 2020  (Image credit)

Seen on: Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini, Givenchy, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Versace, and Alberta Ferretti

Sustainability in fashion is becoming more and more commonplace, and that’s a good thing! Why waste perfectly good materials when they can be used again? I love repurposing things and I love that the fashion industry is making a habit of doing this too!

My take:

Since I own more than enough vintage denim jackets, tops, pants and skirts, I won’t buy excessively into this trend. I plan on wearing my vintage denim the way I always do: with pumps, silk and linen blouses, leather skirts and pants and blazers!

5. Very 70s

Paco Rabanne S/S 2020  (Image credit)

Seen on: Alberta Ferretti, Paco Rabanne, Chloe, Fendi, and Victoria Beckham.

For me, the 70s is all about the exaggerated lapel, wild crochet looking prints, plaid and rainbow colours. I like how it looks on other people, but I’m not into a 70s head-to-toe kind of look for myself. So, I think I’ll dial it down several notches to suit my personal tastes and style this spring.

My take:

Rather than committing 100% to a decade of style, I will grab it in pieces (by wearing a nice 70s inspired embroidered blouse, a statement blazer (paired with a lot of neutrals), a suede bag or booties, and statement earrings). I can’t commit to it all the way, but I can take it in doses.

So, those are the spring/summer trends that I’ll be rocking in 2020. Which trend speaks to you the most?

Adaora

Styling My Natural Hair

My hair is a tricky business. I think it’s beautiful, Afro curls and all, but it’s at an awkward length and sometimes I want to do other things to it (so that it can lay the way I want it to when I don’t have crochet braid extensions in my hair).

So, on most days, when my hair is out (usually in the summer) I rock a wash and go.

I haven’t done twist outs or Bantu knot outs in years, not since I…

The Makeup Essentials I Can’t Be Without

When it comes to makeup, I like form and function: I don’t want it to feel or look like I have a lot of makeup on, but when I do wear it I want it to look good, I want my skin to show through, and I want colour too.

Here are the makeup essentials that I can’t be without in 2020… 1. Tinted moisturizer

I’ve been using this product for a very long time, and what I love about it is how light it is…

Is it fashionable to set your intentions anymore? Probably not, but I’ll continue to do it anyway (because it works for me). I think a lot of people have grown tired of “new year resolutions,” and I totally get it: we promise ourselves that the year that we’re walking into is going to spark a change in us, but it doesn’t. Or maybe, we start off strong, firmly rooted in a desire to make our life…

Vintage vs. Luxury

If I had all the resources in the world, would I buy a Kelly or a vintage bag?! The answer, for me, is simple: I’d buy a vintage bag.

In reading that, you might be thinking: Is she nuts? If she had the money, why would she buy a nameless bag instead of a Hermes or a Chanel?

Well, let me explain…

There are three reasons why I prefer vintage ANYTHING (including handbags) over luxury. And though my rationale is not going to shock you or blow your mind, here it is nonetheless:

1. More character

If you know me, you know that my closet is comprised of (mostly) vintage blazers, vintage denim, vintage silk and linen blouses, and vintage everything! I love that, when I buy vintage, chances are no one else is going to get their hands on what I have in my closet. The history, the character, and the craftsmanship of a vintage piece cannot be compared to a factory-made garment.

2. More Bang For My Buck (most of the time!)

When I say I’ve made out like a BANDIT multiple times, I’m not kidding! $6 vintage skirts, a $20 dollar bag (that could easily have been sold for $200 in a boutique), and $10 dollar shoes that were clearly well-made and luxurious on the feet. It’s not like I’m trying to run a race to grab much as my money can buy, but I am trying to round out my wardrobe and get pieces that can help me express who I am. And when it comes to handbags, the very thing that carries my personal items and finishes my looks, I like to have variety in my wardrobe.

3. More Unique

Although I follow trends extensively, it’s not every day that I aspire to look like a carbon copy of everyone else. I like classic style with an edge, I like a look with some flair and personality, and I’m a little eclectic too. That’s where vintage shopping comes in: not only do I snag one-of-a-kind pieces, but I also get pieces that speak to me and my personal style.

My taste…

I love vintage top-handle bags. I think they’re incredibly chic, sophisticated, versatile, and I can wear them with virtually anything. They elevate my looks and they hold my personal items style.

Here’s a look at some of my favourite vintage bags…

Seniorita Roja (aka The Red Lady)

A true-red suede, this stunning lady looks amazing with a pair of jeans, a neutral blazer, and a silk blouse or a turtleneck. I also love wearing her with my bright orange slacks, and with virtually any look. I found a pair of heels that match her exactly, and I’m hoping to pick them up very soon!

Madame Classic

I checked Etsy obsessively for this bag, literally several times a day, for months before deciding to message the seller of this bag (back in October) and ask her to hold it for me on the occasion of a birthday gift to myself. She is stunning, she is classic, and I see her with my crisp linen or smooth-silk blouses, blue jeans, and my favourite pair of brown loafers.

Madame Congeniality

I adore this bag! Not only was she reasonably priced, but she also looks better in real life than she does in photos (trust me). She is just as versatile as Madame Classic, and she really runs marathons for me. I can dress her up and dress her down, and she works for all seasons.

Madame Shine 

She is small, for sure, but she’s mighty: not only does she fit all of my essentials, but she is also a truly structured top-handle bag that I adore wearing for all seasons. I like her as an evening bag, and I also enjoy wearing her in the daytime with a sweater dress or jeans and a blazer. I take her everywhere.

Madame Colourblock

Madame Colourblock has gone out to a fashion show, nights out, and anywhere I can manage to take her. She performs like a dream, and the dent on her face just gives her an added character and a lived-in look. I love wearing her, and I’ll keep her in my collection for the long-haul.

Madame Cheerful

I can’t remember how much I paid for this bag, but I can assure you that she was worth every penny. She’s a classic, sleek, and spacious evening bag, and she’s so good that I’m sometimes tempted to grab her to wear in the daytime ( and I do!). I believe in getting as much use out of my bags as I can. She goes above and beyond!

So, those are the vintage bags that I’ve been loving lately.

As the year winds down, A LOT of things are changing. So look out for all kinds of new content in 2020 and (hopefully) some other lifestyle content before the year draws to a close.

Blessings,

Adaora

Do you know what this means? It means that not only is hearty food, hot chocolate and mulled wine FINALLY in season, but it’s also the highly anticipated time to break out sweaters and blazers.

Hallelujah!

Fall/autumn is truly the most wonderful time of the year! Every autumn,  I thank God that I get to see the leaves fall; I break out my gorgeous vintage blazers, my cashmere, leather, and my thicker denim, and I start styling myself!

So, what are the key elements of my personal style? I’ve already shared two of them (blazers and cosy sweaters)! However, if you’re interested in seeing all the key elements of my personal style then just keep reading…

1. Blazers

Blazers are synonymous with my personal style. I like them with denim, leather, tweed, and cotton, and I wear them almost every season.  A blazer, contrary to popular belief, is not for stuffy old men and women, but for everybody and anybody who wants to look good without even trying! I feel stylish and fantastic in a great blazer.

2. Berets

I love berets because they add an extra boost of chic style to all my look. Whether I pair them with a leather jacket or a wool and cashmere blazer or a sweater dress, my berets always look good!

3.Cashmere

Although I don’t think you need to own as many cashmere sweaters as I do, it certainly wouldn’t hurt (especially if they’re vintage)! I wear my cashmere turtlenecks and crewnecks with denim and leather: cashmere is super-soft, it keeps me warm, and it adds a touch of luxury to any look that I put together!

4. Denim

My vintage denim is the glue that holds everything together: I love my denim shirts, skirts, and trousers because of how versatile they are. Not only do they work with leather, cashmere, or a nice blazer, but they also work beautifully with my cotton t-shirts and my silk blouses. You can dress them up and dress them down, and they truly are that transformative piece that everyone needs in their wardrobe.

5. Natural fabrics

I live in silk, linen, cotton and cashmere at all times of the year, but when fall rolls around I like to throw blazers over them to give me an extra layer of warmth and style. My personal philosophy is to buy the shirt or shoe in every colour that fits: because I own so many blazers and shoes, (in various colours)  I enjoy matching my bag to my blouse or my shoes to my bag. Styling is fun and I don’t like to be limited. I’m not a minimalist: I shop smart and I buy mostly vintage, but I make no apologizes for having a healthy wardrobe.

6. Classic shoes & handbags

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I have long feet (which is unsurprising considering my 5’9 1/2 height) and finding shoes in my size sometimes feels like winning the lottery. I get most of my shoes on Etsy or Amazon, and when I find that perfect fit I shout for joy.

Vintage and classic looking shoes and bags are the secret sauce to my personal style: I wear them with denim, dresses, and virtually everything. Truthfully, I’ll take heels and a classic bag over sneakers and a crossbody any day (although I know that there are situations where sneakers or boots are my best bet).

7. Lipstick

A red or purple lip in the fall-winter with a beret and a blazer is my style 100%

I tend to favour purple over red on most days (as purple is my favourite colour) but red comes in at a close second. I tend to wear a more dramatic lip in the fall-winter and gloss in the summer. I guess you can see a bright lip from a mile away and I like my love of colour to be noticed!

And those are the key elements of my personal style! What are the key elements of yours? 

Adaora

What Fits in My Vintage 50s Patent Leather Top Handle Box Bag

I recently bought an amazing vintage leather top handle box bag from a shop on Etsy called zeesvintagefashion and I love it!

It’s compact, it feels nice and solid in my hands, and it matches all my denim, silk and leather (which I look forward to wearing this autumn/fall) like a dream.

But it’s small. And wearing such a small bag has meant that I’ve had to slim down my “essentials” and only bring…

What’s New In My Wardrobe For Fall

I know it’s still summer, but, as I said in an earlier post, I’m much more of an autumn person than a summer lover. Why? Because, while I don’t completely hate warmer weather, I can’t help but feel like it’s sometimes too hot to dress in an elevated way. So, instead of the sweltering heat, I prefer a cool breeze against the moderate autumn heat of the sun as I rock my blazers, leather boots, and…

The Essentials For Elevating Your Personal Style

I’ve thought a lot about what makes the stylish so stylish and I determined this: its the undercover stuff, or the unsung hero’s – aka the stuff that people see but can’t put a brand name too – that makes you stylish. What are those things? It’s not Gucci or Loewe, Hermes or Chloe, it’s routine and convention.

So, in no particular order (as they’re all important), here are my five essentials for…

Yes, the truth is that, despite using moisturizers and conditioners, my hair was still parched, my scalp was still itchy, and growth had been non-existent.

So, to have some semblance of length, I rocked a lot of braids, twists, and crochet cornrows. And while these styles are known as “protective styling” techniques, none of them has managed to grow out my hair…

My hair has not grown beyond a certain point (to the bottom of my neck when stretched). I want my hair to be shoulder length or longer (when dry and curly) so, knowing that, I knew I had to call in the big guns and get products that are designed to grow stubborn, kinky, parched, and dry natural hair. My hair is basically trying to grow from a scalp that is dry and patched and itchy sometimes (and those are not good conditions). Maybe that’s why, no matter what I’ve previously tried, my hair stays the same length…

So I hit up Etsy, my go-to place for virtually everything (aside from food). And happily, I found EXACTLY what I was looking for.

What did I buy?

I purchased a range from a shop on Etsy called NaturalSisters. Not only do they sell online, but they also have a salon that’s founded and based in Harlem, New York!

So, I eagerly bought…

1. Natural Hair Growth Kit : *Large Size*

8 oz – Detox Shampoo

16 oz – Tea Tree Rosemary Treatment

4 oz – Mega Growth Elixir

2. Creamy Hot Oil Triple Threat Deep Conditioning Hair Masque

3. Protein and Honey Deep Conditioner Hair Mask

4. Frankincense & Myrrh Herbal Hot Oil Treatment

5. Creamy Leave-In Conditioner / Detangler

6. Leave In-Conditioner Spray

How do I use them?

Once per week (usually on Monday)…

I wash my hair with NaturalSisters Detox Shampoo and then I leave the NaturalSisters Tea Tree & Rosemary Deep Conditioner in my hair for 20 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water. Finally, I’ll apply my NaturalSisters Creamy Leave-In Conditioner / Detangler, detangling my hair with my fingers and then I apply the NaturalSisters Mega Growth Elixir to my scalp, rubbing and massaging my scalp thoroughly.

Once a week (on Wednesday)…

I apply NaturalSisters Frankincense & Myrrh Herbal Hot Oil Treatment to my scalp and hair, I put a shower cap on, and let it get a bit warm and misty for 20 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water. After that, I spray in NaturalSisters Leave In-Conditioner Spray to my hair strands and NaturalSisters Mega Growth Elixir to my scalp.

Once a week (on Friday)…

I use NaturalSisters Creamy Hot Oil Triple Threat Deep Conditioning Hair Masque to my hair and scalp, I put on a shower cap, and I let it get steamy in my scalp for 20 minutes before rinsing it out and applying NaturalSisters Leave In-Conditioner Spray to my hair strands and NaturalSisters Mega Growth Elixir to my scalp.

Once a week (on Sunday)…

I wash my hair with NaturalSisters Detox Shampoo and then I use Protein and Honey Deep Conditioner Hair Mask for 20 minutes, leaving a shower cap on and letting it get steamy in there. After that, I’ll rinse it out and apply NaturalSisters Creamy Leave-In Conditioner / Detangler to my hair strands and NaturalSisters Mega Growth Elixir to my scalp.

Styling

I also like to use Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator to bring life back into my hair between washes. I buy it in stores or online.

And that’s literally all the products that I’m putting in my hair right now!! I’m feeling good about it!

Now, onto the pictures. Please note that my hair does this annoying and mean thing called “shrinking.” It just can’t be helped. I look forward to meeting my very long hair!

Look at the curl definition:

What products do you use in your hair? Let me know!

Adaora