Why did we forget about the library? This year I told myself that I was going to make an effort towards patronizing my local libraries. My goal took a very slow start at the beginning of this year, but I’ve been making progress this summer, and it’s been so amazing.
I love reading, but with my current financial status, I can’t continue to buy books as often. Adding to my collection always brings me joy, but I must put this hobby on the back burner for now. Because of this, my hometown library has become a new favorite of mine this summer. Before this year, I hadn’t checked out a book from there in years. Thus, when I went searching in the stacks, I was quite shocked at how up-to-date the collection was. I found so many books that I’ve been wanting to read for years as well as new releases I didn’t think would be in stock yet.
In addition to regular fiction and nonfiction books, the library had cookbooks, ebooks, magazines, 3D printing, and more. There were just so many resources at my fingertips that I didn’t realize were available in the first place.
When I go to the library, there’s a certain way that I prepare, so that I don’t get overwhelmed by the rows and rows of books. First, I pull up my ‘Want to Read’ list on Goodreads alongside my library’s online catalog. Then, I use the catalog to search for books I want to read. If the book is available, I write down its collection and shelf location. I do this so that when I go to the library I know where to find the books. If the book is really popular, I’ll put it on hold. One big difference between libraries and bookstores is that bookstores are more filtered. They typically only carry the most popular titles while libraries generally have a much wider selection. It’s a lot harder to browse aimlessly like you would in a bookstore. This is why I come in with a plan.
What I look for in the Library Catalog
Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty within not just the federal government, but in our state and local governments as well. Many lawmakers aren’t acting with their constituents’ best interests in mind, and so we all need to support the publicly owned resources in our communities such as libraries while we still can. Hopefully, with continued support from communities, local lawmakers will maintain funding for libraries. Additionally, with the current uncertainty in the government, it’s important we all try to actively read and learn more. There are so many people in power that are trying to rewrite history and erase important stories that shape the US and world. Take the opportunity to read and learn about these stories while they’re still in print.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope it encourages you to support your local library. Libraries help foster our love of learning and introduce us to new stories and ideas, so use them. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Last summer, I took the plunge and I finally signed myself up for tennis lessons. Within seconds of hitting the first ball, I fell in love with the sport. It’s exhausting and draining at times, but when you see the ball float across the net you realize how elegant the sport is. I’ve been following the tour all year, and I can’t wait for the Wimbledon main draw to begin next week. In light of that, I designed four tennis looks just waiting to hit the court. Before I begin, I want to preface that I’m not the best artist, but please try to imagine my vision. Hopefully, my words can help paint the full picture.
Tennis Look #1
This white two-piece set is the perfect outfit for Wimbledon. Imagine you’re out on that freshly cut grass, and you’re wearing this sleek three-button vest with the matching skirt. It’s a bit formal in comparison to some of my other designs, but that’s why it works for Wimbledon. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and is known for its attendees and players dressing to the nines.
For this set, it should have a tank dress with the skirt in the design so that players can take off the vest if they get hot during the match. Behind the vest, there is a belt, so that the vest can be adjusted to be looser or tighter on the player depending on their preference and body shape. Some players are a little fuller on top while others are not, so this helps fit the vest to their figure.
Tennis Look #2
Tennis can be a fight for your life sometimes. Matches can be tough but so is practice. There are days when all your backhands keep hitting the net or when your serve is a mess. For this look, I was inspired by the book cover of Mockingjay, Hunger Games book 3. To tell the truth, I’ve only read book 1 of the series, but I’ve learned that the Hunger Games is about the fight for your life. It’s about fighting for yourself, your district, your pride.
Tennis is similar. You’re fighting for yourself, your country, and to stay in the tournament. In the corner of this scoop neck dress I have some black birds which are a nod to the bird on the Mockingjay cover. The fabric is a similar baby blue to the book cover but one small difference is that it’s covered in glitter. Imagine this dress under the US Open lights at a night session. The glitter would look so good in photos as the player flies back and forth across the court.
Tennis Look #3
Dark cherry wine is such an elegant color. Imagine this set against the clay at Roland-Garros. The circle skirt would move so well with the player, and give a delicate ballerina energy. I also love the combination of the straight neckline with these straps. To tell the truth this look is very simple. It’s one color and has an uncomplicated structure. The straps and neckline make it more interesting and something that will be remembered when seen on the court. I chose to make this a two piece set instead of a dress because I wanted the waist to be cinched, and so it’s easier to use the bathroom.
Tennis Look #4
The name for this last look is the lemon drop dress. I’m imagining it at the Australian Open. Here’s why. The Australian Open runs through January which is the time of year everyone’s trying to follow through with their resolutions. The saying goes “New Year New Me”, but I say “New Year New Look”. Just imagine this butter yellow dress on the blue hard courts. It would be sublime.
This is definitely my most detailed look. On the bust and around the upper back, is white mesh on top of the yellow base. Along the abdomen are panels separated by white binding, and the flounce skirt is finished with white binding along the hem. To top it off, the straps have a halter neck style with the same white binding along the outer edges. From this post’s collection of tennis looks, this was the idea to kick everything off. I had been toying around with designing tennis athleisure, but this was the first idea I fully fleshed out.
I hope you all enjoyed these tennis looks I designed. Thank you all for reading this article, and click here to read some of my others. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! Last week, I finally touched down in the states after spending three weeks in Quito, Ecuador. The reason for this trip was for a bit of pleasure, but mainly for a study abroad program I was enrolled in. The purpose of the program is for pre-med students to learn Spanish and particularly medical Spanish by shadowing doctors and taking Spanish classes in Spanish speaking countries. I highly recommend this program for those who are in undergrad or recently graduated. Now, let’s get into my guide to Quito.
Food
When I’m traveling, the one thing I’m always the most excited for is to try the food in that region. Thankfully, Quito didn’t even come close to disappointing me. The food was such high quality yet for extremely affordable prices in my opinion. On my first day of classes, I was able to eat a three course meal for only $3. On another day I bought a sandwich, soda, and bag of chips for $2.20. There are definitely some places where I spent upwards of $15like this Korean fried chicken place called Kokodak. It was definitely a splurge, but the food was very high quality and it was my last week.
Another thing I loved indulging in was all of the treats and snacks sold by the food vendors. I bought strawberries and cream, mochi, and so many other delicious things. I had the best maracumango popsicle. It’s a popsicle with mango, and maracuya(granadilla), a type of passionfruit found in the highlands of South America. It was so refreshing and sweet from the fruit in it.
If you plan on visiting Quito soon, I recommend setting aside $10-12 for each meal. Most of the time, your lunches will be around $6-8 dollars, but I recommend over budgeting. Breakfast is a very light meal there, so I recommend buying a couple things from the supermarket to quickly eat in the morning. Typically, my host mom would serve us toast and fruit in the morning.
Here are places I recommend you all try as well as some photos.
Di Serggio-Margherita Pizza
La República del Cacao
Dirty Dog-Birria Tacos
Kokodak-Pollo Chilli
Suvlaki-Pita with Kebab
Pennyroyal Burger-Bittersweet Burger
Restauraunte Benalcazar-Menu of the Day
Los Troncos Chegusán in Quito
Activities
A guide to Quito would be nothing without activities. Quito is filled with endless museums, shops, and experiences. There were so many things I wish I could’ve gotten to do, but I had a wonderful time regardless. During our first weekend, we took a trip to Otavalo to tour an indigenous clinic, but also to do some shopping. The Otavalo Market is the perfect place to buy all of your souvenirs and gifts. They have bags, sweaters, key chains, jewelry, magnets, chess sets, and so much more. I was able to buy all of the gifts for my friends and family on the same day.
There is one rule, and only one rule for the Otavalo market. Always negotiate the price. If the vendor says an item costs $8, you counter with $4. Continue to go back and forth until you reach a price you like. Also, it’s okay to walk away. The seller will typically agree with your counter offer to try to keep you from leaving, or you can find the item cheaper at a different stand.
While we were in Otavalo, we ate lunch at an indigenous restaurant, Kawsaymi, and tried cuy. It’s essentially a grilled guinea pig. It was a culture shock eating it, but I can’t lie, it was pretty good. There wasn’t much meat on the animal, but the skin was pretty crispy.
The day after Otavalo, I did a bus tour around the city. The tour took us to the best sites in the city like the Artisanal Market, Basilica, the Historical Center, and the Panecillo. From the Basilica stop, we took an Uber to the TelefériQo. The TelefériQo is a cable car that takes you up to the side of the Pichincha Volcano where you can get some amazing views of the city. This excursion costs $9.00 for non locals which is a bit pricey in comparison to other excursions. If you want to save money, I recommend doing the bus tour for $15.00($16.58 with tax) and taking photos of the city at the last stop, the Panecillo. At the Panecillo, I got the most gorgeous photos of the city and the Virgen de Quito.
Some affordable activities you can do in Quito are visiting the Botanical Gardens in Carolina Park($4.00), Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum($1.50), or Basilica del Voto Nacional($2 to enter, $1 to get to the top). I also recommend taking the metro to the San Francisco stop for only $0.45. It takes you right to the heart of the historical center where you can find countless museums, churches, restaurants, and sweet shops. On my last full day, I went to Heladería San Agustín which is an ice cream and candy shop, but also a restaurant. It’s been around since 1858, and you can find many classic Ecuadorian candies and sweets.
Transportation
Getting around Quito is extremely affordable in comparison to other places I have visited. For a 10 minute drive, an Uber costs about $2.50. To take the metro to and from, it costs $0.90. Another great thing about Quito is that it’s walkable, especially in the Carolina area.
Accommodations
During my time in Quito, I stayed with a host mom in her house. She was the sweetest thing and she treated all of us like her daughters. If you’re looking for more independence, I recommend booking an Airbnb or staying at a Hotel. For my first two nights, I stayed at Hotel Finlandia, and though the rooms were a bit small, the amenities, and staff were great.
Safety
Overall, I felt mostly safe in Quito. There were multiple times where I explored the city alone and felt safe. My only recommendations are to not walk alone at night, and to steer clear of Carolina Park as well. Every person I met advised me to not walk through the park at night, so I thought it would be best to share this advice.
Other Tips
It’s not safe to drink the tap water in Quito, so make sure to buy a water jug or some water bottles at the beginning of your trip. Always have cash. In Quito, there were many places that were cash only, and I kept needing to make withdrawals. It seems a little annoying, but when you’re charged a $9 withdrawal fee you’ll wish you had taken more cash. I recommend having 75% of your budget in cash. If you’ve set aside $200 for the trip, withdraw $150 from the bank before you travel. Additionally, ask for the withdrawal in smaller bills like 20s, 10s, 5s, and 1s. Quito has a problem with counterfeit bills so most places don’t accept 50 and 100 dollar bills.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope my guide to Quito will help any of you planning on going soon or convince you to go soon. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
I finally read Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. This novel came out in 2021, and I added it to my TBR on Goodreads immediately when I saw all of the hype on Booktok. Cut to four years later, and I was stumbling through Barnes and Noble with my birthday gift card, and I saw the book sitting in the YA section. Intrigued, I picked it up without even reading the summary and added it to my stack.
Here’s the mini plot of Ace of Spades. The book follows the only two black students at the elite Niveus Academy: Chiamaka Adebayo and Devon Richards. Richards is on scholarship, and comes from the less privileged side of town. His father is in jail, his mom works multiple jobs, and he lives a lonely life at school. Adebayo is like the resident IT girl at school. Everyone at school wants to be her and secretly hates her. She’s always surrounded by people, but she doesn’t have any real friends except for one. Or so we think.
Anyways, Adebayo and Richards are back for their senior year—the year for no mistakes. As the school year begins, an anonymous source, Aces, begins sending text messages to the entire school revealing Chiamaka and Devon’s secrets. As Devon loses his only friend at school, and Chiamaka loses her influence, they band together to defeat Aces.
***Spoilers Ahead***
Turns out, Aces isn’t just one person. Aces was created by the student body and faculty in the 60s to terrorize the black students at Niveus. Every summer, the white students attend a camp where they learn about social eugenics and the school’s ties to the Confederacy. We slowly see the racist and backwards thoughts of the students revealed. Chiamaka’s “best friend” starts treating her like an object he used for sex rather than a devoted friend. Devon’s favorite teacher discourages him from applying to college because he doesn’t think it’s for his kind. Devon and Chiamaka are being pushed out of the school, they worked endlessly to excel in.
The white nationalist ideas harbored by the characters in this novel mirror many of the ideas we’re seeing today especially in the US. In the novel, it took only one group to create this disgusting mindset amongst the students, alumni, and faculty. In real life, it’s taken one presidential administration to elevate the voices of white nationalists in the U.S. It only takes one group, one person to make people feel comfortable enough to voice their hateful and despicable sentiments.
I encourage you all to read Ace of Spades for the mystery, drama, and its parallels to the world today. The novel is a little unsettling, but it’s a necessary read for all especially younger adults in this political climate.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 🙂
A couple of months ago, I wrote an article where I reviewed the Fall 1994/1995 Collection from Isaac Mizrahi. I wanted to revisit this topic and review another runway collection. This time I will be uncovering the 2004 Spring/Summer Blumarine collection. This was such a refreshing collection, so let’s unpack it.
One aspect of this collection that brings it together is movement. The light reflected by the beading and satin moves as the models walk. The ruffles and the skirts flow so effortlessly as the models glide on the runway. Everything about this collection is the essence of spring and summer. The clothes have broken away from the cold callous winter, and finally have freedom. It’s quite a beautiful thing when it feels like clothes have a story and can evoke an emotion. This Blumarine collection evokes a very peaceful and carefree demeanor that we all want especially when the sun comes out.
Though the collection is light, fun, and free the design team chose not to shy away from the color black. Sprinkled in the collection are pieces covered in black. Though the black detracts from the calmness and peacefulness of the other looks, it helps to break up the collection. It has the similar structures to the other more light pieces, but the black helps make it more devastating.
Now that I’ve covered the collection broadly, I want to dive into some specific looks that caught my eye.
Butter Yellow Tank Dress
First, I wanted to start with this gorgeous butter yellow dress. It’s the epitome of boho chic with the metallic studs and the embroidered flowers. I could definitely see this dress worn on a nice spring or summer day out with sandals. If it gets a little chilly, throw a cardigan on top. Lastly, the butter yellow color of this dress reminds me of those sunny days we relish in during Spring and Summer. Those times we spend basking in the sun whether on a walk or a simple day outside.
Beaded Mini Dress
The mixture of embellishments on this dress is daring, but well done. The ribbon and loops of beads across the upper chest and the waist paired with the pleated mesh up top is reminiscent of an evening gown. The beaded mesh skirt makes the dress more casual and perfect for a night out. Paired with kitten heels and silver drop earrings to match the beading, this dress becomes a look.
A Flower in Bloom
This dress should be called “A Flower in Bloom”. The structure and placement of the ruffles reminds me of a flower blooming. The satin skirt is like the center of the flower revealed when the petals have met their peak. The fabric almost blinds one because of the way it shifts with the light. This look just screams soft. The soft lace, soft satin, and soft ruffles give the look a gentle aura. She’s demure, elegant and understated. I imagine this dress worn with dark beige suede stiletto ankle boots. It’s a very specific choice, but I really see it working.
My only dislike for this Blumarine collection is the lack of diversity among the types of pieces. Most of the looks feature a skirt or tank neckline. I would’ve loved to see light and flowy long sleeves or pants to help mix things up.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope you enjoyed reading it. To watch the full show click the link here. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of the next time I post. Stay sharp 😉
This time of year always incites many different feelings for me. As I scroll through Instagram, students sharing their accomplishments floods my explore page. They received admission into multiple ivy leagues, graduated summa cum laude, or received a 4.0 this semester. Joy and pride for these people fills within me when I first see these posts, but a twinge of disappointment lies in the back of my mind. I think about all the things I’ve tried to accomplish in the past couple of years, and the rejections and disappointments I’ve faced.
All of the programs I’ve applied to and were rejected from. The many scholarships I didn’t receive. The grades I didn’t get in the classes I fell short in. Since I got to college, there have been a lot of times where I’ve put in an immense amount of work to get something, and I didn’t even come close to it. Countless times this school year, I’ve tried to put myself into spaces I thought I belonged in. Slowly, but surely those doors have pretty much all closed on me, or what felt like slammed on me.
People always say that when one door closes, another door opens. Now, I do believe this, but I’m not here to harp on that in this post. I wanted to tell you that you’re not alone in the disappointment or inadequacy you feel. So often on social media we only see the highlights and grand achievements. We see them so often that we think they’re the norm. We think it’s normal for a student to graduate with a perfect 4.0 or to get into every school they applied to, or to get their dream job right out of college.
To the people that have accomplished these things, I’m so proud of all the work and effort you’ve put in to achieve things. Congrats to you. To all of the people that haven’t done these things, I’m right there with you. Including my dream school, I was not admitted into any of the Ivies I applied to. I haven’t managed a 4.0 semester gpa so far in college. It feels like every goal I’ve ever had is slowly slipping from my fingers.
No one talks enough about the initial heartbreak and disappointment we feel when we don’t achieve something we wanted. Everyone kind of skips to the hopeful pep talk about coming back stronger and keeping one’s head up. You’re not alone in feeling rejected, so please stop thinking that you’re behind the curve or need to catch up. You’ll eventually get to where you need to be with time. The heartbreak will pass, but not as quickly as you may want. You will feel able again because you are able to do anything you want. Tha’s a fact.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope you enjoyed it, and found some solidarity in it. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Have you ever felt very satisfied for a continuous period of time? Like you’re at a restaurant, and every part of the meal tastes exceptional. That’s how I felt when I watched the Met Gala this year. This is the first time in years where the theme and dress code were understood by the designers and guests. I’m so relieved that this year’s gala will be remembered for the excellent and skilled craftsmanship of the looks rather than for missteps and errors made by fashion houses and their teams.
To begin, I wanted to touch on my favorite looks from this year’s gala. I had so many this year that I struggled to just pick a few. Instead, I chose a couple that I wanted to explore in depth. Every look here deserves to have their story told, but a few really spoke to me.
My Favorite Looks
Rihanna in Marc Jacobs
Alex Consani in Swarovski
Whitney Peak in Chanel
Lauryn Hill in Stella McCartney
Anok Yai in Thom Browne
Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry
Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu
Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel
Bad Bunny in Prada
Keith Powers in Boss
Regina King in Who Decides War
Brian Tyree-Henry in Orange Culture
Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger
Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie and Evan Ross
Mona Patel in Thom Browne
Burna Boy in Ozwald Boateng
Jenna Ortega in Balmain
Ms.Ortega came out with a bang for her third Met Gala. The dress code “tailored for you” was taken very literally by the majority of designers, but I applaud Olivier Rousteing and the rest of the Balmain team for their creativity. To create a custom fitted dress out of rulers is the imaginative mind this year’s Gala needed. I love how the rulers were molded to her body and cut so that she could still retain some of her movement.
There were many amazing looks this year, but there were definitely a few similar ones. The Balmain ruler gown was absolute perfection because it honored the tailors and dressmakers that built dandyism. At the same time, it also made people remember what the Met Gala could be again. The Met Gala should be a place where designers use the dress code as a starting point for their outlandish designs.
Laura Harrier in GapStudio
Laura Harrier always exudes effortlessness whenever she’s on the red carpet. There’s just something about the combination of her hair, makeup, and outfits that make her seem so unbothered and rested. It’s no different this year. Laura looked very whimsical on the carpet which was a cool addition to her tailored suit. The billowy pant legs and top sleeves bring some drama that elevates the look even more. The cream base with the gold buttons looks gorgeous on her skin as well. Additionally, the mixture of denim, silk, and chiffon adds another layer of detail. Harrier’s not just wearing a simple cream vest and pantsuit. She’s wearing the amalgamation of countless hours of tailoring and sewing by designers to create a suit custom made for her
Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne
Janelle Monáe is such a cool person. There are just people in life that are just so cool, yet they don’t even try. They were born to be cool, and that’s it. Monáe uses her coolness to create shows with her looks. Whenever she’s on the red carpet, she makes a statement. Monáe never just wears something straight off the runway. She styles it, and re-envisions the design. I enjoyed the show she put on as she unveiled her look. I love how the entire look is very surreal in that it looks like her dress and bag are on the coat. When it comes to her main look under the jacket, I love the topstitching white binding on the red half because it highlights the impeccable craftsmanship. Finally, the way the blazer and skirt fall perfectly on her body is magnificent.
Even though the Met Gala has finally made strides in honoring the works of the black diaspora and more broadly, people of color, there’s still much work that needs to be done. In the past couple of years, people have become more aware of the many inequalities and problems in the world. Especially with younger generations, we’re critiquing many long standing institutions that need to make changes including the Met Gala.
The Met Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million in funding to support the Costume Institute this year. It amazes me that individuals are able to raise this much money for the upkeep of clothing, but can’t put that much enthusiasm into rebuilding black and brown communities or making education more equal and accessible. The Met Gala committee needs to be held more accountable. The theme this year created a shift, but it feels performative. More needs to be done to invest in preserving communities rather than just preserving costumes.
Thank you all for reading this post. I hope you all enjoyed it. Please subscribe to be notified of new ones. Stay sharp 😉
Happy Met Gala eve everyone! I’m in the midst of finals season, which hasn’t left me much time to post. I’ve prioritized my schoolwork over this blog which annoys me, but school comes first. Hopefully with summer on the way, I’ll have a lot more time to post consistently and more frequently. Now, let’s dive into discussing the 2025 Met Gala.
The theme for the 2025 Met Gala is “Superfine Tailoring Black Style”. Much of the inspiration for this year’s theme draws from Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller. The book follows the style of the black diasporic from slaves to present day black celebrities. It shows how black individuals have used fashion to subvert limiting ideas regarding the identity and possibilities for the black community.
I’m so excited to see black tailoring and style celebrated this year. Sloppy, uncouth, tacky—these are all words that people have ignorantly used to describe black people. So many of the trends we see and have seen in fashion are accredited to black people. Black people are the connoisseurs of fashion, and the ones that are constantly changing the rules, and pushing boundaries.
The first person I can think of when I imagine “Superfine Tailoring Black Style” is André Leon Talley. That man knew how to wear a suit. More than that he knew how to style and carry the same energy as the suit. He walked around with confidence and the swagger that his pristine and well cut suits always matched. Though Talley wore suits often, when he didn’t wear suits, his outfits were still always well cut and tailored. From him I’ve learned the importance of wearing clothes that fit you well. Hemming a pant leg or adjusting the waist of a dress elevates a look. “Superfine Tailoring Black Style” highlights fine tailoring Black people have relied on to elevate their looks.
When I hear “Superfine Tailoring Black Style”, is all of the gorgeous outfits I see when I go to Nigerian weddings and parties. I find events with over a hundred people to be a bit overstimulating, but one thing about Nigerian events is that people are going to come in their best looks. The women are always wearing these tailored gowns with the most gorgeous beading and fabrics. The dresses fit everyone so well.
Even in past decades, Nigerian fashion has always been quite unique unlike western fashion in that there is so much pride and value in craftsmanship and tailors and seamstresses. My aunt is a seamstress, and I find it so amazing that she’s able to create custom clothes for people to their specifications and measurements. There are not enough people in the West, particularly the US, that value tailoring and custom clothing. This is why I’m so excited for the 2025 Met Gala. I just know that there is going to be/should be a plethora of black designers, celebrities, and creatives on the carpet.
I suspect that the 2025 Met Gala will be the Met Gala that finally reawakens the Met Gala. The past couple of years I’ve seen some amazing looks here and there, but I think that this year we’re going to see a very cohesive and consistent standard across all the board. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table.
Thank you all for reading this week’s article. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
What makes the United States the greatest country in the world? Is it the right wing conspiracists setting our policy? I don’t think so. Is it the fact that a monstrous billionaire has the President of the United States wrapped around his finger? You tell me. Is it because Immigration and Customs Enforcement sends innocent American citizens to maximum security prisons by accident? I’ll have to think on this one. Is it because multiple universities are facing funding cuts unless they end DEI programs? That’s up for debate. Is it because military plans were discussed over a groupchat with the editor of a major news source accidentally included? Possibly. Is it the individuals pretending to be ICE agents in hopes of scaring undocumented people in sanctuary cities? I’ll have to table that one.
Is it because the Head of Health and Human Services doesn’t believe in vaccines? Not too sure. Is it the fact that underqualified, unvetted novices are running DOGE? Let’s sit with this one. Is it because of the continuous threats to cut US foreign aid that helps millions of people across the world? Let me leave this one to God. Is America the greatest country in the world because our right to democracy is slipping away day by day? For so long we have considered the United States the greatest country in the world, but it’s not anymore, and maybe it never was.
My Experience
On November 6th, 2024, I woke up at 6:30 am, and with my shaking hands opened my email account. I was heartbroken at the news that the felon Donald Trump had been elected president of the United States. As I walked to work that morning, there was a silence on campus so sharp it could cut you like a knife. It wasn’t a peaceful silence, but a silence that acts as a precursor to the chaos. The “calm” before the storm. This storm finally reached the US on January 20th, and has no plans to dissipate anytime soon.
I’ve always been a very happy person. You can ask anyone I know. No matter what was going on in my life, I always had a smile on. Lately though, that smile has been feeling extremely fake. I’m angry all the time. I’m angry at many things, but I’m mostly angry because I feel helpless. I live in a country where there are government officials rooting for my downfall. There are so many people that don’t want me to succeed. I’ve known this for years. There are plenty of racists in the US, but now these racists have a platform that allows them to instill every heinous idea they can come up with into law.
Knowing that I’m seen as a pawn in this massive game of chess hurts the most. I’ve realized that for Donald Trump he never cared about being the leader of the Republican party or this nation. It was only about control and advancing his agenda. This man has exploited the uneducated and misinformed individuals in this country to believe his countless lies, and support him. It’s appalling watching so many of his supporters recite the lies and half-truths he dispels.
When I watch videos of MAGA supporters describing their ideas and perspectives, there’s an obvious absence of critical thinking. Their eyes look almost empty, and they begin speaking like dare I say it, cult followers. All of the MAGA supporters have had their brains so rewired that when they’re faced with opposition they typically will repeat what they just said word for word or freeze and look completely dumbfounded. In a nation with so many free public K-12 schools, how could so many people not know how to apply and evaluate what they’ve learned beyond memorizing it?
I know it’s unproductive, but I often wonder what would’ve happened if Kamala Harris had been elected president. I imagine that there would be backlash from Trump’s cult, but once they saw how Harris’s policies helped them, the animosity between the two parties would dissolve, and we’d finally see productive bipartisanship once again.
If you have been harboring these sorts of thoughts and feelings, know that you are not alone. Just as importantly, know that you are on the right side of history. You didn’t vote for a misogynistic and manipulative man who doesn’t care about the fate of the American people. Give yourself a little pat on the back. You at least have a conscience, and a soul.
What We Can Do
In face of the chaos happening in the White House and Capitol, we really need to come together as not the Democratic party, or as the Republican party, or as the liberals, or as the conservatives, but as the people of the United States.We’ve all tried so hard to deny that fact that party lines have contributed to the madness happening. So many lawmakers have forgotten that the point of being a lawmaker isn’t to advance the agenda of their political party, but to help the people in their county, state, and most importantly to help the people of the United States.
To refer back to my earlier statement, the US is not the greatest country in the world, but it could be because of people like you and me. Though we are filled with all of this anger and disillusionment, we must apply that pain somewhere else. We can’t afford to let it bottle up inside of us because that’s what they want. They want our anger to distract us, but we can’t let that happen. We have to advocate for ourselves in every way possible. Whether that be contacting our local lawmakers or organizing rallies that bring us together.
Even if you aren’t able to participate in these options, it’s also vital that we continue talking about these issues with each other. Keeping these issues in conversations ensures that they stay important and remain alive. Also, by discussing these issues in open spaces, people don’t feel as alone. When people feel lonely or isolated, it’s easy for them to be swayed. We’re seeing it now in the number of young men turning towards the red pill movement, and becoming increasingly more and more terrorizing towards women.
It’s time I get off my soapbox and let you go about your day. I hope you all can find a way to keep fighting this fight for the next four years and beyond. You have the power in you, so use it to do some good.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new ones. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! It’s been awhile, but I’m back. Today, I wanted to shine a light on a rising starlet that deserves some praise. Doechiiiiiiiiii!!! Doechii’s finally been given the spotlight at the right time, after years of hard work. I say the right time because there are many artists that lose control over their image so early in their career. From what I’ve seen, Doechii has control of every aspect. Her music production, performances, and especially her looks.
Often recording artists are forced into a mold by their agencies which prevents their fans from seeing their authentic self. This is the complete opposite of Doechii and her team. I’ve known about Doechii for some time now, but I’ve just recently begun to appreciate her style. She was in attendance at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, and her looks need to be talked about now. Let’s do a deep dive into Doechii’s Paris Fashion Week looks together.
Look #1
When I first saw this Schiaparelli look, I gasped at the sight of Doechii. She looks so effortlessly elegant, and timeless. When I saw this photo of her, I immediately wanted to frame it because this is a look that needs to be remembered for centuries. I love how the denim corset creates these little billows in the white dress. It gives the gown more shape, and structure. It’s no longer just a basic white maxi dress. Last, but definitely not least, the hair is perfect for this look. The face framing curls and the volume just add to the effortlessness Doechii exhibits.
Look #2
Chloé has had some misses in the past, but recently I’ve been obsessed with the pieces they’ve been putting on celebrities. One thing I love about Doechii is that she’s not afraid to make her presence known, and be loud which I find inspiring. This Chloé looks encapsulates everything Doechii is because it’s bold and extravagant. She’s wearing a fur stole, every ring on Earth, and butt length braids. On top of that, she’s not wearing any shoes. This look is a lot, but every element works together so beautifully because she went for it. If this look had been toned down, it would’ve fallen flat. Because Doechii and her stylist saw the picture, it works.
Look #3
One thing about Doechii is that she’s going to wear a hat, and wear it well. The oversized newsboy cap is so chic and reminiscent of 90s hip hop. The hat is a little goofy looking, but by tilting it to the side it shows more of Doechii’s beautiful face and adds another angle making the look less one dimensional.
Though Doechii plays a major role in the pieces she wears, I must also acknowledge her extremely talented stylist Sam Woolf. It’s reviving to see a new stylist in the celebrity styling space. Woolf not only helps Doechii tell stories on the red carpet, but he also helps bring her visions to life on stage.
I hope you all enjoyed this week’s post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Doechii is rewriting the rules of fashion and hip hop, and I admire that she’s blending the two so seamlessly. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
