by Medgina Saint-Elien
Hey guys! Medge here — back at it again with my musings! This time around it’s about a subject that you either may not know too much about or you may know about or just don’t want to talk about it, or some other happy medium.
We’re talking race in America.
Although Spring is still some weeks away, I think it’s safe to say that we east coasters can start bringing out our lighter jackets. But, with this unpredictable weather, I won’t say to store your furs and puffy coats away just yet!
But yes…your spring jackets can still come out to play!
As I write this post, it’s a cloudless, piercing blue skies kind of day and the sun is straight beaming. I honestly had to shield my eyes as I walked to Starbucks earlier. I shed off my winter coat and thick scarf and walked out in my sweater – and let me just say, that alone felt liberating and made me look forward to the pending season.
With that being said, I teamed up with SHOPBOP to present you all with some sassy spring jacket inspo.
For more stylish jackets, check out SHOPBOP’s selection!
PS: Thoughts by me, but this post is sponsored. *
Guysssssss, guess what? Well, you know what from looking at the title of my post and if you follow me on Instagram and Twitter.
I got to be a part of NYFW this year, yay!
Because I’m still in school, I only went to two shows but hey, that’s something!
The first show I went to was on Saturday, Feb 13. The designer was Leanne Marshall, a winner from Project Runway. Yes, PROJECT RUNWAY. I used to watch that awesome show all the time. Of course, her designs were immaculate. I fell in love with her yellow-gold pieces – they were so flowy and had an air of regality to them.
I arrived to the venue early and entered the lounge. There, I was served food, drinks and freebies! Papyrus was super hospitable. I got a huge wallet/clutch that says “NYFW: The Shows” on it. It had tons of goodies in it, too.
I also networked with a few. I met a young model who modeled at Yeezy’s show and another young woman, Aryelle, (seen below) who I took a bazillion pictures with to capture the perfect one. It wasn’t an ordinary photo booth – we took the photos at the fancy photo area sponsored by Papyrus. Later, I won a $500 gift card to their store after posting the photo to my Instagram. It was such an honor attending the Leanne Marshall show – her pieces were very beautiful.
Prior to the second show, I met up with my Yujin, a friend I made at my Elle internship. We had coffee and tea at La Colombe, chatted it up about what we were up to, and watched the snow fall as street style stars sauntered in. It was great catching up 🙂
Back to the show! On Monday Feb 15, I attended Libertine. This time, I was covering the happenings backstage. I tweeted, took photos, and did interviews with the hair, nails and makeup stylists. I got to be with the designer (who was extremely humble and gracious) and the models. I watched them practice walking down the runway and saw who was scheduled to wear what. It was so fun! Libertine is known for crazy and elaborate styles and if you follow my Snapchat, you got to see all the goods!
Ran into Kela Walker and introduced myself! I love her drive!
Remember these? Barrettes made a comeback on the Libertine runway!
They call these nails “floss.”
I love fashion with a message. The Libertine show was all about the youth revolution. The models were wild parading around with bold signs backstage and unto the runway!
Special thanks to Ty for making it happen 🙂
And him and her and that person over there, too!
I’ve been a Belieber since his very first single EVER and been waiting to quote this song soooo judge me if you may! And as much as I’m a huge fan of the Biebs, I’m a huge fan of Valentine’s Day too so…
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
I know, I know. It was yesterday. BUT I didn’t get to tell you yesterday so I’m saying so now! Happy V-Day 😉
I’m the girl that’s been dressing up in red, or pink, or purple just because I looooove the holiday. I’m the complete opposite of my sister who typically dons dark colors on this festive day.
One thing we do have in common is that we see the holiday as a reason to go out and treat yoself!
And hey, if you have a man, let him treat you.
It isn’t just about you, though. Use this day everyday to go out and show kindness to somebody. Compliment someone today. Give your friend a random hug! Smile at a stranger. Tell your close ones how much you love them.
I won’t apologize for my enthusiasm; Valentine’s Day has always made me giddy! And that should be you smiling – with or without a Valentine. It’s a celebration of love and it’s a celebration of us! And when I mean us, I mean you, me, everyone. It’s a special day.
So psst! In case you haven’t heard it yet, you are beautiful and you are loved. Don’t forget, okay?
Did you know there’s such a thing as Broken-Heart Syndrome? Well, there is. And according to the American Heart Association, it’s most common in women.
It’s a “sudden, intense chest pain” that typically comes as a result of an emotionally stressful situation. That situation could be a betrayal, a divorce, death of someone you love, a breakup or romantic rejection.
So yes, ladies. It’s very real.
I’m not diagnosing you – obvi I’m no doctor! But I do have a little cure for the Valentine’s Day blues. We all know how music could be therapeutic which is why I had it on my heart to rediscover some awesome songs that’ll keep you through this holiday and just everyday life!
It can be hard seeing those lovey-dovey commercials. It can be hard going into stores and seeing huge teddy bears, roses and tempting chocolates. It can be especially hard seeing couples boo-loving seemingly everywhere.
But how about you show some love to yourself? My “Loving Me” YouTube playlist is filled with “feel goods” that will remind you of your beauty, your worth and what you deserve. They will empower you and illustrate that you are loved. (Hey! I did create this playlist with you in mind.)
This is for you – any woman and every woman learning to appreciate every aspect of herself with or without a special somebody. You are that special somebody. So belt these songs out – woo yourself. After all, you gotta love you first. Continue reading
by Medgina Saint-Elien
Remember that dramatic stage we all went through in middle school? The super exaggerated emotions and actions we took when trying to express ourselves (i.e: wearing all black on V-Day)?
I’ve always felt that way about Valentine’s Day. I may sound like a Debbie Downer but I didn’t see why it was such a big deal.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a hopeless romantic. Hardcore, hands down, I’ll fully admit it.
My problem with Valentine’s Day is what it’s been made out to be. Corny and commercialized. It’s all about finding someone to love you and if you don’t, it’s a huge problem that needs immediate solution. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be loved, it’s a natural response. BUT why can’t loving yourself be enough for once?
This post is for those who want so much yet don’t know themselves. I’m talking of identity and measuring your worth. In an age of hunting for approval and looking for love in all the wrong places, you have to stop to consider yourself. It isn’t selfish, it’s self-care.
February 1st.
That’s the day I’ll come back to you guys! My contributor and amazing writer of a sister, Medgina, will be hitting you with one of her many musings and I’ll be posting the following week.
A few posts ago, I mentioned that I would be taking a little break from blogging.
Why?
Honestly, I need a little time off. I don’t want something I love to turn mechanical. I don’t want that spark to fizzle out.
So on my break from AIA, I’ll be gearing up for school since I’m returning this weekend for my FINAL semester of undergrad. Yay! I’ll also be praying and brainstorming for what’s to come on this site. I’ve got a new planner gifted from my bestie and I’m feeling super motivated because of it! I’ve got great things coming for you guys, just wait on it.
I have a strong desire to inspire and so there’s no room for complacency. I want to improve and grow, which is why I want to ask you all: what can I do for you? What do you want to see on Adorned in Armor? How can I be of benefit to you?
With that being said, I created this semi-quick 10 question survey to better understand you more. It would mean a lot if you took time out to answer them! It’s completely anonymous unless you want to make yourself known.
Can’t wait to hear from you guys! Talk to you soon!
Less than a month away until Valentine’s Day, ladies! Didn’t we just like…start the year?
Yeah, I know. But of course, I’m here again to share some of my favorite Shopbop’s looks that serve as major inspo. I’m a sucker for this commercialized holiday and I couldn’t stop if I tried. I love love! And I can totally see myself wearing any of these outfits and adding my personal touch through accessorizing and all that pizzaz.
So let’s talk V-Day.
If you don’t follow me on Insta or Twitter (which you totally should), I shared the news that I was selected to be KeyNote speaker at American University’s Washington Semester Program orientation. It was an honor just being there – I would not have expected to be back in Washington so soon!
I spoke to the students about my personal life, work ethic and experience in the semester program last year. My theme was taking the best out of each experience no matter the circumstance. Of course I used my mother as a primary inspiration (PS: It’s her birthday, today!)
I got so much positive feedback and left the campus touched. The amount of students that came up to me with questions and kind words was overwhelming – in a good way, of course! I was so happy to be of inspiration and it made me even happier to see so many attentive faces, wanting to listen to my unfinished story. Super humbling.
After the orientation and Dean’s Reception, I was free to go! I spent Wednesday to Saturday relaxing in my gorgeous and hospitable hotel, having brunch and dinner with bloggers, and taking walks in our scenic capital.
The beautiful Jasmin of Jasmin Daily and I met up for dinner at The Mission. It was so awesome seeing her! She’s one of the bloggers I met last year and it was great to reunite. I also had dinner with Buki of Style with Buki at Cuba Libre! Ah, it was great catching up – with great food, too! We talked the blog life, of course.
Friday was brunch day with Leyla of Beyond Her Curls and Jackie of The Modalista. I’ve been following both on Instagram for some time now and since I knew I was coming, we arranged a meet up! The Open City Restaurant was the place to be. Their bubbly personalities made brunch light and airy; we hit it off right away!
Saturday, I packed my bags, checked out and had brunch for one at The Firefly. Because hey, a girl needs time to soak a whirlwind of days all in.
It felt so unreal being there and I enjoyed every minute. I left feeling refreshed and relaxed. I couldn’t wait to share the details of my trip with you guys!
by Medgina Saint-Elien
Hey guys! I hope everyone had an amazing start to the New Year.
One of the first things I thought of doing was writing down a list of goals that I want to achieve for the year and would help me in the future too.
I have a love/hate relationship with “goals” because it’s become a movement and not in a positive “go get ‘em tiger” way.
A girl posts a picture of her hair. #goals. A guy posts the details of what a perfect girlfriend would be. #goals. A litter of puppies in a basket. #goals. Do you catch my drift?
Adorned in Armor 