Feeling Overwhelmed

 

I've really wanted to post something last week, but it ended up being a very full and overwhelming week for me. Work has gotten a bit more demanding and I've just been trying to keep myself from stressing out. It's funny how there are so many things expected of me. It's both amazing and scary at the same time. Anyway, this weekend I just wanted to relax and not think about work, so I took a nice walk around my neighborhood. I never realized how many flowered trees were in the neighborhood. With my little camera on hand, I just started snapping away. Taking time out to just breath was exactly what I needed this weekend. I hope you all had an amazing weekend.

Living Out Of A Suitcase

Trying to dress for a humid and tropical climate has been a challenge for me. I'm not a big fan of hot weather and I prefer layers of clothing over summer dresses. Now that I'm in a country where it's always warm and humid, layering is most definitely an option. Also, living out of a suitcase and trying to be creative with what I already have is going to be a big challenge for the next six months. Oh well. isn't that what personal style is about, working with what you have?

Outfit Details:

Blouse: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Anthropologie

Feeling Awkward

I decided to start taking outfit pictures again, since that's the main point of this blog. The only issue was where am I going to take pictures. I was so used to my spots back in NY, like my roof or the park not to far away from my apartment. Living in a new country and not knowing where anything is, finding creative places to take outfit pictures has been a journey. Also, it's so hot over here that staying under the sun for more than a minute is torture. I threw on this dress that my mom got me while on vacation in Puerto Rico. I'm currently living out of a suitcase filled with just summer clothes. These were taken on my front porch of my apartment complex. The lighting is not very good, so I think I will have to continue my search for the perfect place. Also, I got really embarrassed when I caught my neighbor staring at me while I was twirling on my porch. Awkward!



New Favorite

Have you heard of the site Les Composantes? It's a website featuring amazing and beautiful pieces and every month they showcase new items that are available for purchase for a limited time. Well, yesterday thanks to my frequent browsing of The Glitter Guide, I was introduced to this amazing site and am now addicted to their clean but stylish items. I immediately signed up for an invitation to their site and am looking forward to saving my pennies for their next upcoming sale. If you don't already know, you should check out their site and explore. I'm currently in love with this bag!!!

One Month

It hit me this week that I've been living in Africa for a little over a month. During that time, I've moved living quarters three times, found a decent super market as well as a really good street market, and finally started to get the hang of my job. When I first got here in April, I was living in a hotel. There were no complaints from me during that glorious week. Breakfast every morning, as well as this adorable dog greeting me as I was picked up to go into work everyday. It still comes as a shock thinking about how my life has changed in the matter of months. Just in the month of April, I quit my steady but boring job, and started this amazing fellowship with a human rights organization and packed my bags and came to the Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). In my next post I'll share my other housing locals as well as some outfit shots. Hope you all are having a great week.

Finally Settling Down

So much has been going on with me lately. As you may know, I am currently on a fellowship program in West Africa for 7 months. Things have been crazy as I've been trying to adjust living somewhere new as well as handling the piles of work they are giving me at the organization. I moved three times and finally unpacked and settled into a lovely little studio apartment walking distance away from work. I got an air-conditioner installed, so that I don't get eaten up by mosquitoes at night, or slowly melt away from the high heat and humidity. Also, I've figured out where to get my groceries and how to navigate the crazy taxi system over here. The only thing I'm still dealing with is waiting for a package that was sent to me two weeks ago, from my amazing parents. I am hoping I eventually get my box of goodies this or next week. I haven't gotten a chance yet to take any pictures, but now that I've settled down, I plan on using my weekends to explore and photograph my time in Cote d'Ivoire.

These pictures were taken on my final days back in NYC. I sure do miss my roommates, friends, and family. Good thing there's skype!

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Free People

Headband: H&M

Enjoying Each Day

I sure do love wearing these red pants. Not only is the color super fun and brightens my mood immediately, but they are also very comfortable and perfect for hot days. Lately I've been living in a state of panic. I've been having some apartment issues, my landlord won't allow me to install and air conditioner, even though it's been in the 90s everyday. Also, everyday that I go into work I get bombarded with even more work and constantly being told how they want me to stay longer than my initial 6 months. Can I make that kind of commitment? They want me to stay until Christmas, which would be the first time that I won't be home for Thanksgiving. Is it even possible to convince the girl subletting my apartment to stay for an extra month. Since I have a sucky landlord, I'll have to move and learn how to navigate a new neighborhood. All these things have made for many sleepless nights and mini freak outs. So back to the pants, this past weekend I put them on and felt instantly better. It's true what they say, if you're feeling down dress the way you want to feel. These pictures were taken on my final weekend in NYC and it made me realize what an amazing opportunity I am experiencing right now. I'll be home in less than a year and so I should enjoy each day I'm living in a place that's not familiar to me at all. With my favorite red pants, I'm turning a new leaf and just taking each day as it comes.

Outfit Details:

Pants: Anthropologie

Blouse: Mango

Belt: Uniqlo

Shoes: Coach