Omoge

The Urban Dictionary defines "Omoge" as "the Nigerian word for a beautiful young lady."

My favorite thing, or one of them at least, about being Nigerian in America means that, in this country of blended origins, I have a unique culture from which I can draw a sense of identity. When I moved here at age five, my thick accent made me the butt of many jokes, but as I've grown [and lost the accent] I've started to lose the hindrance I once felt to "rep" my culture among different crowds.

One way I happily do this is with custom-made dresses from ankara fabric. Like the Aschobi creation above, I have a [growing] wardrobe of cultural couture that allow me to accent my heritage with flair.

Creations like


and

and

are just a few styles of the many that other African fashionistas use to express their backgrounds.


So when I start school [USC--Fight on, Trojans!] in the fall, this Omoge will not be afraid to represent her background, while establishing her identity at the forefront.


-xoxo Mo

Oh, Hello There...

To Myself, by W.S. Merwin

Even when I forget you
I go on looking for you
I believe I would know you
I keep remembering you
sometimes long ago but then
other times I am sure you
were here for a moment before
and the air is still alive
around where you were and I
think then I can recognize
you who are always the same
who pretend to be time but
you are not time and who speak
in the words but you are not
what they say you who are not
lost when I do not find you

___________________________________

Obviously, my presence on the blogosphere has been missing for some time. This absence was not deliberate, but in these months, I set out on a journey of intropsection to find myself, at least before I turn 18 in late spring.

I haven't found what I am looking for.

Instead, what I have found inside this pensive dreamer is faith, passion and an insatiable sense of wanderlust. As I delve deeper into the realms of ...whatever it is that we search for in our souls..., I hope to bring a fresh sense of worldiness to this blog. We all realize fashion is a superficial society, yet we allow ourselves to be consumed by the beauty, the glamour, the manifestation of our self expression and of course, the Chanel.

I'm not stopping my Fifth Avenue fantasies, but adding some sort of cause for us to be pensive about our world. It took this Merwin poem to bring this realization. I wonder what it will bring you...

...xoxo Mo

Photo credit: Karlie Kloss by Fabien Baron for Pringle of Scotland FW09

I have been one acquainted with the night

Acquainted with the Night
by: Robert Frost

I have been one acquainted with the night.



I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.

I have outwalked the furthest city light.


I have looked down the saddest city lane.


I have passed by the watchman on his beat


And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet





When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,



But not to call me back or say good-bye;

And further still at an unearthly height,


One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.

I have been one acquainted with the night.
____
As I have recently turned 17 (last Wednesday, May 12), I've been thinking more (even more than usual) about my future in the city. Or a city. I find solace sitting by wide windows overlooking a vast midnight view, and love the idea of people bathed in the moon's glow. This piece of literature, somewhat melancholy, strikes me nostalgic for a life I haven't lived yet.

xoxo Mo

It's Black and White and Chic All Over

It's you (and me) in the new year.
_________________

i have (a knockoff of) this necklace
________________


While dreaming (as usual)
of all the things I want
in the new year, specifically
after I watched, for the 20th
time,
Confessions
Of A
Shopaholic,
I got a sudden burst of style
inspiration. People constantly
say, "Fashion is dying."
and "Journalism is dying"
but I decided, if that's so,
then I'll just have to resurrect it,
Won't I?

So this is me giving a huge,
accessorized
finger to all those who criticize
our industry:
{say it with me}

If I want to, I will.

I don't think it matters how hard
it is to get into the fashion world.
It matters how hard a fashionista is
willing to work.
___________________

Anyway, I've realized I'm more and more in love with
CHANEL.
It's chic, it's feminine, yet edgy. It's
excessively minimal.
Plus its main colors, the main colors in my wardrobe,
and my favorite colors at that,
are black and white.
While watching a show on it's site,
[how productive]
I decided I'd be wearing this dress to my graduation in 2011.
Or maybe,realistically, I'll get a seamstress to sew me a version of it,
couture is not in my budget ;)
__________
Some style collages for inspiration.

Lace Doll by Mo512 featuring Miss Selfridge

It's Chic o'clock- Naptime! by Mo512 featuring Chanel earrings

Parisian Chic by Mo512 featuring Balenciaga shoes

Joyeuses fetes!
xoxo Mo


ps- what do you want this new year?

Take Me Away...

Though this editorial is a bit old, every time I look at it, I'm inspired to become more of a globetrotter than a jet setter. I'm talking about "Spirited Away", an editorial in Marie Claire's November 2007 featuring Kate Walsh. Though I've always thought of the magazine as a "softer" type of high-fashion magazine, I was really blown away by the inspiring styles, yet thoughtful-almost intellectual locations. I guess you could call it "smart fashion."

"Today’s young traveler takes the high road," it reads. "Forgoing waves in Malibu for enlightenment in Bhutan. Her style? A global mix of luxe fabrics and timeless patterns."





I think this one is my favorite.
















How about you? Loving it or hating it? Bored or inspired?

xoxo Mo

For details and image sourcing, go to MarieClaire.com

Our Class In Fashion Photography

Yesterday in class, we all got a little emotional with the inevitable departure of our seniors. It got me to thinking; it was really sweet how well we all got along, compared to last semester’s class (ick)! I’m glad that those people dropped the class in the beginning of the semester. Like Kristin said, “We’re like a family!” A journalism family that never really got our website finished, but that’s okay because what we learned were life lessons that you can’t put a price on. With all our class discussions, we all enlightened each other at one point or another, and expressed our views in ways much more intellectual than our other schoolmates.
I know you guys saw that at first, I didn’t really interact. Over there on my computer in the corner, off into the fashion blogosphere, lol. But you guys took the time to include me in your conversations and become friends with you guys, and understood my obsession with fashion, photography, etc. and didn’t misunderstand me for not being into hip hop. This class has really been a friendly, open forum where teens got to get into journalism, my passion. And though it’s sad that we must move on, it’s the only way we can grow. Anyhoo… because of my fashion obsession, I’m paying homage to all of you guys by matching you up with some amazing photographs.

Ms. Moore-
I chose this picture for you because it’s bold. Very much like you, the model in the picture commands a presence, similar to the way you do when you want something done. Thanks for teaching one of my favorite classes and making it an assignment to blog, which—as you can see—I’ve fallen in love with.
Dontia-
Okay, so maybe this isn’t a fashion photograph. But this picture reminds me of you because we have the same enchanted imagination. My fellow Tokio Hotel fan, the fairy in this picture is also as fierce as I know you truly are. Thanks for being so awesome and know that I’ll help you through the rest of your high school years, if you want me to.
Justin-
I chose this for you, not because you wear glasses, but because you seem very reserved. But at the same time, a strong, sensible young man who knows where he’s going in life. You have the type of personality needed to wear something from Jaguar—cool, calm and collected.
Kristin-
I chose this picture for you because the dress’ color is very bright and bold, much like you personality. And your first blogs were the type that one could lose themselves in, if they listened (much like the model seems to be losing herself in the moment). I think you’re cool, funny and just an awesome person to know.
Carlton-
This is for you because you’re pretty bad-a**. Your voice makes you seem like a James Bond-type dude, because it’s commanding, and if you use it wisely, it’ll take you places that require you to look as svelte as this dude. You are smart and laid-back, and have a gifted voice. Own it.
Cherelle-
I’ve chosen this for you because the florals in this editorial remind me of your poetic gift. It’s beautiful, unrequited and makes so much sense, it’s vibrant and bold like the flower petals. You’ve always been really cool and I wish we had time for you to teach me some of your awesome videography skills. I think it’s kick-butt awesome that you’re going to SCAD and will be surrounded by people as talented as you are.
Tareek-
I chose this picture for you because the football gear screamed TAREEK! Lol, but seriously it’s an athlete thing. Disregard the thing on the dude’s face. You have a “guiding” aura around you that reminds me of my older brother (Tobi—he went here last year, he was on the football team too.) You seemed like an older brother type, so I’m not surprised that you’re into teaching, which makes you admirable. You’ve been a really cool, level-headed and friendly guy and I’m glad to have met you.
Miata-
I chose this picture for you because you’re sporty and athletic, but still feminine. Like the model, she’s a pretty girl in a car lot which looks masculine but she still fits in perfectly. I like this picture for you because you have both tomboy qualities and girly qualities which is an excellent balance.
Elie-
This picture is for you because you’re a male model. Seriously. Go to COACD (on my side listing) and check out some of the modeling agencies listed. Immediately. Cash in on your good looks! But overall, you seem like a pretty cool dude, too. I had another picture in mind for you, because you seem like a bit of a “player” but this one fit. Now go search for your agency.
Keenan-
As you can see, this is a motion shot because you are always in motion and all over the place. Though I scold you often for doing too much, know that it’s because I’m trying to help you become a better journalist. I’ll never understand where you get all your energy, but I’m glad you have it because it means that you aren’t letting school and a busy schedule suck the life out of you, unlike moi. So Keenan, keep on keeping on!

As you can see, I’ve tried to capture the qualities of you guys, but it’s almost impossible to do because you have such strong vibes of your own. Also, thanks for all your well wishes for my 16th birthday on Tuesday. I think we were an awesome group of students. Don’t you?

-XOXO Mo

ps- I know you guys sometimes wonder just what I listen to everyday. Click- This is my playlist.

I've Been Tagged!

(yes random...but these are a few of my favorite things...it's my new desktop :)

I’ve been tagged by awesome Esther from Rhapsody in Boots


What is your current obsession?
Black and white photography, Short Filmmaking (like fashion commercials- Bruno Aveillan is incredible!), Pop Art , Collages, Europe travel and Art History


What is your weirdest obsession?
I’m in love with the moon, and I’m falling for dark fantasy. Maybe I shouldn’t have shared that…

What are you wearing today?
Just getting over the stomach flu, so I’m pretty lazy in jeans and a white t-shirt that says “when I said I liked you, I was “Lion” (with a picture of a lion, cheesy but it works )

What’s for dinner today?
Hmm… food right now makes my stomach bubble so I’ve been getting through the day with two granny smith apples and a handful of grapes, maybe I’ll attempt pizza.

Why is today special?
Because I’m alive and sore from yoga and kickboxing with my editors yesterday…somehow that’s significant. It’s also Thursday of my Spring Break and tomorrow, I get to job-shadow the associate editor of a magazine in Atlanta…super excited!

What would you like to learn to do?
Play piano and guitar because I write songs but have no singing skills. And learn to rock Photoshop.

What’s the last thing you bought?
A ticket for the train -in Atlanta, it’s called ‘MARTA’ but everywhere else it’s the Metro, I go downtown a lot because I write for a teen newspaper called VOX and my parents refuse to drive to the city 3 times a week in Atlanta traffic

What are you listening to right now?
My baby sister cry, she thinks someone ate her cookies but she already ate them. But otherwise “Faith” by Bittersweet, it’s so sultry

What is your favorite weather?
Thunderstorms! They help me think, lazy rainy weather…the occasional sunny day. Funny enough, I was born in Nigeria in the middle of May but I’m not that fond of the sun. Go figure.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
Similar to Esther’s, deciding exactly what I want to do. I love writing but I’m afraid if I become an editor for a magazine (my most likely choice), I can’t do photography for other ones, plus I also want to produce films, possibly work in PR. My definite industries are fashion, media &communications, but can barely narrow it down from there. Also, finding an agency before I turn 16 on May 12, time is flying and I haven't actually started searching

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
She’s very funny; Esther’s got amazing style, taste and an equally incredible personality,. (and also my little cousin’s and my grandmother’s name :) Bloggers are the best!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
London or SoHo, New York

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A letter from Anna Wintour saying that she thinks I’d be an awesome addition to the Vogue family and should move to NYC instantly….a girl can dream, no?

What would you like to get rid of?
The SATs and other standardized tests, I ‘m a sophomore so I don’t have to take too many yet, but I could live without them. 3 inches off my waist wouldn’t hurt either, I’m so close to a size two and there’s a dress I’d like to wear for an upcoming wedding…

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Hmm…The Met or the New York Public Library… I love libraries and art museums!

Which language do you want to learn?
Yoruba (my native tongue that I’ve never learned to speak), French, Italian, [Brazilian] Portuguese and German so I can better understand Tokio Hotel

What did you dream of last night?
It was a virtually sleepless night, but I think I drifted away and my whole school came down with the stomach flu, we all suffered and recovered together. How’s that for school spirit?

Who do you want to meet in person?
The list is endless... Jesus Christ, probably Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld- generally all the editors of Vogue, Cory Kennedy- she has this effortless ‘cool’ I admire

What’s your favorite type of music?
That changes, it’s more like favorite artists…I like Tokio Hotel, Simple Plan, Lil Wayne, MIA, Bittersweet, Frank Sinatra, The Veronicas and from my childish days- Chris Brown and Rihanna. I’m always on the lookout for new music/artists since I can rarely make up my mind to what I really like

What’s the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Grey skinny jeans and my black leather jacket, it was love at first wear…

What is your dream job?
Fashion editor, photographer, director, writer, possibly a model, PR

Any favorite photographers?
Definitely Newton and Penn, Demarchelier, Meisel and Testino are incredible. But as of recent I seriously adore Cameron Krone and James Mountford. Black and white is my obsession, and I’ve followed their work since reading about them on Pony Ryder

If you had £100 now what would you spend it on?
A day at Starbucks, my mum won’t let me have coffee anymore and subscriptions to British and French Vogue, Dazed and Confused

Fashion pet peeve?
Not dressing for your size…if it’s that small for you and you can’t figure out how to make it work (lol Tim Gunn moment), let it go

Do you admire anyone’s style?
Practically everyone on lookbook.nu  the style there is endless, Carine Roitfeld, Coco Rocha (the model-off-duty look is my fave.), Rihanna, Kate Moss, Zoe Kravitz, the Olsen Twins (sometimes), Rumi Neely from Fashion Toast, Pharell Williams (love skater boys!) there’s many more I just can’t think of at the moment

Describe your personal style
As you can see in the previous post, it changes with my mood. Some days I’m all emo-cool and wearing black, others when I’m lazy: a pair of frayed shorts, an oversized shirt or tank a la Alexander Wang, chunky heels or slouchy boots and thigh high socks, occasionally I get all ‘Devil Wears Prada’ and pretend like I just came straight out of the Sartorialist during fashion week… yeah. I can’t really choose one


Okay, here's the rules:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

2. Tag eight other people.
I'm doing nine :)
My lovely victims: (cough) oops I mean the bloggers I'll tag:

La Couturier
Daphne
Kandace
Ida
Ryder
Hanna of Little Miss Dress Up
Rosanna of Little Miss Dress Up
Pretty Neons
Dawn

Been Polyvore'n

Two days ago, I finally got my computer back from being fixed after it crashed, unfortunately, I lost all my files, which means I've lost most of my life being that I spend so much time writing and creating pictures and graphics. In an attempt to reconcile myself, I went to Polyvore, figuring that Styling would make me happy. It did! Here's what I came up with:

1. Styling Down The Street

Styling Down the street by Mo512 featuring Balmain jackets
This outfit is because I love blazers, and simple items- putting them together makes everything fabulous. I love shorts to show off my legs. I also think a blazer just adds this type of unexplainable chic touch to a look. If I decide to go into fashion PR, I'd wear this on the job.

2. Tiered From Day To Night

Tiered From Day To Night by Mo512 featuring Elizabeth and James jackets
This one, i love. It wasn't the exact top I was looking for but it's close enough and its Marc. You can't resist that. I think this can be worn with or without the blazer(which should be open), or with the option of the heels or flats, I actually wanted this with gladiator heels, but it's so typical of me so I sprung for the showy peep toe. If I get to work at Vogue, I'd definitely wear this.

3. Tokio Hotel Tribute

Tokio Hotel by Mo512 featuring Alexander Wang tank tops
Now, this one I love because the background is of SoHo, my future home. I love it and want to live there because it's artsy and so full of life, like most of NYC. I also like this one because it's my little tribute to Tokio Hotel, my favorite band since I got tired of hip hop. It's very punk rock, and the Alexander Wang tank is just so casual yet awesome, it fits in so well, plus Converse are my new obsession. If I ever get to work at Nylon, this would be one of my daily looks.

But now that I think about it, no matter where I work, I'd wear these 3 looks, because they're so much an expression of my different style which, as you can see, is very basic colored- black, grey and white are my usual colors with something bright every now and then. Haven't posted in a while so, ahhh, this makes me feel so much better...:)
How've you all been?

Here's to the Hottest 50 year old around!

I never thought I'd be jealous of something plastic, even more, jealous of something 50 years old. Well i thought again when i gazed through Nylon's
post of (Kaiser)Karl Lagerfeld designed gorgeous looks for Barbie for her 50th anniversary.

1st I'm kind of jealous at how fabulous those pieces are. 2nd I'm jealous of how she (i should be saying "it" because Barbie's plastic) of how it gets to stand with hottie male model Baptiste Giabiconi (hope I spelled that right).

(That look is very Chanel, no?)


I got my first Barbies early in elementary school for Christmas, right after I moved from Nigeria to the States. It was a Christie doll and a regular Barbie and I remember thinking, wow. They're very much like the supermodels from the GAP ads. Barbie had everything to be envied, including a Malibu Dreamhouse (which i had no clue about, but since she had one, i wanted it. Marketing is cruel, no? lol). Before long , I ended up with one of those life-sized Barbie's, which I used to hide in my closet because it scared me (those blue eyes used to follow me, I'm so serious). One of my hobbies is designing, so I'd try out my outfits on the doll, sewing to the best of my ability, like any designer fits his clothes to a model, I did the same.
I later concluded that Barbie is actually pretty useful: temporarily detach one of her limbs and you have a makeshift baseball bat , perfect for defending you against mean older brothers- my gosh that sounds morbid when I think about it, "detach"-
She serves as great inspiration, an imaginary friend and at the end of the day, an awesome, style-inspiring toy. So here's to the most fabulous 50 year old around-- Barbie Doll!


Click here for the awesome Barbie 50th Anniversary Fashion Show at Fall NYFW


photo credit: colette.fr

Who Will Michelle Obama Wear? Isabel Toledo!

Going back to a recent post, Who Will Michelle Obama Wear? the question's been answered:

"First lady Michelle Obama wowed the crowds in a sparkly yellow-gold sheath dress with a matching coat by Isabel Toledo. Always the practical shopper, she topped her outfit with olive-green gloves from J.Crew and green shoes. First daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, strutted their fashion feet in colorful pink and blue coats, also from J. Crew."
-Lili Lidaga of Yahoo News in article "Obama inauguration: Hits and misses"

I'm not going to lie, I honestly couldn't figure out who she was wearing. At first glance from my classroom's crappy TV, I thought it was something from Prada's Fall 2008 collection Because the patterns on the dress reminded me of the guipure lace used by Miuccia Prada. After a closer look, I realized that it couldn't be, the guipure lace had larger accents on it. I'm still practicing my designer recognition (I obviously need to-lol)

From Collages

I'm ready for this "change". I haven't quite caught Obama-Fever like most people I know, but needless to say, I was happy for the family. Barack's dream came true (and the dreams of many others. We were there to witness it. I just pray that with all that he has on his plate (two wars, a free-falling economy, this environmental disaster), President Obama is able to do what he's promised, so we don't all look like fools. I pray that he's wise in making decision's. I pray he's not killed in the process. But most of all, I pray that everything turns out for the better.
In his speech, he said something that worried me.
"...the next generation must lower its sights." He said something before that but that's what got to me. Honestly, at the rate of this economy, who's going to be worried about fashion, my beloved fashion? A lot of designers are canceling their shows and after-parties...

But then he said something that made me happy. "All deserve the chance to pursue their {measure?} of happiness..." Which we do. Fashion can't die or take a break, it runs society ( the second one)...
I pray that the hopeless feelings I experienced earlier don't turn out to be correct. Like I said before, I'm ready for a change.

Anyhoo, sorry for the rant, but what do you think of Michelle's choice? Is it just me, or will she look gorgeous in almost anything Oscar de la Renta? (I get that feeling; that she's an Oscar type of woman)