A funny thing happens when you realize that God is listening

Wow. Can I really say that God is good? In the past 24 hours, I've seen that God's faithfulness is indescribable. What started as a regular day in my life, somehow slipped into an internal conversation of how to deal with my frustrations in a way that no one would be able to tell, and ended in a most glorious and fruitful night.

What I'm trying to say is that I started 2013 with a goal to be productive, fruitful, and ultimately perfect. For those who know me, big ambitions like this usually manifest themselves in my overwhelming schedule, which, two weeks into the semester, I began to worry if I'd be able to keep up with. As a perfectionist, the idea of not meeting my personal standards is painful, and in a few hours, I began to question God regarding why I'd become someone who couldn't stick to her own plans. God clearly tells us to not lean on our own understanding, but, yet again, I attempted to figure out how I would start to balance an 18-unit semester, a ministry leadership commitment, and steps to living out other passions, within the 24/7 time that humans are allotted and expected to survive in. I realized that I needed to probably share this frustration, along with the other issues I've been struggling with, with the several trusted friends I've been given. Yet again, I told myself no, that I must figure these things out on my own, and simply tell them after I'd won the battle on my own. I then realized that I should probably include God in this plan.

Alright. Me and God. God and me. We could fix my life, together! True, but also, false. What I knew is that I needed love and support from others, which I refused myself to desire. I simply repeated to myself that I needed to learn how to just love and lean on God, and that would be it. Through my struggles in the past year, I'd heard God tell me that He was refining me, moving me forward, and ultimately, like Hagar said in Genesis 16, He is the God that sees me, when I feel like no one else does, and loves me like no one else can.

Words are easier memorized than lived,  and I consistently struggle with this issue of wanting to "do" all it takes to be worthy of God's love, human respect and admiration, and even my own approval. That's why when God used the people in my life to show me a glimpse of how much He loves me, and understands me, I was, for one of the first times in my adult life, speechless.

After a day brimming with "Mo, you need to do better" thoughts, I was seated in BCM's weekly Tuesday night bible study/small group and realized that I couldn't hide the fact that I was upset from my friends in the room. I asked another member to pray for me, and made it through the rest of the night oscillating between my internal universe and the Bible study going on in my friend's living room. My plan for the night was to leave bible study, visit another student, and spend time at Starbucks with a white hot chocolate and my journal, pouring everything out to God so He could help me put together a plan for conquering the semester. (Again: just me and God, just me and God). God, however, knew that this day would be trying for me, and so, billions of years ago, orchestrated several of the most precious friendships to  come into existence in my life, and prove to me that though He created me for fellowship with Him, He created community so I can know Him more intimately with the people in my life.

Bible study ended, and as I was getting ready to go, my friends began smiling in a way that put me on edge and I knew something was up. "We have an announcement for Mo." Out popped another love in my life with a tall, wrapped box that I knew would contain a longboard--something I was literally deciding to put on hold until a time where I, out of my own strength could buy for myself. I tried to run with the box when they made me open it. I stood there for what seems like forever, hiding back tears, as the loving faces of my kingdom family smiled back at me with camera phones ready to catch my rarely-appearing tears.  

When they finally cornered me,  I realized all I could say is that I didn't deserve that gift, just like I know I don't deserve God's grace. Knowing that I can't "work" for His goodness merely drives me to work harder, and this has been a fight that I know He's liberating from, as He teaches me about inner beauty and how His love is the only thing that will ever bring the change to the world that I desire to see and try to work for. His love is also the only thing worth fighting for.

So...there I stood, overwhelmed by His love that I don't deserve, with friends who are so amazing and I don't deserve either. I think that is one of the first moments where I realized that when you're happily given something you don't deserve, you don't refuse it and attempt to earn it on your own with energy you honestly don't have. You take it, thank God and the giver(s), and resolve to love them the way that God has loved it. I may not be worthy of His love, but I have decided to live my life in a way that invites others to experience the beauty of it. Honestly, one of the most amazing things about the Crucifixion is knowing that no amount of money, or work, or secular glory could get me the eternal promise of experiencing life with God. (Plus, if there was a worldly price tag, I'm pretty sure that none of us could ever afford it.)

I'd been wondering earlier in the week what it feels like to be proposed to, and I'm pretty sure I just experienced God popping the question "Mo, will you commit to trusting me even when your life doesn't make sense? When it hurts? When I remove things that do not profit you? When I refine you? When I have you sleeping on someone's couch (August-September 2012 reference)? When I ask things of you that you cannot do on your own? Will you trust Me when you feel like you can't come into My presence, and come in anyway, knowing that you are ALWAYS welcome at My throne? Will you trust that I let My son die, so you can live? Mo, will you be My Bride?"

I let myself melt into my friends' arms, and I think this was my subconscious saying "Yes."

Modupeoreoluwa means "I thank God for  His gift," and He has clearly shown me just how many I have to be thankful for. I wish I could type that I also got an epiphany of the perfect formula for balancing my life and being able to handle whatever comes my way with glamorous resilience, but I honestly don't. I still don't have the hour-by-hour formula for success that I thought would mean my dreams realized within a matter of months. What I do have, however, is proof that God loves me. Tangible proof that looks like amazing friends, and a four-wheeled weapon of love.

Updates on the longboard's name coming soon. Right now, I'm thinking Armstrong (as in Louis), Ayo (Yoruba for joy), or something related to Adonai, a Hebrew name for God (but I obviously don't want to name my board "God", so it might be something like Donnie)  We'll see :)

Urban + Eclectic

Introducing my latest obsession:

Street Art

Jana and JS

Jana and JS

Jay One

Jeff Aerosol

JonOne

JonOne

JR

 

 

 

 

The inner city is often thought to be without hope and left unloved. Once upon a time, rampant tags by graffiti artists were thought to be signs of a derelict community, but recent years have seen the introduction of street art as a good thing. Artists pictured above, specifically Jana and JS, and JR [I promise I'm not obsessed with J's...except Jesus!] will use the walls of urban locations as a canvas. I really love the first picture by Jana and JS with the girl sitting in the window. As a girl with a thing for windows, I love that the graphic is a painted scene of something realistic. 

Several artists have gone from being rebels to being hired by high-fashion brands. Art-world critics complain that the commercialization of an artistic revolution will bring an end to beloved street murals, but I think these artists are playing their hands well. As long as I can continue to run into surprise murals while wandering the city, I am satisfied!

In the Spirit of New Beginnings...

As stated in my header, I am in love with Christ. I'll say [or type] again; I'm in love with Him! And I choose to glorify Him in all avenues of my life, which will now include this blog.

Christ and the City Girl by Mo512

In prepping for college, I've been putting together several looks for a new life on campus [you'll see it on my Polyvore], but I've also been gearing up to be active in campus ministry by reading the Fuel and the Flame, a book that speaks on how to be passionate for Christ on campus. For one thing, I would definitely recommend it as a fun yet inspiring read. I'm just a few chapters in and I'm reluctant to put it down!

To go with this, I encourage myself as well as readers [whoever you may be] to also read Passion Magazine. A Christian web mag for teen girls. Its blog is also filled with personal musings of other daughters of Christ.

I seriously hope and pray that you will check it out [as well as the aforementioned book] and be blessed!

xoxo Mo

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 Want You.

from style.com

Dearest Dress,
I feel it's important to let you know that I am obsessed with you.
Ever since I spotted you in the Valentino Spring 2010 RTW show, I've been unable to dream without envisioning [wearing] you. You might like to know that I've thought of the many ways I could wear you. Belted; maybe a skinny belt to cinch the waist? Or, for winter, with a trench coat, tights and only shoes that might compliment your exquisite structure...

Or maybe that would be an injustice.

Because you are perfect. I also think it's fate that Frida Gustavsson, the Swedish sweetheart is a favorite model of mine, was chosen to showcase you to the world. Your nude coloring is one that can compliment any skin-tone, and I'm sure that your ruffled physique would look good on any physique (a girl with a tomboy shape would appear perfectly curvy, or a voluptuous belle could benefit from you accenting her outlines.) To the world, Dress, you are part of a legacy of beautiful robes, but to me, you are a creation unmatched by any other garment.

I hope this isn't too forward, but maybe you could mention to your owners at Valentino that you would like to come live with me forever?

Until then,
xoxo Mo

The day before my birthday, Karl Lagerfeld gave me a gift. It’s called Cruise 2010/2011.

View the magic here.

How thoughtful of him! To open with an adorable band playing a sweet melody, who created a breeze that traveled from St. Tropez to Atlanta so I could taste the sunny delight of the French town. To capture the lazy smiling-sun atmosphere, KL shipped the models in on speedboats by the handful and had them saunter in their flowing florals in a runway set-up by the seaside. There’s no better way to ring in this stifling summer other than the dresses and ruffles that Lagerfeld offered up.

This collection’s vibrant color palette ranged from desert-sand gold to rosy pink, with dashes of chocolatey brown. The stark whites stood out brilliantly in contrast to the nudes and neutrals used in other looks. A group of black-on-white dresses stayed true to the classic Chanel minimalism. A few looks offset their lumberjack-esque check pattern with a feminine silhouette, and I can easily envision the caftan pieces breezing down a walkway in Marrakech. More so, the white blazer on Freja Beha Erichsen is another re-creation of the favorite statement piece.

For day, a couple of shirtdresses are the perfect look for a picnic date, or to stroll through exotic outdoor markets. For a night on the town, the collection offers a few sparkly black numbers, and even a man’s oversized robe for the morning after.

As for accessories, who doesn’t love the solid black Chanel cuff? Or chunky, layered necklaces? The simple sandals are also a welcome break from the daily power-heels-to-match-power-outfit cycle that the Chanel woman endures. How nice to trade in thick tweeds for swaying silks!

I also loved Karolina Kurkova in her Pat Cleveland-esque twirl down the runway. If it wasn’t for it’s strong sense of eighties glam [which off-puts the ‘easy, breezy, beautiful’ atmosphere of the collection] the song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” could have been a theme of the message Lagerfeld channeled: The Chanel woman on vacation doesn’t take a break from style. The finale of Georgia May Jagger hopping on a motorbike reminds us that Karl’s girl is not afraid to get down and have risky fun. (Also made clear by the sheer, peek-a-boo romper shown earlier.)

The show was perfect as a look into a complete, vacation wardrobe, with looks for every occasion. Why the only thing that was missing was me. But it’s forgiven, I’m sure my invite just got lost in the mail. Or maybe KL realized that I’d be taking AP exams that week and so thoughtfully channeled my loves into the collection. Either way, this resort show just added another reason to my long list of “Why I Love Chanel.” Merci, Lagerfeld, merci.

-xoxo Mo

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

For Lack of a Better Title...

I know I have been a bad blogger, there are literally time zone gaps between my posts, but bare with me. It's junior year for this busy aspiring fashion icon...
__________
Enjoy my latest style article for VOX, and the hard work I put into updating the web site with our latest issue!


Spring Fashion Preview

By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff


Art by Missa DePeaza| VOX Staff

Though the wide-spreading recession reached Fashion Week runways last February, that didn’t stop designers from sending down hundreds of models in fresh looks for the spring season. From flirty feathers to dazzling sparkles, trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris have walked straight off the runway into magazines, and onto this page of VOX. Here are a few tips to stay fashion forward while maintaining your own sense of style.

Neutrals

Following an elegant and clean aesthetic, many designers used neutral colors, like khaki and beige, in their collections as a complement to the variety of skin tones. Though the colors were simple, the cuts weren’t. Designers like Marc Jacobs had dramatically ruffled dresses, while others shaped flowing fabrics into sweet mini-dresses. Get this look by spicing up khaki pants or shorts with fun gladiator slippers and fitted plaid shirts.


Metallics

Ever the runway mainstay, dazzling metallic pieces remained a designer favorite this season. To shimmer and shine like the models at Michael Kors and Phillip Lim, wear a sequined top or skirt with a black jacket for a sparkling look without looking like aluminum foil.

Feathers

Who’s chicken when it comes to taking risks in fashion? Apparently not designers like Jason Wu and Diane Von Furstenberg. This season, the runways featured light, feathery details that bounced as the models strutted down the runway. You don’t have to wear a feathered boa to school (if you do, send us pictures!), but try a miniskirt with feather-like ruffles, like the models at ADAM.

The Boyfriend Layers

Menswear is a girl’s best friend. This season, boyfriend blazers, vests and slouchy pants took over the runways of Charlotte Ronson and Diane Von Furstenberg. This laid-back look consists of oversized blazers and vests over dresses or girly outfits. The design balances out the femininity of your style while adding a touch of tailored perfection. Plus, the added comfort of baggy jeans gives your hips breathing room and, when worn with heels, makes you look chic, a la Katie Holmes.

Little Schoolgirl Chic

The “Gossip Girl” influence was stronger than ever, as designers used back-to-school-ish themes in their collections. There were pigtails and short shorts, and everything from preppy stripes and khakis to knee socks. With these, designers like Anna Sui and Rag & Bone turned their models into stylish students. To get this look, wear a logo-ed blazer over any outfit, or try on a pair of knee-high socks the next time you wear a skirt.

Abstract Prints

Fashion Week always has its yin/yang moments. This spring, the opposite of neutrals are the wildly eclectic prints seen on dresses and tops at BCBG and DKNY. Neon pink, coral and turquoise garments flowed across runways and showcased spring florals. Get this look with flowy maxi-dresses that you can find cheap at mall chain stores.

Denim

Denim doesn’t always have to be pants! For spring, designers reworked denim into dresses and tailored suits, and even destroyed and distressed denim for the “fashion rebel” look. From Lacoste to Derek Lam, dainty denim dresses and suit jackets showed the versatility of this fabric. Show your style by wearing a denim dress with a belt and sandals, or cutting up old jeans. Use darker washes for more dressy looks, and go casual with lighter denim.

Military

With structured jackets and camouflage color palettes, designers like Rag & Bone and Marc Jacobs showed their army stripes. Style this look by wearing combat boots; I like them with rock band tees, shorts and even stockings.

Getting Physical - ’80s Style!

Looks like the ’80s fashion revival is here to stay. Designers like Alexander Wang went sporty with headbands and golf apparel, in perfect accordance with the ’80s fitness craze. Work it out by wearing sport sweaters and khaki shorts and even taking a walk and hitting the gym. Good health is always in style!

Orange

Orange you happy we have something for the guys, too? Though guys might think this bright color threatens their masculinity, designers like Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo sent male models down the runway and proved that real men can wear neon. If you’re not up for a head-to-toe suit, try an orange tie or sports jacket.
______________________
Additionally, I've been tagged by Taj, from HoundDog Man, also a new couture comrade at VOX.

1. Choose runway pictures from ANY season you like and choose 3 outfits for Day, Evening & Party.
2. Briefly explain why and state the name of the designer & which season the outfit is from.
3. Tag 4 other bloggers once you are done and let them know by posting a comment on their blog

Day

This look from ADAM is a favorite because I love the feathery detail on the skirt. I don't know if this is a day outfit, or a party outfit, but I'd probably wear this somewhere I could walk around a lot in. I want people to see the feathers flutter.


Evening

This is from Chanel Haute Couture 2009. I picked it because I've been dreaming about it the moment I saw it strut out of a colossal bottle of Chanel No. 5.

Party

This is from Chanel's Resort 2010 collection. Maybe, okay, definitely I'd decrease the sheer-ness of the top, for modesty's sake. But I do love this look, I guess this is more of a high-society style beach party look,


Of course these outfits are subject to change, because I will inevitably come across a look that I'd previously fallen for but have forgotten at the moment. So I'll update this list in a future post. But, anyway, I'm tagging...
Hmm, I guess you will find out as I tag you!


xoxo Mo

*All images belong to their respectful owners