Skip to main content

Bruxelles, Belgium 8


I was so relieved the moment I found the perfect camouflage jacket at Mission Thrift in the city. I know, super basic Bay Area wannabe hipster right? But before you judge me, just know this item was a vital addition to my wardrobe. I had already planned an entire outfit around it. Honestly, this wasn't just any outfit, this was my layover outfit. This wasn't just any layover, it was an international layover in Brussels, Belgium for 8 hours. If you know me at all, then you know I play no games when it comes to my layover excursion outfits.

When choosing the perfect international layover excursion outfit, the key is to make it look effortless. Obviously, it's clear I put a lot of effort into mine. But no one in Belgium knew that. I'm pretty sure everyone who saw me thought, "wow what and effortless urban-street-chic-edgy look".

The time spent clearing customs and taking the train down to Bruxelles Central, left me with only 6.5 hours to eat a Belgian waffle and get the perfect Instagram photo. Unfortunately finding someone to take pictures of me took a lot more time than eating waffles did.

I asked a few people to take photos, but they did not get my angles. Just when I was about to settle for a  selfie, I noticed a car drive by me twice. The third time around, the car stopped and a man got out. My first thought was "wow you're thirsty, too bad I'm not interested". It wasn't long before I realized he couldn't speak any English and he figured out the only word I know in French is bonjour.

The language of desperation is universal. He quickly understood I was desperate for a bomb photo. This man came all the way through! Not only did he take the best photos of me outside, he also invited me into his shop where he made me tea, set me up with the Wi-Fi, and continued the photoshoot.

I literally sat in the shop with him for three hours, stuffing my face with  European candy while greeting customers and sending my cousins and friends the 567 photos he took of me. I realize it probably wasn’t the best idea to hang out with a stranger in in a foreign country. But honestly there is no way anyone who is willing to take pictures of you and gives you free candy can be a murderer right?

                                          Camo jacket- $20 Mission Thrift
                                          Black bodysuit- $26 American Apparel
                                         Adidas joggers- $70 Urban Outfitters
                                         Vans high tops- $65 Urban Outfitters
                                          Effortless casual slay- $ Priceless

                                          First word that comes to mind: Art.
                                         I felt cool being behind the register...
                                   I'm nominating this man for a Nobel Peace Prize



Honore, you're my friend for life!

Please note, they don't call me an international baddie for nothing! *Kenya Moore Twirl*

Comments

  1. Everyday I am grateful to you for keeping me in touch with what's important!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its my social responsibility! I must keep you informed :)

      Delete
  2. Hilarious!!! Love it! and love the outfit!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I LOVE the adventure in this story! I dont love the $70 for the joggers; you totally could have found the same pair at the thrift shop. Although it all came together nicely and was a chic outfit. 😍

    Also we gonna download Duolingo before you go on your next international trip tho and prepare you with some words. 😆😉

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Janelle!! ahhaaa yes you're right about the joggers, those were definitely a splurge. Omg!!! YES!! Duolingo was most definitely needed!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Been Black My Whole Life

Been Black My Whole Life I’ve been Black my whole life I get followed when they see me in sight  Lock the doors and hold that purse tight  I’ve been Black my whole life It's a wallet not a gun or a knife  I may not live to see another night  I’ve been Black my whole life 10-15 years now I'm doing time? You know damn well I didn't commit a crime I’ve been Black my whole life I'm yelling Black lives matter until they do right   Just like Sofia, all my life I had to fight ‘Cause I’ve been Black my whole life  -Amira Mensah

Raiding Amissa's Closet

"And so I thought, everyone wants to know what's in my closet, so why don't I just share it with the world?" explains Amissa, Head Curator of Amissa's Closet. I was fortunate enough to discover Amissa's closet through their Instagram page, right before their official launch. The way Amissa connects Ghana fashion to the world, while promoting individuality is the reason why Amissa's Closet has become my new favorite online boutique.  The inspiration to start the brand came from her many visits back home. With each trip back from Ghana, an overweight suitcase full of custom made pieces is sure to follow. "I really enjoy the process of creating stand out items that aren't like everyone else's but rather made from my unique perspective" she passionately exclaims.  As the fashion authority, friends and family of Amissa seek her out for fashion related advice."I found myself advising my sister and relatives about which fabrics ...

Respect the Black Woman

*The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.                                              -Malcom X The anger I feel when I am disrespected seeps past this life time into another from generations ago. The sadness I feel is the sadness of not just my own. The pain I feel is the collective pain of us all. There hasn't been a time in this country's history when the disrespect of the Black women hasn't been justified by the stereotypical characteristics attributed to us. We are defined and named as attitude, criminal, promiscuous, and most frequently, angry. For years, nothing could be done. We could only endure as we were enslaved, raped, beaten, killed and insulted. In this time as we continue to fight for equality, it is hard to not be discouraged the moment we fall victim to disrespect and nothing is done. Society sits quietly while recogniz...