#OOTD: Petals + Pumps

Hello Beautiful!

Spring Fashion is best known for Floral Prints & Appliqués, so when I got invited to the Pandora Bahamas 2nd Anniversary “Petals & Pumps” Mixer, I felt that I should bid Spring a farewell by wearing the theme… Petals & Pumps!

I don’t know about You but, I dress from my feet upward. So I already knew I wanted to wear my blue suede pumps. They’re my absolute favourite. I just needed a dress to compliment them.

Luckily for Me, there was a dress waiting  at one of my favourite clothing stores in Nassau, Bahamas, JaDazzles!

No matter the occasion, JaDazzles always has an outfit that fits my body, and my style! Pumps check! Dress Check! I was on My way to the Pandora event.

Here’s what  I wore:

  • A Floral Bodycon Over-the-Shoulder Dress
  • Blue Suede Liliana Pumps
  • A Gold Metal Clutch (without the strap)
  • Michael Kors Jewelry

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Follow My Blog with Your email, so You don’t miss My recap of the DO Pandora Event this Thursday.

Xo,

Conesha

#OOTD: Peachy Keen, Jelly Bean

Hello Beautiful,

One day I was scrolling through Instagram (ya’ll know I love the ‘gram; follow Me here), and I came across this quote meme that read, ” Make Choices that Liberate You”.

I kept scrolling, but that quote stayed. It stayed in My mind and I would hear it echoing every day, “Make Choices that Liberate You. Make Choices that Liberate You. Make Choices that Liberate You.”

So, I did just that. Made Choices to Liberate Me.

I braided My hair, because My relaxed hair would take too much time to fix in the mornings before work. Braids are much easier.

I walked away from relationships that made Me feel more anxious than at ease.

I applied for a new position that will give me more structure in my schedule, than shifts that felt like they stole all my time.

With each choice I made, I started to feel lighter, and free. Now, when someone asks how I’m doing I can honestly reply, “Peachy Keen, Jelly Bean.” like Rizzo in the movie Grease.

Speaking of peachy, and feeling light, I had lunch last week and those two words describe My outfit of the day perfectly.

Here’s what I wore:

  • A Peach Crop Top & Trouser Pants Set
  • Nude Three Strap Sandal Heels
  • Gold Hoops
  • Gold Michael Kors Watch
  • Multiple Beaded Bracelets
  • Midi Ring
  • Nude Clutch

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Xo.

Conesha

 

#OOTD: My Art

Hello Beautiful!

If you’ve ever visited my Instagram page – @242blqrze, you’ve possibly wondered if I’m the same person in all of my pics.

I mean I look the same, but my style of dress changes so much. Whenever someone ask me to describe my style, I’m unable to give them a straightforward answer. But my honest answer would be similar to Rihanna’s at the 2017 Met Gala.

Andre’ Leon Talley asked her to “describe Avant Garde” in her world, “in music and fashion.” Rihanna then said, “I love Art, and I think its such a free range of expression and you can do whatever you want in that space… to be whatever you want, however you want.”

I feel the same way.

I don’t play instruments, I can’t draw. Style is My Art.

So last week, I wore “My Art”, to go admire some street art on my island. It’s a wall mural by Bahamian Artist June Collie entitled “The Beat Drum Club”. My outfit is perfect for saying “Hello” to Summer and “See You Later” to Spring!

Here’s what I wore:

  • A White Off the Shoulder Bell Sleeve A-Line Dress
  • Colourful Print Strapped Up Wedges
  • Gold Disc Bib Necklace
  • Assortment of Bracelets
  • Vintage Blue Stone Ring
  • A Native Bahamian Straw Handbag

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To watch Rihanna’s full interview with Andre’ Leon Talley at this year’s Met Gala click here.

Xo,

Conesha

5 Ways to Travel Smarter, Not HARDER!

Hello Beautiful,

I’ve recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and that trip inspired me in so many ways! By the time that this post is up, You would’ve heard all about My trip to Nashville already.

And if you haven’t… head over to my “Nassau Gal in Nashville” blog post, where I go more in-depth about my time in Nashville. However in this post, I wanted to give you 5 tips on how to travel smarter!

I’ve been traveling for most of my life, but now that I’m an adult, I’m finding more and more ways to save money and be more productive on my trips. These tips are for anyone because EVERYONE travels!

So let’s get started…

Tip 1: Long Layovers or Delays?… Read!

During my travels to Nashville, I took a plane from Nassau, Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida first, then a plane from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Nashville Tennessee.

The wait between Fort Lauderdale and Nashville was about 3 hours long. Normally, I would just connect to the airport WiFi and scroll the ‘gram, but this time my friend encouraged Me to purchase some reading material for the wait.

Smart Idea! As there was a magazine stand ahead, and I’ve been meaning to purchase some new fashion magazines anyway!

Occupying your mind during a long or unexpected wait also saves you from spending money in the airport’s overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops.

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Tip 2: Let Your Hotel Save You Money!

Did you know your Hotel could save you money on Food and Transportation?

I’m picky when it comes to where I lay my head. That use to override the cost for me all the time! I would want to stay in an expensive hotel, just because the Lobby was pretty. Yet, I still had to pay a lot per night with nothing extra except housekeeping.

On this trip I thought SMART! Instead of staying in a super stylish hotel, I opted for an Embassy Suite. And here’s why…

A. It offered Airport Shuttle, which was a FREE ride to and from the hotel along with a FREE ride anywhere within 3 miles of the Hotel.

B. It had complimentary made-to-order American style breakfast every morning and a complimentary cocktail hour in the afternoon.

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That means I saved money on transportation to and from the airport. I saved on one meal every day, and believe me it was delicious!! And I saved on drinks. Who doesn’t like a free “turn up?”

Tip 3: Lyft Less!

Lyft seems to be the new transportation craze, and I must admit it’s pretty awesome.

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During the Nashville trip, my friend and I used a Lyft account. At first it started out effective cost wise and time wise, but soon it started to get expensive even though we were splitting the cost.

Believe me boo, $11.00, 2 – 3 times per day can add up!

Then it hit me, we were Lyfting wrong!

We were so excited to see Nashville, we were like we’ll go here and Lyft. Go there and Lyft. Come back and Lyft again.

However, the smart thing would’ve been to make a list of all the places we wanted to go to in a close proximity and average out the time we would spend there.

Then take one Lyft to that area. Once there, walk to different locations and maximize the time there.

Then, take a Lyft back tot he hotel.

4. Split & Share… Smart Idea!

Traveling with some can be fun! Especially a fun-loving friend or a funny family member!

The second best part about travelling with some else, is you get to experience more stuff for the price of one!

My friend and I split and shared cost from the hotel room, to the Lyft rides, to food.

One of the best ways to do this is with Food.

Chose a restaurant, you’d both like to try or one that, one of you have never tried before.

You select one thing off the menu and your friend select another.

Then ask for an additional plate, and split the food.

Enjoy your meal, then split the bill!

That way, you’ve both just had two dishes for the price of one meal.

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5. Smile and ask Questions!

My plane ride from Nassau to Nashville wasn’t a connecting flight, but it was two separately booked flights. One from Nassau to Lauderdale, and one from Lauderdale to Nashville.

Because they were two separately booked flights, ideally I would have to claim my bags twice (once in Lauderdale and once in Nashville). However, the smartest move my friend and I could’ve made on this trip was to ask the airline rep to check us all the way through. After all we were using the same airline.

A smile and a question saved me $50 dollars in checked in luggage and the hassle of having to go to baggage claim in one state to check in again for another!

A question and a smile also saved us money in transportation one day! Instead of paying $11+ with Lyft, we got a free bus ride to Nashville bus station and directions on a $2 bus ride to our next attraction.

I’m telling you… a smile and a question can save you on much more than you think!

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So there you have it! 5 ways to Travel Smarter.

Spring Break is here, Summer is about to make a comeback and that means more time to travel at your leisure!

So if you’re thinking about taking a trip, remember these 5 tips.

Safe and Smart Travels, Beautiful.

Xo.

Conesha

Fun at the Festival!

Hello Beautiful!

Saturday October 22ND, was the first time I got out and enjoyed myself since Hurricane Matthew and it really was a great feeling! I curled my hair, applied some make up, and threw together a cute boho chic outfit to attend the 21st International Wine Cultural & Food Festival held at the Botanical Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas.

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Boho Chic – Turban Head Wrap, Oversize Off the Shoulder Blouse, Vintage Gap Jeans Shorts, Cognac Sandals, Michael Kors Vanilla Print Backpack, and Stacked Bangles

The “Food Festival” as it is called for short is one of the most anticipated events in the Bahamas every year! With countries from all over the world participating and selling some of their native dishes, and crafts, the event draws a huge crowd of all ages for a celebration of uniqueness & culture.

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I’ve been attending this event from I was a child. My mom would take me and my younger brother every year, until we were old enough and started going with our friends, and hopefully one day I’ll be going with my own little family.

I love the “Food Festival”! Here’s a recap of my day…

First I stopped by a Bank of the Bahamas exchange booth, to change my Bahamian money into Festival dollars. You’re not allowed to change the Festival Dollars back into Bahamian money, so I decided to start with a small amount of $30. By the end of that day I spent like $60 in total.

Next, I took a stroll around the garden, just to see what all the countries had to offer before I started shopping and spending money. I stopped by Peru, Haiti, Jamaica, and The Bahamas amongst others.

After walking around I found my first stop! The Eye Candy Makeup store booth was offering face painting, temporary tattoos and Henna ink. I’m a big tattoo lover and I’m intrigued by the Indian culture so I was excited to get a Henna Ink tattoo on my left hand. It was $10.00, and I paid it in Festival Dollars.

Next, I started searching for food. A friend recommended Tacos from Mexico, but I didn’t see their booth this year. Eventually I settled for something quick and easy, a stuff crab from a Bahamian booth. I didn’t want to walk around with food, and the stuff crab is small, easy to hold and you can eat it quickly.

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I’m not a big alcoholic drinker, but Kalik had a special drink at the festival called the “Pink Front”. Don’t ask me why it’s called that, but it was a very light but tasty drink. It’s a mix of Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and the kicker, a Kalik Radler. Kalik is a Bahamian beer brand. I loved that drink, and plan on mixing my own when the mood hits.

At the festival there are also live performances, so I took some time out to watch a dance performance and fashion showcase before more walking around again. I saw people sitting on blankets and cots watching the show. I’m going to keep that in mind for next year so I can sit and watch the performances comfortably.

The International Wine Culture & Food Festival is a beautiful event that brings so much people together. The Bahamas is truly a melting pot, so it must be such a pleasure for non-Bahamians who live here to enjoy their culture during the 2-day event. You will smell different aromas of different foods and the sweet sounds of each countries national music. You will see old friends and meet new ones. It’s a blast to attend.

Do’s for the Food Festival:

  1. Wear Flat Shoes! Some parts of the ground are uneven and you may fall.
  2. Dress Cool and Comfortable because the sun is very hot!
  3. Budget how much you want to spend that day, because you can go overboard.
  4. Ask for samples of the food and drinks.
  5. Carry an Umbrella and a blanket or lounger chair. Seats are limited, create your own!
  6. Research some main dishes from other countries and make a list to try them.
  7. Go with Family, Friends or PETS!
  8. Carry a tote to collect all the goddies and trinkets you may purchase.
  9. Go early, and leave late! Make a day of it.
  10. Carry a camera, the day makes for great pictures!

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See more pics from My one-day experience at the IWCFF 2016:

 

 

Up Close and… PURSENAL!

Hello Beautiful,

There is a new trend brewing in Paradise and this one is Personal to Me!

As a Fashion Girl, many would think my first love is clothes. But its actually shoes. And my second love is actually bags, and clutches! Then its clothes…

Well, I recently discovered my new favourite Bag and Clutch brand, Pursenal Paradiyse, and this is personal to Me because the designer and brand is all BAHAMIAN! Ya’ll know I love and represent the 242, My Bahamas!

D’Letha Nairn, caught my attention with her hand painted art, of some of my favourite “Bahamian Tings”, on contrasting coloured clutches on Instagram. A friend of mine had raved about the purses, but it wasn’t until I looked for myself that I was truly amazed. The purses reminded me of the Gucci Dionysus Bags and the Gucci Ghost Collection. You know the ones with the spray paint design that says “REAL Gucci”?! Yea… those! However, her design are more like art…wall paintings… on a purse!

The Flamingo Clutch was my first purchase. It’s a dark blue clutch with our national bird, The Pink Flamingo, painted on it. Soon as I got it, I was determined to wear it and I found it to be perfect for a causal night out outfit that weekend.

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Pursenal ParaDiyse Flamingo Clutch
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Rocking My Flamingo Clutch from Pursenal ParaDiyse at the OctoberFest Popcaan Concert in Nassau, Bahamas

The clutches are so funky and artistic, they add so much personality to a simple outfit. Oh! and they’re big enough to fit your cell phone, wallet, make-up compact, lipstick, and sunglasses!

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The next clutch I purchased was a white clutch with the Chain of Islands of The Bahamas painted in black! Black and White is a classy combination and the simplicity of the design is perfect for any outfit you may have in mind.

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Pursenal ParaDiyse Chain of Islands Clutch

I wore my second clutch to dinner and it complimented my little black dress and scrappy heels perfectly! Visit my Instagram page to see more pics of me rocking my clutches.

I intend to purchase a few more clutches, for myself and my friends and family! I may also give one away to my subscribers! Comment below and let me know if you’d like to win one.

For more designs and prices from Pursenal ParaDiyse click here.

Until next time Beautiful!

Xx,

Co’La

OOTD: Jeans and Sleeveless Coats

Hello Beautiful!

Its been rainy and cold lately here, in the 242, but it was a sweet happy day when the Sun came out last week Friday!

It’s time to transition from Fall/Winter fashion into Spring. Even though we haven’t had much of Fall/Winter in the Bahamas, I still respect the seasons and love to dress accordingly. So I was especially happy to break out my new sleeveless trench coat, that I bought in yellow (perfect for Spring and Summer). The style and colour of this coat made it  the perfect transition piece between the seasons. Then I paired it with some ripped jeans and a small brim fedora I bought from Forever 21 at least 3 year ago and never wore!

Click HERE to see more pieces that I bought for Full but can wear during the Spring and Summer.

Get the Look:

Yellow Sleeveless Coat: TheFashionPalace (Instagram)

Ripped Jeans: TheFashionPalace (Instagram)

Shoes: fashionnova.com

Hat: forever21.com

Bag: shoptrinkets.com

Accessories: Personal Collection

Sunglasses: shopjadazzles.com

 

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