Essence Block Party

Photo credit: Tori Mumtaz

Last weekend was a pretty big weekend for me—both as a blogger and personally. I not only got to attend the Essence Street Style Block party for the first time, but I was honored as the Street Style Maven of Year! The build up to the moment has been over a month in the making, but it didn’t actually feel real until I was standing on the stage to accept my award. Blogging—though it may look like all glam, all the time—it is really hard work. It takes a lot of time and often the reward for your work doesn’t seem so apparent. But the reason so many of us keep pressing forward is because we truly love what we do. Being able to be our own bosses, partnering with other creative and likeminded individuals and putting content out into the world that reflect who were are. So, being honored with this award was an exciting and tangible reminder that hard work does indeed pay off!

Now, finding something to wear to the event proved to be even harder than I had imagined. I wanted to wear something fitting for the event—cool, casual, colorful—but I also felt like as an honoree that I needed to “stand out”. I mean, when you’re being presented an award for your style, you can’t exactly show up in just any ole thing. So, go hard or go home, right?! You’d think so. But ultimately, I decided to stay true to what had gotten me to that point in the first place and just wear an outfit that represents my style just as it’s featured on this space. The top I already owned and other than shooting for the blog last year, I’d never worn anywhere. So I guess that counts as new? Lol. The striped pants I purchased at Nordstrom along with the Converses. They were each pieces that I purchased separately with no real idea what I’d wear with them, but just knew I liked them. I got home, saw the top hanging in my closet and decided—on a whim—to try it all on together and shockingly, I liked it! Like, really, REALLY liked it! Other people really liked it too, because I swear I took about 2 million photos the day of the block party. But overall, I had a great time. I got to meet Kelly Rowland and Zendaya (#fangirlmoments!!!!) and many of NYC friends stopped by to say hi. I’m already looking forward to next year!

What I’m Wearing:

C/Meo Collective Top sold out 

Topshop Pants c/o Nordstrom

Hi-Top Converse Sneakers c/o Nordstrom

Zipper Embellished Backpack c/o Dolce Vita Bags