Kindness

Often I get asked where did I get the last name Packer since I am African. This name is so dear to me in more ways than I can explain. This name is from my American host/adopted family (Norine and Todd Packer). When I think of the Packer, first thing that comes to mind is Kindness or kindhearted.

Kindness ~ The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.

When I met the Packers at church , I was so scared, uncertain and did not know how to act or accept them. First reason of me feeling that way was because I met them at one of my lowest time in my life where I was having horrific/ torture time with my siblings and the problems had gotten so extreme that we could not be in the same room and since I was new to the USA(2 months) I had no one or nowhere to turn. I needed parental guidance, and steady support and a home as a teenager (age 15). Second reason, I did not speak a word in English. But all that came to pass because they did all they could possible to comfort me, guide me in a way no one had ever done in my life (mind you, they were strangers to me as I was to them) yet they welcomed me with open arms in their lives and home.

With their love, and KINDNESS I became family. Todd taught me how to drive, Norine helped me with my English and would help with home work. They taught me how to work and be independent, and treated me just like one of their children and even at times felt like they went out of their way more than they should just to make sure I was alright and happy. They loved Jewelry and birthstones, I remember on my 18th birthday they got me a ring with my birthstone (ruby), I did not even know much about birthstones or which one was mine and I still wear that ring on my necklace up to today.

I still don’t know what I did for God to see the little orphan girl, who was lost and facing a lot of dilemmas that someone in their teens should never go through alone and blessed me with a family that knew nothing about me, did not look like me, did not speak my language, yet they had the kindest heart to accept me, to welcome me in their home and make me part of their family. I was so lost emotionally and mentally and they saved my life, I was afraid and had difficult time allowing anyone in my life let alone strangers and they were so patient with me for that I will forever be grateful. It was as if my parents came back to life in a different form or God’s parents to me. Being an orphan so young, I looked for parenting in many places and many ways and never really got it till the Packers came to my life.

I don’t think I have ever told the Packers how I feel, mainly because I don’t think I have the right words to express my gratitude. The level of KINDNESS they showed me, is something you rarely see or get to experience. That really taught me that KINDNESS is so powerful in whatever form, whether is lending a helping hand to someone in need, encouraging someone, or emotional support, or simply holding a door for someone, is so simple yet so meaningful. KINDNESS can bring a bond so strong between strangers and make them family.

To the Packers, I love you more than I can say, I will forever be grateful and I am who I am today because of your love and KINDNESS. I can only pray for more blessings your way for my words are no way near to the appreciation I feel inside. I saw my departed parents in you and I am so sure they were the angels that guided you to me. Thank you.

As Maya Angelou said ” My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean word with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”

And my favorite quote ” One of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon another, If someone is in need, lend them a helping hand. Do not wait for a thank you. True kindness lies within the act of giving without the expectation of something in return” ~ Unknown

 

Stay blessed and be Kind, bisou 🙂

Blazer dress

Blazers are no longer just jackets to wear to work or church. They are now a must have and necessity for any fashion enthusiast wardrobe.

Here is how I styled my favorite black blazer dress for a Friday evening out with the girls.

Stay blessed, bisou 🙂

 

 

 

Grieving and healing through prayers

I rarely blog or speak about my personal life, but today was one of those days so I decided to share something that was on my mind.

Finding courage to cope and heal from calamity is the hardest thing for anyone and there is no proper way or process for it. Everyone have their person way to get through the pain (Like: talking about the pain and how they feel. Some others like to be alone and find peace within before opening up about the pain),and from time to time, you will have low moments regardless of your choice of cope mechanism.

Personally after the loss of my parents, I have to establish a healthy way that works ( at least so far) for me to cope and heal as time goes by. In my grieving, I had to believe there is a better tomorrow and a higher power that can help me to stay strong, hopeful and have faith to move forward. I established that through PRAYER AND WORSHIP. I can not say it has been easy, and I am still learning and a work in progress. Some of the bible verses that help me :

“Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:26

My desire is to share my story in hopes to help someone who is or have been struggling with bereavement. As Barack Obama said “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”

Stay blessed, Bisou 🙂

Black Panther, LA premier

Let’s address the black excellence at the LA black panther movie premier. The stars were mostly in African traditional inspired clothing.

From Janelle Monae (her head and neck piece with African beading was grandiose. Loved it),  Daniel Kaluuya ( represented his Ugandan origins with a Kanzu traditional wear and paired it with a velvet blazer. On point), Lupita Nyang’o, Chad Baseman, etc…

It is very pleasurable to see the African traditional wear on the red carpet. The rich colors, head wraps, embellishments, was all fantastic.

 

 

 

Stay Blessed, Bisou 🙂

Happy holidays

I hope this festive season is blissful to everyone and filled with blessings. As of mine, I was blessed to spend this Christmas with my sisters and also celebrate my niece’s birthday who was born on Christmas eve.

Since it is rare to see most of my siblings together at the same time, due to that we all travel very often and live in different states, and cities, we really had to make sure it was fun filled and my older sister really put together a great party with food, drinks, music and great energy, positivity, etc… I’m truly grateful to have had a great Christmas and looking forward to this new year.

Happy holidays, Bisou 🙂

Dress: Akira // Coat: Akira // Shoes: Akira // Watch: Fossil 

And you can’t talk about the holidays without talking the holiday music. Here is a song I just found and now is my favorite and on repeat. Hope you will love it too 🙂

Dapper looks for men

With the holidays impending, everyone is out shopping and considering outfits. I rarely post male fashion and ideas, but this is a proper time and we all love a well dressed man especially for holidays, where there are a lot holiday events, families get together, etc… I picked some of my favorites male looks that range from simply define to suits, African styles, and casual chick  and hope you all will love them or get ideas of your own for you or for the men in your life.

Stay blessed, bisou 🙂

(please be advised the pictures above don not belong to me, they are from my research online)

AFWC 2017

I have had a privilege to be part of the annual African Fashion Week Chicago for 4 years now and each year it is a fascinating experience to see the different creativity from each designer. I have been a model, creative model director and stylist in this event and I have learned a lot and truly love being part of this organization.

This year the designers that I had an opportunity to work with are Binta Sagale, Joquette Boutique, My Ilava, Chicago Playground and Rougue Bear.

There were so many photos taken but I will try to share some of my favorites during and after the show.

 

I didn’t get a chance to take many personal photos but I thought I would share couple photos of my dress 🙂

excuse the photo bomber 🙂

Stay blessed, Bisou 🙂

Multicolored striped top

Few days ago I went to Zara store near my office looking for shoes. While trying to find a distinct pair of shoes, I suddenly spotted a breathtaking blouse. This blouse has funnel collar , hip-length, multi colored, long sleeves, with a back zip, printed fabric and a charming bow. I had to have this blouse even though I had no intention to buy cloths when I went to Zara. Per usual, I had to share the look 🙂

Side note: I cut my hair and I am still trying to warm up to the big changes!

Blouse: Zara // Pants: http://www.fashionnova.com // Shoes: Akira 

Stay blessed, Bisou 🙂

Floral shirt

I have mentioned before that Fall/ Autumn is my favorite season of the year, especially the fall season’s fashion choices. I love layered clothing styles with light jackets, sweater and combining it with colors.

This time for once I tried a floral shirt, which is something I have always been against! I’m not a huge fan floral tops, but this one cute pink floral print stole my heart and I had to have it. I combined it with a black high waisted skirt and a long sleeves pink satin jacket(which due to the wind was flying all over 😦 ) and I went a little extravagant and added an African head wrap! I adored the look and wanted to share.

Pink floral shirt: H&M // Black skirt: Gift // Jacket : fashionnova.com // Head wrap: African akara/Kitenge // Shoes: Adlo

Stay blessed, Bisou 🙂

 

 

Sade over sized sweater

If you are a fan or love SADE, there is no way you will walk way without notice or buying the new Sade over sized sweater at Zara. The sweater is black with a photo of Sade’s baby father cover.

At first I wasn’t so sure how I would pull it off since it is over sized and I more of a fitted attire, but there is no way i would have turn this sweater down, so I paired it up with black high waist jean, and it worked! (see photos below)

Sweater: Zara // Black jeans: H&M // Shoes: Zara // African headband scarf 

Stay blessed, Bisou 🙂