How I found my signature style

I'm going to backtrack a bit to how I felt about fashion and my body years ago. Besides wanting to fit in with others so badly, I was much smaller than everyone I spent around with and at that time, that was not desirable. I struggled to love my body until I was nearing graduation with my bachelor's. Moving to Beijing was a game changer altogether. I started to accept my small petite frame and fell in love more with my body. I regained my confidence and started trying different things with my clothes. It was all fun and games until I started to put on weight and began what I always termed "growing into my adult body". This was pretty much back to square one with this style stuff.

Over time I became interested in finding, defining, and curating a style that felt uniquely "me". Living in Shanghai played a significant role in me finding something that was uniquely me. The city is rich in fashion and people who express themselves through their style and embrace individuality. So much confidence surrounding me. Individuality means not being scared to do what feels best for you instead of what people want to impose on you. I was determined to find something that I identify with.

…fast forward

So, when I started this blog, I thought I'd be a fashion blogger. I've spent a lot of time writing about stuff around me in terms of fashion and just realised I've never actually delved into how I identified my own signature style. The word "signature" makes me sound like I'm very put together, so I will go with that. I always thought I had it nailed regarding my personal style. Pinterest, Tumblr, glamour and cosmopolitan magazines as inspiration to get that aesthetic. A moment of silence for the death of individuality…

In an age of influencers, Instagram and celebrity trendsetters, the concept of embracing individuality is becoming increasingly relevant. Instead of dressing like someone else, finding a style that represents who you are is a powerful communication tool. It can give you an identity - and on top of that, it sets you apart from the crowd. Anyway, after channelling the inner African mother in me, you know, the ones who take pleasure in getting dressed, looking good and being your own kind of glamourous, I finally found my style! I've wound you up enough with this background… now for my key pieces, pieces that helped me identify my style.

This Paparusso, this very picture, was a moment of love at first sight. When I wore this dress, I felt like I was stepping into a new life, embracing the woman in me. My weight fluctuations, I still felt great in the dress! It's a dress that gave me confidence. So when I am looking for dresses, it has to make me feel like this one does. Every time I put on clothes, I want it to feel like something special, even if it's just throwing out the trash or grocery shopping!

Never underestimate my love for comfort when it comes to shoes. I have 2 of my go-to shoes. I got the pair of trainers from Massimo Dutti when I bought my dad some shoes. I tried this shoe and felt like these "boots are made for walking". I can easily dress them up or dress them down.

My second pair of comfortable shoes is the Jimmy Choo Romy 100. It's such a classic pointed pump that dresses up just about anything. I love shiny things, and this shoe embodies my inner Beyonce!

I strongly believe in black dresses. Any type, really!! I have quite a few in different shapes and sizes, and they work very well for just about any occasion… and on the days I have no idea what to wear. I have never really splurged on these, but my favourite is a long one from Massimo Dutti and a balloon sleeve short dress from HM.

White pants! That is all!

I am not a blazer or coat girl, so it took me a while to find one I could finally fall in love with. I found this Prince of Wales checked twill trench coat Maje, and now you will have to pay me to get it off me. Now that I think of it, I have a blazer from Paparusso that looks similar but shorter. Maybe I’m a checked twill jacket girl.

This bag! The universe sent me someone special who gifted it to me. insert all the emotional and love stuff here Besides the bag being of sentimental value and stuff, it ties right into my idea of fashion, what it represents for me. This bag has become part of my uniform, the things that are with me everyday.

Speaking of accessories, I also have 3 that I don't remove. I got them for my 30th birthday as well. a simple Daniel Wellington silver bracelet and ring, and a ring from Pandora that I wear every day… EVERYDAY! And when I'm feeling very glam, there is a set of teardrop earrings from Givenchy that dress up any look

Last on my list of signature pieces is any dress with a slit! I love slits! They add an extra edge to my outfits, and I love that.

This is not the exhaustive list of my signature pieces, but I can guarantee you that you will see me wearing at least 3 of these things in a week..