Fashion allows us to celebrate who we are everyday, and this summer is one of the greatest celebrations for me. This outfit is just the start of summer and my celebration of graduating from UC Davis after 7 years (with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture) and a celebration for the amazing life that awaits me! (iA)
After taking a hiatus for the past few weeks (sorry I have not been posting), I am rested and ready to continue on my story – and this blog is one of the many important chapters in my life. I started this blog to help bring some creativity in my day, but it has become so much more than just a creative outlet. It has become a passion, a part of me, and to let modest women and girls remember that we too have a place in the fashion world. I have met many new people and have forged wonderful friendships from this blog, and from the love and encouragement from so many Blackbows’ readers I have gained a new level of confidence and self worth.
As a thank you, for all the support and love I am doing a giveaway! The giveaway is a $30.00 (US) giftcard to the winners favorite clothing store! As I mentioned earlier, fashion is an expression and celebration of us, and just like so many have believed in me, I believe in you, and want you to celebrate with me!
(There are some simple rules so please see the end of the blog so you dont miss out!)
Above are my two favorite pieces for summer so far. My Zara hot pink sandals and my Willis Bag from Coach. Willis (as I call my bag) and I already have an amazing summer planned. Long walks on the beach, shopping, and site seeing. You will be seeing a lot of him in the next few post!
Thank you again to everyone who has been following Blackbows but most importantly, for you support and encouragement. It means the world to me, and I hope you all continue with me on this journey.
Have a great summer, remember and celebrate you, and until next time…
Happy fashioning!
Love,
ANI
~Outfit ~
Dress: H&M (great alternative) ~ Shoes: Zara (sold out but these are great!) ~ Jeans: Forever 21 ~ Bag: Coach “Willis” ~ Jewels: Bauble Bar,Five Ring Set Rings: c/o Coach (Thanks Minna!, get purchase here), J.Crew, Forever 21.
**Blog Rules**
1. Please follow my blog.
If you don’t have a wordpress account or other blog, you can follow using your email. Just type it in the box under “FOLLOW BLACKBOWS”.
2. By Thursday 7/5/2012, in my comment box, please tell me what inspires you, what chapter of your life you are on, or where you would spend the gift card. OR of you really want to, write about all three!
3. Hang tight till next friday 7/6/2012 when the winner will be announced and invite your friends to follow blackbows too (that way if they win, you can convince them to let you have half!)
4. GOOD LUCK!!!
the little black lookbook 
Pink shoes… love them!
Thank you!
Welcome:-)
Hey Amal! This is such a cool blog and I really look up to you for reaching out to so many ppl with it.
I am starting my third year of college in the fall. This summer, I have really started to embrace the idea that I really need to pursue a future that I want for the right reasons. Without going into too much detail, I have spent the last 2 years convincing myself that I can be happy in certain industries. It has taken me 2 years to confront the voice in my head that keeps shouting DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS?
I can’t say with 100% confidence that I have found the one thing that will make me happy. But I can say without a doubt that I have gladly eliminated some options that shouldn’t have been on the table to begin with.
What inspired me to reach this point is an eclectic mix of several components. I stayed in Berkeley for the summer to work and take classes. At first, I hated the idea of not being home with my family and friends. It took no more than a few weeks to realize that staying here for the summer was the best decision I could have made. I have met people I never would have had I stayed home. I have learned skills that will be valuable post-summer, and I have brought my Bay Area bucket list to life.
Speaking of bucket lists, one of the items on mine was to go to the Walt Disney Museum in Presidio. I recently went and was blown away. The museum was a chronological masterpiece, following Disney from his childhood all the way to his last days in the 1960’s. Disney said many brilliant things in his lifetime but one of them has stuck to me: If you can dream it, you can do it. I have some ideas in my mind of certain things that I want to do with my life. I’ve spent a lot of time writing them off or regarding them as silly or unrealistic. But this summer has changed that pessimistic mentality. If I genuinely want to do something, I will find a way to do it.
I read somewhere once that people should gain status through experiences, not objects. Thus, I will not be purchasing anything inanimate with the gift card. Instead, I will spend the money on a new experience. The next item on my bucket list is Alcatraz so there’s your answer :)
I love your sandals, Zara is definitely my favourite store. I love the combination of the pink and orange too – so summery! I just finished college last year and started a new chapter working in my family business with my mom. I’m actually out in the big bad world now! Scary lol
I love Zara too, the clothes make me so happy! Congrats on graduating and I agree, entering the real world IS scary! Best of luck, and thank you so much for following my blog!!!
I love your blog. Every one of your outfits is fresh and colorful. I’d like to have more clothing choices that reflect my feelings of well being and happiness! I’m so glad you’re continuing your blog. YOU in inspire me!
I hope that you are enjoying the experience of finding clothes that reflect what you need, because I know it can be a challenge trying to find that one piece you are looking for and just can’t!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
Hi Katie!!!
Thank you so much love!!! I am thinking of doing a segment where we go over how to put certain looks together with certain pieces… do you think that would help?
Best of luck, and thank you again for the love!!!
(don’t forget to follow if you are not already!)
Hi Amal,
First of all congratulations on graduating. I’m so proud of you! Secondly I’d like to enter your contest, I absolutely love your fashion sense and if I don’t win I’d love to go shopping with you. I’m about to enter my 3rd year of college and I am ready to develop my own sense of fashion, I know a little bit about what I like and what looks good but they never work as cohesively as I’d like. Your outlook really inspires me to be an amazing person. I hope we can spend some time together.
Katie