Laughter, Watermelon Sangria, and the NYC Skyline

June 29, 2017 in NYC, STORY TELLING

The summer breeze relaxed me as I closed my eyes on the plush lounge chair. I felt my shoulders getting less tense, and all my little troubles melting away. Nemah's loud laughter almost disappeared in the background. But there's no tuning out the spicy Ghanian/Tanzanian woman who keeps our office organized and ships everything with so much care. I pictured Toni, the newest addition to our team, trying to shush Nemah or giving her the side-eye to get her to behave. Shenel who is part of our operating and creative crew helped to keep me from falling on the hammock as I tried to hold my drink in one hand and keep my dress down from the wind in the other. She's the calmest of the group and observes quietly while trying to make plans on how to distance herself from the super loud, colorful group. And Indigo, not quite part of the team, but a huge supporter since she moved to New York watches us as we strategically place our drinks on the table for some photo ops. We may not be working, but we will get creative!

Impromptu Date Night with Come From Away

March 24, 2017 in NYC, STORY TELLING

The musical takes us to September 12th, when 38 airplanes and over 6,500 passengers were stranded in a giant airport in Newfoundland. The small town of only 3,000 opened their homes to these passengers. Town officials started collecting all necessary items to welcome their new guests, and the entire town came together to provide relief efforts. Townspeople utilized all public spaces, as well as private establishments, in order to provide their new guests with shelter and food. Human kindness could not have been displayed in a more phenomenal and heart-warming way.

Touch me - A Valentine's Day Lookbook

February 06, 2017 in STYLE, NYC

Touch me
Not with your hands
Nor with your lips, you see
Embrace me
With just your words
Sweet nothings
Caressing my ears
Sending chills across my neck
Down to my back
Tell me

Feeling Full...

November 24, 2016 in NYC, STORY TELLING

In addition to being a full time student at the university, I served on the board of several on-campus organizations, worked three part-time jobs, and during the holiday season, I'd scour the student center website and craigslist for random gigs. During my freshman year, I found a dish-washing/serving opportunity at a wealthy family's home in a town near my campus on Thanksgiving. It offered $15-$20/hour just to help clear tables, wash dishes, and tidy the kitchen.

I remember that day clearly because I'd never experience anything of the sort. It was my first time ever setting foot in a wealthy American home. It was the kind of home I read about when I was just an awkward, skinny, dreamer-girl in Haiti. The kind of home I thought I'd move into when the US called for me, not the one-bedroom apartment in Newark my parents, little brother, and I found refuge to during my early teenage years. The place that collected most of my tears.

Fall floral and grey tones

November 02, 2016 in STYLE, NYC

I got this grey hat from my local hats store in Harlem about a week before my 30th birthday. I find pleasure in going in a men's shop to try on various hats. I always tip each hat to the side and stare at my profile for a little Paola drama. There's just something about buying things made for men, from men, that I love. I get this strange feeling of freedom and power. Is that weird?

Vintage Blazer with Pops of Color

October 20, 2016 in STYLE, NYC

I scored this Chanel vintage blazer at JBBORN, a second hand shop founded and operated by television hit series Born To Style, in Harlem right before it closed. When I tried it on, I loved the fit so much, I didn't even realize it was a Chanel piece. Double win! I kept it in my closet for a while. Why do I do this? I find a blazer. I get thrilled! I buy it, and then it sits there for a while... Because I'm waiting on Michelle Obama to invite me out?

Fall Uniform: Mini skirt, turtle neck, ankle boots

October 10, 2016 in NYC, STYLE

Block heeled ankle boots are a must have. They're comfortable, versatile, and accentuate legs with the right amount of height. I wear them with jeans, cropped trousers, mini or midi skirts. They're simply a necessary. I've compiled a list of nine eye-catching ankle boots starting at $129 that will compliment pretty much any outfit your heart desires.

Girls, Champagne and Bathrobes

August 31, 2016 in NYC, STORY TELLING

This past weekend was a dream. I celebrated my bachelorette party with eight amazing friends from different stages of my life who all came together to plan a beautiful evening that led to a two day event. I couldn't help but feel full that night. Full of love. Full of light. Full of gratitude. Full of life.

D and the Sunflower Garden

August 16, 2016 in NYC, STORY TELLING

I met a man outside of a garden on a small street in Harlem yesterday. Let's call him "D". He bent down, pulled out a bag of cat food and made a careful spread on two paper plates, then slid them underneath the fence. He patiently waited as multiple cats appeared from the flowers, rocks, and all kinds of little nooks to attend the feast. Earlier, I noticed when he walk past me from where I was standing, but I was focused on the bee buzzing all over the sunflower I was trying to photograph.

Casual uptown

August 16, 2016 in STYLE, NYC

Last week, I met up with my old friend Alejandro to discuss the photography for my wedding. Yes friends, we're just a few weeks away from the big day! We started with coffee at Cafeine, then realizing we were actually starving, we continued the party next door at Row House. New York City has been going through a terrible (but wonderful for me) heatwave the past few weeks. It makes getting ready so easy because it forces me to keep it simple. Flowy dresses or tops, or easy rompers like this wonderful Jolie Coquette one are my go-to in my closet.

Why Curlfest is more than just curls

June 28, 2016 in PEOPLE, EVENTS, NYC

Curlfest, a festival hosted by Curly Girl Collective annually to celebrate natural hair, is about more than just curls. It's an exploration of beauty, creativity, positivity, and sisterhood. It's another event that reminds me why I'm so proud of my black heritage. It's an exhibit of power and grace...