concrete jungle



Diane von Furstenberg luggage, Zara shopper bag

To celebrate the Fourth of July, I went to New York City and had the time of my life. I stayed for four glorious days with my good friend-slash-the World's most hospitable host, Jeremy.

My Top 10 Moments of 2012

It’s crazy to look back at all that happened this year! Here are a few of my favorite moments of 2012!


10. Discovering New Music



This year, I discovered some of my favorite bands in the world. For almost 6 years, my favorite band was Art Brut—the pseudo-punk art wave band from Berlin. This year, they were beat out by L.A.-based band Local Natives. If I had to commission music to accompany a documentary about my life, I’d definitely call them up. The band’s sound is so breezy, thoughtful, and totally embodies my mood. Their second album comes out in January 2013. I cannot wait for more amazing music from them.

A few other favorites this year were Tune-Yards, Phoenix, Azealea Banks, Iggy Azalea, and of course, 2 Chainz.

9. Maintaining my GPA




Spring 2012, Summer 2012 and Fall 2012 were tough semesters for me! I was busy with internships and freelancing, had to commute to campus, and had lots of different responsibilities on campus; I don’t know where I found time to study! However I did it, I managed to raise my GPA this year from a 3.92 to a 3.95!


8. Going to Miami



I went to Miami for Spring Break this year! This was the first trip I’ve ever taken on my own without adult supervision. We stayed in a hotel on Collins in South Beach, so we were close to all the action! I funded the trip completely on my own, and I went with three of my close friends. It was an amazing five days; I felt independent and grown up. Miami is one of my favorite places in the world now. The weather is amazing, and the club scene and the shopping was even better!


7. Becoming Public Relations Director of The Hilltop Newspaper



This year, I had the pleasure of serving as the inaugural public relations director of Howard University’s prestigious Hilltop Newspaper. Under the leadership of Christina Downs, editor-in-chief and now one of my closest friends, my fellow editors and I made the paper more digital and more easily accessible to Howard University students through the use of social media. I am so glad to be a part of such a phenomenal group of school wide leaders. Being on the editorial staff has been such an unexpected blessing in my life. These strong women have helped me grow this semester. I’ve built such a special bond with them, and I’m so thankful for the Hilltop Staff!

6. Watching my sister become a debutante

It seems like just yesterday that I was being presented to society, and now it’s my little sister’s turn! I’ve been running around all holiday season to deb events and my family has been preparing for Lauren’s reception on the 28^th. I’ve been so happy to spend time at dinners, teas, and lunches with my deb sisters and my friends who were deb escorts. It’s such an exciting time! Although her debutante ball isn’t until the 30^th of this month, I know it will be one of my favorite moments of the year. I can’t wait to see her in her white gown. She has grown into such a beautiful woman!


5. Freelancing as a fashion journalist



I lived my dream this year when I was afforded the opportunity to write my own weekly column for Houston Style Magazine and to freelance as a fashion reporter. I also wrote for Urbanista Magazine this year. I hope to continue writing more for them both in the future!


4. Living Alone in My Apartment

With the help of three wonderful guy friends (thanks again, y’all!), I moved into my apartment this May. I’m the first tenant to ever live in my unit, so it’s been a joy to christen the space and fill it with good karma and even better parties! I got to showcase my interior design skills (my black, white, and cream kitchen and living room are my favorite spaces), and I love living on my own. It gives me a huge sense of independence; I finally feel like a real adult!


3. Becoming a part of the PRSSA E-Board and attending the National Conference in San Francisco

I was so lucky to be voted as the publicity chair for PRSSA this year. I’m convinced that the PRSSA Executive Board is the most tight-knit leadership board in Howard University’s School of Communications. We love each other, and it shows in everything we do. They have become some of my best friends in the world.

I also got the opportunity to go to San Francisco for the PRSSA National Conference where I met 1,000 other enthusiastic PR students. On the trip, I really became closer to my friends and fellow E-Board members, Danielle and Greg. Some highlights of my West Coast experience were partying in The Castro, hearing a seminar from Shop It To Me founder Charlie Graham, networking with PR professionals at the PRSA Conference, and listening to a keynote speech from Twitter co-creator Biz Stone.

2. Interning for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee




As many of you know, I worked on Capitol Hill as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s Press Fellow this year. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I started interning in February 2012, and I took a brief hiatus after August 2012.  Some of my favorite moments on the Hill were meeting Joel Osteen, Niecy Nash, and John McCain, working with the Congresswoman to craft press releases, and accompanying her to interviews with CNN, ABC, and CurrentTV.

My experience on Capitol Hill left me with great friends and even better mentors. The office became like my second family. I missed everyone so much, that I’ve decided to go back! I’ll see you back on the Hill in 2013!

1. Launching the Southern Belle Stylista

Of course, the year countdown would not have been complete without mentioning the launch of my favorite accomplishment of the year: this blog.

This blog has brought me so much joy, and has opened so many doors for me. I will definitely be more diligent in updating it in the New Year. It’s been one of the things that’s helped define me, and brought me a sense of pride and self-efficacy. I look forward to bringing you all more great fashion. Just got to find a photographer first!


I love you all. Thank you for supporting me this year. Keep reading, and leave me comments if you love something on the blog a lot, or if just want to leave me some encouraging words!