Alienina - Woven Cotton Bucket Bag … curated on LTK

When I was younger, my mom used to hire someone to climb our giant coconut tree in our backyard. I always admired how fast he would get up there, barely breaking a sweat. Then he would literally make it rain coconut. I'd always dash to the kitchen to avoid getting hit by one. Then we would stack them up, crack them open, drink their sweet juice, and make all kinds of delicious things with them, including "dous" (sweets). ⠀ ⠀ This coconut is not from my childhood coconut treet. It's from the fruit section at my local grocery store. It sat on a bed of shaved ice under a sign that read, "SWEET YOUNG COCONUT."⠀ 🥥❤️⠀ ⠀ #FindingPaola http://liketk.it/2x5gq #liketkit @liketoknow.it

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Alienina - Woven Cotton Bucket Bag - Yellow | NET-A-PORTER (US)

Nike - Nike Air Force 1 Nubuck And Metallic Leather Sneakers - Sand | NET-A-PORTER (US)

Saint Laurent - Loulou Heart-frame Acetate Sunglasses - Red | NET-A-PORTER (US)

Women's Rebecca Taylor Faded Floral Midi Skirt | Nordstrom

The Kooples Wanted Floral Midi Skirt | Bloomingdale's (US)

findingpaola

*Adds swimsuit model to resume* Thanks to #MKSummer party! Alternate caption: Who needs sunshine when you can be one? Other option for caption: POV: Protecting my joy all summer long. #Dillards #mkpartner

The perfect mama and me dress! Love the button detailing down the front. They can be worn with sneakers and mules. The dress is beautiful to be worn without matching with your mini, but the twinning option is the icing on the cake!

#LTKMothersDay #LTKkids #LTKfamily

Cozy matching set.♥️

#LTKfit #LTKunder100

http://liketk.it/2GkjD #liketkit @liketoknow.it

http://liketk.it/2FVql #liketkit @liketoknow.it

One of my favorite things to do when getting dressed, aside from playing with color, is to mix prints. I like to make a statement even when I'm wearing jeans. I get many messages about print-mixing, and I always say that you don't need to mix prints from head to toe to make a statement. Sometimes, a nice pair of jeans help set the foundation for a fun but effortless look. ⁠
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I've styled the same @express jeans in two similar looks where I played with prints, my signature headwrap, and a pop of color. These jeans fit me perfectly for a tall woman (even with my fibroid "bump"). My bump has changed the way I go about shopping for and styling my clothes, and comfort is always key. These jeans are incredibly comfortable because of the slight stretch, and hug and lift everything I need. Which look is your fave? (swipe) #ExpressLife #ExpressPartner⁠
#liketkit http://liketk.it/2DVnE @liketoknow.it

I've created a life full of color, passion, and creativity despite many odds. I've been my own boss for almost six years all because I decided to give my colors a chance. I'm raising my daughter to live and love fully, to value positivity and originality over popularity. To dream big, and to work hard. Creativity and women empowerment fit me, and so do these high-rise flare jeans by @express.⁠⠀
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My favorite way to style my jeans is to dress them up. I love statement jeans with fun details. These high wasted flare jeans are perfect for date night and beyond. For this particular occasion, I dressed them with one-shoulder asymmetrical blouse, a statement headwrap, and satin high heels. ⁠⠀
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How do you prefer to style your jeans? #ExpressLife #ExpressPartner #ExpressJeans http://liketk.it/2DJaH #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I once managed a historical jazz restaurant in Harlem. And one night, a party of about five women who were probably in their sixties arrived for what seemed to have been a special celebration of sorts. I approached an older woman who appeared to be the leader or the group to compliment her beautiful ensemble. She must have been a foot shorter than me, yet her presence was so tall and powerful.

We exchanged a few nice words, and as I was about to ask her about the occasion, she grabbed my shoulders and straightened my body. I didn’t realize I was slouching so much as I lowered myself to talk to her. She said, “Darling, don’t you lower yourself for anyone. You hear me? Stand tall, you can’t let all this good height go to waste.” She said it with so much certainty and kindness. Her smile comforted me and washed me with a wave the confident she carried around so effortlessly. That small exchange in the crowded, dark restaurant on that busy Friday night changed so many things about my future interactions. I think about her powerful calmness whenever I feel nervous going into anything. And so I share these words with you too. Stand tall. No matter what. No matter where.
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Ps, these party pants and bodysuit was from @express, and I love them so much! #ExpressPartner #ExpressLife http://liketk.it/2CYi1 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Zuli and I are here to announce that we're staying cool and making lemonade all summer long. Also @modcloth is having a huge summer sale (up to 60% off for a limited time). This super cute yellow denim mini is part of the sale too! #ModclothSquad #Ad http://liketk.it/2CUF4 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

My favorite way to lead is to lead by example. And I stay grounded by always remembering where I came from.

Last month, I announced I was selected to be an @Express ambassador for a few months, and "Outfit Ambitions" has been the main theme. I remember when I was a junior or senior in High School, I used to save all my money to go shop the clearance racks in the Express stores to purchase interview outfits. Now, I get to work with them by expressing my style. Isn't that wild? Last month, I went really colorful with a lavender jumpsuit and yellow mustard off the shoulder dress. This month, I'm tapping into neutrals and denim. Anyway, I choose this blazer dress because it's incredibly versatile. It can be worn with sneakers or paired with trousers. I decided to keep it "minimal" with my tiny cornrows, hoops, strappy heels and a beaded purse. How would you wear this dress? #ExpressLife #ExpressPartner http://liketk.it/2CR70 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I plan on taking a few mini trips around the country before the summer ends. I’m also all about day trips so I can explore Texas a bit more. Here are some of my vacation essentials for guaranteed good time:⠀
•A good wrap dress you can wear from day to night like this gorgeous one from @modcloth. This particular one would also be a great wedding look!⠀
•A large sun hat to protect your skin from the sun and throw all the shade.⠀
•Coconut oil to bring out the natural glow.⠀
•Lots of water and fruits!⠀
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Headed anywhere fun in the next few months?⠀
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#ModclothSquad #Ad ⠀
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http://liketk.it/2CAuB #liketkit @liketoknow.it

You know what’s no picnic in the park? Having a picnic in the park with a one year old! But I won’t let this keep me from planning many more adventures like this one this entire summer. Zuli's curiosity inspires me to pay more attention to the little things. She also thinks it's cool to take a bite out of every peach as long as they're within reach. I might need to adopt that philosophy for other things. 🤨⠀
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Zuli also finds it entertaining when I twirl around with maxi dresses during our dance sessions and adventures. 💃🏿🌸✨⠀
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Picnic sun dress by @modcloth, available in sizes XXS to 4XL. AND IT HAS POCKETS! #ModClothSquad #AD http://liketk.it/2Cf4S #liketkit @liketoknow.it

My style motto:
Be you. Do you. Wear whatever makes you feel good. Because when you feel good, not only do you look good, you do good.

My summer style motto:
Easy, lazy cute outfits featuring versatile sundresses can can also be worn as tops like this little @express number. Headwraps. Bantu knots, and messy braids. Because I plan on swimming (more like learning how to) and doing the most in the sun. Who else is from a Caribbean island and doesn’t swim because their moms refused to let them near any body of water? 😭 But it’s never too late! This momma will learn. #ExpressPartner #ExpressLife #FindingPaola http://liketk.it/2Cdrh #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Some days, I get dressed to feel better when I'm going through tough situations. And other days, I already feel good, and I just want my outfit to show that. I don't have any lucky colors. It just depends on my mood, and what I'm trying to say without having to say a word.⠀
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When I wear lots of color, I notice that it makes people around me react in a positive way too. Most of the times, strangers smile at me and say hello, even in the busiest of cities, like NYC. I start some really interesting conversations with people in grocery stores, restaurants, and elevators. This season, I'm living for lavender! And the fun continues with this @express jumpsuit. It comes with a belt, but I like it loose and oversized! I've joined the #Expresslife for the next three months to share my colors and personal style with you all! Are we feeling this soft colorblocking? #ExpressPartner http://liketk.it/2C9kI #liketkit @liketoknow.it

"What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?" ⠀
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I was asked this question during a panel last month, and I immediately thought about when I was in my early twenties, working three jobs in NYC, while still trying to find my creative voice. I used to get home at two/three in the morning, to start right back at seven. I was determined, optimistic, but still unsure about so many things. I used to bury my ideas because I was afraid of what others would think. I used to think that if I couldn't execute them with the right tools, I shouldn't even try. And so my answer was dedicated to that stage of my life. I believe that a big part of your strength comes with the obstacles you face. And believe me when I tell you... You are bigger than your hardships. The most rewarding things come with the most challenges. Don't focus on all the things you don't have to make your visions come true. Your creativity is not determined by your lack of resources. It is the most wonderful thing you're able to make magic happen with barely anything because then, you're able to think outside of the box. I've never woken up proud of an accomplishment I put absolutely no work into or shed no tears and sweat into. Does anyone?⁣⠀
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My partners at @Modcloth is encouraging you to #OwnYourOwn and go against the current. Have see seen their series of films featuring four inspiring women and how they challenged the odds? One thing I love about social media is that you can create a community that truly values authenticity, empowerment, and inclusivity. #ModClothSquad #Ad #FindingPaola http://liketk.it/2B78E #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Dear Zuli, let's match the sunset. And if it's too cloudy, we'll BE the sunset.⁣
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This month, in celebration of International Women’s Day, ModCloth launched a series of films about some inspiring women who are OWNING their truths. Check them out through the link in my story. ⁣
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You can win a $500 gift card to ModCloth for you and a friend! Nominate an amazing woman in your life and share how she has owned her own destiny, her own path, her own life.⁣
Post a photo with #OwnYourOwn and tag @modcloth in the caption to enter. #MODCLOTHSQUAD @liketoknow.it #liketkit http://liketk.it/2AKOq

Wine me.
Dine me.
Show me passion.
Give me romance.

🌹Message from me to me🌹

If you ask my husband, he swears I’m always shouting, “Where’s the passion?! Where’s the romance?!” 😂

I’m such a sucker for romance. I enjoyed styling this easy Valentine’s Day look featuring this @modcloth off the shoulder dress! Comment with a ❤️❤️❤️ if you have LOTS of love to give (especially to yourself). #ModclothSquad #ad http://liketk.it/2zC0d #liketkit @liketoknow.it

When I was a little girl, I was very quiet, shy, and reserved. But my head was always in the clouds. I was always having these big, crazy dreams. ⠀
I’d sit in our backyard in Haiti, and just float away.⠀
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When I’m feeling uninspired. Or lost. Or stuck, I think of those times.⠀
The times where my imagination would take me places beyond the walls that raised me. And beyond the trees that looked after me.⠀
The times I felt so free.⠀
And excited about EVERYTHING. Even when I didn’t have much.⠀
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It’s good to be excited about things. To have passion. To have a fire. This past year was so brutal, I thought I lost any spark I had left, but I feel it coming back. And it might be stronger than its ever been. ⠀
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How is the new year treating you so far? Are you feeling inspired?⠀
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#FindingPaola #LifeIsTooShortForBoringPants ⠀
http://liketk.it/2zxlZ #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Today I’m wrapping up my crazy but super productive NYC trip so I can get home to dance barefoot in a fun maxi dress (like this @modcloth one) with my favorite dance partner. #FindingPaola #ModClothSquad
http://liketk.it/2zwqk #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Mood:⠀
One mimosa please.⠀
Hold the OJ.⠀
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This whole lewk is from @intermixonline • SHOP it here: http://liketk.it/2yVrP #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Don’t forget to show up for yourself today. And while you’re at it, you might as well be extra.✨✨✨⠀
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This... ladies and gents is my casual holiday potluck lewk (like my friend Cax likes to say “with no dish in hand.”) It is a TWO piece set from @IntermixOnline, which means SO MANY WAYS TO WEAR IT! Comment with a ❤️ if you’d like to see how I style the pieces separately. #Ad Shop the look here: http://liketk.it/2yLJs #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Tis the season for gorgeous silk headwraps, velvet dresses, and being a "BAD MAMA JAMA"! Ok, being a bad mama jama is a year-round thing... But can we all agree that those holiday festivities bring some extra (and very much) needed glamour in our lives?⠀
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One of my fave ways to style wrap maxi dresses is to pair them with over the knee boots. I find the combination both flirty and mysterious. ✨⠀
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This gorgeous @modcloth dress is a must! #FindingPaola #ModclothSquad http://liketk.it/2yyFs #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Cheers to prints, color, and comfort this holiday season. How fun is this dressy/velvet(PJ inspired set) I’m wearing from @modcloth?!

Right before this picture, I was waiting for Hannah at the Line’s lobby when this woman comes up to me and says, "I debated whether or not to buy these @modcloth pants, now I think you just sold them to me." What I loved most about our interaction was how different we looked, but we we taking about the same pants! We continued to talk about our love for print, texture and comfort! I love being part of the #ModClothSquad! @modcloth offers a wide range of sizes and has celebrated diversity and inclusivity from day one.

PS- They're having a killer CYBER MONDAY SALE! 40% off your $150+ order (including sale items). #ad http://liketk.it/2yuaA #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Why choose one statement piece, when everything can be a statement? ⠀
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I love oversized sweater with pleated midi season! This look is inspired by NOLA with a pinch of Harlem. ⠀
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#FindingPaola #MyAnthropologie @anthropologie #ad⠀
http://liketk.it/2ykTK #liketkit @liketoknow.it

For a long time, I thought I could only wear big, bold jewelry pieces because of my very large features. I'm 5'10. I wear a size 11 in shoes. I have a large nose and big lips. All things I had to fight to accept and eventually love. That's why you normally see me with big statement earrings or stacked up neck bangles.

But these delicate pieces from the KENDRA SCOTT Winter Collection are making me want to switch things up every now and then. I love the silver against my dark skin, and they go beautifully with a bold colors. I’ve been wearing the necklace with a loose button up with the top two buttons unbuttoned. ☺️

What kind of gal are you? Statement, delicate, or both?
#ad #kendrascott #KSWinter18 http://liketk.it/2yhT9 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

"I like your pants! I wish I could pull them off at my age."⠀
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I went grocery shopping this past Saturday, and as I was checking out, the cashier (a late fifty-something woman with kind eyes and a sweet smile) complimented me on my pants. I looked down and they were the olive green version the ones in this photo. ⠀
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I stopped what I was doing and assured her that they would especially look good on her because of her beautiful grey locks and kind eyes. She had laughter lines around her eyes, which further accentuated her beauty and youthfulness. I told her that I don't believe that age should stop any woman with having fun with their wardrobe, and that she should give them a try. ⠀
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So, I decided to style these how I would if I were in my late fifties, early sixties. You guessed it. Exactly how I would wear them at thirty-something. There are many things I buy now, and before I spend money on them, I ask myself if 60-year old Pao would fancy them. ⠀
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Happy to partner with @modcloth to share my colors this fall. Friends and Family get 30% off $150+ on all products on the site excluding sale items! You can get these pants, shoes, and turtle neck layered under shirt dress! #ModclothSquad #SayItlouder #Ad http://liketk.it/2xtrs #liketkit @liketoknow.it

My favorite color is red.⠀
The brighter, the better.
Always has been.⠀
I remember the first time someone asked me. I was in kindergarten at Coeur Content in Petion-Ville. Through my shyness, I managed to grin really wide and said “rouge!” with perhaps too much excitement.⠀
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What’s your favorite color?⠀
#findingpaola http://liketk.it/2wZdV #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Old school Harlem Vibes. ⠀
In Austin, Texas.⠀
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#FindingPaola #IJustWantToShareMyColorsWithTheWorld http://liketk.it/2wSkS #liketkit @liketoknow.it