simplycyn on LTK

The only splurge for the boys. They love them and we love them. So fun, great fit. They’re on sale as linked and also provided more affordable colorful alternatives. 😇

#LTKKids #LTKSeasonal #LTKSaleAlert

The only splurge for the boys. They love them and we love them. So fun, great fit. They’re on sale as linked and also provided more affordable colorful alternatives. 😇 LTKKids LTKSeasonal LTKSaleAlert

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This colorful pair was handmade during Vietnam trip but we can’t all go to Vietnam to get sandals made. So here are the most beautiful unique options I’ve found if you don’t want to end wearing what everyone else is wearing.

I remember when I found out the running joke that this smoke alarm beeping was supposedly a dead giveaway for Black households, cos as you can imagine smoke alarms as far as I’m concerned not a very African thing- but things I hear are changing (so that’s good).

Anyways, I grew up in Cameroon and so I have always felt very culturally West African. Of course I’ve also spent 30+ years in New York so I feel that as well, but the truth is - there are very distinct experiences (culture/history) compared to being the direct descendant of slaves. There is so much I had to learn and unlearn.

I learned more in the French/British colonial school system in Cameroon, about America as Pearl Harbor heroes, about Napoleon, the French Revolution, than I ever did about Martin, Malcolm, Rosa, much less the Tuskegee airmen and so much more.

So now, books are being banned, classes canceled, but history can’t be deleted.

Remember what this month is about- if you’re an African immigrant or child of African immigrants- learn more about those who were taken. And if you’re the child of descendants, take the opportunity to learn more about those who stayed, colonialism- that too is your history and legacy. I can’t worry about how the world sees us- but I hope we can see each other better because for too long we’ve believed what they’ve told us about each other…

Now let me go get some batteries. Because Black households face a disproportionately higher risk of fire-related injuries and deaths, often nearly twice the national average - so it’s a nice giggle but it’s actually no laughing matter. Stay safe, stay informed.
#BlackHistoryMonth #Blackhistory 🌍

The skincare that’s holding my skin together. I may at some point need to do more, but not quite yet and here’s what I’m loving:

#LTKselfcare #LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

The deals you can still get. Remember don’t shop because it’s a deal, shop because you love it and will wear it. If not linked, means sold out or only available on resale sites.

#LTKootd #LTKSaleAlert #LTKCyberWeek

#BuyLess #ShopLess As we go into a buying weekend, make sure you’re super intentional. Only kept 1 jacket which promised to be a repeat wear that was also different from what I already have. Actually have worn it almost every other day since keeping it.

1. Identify the common theme in the clothes you actually wear vs the things you don’t wear. E.g. Are you a t-shirt person or a blouse person?

2. Identify your go to color palette.

3. Figure out what you want to change but make sure it’s not aspirational. Just because you think it’ll be cool to wear more leather pants or yellow dresses- if you never actually wear the ones you got or won’t wear them in real life, don’t bother buying them. That’s what rentals are for.

I’m determined to streamline all areas of my life before 2026, and I invite you to do the same whether it’s your finances, your closet, your kitchen or your relationships.

#bebetter #endofyear #betterlife #adulting #ootd #denim #denimondenim #denimjackets #blackfriday

Burgundy is the color to Love and Mango has their 30% off everything Sale now with loads of amazing options to choose for. I’m obsessed with sweaters and pants they have. Also check out coats and bags.

#simplethings #burgundy #newhair #bobhaircut #brooklynstyle #tryon #tryonhaul #outfitinspiration #ootd #fall2024

#LTKStyleTip #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSaleAlert

Best denim finds to make a head to toe look not just possible but interesting too.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

The things that are making my house a Home:

#LTKHome #LTKFamily #LTKOver40

📍Costa Rican Jungle Fits. When you want a peaceful escape, have the wardrobe that matches the vibe.

#travelingfamily #travelwithkids #blackfamilytravel #blackfamilylove #autismfamily #autismfamilytravel #autismtravel #findyourpeace #costarica

#LTKTravel #LTKOver40 #LTKFamily

Sharing some of my fave home things, this awning and more and the 2 piece set I’m wearing 🤩

#LTKStyleTip #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder100

Life and Fits : always easygoing. Just a few fun saves aligned with my recent wardrobe choices

#LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip #LTKFindsUnder100

Guess I’ve been sleeping on them- I had people telling me, but didn’t believe until I checked them out.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40

Easy Fall wardrobe Formula: dark barrel denim with loose top. Denim or blouse. Add a heel, pump or bootie. Don’t forget your fave purse/ sunnies.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40

In the mood for Polka dots

#LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40 #LTKFindsUnder100

Summer Portugal Fits:

#LTKStyleTip #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKTravel

Didn’t always think white was flattering on me: some things do change. Here are a few of my pics including these here:

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip

Dining area needed a refresh. Went from Black and white to more neutral, warmer colors.
See my Picks here:

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKStyleTip

The one room that gets most of the color. Some of my fave things in their room:
The blue rug is still available in other colors and sometimes gets restocked at Amazon link.

#LTKFamily #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder100

Things that are better at 44 than at 24:
My friendships
My bank account
My assets
My travel style
My wardrobe 🤣🤣

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Find my Swimwear faves if you want to make a statement/ stand out:

All my Tulum fits in one place- and when your girlfriends won’t let you be great. #girlstrip #escape #getaway #tulum #travelstyle
#vacaystyle #resortwear

#LTKOver40 #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKTravel

More amazing fits for Summer Travel, and all are great deals and steals and on Shopbop with code PRIME25 you get 25% OFF. #PrimeDay

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKTravel #LTKFindsUnder50

Vol 4: Keeping my Peace content means sharing things that keep me in a good headspace. Definitely check out previous installs of this series for more feel good.

In design, as in life, often you don’t know what’s possible until you see it. When we bought our land, we had a general idea of what we wanted to build. I learned that for me, it is so helpful to have a hard copy (and not just Pinterest) version of things when I’m consuming to learn, when I want to properly absorb information.

These books provided a wealth of information not just around design choices, but also on the practical aspects of a design build project, the actual journey- the ups and downs, leveraging friends, family your own skills to make your dream space happen. Some of the books even had really helpful technical information around layouts and floor plans which helped when it was time to meet with architects/builders.

Books featured:
1- Cabin Porn Inside by @zachklein via @littlebrown
2- Oasis by iO Tillet Wright, photos by @caseycdunn via @clarksonpotter
3- Escapology by McAllister & Ryan via @figure1
4- Mountain House by @ninafreudenberger via @clarksonpotter
5- Retreat by Ron Broadhurst via @rizzolibooks

Also check out Cabin Fever via @gestalten (shared in my stories)

Family Summer in Montréal fits.

#LTKOver40 #LTKTravel #LTKFindsUnder100

Vol 3: African Diaspora Art & Design Books.

When it comes to art and design, it can sometimes feel like a hard job figuring who and what is out there. I believe all of these books are super helpful in finding super talented artists, makers, designers. So for the next time you’re thinking about your home, your project, your space, the next time you’re looking for talent and resources- I think there’s lots to find and love in these.

Books featured:
1- The African Decor Edit by @xnstudio_ via @abramsbooks
2- Crafted Kinship by @malene.barnett via @artisan_books
3- When We See Us by @madamekoyo
4- Africamericanos via @museoamparo

Dish dresses always hit the spot and now there’s massive SALE + 20% off too. Check out this dress and my other faves

#LTKSummerEdit #LTKOver40 #LTKFindsUnder100

That first dress fits so well and had good weight to it.

Yes- it’s nice to be able to afford some of the other brands I share on here but I know that’s not possible for everyone and frankly right now after putting my money in real estate (with pending landscape projects) I’m trying to not spend on outfits this Summer. So definitely renting, shopping my closet and also definitely happy when I can find a few options like this for $25. I’ll absolutely take it.

#summervibes☀️ #summeroutfitideas #summerfit #affordableclothing #summertime #summeroutfits #vacationoutfit #vacaystyle

Exploring the linen/line blend options different brands have to offer. See previous for other brands

#LTKSummerEdit #LTKOver40 #LTKFindsUnder50

Honestly- just wanted to know whether they should be added to rotation of go to brands so I decided to order quite a few things. I literally know them just for their bedding which I actually do recommend but they’ve expanded rapidly over the past few years and now have everything from clothing to furniture.

Final verdict: they’ve got solid basics at a good price point. Quality seemed fine but I did catch a few snagged threads on some pieces. I think they’re worth checking out but I only kept the white dress and the other dress I mentioned in video. I wanted to love that last dress but maybe the sizing or something was off. I would shop there again - I think the mix and match tops, pants, shorts are solid options, if you want an easy summer wardrobe that you can repeat (assuming they wash and keep well)- do drop a comment if you wear their stuff and share your experience with longevity.

In terms of real life, my basics get more use than my standout dresses cos I honestly don’t always feel like repeating the big prints or statement dresses.
That was just my 2cents.

#tryon #summerstyle #linen #summerfashion #summerwardrobe #backtobasis #minimalstyle #easyfashion #laidbackstyle #everydaystyle #linenoutfit

Honestly just felt like sharing the little things that make me happy. I’m not a food creator but like most of us I cook meals weekly and while the internet is a great resource for all things from cooking to interior design, you’ll always find me a grabbing a physical book instead. Call me old school. These are the little things I can bury myself in without having to be online and that help keep the cray of current times away.

Note: Sadly Cut for time but worth space in your kitchen: @ottolenghi Flavour, @honeysuckle Cookbook.

Next time Interior design books.

Feel free to share your faves.

#feelgood #feelgoodcontent #happylife #simplethings #homecontent #brooklyn #blackhome

Vol 2: Keeping my Peace content means sharing things that keep me in a good headspace. I don’t get to read as many books as I used to, but I allow myself to get a little lost in a good coffee table book. Art, history, design… you name it. Here are just a few that I think are worth adding to your home: (I spoke at such length on each of these but then had a 20min video that no one will watch- so my opinions on these have really really been edited down).

1. Dandy Lion by @apshantology @thedandylionproject @aperturefnd
2. Unseen by @rachelswarnsnyt @darcypix
3. Brown Bohemians by @brownbohemians
4. AFROSURF by @mamiwatasurf @penguinrandomhouse
5. Young, Gifted & Black- a new generation of artists @artbook
6. Separate Cinema @john_duke_kisch @reelartpress

More to come in Vol 3.
And Vol 1 was cookbooks- link in stories if you missed it.

#feelgood #feelgoodcontent #happylife #simplethings #homecontent #brooklyn #blackhome #metgala #dandystyle #dandy #afrosurf #blackbooks #blackcreators #blackcreatives #homestyle #homeliving #brooklynhome

It’s all still a work in progress. Fully personalizing a space takes years. But sometimes it hits me that not too long ago, we went on a drive North, seeking refuge in the Hudson Valley area, scouring land listings in the Catskills, Woodstock and even more places North, East and West of this.

And then one day we found a nice little patch, 4 acres to call our own. And from that slice of undeveloped land, we now have that refuge. Crazy what’s possible.

And many thanks to @arhaus for seriously helping us in our journey to make this space feel like Our House. Head to my stories for links to #myarhaus faves from the crafted in Mexico stone lamp to the oak wood writing desk to the Romanian oak dining table and so much more. Not taking any of it for granted.

#BlackCabinProject #moderncabin #BlackHome #cabininthewoods #blackfamilyhome #buildfromscratch #buyland #landforsale #upstatenewyork #upstaterealestate #upstateny #ulstercountyny #hudsonvalley #ulstercounty #woodstock #catskills #saugerties

Needed new swim for my recent cruise and was very glad I found @mimiflamingo —perfect fit, flattering, and available in so many styles! That’s a yes from me. Shop now at mimiflamingo.com with code CYN15 for 15% off your first order.

P.S. Which one’s your fave? Follow at @mimiflamingo to check out their other styles. #SwimsuitSeason #Sponsored

#swimsuit #swimstyle #fashionover40 #fitover40 #40s

#LookGoodFeelGood : How to do Denim on denim on Denim. Don’t overthink it.

Denim here is thrifted or @gap and @hm. New Jewelry is from @avaria.jewelry Will link shortly and save to highlights. I’m running around today - should have pre-planned 😇

#ootd #denim #denimstyle #brooklynstyle #fashionover40 #denimondenim #denimjacket #rackstyle #tryon #blackgirlfashion #blackgirlstyle #laidbackstyle #effortlesschic #effortless #effortlesslychic #platinumpixie #perfectplatinumpixie #thecutlife #shorthairdontcare #blackblonde #platinumblonde