Update: NEW Season NEW Arrivals! ShopGesphania.com

It's been about 3 months since my self titled fashion website was launched (insert happy dance here). I have been a busy bee since then connecting with vendors, scheduling photo shoots and just learning along the way. With the fall/winter season here I have just added some new items!

During this season I like to dress a little darker. Solid dark blazers are my go-to add on. I've added both Navy and Wine blazers to the collection. You can rock them with jeans and a simple tee, add flair to your business attire over a black blouse and slacks, or throw it over a mini dress for a night on the town.

Following my collection, you will soon notice my love of jumpsuits. I choose a Jumpsuit when I don't feel like figuring out what top should go with what bottom. It's a complete outfit in itself and all I have to focus on is what shoes to wear with it. There will always be one or two jumpsuits in each season. My new jumpsuit love is the Bond Jumpsuit. What pulled me in was the one side lapel! Gives that "I'm holding a blazer over one shoulder look but I'm so not". Fits in all the right places! I don't see this jumpsuit staying available for long. I'm already selling out of some sizes.

I think my favorite add of this season's collection are the Ora Dresses. Comes in three colors: Wine, Nude, and Black. I love the fit and solid material. Two elements of this dress pulled me in. The first is the Front & Back Half-Wrap Overlay. In my transformation from being a skinny mini to "Slim Thick", I have acquired a new ASSet (pun intended), my booty. Some dresses make it look too accentuated so the Half Wrap tones it down but still gives that slight sexy appeal.

There will be more styles to come! With winter approaching we will be entering the season of SPARKLE so look forward to that soon!

As always thank you for taking the time to read and make sure to show me some LOVE in the comments section and on my LOVE WALL (<---click there) on my fashion site (I'm kind of bummed cause I moved the wall to a different section and didn't know that would delete ALL the previous comments... :( !... BUT nonetheless I appreciate all the encouragement I've been shown thus far! It means so much!

Dream Big
♥ Gesphania

Why YOU Have To Be Your BIGGEST Cheerleader

The other day in having a casual conversation with a friend I was asked why I usually click "Like" on my own photos and my posts. I answered, "Why not, I'm the first one to see the pic and think of the post. I should be the first to like it as well". She responded "Someone is full of herself". I laughed at her comment though I know truth can come out in a joking atmosphere.

This got me thinking, how many others actually practice self acknowledgement? In observation, I've noticed, most times people wait for validation before they begin to form excitement in something they have accomplished or are involved in. For example, I remember as a child whenever my birthday would roll around I would rely on others to make it special. If something was not planned for me or if I did not receive any gifts, my day would be an automatic ruin. This pattern continued into my adolescent years and even to early adulthood. It was not until self evaluation that I questioned this pattern and took steps to change it.

Now in today's digitally driven society, people measure value with the amount of likes received. It's gotten to the point that companies will choose spokes-models based on how many "Likes" their photos receive and do not research their qualifications as much anymore. We have become suckered into this system to the point that it affects our psych on subliminal levels. I've actually witnessed someone post a photo then take it down 1 hour later. When I asked her why, she said it wasn't "like worthy". Like worthy?

My take, you don't need anyone to validate your worth, beauty, importance or value. It's called SELF-Esteem last time I checked. You should be your number 1 cheerleader and motivator and who cares about how many people are with you with those "Likes". Now I'm NOT saying to be arrogant and scream to the skies "I DON'T NEED YOUR VALIDATION!" every time you receive a compliment. Be appreciative when someone does take the time to acknowledge you in a positive form. Just do not let that be what drives your mood or opinion of yourself.

So with that being said, no I'm not full of myself friend!, I just love the me that God created me to be.

Now go start liking your pics and posts! ONWARD!

P.S. I plan my own birthdays now :-p

Kenya Moore: A positive lesson from a not so positive experience

Today as I was scrolling through my Facebook timeline I came across a post from the fabulous Kenya Moore. Now everyone who keeps up with the newly "Life Twirls On" star via TV, social media and the pageant circuit knows this woman is usually a burst of positivity, laughter and optimism. 

Before I began to read, I readied my mind to take in some positive vibes from the former Miss USA. A few seconds into reading her post, my brain picks out the words "Unfortunately", "Man", "Was married", "Devastated"... My initial thought was " What a piece of $^%&^*)(&_)*)(&*&%^%$%# man". I was clearly in my feelings as if this were done to my best friend or sister, but then again, I feel a connection to all women so regardless my anger level still would be past a 10.

As I continued reading, my brain focused on the words "However", "Still believe", "Love", "Heart remains open".... Wow, I thought to myself. It got me thinking and reflecting. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a different journey. Looking at Kenya Moore, though I do not know her, she seems to have it all. She's gorgeous, successful, intelligent, financially secure, has a magnetic personality, kind-heart-ed (most times lol), and driven to have the best life she can. Though she has all this, she conveys that she refuses to settle until she accomplishes every goal on her list.

I'm sure life was not always easy for her. I'm sure she had struggles and difficulties. But the point is she doesn't let those trials deter or discourage her from what she desires. She still desires a husband. She still looks forward to a family. She is now in her 40s, never married, no kids and she hasn't stopped hoping or requiring the very best.

I believe this is how it should be for us all in regards to what we want out of this life. We all have a story, a path, a journey to explore. Sometimes we look to our left and see others making leaps and bounds on their journey while we may be stumbling on ours at the time. This tends to be discouraging, bring depression and even envy. But we have to remind ourselves that we are only in a race with ourselves. To keep looking ahead and focus on our own goals and dreams. Just because something that you thought was "it" does not work out, doesn't mean you give up completely.

What's life without hope?

So I applaud you Ms. Moore and my hope is that your King is out there being prepared just for you.

Dream To Reality

  
Yesterday as I was doing a little spring cleaning I decided to catch up on some of the reality TV shows that I've missed (yes I watch as I call it, ratchet reality. It may be mindless but it's so intriguing to me). One of my favorites is Braxton Family Values. This episode was mostly about Tamar receiving her very first Soul Train Music Award for her first single, Love & War. Previous to her name being called, she explained that she sat there not expecting to win. She had a mindset that she already lost. Then they called her name. In total disbelief and filled with emotion Tamar slowly walked to the stage, accepted her award, and gave her speech. One thing she said stood out to me:

  "I never thought in my life that I would be here and the only reason is because I almost gave up on myself. I want to let you guys know, no matter what you want to be, no matter who you want to be, don’t give up on you. It is possible.

  I’m 36 years old and I’m proud of it. And I don’t give a damn if I was 56, she was not finna stop, point blank and the period!”

  There's two things that I learned from that situation. First, when you're at a point of discouragement or feel like you are defeated, know there's a bigger plan and a bigger picture that is awaiting you. You may not see it but it's there. Secondly I'm inspired by Tamar's diligence.

  I remember 13 years back when I first heard Tamar. Back then she sung Gospel or was being marketed as a Gospel artist with her single, Try Me. It was featured off the Kingdom Come soundtrack. I liked the song but that was the last I heard of her until she re-emerged on reality television with her sisters in 2011. I then thought she pretty much gave up on singing. She was already living a pretty posh life being married to successful record producer Vincent Herbert. I'm thinking, "Okay she has it all. What more could she want". Regardless of her apparent success, Tamar was determined to pursue her dreams of being a recording artist. Even her husband tried to discourage her at times but Tamar had her eyes fixed on her dream and she was going to continue with or without support. At 36, she's living the dream she was working towards all those years ago. That is such an inspiration.

  Think about your dream. What you want to be. The goals you have set for your life. How much time have you spent working towards making your dream a reality? Would you keep at it after 13 years have passed? Would you have the same energy towards acheiving your dreams in your 30's as you did in your 20's? Sometimes success isn't immediate. If you are truly passionate about something, giving up shouldn't be an option. For those of you reading, thinking about throwing in the towel, this is your wake up call, your push, your sign to keep going. Make your dreams a reality. Be patient, stay motivated, work towards it. Your dream is just a reality away.