It’s a no for me Dog – Amazon Prime Day falls short

Blog, Techie

“🎶Oh the underwhelming, it just ended, day of amazon prime!🎶”

*This is an opinion piece*

Adult – non children – Christmas Day that comes in the form of Amazon Prime Day, felt like the Christmas when you realized Santa wasn’t real and your parent started buying gifts accordingly. Sure you got stuff, but the feeling was underwhelming. That was Amazon Prime day(s) for me.

Let me start off by saying I REALLY loved the marketing they did this year so that it didn’t just sneak up on you. I started seeing commercials two pay periods before it all went down. In my mind I’m like “oh this finna be flames🔥because they out here prepping you to save your coins!!!” And save my coins I did because I’m saving for a house so I gave my sister my credit card 💳 to hold so I’m not reckless.

The first day there were hecka glitches so there was that. I could see things but layout was triddash. When I was finally able to devote time to my search; I was like 😒 “what is happening”? Loved the category break down and the “search Prime Day” options but the choices were not great. Who has $500 to drop on Jibo?!

I literally said out loud to myself: “what in the excess cash is this?!” Rafts… large item purchases. 30% off makeup 😒 I felt like my Ulta coupons did me more justice. And it wasn’t just me. I talked to a few friends who were looking forward to Prime Day and their response was similar. We all just seemed to do the obligatory prime member purchase. That speaks volumes to me about how we have been conditioned to be consumers even if we don’t really want anything. It’s the retail version of:

Them: “you hungry”

Us: “eh… I could eat..”

That being said I did get a WiFi extender (further proof of why i don’t believe in space travel. You can talk to someone in outer space but my WiFi can’t make it to my bedroom?! – that’s a rabbit hole for another day)

The current price is $26.05 and I got it for $19.99

And a facial steamer

I got it for $15. That’s a steal. That’s going to be clutch this winter with dry heat and winter allergies.

But I got gadgets last year… And the best make up deal was wunderbrow for $11.

It was a dry adult summer Christmas. Maybe next year when I’m a home owner the stuff I saw will make more sense or… it’ll just be stuff. Either way. See you next year!

Almost 40

Lifestyle, Uncategorized

On Wednesday I’ll be the big 4-OH. My boss poignantly stated that this was the last week of my thirties and asked how I felt… I felt okay until it was put that way! But seriously. This is just a few notes to encourage those leaving one decade for the next and wondering if they missed their “marks”

I LOOK GREAT

I know it sounds vain, but with God’s grace and some serious self care, I honestly look better leaving my 30’s than I did entering them. The take away? Its never too late to make lasting changes that affect you for the better. To date I have kept off the 20 lbs that I lost and i’m just striving to keep a healthy balance and yes, I still have dreams of a six pack ;-).

I AM WALKING OUT MY DREAM… JUST NOW

Have the world tell you, I’m too old to pursue a career in fashion; and even more so as a designer. I won’t lie; I’ve been on this journey since my 20’s and allowed life and fear to dissuade me from really giving this thing a go. But right now, on the brink of 40 I’ve never felt more ready. I truly feel a resolve about the skin I am in and the steps I am making. My clothing line is authentically me and I needed this time to realize that. Prayerfully next year you will see The Style Co-op’s debut resort-wear line and the timing couldn’t be better. The take away? Do it. Afraid, bold, right now, later… The only thing you’ll regret is the regret from not moving.

I AM STILL SINGLE AND CHILDLESS

LOL Job 3:25 says: “For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” I laugh because this is me. I kept thinking God would “ram in a bush” me. SURELY God has at least a bae for Jai at 40. LOL nope. Nah. Nada. Nothing. The thing I feared the most. No man, no hint of marriage, no children… and I’m pretty much 40. It’s the worst and best thing to happen to me. The worst because, I mean I want to be in a healthy, happy, thriving relationship filled with purpose and I’m not. The best because 1) It didn’t happen and it not happening didn’t kill me 2) I’ve stopped holding my breath. 3) We don’t always get what we want and this is a great example of “losing” gracefully. aka not acting out or forcing something just to say I have. 4) I. DIDN’T. LOSE. The take away? Points 1 & 2.

ORDER COMETH

Listen. I saved the best for last! I’ve always felt like I was juggling life. That in order to take care of one thing, I had to lay another down. Also a reason that delayed me from fully chasing my dreams. Then one day this year I was like “self…How can you want more in life when you can’t handle what you have now?”

My mission then became to master the “little” that I have. Create routine and habit and ORDER. It’s a lie to think that in order to be a free spirit, your life has to be chaotic. I’ve never felt freer and its due to creating order and structure. Days no longer slip away into weeks and months of would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. Now, if this “man” ever comes along… I know I won’t put my life on hold to tend to him. When the time is right I’ll actually be able to have a healthy relationship. But for now, I enjoy the fact that my house isn’t a whirlwind of fabric, patterns, Netflix and lost time.

THE TAKE AWAY

Things not happening in the time that you want them to happen doesn’t always mean that you missed the mark; It just means it didn’t happen. Focus on what did happen. Focus on the steps (of the things you can control) that you have made. And for the things you cant control… find the blessing in the pause.

Life is STILL good.

God is STILL good.

40 is STILL coming.

Happy Birthday to me.

And if you want…. cash app me $40 for 40

Cash app: $Jaikeyl

Jumpers that work for Summer and Fall

Blog, Style & Fashion

Every day should be brunch attire. Comfy, chic, flattering. I told my friend “I’m going for part PJ’s, part beast in these streets.” And as I continue to curate my line to bring you some great style choices this jumper has now been added to the roster.

“Jump Man” Jumper

I made this jumpsuit to be a bright piece to be worn from summer into fall. This particular print is a dope very nostalgic very 90’s African print that I picked up from 116th in Harlem.

The rolled hem, kimono sleeve, and wrap front make this a style ease option for the busty and non busty alike.

Spot the donut. #jdilla

This ain’t ya mothers jumper either. This is definitely backside friendly without being too tight or too loose. Baby Bear.

Pair with a denim jacket and loafers in the fall, or a trench and combat boots for a more “breakfast club” vibe.

How would you rock this? What pattern would you want to see? Want to be first on the list of this release?! As always: thefashionunder50@gmail.com

Stay dope! Support your local artists! Let’s build.

Amazon Prime Day – Is it The Mid-Summer come up?

Blog, Techie

Amazon prime day is today! It started last night. I was already asleep. BUT the question is – is it worth it?

We all like sales but is this just more mindless shopping? The short answer is yes. Now I’ll show my hands and admit since April I’ve purchased TWO echo dots and a firestick. And do you know what I’ve realized? Gadgets begat gadgets. I stopped buying clothes but have set my site on gadgets and I’m ALWAYS looking to see what upgrades are out. But IF you’re calculating with your funds; this could really be a midsummer come up.

Here are some facts. You have to be a prime member first. Not one? Here. Thank me later (maybe).

I’d say stick to the gadgets because the beauty deals didn’t really strike me as a deal.

* Amazon Echo for $89.99 (save $90)

I’m a bit salty about this one but I’m going to chill. I have two dots…

* Amazon Echo Dot (2nd Generation) for $34.99 (save $15)

Again lowest price EVER. I got my first one for $50 and my second for $40. I could’ve had an echo AND a dot if I’d played the long game… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

* TP-Link Smart Plug ($19.99) that’s half off!! Combo that with the $34.99 dot and you have a dope little combo for UNDER $60!

* Amazon Music Unlimited 4 month Membership for $0.99

This is for new subscribers only, but a bargain worth trying. Just set a reminder with Alexa to cancel it after the 4 month trial! 😉

Your Madras

Blog, Style & Fashion

I am a FAN of Madras plaid. I love it, love it, love it. Thing is, when something isn’t on trend you don’t see it around as much. And that sucks because it doesn’t mean it’s not in style.

However, when I was lurking around my local fabric store, I happened upon some non-campy looking Madras! EUREKA’S CASTLE!! So, I got some fabric and went to town on making some super dope wide leg palazzo pants. If you’re a seamstress or you sew, you know that completing a project is bittersweet because on one hand, it’s done, but on the other hand it’s like coming to the end of a binge-a-thon. There is this sick feeling in your stomach that is over. So, what do you do? You go to the fabric store and buy more. Madras is the original statement fabric so why not make two separate things with it? So that’s what I did.

The Short of it

I LOVE jumpers. I love summer but I also like layering so this madras jumper is everything for versatility. In the summer, you can wear it loose or belted.

Don’t like your arms? Throw a T under it. Trying to get away with a jumper and or madras for Casual Friday? Pair this puppy with a button up and some loafers… thank me later cute hipster light hearted librarian.

Feeling like Rudy in the fall & can’t let summer go just yet? Throw some leggings on under this sucker and a denim jacket on top and you’re good money honey!

The Wide of it.

Just wear them already. Soo dramatic. Soo “see me”. Again, you just really cannot go wrong with a high waist, wide leg pant. Flattering for most figures, the waist cinches and creates curves and structure. The darting in the back is a godsend for accentuating backside. And the wide leg airy fabric makes it feel like you’re walking in an evening gown sans the hassle.

If you’re interested in either the Jumper or the pants. Please hit me up for pricing and pair. Support your local artist! Support Small biz & community!

Stay Dope

Shop wisely

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