Today’s Style Diary is QUEEN and I can’t get enoughg of her portraits. Check out Paola Mathe’s diary:

ABY: Give us a little bio stats

My name is Paola. I’m originally from Haiti. I used to be an executive in hospitality management. I have opened, managed, and operated hotels and restaurants in NYC, but recently, I decided to quit my day job to only focus on the creative side of me. My hobbies include hiking, hula hooping, reading, blogging, traveling, hosting fun/lavish gatherings, and always learning new things. I am now the creative director/owner of Fanm Djanm, a headwrap line  and movement to empower and inspire women around the world. The line is about dreamers and doers. Fanm Djanm means strong woman in my Kreyol language, and that’s what the brand advocates. It’s a celebration of strong women everywhere.

ABY: How would you describe your style and what influences your style?

My style is influenced by my Haitian background, African culture, and various cities around the world I’ve visited and dream of visiting. I love colors and mixing patterns, prints, textures, and cultures. My eyes always fall on things that most people don’t bring attention to. I love looking at older African women in their traditional gears in Harlem. I love staring into the sky at colorful balloons floating above my head. And I love old buildings and architecture. I fall into a daydream whenever I’m out, and that’s where I get my style. It’s all over the place. From sequins, to leather, to basics, to African prints, stripes, and florals. And I love vintage!

ABY: I can tell. You look good in them! Your favourite high end and high street brands?

I’m not sure because I would always say a favorite thing is something I’ve already tried, and I have not been able to afford any of these things yet. I have two great DVF (Diane Von Furtenberg) dresses I scored from consignment boutiques, and I’m in love with them. So I would say, she’s definitely up there. Her dresses are classics, and they will never leave my closet until I have a daughter, and she starts stealing from me like I used to do to my mom. I’m pretty sure very soon, I’ll have a beautiful Chanel purse. To me Chanel screams class, femininity, and chicness. Although I don’t always appear chic or feminine, but I love the classic purse. I also want a (statement) Louboutin shoe. Yes, I do! Everything else to me is either too expensive or tries too hard. 

ABY: If you had the power to, which one fashion store would you wipe out from the face of this earth and why??? 

Maybe the ones that make a fortune and force humans to work in poor conditions. All of those would be wiped off and their owners would be exiled to an island where THEY would do all the hard labor and see what it feels like to treat another person like crap. But it seems like most fashion brands already do that.. So does that mean, I should just hire personal tailors for my clothes? Maybe… In due time! 

ABY: You make a good point! What do you splurge on?

Cosmetics! I love good makeup! I’m obsessed with lipsticks. I would pay $50 for a good lipstick if I think it’s worth it. I splurge on food and having a good time. I’ve spent $50 on a good hula hoop before too. I want an LED one, and that one costs over $100, I’m pretty sure I’ll get it soon.

ABY: I can tell you now that it’s worth it. You look amazing! Which brings me on to my next question. You look flawless. Any beauty secrets or tips you’d like to share. Favourite make-up brands and all that.

Ahhhh! Flawless is a stretch! I use mostly natural products on my skin and hair now. African black soap, different oils and butters. But I love the Clinique super hydrating face lotion. I’ve been using it for years. I love Chanel, MUFE, MAC, Nars makeup!

ABY: I added this one because your hair is on point FAB! Share with us any natural tips you’ve got. Your favourite products and go to styles 😉

Well, now that I’m doing a #30dayheadwrapchallenge. That’s my go to! But I love the high puff and pinning my hair up. I say go with a good leave-in (I love Kinky Kurly Knot Today) for my hair, and some good oils. I love the Haitian brand Kreyol Essence for castor oil and Pomad Kreyol. Check them out!

 ABY: What fragrance are you loving at the moment?

I have a collection of Chanel perfumes I rotate around. My favorite of them is Chance.

 ABY: Your favourite music tracks right now…? 

I’m all about Azonto ( I think I’m a Naija at heart), Belo and Emeline Michel (Haitian artists). I have them on REPEAT!

ABY: Aren’t we all? LOL. Your favourite trends currently? 

My favorite trends? I’m not really sure what’s trending. But if pastels, fringe, florals, African prints, and bright lips are… then those are my current favorite trends because well, they’re always my favorite trends. I wear them no matter what!

ABY: The trends I just don’t get are…

The long pointy nails. I just don’t know about those… I don’t care how feminine the nail polish is, it still reminds me of witches’ hands, which is cool if girls want to look like witches. You can be a hot witch! Go ‘head girl. 

 ABY: I am so guilty, haha! Your ultimate fashion no-nos are…

I guess I would say no to panty lines. And I don’t like seeing bras worn with backless clothing. And it’s all about wearing clothes that FITS! I don’t like when girls fidget too much because they purchased something they clearly can’t fit into, and they’re uncomfortable the whole time they’re out. Being comfortable is the sexiest thing. 

 ABY: I concur about fitting. Very necessary.Your top 5 wardrobe must-haves. 

-Leather jacket

-headwrap

-boyfriend jeans

-pretty wrap dress

-statement necklace…

Do I only have to choose five? No? OK, I’ll add

-vintage hats

-maxi skirts

-and dresses, denim shirts and dresses, and platform shoes.  

ABY: Your best fashion buy EVER…

I got this awesome green and gold sequined jacket from the Goodwill in Austin texas, and it’s so(ooo) cool! And it only cost me about $9! I freakin’ love good deals! I don’t know if that’s EVER! But I can’t think of anything else at the moment. 

ABY: Your fashion icons…

Definitely Solange Knowles (without a doubt), Grace Jones (for her awesome hats), my mother when she used to be the life of the party in Haiti, and old stylish ladies I see randomly on the street. They make me think of how fabulous I can be even when I’m much older. 

ABY: Your favourite quote/saying 

“Anpil men chay pa lou.” Old Haitian proverb that means “many hands lighten the load.”

ABY: Stay in touch! Your contact info

Blog – www.findingpaola.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/findingpaola

Instagram – www.instagram.com/findingpaola

Site – www.fanmdjanm.com

 I think she’s flawlessly and effortlessly stylish. Serve Paola. I need all of her jewellery.

What do you think?

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