Meet the Style Optimist: Brains and Beauty Has Never Looked More Stylish

Decontee Chic Afrique is absolutely thrilled to put a spot light on the amazing Miss Jewel, a highly celebrated style blogger. On her blog, The Style Optimist, Jewel gives style advice on everything you need to know regarding the dos and don'ts about fashion. When asked, Jewel says that it is important for people to feel comfortable in their skin and make their own stlye rules. One of the things we at DCA love the most about this fashionable daughter of Africa is that she has the brain to accompany her fierce sense of style. Jewel has a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. We had a unique opportunity to have our Style Optimist answer a few questions for us.

DCA: What is one of your favorite quotes?

Jewel: One of my favorite quotes is “In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” -Brennan Manning I love this quote because it's so true to life and it inspired one of my favorite songs "speak life" by Toby Mac. I think sometimes, we all could use a little reminder in the impact our words have, be it big or small.

DCA: What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Jewel: I'm not big on outdoors activities, but I do love riding my bike in the city, or even just renting a bike and going for a ride around the lake. It relieves my stressors while being physical.

DCA: If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

Jewel: If I could throw a party, it would be a day party. In a yard with lush green grass, beautiful rectangular table with gorgeous tableware and beautiful centerpieces of my favorite flowers, peonies. I would serve french food, with amazing pastries, macarons and I would have a basket for cellphones to be left in to allow everyone to really enjoy the experience. If I had to choose the occasion, I would say my birthday, because I enjoy celebrating life with the people who are most important to me.

DCA: What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Jewel: I've never thought of this before, so my answer is probably cheesy, but I would go with either, In her shoes or the Life and Time of The Real Style Optimist(cue cheesy music).

This is what we love about this stylish diva. She doesn't take herself seriously one bit. To get fashion tips and read more about Jewel's style adventures, go to her website: www.thestyleoptimist.com

Food for Thought

The diversity of Africa's many different cultural and ethnic groups is reflected in our rich cuisines.  From traditional African, to Caribbean, and African-American cuisines, the act of cooking brings joy to most African women.  Pepper is a key ingredient in a lot of our food. 

Here, sister Nellie of Liberia, a social worker in Omaha, Nebraska, is preparing Torgboikei soup and rice for dinner for her family.  When we at Decontee Chic Afrique asked big sister Nellie about her love for Torgboikei soup, she said, "Well, there are different kinds of Torgboikei soup and my favorite is cassava leaves."  Our mouths watered as she shared her love of cooking with us.