Nike… Mules?

I know that I’m very late to this trend, however, over the last year I have seen them all over Atlanta. They are so cute – but they did take some time to grow on me, kind of like… Birkenstocks or Crocs took some time to grow onto mainstream society. They, now, solidly have a place in my heart, and wardrobe. For four years in a row, I bought the Birkenstock look-a-likes every summer from Target (as they wear down quickly, I had a hole in the bottom of the shoe ala Obama by the end of the summer, too. )

What do I like about them? They are budget friendly (Nike shoes for 65? Heck yeah). I can easily walk around the city in them as they are so comfortable, the soles are THICK, no worries if I run into areas with broken glass, and the color ways are so nice. Cutting the grass, a breeze. I do have one MAJOR complaint, however, I wear a size 5 – why is black the only color available for people with tiny feet?

I really like the peanut butter cup color way pictured above. Bone is nice. Just an FYI, those are not the correct names for the colorways, but I like them and would like to wear them, however, they are very hard to find in my size, if they even exist.

In short, if you are looking for some cool, comfortable, casual but not tennis shoes to wear on errands or even around the house, I’d definitely pick these up if you had an apprehension.

One more tip, size up if you think the shoe will be tight. I removed the heel band as they seemed to run small, however, the shoes have since loosened so they are no longer a tight fit.

Luxury Items Wish List

Trying to keep myself uplifted, so, I’m gonna dream.

Here are some items I’m dreaming of and a full bank account.

Chanel: Mini Classic Handbag

I have not seen this in person, but I think it would be a great addition to my capsule wardrobe. If the leather is like it looks here, I’m sure it can really withstand years of use. I’m sure it is really beautiful – lambskin.

Price: $5,400

Louis Vuitton Pochette

I have seen this purse in person numerous times – the design is timeless, especially with the monogram. I love it and hope to add it to my capsule in the near future. I just read about the details of the bag on the website and it is canvas.

I doubt most people know that. Looks like leather.

Price: $1660.00

Michael Kors: Bromley Over the Knee Boots

I’ve had a few pair of these and I really enjoy them, however, I would prefer that they were still full leather. I lived in these during the Fall and Winter months, however, if they continue to fall apart after a few wears, I will stick with my second hand Frye Boots, for sure (I may need to do a whole post on my Frye Boot collection). I really like the design of these boots, they are very simple and greatly enhance my Capsule Wardrobe, but come on, Michael of Michael Kors. Come on.

Plastic upper?

Price: $Varies

($250 when initially released)

Prius Plug In Hybrid

I am more of a Honda fan, but they keep discontinuing the cars that I like, so I’m moving on to Toyota. I love the new Prius design, but that price tag? It needs to be fully electric in my opinion. If I were rich, I’d buy this car and convert it. This would be an upgraded version of the CRZ for me.

Price: $47,000

Humanrace Skincare by Pharrell Williams

I think of this brand as a lower budget alternative to La Mer. Not only do the products contain similar ingredients but they are much, much more cost effective. I tried this skincare a little over two years ago, and I’ve watched them as they have updated the line little by little. And let’s be honest, Pharrell has truly great skin. Who would not want skin like his? I do think that I have pretty nice skin, but his is amazing! I hope to see it in person one day.

As I am aging, I thought about getting La Mer, however, the prices for the products are so high that I shopped around for alternatives. I do, truly like the products, however, I truly think that the real secret of La Mer’s efficacy lies in moisture and fermentation.

I think that Pharrell’s products in the Humanrace skincare line are good alternatives to La Mer. (I have tried La Mer, I think that the products are wonderful – just a note, if you decided to spring for La Mer, try the mattifying cream, that is my personal favorite. I do really love the HumanRace moisturizer, it does not make me overly greasy. I was a terrible oil slick during puberty, Niacinamide has changed my life.)

I tried this part of the line when it first launched and I was really pleasantly surprised and quite happy with the results. In fact, I am pretty sure that the moisturizer is meant to be a dupe of the La Mer moisturizer. The cleanser is not drying and I feel as though the products pair very nicely with other products in my skincare regime. I like to use the Retrograde gel cleanser as a full body cleanser as well. Have any of you tried Pharrell’s products line or do you think that he’s just trying to profit from his lovely skin and crazy slow aging?

Here is a video he made during covid speaking about the product launch:

Another of him and Tyler speaking about the products and how they take care of their skin:

Love him – both he and the products are Nelliel Approved!

Artist Spotlight – Youtubers

I have been on a YouTube kick for many years. 10 or so years ago, I found out about vlogging. I wanted to try my hand at it, however, my life just isn’t conducive to it. I have, however, found many, many YouTubers that have brought joy and laughter into my life in ways unexpected. I really appreciate YouTube, not only for existing, but for introducing me to these good people and giving them a platform to create in such ways.

During this time, the vloggers I watch have changed, however, I have been enjoying the ones listed below for almost 5 years now. Though they may not be in my life forever in this capacity, I do really like their work and growth. I’m sharing as I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.

AllyiahsFace

This vlogger has a lot of travel and fashion content. I really enjoy her personality and sense of style. I would say that she fits into a more LUXE niche, however, she puts a nice mix on the types of topics that she explores via her content. There is a lot of shopping, nail, and hair talk. She is very up on the trends and fashion. I loved that she was Atlanta based, however, she is now in New York and abroad most of the time. Her aesthetic is similar to my own. She is in her early thirties and seems to be thriving. She is so fun to watch.

InstagramTikTokYoutubePinterest

KirahOmnique

Kirah makes similar content to the aforementioned vlogger, however, these two vloggers could not be more different. I love that Kirah’s honesty. She is so fun and unique. Kirah also makes a lot of travel and beauty content. I have not watched her as frequently, however, it is so dope to see the city of Atlanta feature in her vlogs so much. She is a laugh riot, insightful, always has some cool restaurants featured, and most recently worked with Beyonce (whoa!) on a Cecred campaign.

InstagramTikTokYoutube

Friday Listen!

I’m sharing Lupe Fiasco’s latest work – Samurai. He now has a deluxe version – hard to find the work as a whole together so I am just linking to the original released in 2024.

Take a look at his insta to see what he has been up to. Loved the images and video captured of him running the 5k through Japan with the ASAP crew. Check it out here.

I ain’t eatin without a Michelin, uh – Lupe Fiasco

I am a hardcore Naruto fan – the anime is great – but I do not want to talk about that right now. What I want to talk about is how Naruto used to chow down on that ichiraku ramen (I’m sure those days are long gone as he is now married ?). I didn’t understand it, the Maruchan ramen is good, but not that good. Prior to eating at Okiboru, I’d never had ramen made by a professional chef. Truly it is a treat for the tastebuds. The ramen costs no more than $16.00 a bowl. Such a nice treat. They even have mochi ice cream desserts.

The ambiance is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the service is truly great. Just so you know I’m also a fan of their rice bowls.

The Buckhead ATL, Ga location is rarely packed. You can sit and enjoy for a while. Oh and did I mention that this chain of restaurants has received a Michelin star? ?

Check them out in the Atlanta Georgia area, NYC and LA.

You will not be disappointed. I thought that it was a great experience for my first time trying true Japanese ramen. ? share what you think about this spot if you’ve been.

Paint Shop Pro is Gone, Gone, Gone

Thank you for all the entries.

I didn’t get any.

The lucky winner is Lupe Fiasco – I’ve been sending this man items that remind me of his songs. 🙂 I will include this in his latest package.

Thank you. Sorry I haven’t been updating. I’ve been really busy. I do plan to have some posts on hair soon and I’ll probably share some updates on my threads, I just posted something we made up today – I called it a Kimchi Scramble.

Pro tip, unless you like warm Kimchi, add it at the end. On top with the goat cheese. Yes!


Recipe on threads – threads.com/nellielytu

Btw, Lifeline brought Flow back. 🙁 I love this little beautiful kitty but I don’t think that my cats can tolerate another one indoors, I’m trying to get my sister to adopt Flow and King Louis Vuitton. I need to try to get King Louis to Lifeline for a neuter. It has been hard to do without a car. The older cat that keeps dropping by chases him away but I love his tenacity – I’m clearly someone he loves and trusts.

Pharrell x Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

I’m really into music and art. I lovvveee hearing from the artists about how they crafted their work and the kinds of things they haven taken into consideration as they have created a project.

Take some time to listen to Pharrell (music producer extraordinaire) and his artists, the Clipse. they are discussing their new work, Let God Sort Em Out. I feel like this rap style is more along the lines of gangsta rap, which isn’t really my favorite, but I do still think that the music is interesting and good. What do you think.

Btw, why does Pharrell’s skin always look so soft? I tried his skincare brand and my skin looked nothing like that. ? IRL filter.