-Malaika Get Inspired! Learn, Love & Live Your Dreams

Learn Love Live Your Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Cool Paisley plus Warm Leopard Prints equals Perfect Pair

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Pursue A Passion that Improve Lives and People will Follow You

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:05:00 +0000

LA Fashion Event; You're Invited This Sunday at 1pm 8th & Labrea; Mixing Modern Fashions with Vintage My Favorite

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:12:00 +0000

I am so excited to work with Fatima Dodson owner of Runway Boutique L.A. for a second time. This time I will be styling the fashion show. I hope you all enjoy this fashion party as much as I will. If you have any style questions you want me to answer this Sunday, feel free to email me at malaikapaul@gmail.com Looking forward to cocktail hour This Sunday at 1pm. 8th & Labrea

I'm exercising my right to be Grateful.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 04:42:00 +0000

Today I declare to change my life one day at a time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Styling' Woman Within

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Woman Within is the name of the Fashion Label that created this beautiful dress I'm wearing today. I was full of pride and confidence knowing beautiful African Queens were dancing around on my dress.

Designer Inspiration- Africa Fashion Week LA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:59:00 +0000


I was truly inspired by all the contemporary designers showing at Papillion Institute of Art in Downtown LA this past Saturday for Africa Fashion Week LA 2012. However, Bishme Cromartie was my favorite. ( see his collection here) (My favorite pieces pictured above and below with my iphone 5).

I really look forward to attending fashion shows to see how contemporary designers use fabric, fit and proportions to express themselves. I especially loved how Bishme used creative lines from basic shapes to create unique silhouettes. Check out other pics from the show, follow me on instagram @MalaikaPaul.

Be Inspired! How? With Simple Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Today was a good day! Upon leaving work, I told myself I wanted to watch the sunset this evening. Why? Simply because I enjoy watching nature at its finest.

I drove home, changed into something more casual and drove to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. When I reached the location there was no parking so I drove around and around. Now I'm frustrated! The sun started her decent into the abyss. There was no parking insight. I drove along the side streets of this industrial area and found parking all the way at the end of block.

What seemed like a country mile, I walked up to the gateway of what looks like the ruins of prehistoric culture. What you see is a stack of uneven concrete stairs with dust and sand surrounding them. These stairs were the only obstacle between me and my sunset.

No doubts! Just certainty! I said I will get to the top before the sunsets. And off I go one step at a time. One breathe at a time. I took my time while telling myself I will make it to the top to see the sunset. I will make it to the top to see the sunset. Before you know it, 12 minutes later I rose to the top just as the sunsets. I was so happy and proud of this simple challenge I achieved today. I sat there amazed at the sun's beauty, trying to catch my breathe. and drinking my cold homemade green tea water.

Be Inspired by giving yourself simple challenges to do things we so often take for granted. I hope you had a wonderful day.

Yacht Parties! Sail Boats! Oh I dare to Dream!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:52:00 +0000

I was grateful to be invited to my friend's yacht party in Marina Del Rey this past weekend. The atmosphere, the people and champagne was truly a treat. I love sailing in general and secretly wish to live on a boat docked in the Mediterranean sea. I dare to Dream!

Quick Pics from my Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:23:00 +0000

I walk the streets of Los Angeles looking to be inspired daily. I looked up and saw this beautiful lamp in the corridor of the Montage Hotel and thought. What an interesting place to display the star of david. What do you think?

Quick Pics of my Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:03:00 +0000

This week was absolutely wonderful! I did exactly what my heart desired. Inspite of the intense work week notwithstanding the holiday off relaxing with friends at an outdoor cafe eating and dancing all day. The pure joy of meeting new people excites me.
You know how you want something and put it out into the universe, then you meet people that will help you make your dream come true.... now it's time to nurture those relationships.

I was so truly inspired by so much this week, from a total body strength training class at LA Fitness. (outside my comfort zone and loving it) Vintage shopping and finding the most unique pieces. To pure relaxation at Venice beach with friends. ooh la la. I am so happy and ready for love. I am manifesting the love I want in my life by loving myself. I hope you are having a great time on this earth. What inspired you this week?

Quick Pics of My Week of Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:25:00 +0000

This was a wonderful day of reading and relaxing at Frida's Beverly Drive

Al tequila salad is my favorite at Frida's, sesame avocado and seared tuna

Me wearing a vintage lace dress after sitting in my closet for 2 years.

inspired by textile from New Guinea, print inspiration

color inspiration inside LACMA

I love the bold colors in this Kandinsky painting

The latest art installation at LACMA the levitated mass

under the levitated mass

during my run before work Wilshire Blvd. took a different route today

a vintage sequins blouse I've had for awhile, decided to wear it

at my friend's house, he has a beautiful garden

I must have been ovulating last week when I bought these sunglasses because now I don't want them anymore lol sounds like my dating life

hanging at Bouchon French bakery on thursday for live band in the garden

I hung my Jean Paul Gaultier piece in the kitchen today. I was hoping for a white frame

all photos taken Malaika

OMG! I had to share these words with you today

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:18:00 +0000

...All you have to do is show up everyday
Stay true to your path
And you will surely find the treasure you seek
- Jackson Kiddard, author

Quick Pics of my week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:20:00 +0000

The Shrine in Downtown LA

The library

inspired by the mood and elegance captured in this photo

Naomi Campbell and all her glory

the fabric and detail

there's something about books that makes me excited

i bought this book for $1 at the library

outside the library feels like a jungle sometimes

this Andy Warhol painting left me speechless

I look for inspiration in the little details

I love walking the streets of LA, you never know what you might see

makes me want to sit and read in elegance

Peter Pilotto designs are so colorful and cheerful

Soulnic House Music Picnic Saturday at Griffith Park was a blast. If you haven't already please check out this video styled, shot and edited by me.

Eating " Shrimp Papaya Green Bean Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:12:00 +0000

broiled shrimp, shredded green papaya, green, green beans and side of brocoli

Styling: Vintage Dress, Italian Handbag & Camilla Skov Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Sunday's uniform at the Los Angeles County Museum, Vintage, Italian handbag and Camilla Skovsgard heels

I made this video just for fun, click on link and tell me what you think. http://www.malaikapaul.com/p/malaikable-video.html

Eating " Salmon, Capers Collard Green Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:58:00 +0000

salmon baked, tomatoes, red onions, capers and olives wrapped in raw collard green

To give pleasure is to know pleasure! What do you do to Love yourself?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 06:35:00 +0000

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve Your Love and affection"-Buddha

Once I watched a movie about how courtesans in Venice Italy became more educated and desired by men of the royal court . One in particular couldn't marry the man she loved because of her family's status. The only way she could have him is to become a courtesan.

Her mother taught her "to give pleasure, you must know pleasure." So she showed her how to pamper herself, educate herself in the arts, music, literature and enjoy all the finer things in life. So when the men of high social standing appeared.... well you have to watched to the movie to see what happens next. HA!

I will tell you this beautiful courtesan persuaded the French King to send his troops to support the Italians army at war.

By no means am I suggesting you become a high class prostitute. But I will tell you "to give pleasure is to know pleasure" for some reason stuck with me.

And today I thought I want love. Do I know love? I think I do! But do I really know what it means to love someone unconditionally. Then I thought ...Do I love myself unconditionally? I know that sounds like a silly question. But I am my worst critic. I get in my own way of happiness.

My childhood wasn't filled with I love yous and I miss yous. Quiet as kept, when my friends tells me they love me, I feel uncomfortable. Why? you asked? That's a great question. My only answer is I am not in daily practice of giving and receiving love. I've probably been single longer than I've been in a relationship. And that's by choice.

Yeah it sounds weird to me too. It's like anything else for me to get into the daily habit of practicing what I want. Yes that includes love. So I start by loving myself. By taking the time to give myself pleasure from taking long hot baths to washing my beautiful natural hair slowly and not rushing to comb out the conditioner. I take myself to quiet romantic dinners. I'd really like to go to the Opera but won't, thinking I'll wait for my prince charming to take me.

So today I wrote myself a love letter. I designed the front with a tie dye dress and wrote on the back of the note a fashion quote that inspired me. Then I stuffed the letter in an envelope addressed to myself. I may mail it out tomorrow, I haven't decided. I thought how can I expect my life's partner to do things I haven't done for myself.
What do you do to love yourself?

Quick Pics of my Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 02:49:00 +0000

View of the Hollywood Hills from the Grove when you take to stairs to your car

The many fancy decor doorways in downtown LA fashion District

The architecture downtown is tres jolie, when you walk down broadway just look up

so decorative inside this theatre

another rooftop day with friends midweek lounging and grilling

I grilled salmon, asparagus and bell peppers, mushrooms too but I ate them before I took pic

day 10 of my passion in action challenge

blending markers and colored pencil, need more practice

Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. beautiful entrance

Rodeo Drive, a girl needs some inspiration

2 Rodeo Drive

just arrived at the fabric store in westhollywood. one of my favorite places to browse for trim

beautiful antique store

went to the Grove outdoor shopping place to walk around see the people

I went to the theatre to watch Snow white and the Huntsman. the Queen's costumes were manificent

One of my favorite costumes in the Snow white and Huntsman movie was the mesh metallic dress

Quick Pics of My Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:56:00 +0000

Happy Hour at Capital Grille was the best with my new Italian-made handbag, quite lovely

the architecture in downtown LA is marvelous

me lounging by the jacuzzi on the rooftop

me with the girls on the rooftop

that's all me grilling veggies with olive oil and garlic, impressed?

southwest view of downtown LA from rooftop

just me relaxing after the jacuzzi

northwest view of downtown LA at sunset

me practicing my olympic moves

Venus baby in full effect

keylime cakes at magnolia bakery very yummy

Be confident and grateful your work is already done!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:54:00 +0000

this weekend at my friend's loft downtown LA on the rooftop and jacuzzi

Just a quick thought today... I do my best thinking in the morning when I wake up.

"Believe You Are where you're suppose to Be
Be certain your practice is your practice alone and
when that moment comes to serve another with your practice,
Be confident and grateful your work is already done" - Malaika

this is me, my thoughts from a lifetime of learning, observation, feeling and practice.

Last night's was the last session of my fashion design and sketching course at Trade tech. We're on summer break until September. Until then, I will practice my design and sketch technique daily.

Before bed I experienced every emotion possible from happy, sad, anger.... I'm not exactly sure why. Believe me I am examining my thoughts and feelings.

I got online searching for corporate sponsorship so I could study at the Royal College of Art & Design School in London. Again feeling anxiety of my level of study. But at the end of the day, I am content where I am physically and mentally. I could definitely work on my emotions though. But that's the story of my life.

You never know what could happen. I have plans to visit London in 3 months so I will definitely check out the design schools and the exhibits.

What's going on with you this week?

Your Passion in Action

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:34:00 +0000

To become a master at something you have to train yourself. You have to decide what it is you want to do. Once you decide, Now take action. Do something! Anything, Just do it.

It's amazing once you get started it all comes together somehow.. But what surprised me was sometimes there are moments of discomfort where you don't understand or you simply don't want to work.

I used to think well it's my passion and I should naturally want to work at it and I do naturally want to work at it but that's not enough to make me do something I am not in the habit of doing everyday. It takes practice. Everyday a conscious effort to practice working at it.

There will be times you don't want to do the work, research or exercise but those are the moments of life that matters the most, the moments we choose to stay in bed and watch American Idol, Scandal or even go out with our friends. Guess what Kerry Washington did her work (years of work) and now she can show up like a gladiator in a suit every week.

Every time... you have to choose you, your passion, your dreams.

There is nothing wrong with having a good time with friends. I believe life is a balance. But you know you didn't get your ass up and do your work. So now you have to choose to work for your jewel moment. The moment where nothing else matters but you. Sounds selfish? yeah It's ok,

My plan of action is to get up early everyday for one year. 10 minutes in the beginning. Then gradually increase my time. I will set a timer. 10 minutes everyday of design and sketching to train my eye and hand to work for that jewel moment. No facebooking, no emails, turn everything off except what you need to work.
I will share my updates weekly, so check back.

It takes time and effort to become a master of your passion.-

Above is a pic I took at the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit in San Francisco last month.

Best M

Being Content this Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 May 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Being content was the name of the game this weekend. From meeting up with friends Saturday, tasting new wine from Uruguay and dancing to Afro-Cuban music of Ricardo Lemvo at LACMA, to Sunday's Hike to the highest peak at Griffith Park to absolutely relaxing at home on Monday. I was content going with the flow of the music where ever I ended up. I planned this extravagant weekend in Catalina Island, needless to say all that was scrapped at the last minute. I really didn't feel like traveling. Just listening to wonderful music, hanging with friends and taking in nature was good enough for me. I hope you are enjoying your time on this earth. See More Pics here

3 Ways to Gladiate a 10k!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:36:00 +0000

I have to start by saying Sunday's race in Santa Monica was so invigorating. The energy and all the beautiful people truly inspired me. Not only was the Santa Monica Classic in its 7 year run supporting the Heal the Bay organization but the euphoric energy you experience running with all those people for the same cause not even an orgasm can beat that.

It's a feeling that no one else can give you. You have to experience the moment for yourself.

My old acting coach used to say if you're not fucking, you're not living. Well I say if you're running a 10k, you're not living.

Which is why I want to share with you 3 ways to Gladiate a 10k Race.

You might not win the race especially with all the African runners participating but you will radiate a energy of confidence and euphoria.

1. Sing while you Run. Sing a song that inspires you, that uplifts you. You can sing it out loud or to yourself. Whatever you prefer! Hum it! If you want to. Singing inspires active breathing. And active breathing allows you to set your own pace of the race.

If you follow someone's else pace and when they stop! or change...guess what! You will too! We don't want that. We want you to drive you're own speed, inspire you're own pace.

2. Don't try anything new the day of the race. Don't go out and buy a new work out bodysuit the day before the race. You might end up running with your pants or shorts rising down showing your buns. And believe me that is not cute.

Don't try a new energy drink, gel or supplement even if Sport Chalet gave you a $10 gift card to buy anything you want. Don't do anything you don't normally do when you practice running on a normal day. In fact you want to have something or wear something you normally wear to make you feel like it's a regular day of practice.

By the way ignore those cute little Asian students passing you water every other mile. If you don't drink water During your normal run don't drink it on the day During the race just because it's free. You will get cramps and that doesn't feel good at the 3rd mile marker.

3. Smile the entire Race. This is the Most Important of all 3. Fake it! you have to. In the beginning you will be so excited and happy you won't have to fake it. However, when you get to mile 3, you might be saying... What the Fuck was I thinking when I signed up for this.

Just Smile! Sing your favorite song and Believe me! when I tell you! on the turnaround at the 4th mile marker you Get a second wind that is Sooo ...rejuvenating! You're going to be like Damn! Where did that come from?.

Just keep smiling, keep singing! Your speed will pickup and the next thing you know... you ARE at the Finish line. Sweating, Crying, (the ugly cry) because of this amazing accomplishment you've just achieved. There is nothing like it! I tell you! Nothing like it.

I hope you have the courage to participate in the next race. Check out Active.com for races in your area. If you like this post feel free to share it with your friends.

Best,

Malaika