About Cigale
Many will be surprised that fashion and I didn’t meet until high school. It was the mid-90s, when Hip Hop, BET, and MTV ruled the world. Rappers and video vixens wore the latest fashions and jewelry on television. Often you’ll see these same stars in certain Queens (Q-boro) neighborhoods. Yes, I’m a Queen from Queens just ask Prince Akeem.
I was poor.
Too poor for 54.11 sneakers…
Too poor for Guess jeans…
Too poor for a Jansport backpack…
Way too poor for a Coogi sweater but I needed a way to stand out.
What I lacked in money I had in communication skills and even then my art of persuasion was unmatched. As a ninth-grader, I decided business casual was my look. My grandmother helped convince my mother to allow me to wear dresses, slacks, blazers, blouses, and dress boots to high school. I even had a pocketbook-type bag for my books instead of a bookbag.
I enlisted the fastest girl on the track team to help me convince our track coach to allow us to wear run briefs like the pros instead of the ugly shorts like the other teams. Those briefs got us plenty of attention as well as trophies and a title. In the words of Tupac…”All Eyes on Me”…I mean “us”.
I would be voted best athlete of my graduating class and received an honorable mention for best dressed. I was clearly robbed but that only fueled my love of fashion, beauty, fitness, and creating new experiences. This still holds true to this day.
During the day, I’m:
- Network Operations Supervisor - Verizon.
- A Black Girl that runs for Forest Park Runners Run Club.
- Taking notes/pictures of everything I encounter including myself.
- Explorer of new things; i.e. countries, history, fashion, nutrition, workout routines Most likely training for a race.
Fun facts about me:
- I love everything about FASHION.
- My favorite movie is Sex and the City.
- I own a pair of shoes for each day of the year.
- I’m a perfect size 7 like Carrie Bradshaw; I even own a pair of her coveted blue Manolo wedding shoes.
- I am passionate about all things running.
- I’m the mother to the best daughter in the entire world, my clone at least the best parts of me.
- Favorite drinks: Champagne, Sparkling water, Sparkling wine, Coconut water & Hennessy.
- My mom and dad loved me so much that they attempted to clone me and got my brother instead.
- A Caribbean Queen was born on the island of Jamaica (like Bob Marley) and migrated to the United States in March 1990.
- I reside in NYC even though I belong in Paris.
- I believe self-care isn’t selfish and luxury is a necessity.
- And I LOVE to shop.
I know my blog isn’t for everyone. I mean that isn’t possible even for me. However, I will continue being my effervescent, unapologetic self; shining and sparkling for myself and those who love me.
#SheCantBeatMeOrMyOutfit
Enjoy!
Cigale N. Henry