Introducing Our Newest Contributor…Chinny Is Here To Stay!

From the moment we came across Chinny’s Instagram (@chiniluv), we were smitten with her cheery feed and messaging overall. In her own words, she’s here to “delight, uplift, and inspire” and we just love that. Go take a peek at Chinny’s account if you haven’t yet (and her blog, too) — these values shine through every post she creates.

Back in January, we arranged for an interview with Chinny to go live on the blog. It turned out so beautifully — right down to the photos — we HAD to make this a regular thing!

So, allow me to re-introduce Chinny…as our newest contributor!! She lives in NYC with her husband, one adorable toddler, and a new baby on the way! She has called a number of countries home (UK, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and US) but much of her inspiration stems from her African roots. You can also expect PLENTY of sci-fi/urban fantasy references because, again, we freaking love that and some fun video content! Check out one of her latest Reels here for a good laugh…she’s a total pro.

Keep an eye out for Chinny’s posts on style, motherhood, home (she’s a #PlantMom), and everything in-between. We are SO excited to welcome Chinny to the team. In the meantime, you can dig into her FAQs below…

Let’s get the basics out of the way: where you live, how many kids, etc.,

“I live in NYC with my husband and my very adorable soon-to-be 3-year-old daughter. I’m also expecting a little one in June :)”

Describe your personal style. Who are your style icons?

“I would say bright and fun, yet quite feminine with a contemporary vintage feel. My style icons range from Joan (of Mad Men), and Miriam from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to Blair Eadie, Shiona Turini, and Brianna in Grace and Frankie.”

Skirt | Blouse (Similar Items)

How has your personal style changed since becoming a mom?

“After some thought, I realized my style has changed a bit since becoming a mother. I stopped following trends and leaned into timeless silhouettes that I love. I still love bright colors and prints, but I find I shop less and I’m able to create endless timeless combos with pieces that are already in my wardrobe.”

Mama’s Dress (& plus-size option here) | Baby’s Dress (Similar Items)

What’s your go-to outfit?

“My go-to outfit for stepping out the door is a comfy sweater paired with a pencil skirt or mid-length pleated skirt. Staying home, I love comfy sweats, kaftans, and loungewear. In bright hues or fun prints 😉”

Sometimes it’s hard to gauge height from an Instagram or blog post — SO…how tall are you? 

“Funny you should say that but folks usually think I’m shorter than I am! I’m 5’8″.”

What are your top three beauty products?

“Right now, Marc Jacobs Beauty Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer — works wonders on my skin during the winter, M.A.C. Brushstroke 24hr Liner — makes drawing a cat-eye effortless, and BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter gives me lovely shimmery cheeks.”

What drew you to blogging and when did you start?

“I’ve always been an avid reader and I love writing. I also love beautiful imagery. I’ve had blogs in some form or the order for years and years now, but chiniluv.com was the first time I put myself out there properly. My voice and aesthetic. I launched it back in January 2019 as a space where I could delight, inspire and uplift other women like me. I’m also a storyteller at heart and wanted a space where I could write long immersive content to my heart’s content!”

Dress | Shoes

What does a typical day look like? How do you manage time with kids vs. blogging (or work)?

“My alarm goes off at 6:30am, myself or my husband go pick up our little one at 7am. Get her fed, ready, and dropped off at daycare by 8:40am. Then I’m back at my workspace at home by 9am to get work started. I’ve been making a concerted effort to take a lunch break these days to work on blog stuff, run errands, eat, or even prep for dinner. By 5pm, my husband and I pick up the little one and have dinner by 6:30pm. She gets mommy, daddy time and some screentime till 7:30pm, after which we get her ready for bed. At 8:30pm she’s in bed, and we spend the rest of the evening lounging on the couch watching our shows, chatting and using our screens. This is obviously our dream schedule, like everything else in life, hiccups occur from time to time!

As a parent, the biggest challenge executing my schedule is the fact there are no days off in parenting. Tired, sick or stressed, you have to pull your act together and keep your little human alive and well! 🙂 My daughter is 2.8 years and in that adorable yet patience-straining stage of having opinions about everything and wanting to do everything herself. I can say the past year has taught me patience like never before!”

Jumpsuit (or this) | Shoes (Similar Items)

After the craziest, worst days we all find salvation in seeing our kids. What’s your favorite thing to do with them to decompress?

“Singing and dancing! I might be biased, but I birthed the most magical little being with the most wonderful spirit. She looks like her dad but is very much like me. No matter how tired I feel, dancing and singing with her after a long day, lifts my spirits like no other. I call her my little sunshine…..and she really is my sunshine.”

What’s one fashion risk you love to see on others but would NEVER take yourself?

“Hmm…that’s a tough one. Probably little denim shorts with a lovely blouse or shirt. I love that look on others, but on myself, not so much. I’m very much about wearing what makes me feel good and try as I may, little denim shorts don’t….unless I’m on a beach with a cocktail on hand. ;)”

Tee | Shorts (or these) (Similar Items) | Shoes

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Chinny, we are thrilled you’re joining the crew!! Since your original interview here at TME, we were hooked on your incredibly fun style and all of the content you create. Readers, let’s give Chinny the warmest welcome, ever. Yay!

Xo,

Gwen