It’s still summer, but I’m already thinking about what I want to wear for fall. As much as I love summer, fall is my favorite season for fashion because that’s when we really get to dress. I love layering sweaters with blouses, while wearing my favorite boots and jackets. This fall, my fashion obsession is the embellished cardigan.
Embellished cardigans are so adorable to me – they remind me of those rich older ladies who are unafraid to wear sequins and embellishment during the day. You know the ones…big hair, cool glasses and jewelry…their style borders tacky but somehow it works. Now that I think of it, that will probably be me in 35 years!
Embellished tops are de rigueur for nights on the town. Once upon a time in my fashion history, low cut jersey knit tops and jeans or mini skirts were my going out uniform…I’ve since matured and developed an appreciation for more intricate and detailed pieces for nights on the town. I think this embellished tank would look great with a pair of shorts (not too short!) and a pair of sky high heels for the club, or a pair of sleek pants for dinner or the bar.
I love fashion that reflects…me! The Black is Beautiful tee by Bon Bon Vie is so cute, and packs a major statement. The woman’s face is gorgeous, and the afro/halo has such an ethereal feel to it. Click here to buy!
I spotted this video over at K.I.S.S. blog…who knew creating a fish tail braid could be so simple? A single braid is a perfect ‘do for the summer, I love this style due to its simplicity and the fact that it keeps your hair out of your face. It also protects the hair from the elements and its super cute!
It’s that time in my life….the 10 year high school reunion. I haven’t been dreading it…in fact, I sort of forgot about it and procrastinated on preparing until an old friend from school reminded me that its a week from now. Eek! The #1 question is…what should I wear?
I found a few party dresses online that are absolutely to die for. I randomly have an evening gown in the back of my closet somewhere (don’t ask), but if I had time to order something and receive it by the day of the reunion, I would choose one of these frocks. Awear has tons of cheap party dresses and I’m absolutely drooling over these, especially the red one. I’d rock that red joint with a pair of leopard print pumps just to piss everyone off! Owwwwwww.
The knock ‘em out red dress…
Elegant, timeless, classic…
Shows the old classmates that you’ve still got it…
Dresses are my go-to garment for summer fashion. With the temperature climbing, summer dresses the only thing that keeps me cool and look stylish to boot! This summer I’ve been leaning more toward floral dresses, my favorite style being maxi dresses. Check out a few of my picks for women’s summer dresses!
This African/tribal print trend got me thinking. Trends and fads go in and out as quickly as one changes their underwear. Looking at fashion magazines and blogs, I’ve noticed that the Afrocentricity trend is making a comeback. In the early 90s, when hip hop music rang loudly with ethos of black power, responsibility, accountability, speaking words of knowledge and truth about black culture instead of denigration, it was cool and hip to rock the red, the black, and the green. Eventually the tide changed and other trends became popular, but for a moment in time Afrocentrism was “hip” and “cool.”
I love fashion, I love hip hop, and I love black culture. I love how these things inspire one another. I just hate to see a movement that has such an impact on our people cheapened and mass produced to be popularized and forgotten once the trends change like the wind. Not only do I hate it when this is done to my culture, I hate to see it done to other cultures as well. Maybe my sisters and brothers of other minority groups get annoyed as well when their cultural wares are cheapened for popular consumption.
I think it’s fine for others to have an appreciation for Afrocentricity and black culture. I also think its fine for it to receive mainstream acceptance. I think the dress I used for the image for this post is colorful and amazing (check out the post at Sicka Than Average if you want to see more African inspired fashion). However, it’s disheartening to think that there are people who probably rock this trend understanding its origin and importance. I’m aware that many fashion conscious people are intelligent and aware of world issues, but I know that there are many who aren’t. And those are the ones who I feel should understand the history and the “why” behind certain trends and styles.
The next time you’re in Forever 21 and you think about grabbing that African print maxi dress, take a moment to consider where the inspiration comes from.
Aside from me turning into a crazy banshee, about a week before my cycle starts my skin starts breaking out like nobody’s business. It’s always in the chin area, pissing me the hell off. I’m already hormonal, emotional, and bloated, damn monthly breakouts make me even madder!
Since I’m broke chic and can no longer afford the luxury of hitting the day spa for a facial every other month, I take matters into my own hands and give myself at home facials and scrubs. Sometimes I use store-bought products, but lately I’ve been experimenting with homemade scrubs and masks.
My latest at home facial scrub consists of two simple ingredients that every person has in their home – baking soda and water. You don’t really have to measure, just take some baking soda, add enough water to form a paste, and apply to skin after cleansing. Set for 10-20 minutes, and rinse off completely. Rub your face with ice to reduce swelling, and moisturize. Voila! Your skin will look brighter and more toned. It’s damn near free, it’s worth a try.
I love the look of cutoff shorts. They’re so scraggly and unkempt, it’s a super casual and carefree look.
Denim cutoffs are all over stores, but what’s the point when you can create them yourself with an old pair of jeans? I have a pair of 7 for all mankind jeans from 2005 that have seen better days, and have completely run their course as a pair of jeans. You know I don’t believe in throwing things away…so they’re about to become a pair of cutoff shorts!
To get the look, use a pair of heavy duty scissors to cut them to desired length. Be sure to try the shorts on after the first cut to measure. Use a pocket knife (I know you got one!) to fray the bottom and the edges around the pockets and lining. If you have sandpaper, use it to distress the fabric. Bleach them, dye them, add rhinestones, patches, whatever you want. Be creative!
I’m rocking this super dope fern-kelly green nail color right now. I can’t stop showing it off to my friends at work, I know they’re over hearing about this new color. If you had a cool ass nail color, wouldn’t you show yours off too?
Bright nails are one of my favorite things about the spring and summer season. We finally get the chance to bring our toes out, so why not show them off in bright, colorful hues that show off those beautiful (or ugly!!) toes?
