Halloween Edition: Beyonce Is the Queen of Costumes

November 1, 2016November 1, 2016Leave a comment

It’s November 1 and yes Halloween is over until another year. With that being said, that does not mean that I can’t write about some of my favourite costumes over the years. This year, hands down Queen Bey and her family gang slay halloween costumes once more. Here are a few of her best and creative costumes.

Janet and Brother Michael Jackson

Everyone on instagram went in a frenzy when the superstar posed as another icon. Blue Ivy posing as Michael Jackson was a cute feature. This was the beginning of memorable costumes to come!

Storm

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From the hair, to the eyes along with the outfit, Mrs. Knowles-Carter slayed the costume as storm from X-Men. This was Ciara’s birthday party last year and I must add that the singer looked cute as cat woman along with her now husband Russell, but Beyonce killed the competition… in a friendly way.

Frida Kahlo and Jean-Michel Basquiat

I will point out that Beyonce has a striking resemblance to the legendary artist Frida. This is one of the reasons as to why this costume works along with her beau Jay Z dressing like another influential artist… Basquiat. I thought this was the ultimate couple swagging until…

Coming to America

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The King and Queen of music takes on the King and Queen of Zamunda. I loved everything about this. Blue Ivy being Imani Izzi (who was a princess that was supposed to marry Eddie Murphy’s character) adds more magic to this pure slayage occurring.

Salt n’ Peppa

You just can’t go wrong dressing like hip hop MC’s. Her mother Tina is in full fledged hip hop mode.

Barbie and Ken

Just when you thought the family couldn’t come up with a creative idea this year… they surprise you once more. Black Barbie and Black Ken at its finest. I wonder what costume idea Queen Bey and her gang will come up with next year.

Fashionable Instagram Profiles to Follow

October 26, 2016Leave a comment

One of the reasons as to why of I love instagram is the visuals. There is nothing like a great picture that tells a story all on it’s own. What’s even better is shopping for inspiration when it comes to fashion. From bloggers who hail from the U.K.,Canada, California to Portugal, here are some fashionable instagram profiles to follow now.

Dirty Sexy Fashion @thedsfblog

Doesn’t the title already grab you? It grabbed my attention! This profile caters particularly on the best celebrity fashion out there. Very addictive to watch.

Camila Coelho @camilacoelho

I followed this fashion/beauty blogger by accident. I’ve become a big fan of all the outfits worn by her. You can’t hate on her travelling too. Good thing this was all an accident!

Freddie Harrel @freddieharrel

Her afro, quirky sense of style and upbeat personality is what made me follow this U.K. blogger who’s also a stylist on ASOS. Harrel’s big hair is truly goals!

Emily Luciano @emily_luciano

The theme is all pink in Luciano’s instagram posts along with coffee, shoes and purses. I can’t hate.

The Style Line @thestyleline

The Stye Line creatively posts pictures while writing biographies on people working in the fashion industry. This is storytelling at its finest. You’ll leave the page feeling inspired.

Sheryl Luke @walkinwonderland

The title itself explains how artistic fashion can be. Everything that Sheryl has posted prompts me to duplicate the shoes, purses in cheaper forms in my everyday life.

Samantha Maria @samanthamariaofficial

Samantha’s page is by far my favourite out of all on this blog post. This beauty/fashion blogger along with being a photographer posts pictures of her cool style, delicious food and travels around the world. I can’t hate so I will double tap on her pictures.

Talia Brown @talia_stylist

Not to be biased but Talia is Canadian… like myself so of course I will follow! Brown who’s a Toronto native is a relatable stylist who exudes positivity in her posts. I wouldn’t mind her job.

Vic Styles @thevicstyles

From rocking her long natural hair to her funky way of dressing, Miss Styles can’t go wrong in fashion.

Brown Girl Bloggers @browngirlblogs

I’m a brown girl who blogs, and this page has opened my eyes to see other woman of colour who also blogs about fashion.

@hammer.style.grl

Even though my instagram account is private (for various reasons), it is another outlet where people can follow. I have a unique take on fashion, music and lifestyle while keeping posts lighthearted and writing up witty quotes along with it. Plus I happened to come from a city that’s no longer considered to be a steel city and becoming known for the arts. P.S. don’t let anyone steal your magic.

Music Spotlight: Proof That Rihanna is Iconic

October 25, 2016October 25, 2016Leave a comment

In the music world there are heavy weights that rule the industry and Rihanna is one of them. After 14 number-one songs to sold out concerts, and multi platinum albums, this Barbadian songstress/fashionista who is also known as Bad Gal RiRi has made a name for herself rightfully so. Here’s evidence that proves the case.

Her Music

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From her colourful music videos to relatable songs and even more elaborate performances, Rihanna has influenced many with her music.I will repeat what I said in the beginning of this post… the girl has 14 number one songs. That’s an impressive feature for an artist in general. Miss Fenty is currently in third place behind the legendary singer Mariah Carey and the influential rock band The Beatles. The 28 year old has surpassed icons like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna and Stevie Wonder… that’s not too shabby at all.

She’s Caribbean

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There is no denying that Fenty is proud of her Barbadian roots. You see this example through her music videos along with her instagram posts; most importantly RiRi has maintained her Bajan (short form) accent and still hangs out with the same friends before she became famous. There is much respect for this example.

Her Style

Need I say more? She’s a chameleon in all honesty.

Drake

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Unfortunately it has been rumoured that the pair has now split up but it was great while is lasted… for two weeks or so. Imagine how many more hits they could have ( or still can) make?

The Changing Hairstyles

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When it comes to the hair, there’s no one who can rock a changing hairstyle like the bad gal’ herself. Riri changes her hair like she changes her outfits. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Having No Care What People Think

I have posted the most recent hair change from Miss Fenty because it’s one of the most political hair changes for the the singer. In the U.S. there have been debates on whether or not dreadlocks are professional and should be banned. Many people are not in favour of the hairstyle. The way the media has either portrayed examples are not always in a positive light. This is an example of RiRi not caring what others think. It may or may not be something that she though would have such a debate but this is why Rihanna is so iconic. Plus the style makes her look so much younger adding the Caribbean vibe to it. Rihanna cannot go wrong.

Music Spotlight: 8 Reasons Why You Should Have a Seat At Solange’s Table

October 4, 2016November 1, 2016Leave a comment

If you live in the Greater Toronto area, more specifically Hamilton, then you’ve experienced a non-eventful weekend… weather wise. Musically, with album releases like Solange’s latest effort along with electronic singer Banks. I will try keep the introduction short, but I have been a fan of Solange, also known as Solo, and her work for quite some time. From her music projects like the 2012 (which I can’t believe the time) extended play titled True to her eclectic collection named Saint Heron showcasing standout R&B indie musicians like Sampha and Kelela whom are on her album… it’s safe to say that Beyonce isn’t the only sister who has some musical genius in the family. Here are eight inarguable reasons as to why to you need have a seat at Solo’s table.

Her Style

Ever since she released her second album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St.Dreams, Solange has separated herself from her big sis’ in a huge way with her quirky sense of style. From mix-matching prints to creating a whole new funky outfit, she rivals the best in the industry like Rihanna and many others.

Her Hair

With natural hair, being on the rise for many black women for a few years, there is no denying that Solo has had a huge influence with this. The picture to the right is her rocking what’s now known as the ‘big-chop’. This is a process where women cut off all other the hair that contains chemicals in them… returning the hair into its natural for. This picture had to be at least seven years ago. Many people in the media didn’t even know what that meant until afterwards. She continues to slay with her blowouts to her long box braids and her afro. Go on girl!

Her Family

I can’t just post about Solo without talking about her kins. It is clear to see her love and dedication for her son on her instagram posts. In 2014, she broke the internet with her wedding to music directer Alan Ferguson; having everyone wear white while the bride herself still slaying! Of course I have to mention her big sister Beyonce somewhere in this paragraph. They have worked together in the past with Solo writing songs for Bey in Destiny’s child; I hope for future collaborations because the Knowles’ sisters are a magical music combination. Her father, Mr. Knowles has had a deep influence on her, some of the reasons are obvious especially on this current album. Tina, Solange’s mother not only influenced her style, but also what it means to love being black… which is pretty special in many ways.

The Music

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What I appreciate about Solange is that she takes her time crafting her music. It has been four years since the release of True (which I still play today) and I still can’t get the song Losing You out of my head. Another point would be how far away she tries to separate herself from pop culture and it’s saturation, being indie in a world where they try to compare her to artists who are considered superstars. Her music is simple yet effective in the message at the moment.

A Crane In The Sky

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There are only words for me to describe Solo’s song and the video which was released from her latest album: sadness, beauty, depression, understanding, ethereal, nature, sorrow, harmony, soulful, redemption, hope, classic, unity, baggage, emptiness, rhythmic, lightness and heavy.

F.U.B.U. (For Us By Us)

This song is another standout from Solo’s third album. You get a sense of pride because there is a feeling like she is right in the room singing the song to you. It’s emotional and relatable in the times that we live in with gun violence and racial profiling which is a touchy topic for many including myself, but it evokes confidence; I just feel like raising my left fist like no one’s business.

Mad Featuring Lil’Wayne

Another highlight off of A Seat at The Table, I have many reasons why this song is so important in 2016. From Lil’Wayne’s aggressive lyrics about the frustrations of being black in America to Solange opposing the stereotypical angry black woman vocals hitting people hard with her soft light falsettos from left to right; then there’s Tweet in the background stating, “I got a lot to me mad about,” this gets me every time!

A Seat at The Table

Lastly, I have to explain why this album is important in this day of age. With topics spanning from issues like what it’s like to be black, a millennial, Tina’s words of encouragement and shutting down the white lives matter topic, then there’s her father discussing how he dealt with the harshness of racism years ago. I have a lot of respect for Master P. He spoke in the majority of what I call skits/interludes in the album, speaking about trying not to sell out in the music industry and also (this stood out to me) how black kids who are poor can’t just go to rehab… they have to ‘rehab’ themselves. Very powerful words. Other highlights of the album is the opener Rise,the soulful Weary, Junie which has a Prince feel to it, the political song called Don’t Touch My hair features the multi-talented singer-songwriter Sampha who also produced the song (which is on the repeat button) and shall I mention the video which is amazing, Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) which features the legendary rapper Q-Tip, and last Scales that is one of the more darker songs album featuring one of my favourite up and coming singer Kelela.

A Seat At The Table addresses uncomfortable topics that are more than necessary to discuss in 2016. It’s loud without having to be aggressive, but lyrically explosive. You might not be able to dance to the record, but it will make you think, feel and uplift.

Grab a chair and take a seat.

My New Addiction: Chokers

September 25, 2016September 26, 20162 Comments

I have a confession to make. It has been two months, three days since I went choker-crazy. Somehow I can’t escape my obsession. Here are some reasons you need to hop on the bandwagon.

The Versatility

I love the remake of the classic 90’s tattoo choker. It’s metallic, therefore making the look more dressy and subtle.

The Elegance

Not all chokers have the tough-street look. Like this look I am wearing above, there is an elegant style about this choker making it a staple for all outfits.

The Glamour

Some chokers are just meant to sparkle!

The Throwback

Along with the 90’s fashion, the tattoo chokers have made a huge comeback for 2016. I love this. Just remembering as child not being allowed to wear this because of the look, now I have two and plan on buying more! This is pretty evident that I am hooked on this trend and you should be as well! Head on over to Forever 21.

Hottest Fall Trends To Buy Now

September 14, 2016September 14, 2016Leave a comment

Yes the weather is still nice and warm… everything that defines summer, but the mornings are pretty cold, screaming fall which is not too far from now. Living in Canada, there is no surprise that when the weather changes to cooler climates… there is no going back unless it’s June again. Here are some of the hottest fall trends that you can buy right now. All pictures a featured from the stores listed below.

The Choker

From the tattoo chokers to rope necklaces, this nineties trend has made a comeback in 2016, so it’s no surprise that all popular and indie stores alike will display the choker movement all through 2017. (Forever 21 $6.90)

Oversized Blouse

This top is by far one of my favourite trends of the season. You can adorn this to any occasion without trying too hard. I may just head to a mall nearby and just buy the top! (Zara $89.00)

Black Booties

Black booties along with boots will alway be a fall staple, there’s a classic feel to the look. When it comes to shoes, I prefer to spend a little more money to get the worth of a shoe (think comfort). Either way you can find this style at any department in a mall or at a boutique store… the possibilities are endless. (Guess $179.00)

Contemporary Abstract Poncho

When it comes to the autumn season, you cannot go wrong with sporting a poncho, there is absolutely no way. It’s comfy, stylish and effortlessly chic! (Forever 21 $52.90)

A Line Button Denim Skirt

Another nineties trend that has been pretty popular this summer will continue in the fall. Don’t feel limited with this style, there a short skirts along with the longer skirts which will appear more in the season. (Urban Planet $24.95 sale)

I know some of the prices may seem pricey, but my advice would to still shop at these stores more particularly when these items go on sale. With shoes, spend the money because a nice pair of comfortable boots will go a long way. Happy shopping!

My Hair Diary

August 29, 2016August 29, 2016Leave a comment

For me I change my hair the way that I change my clothes. Like many people who loves a change in their hairstyle, this is also an expression of my creativity. Here’s a look a my favourite hair changes over the years.

Red Twists

My favourite part of this hairstyle is the lightness of the texture. Kinky-curly textures of hair are usually lighter that other textures. The colour was vibrant and Rihanna was a source of inspiration here (Rihanna Red).

Big Chop #100

Short hair is so easy to maintain. You wake up in the morning not having to worry about how it will look aside from a little grooming. Buzzed cuts are so liberating for women, at first when I saw my hair on the floor, I thought that I was going nuts for shaving it all off, but there was no looking back plus the amount of confidence that was boosted was on some other level. It’s probably another reason as to why I revert back to shorter hairstyles.

Grace Jones Inspired

I knew at this point I still wanted to rock short hair but change it up a bit. Tumblr sometimes is a source of inspiration for fashion trends and hair trends. When a girl was rocking this Grace Jones inspired hair, I knew that I had to create this look on my hair. You can also see some red due to the hair growth… giving this an ombre look.

Shaved With Curls

This was an easy change as I only had to finger comb my hair since it’s already naturally curly. At this point my hair was growing too fast. Yes this can happen when you become obsessed with short hair! I am so sad about those earrings breaking.

Then Straight

Since the hair was growing, a length check needed to be done. I loved how different I looked when my hair was straight along with the undercut.

Purple Bobbed-Boxed Braids

It’s safe to say that these purple braids were a hit! Along with the Grace Jones hair look, everywhere I went, I got complements with these braids. It was also an odd time too because of the death of late singer and icon Prince who was known for that colour. I was proud of the outcome because it was a risk that had paid off! Oh how I love taking risks!

Can’t forget the Afro

I was born under the Leo sign and this look gives me the lioness vibes for some reason. It also screams the late 60’s and 70’s era, plus my hair grew out of nowhere.

Blonde Alicia Keys

Even though Goddess Braids are all the rage this year… I wanted to try something different. Thank you Social Media, thanks Alicia Keys circa Songs of A Minor era and thank you blonde extensions for changing my mind when choosing the hair colour along with the style!

Women Who Changed The Fashion Game Forever

August 11, 2016August 11, 2016Leave a comment

You can’t imitate style and expect to stand out. I have a list of six women who has changed and influenced and created the fashion trends of the 20th century. This list can be longer because there are so many iconic people who’ve influenced style for everyone still to this day, but these women created an environment for others to feel confident and uplifted by not only their style but also their independent, no-nonsense and fierce attitudes.

Grace Jones

Bold, dominant and does not give two shits is how I would describe this woman. Grace Jones put the high-top fade hairstyle on the map for women and men alike. Her androgynous style is what really made her a style icon of the 20th century. There is no doubt in my mind that singers like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Madonna adopted the versatility that Jones established over 30 years ago.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was blonde ambition at its finest. Despite her turbulent personal life, her image exuded the opposite. She made it cool be curvy while proving that there is more to life than just having a pretty face.

Diana Ross

This would not be complete without speaking about the original diva herself. From rags to riches, Diana Ross (the name itself) brought fierceness and confidence to women of colour exuding the reason as to why that black is beautiful. Whether it’s rocking a afro, wearing glitter, or even eating a drumstick while looking glamour, Miss Ross is truly the boss, I know Beyonce will agree!

Kate Moss

In the early to mid nineties where grunge fashion became a big deal, this supermodel brought it into the glamorous limelight. Some people will say that Kate Moss is not the typical beauty, but she is so much more than that. Moss brings the unglamorous and gritty side of the fashion industry which is my reason as to why she is so successful. The woman as a model tells a story while being current in a time where it was needed.

Bianca Jagger

She may be known as Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, but Bianca is also a fashion icon. Aside from her humanitarian work, Bianca Jagger brought swag to the fashion game.She can turn a bland looking outfit look like gold by adding a flower to it like magic. else will ride on a horse for the birthday? Bianca did that.

Aaliyah

More than just a product of the nineties and late 2000’s, Aaliyah’s influence is unprecedented. Yes I said that. You can look at Rihanna, Beyonce, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Ciara, Drake and Chris Brown and not notice the impact that she had with her style on these artists. Still to this day women are duplicating her tomboy style with the black hair, a snapback along with the popular black shades. She may have left the world too young but her style lives on for decades.

Why Creating Your Style is Important

July 19, 2016Leave a comment

Some may say that clothes are just clothes… why make such a big deal over fashion and style, I beg to differ. Yes I will admit that another girl can be wearing the same dress and even the same shoes as me (which would be a bit of a nightmare with the shoe accessory), but our styles will be completely different when coming to the jewelry that we pick, the way we style our hair, to the way we wear our makeup. This is where our styles become different. That word ‘style’ is so important in so many ways. In school a professor can hand out the same story for the class to do a book report on. No matter how similar we may agree upon what the story is about as students, our writing styles will be completely different. Fashion style is just like that. Here are four reasons as to why creating your style is important.

You Stand Out From the Rest

This sound so cliche but it’s the truth. Having a sense of style creates a sense of self. By this it can mean having certain look like a certain hairstyle of even wearing vibrant nail colours.. style is important. In high school I loved wearing big-funky earrings. Before anyone knew my name, they recognized me being the small girl with the big earring. What can I say…I stood out.

Therefore People Will Remember You

Again this stems back from standing out. Hopefully you being memorable leads to a positive affect on people than the negative. People are quick to tell if someone is well dressed. No matter what is said like not to judge a book by its cover… that is a lie. It’s always better to be someone who irons their clothes than someone who looks messy. Try going to a job interview look dishevelled and see how far you go!

It Creates a Sense of Self

I will bring a little philosophy in this and state that we are all meant for a purpose on this earth, journeys of self discovery is meant to be found. When you have a sense of style it creates just that… self discovery. You know you would not try that yellow jumpsuit but if it was in another colour, you might just buy it… this is a sense of self. You have the awareness of what your likes and dislikes are when coming to fashion and trends.

It Brings Out Your Confidence

This is the most important fact. With style you get a sense of self to stand out from the crowd thus increasing your confidence. As we all know confidence is a deal breaker for many aspects of life. You aren’t only dressing impress other (why would you anyway), you are uplifting your self esteem without really knowing. Dressing well is one thing but when you dress for yourself believing that you can wear an outfit, life changing chapters will occur in life. Remember trends come and go but style if forever.

The Problem With Fashion and Race

July 10, 2016July 10, 20162 Comments

It is pretty evident that I love clothes. For me style is a form of creative expression.

Growing up, I have always been a regular kid playing double dutch jump rope while collecting the Spice Girl dolls (yes I am a nineties kid) but also got excited when my mother bought a fashion magazine from the drugstore. As young as I can remember, before I even bothered to actually read an article, I would rummage through pictures as models were uniquely styled in their outfits.

In my gut there was a puzzle that always seemed missing; the problem was no one looked like me.

I know some people may be reading this and wonder why this is so important but like many other issues that are at hand still to this day, let me explain my reason.

When girls are pressured to look a certain size because magazines, commercials, movies, billboard ad and other forms of media displaying being skinny with long flowing hair is the only way of being beautiful, it’s kind of hard to feel a certain confidence. Now when you add the fact that these forms of media, especially when I growing up, showing blond blue-eyed women being the standard for beauty while Naomi Campbell being the poster black model in the industry, the self esteem is not really at high. Naomi is and always will be a boss on the runway, and while Jourdan Dunn may be carrying the torch, more needs to be done in the fashion industry. I am not just talking about more black models, just more visible minorities on a whole.

I can go on and on about the scary facts on how a small percentage of visible minorities are walking down the runway or how even the lighter skinned models will usually get paid more, or even how some designers want their models having ‘European’ features but dipped into chocolate… but there is a problem when that is a thought that will cross people’s minds in the industry.

I am not trying to rip the fashion industry apart, however, when certain issues rise up and people say to get over something while ignoring the problem at hand, there is a certain frustration that arises in me. Race always seems to come up when people want to know who you are and where you are from, but when it comes to the problems that are going on at hand, some people become quiet and oblivious.

Fashion dictates what is in style one season and what is out the next. It impacts many girls and boys alike including models. Parents can tell their children that they are beautiful and smart, that only goes as far as it can. When kids see certain visuals displayed in all media platforms from all industries including fashion, this is a big impact on their way of thinking.

The industry has come a long way in this day of age. You can see different types of models from plus-sized to petite models, and body image for models seem to show viewers and reporters alike that they are healthy and focus on fitness, but more needs to be done. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder; there is not just one type. I just hope that the little girls and boys right now feel uplifted at whatever they are seeing.

We can’t uplift if we are always in conflict with others.

Hammer Style Girl

All About The Culture

Category: Uncategorized

Halloween Edition: Beyonce Is the Queen of Costumes

Fashionable Instagram Profiles to Follow

Music Spotlight: Proof That Rihanna is Iconic

Music Spotlight: 8 Reasons Why You Should Have a Seat At Solange’s Table

My New Addiction: Chokers

Hottest Fall Trends To Buy Now

My Hair Diary

Women Who Changed The Fashion Game Forever

Why Creating Your Style is Important

The Problem With Fashion and Race