I , The Classy Afro Punk

April 2, 2017Leave a comment

Finding your sense of style is a way of finding who you are as a person. I’ve always known that I was (and dressed) in the afro punk fashion. I call it the Classy Afro Chic Punk which I feel fits me to the core. From my blue lipstick, to the purple hair, the afro puffs, buzzed buts, eclectic cornrows and of course my funky way of dressing, it is pretty evident that I am the Classy Afro Punk. So what is Afro Punk? The definition of this for me, means someone who (may or may not be) of African descent, loving to wear afrocentric fashions along with having a diverse love for any music and fashion. In other words, just someone who is free of societal restrictions (including beauty standards and way of living) while being a little bit rebellious. Some may call me a ‘hipster,’ but I don’t concur with that statement. Allow me to reintroduce myself. Here are some pictures to prove the theory.

For The Love of Turbans

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Styling outfits with turbans are the go to when accessorizing a finished look. As an afro punk, this is another form of expressing creativity in fashion.

For The Love of Purple

Rocking these purple boxed braids are definitely one of my favourite looks. Last year when I wore them, I will never forget when one of my mom’s friends saw the extensions in my shopping bag, and asked if I was crazy for putting them in my hair. Yes I was brave enough to wear them, plus it was a hit with anyone and everyone.

For The Love of Eccentric Cornrows and Armlets

This style was super easy to wear, and super fun to rock during the summer of last year. I can’t wait to bring back the arm bracelets, it just adds the funk to any outfit.

For The Love of Afros, Puffs and Anything Fluffy/Funky

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My hair grows so fast, so last year I was all about the afro puffs and funky styles. The way of dressing afro punk is dressing free of constraints along with having fun with fashion.

For The Love of Buzzed Cuts and Chokers

Buzzed-cuts are not for the non-brave and barely confident people. There is no hiding behind any hair plus, the makeup and accessories will more dramatic with no hair. Chokers and buzzed-cuts are a standout for any afro punk fashionista.

Blue… Bleu

The colour blue on a lipstick is an unconventional look. I love this lipstick despite what some (hence more conservative) people may think. Expressing your creativity through fashions means thinking outside of the box… in an afro punk way.

The Coolness of FKA Twigs

December 1, 2016December 1, 20162 Comments

So many musicians try to be as weird as possible to the point where it looks unreal. There are only few that are weird to the point of being disturbing and some that are just amazing for being who they are… straight up weird. Tahliah Barnett who stage name is FKA Twigs has a uniqueness that some just cannot obtain. The singer-songwriter and dancer evokes a different sort of artistic expression that stands out in the music industry in this century. Here are seven reasons to get on FKA Twigs’ level of coolness.

Her style

There is an ethereal quality to Twigs’ style combined with an edgy twist to it. From the aztec prints to funky designs with makeup, and I can’t forget her iconic septum piercing, this unpredictable singer can get away with any style.

Her Music

When I first heard Twigs’ first album LP1, I was surprised of how much I loved the album. The production is not cohesive at all, it’s all over the place and very convoluted… which is one of the reason why this critically acclaimed work is an album to remember. Twigs wrote every one of her songs on the album and all of the producers (who happens to be very popular like Paul Epworth who produced Adele’s blockbuster album 21) but created a sound all on her own terms. My favourite tracks on the LP are Two Weeks, Pendulum, Video Girl and Lights On. If you are someone who loves Electronic music with an R&B splash (or loves The Weeknd) then take a listen to her music.

Her Dance Moves

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

She is the queen of voguing which is a dance move that was created in the early 90’s. Twigs was originally a dancer before making on her own as a singer. Being a dancer explains the reason as to why she is called FKA Twigs… her joints would crack. According to an interview, FKA does not mean anything.

Her Hair

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When I see Twigs’ hair, I see innovation along with a nostalgic reference, hence the Rick James hairstyle with beads and the braids. Talk about black girl magic!

Her Lyrics

Every lyric on each song has a dark undertone to it, but it’s relatable due to the vulnerability behind them.

The Videos

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Twigs tries to created images that will either comfort you or disturb you. There is no in between… either you like her or you don’t. Take it or leave it.

The Weirdness

You may not understand the message behind the singer’s images on an album cover or music videos, but watch it a few times and the message will scream loud and clear. There’s a truthful story that resonates with today’s society. Some of her topics that she displays are issues dealing with depression, anxiety, sexism, love and feminism.

I will also state that this 28 year old singer has been through a lot when coming to racist comments on her instagram account due to her dating Twilight’s Robert Patterson. She defended herself with the level of grace and passion showing you that it is important to stick up for yourself even as a celebrity.

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.

5 of My Treasured New Items

July 2, 2016July 3, 2016Leave a comment

You can’t start the summer season without adding just a few additions to your closet. I’ve come up with five of my latest items for the season. Prices are also listed with each picture.

The Blue Romper

When you find a jewel like this, there is really no letting go. This romper has become a staple for my summer outfits this year. You can wear this to any occasion. Whether it on the beach, on a boat or clubbing, this classic attire will be a hit for years to come (Winners $10).

Embellished Sandals

These sandals are a work of art! To all of the fashionistas out there not up for wearing heels, this gem is the best option creating the glamorous look (Winners $32).

The Netted Tank Top

This funky top is a go to for clubbing. It’s sporty, sexy and fun without the complications if wearing a top (BeBe $10- on sale).

Grey Wedges

One word that is best to describe these wedges is… comfort. This shoe can be combined with anything from jeans to a bold coloured dress for the summer (Naturalizer $37- onsale).

Yellow Purse

Thanks to my brother, I call this my lemonade purse. This bag is another staple for all of my outfits in the summer. The lemonade purse screams summer. The best feature about the bag is that you are able to fit anything in it. Try not to put your whole world in there though (Guess $80).

My Fav Fashion Trends of Summer 2016

June 24, 2016June 24, 2016Leave a comment

I’ve been pondering as to what my first blog post should be about because.. who doesn’t want to start with a bang? After doing a little research on Glamour Magazine and observing the fashion trends of this year, there were certain styles that stood out for me. Here are eight of my favourite trends of this summer.

Bright and Bold Stripes

Bright and bold is what I do best when coming to style. When this style is put together well, it can truly flatter anyone’s size. My suggestion for anyone who is petite of or curvy is to wear stripes that are vertical. For curvier sizes, these lines will flatter your figure by giving the illusion of being smaller. With petite sizes, vertical stripes will make you look taller without having to wearing heels.

Micro Pleats

This micro pleat style has a retro feel with a modern twist. It’s comfy, whimsical, and you can wear this at any event whether to work or out at night. This style is flattering for any woman’s shape. What a dream come true. My favourite combination with this micro pleated skirt would be to pear it with a white jeans top while adding some necklace that stands out on the outfit.

Sequins and Sparkle

This style defines glamour and glitz which is the main reason why it’s one of my favourite trends of this year. You can really have fun with this by mixing it up with jeans, converse shoes (for all my tomboys out there), or dress up at night and get lit… or shall I say have fun. Add some sparkle to your life this trend!

Romantic Ruffles

I am not ashamed that I am biased towards ruffles, I have posted two pictures of the style! This summer will be defined by this ultra feminine and effortlessly chic trend. From tops to the frills on the dresses, I will try to refrain from writing too much as to why you should be heading to a store that sells this. The ruffles make you feel all cozy without looking as though you need to take a nap. Let the ruffles begin!

Exposed Shoulders

Sexy without being too raunchy, funky without the tackiness… exposed shoulders are blowing up in 2016 with good reasoning. This is a great staple to have when you feel as though you have nothing to wear going out. For women who are self conscious about showing skin, this is a great way to show off your shoulders without really revealing too much.

Pajama Dressing

To be honest, the tops are not my thing, but I have seen a few people rock this and it really suits them. I am all about the pants and this is due to the lining. When it comes to pants, lining is a big thing for me, it can make or break my decision on buying pants, and ladies and gentlemen… it should be the same for you as well. These pajama pants are great for work as it creates a formal look without being too dressed up.

Sporty Mesh

The big reason as to why I love wearing a sporty mesh is because of the adaptability. Whether it’s going for a jog or a night out, you can look like million bucks without having to break the bank.

Paper Bag Waist

The paper bag waist is unique enough for all the hipsters and trendsetters to wear for the summer, and comfy for anyone. This easy-to-wear style is elegant making anyone look as though they just came out of a runway show. My favourite accessory to wear with this pants is a pointy flat shoe.

Hammer Style Girl

All About The Culture

Tag: Fashion

I , The Classy Afro Punk

The Coolness of FKA Twigs

Why Creating Your Style is Important

The Problem With Fashion and Race

5 of My Treasured New Items

My Fav Fashion Trends of Summer 2016