put your money where your mouth isI think the overarching theme of this year is that people are waking up. We're waking up to the injustices that people of color, especially black people, face in America everyday. In addition, we're waking up to the systematic oppression and white supremacy keeping everyone in their place and allowing people like Jeff Bezos to have an almost trillion $ net worth. We are tired of it. I really hope this isn't just a trend, so let's at least make it trendy. On top of signing petitions, making donations, and educating myself, (pls go watch 13th on Netflix if you haven't already and follow the links below <3) I wanted to revamp my entire wardrobe and makeup collection with the hottest black owned businesses. It is important to shop from black owned businesses because it helps close the racial wealth gap from centuries of slavery & segregation, small businesses build up the local economy ($1 only circulates for ~6 hours in the black community vs ~17 days in the white community). On top of this, these businesses not only support, but celebrate black culture. When we buy from small black owned businesses we are investing in the future of the entire community by building wealth and representation to inspire more black entrepreneurs. I call out DollsKill in the title, but there are many more problematic fast fashion brands I'm no longer supporting. (I'm looking at you FashionNova, Shein, etc.) We need to get smarter about where we spend our money, and specifically who we give our money to. Instead, I want to lift up small boutiques, young designers, handmade art, innovative beauty brands, and up-and-coming streetwear labels. Join me in this journey to a better future and check out the lookbook cuz I'm about to put you on to this sh*t! DONATE blacklivesmatter.com/defundthepolice/ secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22414602_en-US%3Av7&recruiter=76145455&recruited_by_id=ab832420-7cda-11e3-9edc-316fa5108b92&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial apparel and accessoriesFor the Basic Baddie
For the Activist
For the Beach Babe
For the Dancing Queen
For the Fierce Feline
For the Night Crawler
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Fenty Beauty www.fentybeauty.com/makeup-all Fenty has been a trailblazer in the makeup industry creating diverse shade ranges, easily accessible for mass consumers. Although Rhianna owns part of it, the company is owned by Kendo so it isn't fully black owned but I still wanted to mention it. UOMA Beauty uomabeauty.com/ UOMA is an innovative Nigerian Owned beauty brand and the complexion products matched perfectly Thank God It's Natural Rose Water Curl Defining Mousse www.ulta.com/brand/tgin Carols Daughter Hair Milk www.ulta.com/brand/carols-daughter (sold to L'Oreal so is no longer fully black owned) I have 2A/B hair and these products are perfect because they are thin enough as to not weigh down my hair yet moisturizing enough to define and defrizz my hair | Juvias Place www.juviasplace.com/ Really affordable makeup and fun pallets for anyone willing to take some risks I used this eyeshadow pallet with every outfit Beauty Bakerie www.beautybakerie.com/pages/beta-home Mid tier brand with adorable packaging and great products Pat McGrath Labs www.patmcgrath.com/pages/meisel-mcgrath-muses Pat McGrath is definitely a luxury brand, however if you want to splurge on really nice makeup it's worth it Shea Moisture www.sheamoisture.com/ Shea Moisture is also no longer fully black owned, however they still have a huge line of products for textured hair and skin care made with natural, fair trade, ingredients |
I just wanted to show how much thought these businesses put into their products and how much they care about their customers. Try spend your money wisely and think about ordering from one of these amazing companies next time!
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Fall is here and it's the most amazing time of year! Pumpkin spice is everywhere you turn, cozy nights with candles and halloween movies are the vibe, and it's -20 degrees in the morning and 100 by 2:00 pm. Although Southern California doesn't get fall weather until winter, you can still accomplish some cute fall fits with these tips!
TIP #1 LAYERS
This one is pretty simple! Although carrying around your jacket once it gets hot could get annoying, finding cool ways to include your jacket into your outfit even when you aren't wearing it can actually spice up the outfit.
TIP #1 LAYERS
This one is pretty simple! Although carrying around your jacket once it gets hot could get annoying, finding cool ways to include your jacket into your outfit even when you aren't wearing it can actually spice up the outfit.
top-Forever21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/top_blouses/2000274343 jeans- Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bdg-high-rise-cropped-kick-flare-jean-light-wash?category=jeans-for-women&color=092 jacket- Levis www.revolve.com/about-us-tanya-suede-jacket/dp/ABOR-WO4/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=16&itrownum=6&itcurrpage=1&itview=01 (similar) Shoes- Vans www.vans.com/shop/womens-shoes/classic-tumble-era-true-white Glasses- RayBanz |
TIP #2 MIXING SHORT AND LONG
This one is one of my favorites because it allows me to wear comfy sweaters without feeling too hot! I like to wear cropped sweaters with high waisted skirts or shorts.
A cool idea for spicing up an outfit is adding a silk scarf, I like to put it around my neck or on my purse for an interesting pop of color and style.
This one is one of my favorites because it allows me to wear comfy sweaters without feeling too hot! I like to wear cropped sweaters with high waisted skirts or shorts.
A cool idea for spicing up an outfit is adding a silk scarf, I like to put it around my neck or on my purse for an interesting pop of color and style.
Top- Forever 21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/sweater/2000290045 Skirt- PacSun www.pacsun.com/pacsun/vintage-maxine-5-pocket-mini-skirt-0840445380106.html?dwvar_0840445380106_color=510&cgid=womens-skirts#start=19 Belt- Thrifted Shoes- Forever 21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/branded-shop/2000326872 Bag- Thrifted Scarf- Diwali (Paris) | Adding patterns or cool sunglasses to an outfit can also spice it up so don't be scared of them! Sweater- Brandy Melville www.brandymelvilleusa.com/brett-turtleneck-sweater-z086-009.html Skirt- Forever 21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/bottoms/2000271580 Shoes- Vans www.vans.com/shop/womens-shoes/classic-tumble-era-true-white watch- Thrifted Glasses- Melrose |
TIP #3 THIN FABRICS
Getting that cold weather look with long sleeves and pants is easily done with thinner breathable fabrics that allow you to be covered up when it's cold but not die when it gets hot. Another option is flowey fabrics that allow for air flow and keep you cooler as well.
Getting that cold weather look with long sleeves and pants is easily done with thinner breathable fabrics that allow you to be covered up when it's cold but not die when it gets hot. Another option is flowey fabrics that allow for air flow and keep you cooler as well.
Top- Forever 21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/top_blouses/2000299050 Jeans- Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bdg-twig-high-rise-skinny-jean-rinsed-dark-wash?category=jeans-for-women&color=094 Shoes- DSW www.dsw.com/en/us/product/crown-vintage-saleen-bootie/429670?activeColor=259 Hat- boutique www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/F21/ACC/2000254466/03? Purse- Target | I love a good hat to spice up an outfit! This basic white shirt and jeans outfit looks much more fashionable with a pair of booties and a hat. |
It happens to everyone, putting things in the dryer that shouldn't and suddenly your maxi dress is a mini dress and your sweaters fit on toddlers. But seriously, ever wonder what to do with your dresses that are just too short?
TWO PIECE SETS!
This set is my personal favorite! Done by simply cutting the dress creating a high waisted skirt and crop top, then sew elastic on the top of the skirt and bottom of the shirt. Although elastic is fairly hard to work with, just try to keep the elastic fully stretched out when sewing. Also use a zig-zag stitch because it will stretch with the fabric.
TWO PIECE SETS!
This set is my personal favorite! Done by simply cutting the dress creating a high waisted skirt and crop top, then sew elastic on the top of the skirt and bottom of the shirt. Although elastic is fairly hard to work with, just try to keep the elastic fully stretched out when sewing. Also use a zig-zag stitch because it will stretch with the fabric.
This set was a little easier because all I really had to do was a straight stitch hem around the top of the skirt and bottom of the shirt, great for beginner sewers!
COOL SHIRTS!
Now there is always the trick of turning the dress into a shirt by simply cutting and hemming it to your desired length. However I wanted to do something a little more interesting. I used this T-shirt dress that shrunk to be quite short, and I cut slits on the sides halfway up. After I just hemmed the raw edges for a finished look (however T-shirt material does not even need to be hemmed because it does not fray)
Hey loves! I have not been on here in a WHILE but I am getting back on it!
I just spent the last week in North Carolina and it was actually so pretty and nice! being on the beach and exploring the adorable city of Wilmington really inspired me to show off the effortless summer looks I was sporting along with some photography shots I took!!
SUMMER SUNSET- I really like this skort for the perfect summer look, like a mix between a summer sunset yellow and a picnic blanket lol
I just spent the last week in North Carolina and it was actually so pretty and nice! being on the beach and exploring the adorable city of Wilmington really inspired me to show off the effortless summer looks I was sporting along with some photography shots I took!!
SUMMER SUNSET- I really like this skort for the perfect summer look, like a mix between a summer sunset yellow and a picnic blanket lol
shirt- Forever 21 cardigan- American Eagle hat- aunts I stole oops skort- Purr Melrose purrrshop.com/collections/bottoms/products/skorts-lemon-gingham-1 |
RUSTIC RED AND BOHO- capturing the beautiful colors of Wilmington in this look!
bathing suit and necklace- Zaful dress- Target www.target.com/p/women-s-strappy-handkerchief-hem-belted-dress-xhilaration-153/-/A-53297318?preselect=53246509#lnk=sametab (similar) sunglasses- RayBands www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB3447%20UNISEX%20001-round%20metal-gold/805289439899?category_Id=332618&default=true |
OCEAN BLUES-
Bathing suit- Forever 21 www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/swimwear_bottom-bikini/2000247780 Dress- beach store |
SUMMER STRIPES- this loose dress is a great go to beach cover up for me!
dress- bought in Italy hat- also stolen from aunt towel- beach store but I found it on Amazon www.amazon.com/Mandala-Roundie-Tapestry-Hippie-Tablecloth/dp/B01DBDL4WA/ref=asc_df_B01DBDL4WA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=238033948252&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2775389883319307772&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031142&hvtargid=aud-467077737785:pla-393395737431&psc=1 |
HOT ORANGE AND SOFT BLUE WRAP DRESS- I don't have a full body pic of this one but it is one of my favorites and I bought it recently so its actually still available!
www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/dress_midi/2000277036
www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/dress_midi/2000277036
CASUAL TACOS AND JORTS LOOK- this is a normal summer look for me when going to the beach at home, just throw on a pair of jean shorts and a crop top.
top- Forever 21 shorts- thrifted thrift-the-look-fall-trends.html glasses- QUAY www.quayaustralia.com/collections/women-sunglasses/products/my-girl?variant=12448869515350 |
2017 was full of some crazy fashion trends and as this year comes to a close I wanted to round up the trends I'll be rocking in 2018 and ones I'll be leaving in 2017.
*These are obviously my opinions and you can rock whatever you want girl!!*
COLORED FUR COATS
Now, I love how a nice faux fur coat can dress up an outfit, however these crazy colored fur coats seem to do the opposite.... girl you lookin like a muppet.
*These are obviously my opinions and you can rock whatever you want girl!!*
COLORED FUR COATS
Now, I love how a nice faux fur coat can dress up an outfit, however these crazy colored fur coats seem to do the opposite.... girl you lookin like a muppet.
FISHNETS
SUPREME/ GUCCI
PATCHED DENIM
I don't mind this trend most of the time but it becomes a bit too much when you have 20 different kinds of denim on one pair of pants.
CLOUT GOGGLES
These are great as a joke, but are we really trying to making these a fashion statement?
MY FAVES
ROSE EMBROIDERY/ MESH
ROSE EMBROIDERY/ MESH
GINGHAM/ CHECKERS
THE COLOR RED
SATIN/ SILK
COLORED GLASSES
I honestly think thrifting is such a great option for someone like me, likes shopping all the time and trying new looks but has limited funds. P.S.!! now is a great time to go thrifting because many stores have sales to get ride of their summer items ( I got a bag full of items for only $5 at one store!!) Thrifting really offers a world of possibilities if your willing to look, so let me show where to look!
My first tip is first looking through the racks focusing on fabrics and patterns you like, for me this was denim, gingham, and silk this time around.
My first tip is first looking through the racks focusing on fabrics and patterns you like, for me this was denim, gingham, and silk this time around.
Next, I like to search more carefully to find brands I normally like wearing. (If your more interested in finding specific brands for cheap, check out consignment shops, they get nicer stuff but it comes at a higher price)
You have to keep in mind what you can easily do to change up the piece and "upcycle" it,
for example..
CUT IT
for example..
CUT IT
Another easy thing you can do is..
CROP IT
CROP IT
Finishing touches..
PATCH IT
You can normally find patches for $2-$5 many places and you can easily iron them on and elevate your look!
All of these are pretty easy DIYs but if your willing to put in a little more time to really transform the item check out how I made this supper cute skirt!
I started by cutting off the extra leg pieces then saved them (we'll need them later)
Then, I cut out the seams in the crotch and sewed them back together (making sure to match up the pattern) to make it into a skirt.
Then, I cut out the seams in the crotch and sewed them back together (making sure to match up the pattern) to make it into a skirt.
Next I made a pattern for the front panel piece and cut it out of packing paper (any thin paper you can find works, like newspaper)
Then I pinned both pieces of fabric together (right sides together) and sewed along the outside. once three sides where done I flipped right side out and finished the last side.
Something that I noticed in Italy is that you can find really good things for really cheap, you just have to know where to look. A big thing to watch out for is all of the cheap tchotchke shops everywhere in the tourist areas. However if you go back a street or two you can find nice handcrafted pieces for about the same price.
**LOOK FOR PLACES WITH WORKSHOPS** if you can see where people make the pieces you know your getting the real deal.
VENICE- masks and sea glass
"RIALTO 79" If you are looking for real Marano sea glass jewelry this is the place. It is run by this sweet old couple who make all of the jewelry by hand out of real sea glass.
**LOOK FOR PLACES WITH WORKSHOPS** if you can see where people make the pieces you know your getting the real deal.
VENICE- masks and sea glass
"RIALTO 79" If you are looking for real Marano sea glass jewelry this is the place. It is run by this sweet old couple who make all of the jewelry by hand out of real sea glass.
"CA' DEL SOL" is a great place to check out for REAL venetian masks, even though their stuff is very expensive it is still a great place just to look around and admire the craft-mans ship.
Again all the pieces are made by hand in their workshop located across the street (river cause there are no streets)
Again all the pieces are made by hand in their workshop located across the street (river cause there are no streets)
If you want to find cheap masks and jewelry for gifts or for kids a great place to check out is "MAYSUN" they have all the same things as other cheap souvenir places but everything is a few Euros cheaper.
FLORENCE- leather, soaps and art
Because Florence is known for it's leather you will see cheap stores everywhere you go trying to sell you cheap pleather pieces sprayed with chemicals to smell like leather, DON'T FALL FOR IT. If you really want a hand crafted genuine leather piece go down to "SCUOLA DEL CUOIO" It is kind of hard to find because it is located behind Santa Croce in a little court yard.
It is obviously very expensive because all the pieces are made there with high quality leather, but it is really just the same price as a coach or Michael Kors purse that is mass produced in a factory in china.
Because Florence is known for it's leather you will see cheap stores everywhere you go trying to sell you cheap pleather pieces sprayed with chemicals to smell like leather, DON'T FALL FOR IT. If you really want a hand crafted genuine leather piece go down to "SCUOLA DEL CUOIO" It is kind of hard to find because it is located behind Santa Croce in a little court yard.
It is obviously very expensive because all the pieces are made there with high quality leather, but it is really just the same price as a coach or Michael Kors purse that is mass produced in a factory in china.
"FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA" It is a 600 year old Pharmacy that is now a museum of perfume, they also sell many different kinds of soaps and skin care. Definitely something to check out.
Another thing people will try and sell you on the streets is art, most of these you see are just printed out on to canvas to trick tourists, however if you ever see the person working while they are sitting there you know the art is real.
ROME- Olive oil and clothing
A big thing in rome is all of the designer stores and all of the people trying to sell you knock off designer items. this is especially bad on the touristy streets so we tried to avoid a lot of this stuff. However I did find this store I really love called "SUITE BENEDICT" it is just like Brandy Melville (except they actually have sizes) and all of their clothes are actually made in Italy.
"GUERRINI ENOTECHE" this place is amazing if you want any authentic olive oil, balsamic, wine, or limoncello. (You can also find Truffle everything for cheap here because Italy is one of the only places in the world they grow.) There are so many people in there happy to help and give samples and tastings of everything.