Category: Style

Categories
Community Community Development Michaela Franklin Style Travel

A Business Class Love Story

I am a huge proponent of flying Business/First Class. Unless there are absolutely no other  options, I would prefer to never fly economy again. #Bougieandproud. As the airline industry  increasingly scales back amenities such as in-flight meals and leg space, (as well as itemizing  every single pound of luggage you bring), more and more, it seems like Business/First class  looks increasingly attractive. (In other words, Steve Harvey was right!)  

The obvious con? Clearly, the price. However, there’s a couple of hacks you can use without  making your wallet cry:  

1. You can bid for an upgrade. In some cases, after you book your ticket, you can bid in  an auction for a seat. I’ve done this a few times, and I’ve upgraded for as little as $70!  2. Last minute upgrade. Wait until about a week before the trip. Many airlines often cut  prices to fill unsold seats, so by this time, they are often available at a steal.  3. Points/Miles. Some credit cards/airlines offer loyalty points you can redeem towards the  fare.  

The biggest advantage of flying Business/First is EASE. For example, I’m #TeamOverpack.  Most Business/First fares allow for at least 30kg (70 lbs), or more for luggage. I love shopping  and bringing gifts back home when I travel, so not having to worry about whether I’m going to  

wear a few extra layers of clothing from my suitcase to avoid fees is an immediate stress  release! #IYKYK  

  • Check in time: I hate rushing. Business check-in usually requires less time. I’ve gotten  to the airport 80 minutes before an international flight, and still made through with time to  spare *NOTE: EVERY airport ain’t created the same. Do not try this for example at  ATL or LAX. You WILL be watching your flight take off from outside the club for  sure.*  
  • Priority Security and Boarding: Usually the queues for Business/First class check  in/immigration are much shorter, especially for international flights. So, no standing  around in line waiting for 1-2 hrs to get your passport checked!  
  • Lounges: Listen; being able to stretch out on a chaise, drink a glass of champagne, or  have an entire private room for yourself before or between flights is wonderful. Some  Business/First Lounges even offer free massages.  

I recently had the opportunity to visit Al Safwa First Class Lounge for Qatar Airways. It  did NOT disappoint. It has its own check-in gate and provides direct shuttles to your gate. So,  no sprinting across the airport trying to slide before they close the cabin. Here you can have a  nice glass of Rose, whilst waiting for your flight taxi to arrive.  

There were also actual hotel rooms available inside. The layout was much like a museum with  paintings and figurines dotting the long hallways. A gorgeous waterfall located in the center of  the lounge added an air of calm and peace to the already comforting atmosphere. The design  was an ode to Qatari culture and their incredible focus on architectural design. 

  • Comfort: I’m a long-legged lady, being able to stretch out on a GODSEND. Especially  on longer flights. I recently joined the 40 and over club, so my circulation and joints thank  me every time I descend.  
  • Food: I LOVE food. This is my opus. Normally business class gives very much  restaurant with the food choices. Being able to enjoy lamb chops, a juicy sirloin, caviar,  or a full plate of prawns, with a tiramisu for dessert brings so much joy to my day. Also,  the wine options, especially on long flights are usually a decent range.  
  • Unexpected perks: Networking at 35,000 feet: Need a business funded? Looking for  an investor? Or just plain old need life advice? THEE CONVERSATION.  Listennnnnnnnn. This is probably my second favorite aspect of flying Business/First!  You really get your weight in gold through simply, talking!  
  • Oftentimes, especially frequent Business/First fliers, are well traveled. Many are  fellow entrepreneurs. I use these flights as an opportunity to further my network and  industry knowledge. I often meet many long-term business owners, and just through  conversation, I have been left with incredible professional gems of advice that I still use
    • to this day.  

As noted earlier, I’ve flown business on a number of airlines, (Singapore, Oman, KLM,  Jordan, Egypt, FlyDubai, Vistara, etc etc) So far, Qatar Airways definitely takes the W. (I haven’t  had the chance to do Emirates Business/First yet, and I heard that it’s the best product on the  market. Singapore was definitely a close second to Qatar, so we will see.) Below is my  experience for my first time with Qatar Airways Business Class. (Aka: The Q Suites!)  

Customer service: 10/10. Hands down the sweetest crew. The reason for my travel was that I  was transporting my mother’s remains for burial. Once the crew learned that I was the  passenger flying with remains, I was immediately moved to a larger, central suite so that my  partner and I could be next to each other. They didn’t have to do that, and it was super  appreciated. They also checked in frequently, often leaving warm notes and words of  encouragement. 

Food: 9/10. Decent selections and good portions. The only reason why it didn’t get 10/10 is due  to the tea selections. (Singapore definitely tops the list here. They legit had 40 tea selections.)  

Dranks: 10/10 mainly because of the unlimited bubbly. 

**For reference:  

Aircraft: Airbus 350  

Flight: WV 667/WV 6045 MCT-DOH-IAD 

 All in all, though it may be a pretty penny, with Business/ First Class what you will get in  convenience and peace, it is well worth the price of admission! 

Categories
Community Community Development Khalilah Jones Style

Living at the Intersection of Too Much Yet Not Enough: The Dichotomy of the Black Woman

by Khalilah Jones | Photos by Kristen Finn and Anica Marcelino

Hey friends! I have been confronted with a few situations lately and had something on my heart that I wanted to share. I know that my Sisters and all the GWORLS (if I may use a cute colloquialism), can relate. If you’re a Black woman, you’ve probably found yourself walking a tightrope that feels like it was designed by some twisted circus master. You’re told “you’re too loud,” but also asked why you’re so quiet. You’re praised for your resilience but chastised for your attitude. In the world of fashion, the workplace, relationships, and heck, in society in general, Black women are navigating a maze that’s often invisible to everyone else. Let’s break it down.

Fashion: Serving Looks and Stereotypes 

Black women have always been trendsetters. From banging out braids and amazing afros to making streetwear chic, we’re the blueprint. Here’s the kicker: while our style is constantly imitated, we’re often criticized for it. Have you ever been told your natural hair is unprofessional? Or that your curves are too much for the office? Welcome to my world. 

It’s a diabolical ride trying to stay fly while battling stereotypes. You see a white girl in cornrows, she’s considered “edgy.” You wear them, and it’s “ghetto.” We’re expected to tone down our essence to fit into a mold that was never meant for us, but guess what? We’re done dimming our light. It’s 2024, and I encourage you to unapologetically embrace your style, whether it fits mainstream standards or not. 

Photo by Anica Marcelino

The Workforce: Boss Moves and Backhanded Compliments 

Now, let’s talk about work. Black women are out here making boss moves, climbing the corporate ladder, and slaying glass ceilings, but let’s keep it 100—it’s not always a fair game. We’re often overqualified yet overlooked. You’re either the “token diversity hire,” or you’re not “a good fit.” 

Then there’s the infamous “angry Black woman” trope. Dare to speak up in a meeting? You’re aggressive. Stay silent? You’re not engaged. It’s exhausting playing this never-ending game of “professionalism” that feels like it was designed to keep us on our toes and jumping through endless hoops, but here’s the tea: Black women are rewriting the rules. We’re creating spaces that celebrate our voices and pushing for diversity that’s not just a box to tick but a fundamental change in culture. 

Relationships with Men: Love, Loyalty, and Liberation

On to relationships. If you’re like most Black women, you’ve likely been bombarded with all sorts of mixed messages. Society tells us to be strong but submissive, nurturing but independent. It’s like they want us to be superheroes with no room for vulnerability

Dating as a Black woman can feel like a minefield. We’re either fetishized or disregarded. Some men see us as exotic trophies, while others buy into stereotypes that paint us as undesirable. However, I will let you in on a secret—Black women are and always will be, magic. We bring love, loyalty, and a depth of understanding that’s unparalleled. The key is finding partners who see us as equals, who respect our strength without trying to diminish it.

Our Role in Society: The Backbone and the Spotlight 

Black women have always been the backbone of society. We’re the ones holding it down in our communities, advocating for change, and setting trends that everyone else follows. Yet, our contributions are often minimized or ignored. It’s a wrap for that jack! We’re no longer waiting for validation. We’re claiming our space, telling our stories, and demanding the recognition we deserve. Whether it’s in activism, art, business, or politics, Black women are leading the charge. And we’re doing it with that special razzle dazzle that’s uniquely our own. 

Embrace the Dichotomy 

Living at the intersection of too much yet not enough is a balancing act that only Black women truly understand. We’re constantly told to shrink ourselves while being expected to carry the weight of the world. She walks with the universe on her shoulders and somehow, seamlessly makes it look like a pair of wings. It is in this dichotomy that we find our strength. We’re redefining what it means to be a Black woman in every space we occupy. 

So, to all the Black women out there: keep being too much! Keep breaking barriers and challenging norms. Because in a world that often tries to tell us we’re not enough, we are everything and more. 

Stylishly Yours,

Khalilah

Categories
Community Community Development Entertainment Food and Drink Nadirah Muhammad Style Travel

Inclusivity Uncorked at Daze of Rosé

by Nadirah Muhammad 

With a wildly successful inaugural year already under its belt, this year’s Daze of Rosé Festival set its sights on a familiar goal: to continue being an annual celebration of Virginia Rosé that promotes inclusivity, art, and freedom of expression by gathering wine lovers together in a beautiful location.

The brains behind the operation, Matt Harmon, owner of Harmony Wine, a black-owned business focused on making wine accessible and approachable for all, reminds festival goers that, “However you drink, drink in Harmony.” With this mission in mind and a goal to increase inclusivity in the wine industry, this festival is a culmination of both Harmon’s work and his passion to ensure people from all walks of life can enjoy their right to “rosé all day.”

One step onto the Castle Hill Cider grounds on festival day and it is abundantly clear that Harmon’s vision has come to fruition. Tablescapes sprawling with abundant florals, dozens of local purveyors and diverse vendors, and various educational wine sessions are just a few of the highlights from the Daze of Rosé event. The main event? Getting to taste over 20 local wineries and vote in the People’s Choice Rosé Wine Competition, which perfectly embodies Harmon’s wish to make wine accessible to all and representative of the community, many of whom have traditionally felt excluded by the wine industry.

This festival is more than just an afternoon of wine and sunshine, but rather permission to appreciate the leisure and luxury of a space that often Black and Brown people have not seen ourselves represented in.

This annual collaboration between Harmony Wine and Castle Hill Cider works to eliminate the traditional branding of wine culture, which convinces us that a certain amount of knowledge, access, or experience is required to enter it. Instead, it invites us to convene, collaborate, and celebrate Virginia wine.

The festival’s driving message, to dress pink and drink pink, certainly rang true that day, as droves of wine lovers and enthusiasts lined up to participate in tastings within the barn, partake in wine education events in the loft, and take to the discovery lawn to enjoy additional offerings and dance the evening away amid the foothills of Central Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. 

 

Categories
Community Community Development Khalilah Jones Style

Black Men of Distinction: A Living Legacy in the Heart of Our Community

by Khalilah Jones | Featured Image by Tristan Williams | Other Photos by Kristen Finn

Step into the world of excellence with the Men of Distinction series—an electrifying collaboration between Chic and Classy Image Consulting and The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative. It all started with the bat signal illuminating the community, calling forth extraordinary men nominated by their peers as true Men of Distinction.

We didn’t stop there. We sat down with these exceptional individuals, asking them to define what being a man of distinction means to them. The result? A collection of stories that redefine the narrative, challenge norms, and showcase the essence of true distinction.

To bring this vision to life, we joined forces with phenomenal partners, including the lens magic of photographers Brian Dunn, Kristen Finn, and Tristan Williams. The style game was taken to new heights with designs from Fari Fashions by Victoria and SVN (777) brand by Shadee Gillliam. A special shoutout to Vinegar Hill Magazine for contributing two high-quality and elite pieces that added an extra layer of sophistication.

Creative direction, the secret sauce of this endeavor, was masterfully provided by Jay Simple, Executive Director of The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative (a Man of Distinction himself) and myself, Khalilah Jones, Atmosphere Shifter and Owner of Chic and Classy Image Consulting. Together, this dream team crafted an experience that transcends the ordinary, celebrating the uniqueness of each featured man.

You can check in frequently throughout the month of February for individual features of each man of distinction on The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative and Chic and Classy Image Consulting social media platforms. 

And now, let’s talk about the backdrop. The location for this photo shoot wasn’t just any space—it had to resonate with historical significance in the Black Charlottesville community. Enter the Jefferson African American Heritage Center, a place dripping with heritage. We’re eternally grateful for the opportunity to showcase this landmark, encouraging you to not only visit during Black History Month but throughout the year. This isn’t just a series; it’s a journey into the heart of distinction. Are you ready? Let’s jump in!

In a world where the echoes of Black voices are too often drowned out, it becomes paramount to amplify the stories of those who stand tall against adversity. As we approach Black History Month, it is not only an opportunity but a responsibility to shine a light on the unsung heroes among us—Black Men of Distinction, who tirelessly contribute to their communities, families, and the broader tapestry of our shared humanity.

These men are not mere figures; they are living legends, sculpting history with their resilience, wisdom, and unyielding commitment to a brighter future. Their stories are etched with the determination to transcend societal constraints, to rise above the limitations that history has unjustly imposed upon them.

James Littlez Dowell | Photo by Kristen Finn

Q: Without using the word, how would you define distinction?

Littlez: To be different and stand out.

Q: Why do you think you were nominated? What do you think others see in you? 

Littlez: I am a light, my positive approach in life is contagious.

Q: How do you see yourself being defined(distinguished) in the future? How do you want to grow)?

Littlez: I live in the present because the future isn’t promised. I am defining my significance one day at a time.

Q: Who was someone of distinction that helped you become the person you are? What did they teach you?

Littlez: My Father taught me everything I know, and he taught me to be myself.

I have had the privilege of witnessing a diverse group of Black Men of Distinction in our community, each carving a unique path towards progress. These individuals are not defined solely by their successes but by their unwavering dedication to uplift those around them. They are fathers, brothers, mentors, and pillars of strength, fostering a legacy that extends far beyond themselves.

As we celebrate these men, it’s crucial to recognize the broader challenges they face. From the disproportionate impact of police brutality to the systemic injustice of being paid less for their labor, the resilience of Black Men of Distinction is a testament to their enduring spirit in the face of adversity. They navigate a world that often seems to disregard their invaluable contributions, yet they persist, inspiring us all.

Recognizing Black Men of Distinction is important to me, because I was raised by one, I married one who came along as a two-fer with my father-in-love (a man of distinction by anyone’s standards), and most importantly, I am raising a brilliant Black boy who will become a Black man of distinction.

These words echo the sentiment of countless Black women who witness the strength and brilliance of the men in their lives. The celebration of Black Men of Distinction is not just a commendation; it is a call to action. It is a call to acknowledge their triumphs, to amplify their voices, and to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.

As far back as I can remember I’ve always been intrigued on how things operated. As a child I would disassemble and break toys just to see if I could get them working again. Little did I know I was laying down the foundation that would lead to future endeavors. By the age 12 I was repairing and installing car stereos in my older cousins cars. As a child, I had everything a child could want; however, I really enjoyed working, therefore at the age of 14 I got a workers permit.

 

Not knowing I was preparing myself at an early age to provide for my family because at the age of 15 both of my parents were laid off due to job relocation. They both worked for two movie stars that had moved to the area years prior. During that time life was great, however when they decided to relocate they asked my parents if they wanted to do the same, but my parents roots were in Esmont so they declined the offer. From that point on I watched life spiral downwards because my parents’ employers moved. As a result of that, I made the decision that my success will not be dictated based on others, but only myself and God. That’s when I knew I wanted to own my own business one day. As a sophomore at Albemarle High school, myself and a group of friends decided to take classes at CATEC as a way to get out of school early and that’s when my brother in law told me something that would forever change my life. He said “If you’re going to take classes there, take a class on something you can use like Electrical or HVAC. Don’t waste your time going over there just to get outta class and cut up young buck”. This started the journey in the pursuit of happiness.

 

Now I’d be lying if I said this journey has been full of blissful moments, trust me this has been a wild ride. From starting out as a teen parent, at the age of 16 to an amazing baby girl, that truly changed my life for the better; to losing my first born son in my arms when he was only 3 months and 26 days old at the age of 19 also being young thinking I knew it all and let’s just say some of the decisions that I made weren’t always the correct ones. Through it all I still managed to stay humble and focused on what I wanted out of life. I had a family to take care of. Later on, after the death of my 1st son, God blessed me with two more.

 

On the professional side of life I chose to diversify myself, while still doing something I enjoyed and came naturally, which was electronics. I worked for UVA in the Fire Protection unit, where I learned important skills and understanding of the fire system in most commercial buildings. Still having that passion to push myself further I was offered a position at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). In this position I had the opportunity to go to Chile, meet and work with a lot of great people on this international project called ALMA; which was a documentary film, was the outcome of this project. I Worked with cryogenics, building and testing key components for the project. Being featured in the Journal Of Terahertz along with seven other colleges for the invention of the Phase and Drift test and measurement system. In 2017, I was featured in the Black EOE Journal because of the impact I’ve made at NRAO. While this was very exciting, and rewarding, I still felt like something was missing.

 

In May of 2017, I applied for an entrepreneurship course, here in Charlottesville,with Community Investment Collaborative, CIC, to learn how to structure and start a business. In December of 2017, I started an official LLC Electrical company, WIre’EM Up Electrical Services LLC. In November of 2019, I departed from the observatory and started operating my company full time. As a result of that I started working with CATEC and others in the community to help teach the youth the trade and show them how to become a business owner as well.

 

I share my story in hopes it motivates someone else. It doesn’t matter what life throws at you, as long as you stay humble, focused and most of all true to yourself, anything is achievable.

Black History Month is not just a commemoration of the past; it is an acknowledgment of the living history being shaped every day by these remarkable individuals. To give them their flowers while they are alive is not just a gesture; it is a recognition of the power they hold to inspire change and redefine what it means to be Black in this world.

Let us use this month to shine a spotlight on the Black Men of Distinction in our midst. Their stories are not just part of history; they are the architects of a future where Black excellence is not only celebrated but expected. As we honor them, let us remember that their legacy is a living testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance that define Black history in the making.

 

Categories
Business Community Community Development Khalilah Jones Style

Slaying Stereotypes: Black and Curvy Women Breaking Workplace Beauty Barriers

Let’s talk about a topic that’s always been a silent current buzzing in the beauty and fashion world – the policing of Black and curvy women’s style choices in the workplace. It’s 2023, and it’s high time we say goodbye to these outdated standards and embrace the endless diversity that Black and curvy women bring to the table.

1. Hair Happiness 

Let’s start with the crown – our hair. Natural textures, braids, locs, silk press or any other style you can imagine (because Black women dominate the hair creativity realm) – they’re all a part of the boundless spectrum of Black beauty. Yet, some workplaces still have issues with it. Like, seriously, why is it even a thing? It’s time to celebrate our hair, not suppress it! You do you, girl.

2. The Dress Code Drama 

Now, don’t even get me started on dress codes. Some offices have these boring, one-size-fits-none policies that don’t leave room for self-expression or personal style. But let’s be real: Black and curvy women bring life, vibrancy, and uniqueness to the workplace. Our fashion game is strong, and it’s time workplaces recognized that. Listen, if I exert so much intentionality to the details of my outfit du’jour, how painstakingly do you think I will address the details of that project at work? How you do anything is how you do everything, my guy. Let people live and enjoy these looks. 

(Khalilah Jones, Owner, Chic & Classy Image Consulting; Photo: JD Imagery)

3. Empowerment Over Stereotypes 

Let’s break those stereotypes that equate professionalism with a specific (read: historically white and conservative) look. One of my favorite t-shirts boldly states “I defy stereotypes”. That sentiment is applied to breaking down barriers, but also holds true for my personal style. Being professional is about your skills, talents, knowledge and how you treat your colleagues, not the inches of your heels or how nondescript your khakis or Oxford can be. Of course there are standards, but these are also tools to control and ensure conformity. It’s a way of saying “we want you but not ALL of you”. We deserve to be valued for our abilities, not stripped of our identity and individuality.

4. Reclaiming Our Time 

It’s high time we reclaim our time and our style choices. Saartjie Baartman had large breast, a narrow waist and large butt and was fetishized and exploited for her physical appearance. Ultimately the obsession with her curvy body and desire to study it, was the beginning of what is known as “racial science” (BBC, 2016).  Sadly, that over sexualization has not stopped. Our young Black girls are adulting starting as young as 10 years old. Filling the gap where mom or dad may not have the bandwidth to do so. Society begins to see young Black girls as grown (even before puberty hits) and so everything they do starts to reinforce that idea…one of the most harmful effects is this over sexualization. Once the Black girl starts to blossom, this sexually pervasive phenomenon becomes even more prevalent. Thus starts the unhealthy and complicated relationship with how we see our bodies and how society views our physique. I am here to say it is your time! It is okay to love all of you, and every nook and cranny is right where God intended it to be. If others can’t handle that, it is solely their issue, not yours. Black and curvy women, we’ve got magic within us, and that includes our style. We are so unique and come in complexions, shapes and sizes than run the gamut. Strut your stuff confidently, embracing who you are and the shape you’re working with in the workplace. Break those glass ceilings and stereotypes, one fire outfit at a time. Auntie Maxine said we’re reclaiming our time. I don’t know about you but that’s just what I intend to do. 

(Khalilah Jones, Owner, Chic & Classy Image Consulting with Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Photo: Writer’s own)

5. Allies and Advocates 

To make change happen, we need allies in the workplace who stand with us. Ally is an action word! Allies, it’s essential to speak up when you see these injustices happening. Together, we can create more inclusive and diverse spaces that truly appreciate and celebrate everyone’s unique beauty and style while simultaneously crushing goals!

6. Embrace the Unapologetic You! 

In 2023 and beyond, it’s all about embracing the whole “you”, unapologetically. Let’s continue to slay, shine, and inspire others to do the same. Wear your hair with pride, rock those outfits that make you feel amazing, ditch the moomoo and ill-fitting baggy clothes and never let anyone dim your light. We are no longer willfully suppressing ourselves in deference to the comfortability of others. 

(Alicia Trice, Pretrial Officer; Photo: Self captured)

So, to sum it up – we are no longer tolerating the over policing of Black and curvy women for their clothes and hair in the workplace. It has impacted how we show up and who we show up as. Perhaps more importantly, it has impacted how we view one another, in essence, using this societal “ruler” to measure one another against. AHT AHT. We bring so much beauty, flair, and talent to the table. Let’s celebrate that, empower each other, and push for workplaces that appreciate us for who we are – impactful, innovative, inspiring and indispensable! 

 

Stylishly yours,

Black Women unapologetically slaying the workforce while defying stereotypes

 

 

Categories
Arts Community Development Health and Wellness Style

She’s a doll, but not to be played with

by Khalilah Jones | Photos by Alycia B. Studios

The baby doll and action figure have always held a special place in young girls’ and boy’s, respective hearts. But for years, LOL, OMG, Baby Alive, Barbie, and many other mainstream doll manufacturers have consistently exhibited ableism, preference to Euro-centric sensibilities, heterosexism and whitewashing doll play, across the board. In fact, depending on where you live, in most popular stores, you’ll likely find a huge selection of white dolls with a few variations in ethnicities, body types, abilities or otherwise diverse dolls, scattered in between. While this is drastically different from the doll aisle when I grew up, sometimes it still leaves a lot to be desired if you are seeking a doll that represents your child or even something more representative of what society looks like nowadays. These dolls may have the darker skin to represent melanin, but they rarely have the features resembling our beautiful black youth or rarely show the spectrum of abilities, LGTBQA representation and neurological differences. This lack of representation, besides being hurtful, has longstanding and unintended messaging that is often detrimental to young girls and boys, sending a negative message about their physique, physical appearance, and ultimately, their importance and place in this world.

Do Dolls Affect Self Esteem?

Photo Credit: Alycia B. Studios

As a child, I remember my daddy perpetually affirming me. Even at this big age of 44, I can say my father still affirms me from over 1000 miles away. I can say, with 100% certainty, that being constantly reminded that I am valued exactly as I am, helped to strengthen my self-esteem, confidence and subsequently my desire to do the same with others. I believe I told my sonshine daily that he is a “…brilliant black boy” for the first few years of his life. I think that embracing who you are, even the not so pretty parts (for me, these feet, honey), allows you to appreciate and value others…flaws and all. It gives others permission to be themselves.

The Clark and Clark doll studies, dated in the late 1940’s, worked to prove the connection between children and their dolls. This study involved four dolls, each of which had different skin colors. The children were asked to choose which doll they most connected with and decide which doll they preferred, accordingly. Many children pointed to the white dolls with little to no hesitation and related them to positive attributes. Some children reported they even felt ashamed to relate in any way, shape or form, to the dolls with darker skin.This study worked to prove many things, one of which being that lack of representation negatively impacted the self-esteem of our black youth. While this study was related to skin tone, one can imagine that neurodiverse children or perhaps with prosthetics, would also be unfavorably impacted by a lack of representation.

Photo Credit: Alycia B. Studios

Misrepresentation is Everywhere

Because of an overall lack of representation in the doll industry, for years preschools, elementary schools, daycares, and even mainstream media, have been riddled with this misrepresentation as well. Unless you live under the rock of Gibraltar, you know that our youth face obstacles at every turn. Albeit slowly, the world is changing. As parents, educators and caring adults, we want children to know their worth, to glow in the dark and truly bask in their capabilities, to rock their confidence on their sleeves. This is why it has never been more important to supply our youth with dolls created in their image and celebrate the diversity of those images!

Photo Credit: Alycia B. Studios

Why a Birthday Doll Drive

Here’s a little back story: for the last few years, I have been intentional about doing community service, random acts of kindness or paying it forward for the number of days leading up to whatever age I would be that year; in example, I would volunteer for organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the SPCA, Habitat for Humanity, donating blood, painting nails at assisted living facilities, reading to children, for the 43 consecutive days leading up to my 43rd birthday. However, this year was a little different due to complications related to COVID-19. After contracting COVID-19 and the flu late 2022, I knew I would have to do something else for my birthday this year. I did not want to introduce any illness to anyone I was assisting and also wanted to limit my potential exposure to any other illness as much as possible. By the way, COVID-19 plus flu, 0 out of 10, do not recommend. But I digress. I had 6 thoughts in my mind while planning this doll drive.

  1. There is more than 1 standard of physical beauty.
  2. Pretty is not a look, it is a behavior.
  3. Allowing for diversity in a child’s toys can help foster empathy and compassion in others.
  4. Representation matters!
  5. The reading achievement gap locally, leaves a lot to be desired and has to be addressed with intentionality and as frequently as possible.
  6. Every child deserves a gift for their birthday, regardless if in a shelter, foster care, low income or any other accessibility related factors.
Photo Credit: Alycia B. Studios

It is with this thought process in mind, I decided to host a doll and book drive for my birthday this year! Initially, I was going to simply collect dolls and books. However, she loves a party with a purpose and opted to host a doll drive birthday party. I invited guests to select a doll and/or book, come to Beyond Entertainment dressed as their doll, enjoy jerk chicken, shrimp, pasta salad and fresh fruit from 434th Street, nosh on a beautiful black, white and very pink 2 tiered Barbie inspired cake from KrissyCakes and music from local favorite, Dj Double U. The guests danced, strutted in a runway-style soul train line, graced the hot pink sequin carpet and even had a photoshoot with a Barbie doll box, photo prop. Fittingly, the doll box was crafted by Kay Sabree, the owner of Dollz Houze Fazhion, INC., who herself, is a product of the foster care system. Kay also donated several dolls to the cause! Lastly, Alycia B. was on site to capture it all and even found her way into the doll box. Get you a photographer who embraces the cause and understands the assignment.

I want to thank every single person who sent dolls, action figures, books, donated funds, helped decorate (because that for sure is not my ministry), partnered in any way and attended the event. 

[visual_portfolio id=”46124″]

 

Because of your support, we were able to encourage and provide positive play, compassion and radical self-acceptance, to 300 children touched by domestic violence at the Shelter for Help in Emergency and foster children at Community Attention Foster Families. I appreciate your generosity.

Again, pretty is not a look, it is a behavior! Thank you for being so pretty!

Stylishly yours,

Khalilah Jones

Categories
Arts Community Development Hometown Heroes Katrina Spencer Style

The Beautiful Work of Her Hands

hairstylist
Kristal Farmer Grady sits in a stylist chair at Ebony Images. Photo provided by interviewee

by Katrina Spencer

Kristal Farmer Grady can do it all. Locs, weaves, bantu knots, wigs, cornrows, relaxer, protective styles, twistouts, braidouts, color, trim. “You name it!” as gospel icon Shirley Caesar once famously said. Following 15 years of wide ranging work experience and training with Hair Cuttery, there is little left on this veteran hairstylist’s coiffure bucket list. For just over five years now she has been offering her services at Ebony Images at Seminole Court where her clients book her services through Style Seat. There she and five other stylists rent chairs where clients can get a short pixie cut like Halle Berry’s classic look, tapered close at the neck, or get locs installed, tightened, or reddened like songstress Halle Bailey of 2023’s The Little Mermaid. If you ask Kristal what her favorite styling technique is, she doesn’t hesitate: it’s color. She loves to apply vibrant hues to her clients’ tresses and acknowledges that in her profession, “It is not an option to be less than perfect.” She takes a great deal of pride in her work, deftly managing heat, dyes, synthetic materials– truly “the whole 9.” Her least favorite style? Any individual microbraids, which consume a good deal of time and leave her and customers with little to talk about after the 8-hour sessions the style requires.

This Virginian grew up in Louisa with a mother who was a minister and a father who was a taxicab driver for over 30 years. With her mother’s vocation, it was not uncommon for Kristal to spend three or four nights a week in church. It was then that Kristal was first handed a comb to keep her busy throughout the many Baptist services. She got much practice, too, being a barber to her five brothers. While at least six years of her education were directed through homeschooling, by the time she was formally training at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center for her license in cosmetology, she had already delved deep into a diverse body of experimentation. Her clients today come in all colors and include men, women, and children. With all she’s done and seen, she has some clear preferences about useful products and reliable tools that help her to manage her craft. Peep these tips: best brand of loc twisting gel? Bellatique. Fantastic flat irons? Go with Baby Bliss. Scalp stimulator? Rosemary mint oil is the way to go.

Some of Kristal’s skills can only be won with time. For example, in a service position like her own, she has learned to read the energy of a broad spectrum of people and can engage most anyone. As with every hairstylist, a few burns, nicks, and cuts along the way are part of her story, too, a natural job hazard for someone who relies on her hands– but nothing serious enough to turn her off from the calling that she loves. Kristal’s goal now is to whittle her services down to a smaller subset, likely in service to the natural hair community, which has been burgeoning over the past 15 years. Many clients are choosing to avoid certain styles that require harsh chemical processing of the hair, and stylists are taking heed, expanding their repertoires further to create styles like Lupita N’yongo’s and Letitia Wright’s in Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, Issa Rae’s in Insecure, and Tracee Ellis Ross’ on almost every red carpet she graces. The famous folks and others, too, are getting to know their curl patterns and embracing what their roots produce naturally.

painting
One of Kristal Farmer Grady’s paintings

While Kristal’s work is as likely to be featured in a hairshow run by University of Virginia students or out of town in weddings amidst couples sharing their vows, the work of her hands is versatile enough to go beyond hair and scalps, razors and scissors, creams and balms. She loves to create in all forms and along with her husband, Larry Grady, the rapper known as “Legend tha God,”, the two have created Grade-A Kont3nt, an artistic pairing that works with a variety of materials– resins, acrylic, fabric, styrofoam, oils, putty, rope, and more– to produce arresting works that can adorn your home, office, and/or other spaces of your choosing. The mixed media provide indefinite possibilities for products that are both decorative and practical for use. Kristal and Larry’s work has been featured at the Jefferson School for African American Heritage Center and sold at local craft fairs at IX Park. No matter the medium, Kristal will be conjuring up something new for us to admire. To find her in action, visit Ebony Images at 153 Seminole Court in Charlottesville; book an appointment through Style Seat; follow Grade-A Kont3nt on Facebook; or call 434-227-3138 for a consultation on the next hairstyle you want, or the craft you want to commission!

Categories
Health and Wellness Style Travel

Manifesting the Maldives

by Michaela Nicole

So, the top of everyone’s bucket list is the Maldives, it’s the dream trip of a lifetime. The water, the beaches, the island atmosphere, I mean who wouldn’t want to go? 

I was recently given the gift of traveling to the Maldives for my birthday and it was everything and more! 

First, let’s start off by saying Maldives is NOT a budget destination. Period. Yes, there are resorts where you can pay a few hundred a night but more than likely  it will be a 3 to 4 star location, will not have the same amenities as the higher tier resorts, and you will have a beach side villa or  smaller suite.  Also, what people don’t know is that there are a lot of hidden fees. For example, the taxes alone run something like 22 percent. Secondly, transportation. Most of the resorts are located on atolls that are made up of several islands. In the Maldives you use either a speedboat or seaplane to get around.

The typical method of transpo is a seaplane. This can run $300-800 EACH WAY, EACH PERSON. So, while the resort itself may be like $300 or $400 a night, the taxes and the seaplane fees will take your costs from budget to luxury real quick, fast, and in a hurry! 

An Overview
We stayed at the St Regis Resort Vommuli Island. 

From the minute we got off our flight at Male, the treatment was top notch. We were able to wait for our plane in the newest Business Lounge where we were treated to a delicious high tea spread and a variety of juices, teas, and beverages. It was definitely a nice intermission before our next stop. 

We took the seaplane directly to our resort. The flight took a little under an hour. The seaplane is tiny, it only holds about 10 passengers tops. But the flight was absolutely stunning, looking at all of the various islands and turquoise water below was quite memorable. 

Once we arrived, we were greeted  with dancing and delicious refreshments. At the welcome area, we were introduced to our lovely personal butler, Aida. We were then given a tour of the grounds before we were taken to our villa, where we were greeted with sunset views and a bottle of complimentary champagne and desserts. 

Step by Step

  1. We stayed in the Overwater Sunset Villa. The villa was in one word: OUT OF THIS WORLD.  It came equipped with a huge tub, plunge pool, and steps that led directly into the Indian Ocean. 

 

  1. There are only 77 villas total on the entire island, so the attention to detail, customer wise, is really great.  Because the resort only has a limited number of occupants on the island, we received lots of tender loving care, and were able to get a lot of extra perks as well.  

2a. There were 6 restaurants at the resort. Ranging from Arabic cuisine, (also the Maldives is predominantly Islamic and the language is actually a mix of Arabic and tribal) to Asian fusion, to Mediterranean.  I live in the Middle East, so I was just happy to have pork again. 

 2b. Alba is the main restaurant. The breakfast is buffet style and the options are plentiful. Because of the rain, we had to do dinner there a few times as Cargo, the Arabic based restaurant is outside. The food for Cargo was absolutely delicious.. One night  we were taking pictures and one of the staff asked if we wanted to see the wine cellar, and maybe take some pics down that way. Well, it went from a quick tour to a tasting and full blown photo shoot. 

2c. Orientale was also a highlight. I absolutely love Sushi and squealed like a little girl when they brought out the sashimi sampler that had everything from halibut to sea-bass to calamari sashimi options. The staff also sang a very sweet happy birthday to me and I was able to enjoy a delicious plate of Gelato. 

  1. It rains. A LOT. But if you are familiar with Miami or Caribbean style rain showers, it’s often a short, warm shower and then it’s sunny again. There was only one full day that it actually stormed the whole day. The best time to avoid rain season is between Dec to about April. However my birthday is in August, so that wasn’t an option.???? But despite the rain, it was quite beautiful.

  2. This is not a trip for a group. So leave yo kids at home! This is 100 percent a baecation vibes.  One, because well, at least at our resort, it was isolated so there isn’t really much to do activities wise.  Also because of the rain, a lot of events were rescheduled. After the first couple of days we had basically done every excursion possible. 

A lot of people will say that they find the Maldives boring but personally I really enjoyed the peace and quiet. There are plenty of resorts with proper bars and nightclubs, but I really loved the chill and relaxed vibes at the St Regis.

  1. The Maldives is STUNNING. But you already knew that. Honestly though, pics don’t do it justice. The sunset and sunrise is unreal. I have never seen water so unbelievably clear and I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean, and southeast Asia. It truly lives up to its reputation.

  2. Also, you don’t need a week. We stayed 5 days and that was more than enough. You do quite a bit of traveling though between the normal flight and the seaplane, so I can see how someone would not want this to be a quick trip as well. 

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty, thee PRICE. 

So, in the Maldives there are lovely beach villas. But let’s be clear y’all, it’s all about the overwater villas. When we envision our Maldives trip, the first image we see is us walking out into the sunset of a beautiful villa with a panoramic view of the ocean, with the ocean surrounding us.

Beach villas are beautiful,  don’t get me wrong, but the overwater villas absolutely hit different. It’s almost unreal. 100 percent they are worth the cost of admission. So if you want that overwater experience, prepare to shell out at minimum $800 to $1,200 per night on the low end, and $1800 to $2500 per night on the high end. 

Costs: *All costs are in USD*
Accommodations: St Regis Resorts Vommuli, Sunset Overwater Villa $2,220 per night

 We stayed for five nights total. Total cost: $11,100 plus about $1000 in taxes and service charges. So the room was about $12,000 total. 

*Quick note: St Regis is a Marriott hotel, if you happen to be a member of Marriott Bonvoy Awards, you can redeem your points towards the balance of your stay. If you don’t stay at a Marriott resort, there are Kempinski, and also IHG resorts as well which have excellent rewards programs*

Seaplane
$1,490 (round trip for two people)
Flight: $1,900 *it should be noted, we flew from Muscat, Oman. Ticket prices will be dramatically different from the States  

Excursions
Glass Kayak -one hour $200
Seaboarding- 15 mins per person, at $150 per person, for a total of $300. 

Food
$1800 initial deposit for the food package, but after about the 3rd night, the $1800 was quickly reached. All in all the total for food was about $2700.   

I had some awesome birthday surprises. For example, I woke up to an AMAZING  floating breakfast for my birthday. Normal buffet breakfast was included in the room cost, but the floating breakfast is separate. The cost runs about $400. But the spread is unreal. It also includes a bottle of champagne. 

The average cost for dinner will run you about $300 to $400 per meal.  I think the cheapest meal for both of us was $250. 

Tips
Please make sure you tip! (I’m looking at you, fellow Americans. Because we are known globally to not be good tippers.)  At these places they are working extremely hard to keep you comfortable and your trip amazing. Please make sure to tip housekeeping, butlers and servers. It’s not just good and customary etiquette but also, it’s nice to show appreciation to the people who make sure your stay goes well. Standard tip is about 15 percent, but on average 20 percent is a good rule of thumb. 

Tip cost: $300 to $500 for personal butler, accumulative for restaurant wait staff and servers, housekeepers. 

Clothes: (Cuz you know we had to get island fresh!) $1000  

Beauty and Barber Prep
Fulaini braids $50 (Because you know we gots to get the vacation braids!)
Bikini wax/pedi/Russian manicure: $110 

Souvenirs: There’s a really decent shop in the Male Airport. Lots of cute little trinkets etc. I was able to find this adorable coral purse and nice bath and body style sets. $400 

Total cost: $20,000 to $21,000 total. 

All in all, it was the experience of a lifetime and I definitely plan to go back!

Categories
Arts Business Health and Wellness Style

The Women Who Get It, Get It

by Khalilah Jones 

???? Photographer: Brian Dunn ⁠
????Wardrobe Stylist: Khalilah Jones⁠
???????? Models: Ciera, Courtney, Juanika, Khalilah, Reyshawn, Sabrina, Shaniece, Shenise⁠

 

Black women are taking up space unapologetically. Sis is embracing her body, leading the charge, giving gratitude to our sister circles and doing it in her prettiest, posh, powerful and poppin’ ensembles. 

No longer feeling obligated to traditional ways of life with a husband and 2.5 kiddos, more and more Black women are forging ahead in spite of insurmountable threats to their very livelihood (because that’s always a thing). Living outside of stereotypes, our favorite angry Black woman trope, and seemingly limitless limitations, Black women are taking the bull by the horns and taming it with just the right sprinkle of Black girl magic, in all aspects of modern life.

I have had the honor and privilege of curating a charismatic and decidedly “Black in all its glory”, group of Charlottesvillians for my recent work for the Soul of Cville fashion show and subsequently worked on this riveting photoshoot. Fashion is but an attempt to realize art in living forms AND social intercourse. The Soul of Cville was so much more than a festival. The Rise of the Phoenix was so much more than a fashion show, hardly just a chic collection of clothes. The women who get it, get it!

It is all about advocacy, community service, business and camaraderie. Today, let’s explore Black women’s ongoing contributions and embrace the multifaceted roles they are playing here in Charlottesville. 

I asked the following questions: 

  1. Where have you found your people?
  2. Where have you felt seen, heard and valued?
  3. What’s tea?
  4. In 5 words or less, what message would you share to Black Women and girls struggling with taking up space?
Photo Credit: Kristen Finn

Courtney, Owner of De La Roll
I have been in Charlottesville since 2006 and have been involved in things and organizations here and there. I have found my people where I was least expecting. I started becoming more physically active back in 2018 and in 2019 challenged myself to begin running with Prolyfyck Run Creww. After the first one I was addicted to the creww. These are my people. Prolyfyck Run Creww is what ”community” should look like. It consists of Charlottesville’s most caring, most giving, most vulnerable, most active, most kind, most funny, and most motivated people. They have become my family! Since running with Prolyfyck Run Creww I have run a plethora of races, but my most accomplished race was the Richmond 1/2 marathon in November of 2021. In this space I am free to be who I am and explore who I am and pushes me toward my goals. I am one of 4 organizers of the Sister Creww So Gifted Womxns Run Creww which is a black centered womxn led segment of Prolyfyck.

Tea: nobody does what you do, better than you do it!

 

Photo Credit: Jill Meriweather

Juanika, MS, LMHP-E
Being a Charlottesville native, I have had the fortune of making lifelong friendships throughout my life.  I have a relationship that started in preschool, and to this day when we see each other there are zero barriers/challenges in communication. Other relationships have formed through mutual interest such as church, gyms, workout groups, run groups and work/networking.  Finding like minded people within the same ethnic makeup has been and continues to be an obstacle as there aren’t many places in Charlottesville that cater to AA/BIPOC population.  

I have felt the most seen and heard within my run crew (Prolyfyck Run Creww) and within my clinician networking group (Central Virginia Clinicians of Color).  Within those spaces I can be my complete authentic self, free of any judgement and completely understood.  It’s also within those spaces where I see people that look like me.  Within these spaces I can share daily struggles and challenges, receive support and guidance if needed or just feel heard, seen and felt.  There is a level of safety and peace that comes with finding your space.  

NEVER dim your light, QUEEN

 

Photo Credit: Ty Cooper

Khalilah, Chic & Classy Image Consulting, Image Consultant, Marketing & PR Coordinator
Listen, Charlottesville IS my people. I came here as an Air Force spouse originally from Phoenix, Arizona. As you can imagine, that title comes with a level of anxiety and constant navigation of the unknown. I had moved to 4 different states (west coast, to the Midwest to the east coast) in the span of 8 years. Admittedly, I’ve never met a stranger. But y’all, I have literally met the most community oriented and determined people right here in Charlottesville. I’ve connected with my fit fam thru Parks and Rec, the YMCA, a mud run with Prolyfyck Run Creww, the Women’s 4 Miler, skating with De La Roll, tapping into challenges with Sabrina or Xtreme Hip Hop Step with Avis, dance with Shaniece B and even took a class with Alore, my advocacy and community service sisters as a chartering member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women of the Charlottesville Metropolitan area (subsequently the Black Women of Central Virginia), Families Helping Families and my chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, Eta Phi Omega, my mentorship mavens thru my early relationships with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Project Discovery and the work with 101 Jams and as a board member of the IX Art Park for the Soul of Cville the last 2 years. Vinegar Hill magazine has provided a platform for me to marry my passion for fashion with my heart for service every quarter. I literally could go on and on. I guess what I am saying is there’s always a space for you…if you show up as your genuine and authentic self, people will embrace and accept you. If they don’t? Those aren’t your people. 

”Bloom where you are planted!”

Photo Credit: Model Contributed

Reyshawn, Supply Chain Planner
I’m originally from DC but I’ve been living here for 15 years. I’ve found my people throughout the Charlottesville area. From different gym locations, such as MMAI (now closed), jobs that I’ve held and by networking, these are the places that I’ve found individuals that I could connect with on different levels and with different backgrounds. Honestly  I’ve come across some amazing people throughout  Charlottesville and I’ve also come across some that weren’t. However, I met some of those amazing  people through others, which allowed me to develop friendships. Also, I am a part of the Sister Circle… I’ve met great people from there. Being in the Rise of the Phoenix fashion show, Khalilah and the other ladies are amazing and made me feel welcome even when I felt like running away or afraid to put myself out there because of what I was going through and my recent failed relationship. 

The Soul Cville Fashion Show is where I’ve felt seen, heard and valued. For me that was more than just a Fashion Show. It gave me the opportunity to come from behind the shadow of someone else’s platform and make a statement for myself; without saying words, I was heard!

To hear the Cville community cheer me on when I stepped onto that stage I felt seen, heard and valued. Walking on that runway was my way of reclaiming  ME. I felt like a Phoenix rising from the shadow that no one knew I was in. 

”Step-Up beautiful! You already standout!”

Photo Credit: Klassic One

Sabrina, Beyond Fitness, Owner
My answer is two-fold, I have felt, seen and valued with my community of Beyond Fitness with Sabrina.  A diverse community that was grassrooted from my own unhealthiness and desire for a healthier life. This community has allowed me to be one of the top leading BLACK women fitness instructors in the community. This community has trusted and came along with me on this lifestyle journey over the last 6 years. Until 1.5 years ago… it was a lonely journey at times being a black women who was heavily into fitness/weight training until my introduction to the Prolyfyck Run Creww who not only created space for Beyond Fitness but an actual space for brown and black men & women to heal and get fit. There is a space solely for brown and black women, that personally allows me to be black, bold and/or black and vulnerable – a space that allows for me to be me. There is a common interest, respect, inspiration that I find in this space that aid in my growth as a black woman leader in the community . 

“You are enough PERIOD.” 

I appreciate these ladies for taking the time to indulge me. In closing, what I am learning at this big age of 43, is we need to have the courage to recognize that our voice deserves to be heard by the multitude. It is also imperative that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to seek out the voices of other black women and learn what we can from one another. To you, Good Sis, yes, YOU…I hear you. I see you. I value you and I GET IT! Until next time, be well!

 

Categories
Entertainment Style

Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation

by Khalilah Jones | Featured Image by John Visions
Model: Micah Washington
Wardrobe Styling: Khalilah Jones

Listen, we all know that trends come and go, especially those related to fashion. More often than not, people will take up a unique new fashion trend without a thought as to where it has come from. As a person that feels that my clothing and personal style are a means of self expression, I understand that for many cultures, there is usually a deep-rooted history behind why and what they choose to wear. This is where cultural appropriation comes into play.

Fashion and style, particularly within the Black culture, has such a deep history and meaning. I for one have definitely rocked my Sunday’s Best “for the culture”. Think Black Panther opening, Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month and even just a random Melanin Monday (okay, I made that one up but you get the gist). I am a strong proponent of cultural appreciation over appropriation. With that being said, I really encourage people to educate themselves to know why we have worn the things we have in the past. It’s such an in-depth thing that I wish people would understand more. 

As we discussed our plans to attend a concert, I was once asked by a non-person of color, why Black people dress up for everything and nothing? I had to explain to her that it is deeper than an “outfit”. We have to go 10 times harder in absolutely every aspect of our lives and STILL are overlooked and undervalued. Our appearance and image are the one thing that we can absolutely own with a je ne sais quoi that others try to emulate (usually unsuccessfully).

As a Black woman, I know, but so many do not even realize, that a significant number of the trends that circulate around the world of fashion began within the Black community.

From tracksuits to bucket hats and even bodycon dresses, many of the items that are considered heavily “stylish” and “trendy” now were not always thought of in the same light. Trends that begin within the Black community cycle to mainstream fashion after the novelty has worn off and they have lost association with Black culture. 

As a young Black girl skipping thru elementary school playgrounds and then strutting through high school halls, a lot of the things that we did to our hair like beads, braids, bobos and barrettes or adorned our bodies with such as oversized cross-color pants with cropped tops or clothes worn backwards a’la Kris Kross, were made fun of. Inevitably, it was something that we were made to feel silly for. We really had to work to accept ourselves and own these looks. That is why people are drawn to what is different and eye-catching. Not even recognizing that ultimately, they are drawn to the confidence and swag that can only be cultivated from a deep, radical, unapologetic self acceptance rooted in culture! It is so disheartening because a lot of times, that same “trend” or “style” will be praised once adopted into white culture.

Photo by Tuff Got a Shot

I am not going to lie, as a Black woman in the wardrobe styling and image consulting world, watching fashion trends explode onto the scene can be incredibly frustrating. This is a pain point, not only because our community was often the one to wear an item first but also because many Black designers are not at all as widely praised, compensated or recognized as their white counterparts when it comes to designing the items.

It is extremely difficult to watch something that was once mocked when our culture introduced the style, become “all the rage” when it is taken up by mainstream culture.

There are countless fashion trends derived from Black women and Black people in general.

Fashion trends, like bucket hats and shoulder bags, were popularized by Black women so many years ago but were reintroduced as a mainstream fashion trend.

The difference between how the trends are perceived is just how it’s associated with Black people. As soon as Black people are erased from those trends (much like the intentional erasure and white washing in school books, but I digress), it’s a popular trend and becomes the new thing, but when it’s popular in our community, it becomes weird and ghetto.

While it would seem the popularity of trends coming up from Black culture would seem to be all positive for the community, there are challenges that arise from having our original ideas be taken, manipulated and used in ways we did not intend.

Photo by Tuff Got a Shot

There is such a dichotomy and it is super complicated because on one hand, the popularity definitely does sometimes bring more awareness to Black designers and their brands and we are not hating that!  But on the other hand, there are also so many white designers that create the same product and those are more popular because they catapult to the mainstream much quicker, which takes away well deserved money and due credit from the Black designer.

The idea of cultural appropriation is not an easy one to understand. When it comes to clothing, most individuals just want everyday people to have a slightly better understanding of where their clothing comes from. It is a tough pill to swallow knowing that they love our swag, style and je ne sais quoi and all the good and exciting aspects of the Black culture but refuse to fight the good fight with us when it is most important.

Photo by B The Director

What makes it such a challenge with clothing is the fact that you can’t necessarily say a culture “owns” a piece of clothing, even if the culture made it popular. I personally feel frustrated to know that so many people did not appreciate these trends when we were wearing them but then changed their mind as soon as they transcended to mainstream and ultimately minimized the significance of our contribution to pop culture.

More intentionality and research is what our communities that so often have their trends used with absolutely no context or not a lick of homage given back to the rightful owner, is what we seek.

If nothing else, I would like for others to understand that as Black people, when we talk about fashion, it’s not just about textiles, colors, fit and style. A lot of times, this is such a bold and necessary act of self expression and is a prominent part of who we are. Put some respect on it. Embrace appreciation over appropriation.

Until next time…

Stylishly yours,

 

 

Categories
Health and Wellness Style

Create a Flawless Personal Style in 4 Simple Steps

by Contributing Writer: Khalilah Jones featured Photo by Jen Fox Boudoir and Erotica

There’s a common misconception that personal style is reserved for vain, narcissistic people that are uber fashion-savvy, while in reality, clothing affects everybody and their grandma. Every single day we wake up and throw on clothes to wear as we go about our business. You HAVE to wear them, so you might as well make sure they are serving you well! Unlocking your personal style can minimize the noise of the fast-fashion industry and help you to feel totally at home in your clothes and more importantly, in that beautiful skin of yours.  

Photographer: Pink Ink Designs

    

You guys, here are four steps to help you more clearly define your style, absolutely love your wardrobe, and move forward confidently with your fashion choices! 

  1. Get Inspired 

The first step to finding your personal style probably seems like a given. You have to learn more about what you’re drawn to. I mean really take an introspective look and figure out who you really are and what makes you tick style-wise. This requires looking out into the world at the options available and seeing what sticks, and what doesn’t. Kind of like tossing spaghetti noodles at the wall and when it sticks you know it’s done! There’s so much information readily accessible nowadays. When consuming this information daily, take note of what “speaks” to you. People watch, check out street style, identify characters in movies, history, and your fave fashion icons for inspiration. This can really help you start to parse out what works for you. Of course, trends can still be considered for inspiration. But for the love of all things holy, do not blindly follow them! Take note, while there are fabulously banging looks that have been created by others, not every single sassy element of an outfit will work for your personal lifestyle or even your body. Snagging inspiration from the world around us, allows us to hone in on what actually makes sense for our wardrobe. If you’re the Pinterest type, make a board and pin styles that catch your eye. Search #styleinspiration #streetstyle #styleinspo #blackgirlstyle #whatiwore on Instagram. You will see common elements (i.e. textures, silhouettes, colors, patterns) and recognize what speaks to you and can then define your own style. 

Photographer: Pink Ink Designs
  1. Practical Application 

Next, take a real introspective look at YOUR life. Be realistic with yourself about what your lifestyle entails and what is going to be most practical for that…not the perfectly posed IG moments. Listen, I can’t tell you how many beautifully constructed, structured suits I’ve longingly scrolled by online. I love the aesthetic and feel like they are for sure “boss babe” apparel. But that simply isn’t my reality. I hate ironing, I don’t have much disposable time to spend getting things altered and my day to day functioning requires too much running around for these gorgeous pieces to be included in my style repertoire. As much as I love fashion, if I’m being real, the industry absolutely tries to convince us that we are in love with something and we have to have it. I want to encourage you as a consumer to come to terms and make peace with the fact that we can’t own or wear it all, and we shouldn’t even try. We have to make better and more intentional choices. You can admire a trend or designer, but not rock it yourself. Some things are better appreciated from afar. And honestly, it can be exciting to keep that “what if” allure. 

Photographer: Alycia B. Studios
  1. Kill It With Confidence 

So, you’ve dreamed up your perfect wardrobe, and then brought it back down to earth. Now is the time to find confidence in the style that is all yours. This is the pivotal moment and guess what, boo? You’ve got this! When you find items that just feel organically, “right”, and the style that oozes comfortability, baby, there’s NOTHING that can stop you! Lean firmly into the pieces you gravitate toward and that you have established are practical for your life. I promise you, that confidence will build exponentially each time you realize that the way you dress is your way, and not a dupe of someone else. It is very unfortunate that we’ve become accustomed to assimilation and conformity at the expense of our individuality. We are so often lost in a sea of safe “sameness”. I invite you to free yourself up to be uniquely you…and OWN it, honey! 

Photographer: JDee Imagery
  1. Cultivate Creativity 

The last step to getting your personal style cracking, is to get creative. After finding what makes you feel special, now is the fun part! The door is open for experimentation. Defining your personal style does not mean that your wardrobe is set in stone and now frozen in time and can never change! We are always changing and naturally, so too, will our style, but with a big picture understanding of who we are. Aside from milestones or huge life events, we tend to grow in small, nuanced ways. Our wardrobes can grow with us, but our signature style remains the same at its core. Your style is an extension of you. Let it be and I cannot stress this enough…OWN IT! 

These four tips will make all the difference in the world in presenting your best YOU to the world at large. While I absolutely love a well put together outfit, and admittedly, I do receive lots of compliments based on my image, I can unequivocally say that the biggest reason why people are attracted to me as a person, is confidence. And that confidence comes from knowing who I am, knowing I’m not for everyone but knowing I’m for Me and that nothing else matters. I do believe there’s a certain enduring quality in the confidence that basically removes the “I wonder if they like me” anxiety and replaces it with “I like me and hey, I might like you too”. 

Photographer: Pink Ink Designs

There you have it! I hope you found this helpful. Take some time to reflect on if your image is really serving you. If not, take a deep dive into defining your signature style. In the meantime, remember, pretty is not a look, it’s a behavior! 

Stylishly Yours,

Categories
Health and Wellness Style

Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less by Christine Platt

STAFF WRITER

Forget about the appeal of conventional minimalism and opt for a life of authenticity and meaning with this practical handbook on living with less, your way. The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is an insightful book that details the author’s outlook on and shift from maximalist consumerism to minimalist living. How childhood experiences and expectations manifest throughout adulthood, the delicate dance between demands and desires, and the immense weight of familial and societal pressures are examined.

Furthermore, the book makes it clear that Christine Platt’s conceptualization of living with less goes beyond an emphasis on decluttering. In effect, it is employed as a complete re-envisioning of the idea of minimalism. The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less integrates the importance of heritage and culture in the minimalist lifestyle and seeks to give permission to its followers to make space for what really matters, in their own way.

It delves down into the process of beginning to live with less, guiding readers through a four-step process: understanding that you have too much, forgiving yourself for past decisions, relinquishing possessions by considering what purpose such items fulfill, and paying it forward through contributions to charitable organizations.

Platt avoids typical minimalism in favor of an “afro-minimalism” that is influenced by the African diaspora, yet her advice can be used by anybody. An extremely engaging book with an important topic, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is a piece of a broader subject matter pertaining to the concept of minimalism and its integration into society’s ways of life. A contentious idea, many people have differing views on the minimalist lifestyle and the advantages or disadvantages of adopting it.

Arguments For Minimalism
What minimalism essentially means is the stripping away of excesses for the sake of simplicity, focusing on what truly matters in life. The argument for this type of lifestyle is that by cutting down on physical belongings and living with less, one can spend more time doing things they actually care about. It helps to reduce stress levels by removing the burden of having many possessions to take care of, and by simplifying life it helps provide opportunities for focus on other things. A lot of people also choose to adopt minimalism in order to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing consumption, and it can help with financial aims since having fewer belongings often means spending less money.

By incorporating elements of African heritage, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is able to provide an alternative perspective on the minimalist lifestyle. As a means of tackling the issue of consumerism while at the same time introducing concepts that are relevant in today’s society, this book gives readers a comprehensive insight into minimalism, while providing a foundation for the implementation of its ideas in everyday life.