First step to going natural is getting your mind right. As a black woman who chats with lots of other black women, the #1 reason many don't go natural and are afraid to starts usually in the mind. The excuses reasons start to flow, "my hair has no curl," "it's not long enough," "I''ll look too ratchtastic" and quite frankly none of those are true.
My decision to go BACK natural (as of yesterday) came when I FINALLY made up in my mind that I was tired of taking care of someone elses head (while sitting on my head). I know the power of the right product, discipline and proper instruction to get your hair looking beautiful and it is the decision that makes the world of difference, a mere choice like everything else.
As I'm growing in age and wisdom, I'm finding more about what's wrong with the beauty industry and the images portrayed AND accepted. I know that if more Black women were educated on the numerous possibilities and truths about that strands that grow out of their own scalp, the America's would be a much more natural place. While I plan to start on my BLACK TO NATURAL journey at the turn of 2012, I will document it here, going much against my blogging policy of putting photos of myself on a blog but hey, my hope is to help encourage other black women to get bold and gain TRUE confidence in themselves and in EVERYTHING they have to offer because at this end of the day, that's all you really got!
Since the holidays are fast approaching, and since I couldn't sleep last night after indulging in Starbucks 2-for-1 holiday drink special yesterday (thanks a lot)I thought I would create a visual to express what most humans value most around this time of year. No diss, just my thoughts. Be Well!
Charlotte, NC has more models per 5 sq. ft than any other place in the world. And that's fine, however, if you're going to call yourself a model, put in the time and effort to study the craft. Draw from different places and inspirations to get better. With so many people aspiring to do the same thing as you, you should figure out what will make YOU stand out. If you look just like the next 5 chics in line, nothing will prompt "she's memorable" at any casting or show. Practice your walk, play with poses in the mirror, pull from an internal place to exude emotion through your photos. Like anything, it will take a lot of work but the end goal makes it all worth it. Being tall, thin or pretty is not enough, especially in Charlotte, NC, USA.
It saddens me when I think of all the women and men who sacrificed and paid the biggest price in the name of "protecting" their country from the "enemy" HOWEVER... what makes it even more sad is to realize the only enemy is right in our own backyard.
I digress, I only want to show deep gratitude for those whose intentions were good coming from a kind and genuine place. I appreciate you and I pray for your soul.
Happy Memorial Day to those living and those who have gone home. Your courage and bravery has not served in vain.
So, I felt the need to follow-up to my previous post about Carol's Daughter's new choices for spokeswomen.
The message in now pt. 1 is this... if we are going to preach diversity then we must back it up.
THIS >>> <<< IS NOT DIVERSITY
Why Can't Cassie talk about her [straight hair wanting curly hair] stress troubles?
She can, but that is really... not... considered... diversity within the black woman community. Walk down the street in a predominantly black neighborhood and ask 10 black women who you come across do they wish for curly hair because their naturally straight hair just isn't doing it for them and leave the results in the thoughts section... Don't worry... I'll wait.
Why is it a crime to have good hair and actually say it?
Well, for starters, the fact that you feel the terms "good hair" and "bad hair" are justifiable and are okay to use still in 2011 is reason enough. By now, there should be some knowledge that every woman can attain healthy, well-moisturized and manageable hair with time, effort and the right products. Thinking you actually HAVE "good hair," says a lot without saying much. But maybe that's just me... *kanye shrug*
This roundtable was an accurate depiction of how these specific women deal with their hair issues...
Yes.
Not all Black women have kinky hair...
*side eye* Right ....... *waiting*....
And so, let me again state... these 3 women have their own stories, yes, however, when choosing 3 women that embody the narrative shared by many black women in America (and beyond) about their hair, I'm going to need to see a wider spectrum of hues, hair grades, and stories that represent the majority rather than not. There's no way I can be convinced Cassie had to sit in a kitchen for hours as a little girl, getting her hair pressed at the stove and getting coconut pressing grease put on her ear because she got burnt. GTFOH. There ain't no way!
I too agree there is Beauty in Diversity, but Solange, Cassie and Selita put together in a 3-piece combo are not when speaking on African American women hair experiences in America. I then have to question, whose story is being told, which can bring me to a whole 'nother post, but I'll digress for now.
THIS is diversity
THIS is Diversity
THIS is Diversity
Even THIS is Diversity!
But the new Carol's Daughter trio is not. I'm not attempting to exclude or single out any black women or their experiences out of this discussion, that's not my intent. BUT, if we're going to go-in for something than let's go all the way, and let's do it right because we all (should) know by now, the World is always watching us. Black women already have to deal with the hot mess images continuously shown on TV of us being gold diggers, baby mama's, sexual objects and the like. When we have opportunities to represent ourselves correctly, I think we need to do a better job of promoting as much as we can of the truth as WE ALL know it to be and this attempt did the exact opposite.
Now... "Anonymous"... I thought I'd give you a bit of entertainment at the end of my ranting... so enjoy and have a good one! Paz
C'mon Lisa, now I know you know better than this. Yes, all three women are beautiful and I applaud their accomplishments, but it's only been a few days since the spokes-three were announced and a few hours since this video dropped and black women around the country are NOT FEELING IT!
The issue with mainstream "beauty" is the lack of representation for women of color, specifically, black women. Now Carol's Daughter received a lot of respect and patronizing because finally we felt there was a line for us by us (F.U.B.U. 2000) and we felt a part and appropriately represented. Now looking at this trio, yes they all three are women of color, yes they all have great beauty teams working on them to attract the visual affect, BUT, these 3 women DO NOT represent the many grades of hair that range within the black community that are yearning for a brand that values and represents us!
A chic fresh out of a weave is not trying to hear Cassie talk about her stress troubles of wanting curly hair and being bored by her straight hair... HATED IT! That's like asking Bill Gates to speak about his desire for a yacht instead of his jet-skis and sailboat. I don't have either one, so WHY do I care?! I DON'T!
I'm interested to see the further backlash Ms. Price and her brand will get from this "bold" move. I mean where's Kelly Rowland? Where's chic from Girlfriends? Hell, where's Macy Gray? Variety is what black America is and I'm sorry but these campaign picks say nothing in relation to variety. Sadly enough, what it reads to me is a big mis-representation of the true diversity within the black community continually fed to the entire world that continues to divide our diaspora even further not just by location but through deep-seeded intra-racial ideologies.
For as long as I can remember, I've always had an infatuation with "the truly nude pump," it's just something about the subtleness that does it for me. Whether its a bright cobalt dress or a pretty colorful motif, you can never go wrong with the nude pump, and actually for most women, the truly nude pump should be your best friend.
Now you may say, why'd you say for MOST women and not all. Well because not all women have the same complexion as the nude pumps pictured above. Take Kelly Rowland below for example. Now I love Ms. Rowland's newly found freshness, I think it suits her very well and I'm very happy to see her show some pizzazz and flash, HOWEVER... the shoes she's wearing in the photo, may be nude pumps to say a Charlize Theron, but those are NOT truly nude for Ms. Kelly.
When seeking a truly nude pump, on YOUR foot, it should be just that - NUDE! And when I say Nude, I mean BLEND! These pumps she has on have now transformed into baby pink pearlized rose pumps (yes all that)... and I know that was not the intention. Women of color have to be very cognizant of the difference between what society may name something and what WE KNOW it to be. And since we all come in various beautiful complexions, tones and underhues, there's a sense of honesty and responsibility we must have with ourselves, friends and family members when seeking items that may not necessarily include thoughts of "us" during the naming or designing process.
This is not to say there aren't nude shoes for every shade, because there are. Everything from pearl white to mahogany to rich grape, they're out there, we just have to look.
Now with all that being said, some people question when is the best time to pull out the nude pumps? In my opinion, the best time is anytime really, BUT, if you're not the nude pump lover fan like I am, then I would pull them out when the outfit you are wearing contains rich and vibrant colors from which you do not want to distract. The bright pink on Tracee, the rich red worn by Jada to the color spectrum hung on Thandie and the bubble gum pink pop on Karla are all perfect examples of keeping all the attention on the garment and not pulling the eyes to the shoes at first glance. With all the neon trends popping off this Spring, this would be the perfect time to pull out those truly nude pumps to strut in, AS LONG as they're "truly nude." If not, then you're just adding another color to the color palette you're already sporting. (see Kelly above for reference)
We women spend lots of time piecing together fierce fits to stop-and-wow victims on a regular basis so shouldn't you get the eye credit you deserve? Don't confuse the viewer with too many stops at first glance... pick one focal point for each outfit and keep it simple. Happy Dressing
photos courtesy of karlascloset & various internet searches :)
I mean, I'm sorry but this is not okay. I usually like Khloe, you know with her having the same birthday as me (and Vera Wang and Hellen Keller and all) but this is just NOT OKAY. I'm noooooot really sure what the aim was here, but I can confirm the target was missed by a L.A. marathon 26 miles. *drops head*
As many true Fashionistas know, off season is the best time to get the best buys. As we approach the Spring months this is the best time to purchase your staple Coats, Leather Jackets, Blazers, etc. and men are no exception. All Saints has beautiful coats and jackets for not only women but men as well. As I look for gifts for the boyfriends birthday, I'm looking into some savvy pieces for Fall 2011. There are some great finds via the All Saints website, for both me AND him. (Of course I had to throw myself in there as well :)
Now we've covered the consumer portion of a line but as I was browsing through the All Saints Spitalfields site, I noticed "scholarship opportunities" which I found to be very odd to see on a high-end fashion website. Intrigued by this placement I clicked to find All Saints helps to fund schooling for six fashionistas/os studying in fashion marketing. This is a great privilege and not to mention, just plain ol' cool. Read below for more info.:
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GCU LONDON
The MSc International Fashion Marketing is designed to equip you with the essential fashion marketing expertise, business knowledge and personal skills demanded by business operating in today’s increasingly global and competitive environment.
Thanks to the support of leading fashion retailer AllSaints, six scholarships are available for students studying for the MSc International Fashion Marketing. AllSaints is at the forefront of the British fashion industry and this partnership is an innovative example of how GCU London works with international companies to equip students with creative and practical skills. Please contact enquiries@gculondon.ac.uk for more information. www.gculondon.ac.uk
All in all, All Saints gets a huge thumbs up from me. I'd check them out for womens jackets, mens jackets, style, and school scholarships. A pretty much one-stop-shop for Style & Philanthropic efforts.
'Tis the season to be stylish. The weather is cold, the wind is blowing and now's the time to show off all the layers, colors and textures to the world. The parties are stacking and the drink nights are booming... but ever think 'what about those who aren't so fortunate?' There are tons of people (& animals) who have no idea who James Perse is, Lanvin or that a sample sale comes once a year. There are tons of people in the world who are suffering so much and we can't take the time out to realize this as we're running through stores and open warehouses trying to find our size in the perfect dress or pant. This part of the year, especially, all those who are fortunate should really reflect and give back to those who have not been so "lucky." There are a million ways one can give back... and it doesn't matter with whom you share your "luck", just make sure that you do.
The only way to happiness is by bringing joy to others and making others happy!
Please check out the list below of some Charities, Non-Profits and Foundations that could really use a little bit of "luck" this Holiday Season.
I have an issue with Jordans and I don’t know why. I’ve always had this issue and borderline disgust but it wasn’t until today that I was able to pinpoint the root of such disgust.
My friend asked me the first thing that came to mind after reading the following statement…
“new jordans, no lights on”
I read it and then I got it. Eureka! I got the answer for why I have never ever purchased a pair of Jordans in my life. I grew up in west l.a., went to high school across from sportie l.a. and was an athlete involved in 3 sports and NEVER bought a pair… ON PURPOSE.
This origin of disgust is as follows… Jordans represent keeping up with the jones’, f**ed up priorities, no progress and only concerning oneself with looking fly and being able to say “I had them first” Jordans have caused people who have never went camping to sleep outside of a store to get a new pair, they have caused families to purchase a bag of tea lights because the lights wouldn’t be on this week, they have caused people to get beat up, shot or killed over some soles and a name. And for what?
But I’m not perfect and as I sat here thinking about this post, I questioned myself… How is it I will drop 600 + on a pair of Miu Miu’s, 250 on some Tory Burch’s but I cannot justify buying some damn sneakers for that much. I can’t stand Jordans, so much, I bought a pair of LA GEARS (in 2009) that were right next to the Jordan display and was proud. I can’t do it. I just can’t. Omg how they irk me.
And now you may say, well what about chic becoming the first woman (African American at that) to design a Jordan shoe… will you get a pair then? HEK NO. I don’t like the design. Big ups to her for the gr8 accomplishment but I’m cool. I will stick to my plan and go get me another pair of Tory Burch flats this weekend.
O and another thing to think about…. I can wear my Burch’s to work but when was the last time you saw somebody rockin’ a pair of J’s at the job (in a corporate setting)…
...whether you're enjoying life or not. You look up and days, months and years have passed you by. Do something with the remaining time that you have to touch at least 7 peoples lives. Do something that will help those less fortunate than you become more fortunate if only for one moment. Feed someone who is hungry and has no food to eat. Clothe someone who has no clothes. Life is not just about making yourself happy, it's about leaving a mark.
Happy 4th of July... Be Safe Out There folks. With Love, Mia Anita
It's been a while since I've been wanting to blog. I have been learning myself and growing which didn't allow for me to be all that creative. It required real time for real things.
I'm at a place now where I am about growth, hence the videos below. For those of you who know me, know I don't watch tv, you can no longer visit me on facebook, twitter or myspace because I am no longer there. I reached a point where I felt like "there was more to my life than watching other people live theirs." My friend Ty was able to put into words my reasoning for peacing out on the social networking.
I am now embarking on some realizations about myself, past present and future which I am excited about. I am aware this blog was created with the intention for broadcasting fashion but I think it's time for a change. I will still incorporate fashion, (but of course) but there will be posts that may have nothing to do with fashion because that's where I am at that time. Just embrace and roll with me. I thank you for visiting my blog and suggest you stay tuned for a very wide range a fashion blog has ever seen.
TheStylEdit.com differs from every other Fashion blog because not only does it cover the looks, styles, models, stores, beauty, photographers & designers that all embody this thing we call Fashion but TheStylEdit.comtells the story behind everything that is Fashion. While Fashion is often times measured by its end product, the often forgotten story behind such is just as important.
TheStylEdit.combrings the story to the runway and gives life to the journey's taken behind the curtain. TheStylEdit.com is a Fashion blog with a style all its own and Mia Anita: Fashion's Story Teller designing it all the way.
"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones" ~ Helena Rubenstein
"Dress for how you want to be addressed." ~ Rev. Run
"The heel, the high heel, it signifies - greatness, dedication, discipline, balance, grace, poise and attention to detail." ~ Dr. J
Posts
