AM Reads: Between The World And Me

Rounding up my year's reading with this brilliant piece of writing. "Between The World And Me" is a loving, honest letter from a father to his son...a memoir of what it means to be a black man~ a black person in America...a hold no punches analysis of racism in the great, morally superior US of A. 

Pretty Paisley

It will probably be soon that I run out of catchy captions for outfit posts featuring paisley prints. Such is the the pervasiveness of the print among my clothes. Nonetheless, I don't think I'll ever tire of wearing this  groovy print of Persian origin. Among the plethora of 'ethnic' decorative motifs, it's my favourite. I just love its whimsy and prettiness! This dress was an especially sweet find because it's pink (you already know how I feel about pink!)with the darling print fashioned in black. The contrast creates a look that I call restrained festiveness. Given the ease with which it makes me feel dressed-up, this little number will most likely be making at least one more appearance during the upcoming holiday season! Can you blame me?

Dress: Vintage;Thrifted

Bag: Thrifted

Boots: Nine West

Bangles: Collected from various places

Photography Credit: Jaye Gardener

Papyr.us : Foreign Gods Inc. by Okey Ndibe

So believe it or not, we're already halfway through the month of October! This means we just have a couple weeks left until the second Papyr.us meet-up when we discuss this month's book selection, Foreign Gods Inc by Okey Ndibe. Hopefully, you've picked up your copy by now but if not, you still have time to do so and catch up with the reading. Assata and I are looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this new work of Nigerian fiction when we gather on Saturday, the 31st of Oct from 3 to 5pm (EST) via Periscope...Our handle there is papyrusbookclub. Until then, Happy Reading! 

Photography Credit: Sol Messiah

Night Life

Taking outfit photographs when it's dark outside isn't conventional in the blogging world. It may indeed be counter-intuitve. Yet, I've come to like the effect that the subtle light casts within the photographs captured. At dusk things come alive in a way they don't during the day. Bronze sparkles, leaves show off their vibrant greens and the muted tones stand out against my dark skin.

Sweater: Banana Republic; Thrifted

Skirt:No label attached; Thrifted

Shoes:Ann Taylor

Bag: Vintage Coach; Thrifted

Necklace: Kaarta Imports 

Earrings:Cultural Accents

Photograpy Credit : Jaye Gardener

Smooth Operator

There is something so sultry about soft fabrics. On days when I want to feel extra feminine and the temperature is favourable, I slip into a silk or satin dress and enjoy the brush of the material against my skin. Just that sensation is enough to make me feel regal, beautiful and sexy. What an easy and effortless way to add a little boost of confidence!

Dress: Banana Republic

Heels: Banana Republic

Clutch: Thrifted

Photo Credit: Jaye Gardener

The Papyr*us Book Club

My sis Assata {aka Sa~roc} and I LOVE to read!!!!! We've bonded over this mutual love for literature, poetry and other great writing. The art that is writing has served as a portal through which we've  travelled beyond the boundaries of space and time...enabling us to envision and experience life beyond our immediate realities. Given how transformative the alchemy of writing has been to us, we've long dreamed of  starting a book club through which we could nurture substantive and inspiring relationships with other globally minded  women. We're excited to say that dream is now reality. Papyr*us is a monthly gathering in which we intend to celebrate sisterhood, substance and superb written works by people of colour.

There are two ways for our fellow queens to be a part of Papyr*us.  The first is by invitation to our intimate Atlanta sessions. The second is via social media. Follow us on Periscope {thepapyrusbookclub} You will be able to follow our monthly sessions there in real time through a live feed. Also subscribe to our Youtube channel {thepapyrusbookclub} where previous sessions will be viewable. Additionally, we will share new book announcements; book review questions and commentary on each piece via Instagram {papyrusbookclub}, Periscope and here on the Ancestral Memory blog.

Once we announce the book, members will have estimately one month to read it. At that point we will meet to discuss the piece in person and virtually.

So, now that we have those details sorted out, let's get started! The first book is...DRUMROLL!!!!.. If Beale St Could Talk by James Baldwin. Both Assata and I consider Baldwin to be one of the most formidable authors in American literature. His examinations of race, sexuality, religion and class among other topics compel discourse. If Beale St Could Talk, with its promotion of the black family and black love, is just one of James Balwin's  works that still bear poignant relevance. We'll explore the significance of this book next month. You can obtain a copy on Amazon.com or Half.com for reasonable prices. If Beale St Could Talk is also available in ebook format. We also encourage you to check out your local libraries and black owned book stores.

 Go grab a copy and mark your calendar for our Sept 27th session! {We will announce the time of the 1st live feed closer to the date}. Should you have questions,please leave them in the comment field below. We look forward to vibesing with you! 

Photograpy Credit: Sol Messiah

70's Fever

As I have mentioned before, a  significant portion of my fashion inspiration comes from the 1970's. The era was defined by icons such as Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Pam Grier, Iman and Bianca Jagger. On the heels of the turbulent 1960's, the fashion of 70's was festive, lavish and indulgent. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Halston created pieces that elegantly captured this exuberance. Yet, even before I came to know the names of these Greats, I was inspired by 70's icons closer to home.

As a girl, it was pure delight discovering photographs that archived my mother's and aunts' sassy style. As shown on those sepia toned pages,  maxi dresses, halter tops, bell bottoms, boho gowns, sexy tshirts, platform heels and big hair were au rigeur.

 Seeing my mother and aunts in all their vivacious, sensual and confident glory transformed how I viewed them and provided a few tips I came to value: dress up, have fun & live life boldly!

Top: Ancestral Memory

Skirt: Vintage Liz Clairborne; Thrifted

Clutch: Thrifted

Earrings: Vintage; Thrifted

Shoes : Zara but DIY embellishments

Cuff: Indian

Rings & Bangles: Baba

Photo Credit : Kaye McCoy

Beaded Bibi

Black {& White} Roses In My Garden

It's been HOT here in Atlanta so light, breezy clothing is a must. This cotton romper is a great alternative to a dress.  A white paisley print breaks up the black and white sandals lighten the look. Per usual, brass/gold jewellery was my accent of choice.

I hope that you are enjoying the summer (for those in the Tropics, I hope that you're enjoying the rainy season!)

Jumper: Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes: Forever 21

Bag: Dooney & Burke

Earrings:Beauty Supply Store

Bangles:Indian & African

Rings: Baba & Ann Taylor Loft

Photo Credit: Paul Athol

Army Goes Sexy

Recently I made a resolution to dress less conservatively. I've been introducing pieces to my wardrobe that hug my body more closely or reveal a bit more skin. I've long prided myself on my modest dress code. It felt good to know that my mother  & Rastafarian brother would not cringe if they saw me leaving the house. With this said, I began to think that I could amp things up some. It seems possible to celebrate my feminine sensuality while leaving a detail or two to the imagination. It's been fun to experiment with such a balance.This body conscious dress is sultry but the green shade manages to temper the steaminess. I had big plans to wear it with heels but I could not be bothered....went for my current favourite sandals instead.

Dress: Banana Republic

Belt: Thrifted

Sandals : Banana Republic

Earrings: Cultural Accents

Bag: Dooney & Burke, Thrifted

Photo Credit: Jarrod Roberts