Magenta Wrap Dress

Step Forward

What a difference a few days make. When I took these photos it was in the 60's (fahrenheit) in Atlanta. As I publish this post, the mercury has dropped to the 20's. Despite all the years that Atlanta has been my home away from home, its sudden shifts in temperatures from Fall to Spring still manage to jolt me. Yet, it doesn't take much to see this as a blessing. The interspersing of warm days tempers the cold ones. Leaves change colour. The chill blows through and the trees shed their leaves, carpeting the earth. Some birds journey further south. Some remain. Warms days visit for brief stints. New leaves sprout on the trees, fresh and green. Flowers bloom. The birds return and the cold retreats. It's all a reminder that so much in life is impermanent, liable to change at any moment. Instead of seeing this as a reason to feel disempowered, or bemoaning that we are at the whim of things we can not control. We can view it as grace. We can appreciate the harmonious, perfect order of nature and make the best of things as they are.  

Denim Shirt and Jeans: Goodwill, Atlanta
Blazer & Belt: Goodwill, Atlanta
Boots: The Clothing Warehouse Consignment Shop, Atlanta
Glasses:Warby Parker
Earrings: Local Atlanta Jeweller
Watch:Target

Photography Credit:  Sammy Sampson Photography

Take It Easy

 There's nothing like a comfortable outfit for hot days. This cotton eyelet blouse, billowy denim skirt and leather sandals are prime candidates for such a day. No fuss. Really easy. Just how I like my life. Speaking of easy clothes and life, I've been purging my closets and home with the objective of discarding anything that isn't a necessity or something I absolutely adore. Already, I've felt a lighter energy circulating. As the seasons change, it's so good to  follow their example and make the most of transition...sorting through our life to determine the things that are still serving our greatest good...clearing the old to make room for the new and not just in terms of objects but everything from habits to  relationships to belief systems. Detaching ourselves from all these can open a flood gate to more blessings. I'm excited to continue reflecting on what I need to release and what I would like to attract as a new season begins. How about you? 

Vitamin Y {as in Yellow!}

This is what I planned to wear to attend the Atlanta Jazz Festival yesterday. Then I changed my mind on going. After a bit of a mishap, I wasn't in an exactly social mood. It was even tempting to close the blinds, dive into bed, curl myself into a ball and cry.  Somehow,  I managed to pick myself up, get dressed and go for a stroll around the neighbourhood. I figured some cheering up was in order. The fresh air, sunny weather AND this yellow romper certainly helped. If you have been following the AM blog, you know about my belief that colours can aid in channeling good vibes. I consider yellow,  especially this citrus shade to be especially effective in shifting the way one feels.  

At least,  it worked for me! 

Romper: Zara

Sandals: Steve Madden

Clutch: Thrifted

Earrings : Cultural Accents {made in Mali}

Necklaces: Ann Taylor Loft,  Brass beaded one  bought at an Atl fest,

  {made in Nigeria}

Bangles: Thrifted {made in India}

Rings: Ann Taylor & Thrifted

Wrap It Up

Many a bad hair day for a black woman has been averted thanks to head ties. I can certainly vouch for that. Whether it's because of an overdue wash day or my kinks rebelliously asserting their autonomy, pieces of fabric have invariably come to my rescue. Admittedly, cotton isn't the best option in terms of materials  that are gentle on my curls but I so like its proletarian simplicity. That isn't to say that I don't enjoy dressing things up a bit with my do-wraps. Granted, I may not get all regal with an elaborate gélé but it's fun to play around with more pretty ways to styling head-wraps even if that just means using some waxed fabric, an Ethiopian scarf, a Tanzanian  kanga or  a beloved batik. The textile options abound as greatly as the ways you tie them. 

Good Ol' Navy

Let's talk about faithful coats and faithful colours. I've had this coat for almost ten years now. Would you believe it was a Thrift store find?! Actually, most of my coats are thrift store purchases. This particular old friend has been good to me, helping me feel cosy yet look classy on many a dreary winter day.Which brings me to the colour. Navy blue is hands down one of my go to neutrals. It goes well with just about any other colour. Much the same as black but less stark. I think it lends a note of sophistication, making just about any look a bit more polished. Should you want to maximise the polished quotient, pair navy blue with plum or burgundy...Et voila! Très chic! With such a rich combo, a grandpa sweater and chucks look casually elegant. Wrap around an ethnic scarf for an extra layer of warmth and texture.

Coat: Vintage; Thrifted

Sweater: Zara Men's ; Thrifted

Top: Ann Taylor Loft; Thrifted

Pants:West End Mall

Bag: Dooney & Burke; Thrifted

Scarf: A gift from Ethiopia 

  Earrings: Fulani; Cultural Accents 

 Sneakers: Converse  

 Photography Credit: Kaye Mc Coy

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

Indigo Child

It's a well documented fact that I am obsessed with pink. A lesser known truth is that I love blue. However,  whereas my love for pink covers a plethora of hues, my relationship with blue is more focused. I gravitate towards either end of the blue spectrum: from light {I.e. powder blue/sky blue and turquoise} to richer shades  {cobalt and indigo}. The lighter lend serenity while the dark shades evoke opulence and inspire a more introspective mood. As I tend to approach colour in general,  I don my blues depending on what stimulation I need that day.

Photos of me by Alqueldon "Q".Burns.