Fashion Overseas (Cultural Experiments)

One day, I want to see the world. I want to visit countries of other languages and  cuisines and I want to explore their traditions and celebrations. And along with being well studied in the lifestyles and customs of other cultures comes the very fun study of their fashion. As you might know, the entire month of February is reserved for Black History, and it's something that my church takes great pride in. There are only a handful of members who are actually from Africa directly, but it is a huge tradition in my church to go as far back as our roots may trace during the month of black history. As a result, I am thrilled to see the men, women and children who come dressed in their African outfits on the first Sunday in the month of February. The cultural greatness continues for each Sunday until the month is over . There are long gowns of colorful dashikis. Pattern of all different kinds. The women wear hats and scarves that are wrapped in the most unique ways on their heads. It is exceptionally exciting and it would only make sense that I join the festivities.

All of these outfits are from DD's Discounts. I use to see them on the dress racks and wonder what people would actually wear them for. The "one size fits all" thing really had me concerned. It caused me to wondered about the fitting, however, I still loved the variety of the designs. So, as this was my first black history month at home since graduating college  I was extremely happy that I finally found the chance to experiment with them. 

Dashiki: $8.99   I received the blue, full circle scarf as a Christmas present and I thought it would make a great cross body sash for a nice touch of "African Royalty"....In my dreams.

 Dashiki: $8.99   I really love the combinations of colors and patterns on this one. It's probably my favorite.

Dress: $12.00    Because of the tribal print, I thought it was perfect for the purpose of African attire, however, it can also be worn for any month of the year (weather and "girl days" permitted).

That 'Feel Good' Kind Of Fashion

I love that 'feel good' kind of fashion. You know, that feeling you get when you wear something that carries an extremely important message for an extremely important cause: that kind of fashion. That's what's happening here and I am ecstatic about writing this post. 

About a year ago, I ran across an organization by the name of Tiny Hands International. I was interested in joining the movement to fight human trafficking and this was one of the groups that came up on my search engine. I studied their webpage intently and I loved the fact that it was a Christian ministry that focused on helping 'the least of these' in the small country of Nepal. As a Christian, I'll admit that I needed a little more help in that area of my faith, so I wanted to learn more about this ministry. Not only are they an organization that focuses on helping women and children who are being taken from Nepal and forced into the sex trafficking rings that are held in India, they are also big on helping the children who are being left on the streets to fend for themselves. They are a ministry of many talents and I knew this was the organization that I wanted to represent. 

Tiny Hands International has a multitude of different ways in which you can help. The first, and most important, is prayer. The following steps are the options of giving your financial blessings. One "Fashionably" unique thing about Tiny Hands is the fact that they have their own clothing items and accessories for sale, they call them "Freedom Products". Some of which are made by the women who have been rescued from being forced into the sex trafficking ring. In exchange for a small part of your monthly clothing budget you get to be apart of this 'feel good' fashion movement.

I am easing my way into becoming an active ambassador for this ministry and early this week I received this "SOLD" T-shirt in the mail. It represents the women and children who are being "sold" into slavery. One purchase of this shirt will help this ministry to protect, love and restore those who have been effected by human trafficking in Nepal.

If you are interested in checking out their Freedom Products visit them at www.tinyhandsinternational.org

Now excuse me while I feel good.

Statement Style

Statement jewelry has become a huge phenomena in the fashion culture today. Instead of coming up with the most exuberant of outfits for each day of the week, we have now laid the burden of creativity and style on a single piece of jewelry. The right necklace can turn a simple black dress into a dark, Gothic movement or into a classic and blossoming fairy tale. However, I am now learning that a statement t-shirt can be just as powerful.  

"Thou Shall Not Be Ratchet." It was a shirt that captured my personality completely. I have often been accused by friends of overusing the word 'ratchet', but in my defense it was with great need. And, to top it off, I am highly familiar with William Shakespeare, seeing as though he was crammed down my English majoring throat. This shirt was love at first sight, and it definitely makes a great statement. 

I just recently received this in the mail after ordering it from www.shop1964threads.com. They have a variety of  T-shirts that mainly capture the bold statements of the 1960's. This shirt was calling my name.

Here are some of the styles that I was able to put together after receiving my shirt. Some might have remained dull had they only been paired with a simple black or white top. But I think old Will is giving me some street cred, and maybe even a few curious looks.

I have a coffee meeting at Starbucks Saturday and I cannot wait to make my statement. 

Despite the protest of my friends, I will continue on with my quest to end *Ratchetivity.

*Ratchetivity: Ratchet Activity

The Middle Man

When it comes to fashion,"copy catting" is the way to go. Some may disagree, they may argue that fashion should be an artistic expression of your own individuality, an expression of who you are and who you are alone without any help or guidance. However, for a fashion beginner like me, it is extremely beneficial to take tips from the best. As a literature major, there were countless classes that talked about the importance of reading when it came to bettering your writing skills. They told us that in regularly reading other written works or pieces we aided in the strength of our own work. I know, I know, I know, but just trust me on this will ya? Our professors claimed that once we had taken in a multitude of different works by different authors we would begin to decide whose writing touched us completely and whose writing put us to sleep.  Those established authors were helping us to find our voices. They were helping us to find the middle man that would eventually represent our creativity and individuality. I'm finding that the fashion industry is really no different. As a style beginner I want to try and mimic as many trendy styles from stylish "professionals" as I possibly can, in doing that, I will eventually begin to find my fashion individuality. I will learn what patterns work for me, and which ones I despise. I will learn which colors look great together and which to keep apart. I will learn how to dress my body, because no two people can wear any one item the same. In copying and observing, I will find my voice. 

Blogger Jeanette Thwing, creator of  "J's Everyday Fashion", has mastered the art of following her inspirations completely. As she does so, you'll begin to see her own individual fashion skills. She advocates for "copying" because she seems to know as well that it is one of the best ways that our styles can develop.

I went "street style browsing" on Google images a few days ago and these were the styles that inspired me to work straight out of my closet. for some of these pieces, I would never have thought twice about paring them together without the help of these inspirations. 

Picture Sources:http://www.fashionising.com/pictures/b--Street-style-Mango-military-leather-3379.html

http://stylemeetsbeauty.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-york-fashion-week-fallwinter-2013.html

http://stylemeetsbeauty.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-york-fashion-week-fallwinter-2013.html

http://www.fabsugar.com/Lauren-Conrad-Summer-Style-Tips-30585631

 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/135178426287515751/

http://fashionvisuals.info/2013/06/adorable-street-style-grey-top-and-white-pent-with-jacket.html

 http://thefashionshows.onsugar.com/tag/new-york-street-style

http://www.allmakeupstyles.com/street-style-paris-fashion-week-fall-2013-hair-styles.html/paris-fashion-week-street-style

http://jseverydayfashion.com/home/2014/2/4/todays-everyday-fashion-valentines-day-with-chippmunk

Sporty Couture

I wondered if this existed. Super bowl couture. When I think of sports, or of attending sporting events, I always think of jeans that leave a little room for the chips and dip, a shirt, 1 size too big, that reps the color of your team. I think of ball caps, and foam fingers, tennis shoes and knee high socks. I've never considered the act of stylishly showing up to a game or a sports party. It wasn't until I saw a spread in Vogue magazine that covered the multiple styles of Kate Upton in the mist of foot ball fanatics. All of them seemed a little unrealistic, but it sparked a theory. Is it possible to be stylish and realistic for a sports affair? I couldn't figure the answer out right off the bat so I did my research.

This style seemed both comfortable and stylish. The jeans and the fitted Jersey are definitely a go when it comes to comfort, but the accessories give the outfit some flare. I do love the shoes, but I am a combat boots kind of girl. However, I'm not against trying it out, but I would choose my battles. A viewing party would be the perfect place to show off these bad boys, chances are you would be sitting anyway, so why not. BUT, if I were actually at a game it would be combat boots all the way. 

I think I would rock this style all the way. I even love the boots. Nevertheless, I would probably find a beret in one of the two colors to top it off.

If you haven't already guessed I am a band wagon fan, I get more caught up in the excitement of a championship game than I do the actually game. When the Super Bowl arrives every year I am more intrigued with the commentary leading up to the game than I am with who actually wins. 

We all have our flaws.  

Picture Source:  http://silpadablog.com/2014/01/29/how-to-throw-a-silpada-ish-bowl-party/