Orange is the New Black

Halloween is here and like any average person, I don't have my costume together lol! But if you're like me and the last thing on your mind is dressing up (going out more for the drinks) then you're more worried about your pre or post Halloween outfit. One big taboo around Halloween is the combination of orange and black. When anybody put those two together automatically I hear witches cackling, zombies groaning and kids screaming.  But I'm here to tell you that it's possible to pair them! All you need is a little flair! 

 Incorporating the latest trend, athleisure, I styled around this Sunset Sweater since it has a variety of hues. From orange, to red to a splash of pink and burgundy this gives you the chance to add other colors to your wardrobe; thus, bringing black & orange to a united front. One side is styled more playful by adding different textures while the other is city chic. But both have comfort in mind. 

Keep going...

Fashion continues to Christopher Columbus Urban Culture

As I searched the internet this past weekend to figure out what my next post should be an interesting article, which I read a few days ago, popped up again in my newsfeed. I am happy that Black Twitter was swift on the up-take but it's articles like this which drove me to create Blak Labels:

Now, every one knows that fashion is one big retrograde hamster wheel with sequins, avant garde and exquisite hand-crafted artistry thrown into the mix every now & again to present it as a "new must-have/trend". However, there were always a reference to where this "new" idea originated. May it be commentaries such as "90s grunge chic" or "Elizabeth Taylor realness" we are reminded somehow or in some way where the trend began. But Elle, or particularly Danielle Prescod, decided to alert the masses of this trend without a single reference to Timberland’s popular and longstanding place in African-American culture. That feels like a slap in the face especially coming from a background where Timbs were my go-to boots before Uggs even entered the picture. A staple for the Fall/Winter months from when I was a kid and such said tradition carried into adulthood. Hey, let's not lay all the blame on Elle. They were just one of many offenders who've been feigning ignorance and dabbling in culture appropriation. Last month, during NY Fashion Week, Lucky magazine tried to rename gelled down baby hairs as "slick-down tendrils"; Marie Claire called Kendall Jenner's cornrows "epic" & "stylish"; a reporter from Los Angeles Times wrote a hairstyle article claiming braids were first seen on an actress by the name of Bo Derek from the movie "10". 
Then finally, NY Times & Vogue decided to rediscover a section of a woman's body that us, women of color, don't really consider a "trend" but more of our anatomy: 

Really? That's like re-discovering the Blues and calling it straight out Jazz. To add salt to the already festering wound, both articles reference Jennifer Lopez as the matriarch and founder of the voluptuous derriere. Then to continue this impertinent dance of obtuseness, NY Times takes another step by stating:

"Not that this is exactly new. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Biel, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Pippa Middleton and Beyoncé (who, on her tour that just ended, wore a bodysuit with the tush cutout) have all been praised for their behinds."

This only makes them look foolish and emphasizes the racial dissonance in the industry. Yes, these women have been praised for their backsides; (Jessica Biel & Pippa Middleton??? They were really reaching with those picks! Why not Shakira?Oh wait, she's Latina *sighs*) however, the author pretty much trapezed between giving diminutive attention to African-American culture without divulging too much. BUT (pun intended) you can't mention a song like "Baby got Back" by Sir-Mix-a-Lot and then in the same breath (well, article) mention only white women and A-list celebrities as the ones pioneering the big booty trend. So we are just going to ignore Erykah Badu, Pam Grier and, if you want me to take it way back, Sara Baartman? 

In no way am I saying "Hey, white people! Stop taking our stuff! We see you! You're not slick!". Actually, quite the opposite. Culture appropriation is the heart of this country and it's definitely what makes us unique. All I am asking of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, NY Times, LA Times and any other media outlet that they stop Columbusing our culture. Stop stepping over us and replacing prominent black figures with "mainstream appropriate" figures. Give credit where credit is highly due! Stop calling our style "ghetto", "urban", "untamed" then flip-the-script when those same items are worn by our white counterparts. Clearly there is no issue of recognizing culture since Elle published articles about being 'French-chic'. So why can't African-American culture get the same recognition and we are right here in your backyard? Either journalists are getting lazy or they just don't care. Whatever the reason, Blak Labels, Black Twitter, Jezebel, FashionBomb Daily and others are here to remind you!

Happy 'Columbus' Day everyone!

Tracee Ellis Ross, mixed & loving it!

Hello Blogosphere! It feels good to be back! I know I've been on a small hiatus but sometimes life gets in the way. And when that happens you just have to buckle down and get to work! Speaking of 'work' can we take a second to admire how Tracee Ellis Ross is werking this dress!

Love love love it! The 'Black-ish' star posted this pic of herself on Instagram wearing a custom floral printed dress from Duro Olowu Spring 2015 collection. The cut of the dress is simple but what gets me is the variety of bold prints that work cohesively together to create this beautiful soft pastel color scheme. To add the cherry on top she paired it with a bright pink Christian Louboutin pumps (Breast Cancer Awareness!).

By the way, have you been tuning in to 'Black-ish'? I watched both episodes and thoroughly enjoyed it. To me, I honestly don't see too much of an issue with it. I can understand how some can view the show to be a bit racist or some who are wishing a return of the Cosbys; however, I believe this is an appropriate take on a modern multi-cultural, pre-dominantly Black family within the suburbs. Times have change but there are still social issues, especially identity, that Blacks deal with today. May it stem from being raised in a mixed family (ex: white mom, black dad or vice versa) or being the only Black person within your office. This show has potential to address these issues and more. I think 'Black-ish' is mainly being attacked for the name. But hey, like the classic saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover.." 

'Black-ish' comes on every Wednesday, at 9:30pm on ABC. 

What are your thoughts on the show so far?