Simple Summer Fashion Modifications

Illustrations by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Sometimes you have pieces of clothing that you love soooooooo much, that you just can’t part with. No matter how ratty it can start to look like. These items we love so much vary from being extremely comfortable or perhaps just a classic design, but they might be not as fashionable as they used to be. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to throw them away or relegate them to the back of the wardrobe, with some patience and modifications you can turn them into a more contemporary style.

The Hair Controversy

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Hair is such a finicky subject especially for women of color. From wondering if your hair is too "untamed" looking for work to being able to go to school with dreadlocks and not being stereotyped as "dirty." Literally when I think of hair, I think of India Arie's hit song I Am Not My Hair. Its a song which talks about not being identified or type casted because of the style of hair you choose to wear because no one person is a monolith for a group of people. As I have mentioned before on the blog, I use to use chemicals to alter my hair to keep it  straight.  I did that for years since I was an infant to my early 20's and in all that time I never actually knew what my hair texture looked like under all of those chemicals. So when  I gave up the "creamy crack"/ lye  it was almost like a morbid curiosity to see how my hair grew the way God intended. I feel for women and men that hide their hair's natural texture intentionally and unintentionally because I too understand the hardships that come from it.

Give A Girl The Right Shirt

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with designer styles like Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, The Row, Diane Von Furstenberg to name a few. Contemporary womens designers have this element of design unlike others, theres always an attention to details and quality that a "minimalista" like myself crave. I yearn for a wardrobe that expresses a timeless aesthetic and a bold mix of blacks, whites, and neutrals but i'll admit the occasional trend will sneak itself into my wardrobe! Whenever I shop for pieces to add to my closet, I try to imagine myself wearing it for years on end, this process is how I determine if it's timeless, meaning it's something I can wear 10 years from now or even 20 years from now! For me it's important to have a wardrobe that isn't full of fluff but containing quality and capsule pieces which is why Barney's is one of my favorite stores to visit. Barney's is what I like to think of as a boutique department store with contemporary and premier designers for both men and women. I am an avid online shopper and would prefer to keep it that way but Barney's offers an awesome in store experience with helpful employees to answer your needs, snacks, drinks, great lighting for selfies, large fitting rooms and of course a more intimate feel with the products that online shopping yet does not offer. I recently visited my local Barney's here in Philadelphia and went in thinking I was going to pick something out that would be neutral and left with something totally left field!

Hairy Situation

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As you may have noticed recently, I have colored my hair, technically lightened it! I was admittedly getting bored with my dark kinks and wanted something drastically different, i've never had blonde or at least "blonde-ish" hair and knew that was what I wanted to achieve. I took time out one weekend to try it and 5 hours of grueling intensity with lots and lots of foil. End result, an ombre crown! I totally love it, but I am also aware of the work it takes to maintain lightened hair. The stress of maintenance for naturally coily hair has doubled for me but with a tweak in my routine I can make it manageable!

Travel Plans

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Vacations aren’t nearly learning experiences for most of us. No, they are opportunities to relieve tension, soak up the sun, and indulge. On a separate note, I can’t wait to plan for my next getaway! Phew, now that that is out of my system, let’s get back to the program! Vacations are supposed to be fun, but every now and then they are also opportunities to grow and develop. Maybe not in a human sense but from a lifestyle viewpoint. Now let me ask you this, have you never been on vacation from hell? One that just isn't enjoyable no matter what you do? If you haven’t, you’re one of the lucky ones. Everyone and I mean everyone, wants to avoid disasters, and by analyzing what was good and what was bad is the most straightforward method to plan for much more successful vacations.