Why Afropunk Changed My Life...

AFROPUNK FEST

- NO SEXISM - NO RACISM - NO ABLEISM - NO AGEISM - NO HOMOPHOBIA - NO FATPHOBIA - NO TRANSPHOBIA - NO HATEFULNESS -

If those are not just about the best words to live by, I don't know what are. This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to attend Afropunk Fest 2015 and I can honestly say that it was one of the most life-changing events I've ever been apart of. 

Afropunk is so much more than just some fashion show where people get dressed to show up and show out (don't get me wrong, every soul there was slaying my life)...I feel that the event often gets perceived that way due to the type of media and press coverage that it receives. Afropunk Fest is a bubbling hub of energetic people coming together to celebrate each and every aspect of African American culture.

As I walked around Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, I saw every color of human imaginable..there were people there from Korea, Detroit, Brazil, Chicago, California and just about everywhere else in between. I think seeing that is what resonated with me the most. The notion that "this is only a festival for black people" could not be any farther from the truth. This festival is set in place merely to focus on the appreciation of our culture as people of color, it doesn't matter what you may look like, as long as your intention is to spread love with your brothers and sisters... of any color.

After experiencing both days of this event, I felt that I had never experienced so much organic love from perfect strangers. I feel as though I had a complete resurgence in my self-confidence and realized how important it is to love and embrace everything about myself. To everyone reading this: know that you owe it to yourself to love YOU unconditionally. Everyone have a lovely weekenddd;)

Check out a few of my pics from Afropunk Fest '15

Also, go see my feature with my sister on MSN - http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/beauty/brooklyns-afropunk-festival-brought-out-the-best-in-black-beauty/ss-BBm5VEt?ocid=mailsignout#image=5

http://www.theveryblackproject.com/

Yummy Vegan Chorizo Taco

thank you to the beauty who did my face paint 

Pretty in Plaid

There's virtually nothing I love more than the feeling of finding the most perfect gem at a thrift store, let alone finding two things:) The vast majority of items featured in this playful look I love were found tucked away in a thrift shop. I'm not huge on thrifting in general, however as an avid lover of all things retro, sometimes there's no better way to get an authentic look. One can only shop so long until a "60s-Styled" blouse and "80s inspired" shorts just start to feel tired... give me the real deal. Needless to say I was more than happy to romp around in my cute little plaid playsuit, and didn't hurt that it was less than $10!

I got this fun playsuit at the Goodwill right by my house #score

Texas + August = me and lots of refreshing drinks!

Photographed by Gabe Rivera (http://www.ninetythree.co/)

Playsuit + Purse - Thrifted

Calvin Klein Sports Bra

Boots - H&M

Accessories - Thrifted (& from my mom)

Flesh Toned

In my book, sneakers + a dress = an ultimate yes. I like to think that most rules in fashion are meant to be broken and I find myself more and more willing to try new things with my style. I decided to pair this flesh toned, body-con dress with my favorite sneakers. I'm obsessed with the versatile color way of my Reebok Classics, which is probably why I wear them with just about anything.

Also, anyone who knows me knows that I looooooove my turbans, I literally have ten different colors. These are great hair accessories if you're having a bad hair day, or even if you're not and just want to add a little drama to your look. You can usually find these at a hair and beauty supply shop for under $10.

Dress - Missguided

Jean Jacket - My Sister's Closet...lol

Sneakers - Reebok

Check out what songs I'm jammin to right now with my Spotify playlist "omg it's summer" :)

Purple Rain

 Whoop...looks like someone's got purple hair! Well, anyone who knows me will tell you that it's quite hard for me to stick with one hairstyle for long. I'm proud to say that I can now check "Lavender Locks" off my never-ending hair bucket list. I thought I'd try something fun for the summer and dying my hair was definitely a big step for me, but so far I love it! The stylist I have to thank for my new do' is my rad sister...check her out below!

~ Shirt - NYC Flea Market, Shorts - American Apparel, Hat - H&M, Doc Martens ~

Hair Installment & Color - Danielle Harper

Instagram - http://instagram.com/dani_harp

Peace and love to you all! xoxo

Prints. Prints. Prints.

Shirt - Thrifted

Bag and Boyfriend Jeans - H&M 

Shoes - GoJane (I'm hooked on these heels!)

The Urban Turban

     As women, we're always looking for new, exciting ways to accessorize our hair and one of my favorite ways to do that is with a turban. Turbans are so great because they're perfect during the day and can also totally dress up an outfit for the evening. And they're also amazing because of the many different ways in which you can wear them. Check out some fun ways to style your turban below.

In these photos taken for http://sistersoftheblackmoon.com/, we get a complete gypsy and earthy style that's so fun for the summer.

The always stylish June Ambrose, rocks her turban with an amazing fur for an uber chic look.

Everyone's favorite It Girl, Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw - take your pick!) sports a colorful turban that adds an extra kick to her romantic pink dress.

Cara Delevingne, the super spunky fashion model, opts for a simple black turban which is perfect for everyone; perhaps if you're a bit less daring, go for a solid like this!

Lastly, a quick pic that Zac Posen posted on his Instagram with the simple caption "Turbans." Now tell me you wouldn't like to try these on!  http://instagram.com/p/Zx4NLjG9J5/ 

"So soon as a fashion is Universal, it is out of date." ~ Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach