A TRUE FASHION ICON: Happy Birthday Representative Mrs. Shirley Anita (St. Hill) Chisholm (D-NY)

“I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself. I want to be remembered as a catalyst for change in America.” - Shirley Chisholm

Kadir Nelson, Oil on canvas, (2008)
Collection of U.S. House of Representatives

While conducting research at the US Capitol, I got lost looking for Dr. Barbara Wolanin’s office (the Capitol Curator) and ran into Representative James E. Clyburn (D - SC), but I wasn’t half as stunned as I was by Kadir Nelson’s portrait of Shirley Chisholm. He captured her essence with the bold, lively colors and active composition that definitely set her apart from the rest of the Capitol’s stoic and monotone art collection, and justly so.

New York Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was a history maker who stunned the political establishment when she ran for the Democratic Party’s Presidential nomination in 1972. My reaction was to stop dead in my tracks and take a moment to contemplate just how much Chisholm’s bold actions shattered the glass ceiling to shards for Hillary Clinton (She really should have acknowledged Mrs. Chisholm--just saying) and for me as I meandered through the halls to Dr. Wolanin’s office to conduct my thesis research. I walked down the same Capitol corridors as Shirley Chisholm!

Portrait Unveiling, March 3, 2009

Ebony Magazine, February 1969, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives."  

On a much (much) more superficial note, Mrs. Chisholm is one of my greatest fashion influences. Just look at her wardrobe: her mixture of, color texture, pattern, accessories… Need I say more? She, my Great Granny, and my Aunt Edith have triple-handedly chosen my collection of spectacles. I didn’t feel so bad when I realized that I probably wouldn’t ever be able to wear contacts again. The more that I examine the fashion of African American women and history the more I realize that my admiration may not be so superficial. There is definitely something to be said|researched|written about fashion and its connection to black women’s intellectual traditions.

The Heart of the (Gray) Matter: The Aftermath of Black Friday

The Buyological Urge, Adbusters Media Foundation

Various media outlets offered compelling calls to action for consumers to avoid materialism and encourage a level of consciousness on black Friday that would keep consumers aware of the SHAMELESS banking fiascoes, the unemployment rates, and continuing home foreclosures. This consciousness was personal for me because my sister “occupied” a banking district of a major city. She shared some humiliating experiences that involved name calling. I know that I would not have been able to endure her experience. Therefore I could not rationalize occupying the Target parking lot for the sake of consumerism. This quote from the Huffington Post sums it up: “Only in America would we violently trample each other to get the best deal less than 24 hours after giving thanks for what we already have” (Jordan Zakarin).

But some good things came out of all of this consciousness (sadly the new buzz word/commodity)—an awareness that I hope will last beyond Kwanzaa and into 2012:

• An article, “5 Good Reasons To Buy Nothing & Avoid Holiday Shopping Completely” Black Enterprise
• I was elated to see this list of AfAm artists on Etsy recognized in the Huffington Post, bringing awareness to some of talent in our community!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

As a scholar I call everything that Abraham Lincoln has done into question. However, I am thankful for Emancipation and Thanksgiving (no matter how seedy his motives were).  So I will take off my scholar's hat, put on my chef's hat, and enjoy my gorgeous family. I hope you all do the same. Cheers!

WHAT I WORE TODAY: Ruminations on Sales Gone By...

Top: Anna Sui | Skirt: GAP | Boots: Express | Earrings: Betsy Johnson | Handbag: Cynthia Rowley |
Bracelets: Express & Forever 21

WHAT I WORE TODAY: A Vintage Inspired Green Day

Dress: Torrid | Cardigan: BX | Watch: Betsey Johnson |
Clutch: Forever 21 | Flats: Steve Madden | Headband: Urban Outfitters

WHAT I WORE TODAY: Bows & Detailed Toes

The weather is getting crisp and cool. The colors around us are warming up. It's time to trade the cardigans for jackets and soon the jackets to coats...

Denim Moto Jacket, Blouse, and Skirt: GAP | Necklace: Express | Booties: Miss Sixty

STAY IN YOUR LANE!

When I’m in the department store and my eyes start to light up at some new/breakthrough product, I really do wish that a sign like this one would pop up.

I was headed to the MAC counter one day to get my trusty no fail lash combo – MAC mascara and primer. I’ve used it for years. It’s reasonable and it works. I also like Diorshow, but it’s a little pricey considering how much I love and overuse mascara. But I digress, I meandered over to the Lancôme counter hypnotized by the big-headed dolls and left with a tube of Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara.

This post is not a review but a personal rebuke. Lancôme's Doll Lashes is a fabulous product, but I had a hard time using the brush and it wasn’t dark enough for me. These two points should have turned me away immediately. I looked at the strange brush on the display with contempt and a raised eyebrow. When I asked the saleswoman if there was “blackest black” she said “no.” I bought something that didn’t meet my standards.  The product doesn’t deserve a bad review; my shopping skills that day were horrid {sad face & head hanging low}.

Blogging Our Way to Color in Fashion

On the site Coco & Creme Mattie James asks: "Is Blogging Bringing Color to Fashion?" Her answer was positive, but requires ACTION!

As a natural-born researcher, my response was to find and compile a list of as many black fashion blogs to add to my sidebar for posterity.

My next step was to subscribe and add time to my blogging schedule to give thoughtful responses.

Look right under Fashion & Style for the beginning of my list of links >>>>>>

Paper Dolls From Soapbox Theory

An adorable free downloadable paperdoll- Zari (a true "Paper Figure Darling")
  Y'all know I get all geeked up over paper dolls (if you don't know now you know)!

I was visiting my favorite haircare site BGLH, and peeped an ad for Soapbox Theory. I was immediately enamoured by the beautifully illustrated stationery and how they are applied to accessories and apparel. Soapbox Theory is the brainchild of Kayin Talton. Her vision is to promote cultural values through her products (greeting cards, t-shirts, bags, dolls, books,and wall art) that reflect positively on black people (following in the footsteps of the great Jackie Ormes).

 You can buy Kayin's merchandise at  soapboxtheory.com.

WHAT I WORE TODAY: Sweet Simplicity

Today's outfit was simple.  However, comfort & simplicity are sometimes the most chic part of an outfit.  I was inspired by deconstructed uniforms, and reminded that this outfit can be transformed in a myriad of ways with enough time and creativity, but with little to NO MONEY.  Think I may have started a project here...

How many ways can I transform this pullover sweater (Target), skirt (Gap), shirt (Limited), and boots (Express) -- with the addition of a  few more key, pieces of course?

WHAT I WORE TODAY: The 5th Girl, Pt. 2

I constantly buy things in multiples so there isn't just one Tucker dress. This Tucker by Target Girl had two dresses to style:

A TRUE FASHION ICON: Happy Birthday Mrs. Daisy Bates

Daisy Bates and her husband L.C. owned and operated a black newspaper press to keep African Americans informed of news that affected their community. They were active members of the NAACP, but they are best known for their diligent and successful efforts to integrate Little Rock's public school's in 1957. The Little Rock Nine were escorted into Little Rock Central High School by soldiers against the will of the local enraged community. The road for the children, their parents, and the Bates was dangerous, but they perservered. In her memoir The Long Shadow of Little Rock, Daisy Bates reveals that she was emotionally exhausted from the constant stress. Yet she remained composed under the pressure with incredible style, grace, and beauty. Mrs. Bates is not only a true style icon, but an example to this generation of women of sacrifice and steadfast devotion to our values.

“Jailing our youth will not solve the problem in Little Rock. We are only asking for full citizenship rights.”

"What is happening at Little Rock transcends segregation and integration–this is a question of right against wrong." 

WHAT I WORE TODAY: Purple Reigns

Cardigan by Express, Dress by Necessary Objects, Floral Shirt by GAP, Wedges by Kenneth Cole Reaction, Floral Pin from Arden B, Silver Cuff and Earrings by Forever 21, and Gloves from  Claire's

BOWS versus 'FROS

The larger & longer my hair has gotten the less confident I've become with wearing hair accessories. I wrote a post last week admiring Elle Varner's look at Black Girls Rock! I took a few notes and some observations so that I can make some use of my huge collection of hair flair.

1. Common Sense. There isn't a clip or comb in this world that accommodate my mane so I must stick to headbands or decor attached to bobby pins (my head will be throbbing in 15 minutes).
2. Balance. As much as I love earrings and necklaces, I cannot wear all three at the same time.
3. Simplicity. Keep the hairstyle as simple as possible to promote an air of sophistication to a flamboyant accessory. And if I choose to wear an out of this world afro, I'll probably let my hair do the talking without accessories. 
4. Selectivity. Choose accessories adventurously but wisely (if Mini-me goes crazy over it, I didn't choose the right accessory).

Hair Accessories by Forever 21

A TRUE FASHION ICON: Happy Birthday Ms. Dandridge

Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born November 9, 1922 at Cleveland's City Hospital.

Carmen Jones (1954) was her breakthrough role (and one of my favorite movies).

She became the first black woman to appear on the cover of Life magazine (November 1954) and Ebony magazine called her ''Hollywood's New Glamour Queen.”  Her success began to break typecasts that relegated black actresses to subservient roles (1,2).

The movie earned her an Oscar nomination. She was the first black performer to receive a nomination in the category of best actor or actress (2,3).

Unfortunately, Dandridge’s career declined quickly and drastically after experiencing a short and intense time in the limelight.  Apparently, Hollywood was not ready to accommodate an African American leading lady.  Of this revelation Dandridge said, “If I were white, I could capture the world” (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199268/bio). She died tragically on September 8, 1965 (2,3).

Halle Berry, the first African American woman to receive an Oscar, dedicates her win to several African American actresses and among them is Dorothy Dandridge.

Dandridge is the contemporary of Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, and Liz Taylor – three cult fashion icons. However, today I pay homage to Dorothy Jean Dandridge, a true style icon, who maintained beauty, style, and grace despite racial indignities.

CREDITS: (1) Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography, By Donald Bogle, Amistad.
(2) “Crashing the Gates: The tragic life of Dorothy Dandridge, Hollywood's first black female star,” (New York Times Book Review), http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/07/13/reviews/970713.watkins.html
,by MEL WATKINS. (3) http://zoratonimaya.tumblr.com/post/12175369590/readersofcolor-womenreading-dorothy. (4) Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS, http://songbook1.wordpress.com/pp/photo-galleries/dorothy-dandridge-gallery-2-fr-1950/dorothy-dandridge-reading-amid-book-pile/

Just for Laughs...

WHAT I WORE TODAY: MY FASHION DNA

My grandmother had a keen sense of style. She never wore a pair of pants a day in her life. I thought she was weird when I was younger, but now I feel blessed that she instilled a modicum of femininity that few women can say they have had. I thought she was mean because she expected the same commitment to femininity from me. I just wanted to fit in and wear pants, jeans, and shorts like everybody else. I know I inherited a lot of my flair from her. She gave me my first sewing machine; I remember it so well.

Ruth Ellen, whom I affectionately called Gramma, must have taken this picture in the early to mid-1940s. I'm 90% sure that she is in Perrine, Florida, and not the Bahamas, which made me wonder why she was wearing a capelet over a long-sleeved shirt. Whatever the reason, she is working it, especially with that flower pin. I attempted a similar look, but to my chagrin I didn't pull it off as gracefully. I had too many heavy layers, which ultimately made me look heavy and uncomfortable. I have a lot more to learn from Gramma...

Salon de la Afro.Art.Nerd

I enjoyed my standing appointment at Salon de la Afro.Art.Nerd this week--no waiting, no gossip, and no overcharging because my hair is "too thick."  When I made my morning debut, Mini-me says, "Mommy, you have a Jheri-Curl." My response: "As long as my hair doesn't saturate the back of my sweater, we're cool." Crisis averted.

WHAT I WORE TODAY: Inspiration for Days to Come

The Middleton girls are all the rage, but I’m not so ready to forfeit my fusion lineage. Africans populated England and influenced the culture. Surprise, surprise! They still do…These floral patterns are a definite twist on the buttoned-up styles of the past.

I scored this dress on clearance this summer at Torrid & it’s currently sold out. The purse is from Forever 21. When I saw these cotton-crochet gloves at David’s Bridal, I thought they were simply Divine. They immediately became a part of my growing collection because they reminded me of the dainty crocheted doilies in my Mum’s Victorian-inspired dining room. The books are two inspired reads by Jan Marsh and Walter Dean Meyers to learn more about the Afro-British presence in the Victorian era. Cheers!

These floral patterns are a definite twist on the buttoned-up styles of the past.

I scored this dress on clearance this summer at Torrid & it’s currently sold out. The purse is from Forever 21. When I saw these cotton-crochet gloves at David’s Bridal, I thought they were simply Divine. They immediately became a part of my growing collection because they reminded me of the dainty crocheted doilies in my Mum’s Victorian-inspired dining room. The books are two inspired reads by Jan Marsh and Walter Dean Meyers to learn more about the Afro-British presence in the Victorian era. Cheers!

 

Cape--check. Boots--check. Gloves--check.
But not a superhero in sight, unless you count my MAC Wonder Woman Lipglass





I love a Peter Pan Collar; it provides the perfect frame for my ‘fro. Diahann Carroll sports one in a vintage print (photographed by Carl Van Vechten, Library of Congress, Division of Prints and Photographs). Her wardrobe is reminiscent of her role as the subdued Myrt in Carmen Jones (1954).
With color, pattern, and a bit of quirk, I turn a prim and sweet Peter Pan Collar into a fun, eclectic mix: Forever 21 Dress, Heart Print With Peter Pan Collar | Claires Fingerless Corsette Gloves | Old Navy Yellow ¾ Length Cardigan | Maxstudio Red Sling Backs | Lucille Buckle Satchel By Vieta Handbags | Betsey Johnson Black Button Earrings | Betsey Johnson Beaded Bracelet

THE FOUNDATION: Denim Dress with Sweetheart Neckline, Forever 21. Blouse, Tucker for Target. DAY: Drive Me Daisy Earrings, ModCloth. Cardigan, The Limited. Beaded Bracelet Forever 21 Patent Purple Tote, Maxx New York. EVENING: Camouflage-print Tote, Forever 21. Boots, Express. Capelet, American Eagle Outfitters

AN ART NERD'S NIGHT IN

Waiting for me in my Netflix queue are a documentary Radiant Child: Jean Michel Basquiat (Tamara Davis, 2010) and a movie Basquiat (Julian Schnabel, 1996.). Before snuggling up with my University of Wyoming Snuggie (GO COWBOYS!) and Coconut Chai, I’ll be whipping up some caramel corn by one of my favorite dessert chefs Gale Gand.

TENDING MY MOTHERS' GARDENS IN A ROOM OF MY OWN

The premise for my musings about gardens & rooms:

"Our mothers and grandmothers, some of them: moving to music not yet written. And they waited. They waited for a day when the unknown thing that was in them would be made known; but guessed, somehow in their darkness, that on the day of their revelation they would be long dead...

Walker's article speaks of black women during slavery: "They were creators, who lived lives of spiritual waste, because they were so rich in spirituality - which is the basis of Art - the strain of enduring their unused and unwanted talent drove them insane...

What did it mean for a black woman to be an artist in our grandmothers' time? In our great-grandmothers' day? It is a question with an answer cruel enough to stop the blood." Alice Walker, "In Search of Our Mother's Gardens," MS Magazine Vol. 16 (April 20, 1981).

As I've mention ad nauseum, I am so very blessed to have had overtly creative female elders who encouraged and fostered that same well-spring in me. So rather than searching for my Mothers' gardens', I am reaping the harvest that they have sown in my life and making sure to tend my garden wisely. And although, Walker acknowledges that a room of one's own is not necessary to spawn the creative process, I am fortunate enough to have one.

In "A Room of One's Own," Virginia Woolf deems a room and purse of ones' own a precursor to creativity. Walker uses Phillis Wheatley, an indigent slave, as a prime example that a room is a luxury - a decadence even. In the 21st century, I make the best of both world's in a room of my own with a reminder of the gardens I must tend.

AN ART NERD'S NIGHT OUT & What I Wore

In typical nerd fashion, I don't have much of a social life. I seldom go out, and when I do have an event it involves my children's social lives rather than mine--bummer.

I do enjoy visiting museums very much. Show openings and artist talks are even better. Last Friday was one of those special evenings when I had the pleasure of attending a gallery opening and hearing an artist talk by Dr. Michael D. Harris. The show, Equal Rites was a mini retrospective that traveled from the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta, Georgia to the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia.

I use the term mini retrospective, because Dr. Harris's body of work is expansive and still growing. He is just as much of an accomplished scholar as he is an artist. I am in awe of how well he balances both. {I gave up in my first year of graduate school when I folded down my easel to use it for book storage} Nevertheless, I left the museum encouraged/inspired and meditating on my reasons for applying to graduate school in the first place.

Visit Equal Rites if you are in Georgia, or spread the word if you know someone who will be.

Out the door carrying the books by Dr. Harris that I want signed
in a dress by Torrid, shirt by Gap, cardigan by The Limited

Dr.Harris & me
I should have reviewed my pictures before I left the museum (sad face)!