A Glamtastic Flashback Captured By Irving Penn for VOGUE Italia 1980

I can honestly say that these women were an inspiration to me because I was a teen when they were at the height of their modeling careers and everything wasn't hyped up by Popular Culture  like the way it is now and I haven't just discovered them. In retrospect, I was influenced by a diverse group of women of African descent and not by one example of what Black Beauty is and was.

My Inspirations: Peggy Dillard-Toone, Jennifer Brice and Romney Williams captured by Irving Penn.

I can count several of these women who inspired me to look my absolute best from my own stylish Mama, her glamorous friends and the women who I saw in the earlier issues of ESSENCE magazine and then after the Black Is Beautiful movement of the late '60s and '70s when they first started appearing in the mainstream publications.

Jennifer, Tracey, Romney and unknown.

Tracey, Peggy, Jennifer and Romney

Marcia Turnier, Marcia McBroom, Barbara Smith, Romney Williams, Billie Blair, Amina Warsuma, Charlene Dash, Jennifer Brice, Bethann Hardison, Tamara Dobson, Tracey "Africa" Norman, Jany Tomba, Naomi Sims....the list is endless. I thank them and my Mom for instilling in me such a strong sense of self.

I've  known that Black Is Beautiful all of my life! I'm not blinded by self-hatred which doesn't allow me to see my own beauty and that of our people and that's the only validation that I need!

Photos: Irving Pennmoney

Individuality Is A Beautiful Thing!!!

I love being me. I love people who aren't afraid to be their human selves. I admire people who aren't afraid of being themselves. I greatly admire people, especially women who don't measure themselves against the success of another woman. I love people who define and validate their own lives without the need from others.

Individuality can be a beautiful thing if more people were willing to be courageous enough to just be.

The sad reality is that individuality isn't even encouraged, nor is it allowed or even recommended. Ironically, individuality is not one of those character traits shared by everyone.


Fit in at any cost. Conform at any cost. Never stand out. I was told that I was born to stand out and I passed this same trait on to my own children. Laugh at the individual who chooses to walk to their own drumbeat all you want to but they are brave souls in a sea of cowards.

A Moment In Afro Herstory: Writer Paule Marshall

Inspiration: Writer Paule Marshall’s words made me feel the strength of a culture so rich…one that is unquestionably and irrevocably beautiful.

Happy New Year!

Au revoir 2011, Hello 2012!

I have no complaints because 2011 was a blessed year for me and my family and I'm still above ground. The economy is off the chain, but it's been like this since I returned to the states. I've got to make 2012 even better and stop procrastinating and get it done!

Make 2012 yours!

Living My Life Like It's Golden

2011 has been a blessing for myself and my family and if I have nothing else in this world I'm thankful to be alive. Regardless as to what 2011 brought you in the form of defeat or despair, know that you have been blessed with the gift of life to start all over again. 2012 will be even better if you believe it and act as if it will be one of your best years ever. Do you!

Being Yourself Never Goes Out Of Style

There's nothing more beautiful than a woman who embraces her own individuality and style. When everyone else wants you to "Get the Look" or "Copy Her Style." Why not just "Do You?"

Let's face it a lot of grown women are still following the leader when it comes to style because they're afraid of stepping out of the box and still value the opinions of strangers. Why? I'll never know.
Instead of looking like yourself you come off looking like a Xeroxed copy of someone else when that's done. Confidence is one hell of an accessory, so wear it proudly.

The above look may not be for everyone sans the make up, but it sure is fantabulous!

"Hello November!"

Hello November!

Thank you October!

Everyday is another day to do great things and witness another blessing.

Actress Viola Davis for the August Issue of Essence Magazine

Actress Viola Davis reigns supreme on the August cover of Essence Magazine. Thank goodness it's not the same old celebrities because a change was definitely needed.

Le Quote Du Jour

Color Splash: Tranquil Blue

I find the color blue to be to be one of the most soothing and relaxing colors on the planet. From azure to indigo, blue stands for tranquility especially when it comes to interiors. Former top model, Helen Williams served as the inspiration for this inspiration board. Sheila Bridges and Barbara Barry are some of my favorite interior designers and I couldn't pass up some of their work.

A desk or vanity that oozes elegance. 

Cool, calm and serene is what this living room is all about.

Find your style inspiration and create your own level of calm. And remember, style is not always about what you wear.

INSPIRATION: CHARLENE DASH

What inspires you to create? Is it beauty? Is it a photograph? Is it words that tend to continue to speak to you after you've read them? Is it a person? Is it the natural beauty that surrounds you? 

I'm a woman that often finds myself inspired by what I see or read. I never leave home with my camera because there is always something or someone that will catch my eye.

While looking through pages of vintage VOGUE magazines this photo of former "Top Model," Charlene Dash captured my eye. In the photo she exudes the look of carefree fun in the summertime while wearing an all-white ensemble from head to toe. After being inspired by her beautiful photo, I then set out to find more of the same images that captured that same carefree exuberance.

I found the inspirational beauty in: My daughter, Ebony, Gloria “Goyo” Martínez of Choc Quib Town, Ajak Deng, Lauryn Hill, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya of Toro, Dihann Carroll, Billie Holiday and the other models pictured.
C'est Inspiré !

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

SEVEN EASY PIECES

There's nothing basic about wearing the color black just as long as you pay attention to the details. The texture of the fabric, silhouette of the garment, bold or simple accessories and style come into play when you choose a combination that allows you to be both comfortable and polished. A skirt or jacket of tweed, leather and even a sweater that can serve both as a tunic or dress will do. Add a shawl and belt it to create a look that's totally feminine, uncompromising and totally you.
Source

Inspiration: Josephine Baker

It's still cold outside and looking through the web for ideas to protect my hair I came across these photos of the iconic Josephine Baker wearing these beautiful scarves on the rear of her head. Even though one looks like it might be a hat, I still like the idea of wearing one in this manner. The best scarves to use are silk scarves because they won't dry out your hair. 

How to wear them: A beautifully printed one works best combined with a neutral colored ensemble. Comb hair back into a bun or braid, wrap and attach the scarf  to your head and be sure to secure with bobby pins. voilà! A simple, yet elegant look.
Photos: Corbis