The election is over, but my life isn't. I am a black woman .These are two things I can never disguise and will never be ashamed of. These are elements of me I am extremely proud to display. When I started this blog a year ago I wanted showcase brands that reflect both black business owners and women.With so many issues facing those that look like me, I found it more increasingly important to not only showcase but put my money where my mouth is. Letting our voices be heard in the polls is great, but there is more to be done.In a world of big box stores and strip malls, I have pledged to reduce significantly the amount of my money they receive from me. I am doing this for a few reasons. One, I over the bland 'everyone in the same head to toe ensembles that are poorly made'. Secondly, I will no longer sit idly and complain of disparaging treatment while continuing to shell out my coins to continue to receive said treatment. Third, there are so many struggling small businesses being ripped off by these large corporations and it's unsettling. Many independent artists, designers, and other business owners have had their ideas and crafts stolen right from under them in the name of appealing to a mass audience of consumers. Alot of your and my faves including mega retailer Zara, recently came under fire for seemingly copying a design by ethically source black-owned company Brother Vellies . These reasons and more are why I have vowed to shop more responsibly by shopping small and #buyingblack. What is buying black you ask? It's simple.By financially supporting black owned businesses I am able to financially empower the same voices that are not often heard or even stolen from. I am reassuring that not only does my life matter, my money matters. I am uplifting and encouraging my brothers and sisters and saying 'your business is equally important and your ideas/service are equally as good...don't give up on your dream'.I have learned that cheaper is not always better and a known name doesn't equate to quality.So let us look to indie designers who pour their all into their pieces and serve such a refreshing take on fashion. Midget Giraffe is a black-owned company specializing in African printed pieces in new age silhouettes.From kids , women and men they have you covered.I first saw the designs and mentions of them on Fashion Bomb Daily.I immediately fell in love, however that love seem unrequited by my account. Fast forward a bit, I have stopped nickel and diming trendy purchases and began understanding the value of quality over quantity. My printed pant-skirt is one of their pieces and is currently sold out. Sorry, guys they sell out super quick.Growing in fashion has made me realize how important it is to have pieces that last the test of time and are made with ethical standards and it's workers are compensated fairly. The Black Lives Matter Movement brought to the forefront how many innocent black lives are not given the same basic rights as others and reiterate the fact that 'hey, we matter too!".Along with movement came much praise and backlash but also the feeling of 'if you don't feel my life truly matters, then my dollars don't either", bringing about a catalyst of support for black owned businesses. So I am proud to realize the value of my hard earned dollar and where my money will be respected. I will be comprising a list in 2 weeks of over 25 black owned retailers to shop during the Holiday season so stay tuned.To find black owned businesses in your state head to www.blackbuying.com or www.webuyblack.com . Deets Sweater -$18 (old) shop the black one here for less than $11 update:just found a cream one for $18, here Updat gain: I found the red one and 3 other colors just now! Shop here Pant Skirt -$110(Midget Giraffe, currently sold out) also check out Zuvva for great African designers as well! Faux Fur Bag -$40 (old, Baby Phat...yes it is girl! this bag is still everything..been slaying since 12th grade, whaaaat?!!) Choker-$6 (Romwe, shop here) Ear cuffs (old, Forever 21) Gold cuff (I already told yall I stole it from my mama , lol) Shoes (old, Christian Louboutin)
2 Comments
lanatria ellis
11/9/2016 01:03:17 pm
Thanks so much! This pant skirt is everything and I needed a standout top and luckily I had it lol
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