AFROPUNK 2016 MY EXPERIENCE

AFRO PUNK, founded in 2003 by Matthew Morgan, started as a documentary spotlighting Black Punks in America.  It has now become a voice to thousands of multi-cultural kids fiercely identifying with a lifestyle path-less-traveled.

Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” the word AFROPUNK itself has become synonymous with open-minded, non-conforming and an unconventional community.

I loved what this festival represent and how it spoke to my inner self.  In my youth I listening to Korn,  Dave Matthews Band and attending raves.  I was always one of,if not the only, thrashing black girl in a crowd.  It was something that I kept hidden and rarely allowed my friends to see what CD I was listening to in my diskman. It was hard and felt very alone in my music choices in high school.  It wasn't until college that I learned to be myself no matter what. This is what AFRO PUNK represents.

I  learned about the festival about 3 years ago. I said every year I would make it but  kept missing the opportunity to go.  I made it my 2016 goal to attend AP this year.  

Better than just attending,  I received the opportunity to work within the organization this year.  I spent the pass week working the event pre events as well as work AFTER DARK events.  I didn't get a lot of time inside the festival but got one day to taste, see and experience the festival.  

Here are a few photos I took while there. 

MUSIC

FELL IN LUV WITH SKUNK ANANSIE

THIS GIRL WAS GETTING DOWN!!!! LOVE IT

VIP CANGA LINE TO SOCA WAS EVERYTHING

STYLE

STYLE TIP: WEAR EXTRA COMFORTABLE SHOES

MORE STYLE PHOTOS AT +Curvysta 

AWARENESS

SURVIVOR OF BREAST CANCER  PUSH  GENDER EQUALITY

ARTIST WORKING ON THIS PIECE DURING THE EVENT

 What an amazing time for this event.  I can not put into world what I felt but if I had to I would say it felt like love and lavender.  Cant wait for 2017.  See you next year AFROPUNK

4 WAYS TO REACH "STYLISTA" STATUS

The road to being a stylish is not always easy. Fashion magazines, celebrities even other style bloggers can lead you down the wrong path into the dreaded land of  "TRENDY" (DA-DA-DON)

Don't worry...mamma Nant. is here for my Stylistas.

As you guys may have notice, I call the people who read my blog "Stylistas".  I don't like the word "FANS" (I am no one to have fans). I like "stylistas" because you are stylish or on you way to becoming stylish. For those of you who are already stlyish., use this as a check point.  For the girls with closets FILLED with clothing never to be worn and not sure of you stylista status....here is a quick way to know your Stylist Status.

WE SEE YOU LOOKING!!!

1. DISCOVER your fifteen
THE FIFTEEN are 15 items in your closet that you CAN NOT live without. People tend to wear 15 key items the most out of all the other items in there closet.  The rest complement the 15 so it doesn't seem like they are wearing the same stagnant items (even though they are). Stylistas know there 15 and spend quality money on those items.  It maybe your classic black leather jacket (that's me!!!) or a pair of comfortable yet stylish heels. Every Stylista knows her fifteen .


2. NEVER and I do mean NEVER wear things that don't fit.
In my younger years, I wore things that were too big in order to be the dreaded TRENDY (DA-DA DON).  I still remembering my baggy pant of 1993....shutter. Now I cant imagine putting on something too large or for that matter too small. A Stylistas knows how things should fit her body and has a tailor on hand who can hem, take in a waist or take it out without ruining the fabric.  I love my tailor and known him for over 10 yrs.  I've even eaten with his family as I waited for a skirt to be taken in and picked up a love for Rugby.

What about if  I fluctuate in weight?

No problem.  You just need two sets of THE FIFTEEN.  One for your heaviest and lighter weight.  Don't let weight stop you from being Stylish. 

REMEMBER... "Live your life at any size!!!"

3. ALWAYS take care of you clothing

Remember when moms had you change out your school clothes and hang them up to "air out"? Consider that your first Stylista lesson. (THANKS MOM!!!!)

Airing your garments before putting them away is a great way to protect your garments.

Come home, take off your heels and  toss them in a corner...NEVER

Take off your dress and let it fall to the floor UMMMM.....NO!!!

Stylista's take pride in your garments because she knows their worth.  Plus, would anything you care about be on the floor  (CHILD PLEASE)

4. NEVER follow Trends because well....its a Trend!
In the world of trend report, social media and being in one day and out the next, Stylista's doesn't waist their  hard earned cash on Trends.
I'm not saying she doesn't wear trends..she just doesn't spend loads of money on it.  Tends are what the H&M/Zarah of the world is for.  Low cost trendy items that we can wear for a season are a great way to try a trend and see if it works in your closet.    (I just wish more of us understood that).

"Dresses for yourself...not anyone else" 

Now that you know your way to stylista status, I hope your ready for this stylish fall fashion N.E.C. Style is about to give you.
I KNOW I AM!!!

ILLUSTRATION: JONQUELART

OOTD: WHITE MAXI DRESS

HAPPY MONDAY STYLISTAS!!!

August is coming to an end but not before a few more hot summer days and cooler nights before this Summer comes to a close.  We have a whole lot more to fun in the sun outfits don't we? This summer has been a hot one but I've kept cool with some great fashion choices and by celebrated them all.

White dresses are still the coolest and best thing to wear hot days and I LOVE a white dress.
This maxi dress is one of my favorite.  Granted being 6 feet tall I have a hard time purchasing maxi dresses but this one was long enough.  I bought just in time to wear a few more warm days of summer.

Chilling on the pier can get a bit windy so, I added a shear colorful scarf to drape over my arms as the sun went down and the winds picked up.

Kept my makeup simple with a dewy face and pale lip. Love this makeup with its warm out.  Looks like I've been kiss by the sun right?
 

I sat on the pier and enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing and kids flying their kites (and yes Marry Poppins "Fly a Kite" did pop into my head). What a great summer day with a great summers outfit.


Oh and by the way...here are a few other dresses that are perfect for summer from the same retailer. 

What has been your favorite white dress of Summer16?  Share your look in the comments below.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Dress & Belt: Ashley Stewart

Scarf: Coral & Co. Australia

PHOTOGRAPHER: ARTNLEE

THE MOOD COLLECTION FROM ELOQUII

HELLO MY STYLISTAS!!!!

TODAY ONE OF MY FAVE ONLINE RETAILER ELOQUII SHARED A NEW COLLECTION "THE MOOD"

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT FALL TRANSITIONAL PIECES IN THIS COLLECTION I JUST HAD TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL. ENJOY!!!

DENIM

Fall is always a big on denim.  I love how Eloquii has revisited denim in this collection.  Here are a few of my fave (you may see me in these very soon)

PATCHWORK DENIM

DENIM MILITARY BLAZER

WIDE LEG DENIM JUMPSUIT

PATTERNS

I am very big on patterns.  I know a lot of plus size women shy away from pattern but a true stylista wear what she wants and breaks all the "fat girl" rules.  Pattern mixing is also very big this fall.  Here are some of my fabulous fave from the collection.

RIBBED KNIT SWEATER DRESS

CONVERSATIONAL PRINT BLOUSE

CONVERSATIONAL PRINT DRESS

POP  FALL COLOR

This Fall is not the time to be afraid of color. Vibrant colors is also a very big trends in the fall.  Colors are not at all muted dark and dull.
Bright yellows, aquas, greens and blues flood the fall fashion industry. Eloquii has made sure our plus size fashionistas has what we need to stay in style.

TIE NECK RUFFLE BLOUSE

RUFFLE SHIRT DRESS

SUEDE MARRY JANE

OVER THE KNEE SUEDE BOOT