African Fashions

Dressing up to look a lot thinner is one of the ways many of my chubby friends are gloriously indulged in instead of the usual crash diet and work outs that other girls might go for.  So for those of you who want to learn the power of fashion when it comes to looking slender despite the extra weight, then this is for you.  Here are a few tricks I learned to looking 20 pounds thinner:

Dressing up is just one way to looking good.  A healthy work-out and proper diet is always nice to maintain a slender frame.  So think about it… make dressing up a start of a journey to a beautiful you.

Great lengths are making a striking comeback this season.   In true bohemian fashion, spice up your wardrobe with fabulous maxis that can be pulled off in an instant.  The glamorous combination of floor-grazing hemlines and vibrant prints brings together a look that exudes confidence, elongates the figure, and provide an excellent balance of modesty with subtle sultriness.   With minimum effort, this lengthy frock can create a maximum impact.  Anyone can rock a maxi, young and old, tall and petite, slim and chubby.  So don’t worry, there’s always a maxi for all shapes and colors.

With the maxi’s long flowing silhouette, important details are embodied on the upper half of the dress.  Usually, the top portions are fitted on the bust or on the waist. Thus, when choosing a maxi, make sure it fits your upper body perfectly.  Make sure the bust area is about the right size to avoid dragging the entire dress down.  For strapless maxis, watch out for bodice that makes the perfect fit – too tight makes your skin pop out from the sides and too loose only means trouble.

Never go overboard and tacky with your maxi.  Maxi dresses makes a statement from its long silhouette and elegant prints, so don’t go for more ruffles, bell sleeves, bows and more fancies.  Do not overkill with accessories like fedoras, furs, or funky beads.  Retro and maxis just don’t blend well.  If you want to accessorize, think modern and chic.  Sleeker accessories can update the maxi look with effortless drama.

Maxis are ultra refreshing and breezy.  It can go overtime from formals to casuals.  It is simply an all-season staple, so never hesitate to wear one!  A touch of make-up and nice colored nails along with your maxi, and you’re all set to go.

It’s a bright day today and I can’t help but be amazed at how a bright sunny weather can bring a refreshing and enthusiastic aura.  A punch of pink, a zest of yellow, shimmering floral, and a hint of teal… aren’t they just the colors that sets the mood for a beautiful day ahead? Don’t they just bring a smile, a boost of your confidence, and a picture perfect glamour? Now, don’t pass up with the coveted trend of colors, lift your spirit up and try on the cocktail of bold dresses in chic styles that are amazing for everyday and party get-up. With a few inspirations from my favorite celebrities and models, cheers to these shining examples on how to get the bright stuff absolutely right.

Yellow has never looked so sublime!  Simply dazzling in a yellow shift dress, Taraji P. Henson gives this bright shade a lively spin.  Pulling of a yellow hue is made easy with a nonchalant yet sexy cut, but never ever overdo with the style and fabrics.  It’s a shade that shouts fun, playful, and stylish, so don’t be afraid to try it.

A bright floral dress is just ravishing for any occasion.  Thandie Newton is simply elegant with a summer and spring staple that never goes out of fashion.  Floral is sweet and romantic but try to tone down the brightness with a hint of black or neutrals just like this simply styled dress.

Steal a glorious moment in teal.  Fashion accents in teal always look fresh and stunning.  This pleated dress is just an amazing ensemble in a show-stopping vibrant shade. 

Hot pink can make you look even hotter!  Summer will be in full swing soon and embrace the warm weather in this pretty hue.  A touch of pink never fails to exude femininity and alluring charm.  Solange is just sizzling hot in this fuchsia sultry cut number.

A dash of color from time to time can give you an exciting fashion experience.   If you are constantly in neutrals and blacks, then it’s about time to surprise yourself.  For more choices on the bright side, check out a few dresses online. 

Feather-in-the-hair look has invaded the fashion world with such rave that the demand for feathers soared so high and I never once expected it would turn out to be this hot and trendy.  Feather clip-ins, hair extensions, headbands, and earrings top the list of fashion must-haves recently.  And since many celebrities are always seen wearing the feather style, it has swept the fashion world to a new global trend.

 I just love the way the feathers has gone more colorful, brighter and bigger!  See how the lovely plumage made these celebrities look in even more in style.  A striking touch of hot pink gives Gwyneth Paltrow an ultra dose of youthful flair.  Garcelle Beauvais hit of blue looks bold with a playful aura. The single flight of feather gives Vanessa Hudgens a jolt of exotic and breezy feel.  Drew Barrymore simply looks glorious in a dash of long plumage.

Feathers on hats are not yet lost in regal fashion. If you have seen the royal wedding, you would know what I mean.  Fedoras and feathers carried the timeless charm that never seems to fade through time.  However for yuppies like me, that seemingly vintage tradition is fitting for formal occasions.  And since I want something wearable for everyday, feather-in-the-hair trend is more interesting.

This trend is ethereal, chic, and colorful – feathers make a statement that is unparalleled. It comes in different colors and patterns giving you that one-of-a-kind feel. With a myriad of options to choose from, finding the perfect hue to complement our hair color and complexion is never a problem.  Mix and match of dresses and tops are also made easier and fun.  Whether you want to look retro or punky or alluring, feathers can help you do the trick.  All-natural feathers with remarkable quality can even keep up with hairdryers, washing, and curling irons.  I just hope that prices don’t go sky high now that everyone I know wants to jump in and join the trend.

So would you style the feather way?  As for me, I would definitely go online shopping for the vibrant feather earring like Garcelle’s!

Here’s my list of necessities that no wardrobe should be without.  Grab them and the rest of pieces should be easier to decide.

One of the most inexpensive and interesting ways to liven up and elevate any outfit is the addition of a printed scarf.  Some beautiful pieces perfect for you are readily available online.   For a feminine finish and pretty touch up, make sure you have this in your wardrobe.

A nice pair of classic sunglasses never goes out of style.  It can wrap up a look that’s both functional and versatile.

A black blazer is a fashion staple that you shouldn’t pass off.    It can exude a fine finish of womanly authority and corporate elegance.

While we want our everyday look to be as interesting as possible, we want something that’s decidedly African to be the perfect ensemble wherever and whenever the occasion calls for it.  Afrawear has the biggest and widest selections you can choose from.

It’s not all about the little black dress that every woman must have.  While black is beautiful and safe for everyone, for your ebony complexion, swathe yourself with the sweet sophistication of this achromatic hue.  Find a dress with the detail to make it more unique and stunning, like an embellished neckline, accentuated belt, or interesting sleeve.  And if white is too revealing for you, try some exciting shades of cream, off-white and ivory.

Do you have a pair of the most comfortable flats to cushion your feet any time of the day and through the night?  Get yourself a pair of metallic flats to glam up almost every pretty piece of outfit in your closet.

You can be stylish anytime with an ideal dose of signature elegance to add an unexpected edge of glamour to your favorite attire.  Check out some beautiful pieces online.

It is always great to have a nice top that can liven up any day and add color to any boring wardrobe.  It is perfect underneath a cardigan or peeking out from under a blazer.

There you have it – 8 things that every African-American lady must own.  So if you don’t have them all, think about it!  Or do you have a piece that you think deserves to be in this list?  Share it and I would be delighted to add them in…