Category Archives: Fashion

Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution @Cain Park tomorrow in Cleveland Heights, OH

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Emily Espe 3

Who is Emily, you might ask? Not even Esperanza knows, but I guess you’ll have to show up to find out. This production is sure to be a smashing hit, as Ms. Spalding puts on many hats and presents what we could sort of call her “alter ego.” Are you ready? I am ready! It’s playtime!

Can you pretend to be yourself?

The shows starts at 8:00 pm and tickets range from $20-37. If you haven’t seen her live, this would be a good opportunity to experience her wonderful jazzy majesties. She is stunning in character and in talent, and I am all about her exploration of the many dimensions inside of herself. Peace and love sista soul. Can’t wait to experience you.

Get your tickets here.

Emily Espe 4

I am Shila. Peace and blessings.

Read about her here. …

and here

 

Saul Williams for National Poetry Month @MOCA

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Use poetry to tap into your ROOTs.
Let the true spirit of your ancestors, shine through.

Our people were scattered into the desert, across the sea, over and away from their homeland; and they have forgotten how to recognize themselves.  We will wake up.  -shila

“I’m planting seeds wherever I go.”
Performing collectively…

I am an artist with a mission. That mission is to always be about uplifting people of African descent, and to be instrumental in the restoration of our true identity. This is why artists like Saul Williams inspire me:

“I am the streets
The white lines only separate me from me
You hydroplane in false god’s name and still crash into me
Sign and tree; mountainside; guard rail; into the sea
They thought they stole you from my arms then carried you to me
Here’s the key: DNA encoded in a beat
White rocks in a vial, nigga, ain’t got nothin’ on me
Bitch I’m free, ask these editors at MTV
Far as they know, they’re publishing some new school poetry
Let it be
Cause even that will do to turn the key
Doorways into other worlds, the truth shall set you free
You are me, I am you, but also I’m he
Shepherd of a bastard flock that grazes in the streets… ”

– from DNA by S.W.

Every day, I am a poet. I have been writing since I was 7.
Sometimes my words rhyme, but most often I use free verse.
From free verse, came the rise of spoken word poetry.
Many artists have chosen this form as their primary means of communicating.
Try it. It can be quite liberating.

SAUL BOOKS:

If you are in Northeast Ohio, tomorrow, April 15, Saul Williams will be reading at MOCA and then performing at the Grog Shop. If you attend the MOCA event for $12, you can get into the Grog for $10.  Of course advance purchases are better, because you save a few dollars. Check him out. I’ve seen him at least 4 times, in different cities, and I really dig him because each performance is different. He is fully committed and true to his art form and that is admirable.

SAUL CDs and MOVIES

Peace and love.  I am OSiRis RiSinG

Royalty: The Throne of Osiris

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A few years ago, I saw this chair in a handmade furniture/art store on the east side of Cleveland. I’ve not seen anything close to it since. This is a piece of furniture worth having!006

Inside my sanctuary:

I’d become a gourmet chef in this kitchen!
We will have fun here…
… and here!
Sleigh beds are wonderful!
Love these warm colors.
This could work.

Social Media 3 SocialMedia1 SocialMedia2

Looking for some cool jewelry? Try www.afroessence.com

Happy Friday!

ShilaIris aka OSiRis RiSinG…

Modeling for Blow Magazine

 

She’s so beautiful… and she reads

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Today, accessorize with a good book! 10 REASONS WOMEN SHOULD READ…

Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers
Beautiful Readers

REASON #1 Reading helps us to process our thoughts better. Women who read tend not to assume things. They simply know.

REASON #2 Reading helps us to evolve in a positive direction. It can teach you how to embrace and uplift yourself.

REASON #3 The experiences of others, written about in good books, can be very powerful life lessons that may help you to avoid a lot of pain.

REASON #4 Reading the right things can help you to gain the necessary confidence you need to eliminate bad habits like: neglecting your own feelings to cater to those of another, passive aggressive behavior, and depression. Move forward in a good book!

REASON #5 Readers have more intriguing conversations.

REASON #6 Reading can help you to identify and recognize game when you hear it! Women who read tend to be less naive.

REASON #7 Reading is a great way to relieve stress. It brings a certain level of tranquility into your day. You can travel to a different world, or learn more about the one that you are in. It is stimulating.

REASON #8 When you read, your vocabulary will grow. The way you communicate will be more powerful.

REASON #9 Reading helps you to focus better. It can also strengthen your memory. No more selectiveness!

REASON #10 Reading is empowering.

_______________________________

… be sure to read my article on shila iris: BOOK BOYFRIENDS

Check me out on Goodreads:

Thank you for stopping by!

-Shila Iris

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Outfit of the Day…

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This is such a beautiful outfit, befitting of a Queen. I can definitely see myself in it.

Outfit of the Day
Picture of the Day

The pose to the right is just so, … what can I say other than, yes! It reminds me so much of my journey, searching for balance, inside of me. Ma’at.

Peace and love. – Shila Iris

Book of the Day…

EBOD

Style Ideas for Queens – Transitioning from 80 Degree to 60 Degree Weather

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It is September 11 in Cleveland, Ohio. That means it could snow any minute! Joking, but it was one of those days that reminded us that Autumn is a few weeks away. Yesterday, the weather was in the 80s. Last night there was a very soothing storm, and when we woke up, it was 63 degrees! It is cool… cool as in cold! I wasn’t quite ready to give up my sandals, so I wore some today. However, that may not be the case tomorrow! I am thinking, boots or sneakers for sure.

The sandals are one of my favorite pairs by Lucky Brand. They were about $25 at TJMaxx.

I made the ring from wire from Pat Catan’s or JoAnn’s.
I love basic black headwraps!
The shawl was on sale at Dillard’d for $10.
These earrings are from a store called Earthbound (in the mall). They were on sale for $4. Nice.
The dress is one of my thrift store finds- from the Goodwill for $5
Hello, I am Shila.

With style, you must possess the knowledge, right? Reading anything lately? I had a dream last night about my future, and when I woke up, I asked for a sign. A sign that I was doing the right thing in life. That detaching from people who hurt me was the thing to do. Then today, a friend of mine called and suggested that I read this book, so I rushed to the library and got it. It is just what I needed. It is an amazing story. I can’t put it down. I introduce to you:  Wounded in the House of a Friend by Sonia Sanchez…

wounded

It starts like this…

the unspoken word is born, i see it in our eyes dancing.

She hadn’t found anything. i had been careful. No lipstick, No matches from a well-known bar. No letters. Cards. Confessing an undying love. Nothing tangible for her to hold onto. But i knew she knew. It had been on her face, in her eyes for the last nine days. It was the way she looked at me sideways from across the restaurant table as she picked at her brown rice sushi. It was the way she paused in profile while inspecting my wolfdreams. It was the way her mouth took a detour from talk. And then as we exited the restaurant she said it casually: i know there is another woman. You must tell me about her when we get home.

Yeah. There was another woman. In fact there were three women. In Florida, California, and North Carolina. Places to replace her cool detachment of these last years. No sex for months. Always tired or sick or off to some conference designed to save the world from racism or extinction. If i had jerked off one more time in bed while lying next to her it woulda dropped off. Still i wondered how she knew.

… I love Sonia Sanchez’s writing and I am glad that I got to see her in November of last year. She was cool as can be. She had style, she had grace. I made eye contact with her, and she smiled at me. Just for a moment. I spoke to her. She spoke to me. I walked away.

Queen

P.S. One more thing, a song for you…

This my baby. I want to be great as you. Analog girl in a digital world.

Dress Like a Queen

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Vintage earring for like $3 from the thrift store.
Found this necklace for $5.
My large ankh ring.
I ended up wearing the flat shoes.

Hope you like! Peace and Love.

Shila Iris aka Queen

What I’m reading…

africa is style

 

Wardrobe Ideas for Queens

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I love this shirt. It was only $2 from a thrift store.
My leather bracelets and rings are from City Buddha in Cleveland Heights, Ohio
I got this belt from The Body Shop for $10. I wear it all the time. I love it!
The Black Headwrap is my thing.
I made these earrings. One of favorite pairs.
Found this necklace for a $1. What a steal.
I love the colors in this shirt.
My black skinny jeans are my favorite 🙂
These shoes are about 5 years old. They are by Guess from TJMaxx.

I am Shila Iris, who are you?

Smile. Check out my other posts.

Peace and love.

My Experience at AfroPunk was so Amazing!

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Me at AfroPunk- Picture Courtesy of Aagdolla Photographer

Me at AfroPunk

This year, the AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn, New York was amazing! I had been wanting to go for 2 years, but once again I almost flaked out and stayed home. However, some wonderful ladies pushed me to go. I got my small amount of disposable income together and went for it! I am so glad that I did. I would estimate that over the course of 2 days, August 23 and 24, at least 50,000 people got to experience the funk of AfroPunk!

The 10 Major Cool Things About AfroPunk…

1. The beautiful Afrikans! -Gazing into the crowd, we looked so good ya’ll! Go Brown people! Everyone was fly! The Diaspora was well represented.

2. The Music- Oh my! LiAnn La Havas, D’Angelo, SZA, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Shabazz Palaces, and The Internet were among my favorite.

3. The Vendors- Handmade goods galore! We are so talented! These were the best vendors that I have seen at a festival, ever!

4. The Free Things- they were giving away some very valuable merchandise. No contest, just walk up. Lovely.

5. The Good Vibrations and Energy of the Crowd- Everyone was so welcoming and full of love! “I got the vibrations to change the nation, lick shots in the air, crowd participation!”

6. The Photographers- AfroPunk is well documented.

7. The Artists- There were so many expressionists and bold people who were just rocking eccentric styles! I appreciated the confidence. Keep ya head up!

8. The Bonding Experience of Going with People- Although the ladies I went with only recently joined my Universe, they were great to experience AfroPunk with. We were on the same frequency.

9. What AfroPunk represents and the AfroPunk Official Merchandise. Everything sold out. This festival represents so much positivity. Image of No Hate (Black)

10. The Appreciation- The people who organize AfroPunk are so appreciative of the participants. They walked around and mingled. So wonderful. They send out nice emails to thank you for attending:

THANK YOU
There are few words that can express the amount of gratitude that we have for the AFROPUNK community.  People who consciously make an effort to join us year after year at the festival and online, supporters from around the block and around the world that come together for two days to celebrate culture and freedom with us. For that and more, thank you! See you next year!

Shila Iris for AfrikanEssence… I like saying AfroPunk… smile. Lol.

Reasons Why I Want to Go to AfroPunk Fest 2014

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I love the wonderful, artistic, and eccentric expressions from the tribe we call African Americans, Afrikans, or the colorful people of the Diaspora!  The beautiful and poetic faces. The funky and stylish kindred spirits.

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AfroPunk tends to attract the fearless ONES. Those who travel on that untouchable frequency. They levitate. The vibe is heavy. Who wants to go and check out “the other” Black experience? Here’s the website. Dates: August 23-24, 2014. BK, NY.

The type of music that you could hear at an AfroPunk Fest.

Article

Peace and love,

Shila Iris aka Queen, July 28, 2014, 12:53 a.m.

Spring Style Ideas

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Are you having trouble coming up with style combinations? Try these looks. Depending upon the weather, you may or may not need to add a jacket or more layers to keep warm.

Shila Iris for African Essence

Need something to read?

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African Fashion Trend of the Day 2014

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BE BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR OWN SKIN, CREATE YOUR OWN TRENDS

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Love this fit. I would add an ankh ring…

Ankh Ring

and these earrings (I have short hair)… 

EARRINGS

Shila Iris, May 13, 2014

The Warm Embrace of Mud Cloth…

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Soon, the seasons will change to a warmer climate which may prevent us from wearing our beautiful mud cloths. Although created in a place where the weather is typically warm, it can be difficult to indulge in the beauty of this Malian textile once the sun starts blazing. So, you may want to start taking your heavier pieces out for their final spins. In many states, you should be able to get through the Spring wearing bogolanfini and if so, go for it! Here are some of my favorite styles…

CLOTH… Yes!
CLOTH… Would love to have this.
I THINK THIS IS A PRINT… Beautiful dress!
CLOTH… I’ll take this!
CLOTH… I Love This!
This IS VERY NICE.
CLOTH… Gorgeous dress
CLOTH
CLOTH
CLOTH
Beautiful accessorie
CLOTHS available at africaimports.com
Yes!
CLOTH… 1st lady in mud cloth…
PRINT- shirt from urbanoutfitters
PRINT
PRINT
i BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PRINT
cloth…
Cool.
Pillows! Yes!
Seating…
I would love to have this!
Awesome!
How to use Mud Cloth around the home
Swatches
Wow!
Mud Cloth Print phone… very nice
The most commonly used mud cloth design.

The artistry and aesthetic sophistication of African textiles and dress has been admired and appreciated by foreign observers since the time of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Navigators would travel to Zaire, Mali, the Kuba Kingdom, Kasai region, and the Kongo from overseas, returning home with cherished prizes of embroidered cloths and mud-dyed fabrics. Fast forward to 2014, what is the importance of these cloths today?

At the risk of greatly oversimplifying the extremely elaborate symbolism in African textiles, we have come to accept them as “ethnic” prints, sold to the masses strictly for profit. However, to the trained eye, a print is not good enough. I myself desire raffia cloths from Zaire. I dream of owning just a piece of a royal Ashanti kente cloth. I would travel far to acquire an aso oke, the ceremonial cloth of the Yoruba or any of the wax-printed cloths that adorned my ancestors. However, my most beloved choice of fabric is the bogolanfini, mud-dyed cloth of Mali; which translates from the Bamana as “mud cloth.”

I like the look of bogolanfini. I like its stiffness. I like how it compliments my tinted skin and I like its warm embrace. Mud cloth was originally decorated by women in the Bamana-speaking region of Mali, using a unique process that utilized dyes made from mud and leaves to produce light designs outlined with a dark background. In its local context, it remains to be a crucial garment worn to mark important lifecycle stages including birth, marriage, and death.

Today, numerous Malian’s as well as the Fulani and Dogon, have taken up the craft to produce simplified versions for tourists and the international market. But let us not forget, the genuine beauty and history of these fabrics. I am not an anthropologists or African art enthusiast looking to profit from this cultural artifact. I am simply a person who is aware of the greatness of my ancestors. I feel their royalty in everything that I do. I am empowered through them!

Read more about the bogolanfini, mud-dyed cloth of Mali…

The Kush Queen, 2/5/2014

I think I’m in love with a woman… wait, maybe several of them!

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Yes, I love the ladies! These sisters know how to bring the fire! Check em’ out.

DYNASTY, this lyrical beast, IS MY MAIN CHICK RIGHT NOW!

“Listen to the MC when he spittin’/ if he represent the elements, he’s furthering the mission.”

Dynasty

Dynasty

Not only is she super cute, but her lyrics are amazing. Definitely deep and dope! CLiCk here to hear. FORGIVE, Live at FUNKFEST, MAGNIFICENT, EPIC. WEBSITE

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SA-ROC, the rap genius, IS MY SIDE CHICK! She is intoxicating and most definitely untouchable. However, she is my “go to” and I would actually choose her over my main! How can I say no? Have you seen her? What’s so great about her is that her lyrics are not surface. You have to dig deeper and deeper and deeper. So be prepared to experience truth.

“My grind metaphysical/spiritual/hustler/I’m a wild seed like Octavia/Butler/they study my demeanor/ trynna get my lotus poles/drop a cool 16 with my poets prose/Like I’m Nikki/definitely not Minaj/Giovanni!”

Sa Roc

Sa-Roc

CliCK here to hear. BLACK GOD THEORY, QUEEN’S PHILOSOPHY, DEMON DESTROYER, THE SLEEPING DOGON GIANTS. WEBSITE

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AKUA NARU, rapper and poet, IS MY AROUND THE WAY CHICK! I will travel far to see her because her presence is water to my flowers and food for my soul. She is refreshingly sophisticated and mature. Above that, I admire her career because she has been successful with promoting her music around the world. I also love to hear her smooth voice. I think I need her. Smile.

Akua Naru

Akua Naru

CLIck here to hear. HOW DOES IT FEEL NOW?, TALES OF (WO) MEN, THE FLIP. WEBSITE

____________________

THE LES NUBIANS ARE the sultry WOMEN I LIKE TO WATCH. They are gorgeous, melodic, confident, and super eccentric in such a great way. I’m loyal to them- always. Oh my! Check out the way their bodies move! Pure hotness! They will forever have a place near my heart. Peace and love to them.

Les Nubians

Les Nubians- a bit blurry, but one of my favorite pics

CliCK here to listen. LIVE, MAKEDA LIVE, AFRODANCE. WEBSITE

Bonus! Check out Ms. Lauryn Hill. I really believe that we need to stop judging this sister here. I’ve noticed that people have been so quick to dog her out! Damn,  chill already! She just got out. Let her find her voice again. It can be hard to put up with the bullshit that comes with success. Let’s allow her to breathe. 

Thank you for stopping by! Remember to keep an open heart and an open mind. Have fun.

Reading: LET YOUR MOTTO BE RESISTANCE by Deborah Willis

Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits

– Shila Iris aka Kush