The Hooded Dress

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I have this growing obsession with hooded dresses. Oddly, I do not own any… yet!

The book I’m reading:

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Oh my! This book is magnificent! Look at that dance move! Dare you to try it! Smile.

Thanks for visiting African Essence.

Kush Queendom

Got time to browse?  http://www.afropunk.com/     www.zmalfashion.com

Ode to Camouflage aka Army Fat

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THIS IS THE ULTIMATE “HOW TO WEAR CAMOUFLAGE GUIDE” SO GET READY! Stay TUNED FOR next week’s guide on “HOW TO WEAR MUD CLOTH.”

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE. USE THE ARROWS TO BROWSE. 

THE MEN’S STYLES ARE AT THE BOTTOM.

If I have to love anything about trends this year, it is definitely army fatigue and camouflage attire. Although it has been around for decades, it is one of Autumn’s biggest fashion highlights. When you go to stores such as H&M, Forever21, DEB, Rainbow, Wet Seal, Macy’s, Dillards, Rue 21, Body Central, Urban Outfitters, Target or anywhere, you will see it plastered on every mannequin from pants and leggings to jackets, hats, backpacks, scarves, shoes, and even cell phone accessories, coffee mugs, watches, purses and dog clothes. I’ve always liked the camouflage design. Browsing the web, I saw some ladies who looked really fly in their army fat:

Note: This is sort of a long entry because I wanted to show you that there are so many ways to be creative with army fatigue. So scroll all the way through to get the full experience. If you click on an image, use the arrows to go to the next image and as always please do not be afraid to FOLLOW African Essence using your email address. Look for the follow buttons on the page. I love you too! Peace.

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In order for me to rock the jackets they definitely have to be cut a certain way. I like them cropped, military cut, and I even like the suit jackets. I DO NOT like rhinestones or any funny patches attached. Some of the jackets above have added studs, but I do not like that part of the design. Maybe you do? I actually dig awkward zippers and pockets, but that is it as far as I go.

Men look great with this look. Do you agree? 

Overall, I will continue to buy camouflage attire because it just sits well with me. However, paying super high prices for it is not an option. Often times you can get it at a Thrift Store. Again, I do not like the studs on Army Fat/Camo and I do not like the actual word “ARMY” being on the clothing. However, to each their own.

The Kush Queen for African Essence

How I Wear My Leggings – To Compliment My Femininity, Not My Sexuality

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I read that leggings that are worn as pants, have been banned in many schools across the country because they are said to be distracting and too revealing. Employers are banning them for the same reasons, adding that they contribute to harassment and are unsafe. I comprehend. Of course we can argue the truths and untruths of this matter, but the bottom line is, a person has to have self-awareness and esteem to be able to understand why leggings may not be the best choice of attire when in search for success and positive attention. Ladies, do what you feel, but be prepared to receive what you get. I am here to offer alternatives so that you won’t be attacked, embarrassed, or harassed.

Here is how I wear my leggings:

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I have my reasons for not liking leggings… I saw a young lady the other day who, judging from her demeanor and attitude, could not have been over the age of 14. She was very irritated because some boy made a rude comment about her rear end. 😦 Well, she had on leggings and was wearing them as pants, so I’m like… hmmmm… wait a minute. Before we get too angry, let’s talk about self-awareness. She was very shapely for her age and that is OK, but she probably should not have had on leggings as pants. You might want to consider how you wear those leggings young lady! Should you wear a long shirt to cover your behind or perhaps a dress so that your body will be less revealed?

What could she have done differently as to not attract negative attention and energy? Just last month a guy got arrested at my job for approaching some little girls in a sexual manner. It was disgusting. He had been watching them and decided that he’d make his move. I observe the girls every time I am at work, paying attention to what they wear and a lot of it is not cool. Many times I see the young girls raising up their shirts to show their stomachs in public and talking loud, and wearing see through shirts so that the boys can see their bras. And more often than I care to witness, they wear too tight and too small clothing that is a cry for attention. It is just a bit much for a child to be wearing leggings as pants. Actually, I can’t believe how many of them do. I wish that I could say that it is OK to wear anything no matter how tight, but after observing predators, I would cover my child up. That guy wasn’t the first guy I saw go after a child. It saddens me because I wish the world was simple enough to where things were NOT looked at in a sexual way. But the reality is: SEX IS USED TO HYPNOTICALLY DISTRACT AND we have to be careful not to become a victim of the SEX. I work in a public place where I see a whole lot of inappropriateness and hyper-sexuality and I cry. I cry inside for people who have been bamboozled into thinking that letting it all hang out, will get them what they want.

Let’s talk prevention. We can avoid a lot of negative behavior by wearing things that compliment our femininity rather than our sexuality.

Peace and love… I only say these things because I want you to receive the respect you deserve. I’ve made my wardrobe mistakes and wearing too-revealing clothing was one. I do not want or need the wrong kind of attention. I also do not want to be a sexual distraction. I would much rather grab the attention of your mind.

All I can say is that when I dress like a Queen, I am treated as such.

It’s all love,

The Kush Queen of African Essence

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Avoid this: WHEN TRENDS GO WRONG…

Rain Boots in the Spring- Transitioning from Cold to Warm with Color

Purple Rain Boots

It’s that time of the year where the weather is turning from cold to warm. I typically choose to wear rain boots during this season. If I want my feet to stay extra warm on those days where it is cold and rainy, I add leg warmers to this style. I love these boots! I got them for under $25 at Kohl’s in 2011. However, I recently saw them there, so in many cities you may still be able to get them. Actually they were cheaper. These beautiful purple rain boots were originally $59.99. However, remember, I rarely pay full price for anything! Now why would I do that? If it matters any to you, I receive tons of compliments about these boots because the color is so vibrant. I do not mind telling people where I got them- from older ladies with gray hair to gentlemen, they all seem to like these ones.

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I have not had any problems with these boots falling apart or being made cheaply. The quality seems to be ok, with only the label on the back of the boot peeling (bottom heel). Actually, I can do without the label. If it comes off, so be it. They are durable and I would give them a 5 out of 5 stars.

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… wear them with leg warmers…

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97Outfit elements: Purple rain boots by Aqua Stop (Kohl’s); Different Colours All Beautiful Say No to Racism sweatshirt by H&M (on clearance $5); Nail polish: Green With Envy by Orly ($6); Watch by Fossil (shops normally in malls); sterling silver jewelry from Passport to Peru and Red Geranium; leg warmers (check stores like Claire’s or DSW)

Peace and Love,

Queen Duafe for African Essence