5 Artists Too Awesome for Mainstream

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Five Artists copy

Many great vocalists settle for small careers in music. I’m with it, but I have to say I wish their music was circulated more than the superficial junk we hear on the radios. I have heard so many great albums where it wasn’t just one song that was good, the whole CD, every lyric and every beat was good! I don’t often get that with mainstream artists. The vibrations in each of these artists music was so high, I got chills down my spine! The music feels so good,  I just float away!

This is my list of artists that I recommend you get to  know. If you have any to add, please comment. Peace and love.

How I Do by Res… MOST LISTENED TO SONG ON ALBUM: Let Love

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Transient by Gaelle… MOST LISTENED TO SONG ON ALBUM: Fade Away

The Once and Future by the Jazzyfatnastees… MOST LISTENED TO: Let It Go

Love Rain Down by Conya Doss… MOST LISTENED TO SONG ON ALBUM: Sign

Breath From Another by Esthero… MOST LISTENED TO: Breath From Another

Although I listen to some songs more than others, when I say every song is good, I mean EVERY song on each of these albums is good! It’s real emotions and real music. It doesn’t even matter when the album came out because they are all FRESH TO DEATH! It doesn’t stop there, they have other albums that are great too so go on Amazon and search if you are interested.

Queen Duafe for African Essence

P.S. Need a book to read? I recommend African Holistic Health by Llaila O. Afrika. This a good companion to have at home, so you may need to buy it if you believe that herbs heal… they do, I am a witness. 

African Holistic Health

Baby It’s Spring & It Might Rain Outfits!

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It’s still a little cold in the Midwest, but it’s getting warmer! Hopefully the stockings season will be over soon! Enough with the April showers! This week, it should reach the upper 60s and believe me, we are all soooo happy! Tune in later this week for my style ideas for our warmer weather.

The last of the stockings…

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THE STYLE: The stockings are from Target’s clearance bin.They were only about $5 for 2 pairs; the skirt is from Forever21 because I love their cheap skirts; $6; the shirt is from TJMaxx for $10; the legwarmers are from Claire’s for $7; the boots are from Kohl’s and have been featured on my blog several times for $21; the earrings are from Glitter for of course $1; the hat is from Spencer’s for maybe  $15; the jacket was from Sears on an out-of-season sale and hopefully we won’t need that anymore! It was $10.

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Long dresses that are made of a light-weight fabric are great for the Spring. You can lighten up dark colors with bolder colors. Check it out.

THE STYLE: The headwrap fabric is from JoAnns (like $3 by the yard); the leggings which were just back up because the dress is s bit see-through were $10 at Kohls; the dress is from H&M on clearance it was $7; the necklace– I was getting my hair twisted and a guy came in the salon selling jewelry! Yes, I gave him $15 for it (lol); the belt is from the Body Shop for $10; the sweater is from TJMaxx for $11.

Queen Duafe for African Essence

P.S. Need a book to read? Check this out: Egyptian Yoga Volume 1: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Muata Ashby

Egyptian Yoga Volume 1: The Philosophy of Enlightenment

Wait a minute! Need some music? Sade liberated me this afternoon with music from her 2011 tour!

The 60 Degree Spring Queen – Identity Solutions

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Blog of the Day – revolucionno.wordpress.com

Jambo! Welcome. I am Queen & I come to you in the spirit of DUAFE, an african adinkra symbol that symbolizes beauty, cleanliness & desirable feminine qualities. I represent the women of the world who fight to control their own destinies and avoid being characterized as VICTIMS. We are not victims. We are the Mothers of Civilization who hold WISDOM and TRUTH.

love-yourself-more

I intend to reach into the past to reclaim visual images and rhetoric of revolution. I am here to raise the consciousness and reject attempts to control the powerful identity of woman through stereotypes. WE are more than what you see. I take the past for guidance because it allows me to take a closer look at feminism and female empowerment. We are living in a time where the identity of the woman has become highly-sexualized. Women really believe that they do not look “good” unless their bodies are exposed. Self-esteem is at an all time low, and large companies are making so much money off of bringing the image of the WOMAN down.

Women seem to gladly give away their money to purchase hair, make-up, and name-brand BS that just makes them blend in. I am not opposed to any of these things when bought and used in moderation. Sometimes you might see something that you just love and it just so happens it is name brand. A little make-up is cool, but a lot is not. You have to understand that you should not RELY on these superficial elements. They should ONLY be used as ADORNMENT.

Sometimes it seems like everyone is trying to be someone else. The light women want the brown girl features and the brown girls want the light girl features. Why can’t we just be happy as we are? We can love each other and be friends without wanting to be the other woman. I am trying to break the notion that we have to be exposed to look good; and that we have to lighten or exaggerate our features to be accepted. You do not have to be this way because, guess what? You are beautiful without all the glam. So check this out…

It’s springtime in the Midwest and we can expect varying temperatures. Dressing for the weather is important. Don’t get caught standing in the shade freezing or standing in the sun burning up! It may not be the best idea to pull out the shorts just yet, so try some colorful jeans and light weight fabrics that will give you just enough protection to enjoy the weather. Since it is still Spring, 60 degrees means that you still need to carry a jacket with you. If it was 60 degrees in the Summer, you would not need the jacket, but Spring is fickle so stay on the safe side.

A colorful springtime idea…

THE STYLE:

Earrings, $2, on sale at Icing by Claire’s

Shirt, $4 end of season sale at Sears

Pants, $20 at Forever21

Red Wedge shoes, Payless BOGO $10 ( I do not suggest buying these shoes- they are cheaply made and make a noise when I walk. They do not feel great)

Red Wedge sandals, Nine West Outlet, $20 (these shoes are all leather upper and they feel great- bought at least 4 years ago)

Brown Fornili Shoe by Aldo, $95

Queen Duafe for African Essence

P.S. Don’t forget to follow my blog by clicking on the FOLLOW button up top! Let’s keep in touch and be sure to let me know, if you have a blog you want me to check out.

Don’t forget to check out this blog!

BlogofDay

revolucionno.wordpress.com

Need a book to read? Iconic: Decoding Images of the Revolutionary Black Woman by Lakesia D. Johnson

Iconic: Decoding Images of the Revolutionary Black Woman

 

Living in the Midwest – Spring Queens

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I live in Midwestern United States where the weather can swing drastically, hitting above 100 in the summer and below zero in the winter. The Springs are cold and warm, and hot, and cold again! It’s nothing to fear, you just have to be prepared and accept the reality of varying temperatures.

Living in the Midwest allows me to get super cReaTiVe with my wardrobe. I can be laid back, conservative, athletic, but most of all JAZZY! My attire is most often referred to as Jazzy. People ask, “where did you get that?” If I can remember, I tell them, but I shop all over. Mostly in thrift stores and specialty-clothing boutiques. I do not discriminate! Anywhere I go from, TJMaxx to Steinmart, I can always find the most “jazzy-ethnic” attire they carry. That’s my thing, that’s my style. My favorite stores are thrift stores, but like I said, I go all over.

I love being able to create my own style!

Many people enjoy living in the Midwest, although it can be depressing sometimes! Nine months of cold weather can have you visiting a psychoanalyst! No need to complain, just get with the program. When its cold, love it, when it’s hot love it even more! Our seasons seem to be all over the place and are highly unpredictable at the present time.
So I keep my closet fully equipped with all types of light and heavy clothing. Every morning I put my foot out the door to see what the weather feels like and I go from there…

THE STYLE… The shirt I am wearing above is one of my favorite pieces. It is a very light fabric and I normally wear a camisole underneath it. I got it from an African Boutique years ago named SeneAfrique, $25. It closed down. The shirt has gold accents so I wore gold jewelry to match. It’s a gold cuff bracelet which you can get from anywhere these days. The necklace is a beaded brown and gold layered style and I have no idea where I got it (maybe Dillard’s on clearance years ago?). The earrings are a costume-like gold from Glitter (in malls), $1. The jeans are from Charlotte Russe, $10. I like flare jeans. The shoes are from Aldo, $95. They are leather inside and out, that is why they are pricier. They are called the Fornili shoe and date back at least two years. I won’t spend that much anymore, but there was something about these shoes that made them awesome. I like them a lot and they don’t hurt. Of course I wouldn’t do crazy amounts of walking in them either.

HOPE THIS HELPS YOU CHOOSE SOME COMFORTABLE ATTIRE THAT FITS YOU.

Peace and love,

Queen Duafe for African Essence

P.S. Need a book to read? Check this out…

Afrocentricity and the Academy: Essays on Theory and Practice edited by James L. Conyers, Jr.

What Should I Wear Today? Thrifting, buying only what’s on sale and re-inventing your old clothes…

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When speaking with teenage and pre-teen girls, the most popular and sometimes most difficult things for me to discuss are…

1. how to dress
2. how to stay clean (hygiene)

HOW TO DRESS
It can be difficult to influence the way a young girl dresses because the world is mostly telling her to wear the tightest and most revealing clothes she can find. However, finding acceptable attire that makes a young woman look respectable is possible. The trends have shifted since the early 2000s, but it seems that they are stagnate right now. For the past 8 years or so, it has been all about skinny jeans and leggings. I can barely stand either! It is an easy way to say, “I don’t really care about how I look, so I am going to buy what is on display in the stores because it is easier to just blend in.” Honestly, when shopping, it is hard to find a nice pair of jeans that are NOT labeled skinny. The most popular item for women right now is leggings and blue jean button up shirts that are priced way too high! Come on, you can get one from the thrift store for 3 bucks! You should never buy clothes unless they are on sale! Yes, I said it.Young girls are always growing so why spend loads of money on things they will grow out of next month? Why spend loads of money, period?

Check out this blog on thrifting. You can do a youtube search for thrift store hauls to see how people transform thrifted clothes into masterpieces. Adopt styles that are colorful and vibrant instead of revealing and dull.
thriftionary.blogspot.com

Check out this wonderful blog!

Check out this wonderful blog!

You don’t want to end up looking like this! Absolute no no!
Leggins prohibited

STUCK ON STALE
I do not desire to tell a young woman to stop wearing what is trendy. My initiative is to encourage her to find the type of clothes that best fit her and to stop buying what is “hott.” It is not hott when everyone is wearing the same uniform. Isn’t that just like being in school? I always hear young people complain about school uniform. So why buy the same things that everyone else has? The same shoes, the same fake long hair, the same shirts, the same jeans- the same style! Try something different and wear your own hair young lady! This is what I have seen the constant use of hair weave do to a woman’s hair.

No Weave Permitted

I tell girls to try to listen to whats inside of them. Go with what’s natural and leave the fake in the store. A good place to start is to ask their parents to take them to the thrift stores, Salvation Army’s, and Goodwills. There, they can find unique items that speak more to their personalities. It is also cheaper and will allow them to have 3 shirts instead of 1. Sometimes variety is good.

It can also be difficult to explain to a young lady that Air Jordan’s (the tennis shoe) are not really designed for a woman’s foot. These shoes look hideous on women to me. They are too masculine. This is just my opinion. The girls always show resistance to this when we talk about it. Some listen, some continue to ask for these expensive ugly things. It may just be something they have to mature out of.

TRY THIS…
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HOW TO STAY CLEAN
FEATURED BLOG : http://www.africanexportsblog.com/
Yes, we have all smelled an unpleasant young woman before! We have seen weave tracks, and plaque on teeth, and dirty bra straps. We have seen clothes that are too small, what appears to be ash on ankles, necks, faces, and feet. We’ve seen nail polish that has gone bad 3 weeks ago, we have smelled bad breath, saw body parts falling out of clothes… these ARE ALL THINGS THAT SIGNIFY BAD HYGIENE. You have to be careful when teaching this to a young person because many of the girls I talk to, have not been taught how to be sweet young ladies. By “sweet” I mean smelling good, feeling good, talking good, looking good.

Hygiene always starts inward and it oozes outward. What you are on the inside determines how you look. This starts with KNOWLEDGE. Put a book in a young girls hand. Visit your local library and request books on “teaching young girls about personal hygiene.”. Talk to them. Address hygiene issues head on. Pull them to the side and talk about it in a passionate way so that they can feel comfortable. Take them to stores like JCPenny’s or Victoria’s Secret where they can get properly measured for bra sizes. Get their feet measured at Famous Footwear or any department store. Buy measuring tape from the dollar store and show them how to measure the width of their hips and the width of their waists so that they can find the proper sized clothing when shopping.
Searching for bras sizes

Teenage bra sizes

Show them how to shop for sanitary napkins, getting the healthiest brands with the least amounts of bleach and chemicals in them. Tell them how to wash their bodies when bathing. Buy them soaps that won’t irritate their skin and that are sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate free. Give them scented oils that are natural instead of perfumes that are NOT. Many things can fall under this category and it is not easy to talk about it all the time, but you must. Show them how to take care of their own hair instead of funky weave! Girls should be wearing their own hair! Maybe adding a little color would be cool, but that’s it!

Love this girl!

More tips…

In the end, I like to stick with all homemade and natural products like coconut oil, shea butter, coco butter, olive oil, rosemary oil, aloe vera, etc.

STYLE SUGGESTIONS: TRANSFORMING OLD CLOTHES
I really the It’sMyRayeRaye Channel on Youtube

After looking at these videos, you will come up with many many more ideas!

Peace and love,

Queen Duafe for African Essence

My Duafe Throne- When I do poetry, I sit on my Duafe Throne!

My Duafe Throne- When I do poetry, I sit on my Duafe Throne!

Headwraps & Afros- Solange & Today’s Black Woman Style Report Magazine

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Solange Knowles leaving The Frolic Room in HollywoodSolange

I understand that Solange is big in the media right now because of her modeling and the types of clothing she wears. I am not into jumping on bandwagons but after looking at some of her pics, I definitely agree that she has style. She is going against the grain, choosing to cultivate her natural beauty rather than mimicking the fake identity that is labeled “trendy.” That is evident in this video:

Solange’s uniqueness is oozing out in all of her artistic endeavors. The video above is cool in many ways. I like the design and setting, the people, and even Solange’s dancing. She is moving to her own beat and I can dig that. The stylist responsible for her look in this video is Ty Hunter. After doing some research on Mr. Hunter, I learned that his styling is definitely worth following. Although mainstream, he brings a wonderfully earthy and colorful angle to his client [s].
SOL AND TY

In addition to Solange’s music and modeling, she is a DJ and budding fashion ICON. She seems to have a good attitude and knowledge of herself so perhaps she can tackle fashion and identity. I like that she wears head wraps and “ethnic” designs. I’ll keep an eye on her.
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Ever once in a while I look at style magazines. Most of the time I cannot bear to look in them because I do not like the images of women that I see- painted faces showing no traces of reality. Often times the clothes are a bit overbearing as well. I have learned how to have a discerning eye.

THIS IS THE COVER OF THE APRIL/MAY 2013 ISSUE OF TODAY’S BLACK WOMAN STYLE REPORT MAG. I LIKE the golden dress on Megan Good (I am not sure if I would wear it, though!)

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I can appreciate some things about these sorts of magazines. My wishful thinking makes me think that perhaps one day, the world won’t be so consumed with sex and the physical. If you are conscious of who you are, you won’t buy into these things. Sadly, many of us are not and we end up thinking this is what we are supposed to look like.

Material things are not what defines us. Black and beauty are not synonymous. If they were, women would not spend so much time trying to change into something that they are not via clothes, make-up, etc.

The outfits that I am sharing may encourage you to find your own style. They are not meant to encourage you to copy someone else’s. In saying that, I saw a few good pics that I want to share that could add some flava to your wardrobe. What do you think?

I LOVE THE STOCKINGS IN THE MIDDLE!
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I LOVE THE COLORFUL SUIT ON THE LEFT!
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I LOVE THE HAIR AND THE GRAY SUIT AND SHOES! THIS IS GARCELLE BEAUVAIS.
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Today’s Black Woman Style Report April and May 2013

WOMEN’S STORIES- The ART of STORYTELLING

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Storytelling is a creative art form that dates back to the beginning of time. It has been one of the most effective methods in communicating and in sharing history. It allows us to break down and let it all out! I personally love to share my stories with people as part of my cycle of growth. I have loved and been loved; I have hurt and been hurt- telling these stories are liberating!

No one can tell you how to tell your story. You have to decide on the best way to share your life. Some people will like what you do, and many won’t, but if you keep a clean heart, the world will return the positive energy to you.

I most often choose to tell my stories using poetry. I look like this when I do (lol). Queen1

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Queen4Queen5
I find it refreshing and it gives me a crazy boost that flows through my entire body! It’s hard to explain. My style is at best rhythmic, but the cadence changes just as the temperature of my stories change. My pulse goes up and down and through the roof! Even when I’m calm, I’m excited inside. I tell women’s stories because I AM WOMAN. Some of these stories are bright and cheerful, and some are deep and dark, but in the end everything is good.

In storytelling, I have learned that denial is not an option. The truth sets me free. My perspective is what’s most important in my art of storytelling. I mesh together what I have learned with what’s happening now. The past, the future, and the most important- THE PRESENT! I am here RIGHT NOW! Not tomorrow or yesterday- now!

In my continued celebration of women I would like to share with you a small gift that a very special person gave to me … Nikki Giovani’s book “My House.” Published in 1972.
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The guy that gave me this book is someone that I talk to in passing, but he’s almost a stranger. Somehow he understood that I adored poetry and he decided to give me this book as a gift for Women’s History Month. Much love to him for thinking of me. What is so special about this gift is that pages 25 and 26 are missing! The poem that is supposed to be on these pages is called Just A New York Poem. This is weird for me because New York has been on my mind for weeks now. He gives me this book with the poem ripped out! Interesting. I feel like I needed that poem to be in the book, but it is not. Well, the rest of the book is great. Check it out if you can.

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I like Nikki’s poems. I met Nikki Giovanni during my undergraduate studies at Fisk University. She once attended Fisk and she was a visiting professor for some time. I really dig her evolution as a woman. Her stories travel deep into the soul and resonate. She tells the truth. I appreciate Nikki Giovanni and all the women who boldly tell stories of hurt and triumph without placing blame or pointing fingers. Peace to all Queens who have stopped hiding. Peace to you.
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Queen Duafe for African Essence

Style Ideas for African Essence Queens

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Outfit Elements:

1. The Crown- I really love my hair short. I’ve kept it short for the past 6 six years or so. Right now, my grooming regimen is simply brush curls. This is- taking the softest bristled brush you can find and brushing your hair in a circular motion, allowing the natural curl pattern to become very defined. I use a a shea oil mixture from aiiznaturals.com to condition the follicles. I then use a non-flake gel (Eco Styler) to hold the curls in place. However, most of the time the gel isn’t necessary. The curls will just stay because I have tightly coiled hair.

2. Manicure- Clear polish.

3. Make-up-  I normally like my lips tinted, but I am not wearing any make-up in these series of photos.

4. Jewelry-  I wore two sets of earrings. The first set was a bronze colored pair that I got from Kohl’s. The second pair, I got from a natural hair fair that came to my city about 3 years ago. An African vendor sold them for $15 a pair. She made them and painted them by hand. The rings were from various vendors at festivals. They are copper. One is shaped like an ankh and the other is an abstract design. I wear them often. The large bracelet  is from an annual African street festival held on Jefferson Ave in Nashville, TN between Fisk and Tennessee State University.

5. Dress- DOTS (on clearance for about $7)

6. Tan sweater- JCP ($20); multi-colored sweater- DEB ($5); large reversible scarf- Forever 21 (maybe about $14)

7. Stockings- Target ($6 on sale)

8. Fringe boots- $10 (Sears/Kmart website on sale w/ free shipping!)

9. Notes & Style Rules: It is rare that I pay full price for any item of clothing or pair of shoes. It is mos def possible to dress for cheap. The items that I like, people don’t normally go for, so I can find them for dollars. Also, I am not into designer brands. So no, I did not need the Minnetonka boots although I know that they are a better quality. Maybe one day, but not for now. I didn’t need to spend much money. These cheaper fringe boots are working out just fine for me.

The dress was a great find. I love the textured look. It matches the stockings. I’ve gotten similar dresses from the thrift store.I do not like a lot of the clothes at DOTS because they look cheap, but the key is to go for those items that you can make look more elegant.

Also, have rules to what you can and cannot buy. For example, I do not ever wear stripes! I think stripes do not compliment what I am- my skin tone, my hair, my mind- they are just not for me. In the cheap female clothing stores you will see a lot of stripes. People go for that, but I go for the items with patterns or for the items that are plain. Another of my rules is not to purchase anything with a logo or name brands unless its something I got from the thrift store. I do no like to rep any company.

Overall, because I buy for cheap, I can splurge on other things when I need to. I work in a casual environment so if I wanted to wear this outfit to work, I would put on the longer sweater so that my butt would not show. At night, to go out with friends, I can wear the orange sweater with the designs. It does not cover the butt (keep in mind it is still appropriate for the African Essence Queen, nothing too revealing). Also, I convert all earrings to clips. I cannot get pierced ears because they don’t agree with my body. I buy clips on earrings at Claire’s on clearance and remove the clips and use them on other earrings. I also buy them from JoAnns Fabrics but they don’t sell any comfortable clip-on findings.

Queen Duafe for African Essence

Style Ideas for African American Women- 1st Day of Winter 2012-2013

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Outfit Elements:

1. The Crown- I’m wearing a hat from H&M. Since I have shorter hair, when I wear hats, I wrap a scarf underneath the hat to give the hat a heightened look.

2. Manicure- I like dark polishes. I have on China Glaze’s first mate color. It is a wonderful blue color. I am not a big fan of the quality of the polish. It chips easily. 1st and last time I’ll buy it!

3. Make-up- not into, mascara, foundation, blushes, etc. However, I really like tinted lips so I often wear a light coat of lipstick. I like Iman’s brandy. Very nice.

4. Jewelry- Black wooden jewelry is my thing. Got the necklace from a consignment store circa 2007 and have only worn it a few times. Just starting to get into into. The pink on the right side of the necklace matches the hot pink skirt perfectly! The rings I got from City Buddha for very cheap, like $1.95-2.98/ring. The bracelets are a treasure that I got from a friend from Guinea. He sells them at fairs, festivals, etc. They were about $25 for both. They are made from the tusks of an elephant. Actually, I think they can run up to $25 a piece or more in some places. They are worth it. Love them. My fav in the jewelry chest.

5. Skirt- Hot pink from Forever 21. $6.

6. Sweater- TJMaxx– Clearance price $10.

7. Stockings- Not sure (maybe from Target on sale?)

8. Shoes- Kohls. $24.

Queen Duafe for African Essence

Style Ideas for Sistahs- 2012-2013

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Outfit Elements:

1. The Crown- Early stages of locs. I loved my hair this year. It took 3 months to lock. I washed it myself once a week. I did not twist it much because I liked the roots thick and I liked the new growth to show- I’ve always liked rugged locs.

2. Manicure- Clear polish.

3. Make-up- not into, mascara, foundation, blushes, etc. However, I really like tinted lips so I often wear a light coat of lipstick. I like Iman’s brandy. Very nice.

4. Jewelry- Gold jewelry. Bangles- Forever 21, ring- consignment shop, earrings, Indian & African clothing store circa 2006; watch- a booth in the mall (can’t remember name)

5. Dress- Dillard’s

6. Jacket- Dillard’s

7. Socks- Marshall’s

8. Book- My fav book from college: Before the Mayflower

9. Shoes- DSW circa 2009

Queen Duafe for African Essence

Style Ideas for Sistahs- Fall & Winter

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My colorful life…

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Outfit Elements:

1. The Crown- Early stages of locs. I loved my hair this year. It took 3 months to lock. I washed it myself once a week. I did not twist it much because I liked the roots thick and I liked the new growth to show- I’ve always liked rugged locs.

2. Manicure- I like dark polishes but I have on OPI’s big apple red. It was leftover from a wedding I was in. I actually ended up loving it a whole it!

3. Make-up- not into, mascara, foundation, blushes, etc. However, I really like tinted lips so I often wear a light coat of lipstick. I like Iman’s brandy. Very nice.

4. Jewelry- Black wooden jewelry is my thing. Got the necklace from a dollar store years ago. Got the bracelet from a table at an African street fair for a few dollars.

5. Dress- bought this from an Indian gift shop years ago.

6. Sweater- TJMaxx

7. Leggings- Not sure.

8. Belt- Came with an outfit I got from JCP (sort of a cheap material, not my fav)

9. Shoes- DSW circa 2009

Queen Duafe for African Essence

Does rejecting my natural hair mean that I am rejecting who I am?

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Came across the video courtesy of themochalife.wordpress.com via madnewsuk.com.

It’s a cool short video that expresses some very real viewpoints and realities on why women relax their hair. Check it out.

Peace & love,
Queen Duafe for AfricanEssence.wordpress.com

Black Roses: The Digital Movement. Respect Yourself.

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As of August 7, 2012, I am starting a project.

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Black Roses: The Digital Movement

Because women have got to learn how to respect and cherish their bodies.

by Shila Iris (aka Queen Duafe)

This is a movement to encourage women to love themselves by dressing with respect to their bodies and true identities.

Last week I was at work and a young lady entered wearing leggings and a camisole. She is 3 months pregnant. Her underwear were visible and her stomach hung over the leggings. It was actually quite offensive and no one knew she was pregnant. I know because I see her a lot. A camisole is an undershirt and it would be wise to wear a bra underneath it and a shirt on top of it. She had neither. Leggings are in the tights family and should be worn under long dresses or tunics. Both camisoles and leggings are used in exercise. They become very questionable when worn as outfits.

These things should not happen. We all have to learn that showing your body to the world is not the way to go!

She looked horrible. Of course people gawked at her in disbelief, but a lot of us accept this as the norm.

A pregnant woman should be loved and respected.

The child inside of her should be nurtured and respected.

Her body should be covered and worshiped privately.

I am so fed up with seeing women on display all the time.

I am not against tight clothes although they are not the best looking clothes if you ask me. This is because they have the tendency to show too much and most of the time they are tasteless attempts to showcase a body. Women with self-esteem know better.

Black Roses: The Digital Movement

From experience I can say, I am treated like the Queen that I am when I dress in clothes that are my correct size. Every now and again I may wear something fitting, Some men cannot handle this and I cannot handle the attention and the negative, predatory energy. I have learned how to dress things down because even though I am not trying to send a message, some men just take it that way. The type of men I don’t want around me.

But it’s not all about men. It’s really about YOU. Why do you think it is so necessary to show every crack and curve on your body? Do you really need that much attention, girlfriend? You know you’ll get it because lots of people don’t care, all they want is to connect with the flesh- never the mind, heart, spirit or soul. They just want to touch you. You let them impregnate you with bad energy, thoughts, and babies, and then starts the lifelong journey filled with drama and pain.

I am tired of us being afraid to say something about inappropriately dressed females. It has become the norm to see women’s bodies on display like horses. Zebra stripes painted on asses, we are not animals! That is something to be kept private, but I am seeing it everywhere.

INSTRUCTIONS

Please comment and share this link and picture with your friends and community. We have to stop encouraging our QUEENS to leave the house naked. We want to love and respect all women, but we cannot do that when we see your body on display. It ain’t cool and it ain’t cute- I don’t care what the music video told you. It is a time and place for everything. STOP PUTTING YOUR BODY IN THE STREETS! YOU ARE NOT A WHORE! YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT.

Black Roses: The Digital Movement by Shila Iris. Adorn Yourself Respectfully…

Post your pictures, showing how you can dress beautiful without being on display. Even if you show a little skin, there has to be a boundary.

Love Yourself Every Day!

Queen Duafe for African Essence & shilairis.wordpress.com

Black Roses: The Digital Movement by Shila Iris

Black Roses: The Digital Movement by Shila Iris

The African Essence Fall Wish List

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It is still summer, so why speak of the fall? Well, it is just reality! I personally enjoy the spring and summer far more than fall and winter because I find it easier to navigate and fellowship during these seasons, but I accept them all. Nonetheless, the color of fall is always wonderful and so is the winter snow and skies. In preparation for the coming season, I have some clothing items that would enhance my africanessence. Although clothes don’t make a person, we all still have style. It is important to be comfortable and appropriate when expressing ourselves through dress. Well, I have a certain style and taste and I would love to have these things. What do you think?

My first choice: A long fitted brown leather jacket. Hopefully I can find this at a thrift store for under $50! If I try to buy one brand new, I know it will be too expensive for my budget. It is hard to find perfectly-sized brown leather coats.

I like this as well…

Antonio Berardi Leather fitted jacket

Leather fitted jacket

…but I don’t strongly desire it. This is a high end priced coat, but believe me, I am not ever going to pay a lot for it. I will find something similar for much cheaper.

Really diggin maxi skirts right now. 

In the summer I like short skirts, but in the fall I like these. At my height, I have to be sure that they aren’t too long and typically I have to wear heels to avoid the skirt scraping the ground.

I’ll be wearing these…

Bell sleeve shirts are awesome!

Dashikis! These can be expensive, but when you find them online, they tend to be a bit cheaper.

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African ethnic style t-shirts…

Got these!

I want these…

…but I can’t be greedy.

That’s all for now.

Peace & love,

Queen Duafe for African Essence