Oh ya ya! Dej Loaf came correct serving up style for days on the ‘Gram sporting a Jonathan Simkhai Geometric Print Long Sleeve Dress and $1,195 Fendi Orange Heel Round Toe Suede Ankle Boots:
Go through any urban neighborhood or childhood memory, and you’re bound to find a Black owned business. Whether the goods are homemade or products rendered to keep the lights on, many of us can attest to the neighborhood Black business owners who made an entrepreneurial way out of their vision (anyone have a favorite barber or salon?).
In today’s time, more than ever, we find ourselves at the intersecting road of resistance and fighting back, as we fight to articulate the words of an injustice society that continues to foster racism, prejudice, and discrimination. While we shout #BlackLivesMatter in the streets, incidents and horrible realities continue to loom over our heads, that leave many of us wondering, what can we do?
Last year, trending topics and hashtags with #BuyBlack and #BlackonBlack Friday surfaced the Internet, demanding that those of color not buy from any non-Black stores on, arguably, the heaviest day of the year for shopping. As our counterparts would stand in line to reap the big marketed deals from department stores, we would only buy products that supported the Black community in an effort to exercise an economic power that we never knew we had.
We did damage. According to sales reports, the money collected after Black Friday dropped 13% from previous years, only further pushing the idea that the Black community demands to be heard, and if we are not, we will push back with our wallets.
Companies like Black Opal Cosmetics (pictured above) have given Women of Color an opportunity to find a variety of shades suited for our skin and made especially for us. Why continue to go to other brands and companies where your skin color is never present (or it’s a literal fight to find a shade that suits you)? As we continue to see Black progression in mainstream television shows and movie premieres, we must be ever cognizant of supporting our Black entrepreneurs working to better the system. We are quick to support box office hits with Michael B. Jordan, Denzel or Will Smith, shows with Kerry Washington, Viola Davis or Gabrielle Union; however, we don’t use the same fervor in supporting businesses around us run by our own people. If we don’t support our own people, who will?
If we made a conscientious effort to actively support at least one new Black business a month, imagine the message that would be sent to mainstream society on purchasing power in the Black community. Nubian Skin made headlines when they came out with hosiery, bras and panties found for even the richest deep skin. It has garnered a support group from more than just one racial background, but for every woman who does not fit into the three or four color variations of ‘flesh’ toned tights. Now imagine if these businesses became so successful they were able to donate money back into the community through after-school projects, programs and social initiatives to help those in poverty and in need. I’ve seen it for myself and know that it can be done.
I have an entire lifetime to support a society that loves my money but doesn’t love my skin. But I will have only one chance to make a statement with where my coins go, and to show America that I need to be seen as an asset to the economic conversation. Black owned businesses don’t just pop up around this time of year, so I charge you to support these businesses year-round. Make your voice heard by economically empowering your people and businesses that perhaps care more about you than large, industry-like brands that don’t even market your skin tone in their catalogues.
That is why I support Black owned businesses and will be supporting them this year for Black Friday and onward. And if you need some help deciding where to shop this year before the holidays, check out our recent article on Black Owned Businesses here.
We’re ending this week with Maryland Bombshell, Paris!
She types, “I am a fashion blogger, stylist and designer.”
” My blog In A Style Near You (www.inastylenearyou.wordpress.com) features all things I love about fashion, whether it be my own designs, DIY projects, and fashion inspirations.”
” The thing that sets my blog in another category from the rest is the fact that each one of my posts shares my personal story in my fashion journey.”
” Here are a few of my favorite looks that I hope will get me featured on the website.”
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Her cropped jacket boasts a moon-surface print, oversize “adidas” lettering on the sleeves, front welt pockets, a full zip with ribbed collar, and ribbed cuffs and hem.
Her matching pants feature an elasticated waistband, a stripe detail to the side, side zipped pockets, a tapered leg, and ankle zips.
Tracksuits never went out of style, right?
Get Bella’s jacket and pants for a steal here and here.
Fashion Bomber of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of male Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. PLEASE: no collages. No filters. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
It’s almost with sad irony that only a year after we wrote last year’s 10+ Black Owned Businesses You Can Support on #BlackonBlack Friday, shortly after the verdict of Mike Brown, we’re mourning the execution of Laquan McDonald. As always, we support and promote the patronage of black owned businesses as a show of economic force and that we, as People of Color, possess power that can effect change.
If you’ll be participating in #BlackonBlackFriday or #BoyCottBlackFriday again this year, here are ANOTHER 10 black owned businesses (many of which are personal favorites) you can look to instead:
Naturally Perfect Dolls: It’s a wonderful time for our children to have dolls that reflect their hair textures and melanin. Naturally Perfect Dolls produces realistic dolls for People of Color, with a full head of 18 inch hair that can be washed, manipulate and styled like the hair straight from our roots.
Lunaversoul Jewelry: One of a kind jewelry decadent in silver and gold, Lunaversoul is an up-and-coming etsy shop with one of a kind accents for every jewelry lover.
TonyWuu Collection: Handmade accessories that cater to our fashionable men out there.
Talley & Twine Watch Company: When is it time to make your mark? Talley & Twine Watch Company brings you effortless chic in watches that are one of a kind and unique. Who doesn’t need a good watch?
The literal translation means “strong woman”. Cover up those curly coifs with these African inspired head wraps, clothing and jewelry to celebrate strong women everywhere.
Want to accentuate your natural beauty? Try EDEN BodyWorks, made to provide natural products that “integrate wellness and are beauty inspired”.
Cocotique: Every time you turn around, there’s another beauty box subscription service. Cocotique specializes in products and brands that cater to women of color and diverse ethnicities.
Legendary Rootz: Legendary Rootz creates clothing for men, women and children to promote Afrocentrism, unity and black pride.
Zuvaa Marketplace:The premier marketplace for African-inspired fashion and accessories. In need of some beautiful African prints for your next social gathering? Look no further.
Vinti Couture: As you can see, we are a lover of accessories. Vinti Couture specializes in couture-like accessories. Best part? Now through November 27th, enjoy 45% off the site!
So there are a gang of Black Friday deals going on! Thrilla Seven is a newer brand, and they’re slashing prices for the shopping holiday. Their $70 Trophy Dress is a must have:
Pair it with pumps or thigh high boots for a night out, or slip on over pants for a more casual look.
Get yours and shop the rest of their selection at ThrillaSeven.com.
Thoughts?