The summer of 2015 will definitely go down in the record books as on of the most memorable in my lifetime. There has been more transition and change and upheaval and celebration and mourning in these eight short weeks that we call summertime than I have seen in the last few years. It has done more than knock me off of my blogging game – it has forced me to take some time to get a little introspective and prepare for this next phase of my life – because ‘ish is about to go DOWN!
I know you didn’t click this link for a Oprah moment, so I will get to the clothes, but I do want to note that a change in my wardrobe to adjust to the season has always been a marker for me to take a moment to take stock in the previous seasons and see where I am in my year goals, etc… Just a thought.
Between June and September I sent my one and only child off to college, moved back home (NYC) – and transferred offices, stopped and started relationships and did a LOT of hanging with my true loves – my girls! Along the way I tried to get my slay on here and there. Here are a few snapshots to wrap up my summer 2015:
One of the biggest challenges for me this summer was trying to navigate summer ‘office casual’ attire. My office is pretty laid back and I don’t have to adhere to a dress code ‘per se’ but since I have a penchant for mo’ nakedness in the summer months I knew I had to find some kind of skin to office ratio that would keep me on my w-2 game!
(as you can see I am also very fond of the basic, white tank top – formerly known as a ‘wife beater’ – until my feminist friends snatched my wig for using that term. You shouldn’t either. It’s horrible when you give it some thought.)
Picture 1
Tank top: Old Navy; Skirt: Seriously old, however, it could easily be this one; Sandals: Banana Republic; Shades: Off the street
Picture 2
Tank top: Old Navy; Skirt: J. Crew (this one isn’t the exact same but very similar AND on sale); Necklace: Baublebar (sold out but this one is next on deck for me); Sandals: Banana Republic; Shades: Off the street
Picture 3
Blouse: H&M (similar here in Black); Pants: Banana Republic; Sandals: Banana Republic; Shades: Off the street
The highlight of my summer – for the last three summers – is the Blackstar Film Festival . It is four days of #BlackExcellence that happens in Philadelphia every first weekend in August and besides being a cornucopia of well curated, beautiful, Black cinema – it is also where all the cool kids meet – and we all know that means one cannot play with the threads!
Picture 1
Shorts: H&M Trend (last season, but I also like these); Tee: H&M Trend (this striped one is sold out but this one is the same fabric and it feels amazing on your skin – so soooft!); Duster: Urban Outfitter (sold out but asos.com has a few options); Hat: Banana Republic (eons ago, but check this one out); Purse: Vintage (this is cute too!); Sandals: Asos.com; Necklace: H&M (old); Sunglasses: Street vendor
Picture 2
Dress: Onion by Whitney Mero (similar to this one); Sneakers: Converse All-Star Classics; Purse: Zara (old); Shades: Street vendor
Picture 3
(I just had to add a picture of the ladies of Blackstar in all of their glory! They completely slay’d the scene at the closing ceremony this year!!)
This summer’s other highlight was the 10th Annual AfroPunk Festival which took place in Brooklyn late August. The festival really deserves a post all of its own, but I had to at least include my two outfits for the weekend. My summer wardrobe is largely Onion dresses. It is hands down my favorite clothing line and I adore the designer 😉 But also, Onion is my favorite because it is easy, comfortable and versatile. I rocked a little Onion both days of the festival and was cute and comfy!
Picture 1
Top: Onion by Whitney Mero; Skirt: Street vendor (but Zuvaa.com has some wonderful options); Bracelets: Store on 125th between Lenox and 7th (in NY); Fan: borrowed; Earrings: a decade ago in Tunis
Picture 2
Dress: Onion by Whitney Mero; Sneakers: Converse All-Star Classics; Necklace: H&M; Shades: Zero UV
Picture 3
(Muva Grace in all of her glory performing at AFROPunk Bk. She handed me my whole life with this performance. Lawd!)
ICYMI: Random pics of a few more of my favorite summer get-ups!
Picture 1
Blogged about it here
Picture 2
Blogged about it here
Picture 3
Top: (Dress worn as top) Jason Wu for Target (a few seasons ago but of course I found it on ebay!); Skirt: H&M (sold out but similar here and here)
The end of the summer is marked by my birthday in my mind. When I was growing up school started the week of my birthday so no matter what the calendar said – it was over. This year, for my 42nd birthday, I went on a girlfriend’s get-a-way to the beach in Gulf Shores, AL. I have to say after the tumultuous year I had, it was the perfect way to bring in my personal new year. I am still holding fast to the memories me and my sistren created. I’m so grateful.
Picture 1
Dress: Onion by Whitney Mero (I know – I o.d.); Sandals: Asos.com; Belt: (actually a shoe string from some old moccasins); Purse: gifted; Shades: Nakayla’s Jewelry Box
Picture 2
Top:Onion by Whitney Mero; Skirt: Try this one; Sandals: Banana Republic; Shades: Off the street (Photo bomb: my nephew Jelani 😉 )
Picture 3
Tank top: Old Navy; Wrap: My girlfriend’s scarf (borrowed); Purse: vintage Coach; Shades: Off the street
So…that’s my summer – the shorthand version. I am gearing up for the fall now and can’t wait to showcase some of the autumn outfits that are brewing in my head. She Slays will be back soon with a whole new look and feel! Stay tuned.
