FOR THE CULTURE.

by Jamila Pierre

Whenever I was asked why I started a blog my mind would always go to the standard; "I want to inspire people to give less of a shit what others think, and to embrace all sides of themselves. I want them to understand that they are fly, I wanted to inspire them through my looks--on ways they could expand upon their own flyness." But as the years went on I dug deeper and realized that though my sentiments still remain in that field of thought, I also did this for all of the people who've been pigeonholed. 

As a person of color; who more often times than not, expressed themselves in an alternative fashion, I was often approached with a questioning of who I was and what "phase" I was going through. Because God forbid people of color possibly listen to any music other than hip hop and r&b, dress the way Ive dressed in the past, or the way Ive currently dress. I spent most of my youth between not giving a solitary fuck and giving just enough of a fuck to take time out of my day to explain how complex of an individual I was. 

Growing up in the L.E.S opened those doors and kept them wide open. I've met so many people of all ages, sexes, cultural backgrounds, and races; proving time and time again that a person isn't shackled to one archetype. I was truly free to be me and that "ME" can change from moment to moment, gaahhh damn anyone who'd infringe upon that freedom.

Sooooo what defines the culture of a person of color (or in my case more specifically...an afro-latina)? The answer is ALL things. I am Omni, I am Alpha, Beta, AND Omega. I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock'n roll. I'm the perfect marriage of hip hop and death metal.  I do this for the culture.

I AM the culture.

Needless to say (though I've said a heck of a lot), it's important that I give a voice to the person who skates on the outside of all stereotypes. I hope I inspire people to think outside of the box, break free of the box, and respectfully recycle that box properly....because you know.....mother earth and all. 

Today I give you the metal side of me. I'm rocking this awesome plaid button down adorned with the most amazing pyramid studs, I got it in the same order I got the plaid with the spinal cord on the back of it. I paired it with this equally awesome tank from Ironfist clothing, my most fave print literally of all time, and because honestly there could never be enough skulls as far as I'm concerned. Also, hi my name is Jamila, if you're new here....skull print is pretty much a neutral round these parts. Lastly, I paired it all with these "too cool for school"-- strappy leggings, I've prayed to the plus size gods to make to contain all this jelly....and here we are.

What Am I Wearing:

  1. Button down from Hottopic.com. $31.92
  2. Bracelet fro Burlington Coat Factory. $7
  3. Necklace from AFAZE. 2 for $10
  4. Tank top from Ironfistclothing via  Hottopic.com. $16.99 (Same print different cut, HERE. Alternative HERE)
  5. Leggings from Forever21.com. $24.90
  6. Boots from Mandees. $15 (On Sale, no longer avail. similar HERE)

OPULENT.

by Jamila Pierre

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
— Winston Churchill

Glow baby, GLOW!

There's no shortage of people who will attempt to steal your shine. They will attempt and some will actually be successful, but I say FUCK em'. 

There's only so much you can do to please people and so much you can ask of people. And, no matter how much people try and tear you down or disrespect you, you've gotta make sure they get a healthy dose of the dust you leave them in.

You've gotta be true to you, you've gotta believe in you're own magic. No, I'm not trying to be motivational or hype you, I'm not really that kind of girl. What I am doing is letting you know the facts of the matter.

It's perfectly OK to let people in, but be wise. And it's perfectly OK to cut people off from your particular brand of awesome AF, because you are awesome. Everyone is the shit. Whether you know it or understand it, and whether someone just doesn't mix well with your brand of awesome AF is always to be discovered; once you figure it out....act accordingly. 

I know my worth, do you? Don't be afraid to charge people exactly what you're worth, if they can't afford it...it says nothing about you or your product. They can either save up for you, pay what you're asking, or move on to find someone they can afford. 

You just gotta keep glowing baybay, be the opulet being you are. 

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
— Winston Churchill

By no means do I think that you should be you in ways that deliberately hurt others, or that change and progression isn't good, but remember what it costs to conform when it really does no one any justice. Don't be selfish but don't be entirely selfless either.  

In the recent months (let alone weeks) I've reeeeeaaaally been coming face to face with all of these things. I'd like to think I'm quite self-aware, I also believe in regular self-reflection and check-ins, you gotta know (or get to know) you're weaknesses; why you get angry, what it all means, what you want out of life, how you plan to make it happen, when you're making mountains outta mole hills, when to let go, when to sink your claws and teeth deep down into it; your whole life will be a series of this. Work on perfecting it. No, there's no such thing as perfect but there's no reason you shouldn't strive and hone. 

As for my outfit, what could convey opulence more than this sequin white iridescent sorcery. There was nothing I wanted to pair it with more than my holo-sexellent kicks. Then I I realized that the only thing left to do was to add in the juxtaposition flare I should sincerely be know for by now. Soooooo...... in came my Rebel Wilson moto leggings and my Grave Digger skull bag from Killstar.

Nothing says hard and soft like skulls and sequins.

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Sunnies from Hottopic.com.$14.90 (2 for $10)
  2. Jacket from Charlotterusse.com. $20 (On Sale, no longer available, alternative HERE)
  3. Tank from Forever21.com. $14.90
  4. Moto leggings from the Rebel Wilson Collection for Torrid. $20 (On sale, no longer available)
  5. Sneakers from Charlotterusse.com. $15 (On sale, no longer available, alternative HERE & HERE)
  6. Bag from Killstar.com. $45 (On sale)