Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas.

by Jamila Pierre

“Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run… but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world. Whatever it meant.…And that, I think, was the handle—that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of Old and Evil. Not in any mean or military sense; we didn't need that. Our energy would simply prevail. There was no point in fighting—on our side or theirs. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave.” ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Yet another tribute to an absolute favorite movie, from an absolute favorite writer. This movie is just one of those cult classics that deserves the classification; it is definitely one I could watch over and over again.

SIDE NOTE: It's amazing how different one can look once you've swapped out some basic accessories.

 

 

{DISCLAIMER: Before the panties commence to knot up and bunch into places that cause an excess of emotions or misinterpretation of this post, I am in no way shape or form promoting drug use, I am just relaying my experiences and sharing my inner most self with you.}

There is so much nostalgia connected to it...just an overload of the feels and flashbacks of  experiences somewhat mirrored throughout the course of the movie, my adolescence was filled with adventure laced with a halo of hallucinogens (nothing hard or highly addictive...those were the rules). I never went overboard; I always used it as a means to expand my mind and closeness to those around me...also to free me from the confines of the world I'm tethered to. I spent many nights running around the city exploring the depths of my inner being and the deeper workings of the wold around me (alongside some of the most amazing kismet-worthy folks I'd ever met), I just wish those moments in time would've lasted longer.

Those were my teen years, I no longer dabble in world expansion of that nature or magnitude, I could never bring myself to (too scared...they don't make things like they use to). Now I just stick to books and enlightening conversation whenever and wherever I can find it.

These days I've become so recluse though, I've not come across many mind-blowing individuals (those that simulate a psychotropic and take me to another place). I've often felt like I was born in the wrong era, there's so much I wish I could've been there for...the 60's and 70's are definitely a time period I would've loved to have been a part of (as an adult of course...maybe a teen). I would even take a trip back to the 20's, although I probably wouldn't do so with nearly as much melanin as I possess currently (let's keep it funky shall we). 

As for this look I decide to go with that flow, 70"s REALNESS here we come!

I paired my favorito black jeans from Foreverz with my tried and true life boots, this here floral button front top, this absolutely fech faux leather vest that I bought many moons ago from Rainbow (don't be sleepin' on Rainbow), and a "safari type" hat (that actually fits my big ass head). 

This look is comfy, casual, and cutie as all of the F's, and it's just something I don't really have to think too much about in order to convey the look I'm going for. #WINNING.

What I'm Wearing:

  1. "Safari type" hat from JCPenny. $15 (on sale 2 for $30, Similar HERE)
  2. Floppy hat from Wetseal.com. $22.90 (Similar HERE, on sale right now for 70% off)
  3. Vest from Rainbow. $12
  4. Top from Target. $24.99(Similar HERE)
  5. Jeans from Forever21.com. $17.90
  6. Bracelet from Burlington Coat Factory. $7
  7. Boots from Charlotterusse.com. $15 (On Sale from $45 Similar HERE)

Hunter S. Thompson Realness.

by Jamila Pierre

"Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshiped and fondled like a priceless diamond."

- Hunter S. Thompson

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There has been a considerable amount of suck going on in my personal space these past couple of months (and by months I mean just about two years), not to even mention what's been going on outside of the little bubble I call life. This world is filled with some pretty wicked ISH (this isn't news...I'm aware), and as of late the number of wrong is tallying up higher than that of what is right. Yes, I can sit here and play pretend and act like I haven't spent many days pondering the fate of humanity and (in a much "less important" in the grand scheme of things) the fate of myself and where I am headed in my near future much less my distant one. I have to admit that sometimes I struggle with being a part of things (socially that is) when there is so much going on around me that needs to be fixed (I admittedly have a Superman complex I can't seem to shake and have had it from as young as I can remember). It makes me want to turn everything off (social media, blog, all things "me-centric", etc...), rip off my work-shirt like Clark Kent, and fight the woes of the world...including the ones I face that are of my own.

To be honest I've been so physically ill due to my spinal headache crapola on top of all the weight of the other BS that is going on (that people like to pretend that isn't going on), I've felt kind of helpless in the act of supermanning these woes (see what I did there...I made a funny)**CUES SOULJA BOY'S MUSIC**.

Look, this isn't meant to be a downer post, I just needed to/ wanted to get & KEEP it REAL with you for minute. But there is a happy ending (that's what she said), so read on.

Every time I find myself second guessing what it is I'm doing, whether the contribution is big enough (hell it may very well not be), I try and remember that I am but one person trying to make a dent in this vast world filled with a shit ton of obstacles that are geared towards making people hate each other and hate themselves. If I could just get but one person to smile, laugh, not feel alone, to feel accepted, or to feel open to a new possibility...then maybe my "pea-sized" contribution could ripple effect into something bigger than me...bigger than that person. 

And trust me, even with all of the prospects of that and glasses being half full, to it potentially overflowing with bountiful blessings, I still found and currently find myself surrounded by barrels of suck. 

But then...

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The past couple of months (and by couple of months I mean weeks) something happened. It's not as if my thought process has changed, nor has my situation...really nothing has changed....except the energy that is surrounding me. Despite all of the suck remaining the same, the vibration and its echoed voice (that only my inner most being can hear and feel) is speaking a different language. Let me be clear: my views, my thoughts, my outlook, my reality has not changed, but there is this almost palpable static surrounding my life force, that's the best way I can explain it. So naturally, I must accommodate. It's the most interesting sensation, truly, and I can't exactly pinpoint the slight shift in energy or how or why, I just know that I must move with it or be mowed down by it. 

I'm still struggling to find a way to make a solid change in this world though, it's a process, so many ideas swirling through my ever gear shifting mind (it's like a never ending notepad to which I scribble upon on a constant basis...restlessly). Just know that there are a few things in the works that are not only meant to add to the world we live in (whether they lean on the side of awareness), and there are also things in the works that will open things up for people to have a little more fun in a time where and when things are....well...not so fun. 

ON TO THE FASHION! (THAT WAS LONG WINDED I KNOW)

 

So when I put this outfit together I wanted it to reflect a whole "Panama"/ "Cuba"/ "San Juan", yet still New York Vibe. The first thing that came to mind once I slipped on my sunnies and popped on my fedora was "Gadzooks, I'm totally Hunter S. Thompson Vibin' it, with this "Rum Diaries" essence all up in through here." It was literally the first thing I said when I revealed myself to my main Bish (who was acting photog for the day), "I'm totally Hunter S." 

And As I stood there posing, ready for my close-up, I began to think about Mr. Gonzo Journalist himself and his outlook on life. Though most of it was induced by bouts of LSD episodes and Ether laced adventures, there was much merit to his thought process and the science he dropped (not that any of it is new or hasn't been regurgitated by every motivational speaker from here to west buba @#!$, but there's merit none the less). And for a brief moment a smile came across my inner self because I felt like the chain of events, the theme of the outfit, and Mr. Thompson's words came together in perfect harmony just to place a hand on my shoulder, with a nod of approval, allowing me to exhale. 

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Hat from Jcp. $15 (On sale in person...but online it's $18)
  2. Chambray Top from Avenue. $19 (On Sale from $54)
  3. Jeans from V.I.M. $16.99
  4. Bracelet from Burlington Coat Factory. $7
  5. Boots from Forever21. $42.80