Yes, I'm a self proclaimed Bad Bitch, but don't get it twisted....I'm Queenin' always, the two are not mutually exclusive. There's always talk of one verses the other and honestly I'm way too complex to be put in one solitary box. I am both a Bad Bitch and a Queen, A lover and a fighter, etc...

I've had so many moments of re-evaluation and self-reflection over the recent weeks, let alone the past few years, and I found that I often have to remind myself what I'm capable of and what I'm worth. It's not just one of those things where you can just say it once and never have to dip back into the self affirmation box ever again.

But once I say it out loud it doesn't really take much convincing. when I think of all the things I've accomplished, pushed passed, pushed through, rose above, maintained my integrity, lived life on my terms (for the most part), I'm just like....how could I deny my Bad Ass Queenery? And yes, I still struggle and have a consistent flow of existential issues....but I'll be damned if I let anyone take away how bomb AF I am, not even myself.

It sucks, it's as if all we can do in society is compare and have a "me vs. you" mentality. Personally I couldn't give two shits how you're living...unless you're hurting me or someone I love...or being a general douche that needs to be checked, I just don't have time for it. Plus, I'm not into the idea of telling people that their either one way or the other, people are many different things in all of their contradictory glory, a special formula of varying percentages.

I just hope that I can continue to push through to the next stage of my life in the manner of one of those savage AF montages/ walking through flames in slow motion while putting on shades and having buildings blow up behind me, with Nas' "You can hate me now" playing in the background....because bihhhh I'm lit.

And if this outfit doesn't fit the criterea...I don't know what does. Feel every piece of this flyness *Tony Baker voice*

I got this dress a few moons ago and they only have a size 14 left if I'm not mistaken, but the material is crazy stretchy. The jacket was on sale at Target which was a delightful win because I'd been peeping it for a long while and at $50 I wasn't about to cop it if it wasn't on sale. It was meant to be.

I know it's scortching degrees outside right now...but IDGAF Fashion over function is my motto most times (Inset meme of how my jacket is part of the look so I don't care how hot it is...I'm not taking it off).

The booties were from Mandee during a fall sale and I got two pair (one in a beige taupe, and these black pair) and it was seriously one of the best purchases.

Together ISSA looks, ISSA Bad Bitch.

What I'm Wearing:

Bandanna from the 99 cent store. $1
Necklace from Forever21. $6 (Sold out)
Fuzzy Jacket from Target. $15 (On Sale)
Dress from Boohoo.com. $10 (On Sale)
Boots from Mandee. $15 (On Sale, similar HERE , & HERE)

*CUES MUSIC* I BEEN DRINKIN', I BEEN DRINKIN'....

So two posts ago my compadres and I had a tree trimming party at my main Bish's abode, this time around we decided to have a gift exchange party a solid week before Christmas...much fun was had. But before I get into the display of said fun, lets take a moment to appreciate this boss ass sweatshirt with sequin masterpieces for sleeves....I'll wait......

Have you not had your fill....? Here's another!

What I'm Wearing:

Glorious top from Torrid.com. $31 (On sale from almost $50)
Various jewels from various street vendors. $3-$7
Leather Accented leggings from Forever21.com. $19.80
Boots from Charlotterusse.com. $15 (from $45)

And of course there was the hostess with the mostess, Amy... she's obviously the cutest little teapot! Side Note: She has a blog coming to a theater near you soon enough *wink, wink*.

What She's Wearing:

Bandanna from Wholefoods (work)
Top from Aeropostale. $11(On sale)
Skirt from Forever21.com. (Gifted by ME!)
Sparkle Leggings from Telco. $3
Converse sneakers $80

And below is her standing with one of her gifts. #PillowPet #KidAtHeart #YesIUsedAHashtag

And then there's my other homie, Angelica Vanessa...aka Evangelist...aka Vangiculor...aka Vangic; she's flossin' in her snake print top and sassy-hued pantalones in one of my fave color combo's, teal and taupe/tan.

Here she is inviting you to take a peek at her in the kaleidoscope skull hi-lo tank I got her for the Day-O-Christ, isn't it epic sauce? I wish I could have an entire collection of clothing made with this print on it!

What She's Wearing:

Snake print top from random shop in SoHo. $15
Kaleidoscope top from Hottopic.com (Gifted by ME!)
Teal Skinnies from V.I.M. $15
Boots are UGGS from Zeeee Luvaaaaaa. $55 (Gifted)
Jewels from various places. $3-$10

BRIEF STYLE INTERMISSION!

Let us have a moment of silence to take in the art piece that Angelica painted for me. I have many obsessions...if you haven't learned that about me and if you haven't learned that my tastes are eclectic and bounce around...you're gonna learn today. Unfortunately the list is far too long for me to get into, but among the list of all time faves are elephants and art. If you combine those two (though all combos are not created equal) you're sure to win me over!

So you can imagine how happy and touched I was to receive an Angelica Vanessa original of such a favorite combination. This is officially the third piece I own of hers, one of which is a forest nymph entangled in vines, the other is a portrait of us together during our younger more mischievous years, and now this! I'm thrilled!

I decided to edit the images below in way to make us both look somewhat like paintings ourselves, it was my way of tipping my hat to the artist.

{click to enlarge}

BACK TO THE SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING...

We're back on the scene with a hair-flip from Jessica, she kept her outfit low-key but snuck in an edgy touch with her skull scarf and bossed it up with her pose. Just because you're not glitz and glamming it doesn't mean you can't serve! And this was on the fly...? Shiiiiiiiiit, don't get a fan in front of this Bish!

What She's Wearing:

Scarf from Torrid. $7
Top from Torrid. $10
Cami from Torrid. $12
Jeans from Walmart. $9
Boots (Gifted by ME!)

And then there were a couple of moments captured by Angelic and I throughout the night {CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE SLIDESHOW}

OK, OK, so I needed to designate a separate mini "slideshow/grid" for these two images, I needed to explain them.

So basically Angelica wanted to see if we could capture Krysia (hottie in the striped shirt) throwing Frito lays into one of our mouths and hopefully one of us would be catching it. We tried a few times, needless to say there were a few fails and wasted chips (my hair caught a few) and then at last...an epic moment was born. Not only was it captured but another chip was captured about to land in succession.....I'll wait for that to sink it.....

BOSS!

And then there's the image next to it, unfortunately it was taken before the chip throwing extravaganza...but I'm telling the story here, so lets pretend that it was our celebratory reaction to our epic WIN!

Last but not least, our quintessential group shot. And with that I bid you a farewell.

ISSA BAD BITCH.

Gift Exchange!

BRIEF STYLE INTERMISSION!

Happy Holidays Y'all!