From the loss of Alton Sterling aka "The CD Man" in Louisiana, to the traffic stop gone awry in Minnesota ending in the life of Philando Castile being snatched away, to the lives of police being slaughtered by snipers in Dallas... to say we had a ROUGH WEEK last week is an understatement. With such tragedies occurring I couldn't dare think about blogging in such a tense climate. For 2 days straight I stayed locked in via social media on the climate of our nation that began to boil over from the senseless lives being taken at the hands of trigger happy cops. Then I saw the effect to a larger injustice through retaliation against cops by snipers in Dallas. As I stated on Facebook last week the loss of life is never good no matter the color of victim. In all cases whether it's white on white crime, black on black crime, terrorism, or crooked cops killing innocent unarmed people of color what we're asking for is JUSTICE. We want people no matter their hue to be treated fairly and humanely in the eyes of our citizens and from a systematic standpoint.
With all of these tragedies occurring back to back I used Saturday to decompress. I had to log off of the Internet and do some self care. I spent Saturday morning reading, praying, and listening to some good music (2000s R&B Brandy's Full Moon album, Sisqo's Incomplete solo project, and Jazmine Sullivan's Reality Show). I also went on an impromptu date with the hubby. We went to check out The Purge and followed it up with Olive Garden. It was nice to temporarily take my mind off the madness and just enjoy the company of my husband after the tough week we encountered.
For our date night I decided to wear a monochromatic black ensemble from head to toe. Black can represent mourning (at funerals), power (black panther movement), and even structure. While only one color the different textures and details of each piece chosen (i.e. the fringe belt, the over the knee booties etc.) helped to elevate this look into a sophisticated Summer16 ensemble. While still in mourning from all of the anger, confusion, sadness etc. this outfit reminded me that we still are powerful in our hope, prayers, kindness, and action. While we have a long way to go to see true change we must realize as a human race that we are more alike than different. We need to exercise compassion to ALL our fellow men and women not just those we deem worthy!
Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer (Old: Forever 21), Black Tee (Old: H&M), Leather Pants (Old: JCPenney), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Over The Knee Booties (Old: JustFab), Fedora (Old: H&M), Broach (Old: Forever 21), Gucci Bag (Gift), Pink Pom - Poms (Beauty Supply Store), Necklace (Forever 21), Round Sunnies (Old: Forever 21)
I'm sorry this blog took a more political viewpoint than one solely devoted to fashion. But I couldn't sit back idly and not address the terrible tragedies that have consumed our nation over the past week. Continue to pray for our nation. Continue to fight for justice. Continue to treat others how you would want to be treated. And remember to take time out for self care. We can't slay our days without taking care of ourselves in the process. I hope you have a marvelous Monday.
"United we stand! Divided we fall!"
-Ali
